…….. As Government Targets Jobs, Wealth Creation and End to Illegal Mining.
Emmanuel ClementÂ
The Kogi State Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to position the state as a leading gemstone and jewellery production hub in Africa by investing in youth empowerment, skills acquisition and enterprise development.
The initiative, which is expected to transform Kogi’s solid minerals sector, was unveiled at the official launch of the Kogi State Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Sunday Faleke, said the programme reflects the determination of the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration to convert the state’s abundant mineral resources into sustainable economic opportunities for its young population.
Faleke explained that participants would receive intensive practical training in mining, gemstone identification, jewellery craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and business management, equipping them with the knowledge required to establish thriving businesses capable of competing in both local and international markets.
He noted that beyond the training, the state government would establish a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure beneficiaries successfully translate their newly acquired skills into productive enterprises that generate employment and wealth.
According to him, the programme represents another major step towards Governor Ododo’s vision of building a modern gemstone value chain that will diversify Kogi’s economy, reduce unemployment and position the state as a global player in the gemstone industry.
Faleke commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and economic transformation, describing the initiative as a bold investment in the future of Kogi’s young people.
He also praised the implementing partners for their dedication in ensuring the successful commencement of the programme.
Urging beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, the commissioner described the global gemstone industry as a multi-billion-dollar sector capable of creating thousands of jobs and producing a new generation of entrepreneurs if properly harnessed.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the programme forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to tackle illegal mining, promote industrialisation and empower indigenous youths to become active participants in the state’s mineral economy.
The governor stressed that his administration remains committed to creating opportunities rather than distributing handouts, insisting that practical skills and entrepreneurship remain the surest path to financial independence and sustainable prosperity.
Ododo added that developing local expertise in gemstone mining and jewellery production would significantly reduce the illegal exploitation of Kogi’s mineral resources while strengthening security, encouraging value addition and driving industrial growth across the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Bashir Gegu, described the empowerment programme as another landmark achievement of the Ododo administration’s economic diversification agenda.
He urged participants to remain committed throughout the three-month training, expressing confidence that the knowledge acquired would enable them to establish successful businesses while adding greater value to Kogi’s rich mineral deposits.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Malivelihood Luxury, Dr. Olushola Awujuola, described the initiative as the first of its kind in Nigeria and across West Africa.
He explained that the programme was designed to move Nigeria beyond exporting raw minerals by developing skilled professionals capable of transforming gemstones into high-value jewellery for domestic and international markets.
Awujuola revealed that more than 16,000 applications were received from across Nigeria and several African countries, demonstrating the enormous interest generated by the initiative.
He added that successful participants would undergo intensive practical training covering mining operations, gemstone identification, jewellery design, craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, preparing them for rewarding careers across the entire gemstone value chain.
