Lado Dan Marke, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Katsina State, has pledged to address youth unemployment and ensure that academic qualifications translate into meaningful economic opportunities.

Mr Dan Marke made the promise on Saturday in Katsina while inaugurating a 17-member advisory committee of his campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“For our youths, the time of dumping certificates is over,” he said.

He said that if elected, he would prioritise policies that would enable young people to secure employment, establish businesses, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

The candidate identified agriculture, education, healthcare, and irrigation as priority sectors to create economic opportunities and improve livelihoods.

He also promised to adopt a market-oriented economic approach to stimulate private-sector activity, address poverty, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Mr Dan Marke expressed concern over what he described as excessive taxation and extortion, pledging to introduce measures that would ease the burden on businesses and residents.

On healthcare, he promised to establish specialist hospitals to improve access to advanced medical services and reduce medical tourism.

He also said his business background had given him practical experience in enterprise management, stressing that he would apply such experience to promote economic development.

Earlier, the PDP state chairman, Nura Ahmadi, introduced the 17-member advisory committee and urged members to demonstrate commitment to the party’s success.

The director-general of the campaign council, Sagiru Musa, called on supporters to work together towards achieving the party’s objective of changing the state’s leadership.

(NAN)