Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has encouraged the youth to back President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the federal government’s reforms and empowerment initiatives aimed at young people are establishing the groundwork for long-term economic growth and collective prosperity.
Ododo issued the call during the launch of the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewelry Craftsmanship Empowerment Program in Abuja, as per a statement released to the press on Monday.
The program, a strategic effort by the Kogi State Government, aims to provide youth with competitive skills in the mining and jewelry sectors to utilize the state’s extensive solid mineral resources for economic growth.
The governor stated that the Tinubu government has shown a solid dedication to empowering Nigerian youth through innovative policies and focused initiatives intended to encourage entrepreneurship, decrease unemployment, and establish lasting income sources.
He believes that the federal government’s funding in youth development signifies a shift in governance, enabling young individuals to be not just recipients of government initiatives but also innovators of wealth and catalysts of economic progress.
“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 this commitment is through hard work, discipline, patriotism and a determination to succeed,” Ododo said.
The governor emphasized his administration’s dedication to investing in skill development, highlighting that Kogi’s development plan focuses on fostering entrepreneurship instead of encouraging reliance on government assistance.
“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 of our state and our nation,” he added.
Ododo congratulated participants chosen for the program’s inaugural batch, stating that Kogi has 32 commercially viable solid minerals, describing the sector as one of the state’s most valuable economic assets with enormous potential for job creation, industrial development, and wealth generation.
“Kogi State is blessed with 32 commercially viable solid minerals. This sector remains one of our greatest economic assets with enormous potential for job creation, industrial development, and wealth generation,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity by committing to the intensive training, promising them that the knowledge and technical expertise they would gain would allow them to compete well in both home and international markets.
“I encourage you to take this opportunity seriously. The knowledge and technical skills you will acquire here will position you to compete favorably in both domestic and international markets,” the governor added.
Ododo also praised the program’s technical partner, Malivelihood, for working with the state government to create a highly skilled workforce capable of enhancing Kogi’s enormous mineral resources.
Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, praised the project as yet another example of the governor’s dedication to youth development through sustainable economic possibilities.
He urged the participants to stay focused throughout the course, pointing out that the program provides a unique opportunity to develop lucrative jobs in one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economic areas.
