Aliyu Adamu, Dutse
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa has reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, national unity, and sustainable development during activities to mark the 2025 International Youth Day in Dutse.
Speaking at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Fanisau, Namadi welcomed corps members to the state, assuring them of safety and support throughout their service year.
“Jigawa State is a land of peace and great opportunities, for which I urge you all to feel relaxed, enjoy the serene atmosphere of our dear state, and explore the lifelong opportunities it offers,” he said. “Wherever you may be posted for your primary assignment, you will be part and parcel of the community, and I assure you that your time here will be safe and very rewarding.”
The governor noted that his administration had completed the renovation of key facilities at the camp, including the male hostel, clinic, and main hall, which are already in use.
“In addition, the State Government is currently undertaking the full renovation of the female hostel, for which work is progressing very steadily,” Namadi said. “We are committed to ensuring that both male and female corps members enjoy decent and secure accommodation during your stay.”
Later at a Government House reception for Jigawa youths, Namadi stressed the importance of aligning local youth efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The theme of the International Youth Day 2025 is ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,’ for which the local action we chose is ‘Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development,’” he said. “This is in recognition of the critical roles youth are expected to play in accelerating progress towards the attainment of the SDGs by 2030.”
The governor outlined various initiatives his administration had undertaken, including entrepreneurship development, skill acquisition, and targeted empowerment programmes such as the distribution of mobile food carts, micro-retail shops, handpump repair training, and several ICT trainings in collaboration with NITDA, GLUWA, and the NDE.
He also said almost 10,000 youths had been recruited as local security guards, agricultural extension workers under J-AGRO, junior and senior staff under J-HEALTH, and under the J-TEACH and J-CARE interventions.
Namadi urged young people to avoid social vices such as political thuggery, cultism, and drug abuse.
“Violence is not a tool for expression—it is a threat to peaceful coexistence and the unity and progress of all human societies,” he said. “Equally, I appeal to our youth to stay away from drugs. Drug abuse leads only to wasted potential, broken families, and always ends up in great regret.”
