The Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya (Walin Sokoto), has congratulated Nigerian youths, particularly the young people of Sokoto State, on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day, describing them as a critical force in nation-building, economic development, technological advancement and the future prosperity of Nigeria.
Hon. Dan’iya, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, said the occasion should go beyond celebration and serve as an opportunity for young Nigerians to reflect on their responsibilities to themselves, their communities and the nation. He urged youths to acquire quality education, practical knowledge, digital skills and a proper understanding of emerging technologies, stressing that countries that will succeed in the modern economy are those that invest in the knowledge and creativity of their young population.
Available National Bureau of Statistics data from the National Baseline Youth Survey puts the number of young people aged 18–35 in Sokoto State at approximately 1.40 million, comprising 654,410 males and 742,258 females. The figures underscore the enormous human capital represented by Sokoto’s young population and the importance of creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
The ADC gubernatorial candidate encouraged young people not to depend exclusively on white-collar employment but to acquire entrepreneurial and vocational skills that can enable them to create wealth and employment for themselves and others. He called for comprehensive curriculum reform in Sokoto and Nigeria to make entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy, innovation and practical skills an integral part of education from the primary level, stressing that young people should be equipped early with the knowledge required to compete in a changing global economy.
Hon. Dan’iya also urged young Nigerians to explore the growing opportunities in sports, technology, creative industries and other emerging sectors, noting that sports have become a significant source of livelihood and international opportunities for millions of young people around the world. He encouraged youths to remain focused and reject recruitment into extremist, criminal or terrorist organisations that exploit economic hardship and desperation by offering quick but destructive financial gains. He stressed that the future of Sokoto and Nigeria cannot be built through violence, crime or extremism, but through education, enterprise, innovation, discipline and productive citizenship.
He further called on governments, educational institutions, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the private sector to work together in developing programmes that give young people meaningful opportunities to learn, innovate and participate in economic activities. Hon. Dan’iya reaffirmed his commitment to placing youth development at the centre of his administration’s agenda, with emphasis on education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, technology, sports and employment opportunities, while wishing Nigerian youths a peaceful, productive and inspiring International Youth Day 2026.
Signed:Aminu AbdullahiMedia Aide
