CITAD Graduates First Cohort of YouLead Programme
By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has concluded the maiden edition of its Youth Leadership Development Programme (YouLead), a strategic initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians to become job creators rather than job seekers.
The closing ceremony was held today at CITAD’s Kano Office where 15 young participants are being graduated.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Executive Director of CITAD, Engr. Y.Z. Yau, emphasized that the programme was designed to address the growing unemployment crisis by equipping young people with leadership, entrepreneurial, and work-readiness skills.
“We are here to witness the graduation of the first batch of the YouLead programme, where 15 young participants received intensive training and incubation support to develop their business ideas whether in the private sector or in social enterprise,” Engr. Yau stated.
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that, participants were also placed on internships with various organizations to experience real work environments and learn workplace ethics.
The Executive Director noted that several participants have already started their own small businesses, some of which have gone on to employ others an outcome he described as a clear success of the initiative.
“For us, the gain is that this idea is working. When we began, they came daily for lectures as if they were in a classroom. We recognized their unemployment status and offered transport support to encourage participation,” Engr. Yau explained.
He added that the closure of this first phase is not just a graduation but a moment of reflection to draw key lessons in preparation for future editions.
“We will continue to monitor their progress, provide guidance, further training, and link them with opportunities such as business grants,” he said.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that participants, including Habiba, shared how the training enhanced their critical thinking skills, enabling them to think outside the box and improve themselves. Many have since established small-scale businesses.
Habiba, for instance, set up an awara and wainar flour business in a strategic location, while another participant has launched a local bakery producing bread.”
