Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on youths in the state to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government’s youth-focused initiatives are designed to create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods across the country.
The governor made the appeal on Monday in Abuja while inaugurating the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills in the mining and jewellery value chain.
Ododo said President Tinubu’s administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to youth development through policies and empowerment programmes that directly impact the lives of young Nigerians.
According to him, the various interventions introduced by the Federal Government are intended to promote entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and provide young people with sustainable means of livelihood.
“The Federal Government has embarked on several interventions that have direct bearing on the lives of many youths in Nigeria today, and this represents a radical departure from what was obtainable in the past.
“I am appealing to you as youths in Kogi State not to jeopardise the love and commitment President Tinubu has shown towards you. Rather, reciprocate this gesture with good behaviour, hard work and patriotism,” he said.
The governor assured the youths that his administration would continue to prioritise programmes that empower them economically, stressing that Kogi youths are industrious and deserve the necessary support to thrive.
He said the state’s objective is to produce self-reliant young entrepreneurs rather than create dependence on government assistance.
“We are not going to give you fish; rather, we are going to teach you how to catch fish so that you can earn a living, become financially independent and also help others around you,” Ododo stated.
Congratulating participants selected for the first batch of the training, the governor noted that Kogi State possesses 32 solid mineral deposits, many of which remain largely untapped despite their enormous economic value.
He described mining and jewellery craftsmanship as viable sectors capable of creating sustainable jobs and generating long-term wealth. He commended Malivelihood, the programme’s training partner, for supporting the state’s drive to build a skilled workforce in the solid minerals sector.
Ododo urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity by acquiring the knowledge and technical skills needed to become successful craftsmen and entrepreneurs capable of competing in both local and international markets.
One of the beneficiaries, Chubiojo Faith Omachi from Ofu Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Government for investing in the future of young people through skills development.
“We are grateful for this huge investment in our future, and we will reciprocate this gesture by putting the knowledge and training we receive into productive use and by training others within our communities,” she said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Bashir Gegu, commended Governor Ododo for placing youth empowerment at the centre of his administration’s development agenda.
He urged the participants to make the most of the opportunity by remaining committed to the training and applying the skills acquired to improve their lives and contribute to the state’s economy.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Malivelihood, Dr. Olushola M. Awujoola, disclosed that the company received 16,900 applications from within and outside Kogi State for the programme.
He said 13,900 applications were successfully reviewed, from which 20 participants were selected for the inaugural batch, adding that a second batch would commence immediately after the completion of the first phase.
Awujoola thanked the Kogi State Government for entrusting the company with the training programme and assured the governor that participants would receive quality instruction in line with international best practices to prepare them for successful careers in the mining and jewellery industry.
