The President of AA Zaura Foundation International, Alhaji Abdussalam Abdulkareem Zaura, on Saturday, lauded the graduation of 95 Kano youths who completed the Digital Entrepreneurship for Nigerian Youth Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming agriculture through digital innovation.
Delivering a keynote speech during the graduation ceremony held in Kano, Zaura expressed pride and optimism over what he described as a “historic occasion” for youth empowerment in Nigeria.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely about awarding diplomas in digital entrepreneurship,” he said.
“It is about marking the beginning of a new era — one where Kano youth no longer wait for opportunities, but create them.”
The programme, implemented in partnership with the University of Sunderland and the London Academy Business School, focused on digital entrepreneurship and agricultural value chain production, equipping participants with cutting-edge skills to drive innovation in one of Nigeria’s most critical sectors.
Zaura praised the graduating cohort for their dedication, courage, and resilience throughout the course, noting that they are now armed not just with diplomas, but with tools to transform their communities.
“You came into this programme with curiosity and perhaps uncertainty,” he told the graduates.
“but you are leaving now with competence, confidence, and a clear direction. You have been trained not only to grow food, but to grow ideas and lead the transformation of agriculture from soil to screen — from Kano to the global marketplace.”
The philanthropist also extended appreciation to the programme’s international partners, highlighting their role in co-creating a curriculum tailored to local realities while maintaining global standards.
“This is how global collaboration should work,” Zaura said.
“It should be rooted in the needs of the people, driven by dignity, and focused on long-term transformation.”
Zaura further emphasized the need for continued support to enable the graduates to scale their innovations and build viable agri-tech enterprises.
“We must not let these bright flames dim,” he urged community stakeholders, policymakers, and investors.
“These young people must be integrated into larger value chains to become drivers of Nigeria’s agricultural and technological renaissance.”
He also commended the AA Zaura Foundation team for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the foundation’s broader project: “From Streets to Straight”, which promotes social transformation and inclusive prosperity.
In his closing remarks, Zaura issued a powerful call to action to the graduating Class of 2025.
“Go forth and disrupt the digital ecosystem and the marketplace. Go forth and lead. Feed our people — digitally and sustainably. When you rise, Kano rises. Nigeria rises. Africa rises.”
The event marks another milestone in the foundation’s growing reputation for delivering impactful youth-focused development programmes in Northern Nigeria.
The graduates were awarded global-standard diplomas in digital entrepreneurship, with plans underway to support them through business incubation, mentorship, and integration into local agricultural production chains.
