Professionals Must Spearhead Southern Kaduna's Economic Renaissance – Capt. Danladi

The Founder of the Caleb Danladi Foundation and maritime expert, Capt. Caleb Danladi, has called on professionals from Southern Kaduna to take the lead in driving the region's economic renaissance, insisting that sustainable development can only be achieved through knowledge, innovation, mentorship and strategic investment in human capital.

Danladi made the call when he received members of the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF) on a courtesy visit at his official residence in Abuja.

Earlier, President of the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum, Arc. Samuel H. Yakubu, said the visit was part of the Forum's strategic engagement with accomplished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna aimed at mobilising support for the region's development agenda.

He explained that the Forum was established to bridge the gap between accomplished professionals and the younger generation through mentorship, career guidance, community service and leadership development, while restoring hope to many young people seeking direction in life.

Yakubu said the Forum was committed to identifying the region's developmental challenges and engaging distinguished professionals, captains of industry and other accomplished individuals occupying strategic positions in both the public and private sectors to contribute their expertise, experience and resources towards finding lasting solutions.

According to him, the economic renaissance of Southern Kaduna requires visionary leadership, innovation and the collective commitment of professionals who can provide practical, solution-driven ideas.

"Championing Southern Kaduna's economic revival will require all hands on deck, particularly professionals with critical thinking, innovative ideas and the capacity to mentor the next generation. No society can achieve sustainable development without harnessing the knowledge and expertise of its professionals," Yakubu said.

Responding, Capt. Danladi commended the Forum for bringing together accomplished professionals from different sectors, describing the initiative as a timely intervention capable of reshaping the future of Southern Kaduna.

According to him, the region is blessed with abundant human resources but has yet to fully harness the expertise of its professionals to address the socio-economic challenges confronting the people.

"Our professionals must spearhead Southern Kaduna's economic renaissance. Development cannot be left to politicians alone. Professionals have a responsibility to provide ideas, mentorship and practical solutions that will improve the lives of our people," he said.

Danladi noted that despite insecurity and economic hardship, Southern Kaduna youths have continued to demonstrate resilience, hard work and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

"Our youths are hardworking and determined to succeed. They have shown remarkable restraint despite the security challenges confronting our communities. What they need now are opportunities, mentorship and the right environment to excel," he stated.

He cautioned against relying solely on motivational speeches, stressing that genuine empowerment requires access to resources, education, skills and economic opportunities.

"You cannot transform lives through motivation alone. We must provide practical support. Mentorship is important, but it must be backed by opportunities, funding, skills acquisition and exposure."

The maritime expert urged the Forum to build sustainable platforms that would expose young people to career opportunities, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership rather than limiting its activities to networking.

According to him, professionals have a duty to guide the next generation by sharing their experiences and opening doors that many young people may not even know exist.

He disclosed that through the Caleb Danladi Foundation, he has consistently sponsored more than 350 students annually and plans to expand the initiative beyond JAMB registration to include career guidance, scholarships and mentorship programmes.

"Many of our young people are unaware of the educational and career opportunities available to them, both within and outside Nigeria. Information is powerful. When people know what is available, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about their future."

Danladi also threw his weight behind the proposed Southern Kaduna Economic Summit, describing it as a strategic platform that should produce practical solutions capable of transforming the region.

"I am ready to support the initiative. Let the summit produce measurable outcomes. Bring together successful professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders who can mentor our youths and expose them to opportunities that will change their lives."

He pledged to leverage his network by inviting accomplished professionals from various sectors to participate in the summit and inspire young people across Southern Kaduna.

The philanthropist stressed that university degrees alone are no longer sufficient in today's competitive economy, urging young people to acquire vocational, technical and entrepreneurial skills that would make them self-reliant.

"The future belongs to those with skills. We need more skill acquisition centres because not everyone will secure white-collar jobs. Skilled artisans, technicians and entrepreneurs are equally important in building a prosperous society."

He identified agriculture, fabrication, technology and entrepreneurship as sectors with enormous potential to create employment and reduce poverty across Southern Kaduna.

Speaking on education, Danladi lamented the increasing number of school-age children engaged in trading instead of attending school, insisting that education remains the most effective weapon against poverty and underdevelopment.

"Every child deserves an education. Whenever I see children hawking or roaming the streets during school hours, I ask questions because the future of every society depends on how well it educates its young people."

He also condemned jungle justice, calling for increased civic education and respect for the rule of law.

"Human life is sacred. We must teach our youths to respect the law and reject every form of mob action. Justice must always follow due process."

On politics, Danladi urged Southern Kaduna people not to allow political differences to undermine the unity of the region.

"We must never allow politics to divide us. Whether we are Christians or Muslims, APC, PDP or members of any other political party, our collective interest as Southern Kaduna people must always come first."

He maintained that lasting development would only be possible if the region remained united and deliberately invested in producing more professionals in critical fields such as medicine, engineering, aviation, law, science and technology.

"We should deliberately set targets to produce more doctors, engineers, lawyers, pilots and other professionals who will contribute to the development of Southern Kaduna. That is how societies grow."

Danladi further urged political leaders to prioritise investments in entrepreneurship, agriculture and job creation rather than short-term empowerment programmes, arguing that creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive would have a more lasting impact on the region's economic future.

End.