Opinion: Gov. Bello, Empower Kogi Youths In These Five Ways

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Governor Yahaya Bello has continued to enjoy the support of Kogi state Youths despite the harsh economic climate. This is because the trust he has gained over the time he is governor has not withered.

His actions towards ensuring Kogi  state is rid of ghost workers has remained a huge pass mark that can lead to saving necessary allocations that would otherwise have been embezzled by ghost workers. His giant stride towards ensuring environmental sustainability through compulsory environmental sanitation is not lost on the people.
Indeed Kogi is looking cleaner every day; this will lead to healthier citizens for productive ventures.
As Yahaya Bello continue his efforts towards building the Kogi of our dreams. I have decided to lend my support for him by contributing this piece on how to empower Kogi Youths in five (5) ways.
Education
The Governor has recognized the importance of education and its place in ensuring that Kogi state is built on solid foundations. However, the vast majority of the children and youths of Kogi state do not have access to “quality” education.
I suggest that the Governor deemphasize Government schools. He should help in ensuring that private schools are given necessary support to open more outlets. This can be done by providing funds (for building schools) to private individuals, who will pay back with time. It will save the government of overhead costs of training and paying teachers’ salaries. However,   a strong Monitoring and Evaluation department of ministry of education will ensure the private schools meet up with set standards and operational guidelines.
Fashion Design Industry
A major industry thriving in Kogi state is the Fashion design. Indeed virtually all the households in Kogi central have a tailor; this may go for other parts of Kogi state. Indeed wherever, a Kogi state indigene is a tailor in any part of Nigeria, he is easily recognized for his quality handiwork.
I suggest that the Governor tap into this talent pool by setting up a tailoring industry, this industry will be responsible for producing mass clothing both traditional and western style. This can be done by providing a tax free area that is well equipped with modern tailoring facilities. Indeed, the centre will be responsible for training upcoming fashion designers as well as staging fashion shows that will attract visitors from around Nigeria and beyond. This will reduce unemployment and generate revenue for the state.
Poultry
Agriculture is an industry that will remain crucial to the development of Kogi state, as it has the capacity to employ a great number of people at once. However, sustainable, planned and cost effective agricultural policies are deliberate not accidental. Governor Yahaya Bello can tap into the poultry industry by setting up a one year programme on training poultry farmers, especially, chicken farming. Upon graduations, trainees should be given adequate support to set up a mini-poultry farm.
Rice Processing Factories
Kogi state is richly blessed by God with vast agricultural lands and hardworking citizens who have been engaging in farming and agro-allied activities. However, the lack of fund is often a hindrance to the farmers who having produced do not have what it takes to process.
Local rice production and consumption is gaining impetus now. This is because of the Federal Government actions to ensure food security and local production. Kogi state can tap into this growing market. Indeed the collaboration between Kebbi state and Lagos state to produce the Lake rice was remarkable. However, Kogi state can become a major rice processor with adequate investment. The major challenge of rice producers in the Kogi and Benue areas is lack of adequate rice processors.
Governor Yahaya Bello must take this opportunity to enrich Kogi state by setting up modern rice processing factories that processes rice, especially one that separate the chaff, the stones and even the bagging. Although, it must be done with the aim of letting private individuals or companies have more stake.
Telecommunication and ICT
Governor Yahaya Bello indeed is aware of the enormous potential of the internet to generate wealth. He can invest on youths to learn programming and other areas of internet entrepreneurship such as advertising and marketing as well as social media broadcasting (short clips, videos and editing).
Governor Yahaya Bello must succeed in building a great future for the Kogi youths. Through critical inputs by citizens, the Kogi of our dreams can be realized. I am certain that although these ideas are not new nor are they rocket science, it will take a great deal of deliberation and conviction to see how such simple ideas can transform the state.
I look forward to seeing a positive action on the path of the governor to these effects. I pray God continue to guide our Governor and his team towards the right direction. Kogi is changing!
– Danga Jamiu Yusuf  a trainer, blogger and entrepreneur wrote from Abuja.

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