Katsina State Government has graduated 500 artisans under a large-scale skills acquisition programme implemented in partnership with Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), as part of efforts to tackle unemployment, strengthen technical capacity, and expand economic opportunities for young people in the state.
The beneficiaries received training in construction-related trades including masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, tiling, and painting, with officials describing the initiative as a strategic move to build a skilled workforce that can support ongoing housing and infrastructure projects across Katsina.
The graduation ceremony took place at the People’s Square, Government House, Katsina, where Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.
According to the governor, the initiative was initially designed to accommodate 150 beneficiaries per state, but Katsina expanded participation to 500 trainees in order to create more opportunities for residents.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to human capital development and ensuring that no opportunity for our youth is wasted,” Radda said.
He noted that technical and vocational training has become increasingly important in addressing unemployment and preparing young people for changing economic realities.
“In a rapidly changing world, formal education alone is not sufficient. We must invest in vocational and technical training that empowers our youth to compete and succeed,” the governor stated.
Radda urged the graduates to approach the certification as the beginning of a career journey rather than an end point, encouraging them to remain disciplined and committed to professional standards.
“The certificate you receive today is a key, but it is your dedication, hard work, and commitment that will unlock opportunities,” he said.
The governor also encouraged the artisans to focus on entrepreneurship and wealth creation instead of depending solely on paid employment.
“Do not wait for employment—become job creators. Start small, think big, and grow steadily while creating opportunities for others,” he added.
Radda further disclosed that the state government is already exploring ways to connect the trained artisans with public projects, private sector opportunities, and cooperative structures to ensure sustainable income generation after the programme.
He called on contractors, developers, and private sector operators to utilise the pool of newly trained artisans in ongoing projects across the state, particularly in the housing and construction sectors.
The governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to invest in programmes focused on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and poverty reduction.
“We will continue to invest in initiatives that empower our youth, reduce poverty, and drive inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Speaking at the event, former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, described the programme as an important intervention aimed at reducing the skills gap within Nigeria’s construction industry.
Dangiwa explained that participants underwent both classroom and practical training while also receiving starter toolkits, mentorship support, and certification under the National Skills Qualification Framework.
According to him, the programme was also supported by the African Development Bank through the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, which provided monthly stipends of ₦60,000 to trainees during the training period.
He commended the Katsina State Government for supporting the implementation of the programme through the provision of accommodation, welfare support, meals, and security for participants.
Dangiwa also announced a ₦5 million reward package for outstanding graduates, including cash prizes for the best-performing male and female artisans across selected trades.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FHFL, Abdulmuttalab Mukhtar, described the initiative as part of the organisation’s broader strategy to promote sustainable livelihoods through technical skills development.
Mukhtar said the programme, known as the FHFL Artisan Skills Training (FAST) initiative, was designed to invest in people while supporting housing delivery and community development efforts.
He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, alongside contributions from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the African Development Bank, and technical partners including C-STEMP.
In a major development linked to the programme, representatives of COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited confirmed that all 500 trained artisans would be engaged by the company, with documentation expected to begin next week.
The engagement is connected to a ₦155 billion housing project covered under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2026.
The housing initiative is expected to combine housing development with job creation and food security through the construction of 3,750 Aqua-Agro housing units across parts of Katsina State.
Officials said the first phase of the project includes 2,500 housing units in Kankia Local Government Area and another 1,250 units in the Radda community in Charanchi Local Government Area.
Each unit is expected to include backyard fish farming and vegetable gardens aimed at promoting self-reliance and additional income generation for residents.
The event was attended by members of the Katsina State Executive Council, local government chairmen, lawmakers, and senior government officials.
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