Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has announced plans to empower 65,000 youth through the second phase of the Kaura Cares programme. The Governor made this disclosure during an interactive session with youth in Birnin Kebbi, stating that the programme aims to make both women and youth self-sufficient.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that according to him, the state government is establishing skills acquisition centres to provide youth with skills-based knowledge for gainful self-employment.
Governor Idris also revealed that the government is opening Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres and urged legislators to establish more ICT centres in their respective constituencies. This initiative, he said, would further boost the morale of the youth. The Governor’s commitment to youth development was echoed by Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who praised the Governor’s empowerment initiative. Olawande noted that President Bola Tinubu believes in the potential of youth and has initiated programmes to develop young talents for nation-building.
In addition to youth empowerment, Governor Idris highlighted his administration’s achievements in the health sector. He disclosed that he had signed a N500 million drug revolving fund and commenced the renovation of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. The Governor also revealed that he had increased the salaries of doctors in the state to match those working with the federal government, in a bid to curb brain drain. Furthermore, 500 health workers had been recruited, and 2,000 casual health workers had been converted to permanent and pensionable workers.
On education, Governor Idris emphasized that his administration had recruited 2,000 qualified teachers to raise the standard of education in the state. He also noted that the government had approved and implemented the new minimum wage for teachers, increased years of service for teachers from 35 to 40 years, and extended the retirement age from 60 to 65 years. These initiatives, he said, would improve the quality of education in the state.
The interactive session was attended by various stakeholders, including Alhaji Anas Nasir Idris, who commended the Governor’s efforts to empower youth, particularly in education. The youth turnout for the event demonstrated their commitment to the Governor’s initiatives, and Alhaji Idris urged them to sustain their support. The Minister for Youth Development also appreciated the Governor’s efforts and encouraged the youth to remain law-abiding and supportive of the government.