Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has cautioned 634 newly graduated youths from the state-owned Youth Craft Village to make proper use of their MSME starter kits and avoid selling or misusing them.
At a graduation ceremony held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, where the graduates were presented with starter packs, Governor Radda emphasized that his administration had partnered with security agencies to track the usage of the empowerment tools. He made it clear that any graduate found selling or mismanaging the equipment would face arrest and prosecution.
The governor revealed that agreements were signed with both the beneficiaries and their parents or guardians to ensure accountability and responsible usage of the kits. A dedicated monitoring and evaluation framework has also been established to enforce compliance.
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"In line with our commitment to job creation and inclusive growth, we will not tolerate any abuse of this opportunity. These starter kits are meant to empower, not to be sold," Governor Radda stated.
He noted that the state's investment in technical and vocational training is key to sustainable economic development. Plans are underway to expand the centre's capacity by introducing 10 new departments and upgrading existing infrastructure to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
The event marked a milestone in the governor's "Building Your Future" agenda, which focuses on youth and women empowerment.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Youth Craft Village, Kabir Abdullahi, highlighted that the 634 graduates drawn from all 34 local government areas received training in 15 specialized trades including tailoring, ICT, carpentry, welding, shoemaking, GSM repairs, and leatherwork. The selection process, he noted, was strictly merit-based.
