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A bold new chapter in youth empowerment unfolded in Katsina State on Monday as the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) launched its Digital Academy Campus Connect at Al-Qalam University, with a strong call on young people to embrace digital skills and self-reliance.
Delivering a rousing welcome address, the Director-General of KASEDA, Babangida Kabir Ruma, described the initiative as a “defining moment” in the state’s quest to prepare its youth for the realities of a fast-evolving digital economy.
Ruma stressed that the programme goes beyond routine engagement, noting that it is designed to equip young people with relevant skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and global competitiveness needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.
“We are building a generation that will not only seek jobs but create them,” he declared, urging students to think beyond certificates and focus on innovation, value creation, and enterprise development.
He revealed that under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, KASEDA has recorded significant milestones, including the injection of ₦3.4 billion into enterprise development, training of over 5,000 youths and women, and support for nearly 400 small businesses across the state.
According to him, the agency has also facilitated ₦2.5 billion in access to finance for entrepreneurs while extending its impact to all 34 local government areas — a move he said reflects a commitment to inclusive growth.
Ruma emphasized that education alone is no longer sufficient in the modern economy, stressing that digital skills and entrepreneurship are now critical tools for success.
“The world has changed. Skills create access, innovation creates value, and entrepreneurship creates wealth,” he said.
The event also drew strong backing from the state government, with a representative of the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, urging youths to embrace Information Technology and become self-reliant.
He noted that the future belongs to those who are digitally equipped and capable of creating opportunities for themselves rather than depending solely on scarce white-collar jobs.
Participants at the event were encouraged to take advantage of the initiative by actively engaging, building networks, and developing practical solutions to real-world challenges across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and commerce.
The KASEDA boss further highlighted that the Campus Connect programme is part of a broader strategy to build a thriving innovation ecosystem in Katsina — one that connects government, academia, private sector players, and development partners.
“This is not just an event; it is a movement to create a more productive, innovative, and prosperous Katsina,” he said.
Observers say the initiative signals a growing shift toward digital transformation and youth-driven economic development in the state, as authorities intensify efforts to position Katsina for opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
With renewed commitment from stakeholders and enthusiastic participation from students, the programme is expected to spark a new wave of innovation, enterprise, and self-reliance among the youth — setting the stage for a stronger and more resilient economy.
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