The Director General of the Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency (KOSSIPA), Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, has hosted volunteers and apprentices ahead of the My People First Foundation’s upcoming Skills Acquisition Programme targeted at empowering residents of Kogi Central with practical, income-generating skills.
The initiative is designed to provide participants with diverse vocational training, including tailoring and fashion design, hairdressing and barbing, catering and baking, computer literacy, graphic design, digital marketing, phone and gadget repairs, carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical installation, shoemaking, bead making, soap and detergent production, makeup artistry, photography, videography, interior decoration, agriculture and agro-processing, fish and poultry farming, as well as tie and dye, among others.
Speaking during the engagement, Omade expressed delight at the overwhelming interest in the programme, disclosing that more than 1,500 offline and 2,000 online applications have already been received. She particularly commended the enthusiasm of young people, including students, who are eager to gain skills and build sustainable livelihoods.
She also praised the participation of elderly women, noting that their willingness to learn reinforces the idea that personal development and skill acquisition are not limited by age.
In a notable highlight of the event, the KOSSIPA DG awarded automatic scholarships to three teenagers in recognition of their dedication and passion for education. The scholarships will support their pursuit of tertiary education at institutions of their choice.
Omade reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to tackling poverty and promoting economic independence through sustainable empowerment programmes. She emphasized that equipping individuals with practical skills remains a vital strategy for long-term development.
“Empowerment through skills goes beyond temporary support—it creates lasting opportunities for self-reliance, strengthens communities, and helps reduce crime by engaging people in productive ventures,” she stated.
The event was also attended by Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata, Technical Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, who commended the initiative and pledged continued support for programmes aimed at grassroots development.
Under Omade’s leadership, the My People First Foundation continues to play a significant role in driving community development through impactful initiatives focused on human capital development and social welfare.
