Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, isn't just talking about youth empowerment; he's putting cash behind it. On Friday, at the International Youth Day Conference, he handed over N3 million each to four groups of young Nigerians making waves in science and technology. This is about building a future where the generation that inherits the country also gets to prosper.

Among the recipients were a clutch of Computer Engineering students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. These bright sparks developed an innovative walking aid designed to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings. Imagine the impact for someone who can't see – a real tool to give them independence.

Then there's Fauziyya Muhammad Auwal, who is already making giant leaps. She’s a student at Kaduna State University and has already been named a candidate for the Titans Space Industries' astronaut program. She's Nigeria's first female analog astronaut for the 2026 LunAres Research Station in Poland. She also founded ASTHERA, an initiative focused on space technology. Nigeria is looking to the stars, and Fauziyya is leading the charge.

The governor also recognized eight sharp minds forming the Microchip Designers group. They've been selected for specialized training under the Kaduna State Human Capital Development initiative. In a world increasingly run by chips, this is a vital skill.

And we can't forget Al Amin Mohammed Idris and Shamsudeen Jibril, who actually won the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) NEXTGEN challenge. These guys are clearly already on the winning track.

Governor Sani made it clear that his administration is moving past just promises. 'We will continue to expand skills acquisition and vocational training,' he stated. 'Every young person deserves the opportunity to leave school with not only a certificate, but also a skill with which to earn a dignified living.' It’s about giving folks a real shot at making a decent living.

He also stressed the need to 'deepen digital literacy and technological innovation.' His vision? For Kaduna's youth to not just use technology, but to 'design, build and own them.' That's a bold statement, pushing young Nigerians from being consumers to creators in the digital economy.

'We will deepen entrepreneurship and access to finance,' the governor added. 'Too many promising ideas have been abandoned not for lack of talent, but for lack of opportunity and capital.' Brilliant ideas often die because the owner can't get a small loan. This is about fixing that.

But empowerment, Sani argued, isn't just about money or skills. It's about having a real say. 'Empowerment must ultimately include power, especially the power to participate and to influence decisions as well as to lead.' He wants to see 'credible pathways' for young people to get into public service, governance, and leadership. This should happen not as a favour, but because it’s the sensible thing to do. Young people are already leading everywhere – in businesses, communities, schools, and even social movements.

He didn't pretend the government could do it alone. 'The transformation we seek requires an ecosystem of government, private enterprise, civil society, development partners, educational institutions and, most importantly, young people themselves.' He called on everyone to chip in.

And to the young people listening? His advice was simple but powerful: 'Don't allow your local government, language, faith, gender, economic circumstance or disability to determine the limits of your ambition.' He urged them to 'build relationships beyond the boundaries you inherited' and to 'refuse to surrender your imagination to the difficulties of the present.'

Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, the Commissioner of Youth Development, highlighted the day's theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” She noted that no matter if you're from the bustling Kaduna metropolis, the farming communities of Sabon Gari and Birnin Gwari, or the trade centres of southern Kaduna, the desires are the same: good jobs, real opportunities, peace, security, and a voice in decisions. She has been coordinating youth policies since the ministry was created in 2025.

She praised Governor Sani as a leader who delivers, pointing out that his commitment is seen in actions, like establishing the dedicated Ministry of Youth Development. This ensures youth matters are central, not just an afterthought.