The Jigawa State Government has empowered 400 young people with training in date palm cultivation as part of efforts to diversify the economy, create jobs, and combat desertification.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Monday at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse, Governor Umar Namadi said the initiative was designed to equip youths with practical skills and resources for sustainable livelihoods.
Each trainee will manage half a hectare—about 200 date palm trees—contributing to a total of 200 hectares of plantations across the state. Beyond technical knowledge, the government pledged additional support, including a monthly allowance for two years, industrial boreholes, and essential inputs to ease their transition into profitable farming.
“The monthly allowance is to sustain the youths while their farms develop into viable ventures,” Namadi explained.
He noted that date-palm farming, already part of Jigawa’s agricultural heritage, provides both economic and environmental benefits—boosting rural incomes, supporting diversification, and reducing desert encroachment.
The beneficiaries were drawn equally from Birniwa, Yankwashi, Babura, and Sule Tankarkar LGAs. Namadi emphasized that the programme reflects his administration’s broader commitment to job creation, youth empowerment, and agricultural development.
“This is about making our youths self-reliant and positioning Jigawa as a hub of sustainable farming and environmental conservation,” he said.
Some participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Aminu Musa from Birniwa LGA described the training as life-changing, while Yusuf Sani from Babura LGA said the programme gave him confidence to plan for his future.
The training covered planting, nurturing, and managing date palm trees to maximise yields and secure long-term income.
