By Jibrin Kundum
Thrive Agric and Crust Microfinance Bank, with the backing of the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment, have called for increased efforts to equip Nigerian women and youths with essential skills to foster their inclusion in the nation’s economic development.
This call was made during a youth and women empowerment seminar held in Bauchi, aimed at addressing Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges by equipping young people with the necessary skills to sustain themselves.
Speaking at the event, Abdulwahab Abubakar, Project Coordinator of the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment, emphasized the importance of empowering young people, especially in the current economic climate. He noted that the seminar brought together 300 youths from five local government areas in Bauchi State to equip them with skills essential for self-reliance and economic growth.
“We gathered youths from over 10 communities to provide them with the skills they need to thrive and sustain themselves,” said Abubakar, adding that the country’s economic situation makes it crucial to empower youths and women to become independent.
Abubakar further expressed optimism that the training would have a lasting impact, enabling young people to return to their communities as agents of change. “The youth are eager to drive change. This training gives them the tools to do so,” he said.
In his address, Mu’azu Alhaji, Chairman of Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability, highlighted the need to harness the potential of Nigeria’s youth, who make up over 60 percent of the population. He argued that empowering this demographic could position Nigeria as a leader in innovations across sectors such as agriculture.
However, Mu’azu raised concerns about the exclusion of young people from decision-making processes at the national level, urging stakeholders to recognize the importance of their involvement. “Despite being a significant portion of the population, young Nigerians remain marginalised in key decision-making roles,” he said.
Mu’azu also stressed the need for soft skills training, encouraging participants to apply their new skills to benefit both themselves and society.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Na’ima Gidado thanked the organizers for the opportunity and pledged to engage actively in the agricultural sector. She also called on the government to create more job opportunities for young people as a way to reduce youth restiveness.
The seminar, supported by Thrive Agric and Crust Microfinance Bank, benefited over 300 youths and women from Bauchi, Dass, Darazo, Ningi, Tafawa Balewa, and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas. Participants were also provided with starter tools to help them begin their journey towards economic independence.