The Katsina State Agency for Mass Education has commenced registration for its 2025 Community Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme, aimed at equipping youths with practical vocational skills to promote self-reliance.

The registration exercise is taking place at the Social Development Training Centre, Samji Field, under the supervision of the agency. According to officials, registration began on December 9 and is expected to run for three weeks.

The programme is open to men and women aged 18 years and above, with priority given to individuals who did not have the opportunity to attend formal Western education. The initiative is designed to enhance participants’ capacity for self-employment and improve their socio-economic conditions.

Speaking to journalists on the programme, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Agency for Mass Education, Hajiya Bilkisu Mohammed Kaikai, disclosed that the vocational training has been structured into two main categories.

She explained that the first category focuses on footwear production, including modern shoes, boots, slippers, covered shoes, half shoes, traditional footwear, and branched shoes. The second category, she added, covers the production of cosmetics and household products, incense (local perfumes), and kula cham.

Hajiya Bilkisu Kaikai further stated that the programme is being implemented with the approval of Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda. She noted that the initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to empower youths, particularly those without formal education, by providing them with practical skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and improve their standard of living.

The agency encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity by registering within the stipulated period.