Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has identified enterprise development and entrepreneurship as key to creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and addressing social factors contributing to insecurity.
Radda spoke at the weekend during the fourth CEOs Round Table Summit and Exhibition organised in Katsina by the Initiative of Innovative Youthpreneurs Sustainable Development.
The governor urged young people and women to acquire relevant skills, strengthen their capacity and develop markets that can turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
He said entrepreneurship should not focus solely on accessing financial support, stressing that successful businesses require three key elements: capacity, market access and finance.
Radda assured entrepreneurs, particularly women who meet the requirements of his administration, of continued government support and an enabling environment for businesses to grow.
He also linked economic empowerment to improved security, saying productive opportunities for young people could reduce idleness and other social pressures that contribute to insecurity.
The convener of the summit, Lubabatu Umar Ahmed, said the initiative was created to connect entrepreneurs with ideas, opportunities and experienced business leaders. She commended the Radda administration for supporting small and medium scale enterprises through programmes including the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Girl Child Education.
Ahmed said government interventions had empowered 17,400 people across the state.
Commissioner for Agriculture Aliyu Lawal Zakari Shargalle said more than 800 youths had benefited from the Songhai training programme, with participants receiving start up capital and grants after completing their training. Another 700 young men and women are undergoing skills and educational training supported with toolkits, financial assistance and monthly allowances.
Commissioner for Women Affairs Aisha Aminu Abdullahi Malumfashi said more than 4,000 women were expected to participate in a business exhibition scheduled for October 6, while 2,200 women were expected to receive grants. She added that 1,700 women’s affinity groups had been established under the Nigeria for Women Project.
The enterprise development programme is part of Radda’s broader economic and social development agenda, which includes infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and renewable energy projects.
The governor recently said Katsina had benefited from several projects supported under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He cited more than nine major road projects, the renovation of over 250 primary healthcare facilities, the employment of more than 11,000 workers and the establishment of an agricultural mechanisation centre equipped with more than 400 tractors.
He also highlighted renewable energy investments, including a 10 megawatt solar plant added to the Lambar Rimi Wind Farm and solar powered facilities supporting hospitals, schools and water projects.
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