Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced the launch of the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (OYESA), as part of his administration’s commitment to empowering youths and fostering self-sufficiency. The program, which will be implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI), aims to equip over 250 young people from all 21 Local Government Areas in the state with advanced skills necessary for the modern economy.
Governor Ododo made the announcement during his Independence Day speech in Lokoja, revealing that the initiative will provide training in key areas such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion, welding and fabrication, automobile mechatronics, solar system installation, among others. The program, he explained, is in line with Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
“The goal is human capital development,” Ododo stated. “We are preparing our youth to thrive in today’s economy, particularly as Nigeria shifts towards cleaner energy. Beneficiaries will receive stipends, accommodation, starter packs, and assistance with business registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission to support their entrepreneurial journeys.”
The governor highlighted that OYESA is part of a broader effort to reduce unemployment, address youth restiveness, and enable young people to make meaningful contributions to society. He praised his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying the groundwork through difficult reforms and systems that have set the stage for these achievements.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining continuity and building on the progress achieved under Bello’s leadership. He urged citizens and stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to build a prosperous, inclusive state.
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Sunday Faleke, explained that the OYESA program was approved by the governor to provide skills and vocational training that will give young people better chances of achieving self-sufficiency. Key training areas will include welding and fabrication, plumbing, automobile mechatronics, CCTV installation, electrical repairs, computer networking, photography, cinematography, and solar system installation.
Faleke emphasized that the government has developed a robust selection process to identify beneficiaries, who will receive stipends and accommodation during the training. Upon completion, participants will be provided with starter packs and have their businesses registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Dr. Williams Charles Oluwatoyin, Rector of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support and approval of the OYESA program. He assured that the institute is fully prepared to deliver high-quality training and contribute to ending unemployment by equipping Kogi youths with globally sought-after skills. Dr. Oluwatoyin noted that the program aims to create a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of industries such as the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Obajana Cement Factory.
The OYESA initiative represents a significant step forward in empowering the youth of Kogi State, enhancing their employability, and promoting economic development.
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