Zamfara State to Support Youth Talents with Annual Competition

The Zamfara State Government is planning to make its Youth Intellectual Competition an annual event. They want to reach all 14 Local Government Areas and 147 wards in the state. This is part of efforts to find, nurture, and develop the skills of young people.

Bilal AbdulRahman, who is the Coordinator of the Zamfara @30 Competition and Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady, shared this news during the competition in Gusau, the state capital.

AbdulRahman said the competition was set up by the Office of the First Lady, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, together with the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The goal is to support regular classroom learning and give students a chance to show off their intellectual skills.

He explained that the initiative aims to boost critical thinking, creativity, public speaking, and academic excellence. It also creates chances to spot and develop exceptional talents among students.

He mentioned that the impressive skills and readiness shown by participants in the first edition strengthened the organisers' wish to make this competition a yearly event.

AbdulRahman revealed plans to extend the competition to all 14 local government areas and 147 wards. This will give more students across the state equal chances to join and showcase their talents.

He added that while the competition will start as an annual event, they might consider making it twice a year due to the increasing interest from students.

AbdulRahman noted that nearly 1,000 applications came in within a month after the online registration opened, with over 150 applications received in the first week alone.

He pointed out that students could register individually instead of going through their schools. This approach is meant to ensure that every interested student gets a chance to participate, no matter what school they attend.

Unfortunately, he said the first edition could not accept all the applicants. The overwhelming response from young people across the state was the reason.

He said this high level of interest shows the great intellectual capacity and enthusiasm of Zamfara youths. He stressed that more platforms are needed to discover and develop their talents.

AbdulRahman also mentioned that some participants used poetry and other creative forms to address the negative views about Zamfara linked to insecurity. They expressed their hopes and determination for a peaceful and successful future.

He insisted that this competition would not just focus on academic skills but would also empower young people. It aims to encourage positive expression and highlight the talents and creativity present in Zamfara State.