Jigawa Trains 400 Youths in Date-Palm Farming to Tackle Unemployment, Boost Economy

The Jigawa State Government has launched an initiative to combat youth unemployment by training and empowering 400 young people in date-palm cultivation.

Date-palm farming, a traditional practice in Jigawa with both economic and environmental benefits, is receiving renewed attention as part of the state’s drive to create jobs, diversify the economy, and fight desertification. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the trainees on Monday at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp in Dutse, Governor Umar Namadi said the scheme was designed to equip youths with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.

Under the programme, each beneficiary will manage half a hectare of land with 200 date-palm trees in designated clusters. They will also receive a monthly allowance for two years, alongside access to boreholes and other support to help them establish profitable farms. The trainees were drawn equally from Birniwa, Yankwashi, Babura, and Sule Tankarkar local government areas.

Governor Namadi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young people and promoting agriculture as a viable source of income. Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, noting that the training, financial support, and skills acquired have given them fresh hope for self-reliance and economic independence.