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Kogi State Commences Innovative Youth Empowerment Program
In a significant move to combat unemployment and foster skill development, the Kogi State Government is set to launch the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition (OYESA) program. The initiative, scheduled to commence on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Nigeria Korea Friendship Institute. It aims to equip 250 young individuals from across the state with valuable vocational skills.
Williams Charles Oluwatoyin, Rector of the Nigeria Korea Friendship Institute, announced the program’s launch during a facility tour with officials from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs on Friday. The Institute will spearhead this ambitious project, offering a diverse range of technical training.
The OYESA program will provide intensive training in various fields including automotive technology, welding, plumbing, electrical repairs and installation, networking, computer hardware maintenance, solar power installation, and CNG gas conversion. This comprehensive approach is designed to create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the state’s labor market.
Participants, drawn from all 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, will undergo a rigorous three-month training period. The program goes beyond mere skill acquisition; upon completion, graduates will receive support for business name registration, starter packs to kickstart their enterprises, and monthly stipends to ease their transition into the workforce.
In a commendable move, the Institute has committed to providing ongoing mentorship to ensure the long-term success of the trainees in their respective fields. This sustained support is expected to significantly enhance the program’s impact and sustainability.
Rector, Dr Williams Charles Oluwatoyin praised Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for this innovative approach to tackling unemployment and reducing crime rates in the state. He highlighted the program’s potential to create a comprehensive database of skilled workers, which could lead to cost savings for the state through increased availability of local expertise.
The OYESA program represents a strategic investment in Kogi State’s youth and is anticipated to yield substantial dividends in terms of economic growth and social development. As the state prepares for this landmark initiative, expectations are high for its potential to transform the lives of participants and contribute to the overall progress of Kogi State.
