The Katsina State Government has commenced a 10-day leadership and legislative training programme for young people selected from the state’s 34 Local Government Areas as part of the Katsina State Youth Parliament initiative.
The programme, titled ‘Building Your Future’, is an initiative of the administration of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda and is aimed at promoting youth inclusion, leadership development, mentorship and empowerment across the state.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Engr Surajo Yazid Abukur, speaking at the commencement of the programme on Monday, said the initiative was designed to prepare young people for leadership responsibilities and greater participation in governance.
‘This programme reflects the commitment of the present administration to youth inclusion, leadership development, mentorship and empowerment across Katsina State.
‘Today therefore marks an important step towards preparing young people for the leadership responsibilities ahead,’ he said.
The commissioner said the establishment of the Katsina State Youth Parliament, alongside the training programme, showed the administration’s determination to involve young people in governance.
‘The establishment of the Katsina State Youth Parliament, together with this leadership and legislative training programme, demonstrates the determination of the administration to ensure that young people are not merely observers of governance, but are prepared to actively participate in decision-making processes,’ he said.
He stressed that effective leadership goes beyond occupying positions of authority.
‘Leadership is not simply about occupying positions of authority; it is about responsibility, integrity, vision, service, teamwork, accountability and the ability to make decisions that positively affect society,’ he said.
According to the commissioner, participants will take part in intensive training, mentorship sessions, interactive engagements and legislative leadership activities throughout the 10-day programme.
He said the programme would end with the inauguration sitting of the Katsina State Youth Parliament under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Katsina State House of Assembly and the Programme Coordination Team.
‘Through this programme, we expect participants to develop a deeper understanding of governance, democracy, legislative processes, public policy, communication, teamwork, negotiation, civic responsibility and ethical leadership,’ he said.
He added that participants would also be expected to understand the responsibilities attached to leadership.
‘As future leaders, you must be ready to listen to your people, understand their challenges, respect different opinions and work together towards sustainable solutions,’ he said.
The commissioner noted that the participants were selected from all 34 LGAs of the state, describing their participation as both an opportunity and a responsibility.
‘You have been selected from across the 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State. This is not only an opportunity; it is also a responsibility,’ he said.
He urged the participants to make full use of the lectures, mentorship sessions, discussions and practical exercises.
‘Ask questions, participate actively, build relationships and challenge yourselves to think differently. Most importantly, take what you learn from this programme back to your communities,’ he said.
The commissioner said the government wanted to develop young people who could contribute meaningfully to their communities and the state.
‘The Government of Katsina State wants to see young people who are confident, knowledgeable, disciplined, innovative and committed to the development of their communities and the State,’ he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting youth development and creating platforms for young people to contribute to governance and development.
‘The Katsina State Youth Parliament should serve not only as a training platform, but also as a practical avenue for developing young people who understand democratic values, legislative responsibilities and the importance of constructive engagement with government and society,’ he said.
He also called for greater support from government institutions, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector.
‘We, therefore, encourage government institutions, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector to continue supporting initiatives that invest in the capacity and future of our young people,’ he said.
The commissioner described the programme as the beginning of a broader leadership journey for the participants.
‘This is more than the beginning of a ten-day training programme. It is the beginning of a journey of leadership, service and responsibility for the young people participating in this programme,’ he said.
He commended Governor Radda for his commitment to youth inclusion, development and empowerment and appreciated the resource persons, mentors, government officials, partners and members of the coordination team involved in the programme.
‘To our participants, I wish you a successful and rewarding training. May you leave this programme better prepared, better informed and more determined to serve Katsina State and Nigeria at large,’ he added.