Kogi Trains 2,310 Youths in CNG Conversion
The Kogi State Government has commenced the training of 2,310 youths in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion as part of efforts to empower young people with technical skills and promote clean energy adoption in the state.
The initiative falls under the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition (OYESA) programme introduced by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to tackle unemployment and build a skilled workforce.
The programme is designed to train youths in various vocational fields including automotive mechatronics, welding and fabrication, solar installation, and CNG conversion.
At the launch of the training at the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Bashiru Gegu, said the programme would enable youths to acquire skills relevant to modern energy solutions and job creation.
“We are training 2,310 young people in CNG conversion to position them for opportunities in the green energy sector and to support the federal government’s gas expansion policy,” Gegu said.
Governor Ododo, represented by his Special Adviser on Youth Empowerment, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to youth development, stating that the initiative will provide long-term benefits for individuals and the state’s economy.
He added that the government plans to train at least 1,000 youths annually through the OYESA programme.
Participants will undergo a three-month intensive training covering both theory and practical aspects of CNG conversion. The state government will provide stipends, accommodation, starter packs, and certificates to successful trainees, while outstanding participants will be linked to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The training aligns with national efforts to promote alternative fuel sources, reduce transportation costs, and cut carbon emissions. Kogi State has also begun setting up CNG fueling stations in collaboration with private partners to build the necessary infrastructure.
Beneficiaries of the programme have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that offers them valuable skills and a pathway to self-reliance.
