The Federal Government has launched the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action, known as Waste-to-Wealth, in Katsina State.
The initiative, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to empower 37,000 youths nationwide within two years.
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the programme began with training for 200 beneficiaries selected from Katsina State.
Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday in Katsina, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, said the scheme would build practical skills.
He said the initiative would equip young Nigerians with skills in waste recycling, green entrepreneurship and climate action.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Climate Action, Ms Leah Akinfiresoye, Olawande praised Gov. Dikko Radda’s support.
He described Radda’s commitment to youth development as “commendable” and vital to the success of the programme.
Olawande said the initiative was launched in August 2025 to promote sustainability and create jobs for young Nigerians.
He disclosed that more than 200,000 youths had registered nationwide, with over 16,000 applicants from Katsina State.
According to him, Katsina recorded one of the highest numbers of registrations across the country.
He said the ministry planned to train 1,000 youths in each state and the Federal Capital Territory.
This, he added, would bring the total number of beneficiaries to 37,000 young Nigerians.
Olawande said participants would receive training in recycling, green business development and climate action.
He added that successful trainees would receive starter support to establish businesses in the green economy.
“The Waste-to-Wealth Initiative is more than skills acquisition; it is a platform for innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
He said the programme would help youths transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Maryam Ismaila-Keshinro, described the initiative as transformative.
She said it could create sustainable livelihoods and improve economic opportunities for young people.
Represented by Mr Adedoyin Oyekan, she urged participants to take the training seriously.
She advised them to develop entrepreneurial skills that would improve their lives and support national development.
Representing Governor Radda, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sirajo Yazid-Abukur, praised the intervention.
He described the programme as strategic in tackling youth unemployment and expanding economic opportunities.
The commissioner reaffirmed Katsina’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government on empowerment programmes.
He said such partnerships would promote entrepreneurship, innovation and skills acquisition among youths.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu, stressed the need for gender inclusion.
She urged organisers to ensure women benefited from the implementation of the initiative.
The Director-General of KASEDA, Dr Babangida Ruma, urged youths to view waste as an economic resource.
He said recycling could generate wealth and provide sustainable livelihoods for beneficiaries.
A member of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Ahmad Gambo-Mashi, commended the initiative.
He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and become self-reliant contributors to national growth.
(NAN)
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