Katsina State Empowers 1,016 Youth with N252 Million to Combat Thuggery and Begging

In a bold move to address the rising issue of political thuggery and street begging, the Katsina State Government has empowered 1,016 youths drawn from 361 political wards across its 34 Local Government Areas. The initiative, spearheaded by the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), is part of the "Building Your Future Youth Development Programme," aimed at fostering productivity and self-reliance among the youth.  

The programme, which took place on Tuesday at the Katsina Local Government Service Commission, saw the participation of key stakeholders, including heads of regulatory agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the police, the Hisbah Board, as well as traditional and religious leaders.  

Governor Dikko Radda, who was present at the event, emphasized that the N252 million investment was a fulfillment of his campaign promise to tackle youth unemployment and insecurity. "This programme is designed to take our youth off the streets and provide them with the tools they need to become self-reliant," he stated.  

A’isha Malumfashi, the Director General of KASEDA, expressed optimism that the initiative would bring about a positive transformation in the lives of the beneficiaries. "We believe this intervention will not only empower these young people but also contribute to the overall development of the state," she said.  

The Katsina State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Zakari Shargalle, and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Danmusa, both stressed the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the success of the programme. Danmusa highlighted the alarming poverty statistics in the region, noting that 77.7% of the population in Northern Nigeria lives below the poverty line. "This is why the state government is committed to initiating programmes that empower our youth and reduce poverty," he explained.  

During the event, Governor Radda presented dummy cheques to five selected beneficiaries—three men and two women—as a symbolic gesture of the state's commitment to the initiative. To ensure the funds are used appropriately, the government has implemented monitoring mechanisms. Any beneficiary found roaming government offices or begging will face strict consequences.  

The "Building Your Future Youth Development Programme" is a significant step towards addressing the root causes of thuggery and unemployment in Katsina State, offering hope for a brighter future for the youth.