Katsina Youth Parliament Begins Leadership, Legislative Training For Nominees

Katsina State Youth Parliament (KSYP) has commenced a comprehensive Leadership and Legislative Training Programme for its nominated members, as part of the efforts to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required for effective leadership, public service and legislative engagement.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Katsina State deputy governor, Malam Farouk Umar Jobe; commissioner for Youth and Sports, Engr. Sirajo Abukur; coordinator of the Leadership and Mentorship Programme and speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Zakari Idris; the chief of staff to the Katsina State governor, as well as government officials, youth leaders and other stakeholders.

The Katsina State Youth Parliament is an initiative of the administration of Governor Dikko Umar Radda, designed to promote youth inclusion, mentorship, leadership development and empowerment while creating opportunities for young people to understand and participate in public decision-making and legislative processes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Governor Jobe shared insights from his experience in leadership and public service, highlighting the importance of responsibility, integrity, discipline and a clear understanding of the obligations attached to leadership positions.

He commended the establishment of the Youth Parliament and the Leadership and Mentorship Programme, describing them as important investments in preparing the next generation of leaders.

Jobe urged the nominees to take full advantage of the training and apply the knowledge acquired toward serving their communities and contributing to the development of Katsina State.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Engr. Sirajo Abukur, welcomed the nominees and participants to the programme and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth development.

Abukur said the administration of Governor Radda would continue to support initiatives aimed at building the capacity, leadership skills and confidence of young people.

Also speaking, the programme coordinator and Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Zakari Idris, disclosed that the nominees were selected through a transparent and merit-based process.

He said the selection began with an open application that attracted 755 applicants, followed by interviews involving 109 shortlisted candidates, from whom 34 nominees were eventually selected.

According to him, the selection process was conducted transparently, without physical meetings with applicants and without interference from individuals or external interests.

Idris commended Governor Radda for supporting the establishment of the Katsina State Youth Parliament and providing a broader platform through the Katsina State Leadership and Mentorship Programme to expose young people to leadership, governance, mentorship and public service.

He urged the nominees to regard their participation as more than membership of a youth parliament, but as an opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop their leadership capacities and prepare for greater responsibilities in public service.

The training programme will expose the nominees to parliamentary procedure, legislative practice, leadership, governance, public policy, advocacy, communication, teamwork and the responsibilities of public office.

The commencement of the programme marks another step in the Katsina State Government’s efforts to bring young people closer to decision-making processes and prepare them to become informed, responsible and effective leaders of the future.