Kogi Targets Investment in Mineral Resources

Kogi State government has partnered with Malivelihood Luxury to launch the Kogi State Youth Mining and Jewelry Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme.

It is a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the state’s vast mineral wealth and creating sustainable opportunities for the youth.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, John Otetah Agbenyi, programmes and communications officer at Malivelihood, said the initiative was designed to equip youths with practical, globally competitive skills in ethical mining, mineral refining, jewellery craftsmanship and participation in the international luxury value chain.

“By prioritising value addition over raw mineral extraction, the initiative aligns with Kogi State’s broader vision of sustainable economic growth, job creation and equitable wealth redistribution.

“Kogi State is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most mineral-rich states, with confirmed deposits of gold, iron ore, limestone and other valuable resources. Despite this endowment, much of the sector’s potential has remained untapped, largely due to skills gaps, informal mining activities and limited local processing capacity,” he said.

The new empowerment programme seeks to address these challenges by strengthening technical capacity and promoting environmentally responsible and ethical mining practices.

The initiative is being implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and combines classroom-based learning with hands-on practical training and structured mentorship.

The participants will be trained by seasoned local experts and foreign facilitators with extensive industry experience, ensuring that the curriculum meets international standards.

Malivelihood Luxury, the private sector partner in the initiative, brings nearly two decades of experience in luxury jewelry production, high-value craftsmanship and industrial consulting.