Kogi State Launches Bold Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Program

In a decisive effort to address unemployment and promote skill development, the Kogi State Government is set to roll out the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition (OYESA) program. The initiative, which kicks off on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Nigeria Korea Friendship Institute, aims to equip 250 young people from across the state with practical vocational skills.

The program was officially announced by Williams Charles Oluwatoyin, Rector of the Nigeria Korea Friendship Institute, during a tour of the facility with officials from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs on Friday. The Institute will lead this ambitious project, offering training in a wide array of technical fields.

OYESA will provide intensive courses in automotive technology, welding, plumbing, electrical repairs and installations, networking, computer hardware maintenance, solar power installation, and CNG gas conversion. The initiative’s diverse curriculum is designed to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of Kogi State’s labor market.

The program will draw participants from all 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, who will undergo a comprehensive three-month training. Upon completion, graduates will not only receive certification but will also be supported with business registration assistance, starter packs to launch their ventures, and monthly stipends to facilitate their transition into the workforce.

In addition to the initial training, the Nigeria Korea Friendship Institute has pledged to provide ongoing mentorship to ensure the continued success of the participants. This sustained support is expected to maximize the program’s long-term impact and effectiveness.

Rector Dr. Oluwatoyin Charles Williams commended Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for his innovative approach to tackling unemployment and crime in the state. He emphasized the program’s potential to create a robust database of skilled professionals, which could lead to cost savings for the state through increased availability of local expertise.

The OYESA initiative marks a major investment in the youth of Kogi State, with the potential to drive both economic growth and social progress. As the program prepares to launch, there is high anticipation for its ability to transform the lives of its participants and contribute to the broader development of the state.

One of the beneficiaries, Anjorin Emmanuel hailed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his youth empowerment initiative, saying the Governor is turning Kogi State to a state that is ready for the 21st century development.