Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled plans to establish a Mechanic Village and roll out empowerment initiatives with tools for artisans and entrepreneurs as part of a broader economic growth plan by the administration to scale up job creation and skills development.
The Governor made the announcement in a meeting with members of the Artisan Association of Nigeria and other organized trade groups at the Government House, Lokoja.
Governor Ododo said a joint committee would be constituted to drive the establishment of the Mechanic Village, describing the project as a strategic investment that would enhance productivity, create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo assured the artisans that his administration would review their requests and provide necessary support to boost their businesses and improve service delivery across various trades.
The Governor praised the unity among artisans and entrepreneurs in the state, noting that their solidarity reflects the growing confidence of citizens in the administration.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy Matters and Chairman of the Forum of Special Advisers, Hon. Olabode Adeyemi, said the engagement was designed to deepen collaboration between government and the organised artisan community.
He noted that artisans across the state were identifying with the administration of Governor Ododo because of his achievements in healthcare, education, entrepreneurship development and infrastructure.
On his part, the President of the Woodcraft, Carpenters and Furniture Workers Association of Nigeria in Kogi State, Moses Yusuf, commended Governor Ododo’s strides in human capital development, security, road infrastructure and economic empowerment.
He urged the government to sustain its support for artisans to enable them contribute more effectively to the state’s economy.
Also speaking, the President of the National Automobile Technicians Association in Kogi State, Danladi Umar, pledged the association’s continued support for the Governor, citing the developmental strides recorded in less than three years of the administration.
He described the proposed Mechanic Village as a timely intervention that would significantly improve the productivity of automobile technicians in the state.
The leader of the market women delegation and Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the Governor, Momoh Gimba, commended the Governor’s efforts in tackling insecurity, noting that improved security across the state has created a safer business environment and boosted commercial activities for women traders.
The meeting was attended by representatives of several trade and professional associations, including automobile technicians, carpenters, furniture makers, market women, tailors, transport workers, hairdressers and aluminium fabricators, all of whom pledged continued partnership with the government in advancing economic growth and development in Kogi State.
