'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Kogi State Government has officially launched a comprehensive skills acquisition programme aimed at training 1,000 youths in various high-demand vocational fields. This initiative, known as the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (OYESA), is part of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration's broader strategy to develop human capital and foster economic growth.
The programme, implemented by the state-owned Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute for Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), is designed to equip young people with industry-relevant skills. By 2027, the initiative aims to position Kogi State as a hub for technical expertise and innovation, enhancing employment opportunities for its residents.
Speaking on the programme’s objectives, Rector of NKFI, William Charles Oluwatoyin, emphasized that Governor Ododo's vision aligns with building a technically skilled workforce that will drive industrial development in Kogi State. He stressed that having a pool of highly trained technical personnel would significantly contribute to economic growth and reduce reliance on external contractors.
According to the Rector, the first batch of participants, selected from the 21 local government areas of Kogi State, is currently undergoing training in nine specialized fields. These include automotive mechatronics, welding and fabrication, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion, networking and system security, software development, solar power installation, and photography.
Oluwatoyin highlighted one of the key successes of the programme – the immediate employability of its graduates. He revealed that some trainees specializing in welding and fabrication have already executed state projects at lower costs than external contractors, demonstrating their technical proficiency and cost-effectiveness. He further explained that this initiative ensures the state is not only reducing government expenditure but also empowering local talent to take on significant roles in infrastructural development.
He estimated that the impact of the programme extends beyond the direct beneficiaries, reaching over 5,000 individuals, including the trainees’ families and dependents. Beyond technical training, the programme also integrates students into industrial workplaces. The Rector disclosed that many graduates have secured positions in leading Nigerian companies, including Dangote Group and Grand Cereal Nigeria Limited, showcasing the programme's effectiveness in bridging the skills gap in the job market.
He also announced that NKFI is actively engaged in innovative projects, such as solar-powered systems and high-definition surveillance technology, to support security agencies in Kogi State. Expressing confidence in the programme’s sustainability, Oluwatoyin assured that the initiative would be sustained beyond Governor Ododo’s first tenure and would continue to produce skilled professionals across various industries.
He further revealed that graduates will receive high-quality starter packs worth millions of Naira to help them establish their careers. The Rector commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to youth empowerment and skills acquisition, describing the initiative as a model for vocational education in Nigeria.
With this strategic intervention, Kogi State is on course to not only tackle unemployment but also position itself as a leading center for technical expertise and innovation in Nigeria.
