Kaduna state government has reiterated its determination toward providing more opportunities for young people to learn, share experiences, and work towards achieving a common vision for better future of the State and the country in general.
The State governor, Malam Uba Sani stated this at the graduation ceremony of the 5th Cohort of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellows held at government House Kaduna.
Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship KIF is a one-year leadership training programme for young Nigerians between the age of 25-35 years. The programme is aimed at creating a network of high potential young Nigerians who are expected to rise to top leadership positions in the public sector and other spheres of activity over the next decade.
Governor Uba Sani noted that, to achieve progress and development, younger generation must think outside the box to achieve their full potentials, commended former governor of the State, Malam Nasiru Elrufai for initiating the programme.
The governor pointed out that, Kashim Ibrahim Fellows programme was the first of its kind in the country and is worthy of emulation by any state interested in empowering the youths to realize their potentials.
According to him, the Fellows during the programme were posted to Ministries, Departments and Agencies as Special Assistants to the Governor where they actively learn, engage in high-level meetings, and provide monthly reports to the Governor.
Malam Uba Sani emphasized that, Programmes like the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship played a vital role in fostering unity in the country and pledged to sustain it.
“Programmes like the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship play a vital role in fostering unity in the country,
“The Kaduna State Government launched the inaugural class of KIF in August 2018 and has since then graduated 70 fellows who have continued to excel in their chosen fields, forming a fast-growing and dynamic network of fellows and mentors across Nigeria and beyond”.
He who stressed that, the graduation of 24 additional fellows brought the number of the graduands to 94, urged them to always strive for excellent.
“I urge the graduating fellows to emulate the ideals for which His Excellency, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i has become a household name in Nigeria and Africa. He is an embodiment of excellence in public service, commitment, dedication, integrity, courage, high intellect and selflessness. Having gone through Mallam El-Rufai’s School of Leadership, you must at all times strive for excellence”.
The administrator of Kashim Ibrahim Fellows, Mrs Zainab Mohammed thanked the governing board and steering committee for their hard work and commitment to nurturing the Fellows for five years.
Mrs Zainab Mohammad urged the graduands to always uphold the KIF value of integrity, dedication, hard work respect, self discipline and selflessness.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to her to build KIF with all the necessary support from scratch by translating an idea into a transformational training programme that has become an example of what government can do to build an efficient public service.
Mrs Zainab Mohammed said the fellows has given an account of themselves through the various projects executed during the journey.
Speaking with newsmen, Anas Abubakar expressed optimism for being the overall best graduating fellow of this cohort.
He stressed the need for young generation to rise up and contribute immensely to ensure progress of the country.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to best fellows and presentation of certificates.
AMINU DALHATU
