Former military President Ibrahim Babangida, and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, have canvassed sustained investment in youth empowerment as a strategic pathway to national development.

The elder statesmen made the call during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Balarabe Umaru Audi Youth Centre (BUAY-C), a non-governrmnental organisation (NGO) in Minna on Monday.

The event brought together political leaders, technocrats, traditional title holders and members of the Audi family to celebrate the first set of beneficiaries trained by the centre.

Mr Babangida, represented by Nurudeen Lemu, member, Board of Trustees, BUAY-C, underscored the critical role of young people in driving economic growth, innovation and national stability.

He, however, described the late Mr Audi as an exceptional educationist, disciplined administrator and philanthropist whose legacy of service continues to inspire.

“Through his passion for learning, he inspired countless young people to pursue knowledge, discipline and excellence. His life was defined by service, generosity and leadership,” he said.

Mr Babangida noted that BUAY-C was a living legacy of the late statesman, reflecting his dedication to empowerment and community development and commended the board and management of the centre for their resilience and vision.

Also speaking, Mr Abdulsalami thanked the children and grandchildren of the late Mr Audi for deeming it fit to establish the centre to equip young people with beneficial skills.

He urged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the centre and to make proper use of the starter packs provided to them.

“You have been trained and given starter packs. Make judicious use of them. Do not sell them to buy telephones. Use them to build your future,” he said.

In his address, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger reaffirmed that youth empowerment remained at the heart of his administration’s New Niger Agenda.

Mr Bago, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, described the graduation as a pivotal step towards equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance and economic productivity.

“Centres like BUAY-C complement government efforts by expanding opportunities and bringing skills training closer to our communities.

“This is the kind of partnership and private initiative we encourage and will continue to support.

“To our graduating students, skill is power, wealth, independence and responsibility. Use what you have learned not only to earn a living but to uplift others,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, Justice Fati Lami-Abubakar, founder and chairperson of BUAY-C, said the centre was established in honour of the late Waziri of Minna, Mr Audi, to institutionalise his legacy of integrity, discipline and public service.

She said the initiative was conceived as a platform to translate enduring values into opportunities for vulnerable and underserved youths and women.

Mrs Abubakar said the centre focused on empowerment, dignity and sustainability rather than charity, with beneficiaries selected through a transparent process based on their potential.

“To you our granduants, you were chosen not out of pity, but out of potential. The skills you have acquired are tools, while your character will determine how far those tools will take you.” she said.

She urged the graduants to see the ceremony as the beginning of responsibility and to serve as ambassadors of the centre’s core values of integrity, discipline, hard work and service.

She reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to expanding its programmes, strengthening transparency and accountability, and deepening its impact in youth development across the state.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, retired Col. Sani Bello, commended the founder for establishing a centre focused on practical skills acquisition.

He advised beneficiaries not to cut corners but to strive for excellence in their chosen trades.

Also speaking, Abubakar Sani Bello, former governor of Niger, described the initiative as timely, noting that Nigeria produces about 500,000 graduates annually with far fewer jobs available.

He said vocational and technical training provides a realistic pathway to tackle unemployment and urged the graduants to utilise their starter packs to improve their lives and support their families.

The CEO  of BUAY-C, Daoda Kanneh, said that the centre, registered on Nov. 11, 2024, was created to bridge gaps in youth development opportunities.

He said its programmes cover literacy and numeracy, life skills, technical and vocational education, digital literacy, and job placement.

He said the centre had so far trained 50 youths, 25 males and 25 females and remained committed to expanding partnerships, upgrading equipment and fostering entrepreneurship. 

(NAN)