By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Kogi Unity Movement (KUM), a non-partisan and non-tribal organization committed to promoting unity and development in Kogi State, is set to launch a vocational training school in Zango, on the outskirts of Lokoja.
This initiative is aimed at boosting skills acquisition and entrepreneurship across the state.
As part of preparations, KUM has inaugurated a nine-member Board of Directors to oversee the takeoff of the school.
The Acting President of the movement, Alhaji Sanni O. Musa, announced this during the organization’s monthly meeting held in Lokoja.
Alhaji Musa charged the board, chaired by Alhaji Abdullahi Ubeida, to see their appointment as a call to service and work diligently towards bringing the vision of the vocational school to life.
He described the proposed school as a strategic initiative with a promising future, noting that it will serve as a hub for training individuals in various vocational skills, thereby promoting self-reliance and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the state.
The Director of the vocational school, Alhaji Damisa Suleiman, stated that preparations were in top gear for the formal launch of the institution.
According to him, the school will be open to all youths, women, and even retirees,who are eager to gain new skills and improve their livelihoods.
Alhaji Suleiman listed some of the proposed courses to include business enterprise, fashion design, fisheries, poultry, sustainable farming, welding and fabrication, catering, confectionery, cosmetics, shoemaking, and food production.
He added that the duration of training will range from three to six months, and that the school plans to collaborate with institutions such as Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to ensure quality certification and accreditation of the courses.
“This will empower graduates of the school to either secure employment or establish their own businesses, with the capacity to also train others,” he emphasized.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Ubeida, commended KUM for constituting a diverse board reflective of all three senatorial districts of the state.
He urged the movement’s leadership to swiftly develop a robust curriculum and finalize the institution’s constitution..
He also called on all members of KUM to support the executive team to ensure the successful establishment and running of the school.
Our correspondent reports that highlight of the meeting was the formal swearing-in of the board members, administered by Alhaji Sanni O. Musa.
Other members of the board are: Alhaji Damisa Suleiman, Alhaji Sanni O Musa,Mrs Glyds Shaibu, Zainab Salau, Alhaji Ibrahim R.Usman, Mr. Amos Lawl, Chief W. Olukayode, and Hajia E Hanatu,.
