csrreporters 
In a decisive effort to tackle youth unemployment and promote sustainable livelihoods, Jigawa State Government has trained and empowered 400 youths in date palm cultivation, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to generate steady income.
Date-palm farming, a longstanding agricultural practice in Jigawa, offers significant economic and environmental benefits. The government’s programme aims not only to preserve this traditional crop but also to diversify the state’s economy and foster self reliance among young people.
During the graduation ceremony at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp in Dutse, Governor Umar Namadi explained that each trainee would manage half a hectare of date palm trees, totaling 200 trees per cluster, supported with monthly allowances for two years and access to industrial boreholes and other farming infrastructure.
“This initiative equips our youths with practical skills while providing the necessary support to turn their farms into profitable ventures,” Namadi said. He also assured that the government will continue creating opportunities to make agriculture a viable source of income for young people across the state.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the programme, noting its transformative impact on their lives. Aminu Musa from Birniwa LGA said, “This programme has given me hope and a real chance to support my family. I am excited to start cultivating date palms and build a better future.” Yusuf Sani from Babura LGA echoed the sentiment, highlighting the training and financial support as key factors enabling him to plan for a sustainable livelihood.
The training covered all aspects of date-palm cultivation, including planting, nurturing, and management, ensuring the youths are fully prepared to maximise yield and income. With this initiative, Jigawa State is fostering a generation of skilled, self reliant young farmers, contributing to economic growth, environmental conservation, and the long term prosperity of rural communities.