Skills Over Idleness: ICDA Says Ladi Memorial CVI Skills Centre Will Drive Self-Reliance, Honours Hon Osikoya
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, Aug. 31, 2026
The Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Ganaja Township, has honoured Hon. Hon Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya with the title of “Amazon of Humanitarian Service” for her role in facilitating the establishment of the.Ladi Memorial Foundation Chateko Vocational Institute (LMF-CVI) Skill Acquisition Centre in Ganaja.
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The award was presented on Saturday during a courtesy and inspection visit by ICDA leadership and prominent Igala traditional rulers to the centre.
ICDA Ganaja Township Chairman, Prince Idoko Daniel Ogacheko, said the newly established centre could play a critical role in reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among youths and women in the area.
He commended the Ladi Memorial Foundation for siting the facility within Ganaja Township, noting that its proximity would make vocational training more accessible to residents.
Ogacheko specifically praised Hon Osikoya, former Kogi State Commissioner for Environment; Education; and currently Technical Adviser to the Governor, for facilitating the project.
“Initiatives such as this centre align with broader efforts to empower citizens, tackle unemployment and encourage self-reliance,” he said.
In recognition of her contributions to education, environmental development and humanitarian service, the delegation presented an “Award of Excellence” to Hon. Osikoya.
Chief Dr. Labaran Oyigebe presented the award on behalf of ICDA Ganaja Township, describing her as a worthy daughter of Igala land whose service continues to impact lives.
Responding, Hon. Osikoya thanked ICDA and the traditional rulers for what she described as the “first royal visit” to the facility. She said the gesture would motivate the management to do more.
She also appreciated the Federal Government’s partnership with the foundation through the Federal Ministry of Education, which supported the establishment of the centre.
Chief Oyigebe, in his royal blessings, prayed for the success of the centre and urged students to take their training seriously.
He noted that the skills acquired could improve their livelihoods and enable them to support their families.
The ICDA leadership pledged to continue working with the Ladi Memorial Foundation and other stakeholders to ensure the facility produces skilled manpower for Ganaja Township and Kogi State at large.
The visit attracted key traditional leaders from the Igala community including Chief Yahaya Salifu, Onu Igala Gadumo and Ogohi Ata of Igala Kingdom; Chief Idris Abdulrahaman, Onu Igala Jingbe and Olimene Ata Igala KingdomChief Abdullahi Idris Dooogaaa, Onu Igala Emiworo; and Chief Dr. Isah Peter Obele.
Also present were ICDA Ganaja Township PRO, Mr. God’s Power; Mr. Iyodo Gabriel and other stakeholders.
End
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, September 1st, 2027)
