Education and youth empowerment are globally recognized as key drivers of societal transformation. No country can achieve economic growth or meaningful development without profound investment in education and the creation of an enabling environment for talents to grow and flourish.
Most nations that have advanced in growth and sustainable development have done so by providing their populations with opportunities to discover their innate potentials and harness them into productive resources for building society.
For a nation to secure its future prosperity, it must cultivate an enlightened and skilled workforce, particularly among its youth, who are regarded as the heirs who will drive the country toward an egalitarian and prosperous future. Knowledge and aptitude, therefore, are essential for the success of any society. Without them, no genuine development can take place.
Looking at ancient Sokoto—founded by the legendary Islamic scholar and reformist, Shehu Usmanu Dan Fodio—one can clearly see from its blessed past that it was built upon a foundation of knowledge and wisdom in harnessing local endowments for economic growth.
At that time, people transformed knowledge into productivity—fabricating tools, engaging in handicrafts and dyeing, and producing various accessories from Sokoto’s rich hide and skin resources. From time immemorial, therefore, the people of Sokoto have been guided by the twin principles of knowledge acquisition and vocational skills as the basis for economic self-reliance.
Relying on this historical advantage, Governor Ahmed Aliyu wasted no time in committing huge resources to education and skills development, knowing how such investments would impact the lives of present and future generations. His approach recognizes that no society can advance beyond the quality of its human capital and that the surest way to secure the future is to nurture the potential of its youth today.
From the onset of his administration, Governor Ahmed Aliyu made education a top priority by ensuring the rehabilitation of schools, the provision of learning materials, and the improvement of teachers’ welfare. These efforts are designed to restore confidence in the public school system and guarantee access to quality education for all children, regardless of background or location.
Closely linked to this is his administration’s strategic focus on youth empowerment. Recognizing that a large segment of the population consists of energetic young people, the government has introduced programs tailored to develop their skills, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. The Community Development Department, the Ministry for Local Government Affairs, and the Ministry of Skills Acquisition are the driving forces behind this well-laid-out system.
In view of the colossal amount invested in education and youth empowerment, running into billions of naira, Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to building a bright future for Sokoto. His vision is clearly centered on nurturing a skilled and knowledgeable population capable of driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
His courage to commit to the creation of an enlightened society—one with the aptitude to fend for itself—cannot be begrudged by anyone except those consumed by spite.
A shining example of Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to building Sokoto through knowledge and skills is the impact of the Sokoto State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA) and the NG-CARES intervention program, which enjoys the state’s counterpart funding. These two initiatives have continued to empower youth and women across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Disbursements by these agencies to entrepreneurs aimed at boosting businesses and strengthening household incomes are projected to run into several billions of naira and have already had a visible impact on beneficiaries.
Furthermore, his commitment to youth development carries profound political and social implications. By investing in young people, his administration is hoping to cultivate a generation that believes in the principles of dignity of labour, patriotism, and public service.
In essence, Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s vision for Sokoto State goes beyond physical projects. It is about building minds, shaping character, and empowering citizens to take charge of their destiny.
The government’s investment in education and youth development underscores the understanding that true progress is measured not only by infrastructure but by the enlightenment and empowerment of the people.
