Centre Empowers Kano Youths with Sustainable Skills Workshop
By Musa Sani Aliyu
In celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2024, the Africa Study Centre, with support from Lyseis Technologies, organized a one-day workshop for youth and entrepreneurship groups in Kano, Nigeria.
The workshop, themed “Empowering Youth: Shaping Skills for Sustainable Development,” was held on Monday at the PRNigeria Centre in Kano. Its goal was to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the changing job market and promote sustainable entrepreneurship.
Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, lead of the Africa Study Centre Nigeria, presented on “Understanding the Importance of Soft, Digital, and Blue Skills for AI and SDGs.” He stressed the importance of these skills in empowering youth and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Nurturing young people and equipping them with relevant skills is vital, especially in Nigeria, where over 133 million people live in multidimensional poverty with limited job opportunities. Reviving skills and craftsmanship is key to addressing this issue” Dr. Sufi revealed.
Hajiya Farida Kabir, a seasoned entrepreneur and Chairperson of the Association of Professional Caterers and Decorators of Nigeria Kano Chapter, shared her expertise in “Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship in the Catering Industry.”
She emphasized the significance of the catering business for women in Northern Nigeria and encouraged participants to explore this lucrative field.
“The catering industry can empower you to become independent. But we need to tackle the lack of funding and the complex loan processes that deter young people from starting businesses” Haj. Farida said.
Fatima Ahmad, a young entrepreneur, shared her personal journey and the challenges she faced in establishing her catering business.
“As a young woman, I encountered many obstacles, from securing funding to competing in the market. But with determination, mentorship, and the right skills, I built a successful business that supports my family and empowers other young women in the community” Fatima disclosed.
Ambassador Abdulhamid Ahmad praised the organizers for their efforts in empowering the youth.
“This workshop is crucial for addressing the skills gap and creating opportunities for our youth. By focusing on digital, soft, and blue skills, we are equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in the job market and drive sustainable development in our region” Ahmad disclosed.
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered the workshop was supported by Lyseis Technologies and various youth-focused organizations, including SIDES, REWOFO, the Jamila Seyoji Initiative, Single Moms Initiative, and the Association of Professional Caterers and Decorators of Nigeria Kano Chapter, the workshop was a resounding success.
Participants expressed gratitude for the valuable insights and practical skills they gained, and the organizers vowed to continue their efforts in empowering the youth and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship in the region.
