International Youth Day: Uba Sani gives financial support to innovators
Governor Uba Sani Emphasizes Youth Empowerment During International Youth Day Conference
Kaduna, Nigeria — Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment during the International Youth Day Conference on Friday, asserting that it is a key element of his governance philosophy rather than merely a ceremonial slogan.
The governor stated that the Kaduna State Government acknowledges the importance of including youth in societal progress. “A society cannot secure prosperity by marginalizing the generation that will inherit its institutions, its economy, and its responsibilities,” he said.
As part of the event, Sani awarded N3 million each to exemplary youths from Kaduna State who have made significant contributions in the fields of science and technology. Among the recipients were a team of Computer Engineering students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, recognized for developing an Innovative Walking Aid designed to assist the visually impaired.
Other notable beneficiaries included Fauziyya Muhammad Auwal from Kaduna State University, who is distinguished as Nigeria’s first female analog astronaut candidate with Titans Space Industries, and the founder of ASTHERA, an initiative focusing on space technology. Additionally, an eight-member group of Microchip Designers was selected for specialized training under the Kaduna State Human Capital Development initiative. Al Amin Mohammed Idris and Shamsudeen Jibril, winners of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) NEXTGEN challenge, were also recognized.
During his address, the governor emphasized the need for tangible investments in youth initiatives, stating, “We are committed to moving beyond promises toward empowering the youth.” He highlighted the importance of expanding skills acquisition and vocational training, insisting that young individuals should not only graduate with certificates but also possess skills that enable them to secure dignified employment.
Sani further advocated for enhanced digital literacy and technological innovation, urging the youth of Kaduna to become creators in the digital economy rather than merely consumers. He also stressed the necessity of fostering entrepreneurship and providing access to financing for promising ideas that often fail due to a lack of opportunity.
“Empowerment must also include the power to participate in and influence decision-making processes,” Sani added. He called for establishing credible pathways for young people to enter public service, governance, and civic leadership.
Highlighting the crucial role of collaboration, Sani acknowledged that the transformation sought in Kaduna cannot be achieved in isolation. “It requires an ecosystem involving government, private enterprises, civil society, development partners, educational institutions, and, most importantly, the youth themselves,” he said.
Sani appealed to development partners and civil society organizations to broaden opportunities for the region’s young people, encouraging the youth to transcend local limitations based on their backgrounds. “Build relationships beyond your inherited boundaries,” he advised, urging them to innovate solutions to real-world challenges.
In her opening remarks, Commissioner of Youth Development Barrister Gloria Ibrahim introduced the theme of the conference, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” She noted the diverse backgrounds of youth across Kaduna State, from bustling tech hubs to agricultural regions, while underscoring their united desire for good jobs, safety, and a meaningful role in decision-making.
Ibrahim commended Governor Sani’s proactive approach to youth development, citing the establishment of the Kaduna State Ministry of Youth Development in 2025 as a critical step toward prioritizing youth policy and programs. She emphasized the governor’s commitment to investing in youth empowerment through the creation of three modern vocational training centers and digital skills programs designed to equip young people for the global job market.
