Jigawa youths seek government empowerment beyond slogans

Jigawa youths have called on governments to move beyond mere slogans and translate youth empowerment promises into tangible actions, particularly in creating real jobs and wealth. This demand comes as the world marked International Youth Day 2026 under the theme ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’.

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I have been sewing for five years, and I need just one industrial machine to expand, but the people they gave machines last time are not tailors. Two of them came to my shop to sell the machines to me.

The youths expressed their commitment to demanding accountability until empowerment initiatives yield practical results. They pointed to the Jigawa State Government's allocation of approximately N12.7 billion for Youth Empowerment and Employment Initiatives within the N901.8 billion 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa II,” as a stated priority.

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We are already into rice and sesame farming. What we need is support with inputs and water pumps, but they give it to civil servants’ children in town who don’t even know the farm. At the end, they sell it.

However, in separate interviews across Dutse, Hadejia, and Kazaure, youths voiced frustration over the limited impact of years of programs and announcements on genuine entrepreneurs and skilled individuals at the grassroots. They criticized empowerment schemes as politicized and wasteful, often benefiting those close to politicians and officials who lack genuine interest in self-reliance and may even sell off provided tools.

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Empower us beyond slogans. Give us market linkage, affordable loans and training that leads to certification.

A fashion designer from Dutse, Hadi Sani, shared his struggle to expand his business due to a lack of access to essential equipment, noting that machines were given to non-tailors. Similarly, a farmer from Hadejia, Usman Dankoli, lamented that support with inputs and water pumps was directed towards children of civil servants rather than active farmers. Bashari Kazaure, a bakery owner, emphasized the need for sustainable tools, market linkage, and affordable loans over token handouts, while Naziru Adamu, a phone repairer, stressed the importance of auditing beneficiaries to ensure resources reach those genuinely in need and in business.

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If you empower the wrong person, you have empowered waste. We who are already in the business and need a small push are ignored because we don’t have godfathers.