By joshua 
Kogi Education Commissioner Flags Off Empowerment Initiative in Omala, Inspects GSS Abejukolo
The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, has flagged off the Education Empowerment Initiative in Omala Local Government Area on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The initiative, established by the Member representing Omala State Constituency, Hon. Umar Yahaya, through his educational foundation, is designed to support students and expand access to quality education in the constituency.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Jones commended Hon. Yahaya for the timely intervention, noting that it aligns with the educational agenda of the Ododo administration and underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in advancing education.
The Commissioner lauded Yahaya’s generosity and commitment to the educational development of children in Omala, particularly the distribution of notebooks, recommended Mathematics and English textbooks, school bags and other writing materials, as well as the award of scholarships to thousands of students and cash prizes to outstanding performers in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
Hon. Jones used the occasion to highlight the state government’s efforts to improve access to education, including its free education policy and payment for external examinations in public schools. He disclosed that the government has committed 30 per cent of its annual budget to the education sector, reflecting its sustained investment in the sector and in the funding of the three state-owned universities.
He called on the people of Omala and Kogi East to continue supporting initiatives and policies aimed at strengthening education and promoting sustainable development across the state.
In a related engagement, the Commissioner inspected Government Secondary School, Abejukolo, to assess infrastructure and the learning environment.
During the inspection, Hon. Jones assured the community of the state government’s commitment to revitalising the education sector and improving the quality of facilities across Kogi State, stressing the administration’s resolve to create a more conducive learning environment for students.
The flag-off of the empowerment initiative and the school inspection, stakeholders noted, underscore the importance of partnership between government, elected representatives, foundations and communities in advancing educational opportunities for children in Kogi State.