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The Kogi State Government has launched a youth mining and jewelry craftsmanship empowerment program aimed at positioning the state as a global hub for gemstone and jewelry production while creating jobs and expanding opportunities in the solid minerals sector
The initiative, which commenced in Abuja, focuses on equipping young people with practical skills in mining, gemstone identification, jewellery design, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and business management to enable them build sustainable businesses and compete in local and international markets
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sunday Faleke, said the programme aligns with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision of empowering youths through skills development while strengthening the state’s mining and gemstone value chain
He said the government would establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure beneficiaries convert their training into
Faleke described the gemstone industry as one of the world’s most valuable sectors, noting that the programme is expected to unlock Kogi’s solid mineral potential, create employment and encourage entrepreneurship
He also commended Governor Ododo for supporting the initiative and praised the implementing partners for their efforts in bringing the programme to fruition
Governor Ododo said the programme forms part of his administration’s strategy to tackle illegal mining by developing indigenous expertise in mining and jewellery production instead of relying on palliative measures
According to him, building local capacity will help reduce illegal exploitation of the state’s mineral re
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Bashir Gegu, described the initiative as another step towards diversifying Kogi’s economy through the solid minerals sector. He urged participants to remain committed throughout the three-month training and apply the acquired knowledge to establish successful businesses
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Malivelihood Luxury, Olushola Awujuola, said the programme is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, with a focus on developing skilled professionals who can transform raw gemstones into high-value jewellery products
He disclosed that the initiative attracted more than 16,000 applications from Nigeria and other African countries, underscoring growing interest in gemstone processing and value addition across the continent
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