By Joy Salami
A serving corps member in Kogi State, Peace Ifada, has launched a youth-focused empowerment program tagged “Catch Them Young Initiative” aimed at equipping students with life skills and promoting financial independence.
The initiative, which held its maiden outreach at Crowther Memorial College, Lokoja, is designed to inspire and empower teenagers, youths, and even adults through practical skill acquisition training and career development sessions.
Speaking during the event, Corper Peace, whose primary assignment is with the Ministry of Information and Communication, Food and Nutrition Department, said the project is her contribution to nation-building and empowering her host community.
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The ‘Catch Them Young Initiative’ is my way of investing in the future of our youths. I strongly believe that when young people are equipped with the right skills, they are better positioned to make meaningful contributions to society, she said.
She stated that this initiative is to help them become financially stable, self-reliant, and to discourage them from engaging in social vices or fraudulent activities. ‘Through skills like this, they can stand out, become innovative, and independent’ she further explained.
Corper Peace expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Kogi State Government for giving her the opportunity to serve. She particularly thanked the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, for their consistent encouragement and support towards youth development initiatives. 
She also acknowledged the Food and Nutrition Department of the Ministry for their invaluable guidance throughout the planning and execution of the event.
‘It is my hope that this initiative continues beyond my service year, and I encourage other corps members to use their time in service to positively impact their communities’, she added.
One of the high points of the event was a career talk by Mrs. Aisha Audu, who urged the students to take their education and future seriously.
‘Your future begins now. The decisions you make today will shape your tomorrow. You must be intentional, hardworking, and focused. Success doesn’t come by accident, it is a product of planning, consistency, and determination’ she equally urged them.
Mrs Audu then advised the students to stay away from distractions, peer pressure, and shortcuts that could ruin their future.
The students were practically engaged and trained in the production of snacks, liquid disinfectants, liquid soap and oil perfumes. The hands-on session gave them a clear understanding of how these products are made and how they can be turned into small-scale businesses.
In addition to the training, the students also received mentorship on entrepreneurship, business ethics, and how to build sustainable income through legitimate means.
Some of the students who participated in the program expressed gratitude for the opportunity and called for more of such empowerment programs in schools across the state.
