Empowering Youth: CITAD’s New Partnership with British Council and PTI

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has collaborated with the British Council and Prince Trust International (PTI) to introduce an orientation programme for young entrepreneurs. The initiative, labelled as the “Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme,” aims to equip 80 ambitious youth from Kano with the necessary skills to excel in the business world.

The event, hosted at the Nasarawa Guest Palace in Kano, saw the Executive Director of CITAD, Alhaji Y.Z. Ya’u, emphasize the significance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among the young participants. He stressed the need to provide mentorship and vital support to aspiring entrepreneurs, with the ultimate goal of reducing unemployment and empowering youth to become employers of labour.

As outlined by Alhaji Ya’u, the programme will encompass a comprehensive training curriculum covering life skills such as ICT, photography, and videography, as well as soft skills including communication, problem-solving, and finance management. Additionally, participants will receive instruction in business development, overcoming challenges, and bookkeeping. The training will culminate in a business pitch competition, where successful entries will receive awards to kickstart their ventures.

Zainab Aminu, one of the facilitators of the programme, emphasized the project’s focus on equipping youth with fundamental skills in areas such as ICT, autography, videography, and digital photography, in addition to soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and finance management.

The representative of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Sharada, emphasized the importance of the youth making the best use of the skills and knowledge they acquire, especially in a climate where government job opportunities may be limited.

The partnership between CITAD, the British Council, and PTI is a significant step towards empowering young people in Kano and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. By equipping them with essential skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, the programme has the potential to create a new generation of successful business leaders who will contribute to the economic growth and development of their communities.

With the support and mentorship provided by these esteemed organizations, the future looks bright for the 80 young people who are embarking on this exciting journey. As they develop their skills and knowledge, they will be well-positioned to make a positive impact and drive change in their local communities. This collaborative effort stands as a testament to the commitment of CITAD, the British Council, and PTI to the future of youth entrepreneurship in Kano, and it is a testament to the potential of partnerships to effect positive change in the lives of young people.