By Ali Rabiu Ali Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government has trained over 2082 youths in date palm tree plantation as part of its efforts to improve the economic standard of young people in the state. The training ceremony was held on September 22, 2025, at the Famisau NYSC orientation camp in Dutse.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi stated that the program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope program and his administration’s 12-point agenda. He expressed delight in seeing 400 youths empowered with the Jigawa State Date Palm Development Program, which will benefit 1042 youths with half a hectare of land each.
The governor noted that the program will bring economic empowerment to youths across the state, and each trainee will receive a certificate to ensure professionalism in date palm farming. Dr. Abdulhamid Hamza Muhammad, Head of the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) substation in Dutse, highlighted the nutritional benefits of dates and their potential to support brain health and prevent diseases.
According to Dr. Muhammad, a date palm tree can yield 60-70 kg of dates, and a youth can earn over N20 million annually by planting date palms on a hector of land. A consultant, Malam Dahiru Jigawa, estimated that the date palm initiative could generate over N140 billion annually in the state.
One of the youths, Abdullahi Babaro from Birniwa Local Government Area, expressed confidence that he would become a millionaire within three years of implementing the skills he learned. Another youth representative noted that they learned various ways to process dates, including making date palm foods and drinks.
The governor urged the youths to sustain their efforts and dedication to taking care of their farms. A consultant requested that the governor provide additional support to the youths to advance their activities and ensure the success of the date palm initiative.
