By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.
In a bid to combat unemployment and foster youth empowerment, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has empowered over 200 youths on a platform, the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition program.
This program, inaugurated on November 18, 2024, aims to equip young individuals with vocational skills and starter packs, setting them on the path to entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
The Governor while addressing graduands on Saturday at the Muhammad Buhari Square, Lokoja reaffirmed his determination to empowering the youths in skills acquisition and other innovations that could take the youths out from the street.
“Upon my inauguration in the office, I promised that our youths will have greater opportunities to develop skills for innovation and creative enterprise, today, that promise has been fulfilled through dynamic initiative like Kogi Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme,” he said.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for youth empowerment in the state, Governor Ododo assured the president of one hundred percent support from Kogi state come 2027.
Gov Ododo also directed all the state contractors to engage the services of the trained youths in any area their services are needed.
He further urged the chairman Kogi State Internal Revenue service to ease the tax burden of the trained youths.
The beneficiaries, carefully selected from across the state, have undergone intensive three-month training at the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) in Lokoja. This comprehensive training program has equipped them with skills in: Automotive Mechatronics, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing and Fittings, Electrical Installations and Repairs, Solar System Installation and Repairs, Computer Hardware Maintenance and Repairs, Networking and Systems Security, CCTV Installation and Photography.
During the training, participants received monthly stipends and accommodation from the state government, ensuring that they could focus on acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen vocations. To further support their entrepreneurial endeavors, the beneficiaries have received starter packs, certificates of proficiency, and registered business names.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sunday Faleke, praised the program, stating that it has empowered over 200 professionals in 9 vocational skills.
He noted that implementation of the programme reaffirmed Governor Ododo’s commitment to youth empowerment and self-sufficiency.
