A Katsina-based stakeholder, Faisal Jafar Rafindadi, has urged political appointees from the state serving in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to leverage their positions to create tangible opportunities for youths and accelerate development across the state.
Rafindadi, Coordinator of the Katsina Talent and Digital Innovation Centre, gave the advice while expressing support for a position recently attributed to the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, that Katsina indigenes occupying strategic government positions should use their influence to contribute meaningfully to the development of their people.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rafindadi said political appointments should go beyond personal achievements and status, stressing that they should serve as platforms for community development and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
He noted that President Tinubu had appointed several Katsina indigenes to strategic positions in the Federal Government, describing the appointments as an opportunity for them to contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of the state.
According to him, Katsina is blessed with talented, creative and entrepreneurial young people, but many lack the funding, mentorship, exposure and networks required to transform their ideas and skills into sustainable businesses and careers.
“Those who have been given very big positions should remember the people and support the talents and youths in Katsina. Our young people need opportunities, funding and encouragement to succeed,” he said.
Rafindadi stressed that greater investment in young people would help tackle poverty and unemployment while producing a generation of skilled, innovative and self-reliant citizens capable of contributing to Katsina’s economic growth.
He said he was particularly committed to mobilising support and creating awareness about opportunities in talent development, digital innovation and entrepreneurship for young people across the state.
The coordinator disclosed that the Katsina Talent and Digital Innovation Centre would introduce initiatives under the Kasona brand aimed at developing young talents, strengthening entrepreneurship and expanding access to digital opportunities.
According to him, the initiatives would provide young people with platforms to develop their skills, showcase their talents, access mentorship and connect with opportunities capable of improving their livelihoods.
Rafindadi also appealed to wealthy individuals, political office holders, government appointees and other influential Katsina indigenes to complement government efforts by investing in the state’s growing youth population.
He described investment in youths as both a social responsibility and a strategic investment in the future economic prosperity and stability of Katsina State.
He said Katsina could emerge as a major hub for innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship if its young population received the necessary support from government, the private sector and influential individuals.
“As the Coordinator of the Katsina Talent and Digital Innovation Centre, I fully align with the call for leaders to support and uplift the people of Katsina. If our leaders in federal positions invest in young men and women through skills, mentorship, funding and opportunities, we can reduce poverty and promote self-reliance in Katsina,” he said.
Rafindadi therefore urged Katsina indigenes occupying positions of influence to ensure that their appointments translated into tangible opportunities and measurable benefits for the people, particularly the state’s growing youth population.
