Gov Radda Plans Mentorship Programme For Youth Participation In Governance

Katsina State governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has concluded plans to launch a comprehensive Leadership and Mentorship Programme alongside the establishment of the Katsina State Youth Parliament (KSYP) to nurture a new generation of visionary, responsible and public-spirited leaders across the state.

The programme, which forms a key component of the initiative, is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, values and practical exposure required for effective leadership, public service, civic engagement and community development.

Speaking on the initiative, the commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Engr. Surajo Yazid Abukur, said the programme reflected Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and active participation in governance.

According to him, the programme represents a transformative investment in the future of Katsina State.

“The Leadership and Mentorship Programme represents a transformative investment in the future of Katsina State. By connecting young people with accomplished leaders and providing them with practical leadership experience, we are creating pathways for responsible citizenship, innovation and public service. Coupled with the Youth Parliament, this initiative offers one of the strongest platforms for youth empowerment and inclusion in governance,” Abukur said.

He explained that the implementation process would involve the transparent selection of participants from the state’s 34 constituencies, intensive leadership and legislative training sessions, mentorship engagements with distinguished leaders from both the public and private sectors, as well as study visits to key government institutions within and outside Katsina State.

Abukur noted that the programme would feature structured mentorship sessions, capacity-building workshops, policy dialogues and direct engagement with experienced leaders and policymakers. Participants, he said, are expected to gain valuable insights into governance, leadership and public service.

Complementing the programme is the proposed Katsina State Youth Parliament, a legislative leadership platform modelled after the Katsina State House of Assembly. The parliament is expected to provide young people with opportunities to participate in legislative processes, develop advocacy and policymaking skills, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on issues affecting their communities and the state.

Meanwhile, the Programme Coordinator, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari, who also serves as Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, has engaged A1 Efficient Consult Limited and Lexmora Policy & Advocacy Initiative to support the implementation of the initiative. Both organisations are recognised for their expertise in establishing youth parliaments and delivering leadership, mentorship, legislative and capacity-building programmes across Nigeria.

Speaking further, Zakari commended Governor Radda for his unwavering commitment to youth development and inclusion, noting that Katsina State has continued to distinguish itself in youth empowerment under the current administration.

He recalled the governor’s support for hosting a plenary sitting of the Nigerian Youth Parliament in Katsina State, describing it as a move that strengthened youth legislative engagement and elevated the state’s profile at the national level.

“The Leadership and Mentorship Programme and the Katsina State Youth Parliament represent a bold and sustainable investment in the future of our young people. Beyond creating opportunities for participation, these initiatives are designed to raise a generation of informed, competent and visionary leaders who will contribute meaningfully to governance, policymaking and national development,” Zakari said.

The Katsina State Government expressed confidence that the initiative would position the state as a model for youth leadership development, civic participation and inclusive governance, while creating a sustainable pipeline of future leaders committed to the state’s growth and development.