…Our youth cannot afford to miss the opportunity – KADA GM
… Ministry of youth development is open to partnership with NEPC – Commissioner
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called on the Kaduna State government to partner with it to create job opportunities for the youth in the State, saying the State has in abundance what it takes to go into Non-oil export business promotions.
The NEPC, a federal government Agency for the promotion of Non-oil exports, on Tuesday, in Kaduna organised a youth export development programme with the theme: From Passion to Port: Unlocking Youth Export Potential”.
Addressing the participants, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni said the programme was hosted in Kaduna to complement the efforts of the State government in enhancing the livelihood of young people in the State.
The NEPC boss was represented at the occasion by the Kaduna State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr. Kajuru Y. Sadoh.
According to Ayeni, “This Youth Export Development Programme is hosted in Kaduna to complement the efforts of the State Government in implementing youth-focused initiatives designed to enhance the livelihoods of young people in the State.
“Our goal is to equip youth-led businesses in Kaduna State to compete internationally, by leveraging the strategic position of the State as an industrial hub to export products such as ginger, maize, tomatoes, soybeans and cotton, which are produced in large quantities within the region.
“Let us work together to integrate more youth into the non-oil export ecosystem, and thereby promote job creation, community development and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
“We are gathered here today to unlock opportunities in non-oil export that will transform our youth from job seekers into wealth creators and employers of labour, positioning them for success in the global marketplace.
“As the Federal Government of Nigeria’s apex institution for the promotion and development of non-oil exports in Nigeria, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), is deeply committed to increasing youth participation in non-oil export value chains, by providing capacity building, mentorship, advisory services and trade facilitation services that are accessible to young entrepreneurs operating in the non-oil sector”.
In his goodwill message, the General Manager, Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), Muhammad A.Rili explained the efforts being made by the State government to encourage the youth to go into self-reliance opportunities.
“In Kaduna State, agriculture is not just a tradition, it is a strategic economic driver. Through the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), we are working to transform
agriculture into a modern, technology-driven, export-oriented sector. We see young people not as beneficiaries, but as partners in innovation from developing value-added products to tapping into niche export markets.
“Many of our youth have brilliant ideas—processing ginger into premium spice blends, turning hibiscus into high-value tea products, or transforming shea butter into world-class cosmetics. But ideas alone cannot cross the seas; they need structure, market intelligence, and adherence to international standards.
“This is why KADA works closely with agencies like NEPC to provide training in product quality certification, packaging, and compliance with international trade requirements.
“Kaduna’s youth should not just compete in local markets; they should dominate in global value chains. When we speak of “port,” we are not only talking about physical export points. The ‘port’ also represents readiness—having the capacity, networks, and confidence to ship our products anywhere in the world.
“This means equipping youth with technical and entrepreneurial skills, access to Finance, ensuring affordable financing for start-up export ventures, connecting young producers directly to buyers abroad, leveraging e-commerce to bypass traditional bottlenecks.
“And let us remember: According to Scriptures the Bible in Psalms 90 verse 10 and the Hadiths 2233 reminds us that life’s span is often between 60 and 70 years. In such a brief window, we cannot afford to move at the pace of hesitation. The future of Kaduna’s youth deserves the growth speed of Mach 23 — 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 km/h), breaking barriers, crossing new frontiers, and turning potential into performance.
This is not a call for reckless haste; it is a call for disciplined urgency moving fast with purpose, fuelled by innovation, guided by critical thinking, and anchored in shared values.
“Under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, and through KADA’s programs, we are building an environment where our youth can think big, act fast, and create lasting impact. In a lifetime that passes swiftly, the real legacy is how quickly and wisely we transform ideas into realities that serve generations to come”. Muhammad Rili said.
On her part, the State Commissioner of Youth Development, Gloria Ibrahim, who was represented by the permanent Secretary of the ministry, Al-Amin Murtala Daboh said, “We have so far, reactivates partnerships and enhance relationships with reputable organisations and donors both local and international for the youth of Kaduna state to directly feel the impact of the ministry, and to also become the best youth in whole of Nigeria in terms of creativity, innovations and self-reliance.
“We are also looking forward to more partnerships and programmes that will equip our youth with skills, innovations, entrepreneurship and more. We must appreciate Nigerian Export Promotion Council for organizing this program in Kaduna state and the ministry of Youth Development is open to partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for youth related programme and intervention”.
