Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to training of 1,000 youths annually in various skills as a crucial step towards enhancing the state’s human capital development.
Ododo made the pledge on Saturday in Lokoja while speaking at the graduation ceremony of 250 youths that successfully completed various skills acquisition programs under the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (OYESA).
This initiative is designed to equip participants with industry-relevant skills, thereby enhancing their employability and contributing to the state’s human capital development.
Implemented in collaboration with the state-owned Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute for Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), the training programs aim to provide young people with the necessary skills to meet industry demands.
The ultimate goal is to train a minimum of 1,000 youths in high-demand vocational skills by 2027, positioning Kogi as a center for technical expertise and innovation.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Mohammed Buhari Civic Center, Lokoja
Speaking further, Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce to drive the state’s economic growth.
He emphasized that a state with a pool of highly skilled technical personnel is well-positioned for industrial advancement.
The first cohort of 250 participants, drawn from the 21 local government areas, underwent training in nine specialized fields, including automotive mechatronics, welding and fabrication, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion, networking and system security, software development, solar power installation, cinematography and photography, plumbing, and fittings.
Governor Ododo also highlighted a notable success of the program, which is the immediate employability of its graduates.
He announced that some trainees in welding and fabrication have already secured employment opportunities.
The governor emphasized that the initiative to fast-track graduates to support government projects not only reduces government expenditure but also empowers local talent, ensuring that Kogi has the necessary expertise to meet its industrial and infrastructural needs.
Furthermore, Governor Ododo pointed out that the impact of the initiative goes beyond the graduates themselves, estimating that over 5,000 individuals, including the trainees and their dependants, will experience economic empowerment.
He directed all commissioners, heads of parastatals, and agencies to ensure that the graduates are adequately engaged and encouraged to strive for economic empowerment.
The governor also directed the state revenue service agency to develop a friendly modality to protect the trainees as they begin their vocational operations in the state.
Governor Ododo expressed confidence in the program’s sustainability, assuring that its success will position Kogi State as a model for vocational education.
He also promised that the trainees will continue to receive high-quality starter packs worth millions of Naira to help them establish their careers.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sunday Faleke, in his remarks said the initiative has empowered over 200 professionals in nine vocational skills.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of starter packs to all the 250 trainees by Governor Ododo. (vitalnewsngr.com)
