Dan’iya Urges Nigerian Youths to Embrace Skills, Innovation, Reject Extremism

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Munir Muhammad Dan’iya, has congratulated Nigerian youths, particularly young people in Sokoto State, on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day.

Dan’iya, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, described youths as a critical force in nation-building, economic development, technological advancement and Nigeria’s future prosperity.

He said the celebration should go beyond festivities and provide an opportunity for young Nigerians to reflect on their responsibilities to themselves, their communities and the nation.

The ADC candidate urged youths to acquire quality education, practical knowledge, digital skills and an understanding of emerging technologies, stressing that countries that will succeed in the modern economy are those that invest in the knowledge, skills and creativity of their young population.

According to available National Bureau of Statistics data from the National Baseline Youth Survey, Sokoto State has approximately 1.40 million young people aged 18–35, comprising 654,410 males and 742,258 females.

Dan’iya said the figures highlight the enormous human capital represented by Sokoto’s youthful population and the need to create opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

He encouraged youths not to depend solely on white-collar employment but to acquire entrepreneurial and vocational skills that could enable them to create wealth and employment for themselves and others.

He also called for comprehensive curriculum reforms in Sokoto State and Nigeria to make entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy, innovation and practical skills integral parts of education from the primary level.

According to him, young people must be equipped early with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in an increasingly changing global economy.

Dan’iya further urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities in sports, technology, the creative industries and other emerging sectors, noting that sports have become an important source of livelihood and international opportunities for millions of young people globally.

He warned youths against recruitment into extremist, criminal and terrorist organisations, which he said exploit economic hardship and desperation by offering quick but destructive financial gains.

“The future of Sokoto and Nigeria cannot be built through violence, crime or extremism, but through education, enterprise, innovation, discipline and productive citizenship,” he said.

The ADC governorship candidate also called on governments, educational institutions, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the private sector to collaborate on programmes that would provide young people with meaningful opportunities to learn, innovate and participate in economic activities.

Dan’iya reaffirmed his commitment to making youth development a central pillar of his administration’s agenda, with emphasis on education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, technology, sports and employment opportunities.