In a renewed drive to tackle youth unemployment and uplift vulnerable groups, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) Katsina State chapter has officially flagged an ambitious empowerment programme targeting 1,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
The event, held at St John Anglican Cathedral Church, GRA Katsina, marked a significant milestone for the youth body after two unsuccessful attempts to launch similar initiatives.
Speaking during the flag-off, the chairman of YOWICAN Katsina, Praise Isaiah, represented by Rose Ezekiel, expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for making the programme a reality, describing it as a beacon of hope for young people regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.
The chairman particularly thanked Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his unwavering support and sponsorship, which he said has demonstrated the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and development in the state.
“My special thanks to His Excellency, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, the executive governor of Katsina State, for his passion and support towards youth empowerment and development.
“ His administration remains a pillar for this project, and may God continue to bless and elevate him and his cabinet,” Isaiah said.
The initiative has empowered 400 youths in various fields: solar installation, tailoring, ICT, aluminium works, school fees support for students, agriculture, catering, and direct aid for the needy and vulnerable.
While presenting starter packs and support items to the beneficiaries, Isaiah charged the youths to seize the opportunity, remain focused, and use the resources wisely to build sustainable livelihoods.
He also called on philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with YOWICAN to expand the project into its planned second phase.
“With our collective energy, creativity, and passion, we can drive positive change and shape a brighter future for ourselves and our nation,” he concluded.
Also remarking during the flag-off, a government representative, the director of the ministry of youth and sport, Katsina state, Sani Yahaya, said the government supported the youth wing with N5 million when they requested it, assuring them of 100 per cent support in the next phase of the programme.
Explaining further why the Radda’s administration is key to the youth empowerment programme to reduce hardship and curb insecurity challenges in the state.
Dignitaries, state officials, faith leaders, and youth representatives attended the event. They commended the initiative and pledged continued support to youth-focused development efforts in Katsina State.
