Renowned development advocate and founder of the Maikaya Development Foundation, Dr. Muhammed Musa Maikaya, has intensified consultations with stakeholders across the three geopolitical zones of Nasarawa State as he engages widely on a transformative vision aimed at tackling youth unemployment and repositioning the state for inclusive development.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Dr. Maikaya unveiled what he described as an ambitious and data-driven youth employment revolution, promising that “no graduate will return home to roam the streets after NYSC” if he is elected governor.
Dr. Maikaya, who was a leading aspirant in the 2019 APC governorship primaries before stepping down under a consensus arrangement, said his renewed aspiration is driven by his commitment to service, innovation, and inclusive development.
According to him, his newly launched ideology, tagged New Vision, Real Impact for Nasarawa, was inspired by the realities of ordinary citizens across the state. “My inspiration comes from the people,” he said. “I was born in Toto and raised among hardworking men and women who dream of better opportunities. My 25-year international experience has shown me how visionary leadership transforms societies.”
On the state’s development trajectory, he noted that Nasarawa has made measurable progress since its creation in 1996, especially in infrastructure, education, and ICT. However, he stressed that “far more needs to be done to unlock its full potential.”
Unveiling his central agenda, Dr. Maikaya said youth empowerment remains “the heartbeat” of his vision. To achieve this, he announced plans to establish a Nasarawa Directorate of Employment (NDE), which will serve as a central employment and empowerment hub for all youths in the state.
“The Directorate will record, profile, support, and ensure every qualified youth is employed or empowered,” he said. He explained that the agency will operate a Post-NYSC Youth Capture System to digitally register every graduate immediately after service, monitor federal job openings, and push qualified candidates forward for placement in agencies such as Immigration, Customs, NSCDC, Road Safety Corps, and federal ministries.
He added that the Directorate would “partner with the private sector, industries, and financial institutions to create employment linkages” while offering structured training in ICT, agriculture, renewable energy, mechanics, fabrication, fashion, hospitality, film, and creative arts.
Dr. Maikaya further revealed a Two-Year Enterprise Support Programme that will provide start-up capital, tools, mentorship, and monitored business development support to young entrepreneurs across the state.
Describing the proposal as realistic, he stated that funding would come from state budgetary provisions, public–private partnerships, development agencies, federal employment grants, and returns from state-owned enterprises. “With intentional leadership and transparency, resources will align,” he assured.
He argued that his model as sustainable. According to him, “For the first time, Nasarawa will be able to say: ‘We know every graduate, their skills, where they can fit in, and we are responsible for helping them succeed.’”
Addressing the needs of youths without formal education, he maintained that “every youth matters,” promising massive investment in artisanship, technical skills, sports, agriculture, local manufacturing, renewable energy installation, and digital economy skills.
Dr. Maikaya also pledged to continue and improve on the achievements of the current administration, saying, “Governor Abdullahi Sule has done remarkably well in industrialization, solid minerals, ease of doing business, and infrastructure. Leadership is about continuity, improvement, and innovation.”
Highlighting broader economic goals, he said his New Vision agenda rests on key pillars including economic diversification, human capital development, healthcare, infrastructure renewal, empowerment of women and youths, security, institutional reforms, and environmental sustainability.
To the youths of Nasarawa, he delivered a message of hope: “Do not give up. Your dreams matter. With structured empowerment and good governance, Nasarawa youths will no longer roam the streets, they will lead the economy.”
Dr. Maikaya further pledged integrity and impact-driven governance. “I promise integrity, competence, and compassion. A government that listens, delivers, and makes real impact. Together, we will build a Nasarawa that works for all.”
