**As Ododo Targets Industrial Growth Through Technical Training

In a bold move to tackle unemployment and drive industrial growth, the Kogi State Government has launched a comprehensive skills acquisition programme aimed at training 1,000 youths in high-demand vocational fields by 2027.

The initiative, known as the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (OYESA), is a cornerstone of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, designed to position Kogi as a hub for technical expertise and innovation.
The programme is being implemented through the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute for Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), a state-owned institution dedicated to fostering industry-relevant skills.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, William Charles Oluwatoyin, Rector of NKFI, highlighted the administration’s commitment to building a skilled workforce as a key driver for economic development.

“A state with a data bank of highly skilled technical personnel is on the right path to industrial growth,” Oluwatoyin stated. “This programme is not just about training; it’s about transforming Kogi into a center of technical excellence and ensuring our youths are at the forefront of this transformation.”

The first batch of participants, selected from all 21 local government areas of the state, are currently undergoing intensive 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, and photography.
One of the standout features of the programme is the immediate employability of its graduates. According to the Rector, trainees in welding and fabrication have already showcased their skills by executing state projects at significantly lower costs compared to external contractors.

“By fast-tracking our graduates to support government projects, we’re not only reducing state expenditure but also empowering local talent to meet Kogi’s industrial and infrastructural needs,” Oluwatoyin noted.

The ripple effect of this empowerment is expected to benefit over 5,000 individuals, including the trainees and their dependents, contributing to broader economic growth within the state.
The NKFI is also committed to bridging the gap between training and real-world application. Many graduates have already secured employment with prominent companies such as the Dangote Group and Grand Cereal Nigeria Limited. Additionally, the institute is leading innovative projects in solar-powered systems and high-definition surveillance technology to bolster the state’s security infrastructure.

Oluwatoyin emphasized that beyond technical skills, the programme integrates students into industrial workplaces, preparing them for seamless transitions into the workforce.
Looking ahead, the Rector expressed optimism about the sustainability of the programme, assuring that it would continue to receive strong support from the state government.

“By the end of Governor Ododo’s first tenure, at least 1,000 youths will have been trained, significantly reducing unemployment in Kogi,” he said, adding that graduates will receive starter packs worth millions of naira to establish their careers.

Oluwatoyin lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support in advancing vocational education and skills acquisition in the state. “The governor’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment is setting Kogi on a path to becoming a model for vocational education in Nigeria,” he concluded.

With this strategic investment in human capital, Kogi State is poised to not only address unemployment but also become a beacon of technical excellence and industrial growth in Nigeria.

The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has made a powerful call for collective action to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), aligning with global efforts to eradicate the harmful practice.

In her message marking the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Mrs. Ododo condemned the practice as a gross violation of human rights that continues to devastate the lives of millions of women and girls worldwide.

“FGM is a life-threatening practice that strips girls and women of their dignity and future,” she declared. “According to UNICEF, over 200 million girls and women globally have undergone FGM, with more than 25 million others at risk in the next five years. This is alarming, especially given the persistent efforts to eradicate it, particularly in Africa.”

The First Lady highlighted the urgent need for government intervention and community-driven initiatives to protect girls and support survivors in Kogi State.
She stressed that eliminating FGM requires collaborative efforts across health, education, legal, and community sectors.

Mrs. Ododo also reassured the public that her office remains committed to partnering with relevant organizations to strengthen advocacy, raise awareness, and provide support for survivors of FGM in the state.

“Together, we can end this harmful tradition and ensure a safer, healthier future for our daughters,” she concluded.

In a strategic move to bridge the gap between government and the public, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has prioritized media innovation and capacity building as key tools for fostering transparency and effective governance. This was highlighted during a specialized training for the Government House Media Team on “Innovation in Public Policy Communication” at the Government House Media Centre in Lokoja.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, emphasized that the administration recognizes the media as more than just a tool for information dissemination—it is a critical instrument for building public trust, ensuring accountability, and enhancing citizen engagement.

“This training is not just about improving communication skills; it’s about reshaping how government connects with the people. By investing in our media teams, we are investing in public confidence and democratic accountability,” Isah stated.

Unlike traditional government media strategies that focus primarily on pushing out information, the Ododo administration is shifting towards a model that prioritizes dialogue, feedback, and public engagement.
This shift is part of a broader strategy to create an inclusive governance model where citizens are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in policy discussions.

Hon. Isah noted that this innovative approach aligns with Governor Ododo’s vision of a transparent administration that listens and responds to the needs of its people.

“Effective public policy communication is no longer about one-way messaging. It’s about creating platforms where the government and the public engage in meaningful conversations,” he added.
One of the key highlights of the training was a session led by Prof. Adams Adeiza, an Associate Professor at Sunway University, Malaysia, who introduced the concept of using emotional intelligence in public policy messaging.
Prof. Adeiza emphasized that effective communication goes beyond facts and figures; it taps into the emotions and values of the audience.

“People are driven by emotions, not just logic. To communicate policies effectively, government spokespersons must understand the emotional landscape of their audience and craft messages that resonate on a personal level,” Prof. Adeiza explained.

He commended the synergy between the Government House Media Team and the Office of the First Lady’s media team, attributing this collaboration to Governor Ododo’s commitment to professionalism and teamwork in governance.
The Ododo administration’s proactive approach to media training could serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to improve governance through effective communication. By integrating global best practices and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Kogi State is positioning itself as a leader in innovative public policy communication.

Earlier in the day, Prof. Adeiza also held a session with senior civil servants at the Office of the Head of Service, focusing on strategies to revitalize the state’s public service for greater efficiency. This holistic approach underscores the administration’s belief that effective governance starts with informed and capable public servants at all levels.

As Kogi State marks Governor Ododo’s first year in office, the focus on media innovation signals a long-term commitment to transparent governance and citizen-centered policies.

“With initiatives like this, we’re not just marking an anniversary—we’re laying the groundwork for a future where the government and the people are true partners in progress,” Hon. Isah concluded.

This approach reflects a growing trend in governance where effective communication is seen not just as a support function but as a core driver of public policy success.

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