Kogi to Become Global Hub for Gemstone and Jewellery Production

Kogi State is poised to become a global center for gemstone and jewellery production, according to the state government. This ambitious plan hinges on sustained investment in youth skills development, enterprise support, and rigorous monitoring of training programs.

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government would put in place a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that beneficiaries translate the knowledge acquired into viable businesses capable of competing in both local and international markets.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Sunday Faleke, announced the official commencement of the State Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme. He stated that the initiative is designed to equip young people with practical skills, thereby creating jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and unlocking the state's vast economic potential from its solid mineral resources. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework will ensure beneficiaries can establish viable businesses for both local and international markets.

Governor Usman Ododo's vision of empowering youths with practical skills and building a sustainable mining and gemstone value chain is central to this initiative. The program will provide training in mining, jewellery craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, business management, and value addition. Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Bashir Gegu, highlighted that this empowerment program is another milestone in Governor Ododo's administration, aimed at combating illegal mining and enabling indigenous youths to benefit from the state's abundant mineral wealth. The government emphasizes equipping young people with skills for financial independence over distributing handouts, thereby curbing illegal exploitation and strengthening security.

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Rather than distributing handouts, the government was committed to equipping young people with skills that would make them financially independent and productive contributors to the economy.

Faleke urged beneficiaries to approach the training with seriousness and discipline, noting the gemstone industry's significant potential for wealth and employment creation. He also commended the implementing partners for their dedication. The program aligns with the administration's strategy to drive industrial growth across the state by developing local expertise.

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The governor added that developing local expertise in mining and jewellery production would help curb illegal exploitation of Kogi’s mineral resources while strengthening security and driving industrial growth across the state.