By Samuel Enimola.
AGAINST the backdrop of making vocational skills acquisition one of the viable sector of realizing entrepreneurship programme for the youth in the state, the Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to partner with Nike Art Gallery for the training of her youth.
The House resolution followed adoption of motion moved by member representing Ijumu Constituency, Hon.Victor Adewale Omofaiye calling on the state government to partner with Nike Art Gallery, Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government in the area of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development.
Hon. Omofaiye noted that the global economic recession has led to the non-availability of white collar jobs in the country adding that this has resulted in aggravated youth unemployment in many states, including Kogi.
According to him, the government can reverse this gloomy situation by providing jobs to its teeming youth through skill acquisition schemes in various trades and entrepreneurship by keying into the various trades run by Nike Art Gallery in partnership with the Bank of Industry.
He revealed that Nike Art Gallery was established and funded by an illustrious indigene of the State from Ogidi, adding that the center has branches in Oshogbo, Lagos and Abuja.
Hon Omofaiye disclosed that many Nigerians and Non-Nigerians have been trained in weaving, textile design, fine arts amongst others at the gallery. He pointed out that since its establishment, the centre has trained over 3,000 unemployed youths which have made them to be self-reliant.
The lawmaker opined that the state government will benefit from opportunities offered by the centre by partnering with it for the training of her youths in various skills in various acquisition and youth development.
Seconding the motion, member representing Mopamuro constituency, Hon Obaro Pedro commended Omofaiye for coming up with such motion at this time.
After several contributions by members, prayers of the motion were adopted and directed relevant committee of the House to visit the center for on the spot assessment and report back to the House within a stipulated time.
