By Agbo Christian Obiora
DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE – In a significant move to combat youth unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched a transformative youth empowerment initiative in Jigawa State, targeting 80 young Nigerians—including women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The programme, titled the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge (YSEC), is being delivered by CITAD with generous funding from the British Council and technical support from King’s Trust International, under the umbrella of the British Council’s Youth Connect Programme—a global initiative that fosters entrepreneurship, employability, and active citizenship among young people.
The launch of YSEC in Jigawa marks a renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s deepening youth unemployment crisis, especially in underserved northern states. The initiative is tailored to empower young individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 with critical business skills, digital literacy, and access to tools needed to launch and sustain their own businesses.
Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative, CITAD’s Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, emphasized the programme’s strategic role in building a new generation of empowered, self-reliant youth.
“We are not just training young people to start businesses. We are preparing them to become problem-solvers, job creators, and leaders in their communities,” he said. “This initiative is about equipping them with the mindset and tools for sustainable enterprise and inclusive development.”
A Lifeline for the Marginalized
What makes this initiative stand out is its commitment to inclusion and equity. The Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge specifically reserves slots for young women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring that no demographic is left behind in the march toward economic empowerment.
“People living with disabilities are often left out of mainstream development programs. But with this initiative, we are changing the narrative. We are saying that disability is not inability. We are giving everyone a fair chance to thrive,” said CITAD Programme Officer, Rabi Mohammed.
Participants have already begun undergoing an intensive and structured training program that blends digital entrepreneurship, business development, ICT skills, and marketing techniques. These hard skills are complemented by critical soft skills such as financial literacy, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking—essential tools for navigating the challenging terrain of business ownership and modern employment.
Driving National Development Through Local Action
The programme is not just a stopgap measure—it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. As the country grapples with rising youth unemployment—currently hovering around 33%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics—interventions like YSEC offer practical, sustainable solutions to one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
“This programme aligns with Nigeria’s broader national development goals, particularly the drive to lift millions out of poverty by creating opportunities for self-employment and innovation,” said a representative from the Jigawa State Ministry of Youth and Economic Development.
By focusing on building local enterprise capacity, the initiative is expected to stimulate grassroots economic activity, reduce dependency on government jobs, and foster a new wave of youth-led businesses across sectors such as technology, agriculture, services, and creative industries.
British Council’s Global Vision, Local Impact
The Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge is one of many initiatives under the British Council’s Youth Connect Programme, which is being implemented across multiple countries to support young people with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
“We are proud to support a programme that combines entrepreneurship with inclusion, innovation, and impact. Our partnership with CITAD and King’s Trust International reflects our long-standing commitment to youth development in Nigeria,” said Lucy Pearson, British Council’s Country Director.
Through initiatives like YSEC, the British Council is not only fostering economic empowerment but also promoting active citizenship, encouraging young Nigerians to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Hope and Confidence Among Beneficiaries
For many of the 80 selected participants, the programme is more than just training—it’s a lifeline.
Halima Adamu, a 26-year-old woman with a physical disability, shared her excitement.
“I have always wanted to start my own fashion business, but I didn’t have the knowledge or confidence. This programme is giving me both. I feel empowered, and for the first time, I believe in my future,” she said.
Another participant, Musa Ibrahim, 22, hopes to launch an agro-tech startup after the training.
“I want to use technology to help farmers in my village improve their yields. This programme is opening my eyes to what’s possible,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
As the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge continues to unfold in Jigawa, stakeholders are hopeful that it will become a model for similar programmes across Nigeria. Its commitment to inclusion, skill-building, and long-term sustainability provides a blueprint for meaningful youth empowerment.
In the words of CITAD’s Director of Programmes, Hamza Ibrahim, “This is not the end—it’s the beginning. We are sowing seeds of innovation, resilience, and hope. And with the right support, these young people will blossom into the entrepreneurs and leaders Nigeria desperately needs.”
Follow The Qualitative Magazine for more in-depth stories on disability inclusion, youth empowerment, and community-driven development across Nigeria.
