By Joy Salami
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on young people in the state to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying federal youth-focused reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
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Governor Ododo, according to a statement by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner of Information and Communications, made the call on Monday in Abuja while inaugurating the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme, an initiative of the Kogi State Government designed to equip youths with globally competitive skills in the mining and jewellery value chain.
The Governor said the Tinubu administration has shown clear commitment to youth empowerment through policies and interventions aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment and creating sustainable income sources.
“I urge our young people to appreciate the commitment President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown towards their future. The opportunities being created today are designed to prepare you for tomorrow. The best way to reciprocate is through hard work, discipline, patriotism and determination to succeed,” he said.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s resolve to invest in initiatives that empower youths with practical skills.
“Our objective is not to give you temporary assistance but to equip you with lifelong skills that will make you financially independent, create employment for others and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he stated.
He noted that Kogi State is endowed with 32 commercially viable solid minerals, describing the sector as one of the state’s greatest assets with potential for job creation, industrial development and wealth generation.
The Governor also commended the programme’s technical partner, Malivelihood, for collaborating with the state to build a skilled workforce to add value to the state’s mineral resources.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Miss Chubiojo Omachi from Ofu Local Government Area, thanked the Governor for investing in youth skills acquisition. She pledged that participants would use the knowledge to build sustainable businesses and transfer skills to others in their communities.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Bashir Gegu, described the initiative as a demonstration of Governor Ododo’s commitment to youth empowerment through sustainable economic opportunities.
The Managing Director of Malivelihood, Dr. Olushola Awujoola, disclosed that the programme received 16,900 applications nationwide, with 20 candidates selected for the pioneer batch.
He said subsequent batches would commence after the completion of the first phase and assured that beneficiaries would receive world-class training.
