Youth Empowerment Must Go Beyond Distributing Okada, Tricycles – Kwara NDC Reps Candidate, Atagisoro

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Shuaib Muhammad Jamiu Atagisoro, has called for a broader approach to youth empowerment that goes beyond the distribution of motorcycles and tricycles as means of livelihood.

Atagisoro said while motorcycles and tricycles could provide young people with immediate sources of income, sustainable empowerment programmes should equip them with skills, knowledge and opportunities that can improve their long-term economic prospects.

He made the call in a statement on youth empowerment, stressing the need for greater access to vocational and technical education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, mentorship and financial support.

According to him, young people should be supported to acquire skills that would enable them to progress from motorcycle and tricycle riders to skilled professionals, technicians, entrepreneurs, business owners and employers of labour.

“Youth empowerment should go beyond providing motorcycles and tricycles as a means of livelihood. While such support can provide immediate income, young people deserve opportunities that can help them build sustainable careers and become more economically independent.”

The NDC candidate said empowerment programmes should not focus solely on addressing the immediate needs of young people, but should also create pathways to sustainable employment and economic independence.

He noted that investment in skills, knowledge and opportunities would not only create income-generating opportunities but also contribute to stronger families, businesses and communities.

Atagisoro acknowledged the role motorcycles and tricycles can play in providing immediate livelihoods but urged policymakers to consider opportunities available to beneficiaries beyond their initial means of income.

“How do we help young people acquire skills, gain experience, start businesses, access technology, and discover opportunities beyond the first means of livelihood available to them?” he asked.

He added that young people should have opportunities to transition from simply earning a living to building sustainable careers.

According to him, with the right skills and opportunities, a motorcycle or tricycle rider could eventually become a technician, entrepreneur, professional or employer of labour.

Atagisoro further stated that, if elected, his priorities would include young people, the elderly and vulnerable members of the constituency.

He said his administration would focus on programmes aimed at helping youths develop skills and access opportunities in skilled professions, businesses, technology, trades and other sustainable areas of employment.

The candidate concluded that youth empowerment should be centred on “creating possibilities, not limiting potential.”