By Victor Ahiuma-Young, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government has declared that youths in the state are set for a new era of empowerment and opportunities following the massive renovation of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Orientation Camp in Dakin Gari/Basaura and the expansion of skills acquisition programmes across the state.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nuradden Bala Fingiller, made this known on during the 2026 ministerial briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he outlined key achievements recorded by the administration of Governor Nasir Idris in youth and sports development.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the State Governor, Ahmed Idris , quoted Fingiller as saying that the upgraded NYSC orientation camp now competes favourably with camps across the country after the government executed several projects at the facility.
According to him, the projects include the construction and renovation of a female hostel, clinic, mosque, toilets, borehole, installation of a KVA transformer, and provision of a solar power system.
He explained that the administration had also intensified efforts to empower youths through vocational and technical training programmes aimed at turning young people into self-reliant entrepreneurs and job creators.
The commissioner disclosed that the ministry designed phased skills acquisition training for 2026, covering various trades and vocational activities.
He said the first phase, scheduled from January to March, would focus on dyeing, cosmetics production, barbing, hairdressing, and popcorn making, while the second phase from April to August would include tailoring, computer training, solar installation, and handset repairs.
According to him, the final phase between September and November would concentrate on irrigation farming, fish farming, and animal husbandry.
Fingiller further revealed that the state government had commenced plans for the construction of four modern skills acquisition centres in Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru emirates to serve as training and transit hubs for unemployed youths.
He noted that the ministry also partnered with federal ministries, agencies, and foreign organisations to train youths in agriculture, trades, and the digital economy.
The commissioner added that the government had implemented the State Youth Policy, established the State Youth Parliament, and created the State Youth Council as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in governance and development.
On youth sensitisation, he said the ministry had embarked on awareness campaigns across the 21 local government areas on the dangers of drug abuse, political thuggery, and farmer-herder conflicts, while also promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
In the sports sector, Fingiller said the state government sustained Kebbi United FC through consistent logistical support, enabling the club to compete successfully in the Nigeria National League.
He described the club’s performance in the 2026 President Federation Cup as historic, noting that Kebbi United reached the semi-finals for the first time since the creation of Sokoto State.
“Out of 74 clubs nationwide, Kebbi United was among the last four alongside El-Kanemi Warriors, Kano Pillars, and Akwa United,” he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that more than 15 indigenous players in the club currently earn a minimum of $150,000 monthly, making football a viable source of employment and talent development for youths in the state.
At the grassroots level, he said the state sponsors 11 clubs in the Nigeria Nationwide League to further develop young talents and strengthen community participation in sports.
Fingiller urged youths across Kebbi State to continue supporting the administration of Governor Nasir Idris to ensure sustained delivery of democratic dividends and youth-focused programmes.