GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA
PRESS RELEASE
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has pledged sustained support and ownership of the Adolescent and Young People Innovation Tech Hub following its formal handover by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).
The handover ceremony was held at the Katsina Youth Craft Village, located at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp along Mani Road in Katsina metropolis.
Governor Radda, who inspected the facilities after receiving the assets, described the hub as a major addition to his administration’s efforts to empower young people through skills, innovation, technology and improved wellbeing.
"Today marks an important milestone in our commitment to youth empowerment, human capital development and public health. I gladly accept these assets on behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State," Governor Radda said.
He noted that the State’s youthful population remains one of its greatest assets, stressing that meaningful youth empowerment requires deliberate investment, adequate resources and sustainable frameworks.
According to him, the 12-room state-of-the-art facility, equipped with digital, technical, vocational and wellness infrastructure, demonstrates what can be achieved through effective partnerships between government and development organisations.
Governor Radda said the initiative aligns with his administration’s Building Your Future Agenda, which places strong emphasis on youth development, human capital and economic empowerment.
He disclosed that more than 1,200 young people had already benefited from the Katsina State Apprenticeship Programme and skills development initiatives at the Katsina Youth Craft Village.
The Governor also highlighted ongoing government interventions in digital and technology-related skills, vocational training and economic empowerment, aimed at equipping young people with the capacity to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the State’s economy.
“We have built more than just a physical structure. We have created a place where dreams can be nurtured, potential can be harnessed and the future of our young people can be built,” he said.
Governor Radda expressed appreciation to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and IHVN for their financial, technical and institutional support since the commencement of the project in 2024.
He explained that the hub would provide opportunities in ICT, web design, content creation, beauty technology, entrepreneurship, mentorship and vocational development.
He added that the facility would also support the health and psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents and young people.
Governor Radda directed relevant State institutions, particularly the Katsina Youth Craft Village and agencies responsible for technology, skills development and youth empowerment, to work together to ensure the effective management and utilisation of the facility.
“As a government, we recognise our responsibility to ensure continuity, expansion and impact. We will safeguard these assets, maintain the required standards and extend these opportunities so that no young person is left behind,” the Governor assured.
He pledged that the State Government would continue to strengthen partnerships that improve the lives of its citizens, particularly young people.
The Governor also encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the hub.
“Go forth, innovate, learn and transform our society. This facility must become a platform through which our young people can acquire skills, create opportunities and contribute to the development of Katsina State,” he added.
Earlier, the Director, Prevention, Care and Treatment, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Helen Omuh, described the handover as an important milestone in the organisation’s partnership with the Katsina State Government.
She explained that the facility was established to provide adolescents and young people with a safe, inclusive and enabling environment to acquire digital, entrepreneurial, employability and vocational skills.
“The transition is designed to promote sustainable local ownership and continuity beyond the current donor-supported implementation period. We want to ensure that the facility continues to serve the young people for whom it was established,” she said.
Dr. Omuh explained that the State Government would need to progressively assume responsibility for the hub’s operational requirements, including electricity, fuel, training facilitators, consumables, maintenance and security.
She noted that practical training in areas such as hairdressing, catering, photography and videography would require regular consumables and specialised facilitators.
She added that beneficiaries would also need start-up kits to enable them to establish businesses after completing their training.
The IHVN representative disclosed that similar facilities established in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory had trained about 150 young people, with graduates receiving start-up kits to support them in establishing their businesses.
She assured the Katsina State Government that IHVN would continue to provide technical assistance, explore additional partnerships and mobilise resources to support the effective operation of the hub.
Dr. Omuh described the handover not as the end of the partnership, but as the beginning of a stronger relationship based on government ownership, shared accountability and sustainable impact.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu, commended IHVN and other development partners for supporting youth development and health interventions in Katsina State.
He stressed the need to keep the facility functional and integrate it into existing government youth empowerment and skills acquisition programmes.
The Commissioner called for continued collaboration among government agencies and development partners to make the hub a centre for innovation, enterprise and skills development.
He assured that the State Government would continue working with IHVN and other partners to sustain the objectives of the facility.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Head of Service, Alhaji Mas’udu Mustapha Banye; members of the State Executive Council; senior government officials; health institutions and agencies; development partners; IHVN representatives and other stakeholders.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor
8 September, 2026
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