Jigawa State Government, as part of its efforts to tackle youth unemployment, has trained and empowered 400 youths on date-palm cultivation for economic self-reliance.
Recall, date-palm cultivation has long been part of Jigawa State’s agricultural activities, valued for its economic and environmental benefits.
The state has consistently promoted date-palm farming to boost income for farmers, support diversification efforts, and help combat desertification in the region.
This traditional crop now sees renewed focus as the government trains and empowers youths to advance its cultivation for greater self-reliance and sustainable development.
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Speaking during the graduation ceremony on Monday at Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse, the state capital, Umar Namadi, the Governor said, “This pilot scheme aims to equip young people with skills and resources to build sustainable livelihoods.”
Namadi stated that the programme is a strategy to diversify the state’s economy while protecting the environment, noting, “each trainee will be responsible for managing half a hectare of date-palm trees, totaling 200 trees in designated clusters,” he explained.
The Governor, besides the technical aspects of the training, revealed that the beneficiaries will receive a monthly allowance for two years, along with industrial boreholes and other support.
According to him, “the monthly allowance for two years is designed to support the youths while they develop their farms into profitable ventures”.
The Governor explained further that the 400 youths were drawn equally from Birniwa, Yankwashi, Babura, and Sule Tankarkar local government areas.
“We want to empower our youths to be self-reliant and contribute positively to the state’s economy,” the governor said.
Namadi also assured the youths that the government’s commitment to their success would not end here. “We will continue to find ways to create jobs and promote agriculture as a viable source of income,” he promised.
He further urged other youths to embrace skill acquisition and agricultural ventures to reduce unemployment in the state. “Our vision is to make Jigawa a hub of sustainable farming and environmental conservation, empowering young people as active contributors”.
Aminu Musa, one of the beneficiaries from Birniwa LGA, expressed gratitude to the governor’s gesture towards youth restiveness, noting it would boost his and family’s future. “This programme has given me hope and a real chance to support my family. I am excited to start cultivating date-palms and build a better future for myself and family as well”.
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On his part, Yusuf Sani from Babura LGA said, “before this, I had no clear source of income, but now, with the skills and monthly support, I can confidently plan for my future.”
Other beneficiaries also praised the government’s initiative, highlighting the training and allowances as key factors that set them on the path to independence.
