By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Chairman of the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Ganaja Township, Prince Idoko Daniel Ogacheko, has said the newly established Ladi Memorial Foundation Skill Acquisition Centre could play an important role in reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among youths and women.
Ogacheko made the remarks during an inspection and courtesy visit by the ICDA Ganaja Township leadership to the centre in Ganaja
He commended the foundation for establishing the facility within the township, saying the proximity of the centre to residents would make vocational training more accessible.
The ICDA chairman also praised Hon. Mrs. Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya, former Commissioner for Education and Environment and Technical Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, for facilitating the project.
He said practical skills could provide young people and women with opportunities to become economically productive.
According to him, initiatives such as the centre align with broader efforts to empower citizens, tackle unemployment and encourage self-reliance.
Traditional Leaders Support Skills Development
The visit attracted prominent traditional and community leaders from the Igala community.
Those in attendance included Chief Yahaya Salifu, Onu Igala Gadumo and Ogohi Ata of Igala Kingdom; Chief Idris Abdulrahaman, Onu Igala Jingbe and Olimene Ata Igala Kingdom; Chief Abdullahi Idris Dooogaaa, Onu Igala Emiworo; Chief Dr. Isah Peter Obele; Mr. God’s Power, ICDA Ganaja Township PRO; Mr. Iyodo Gabriel and others.
The delegation also presented an Award of Excellence as “Amazon of Humanitarian Service” to Osikoya.
Chief Dr. Labaran Oyigebe presented the award on behalf of ICDA Ganaja Township.
The award recognised Osikoya’s contributions to education, environmental development and humanitarian service.
Foundation Appreciates Royal Visit
Responding to the delegation, Osikoya thanked ICDA Ganaja Township leadership and the traditional rulers for visiting the centre.
She described the visit as the first royal visit to the facility and said it would motivate the management to do more.
Osikoya further appreciated the Federal Government’s partnership with the foundation through the Federal Ministry of Education.
Oyigebe, in his royal blessings, prayed for the success of the centre and advised the students to take their training seriously.
He noted that the skills acquired could improve their livelihoods and enable them to contribute to the welfare of their families.
The ICDA leadership promised to continue working with the Ladi Memorial Foundation and other stakeholders towards ensuring that the facility produces skilled manpower for Ganaja Township and Kogi State.