**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.
