Gegu Donates ₦10m to 300 Youths at Skill Acquisition Graduation, Offers to Pay Hospital Bills of Two PWDs
By Our Correspondent
The Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, has donated ₦10 million to support 300 youths who graduated from a free skill acquisition programme organised by MS Beauty Saloon and Spa in Lokoja.
Gegu also pledged to pay the hospital bills of two persons with disabilities (PWDs) who participated in the training programme.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja by Muhammed Jamiu, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Commissioner, the gesture was announced during the grand finale of the programme held on Wednesday at the Glass House of the Kogi State Government House, Lokoja.
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The initiative trained and empowered more than 300 youths drawn from the 21 local government areas of Kogi State in various vocational skills, with the aim of promoting self-reliance, reducing unemployment and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Gegu commended MS Beauty Saloon and Spa for complementing the efforts of the Kogi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in promoting youth empowerment and job creation.
He described skills acquisition as one of the most sustainable tools for eradicating poverty, noting that vocational training equips young people with practical knowledge and the capacity to establish businesses and contribute to economic development.
To further support the beneficiaries, the Commissioner announced a donation of ₦10 million to enable them to establish their own businesses and translate the knowledge acquired during the training into productive ventures.
In a further demonstration of compassion and commitment to inclusive development, Gegu pledged to settle the hospital bills of two beneficiaries with disabilities who were among the trainees.
He congratulated the graduands on successfully completing the programme and urged them to make judicious use of the skills acquired and the support provided to establish viable businesses.
The Commissioner challenged the beneficiaries to embrace entrepreneurship, become self-reliant and strive to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
He also emphasised the importance of translating vocational skills into profitable ventures capable of generating income, creating employment and contributing to the economic growth of their respective communities.
The programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills that would enable them to explore business opportunities, improve their livelihoods and reduce their dependence on limited formal employment opportunities.
The event attracted dignitaries, youth leaders and other stakeholders from across Kogi State, who witnessed the graduation and empowerment of the beneficiaries.
Gegu’s donation and pledge to assist the two persons with disabilities underscore the importance of supporting vocational training, promoting inclusive development and expanding economic opportunities for young people across the state.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 28th, 2026
