Govt Opens Second Batch of Mining, Jewellery Skills Training for Youth After Empowering First Batch – See How to Apply

The Kogi Govt has Opened Second Batch of Mining, Jewellery Skills Training for Youth After  successfully Empowering First Batch – See details and How to Apply below..

The Kogi State Government has announced plans to commence a second batch of its Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme after an overwhelming response from young Nigerians, with 16,900 applications received during the first phase of the initiative.

The announcement comes after the successful inauguration of the programme’s pioneer batch, where 20 youths began intensive training in mining and jewellery craftsmanship. According to the organisers, the huge number of applications received demonstrates the growing interest among young people in specialised skills that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

Speaking during the inauguration of the programme in Abuja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to empowering young people with practical skills rather than temporary financial assistance.

“We are not going to give you fish; rather, we are going to teach you how to catch fish so that you can earn a living, become financially independent and also help others around you,” the governor said.

He noted that Kogi State is richly blessed with 32 solid mineral deposits, making mining and jewellery production one of the sectors capable of creating thousands of jobs and supporting the state’s economic development.

The programme is being implemented in partnership with Malivelihood and is designed to expose participants to practical training in mining, gemstone processing, jewellery production and entrepreneurship. Organisers say the training follows international best practices to ensure beneficiaries acquire skills that can compete both within Nigeria and beyond.

One of the major announcements made during the inauguration was the confirmation that more batches will follow after the completion of the first training exercise.

The Managing Director of Malivelihood, Dr. Olushola Awujoola, disclosed that the programme attracted 16,900 applications, while about 13,900 applications were successfully reviewed before the final selection process produced the first 20 beneficiaries.

According to him, the level of interest shown by young people has encouraged the organisers to immediately proceed with another batch once the current trainees complete their programme.

The development offers fresh hope to thousands of applicants who were unable to secure a place in the pioneer cohort, as the state government continues to expand opportunities for youth participation in the solid minerals sector.

Unlike many empowerment programmes that focus on distributing grants or startup funds, the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme places greater emphasis on practical skills acquisition. The goal is to equip participants with knowledge they can use to establish businesses, secure employment or build careers within Nigeria’s growing mining industry.

Government officials believe that increasing the number of skilled professionals in mining and jewellery production will also encourage value addition, create more jobs and help unlock the economic potential of the state’s abundant mineral resources.

Applications Still Ongoing

Although the first batch has already commenced training, the programme’s official application portal remains open, allowing interested applicants to submit their details for consideration in subsequent batches.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete their registration as early as possible while monitoring official announcements for updates on the next selection exercise.

How to Apply for the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewellery Programme

Interested applicants can apply by following these steps:

1. Visit the official application portal: https://www.malivelihoodkogistateyouthprogram.com/application
2. Complete the online registration form with your correct personal information.
3. Provide the required contact details and other requested information.
4. Review your application carefully before submitting it.
5. Keep an eye on your email address and phone number for updates from the organisers regarding screening and selection.

Applicants are advised to submit only accurate information and avoid making payments to anyone claiming to guarantee admission into the programme.

With another training batch already confirmed, the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme is expected to provide more young Nigerians with an opportunity to acquire industry-relevant skills that can lead to long-term employment and entrepreneurship within one of the country’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors.