Kogi State, Federal Government Flag Off Youth Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme in Okene

Lokoja, Kogi State/July 2, 2026
By: Awokeson,Rita

The Kogi State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, has officially commenced the Youth Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme with the induction of participants at the Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) Enterprise Development Hub in Okene.

The initiative, implemented through the collaboration of KEDA and IDEAS – TVET initiatives, powered by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, is aimed at equipping youths across the state with practical, industry-relevant technical and vocational skills to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and sustainable economic development.

Speaking at the inauguration, officials described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital development and a demonstration of the commitment of both the Kogi State and Federal Governments to tackling youth unemployment through skills development and enterprise support.

They noted that the programme aligns with the administration’s vision of empowering young people to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

To ensure participants complete the training successfully, beneficiaries will receive monthly stipends to cover transportation and feeding throughout the duration of the programme. Upon successful completion, trainees will also be provided with start-up kits to enable them to establish their respective businesses and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.

As part of the orientation programme, participants were exposed to lectures designed to prepare them for personal and professional success. Delivering a lecture on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Barrister T. M. Mercy, Legal Adviser (KEDA), enlightened participants on the various forms, causes, and consequences of gender-based violence. She emphasized the importance of mutual respect, gender equality, and adherence to the rule of law in building a peaceful and productive society.

Barrister Mercy also urged the trainees to become advocates against all forms of abuse, harassment, and discrimination while promoting safe and inclusive environments within their communities and workplaces.

In a separate lecture on Entrepreneurship, Mr. Napoleon Peters Abah, HR Practitioner at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), challenged participants to embrace innovation, creativity, and resilience as critical ingredients for business success. He encouraged the trainees to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets by identifying opportunities, developing viable business ideas, and managing available resources effectively.

According to him, technical skills alone are insufficient without sound business management, financial discipline, and customer-focused service delivery. He further urged participants to take full advantage of the training to build sustainable enterprises capable of creating employment opportunities for others.

KEDA also announced that enrolment into the programme remains open at the Okene Enterprise Development Hub on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested youths across Kogi State are encouraged to register promptly through the official online registration portal.

The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to implementing policies and programmes that promote youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

The government assured participants that it will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to expand opportunities for skills development, innovation, and job creation across the state, in line with the development agenda of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.