"Don't Limit Your Potential": Rep. Magaji Tells Southern Kaduna Professionals to Seek Nationwide Opportunities

By: Abubakar Labaran

The Member of the National Assembly representing Zango/Jaba Federal Constituency, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, has called on professionals from Southern Kaduna to look beyond their immediate environment and pursue opportunities across Nigeria and abroad. He cautioned that geographic limitations could significantly hinder their personal and professional development.

Magaji made this appeal on Wednesday while hosting members of the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF) during a courtesy visit to his official office in Abuja. He challenged the professionals to transform perceived disadvantages into strengths through hard work, strategic thinking, continuous learning, and unity.

The lawmaker noted that Southern Kaduna has produced a remarkable number of educated and highly skilled individuals, making competition for local opportunities increasingly fierce.

"Because we have so many qualified people, you must be prepared to work harder to distinguish yourself. What many see as a disadvantage can become your greatest asset if it pushes you to strive for excellence," he stated.

He encouraged young professionals to explore openings in other states rather than waiting endlessly for limited positions at home, emphasizing that numerous sectors across the country are in need of competent talent. He also advised students from the region to apply to universities outside Kaduna State, noting that this would not only improve their chances of admission but also expose them to diverse cultures and broaden their perspectives.

Magaji thanked the SKPF for its initiative and objectives, but observed that a typical Southern Kaduna person is "disadvantaged by default"—often having to struggle harder to achieve what others may obtain with relative ease. While acknowledging the zone's wealth of educated citizens, he lamented that securing opportunities remains disproportionately difficult.

"We don't want to work in other parts of Nigeria, yet if insecurity is our excuse, the situation is worse in the North," he argued, urging his people to stop crowding Kaduna State and instead seek greener pastures elsewhere.

He appealed to Kaduna stakeholders to use their positions to pave the way for others. "Ensure you leave your footprints so that people remember a Southern Kaduna man was there. Let us help our people rise," he said.

The lawmaker also stressed the importance of mentorship, noting that many children in the region possess the capacity to succeed but lack proper guidance. He advised them to pursue professional courses, reasoning that while one can divert from a profession to other endeavors, one cannot easily enter a profession without proper training.

On this note, he urged the SKPF to take an active role in career guidance for young people.

Magaji further cautioned the forum against internal competition and trivial disputes, urging members to foster love, mutual respect, and understanding. He encouraged them to continuously develop themselves through personal growth and further education, which would expand both their knowledge and professional networks.

Touching on financial literacy, he advised: "Money is good—earn it the right way, but don't let it make you arrogant. Imbibe the spirit of generosity, sharing both financial and informational assistance."

Finally, Hon. Gwamna observed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) graduates over 25,000 individuals annually, which is why every student should learn a trade. "Having a skill provides a reliable fallback when the need arises," he concluded.