Kaduna Gov’t unveils RUMDA smart skills hub in Kafanchan

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, yesterday declared the RUMDA Smart Hub in Kafanchan open, describing the facility as more than a building and a critical investment in the future of young people in Southern Kaduna.
Speaking at the official commissioning in Jema’a Local Government Area, Dr. Balarabe said the hub represents vision, philanthropy and partnership.
“This occasion is significant for more than the commissioning of a new facility.
“It is a celebration of vision, philanthropy, partnership and, above all, a commitment to the future of our young people,” she said.
She commended the founder, Professor Bashir Idris, Lifidin Jema’a Emirate, for bringing the initiative to reality.
“By committing his resources, experience and goodwill to this project, he has demonstrated that development is a shared responsibility and that individuals and communities can make a meaningful contribution to the progress of society.
“You have not simply constructed a building; you have created an avenue through which young people can acquire relevant skills, develop their talents and participate meaningfully in the emerging digital economy,” she added.
Dr. Balarabe said the establishment of the hub comes at a pivotal time as technology reshapes work globally.
She noted that the project aligns with the human capital agenda of the administration of Governor Senator Uba Sani, which has already established three state-owned skills hubs considered to be among the best equipped in Nigeria.
“Our administration recognizes that the future of Kaduna depends substantially on the capacity of our young people to acquire relevant skills, become productive and take advantage of the opportunities presented by a changing economy.
“The establishment of the RUMDA SMART HUB therefore complements these ongoing efforts. It demonstrates that the responsibility for developing our people is not the responsibility of government alone,” she stated.
The Deputy Governor outlined the Hub’s mandate as a platform for digital skills development, educational support, professional technology solutions, capacity building and consultancy services.
She said young people will have opportunities to learn computer literacy, coding, graphic design, data analysis and digital enterprise.
According to her, “More importantly, the Hub has the potential to connect our young people with opportunities beyond their immediate environment, including remote work, digital entrepreneurship, professional networks and global markets.
“A skill acquired today can become an income tomorrow. A young person trained in this Hub can become an employer of labor in the future.”
Dr. Balarabe urged youth to take ownership of the facility and called for broader community support for skills development.
“The opportunity has been provided. It is now your responsibility to make the most of it. Do not be afraid to learn.
“Do not be afraid to start small. Do not be discouraged by failure,” she told the gathering.
She also urged other professionals and philanthropists to emulate Professor Idris, stressing that “if every person who has acquired a measure of success decides to support one young person, the cumulative impact will be enormous.”