The Concerned Kano Citizen Forum has called on northern leaders, including Governors and other prominent politicians, to adopt Senator Barau Jibrin’s youth empowerment strategy as a blueprint to address youth idleness and street life in the region.
The forum noted that many unemployed youths in the region have been exploited as instruments of social disruption by certain politicians.
Salisu Haruna, spokesperson for the forum, in a statement he issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday noted that the lawmaker has implemented a model aimed at equipping northern youths with skills, education, and job opportunities that position them to compete with their counterparts in the south.
The forum praised Jibrin’s strategic focus on youth development, emphasizing his initiatives such as sponsoring northern youths for advanced studies and professional training.
He said the lawmaker has sent numerous young Nigerians to study in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, robotic science, and cyber forensic abroad, as part of his determination to develop a pool of highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the region’s growth upon their return.
According to the spokesperson,he is optimistic that Jibrin’s efforts will yield significant results in the coming years, not only in Kano but throughout northern Nigeria.
“Barau’s Jibrin influence extends beyond education. He has supported legislation beneficial to the region, including the establishment of the Northwest Development Commission and institutions such as Federal Polytechnic Kabo, Federal University of Education Bichi, and Federal College of Education Jumare.
“Through his foundation, he has also provided scholarships to about 600 students from Kano State at Federal University Dutsin-ma in Katsina State, including 70 students who graduated with high honors and received full scholarships to pursue master’s degrees abroad.
“Additionally, Barau has invested in youth engagement through the Barau Football Academy, which aims to foster a balanced development of young individuals by providing not only educational opportunities but also platforms for physical growth and discipline through sports.”
The forum urged other northern leaders to consider adopting Jibrin’s comprehensive approach to youth empowerment, arguing that a united effort across the region could provide northern youths with better opportunities and a sense of direction.
According to the forum, such an approach could reduce youth idleness, support regional economic progress, and foster a generation of skilled, purpose-driven young leaders.
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