By Our Correspondent | Katsina Times
A member representing Katsina Local Government Area in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Abubakar Albaba, has sponsored a three-month vocational training programme for 25 youths, aimed at promoting self-reliance and reducing unemployment in the area.
The beneficiaries were trained in the repair of refrigerators, air conditioners (AC), washing machines, as well as gas refilling for cooling appliances. The training, conducted under the supervision of SK Gidan Sanyi, was concluded on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Speaking at the graduation and closing ceremony, Hon. Albaba said the initiative was part of his commitment to empowering youths with practical skills that would enable them to earn a living and contribute meaningfully to society.
He disclosed that the programme would not end with the current batch, assuring that plans were underway to train an additional 100 beneficiaries—50 males and 50 females—in subsequent phases.
However, the lawmaker cautioned the graduates to take the programme seriously, particularly by safeguarding the tools provided to them.
“This initiative is meant to help you become self-reliant. If we discover that beneficiaries sell the equipment given to them, it will discourage us from continuing similar interventions in the future,” he warned.
Hon. Albaba also revealed that his empowerment agenda includes plans to introduce other vocational programmes, such as tailoring and related trades, to further expand opportunities for youths and women in the local government area.
The trainees comprised 20 males and five females, all of whom were certified as having acquired adequate skills in appliance repairs and gas refilling.
In his remarks, the proprietor of SK Gidan Sanyi stated that the company’s doors remain open to youths across Katsina State who wish to acquire vocational skills and practical experience. He further announced the employment of five outstanding trainees as a way of encouraging them and strengthening their professional confidence.
The event attracted the presence of community leaders, businesspersons, and associates of Hon. Albaba, many of whom made financial donations to support the newly trained youths.
Notable among the attendees were Alhaji Ahmad Gege, Alhaji Abu Yantaba, Alhaji Ali Kaura, the Chairman of the Katsina State Traffic Management Authority (KASSAROTA), retired Major Garba Yahaya Rimi, Alhaji Aminu A.A. Rahamawa, and other dignitaries.
The ceremony was held at the hall of Government Day Secondary School, Kofar Yandaka, along Batsari Road in Katsina. Each graduate received gas-refilling equipment and financial support to enable them to commence their businesses immediately after the training.
