Prof Murtala Sabo Sagagi of Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano
Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi of Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano, has called on the state to generate at least 300,000 new jobs annually to tackle its growing youth unemployment crisis.
Speaking at the Purple Bow Youth Leadership Conference, Sagagi noted that a study conducted over a decade ago recommended this figure, but successive governments have failed to act on it.
He highlighted that nearly half of Kano’s estimated eight to nine million residents are young people, many of whom are unengaged, posing long-term socio-economic risks. While states such as Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River integrate job creation into development planning, most northern states have yet to adopt such strategic approaches.
Sagagi commended WIFCOH for fostering youth creativity and innovation, comparing it to India’s youth-driven economic transformation. Founder Senator Baraka Sani urged young people to embrace self-reliance, versatility, and continuous learning as government jobs become increasingly scarce.
The conference, themed “Awakening the Leader Within: From Self-Discovery to Service”, attracted over 1,000 participants and also addressed youth mental health.
Organisers aim to cultivate a generation of innovative, responsible, and independent leaders who can contribute meaningfully to society.
