The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), has graduated 500 skilled artisans under a major skills acquisition programme aimed at promoting youth empowerment, job creation, technical skills development, and sustainable economic growth in the state.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammed chief press secretary to the Governor said the trainees were certified in key construction trades, including masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installations, tiling, and painting, equipping them with practical, industry-relevant competencies for self-reliance and employability.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the People’s Square, Government House, Katsina, Governor Radda explained that although the programme was originally designed for 150 beneficiaries per state, Katsina expanded its participation to 500, reflecting the government’s determination to maximise opportunities for its citizens.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to human capital development and ensures that no opportunity for our youth is wasted,” he added.
He stressed that vocational and technical training remains central to addressing unemployment and building a self-reliant population, noting that formal education alone is not sufficient in a rapidly evolving economy.
“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,” he said.
The Governor commended Family Homes Funds Limited for its partnership with the state, describing it as a model of effective collaboration between government and development partners.
He urged the graduates to see their certification as a foundation for greater opportunities and encouraged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, and excellence in their respective fields.
“The certificate you receive today is a key, but it is your dedication, hard work, and commitment that will unlock opportunities,” he stated.
Governor Radda further encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace entrepreneurship and become job creators rather than job seekers.
“Do not wait for employment—become job creators. Start small, think big, and grow steadily while creating opportunities for others,” he added.
He also called on private sector operators, contractors, and development partners to take advantage of the pool of trained artisans to strengthen local content participation and improve service delivery, particularly in ongoing infrastructure and housing projects across the state.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s continued commitment to expanding skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and job creation initiatives.
“We will continue to invest in initiatives that empower our youth, reduce poverty, and drive inclusive economic growth,” he said.
He further disclosed that the government is working to link trained artisans with public projects, private sector opportunities, and cooperative platforms to ensure sustainable income generation.
Earlier in his remarks, former Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, described the programme as a landmark intervention aimed at addressing the skills gap in Nigeria’s construction sector.
He explained that the initiative combined classroom instruction, practical site training, starter toolkits, certification under the National Skills Qualification Framework, and business mentorship.
Dangiwa also revealed that trainees received monthly stipends of ₦60,000, supported by the African Development Bank under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
He commended Governor Radda for providing accommodation, security, welfare support, and meals for all trainees throughout the programme.
The Minister further announced a ₦5 million reward package for outstanding graduates, including cash prizes for the best male and female artisans across selected trades.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Abdulmuttalab Mukhtar, described the FAST programme as a strategic intervention focused on skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
He said the initiative reflects FHFL’s commitment to investing in people as a pathway to building resilient communities and supporting national housing development.
Mukhtar also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Ministry of Finance, as well as technical partners including the African Development Bank and C-STEMP.
Representatives of COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited confirmed that the company will engage all 500 trained artisans, with documentation set to commence next week.
This follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2026 under a ₦155 billion housing project focused on housing development, job creation, and food security.
The project comprises 3,750 Aqua-Agro housing units designed to promote sustainable livelihoods. The first phase includes 2,500 units in Kankia Local Government Area and 1,250 units in the Radda community, Charanchi Local Government Area.
Each housing unit will include backyard fish farming and vegetable gardens to enhance self-reliance and income generation.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; local government chairmen; and members of the State House of Assembly.
