Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has empowered over 200 Youths on a platform, ‘Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition program’.
The program was inaugurated on 24 November 2024, and aims to equip young individuals with vocational skills and starter packs, setting them on the path to entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
While addressing Graduands on Saturday, at the Muhammad Buhari Square, Lokoja, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his determination to empower the Youths in skills acquisition and other innovations that could take the youths out of the street.
He said: “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 initiatives like Kogi Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for Youth Empowerment in the state and assured the president of 100% support from Kogi State come 2027.
The beneficiaries, carefully selected from across the state, have undergone intensive three-month training at the Nigerian/Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) in Lokoja. This comprehensive training program has equipped them with skills like Automotive Mechatronics, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing and Fittings, and Electrical Installations and Repairs.
Others are, Solar System Installation and Repairs, Computer Hardware Maintenance and Repairs, Networking and Systems Security, CCTV Installation, and Photography.
Participants received monthly stipends and accommodation from the state government during the training to make them could focus on acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen vocations.
They were also supported with starter packs, certificates of proficiency, and registered business names.
The 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 said: “The program implementation reaffirmed Governor Ododo’s commitment to youth empowerment and self-sufficiency.
“The Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition program is proof of the Kogi State Government’s dedication to addressing the challenges of unemployment.”
