By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
Dr. Muhammed Musa Maikaya, development advocate and founder of the Maikaya Development Foundation, has intensified consultations with stakeholders across Nasarawa State as he advances his youth employment plan ahead of the 2027 governorship race. The consultations, held across the state’s three geopolitical zones, aim to refine what he describes as a transformative strategy to tackle youth unemployment and drive inclusive development.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Dr. Maikaya unveiled an ambitious, data-driven framework he calls a youth employment revolution, asserting that “no graduate will return home to roam the streets after NYSC” if elected governor. The initiative is a central pillar of his newly introduced ideology, New Vision, Real Impact for Nasarawa.
Dr. Maikaya, a leading aspirant during the 2019 APC governorship primaries, said his renewed political ambition is motivated by service, innovation, and real engagement with citizens.
“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.”
He noted that Nasarawa has recorded measurable progress in education, ICT, and infrastructure since its creation in 1996, but emphasized that “far more needs to be done to unlock the state’s full potential.”
Nasarawa Directorate of Employment to Drive Youth Empowerment
Central to the Maikaya youth employment plan is the establishment of a Nasarawa Directorate of Employment (NDE). The proposed agency will serve as a central hub for profiling, training, and placing young people in employment or enterprise pathways.
According to him, the Directorate will implement a Post-NYSC Youth Capture System designed to digitally register every graduate after national service. The system will track federal job openings and support qualified candidates in securing positions in government agencies, including Immigration, Customs, NSCDC, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and federal ministries.
He added that the Directorate will collaborate with private-sector employers, industries, and financial institutions to expand job opportunities. Training programmes will cover ICT, agriculture, renewable energy, mechanics, fabrication, fashion, hospitality, film production, and other creative fields.
Enterprise Support and Funding Strategy
Dr. Maikaya also announced a Two-Year Enterprise Support Programme that will provide start-up capital, tools, mentorship, and monitored development for young entrepreneurs. He said the programme will be financed through state budgetary provisions, public–private partnerships, development agencies, federal employment grants, and revenue from state-owned enterprises.
“With intentional leadership and transparency, resources will align,” he said, describing the plan as both realistic and sustainable.
He added that the approach will allow Nasarawa to, for the first time, maintain accurate data on graduates and match them to suitable opportunities.
“We will know every graduate, their skills, and where they can fit in—and we will help them succeed,” he said.
Addressing non-graduate youths, Dr. Maikaya emphasized that “every youth matters,” outlining plans for expanded training in artisanship, sports, agriculture, local manufacturing, renewable energy installation, and digital economy skills.
He also commended the current administration, stating that Governor Abdullahi Sule has recorded notable achievements in industrialization, solid minerals, ease of doing business, and infrastructure.
“Leadership is about continuity, improvement, and innovation,” he added.
Dr. Maikaya said his New Vision agenda is anchored on economic diversification, human capital development, healthcare enhancement, infrastructure renewal, institutional reforms, security, and environmental sustainability.
In a message to the youth, he urged resilience.
“Do not give up. Your dreams matter. With structured empowerment and good governance, Nasarawa youths will not roam the streets—they will lead the economy.”
He pledged an administration rooted in integrity, competence, and impact.
“Together, we will build a Nasarawa that works for all,” he said.
