By Salamat Abu
The Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Ganaja Township, has honoured Rosemary Osikoya for facilitating the establishment of a vocational skills centre in the area.
The association conferred on Osikoya the title of “Amazon of Humanitarian Service” during a courtesy and inspection visit to the facility on Monday in Lokoja.
The centre was established by the Ladi Memorial Foundation Chateko Vocational Institute to provide skills acquisition opportunities for residents.
The Chairman of ICDA, Ganaja Township, Prince Idoko Ogacheko, said the centre would help reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance among youths and women.
Ogacheko commended the Ladi Memorial Foundation for locating the facility in Ganaja Township, saying it would make vocational training more accessible to residents.
He also praised Osikoya, a former Kogi Commissioner for Environment and Education, for facilitating the establishment of the centre.
Osikoya currently serves as Technical Adviser to the Kogi Governor.
“Initiatives such as this centre align with broader efforts to empower citizens, tackle unemployment and encourage self-reliance,” Ogacheko said.
In recognition of Osikoya’s contributions to education, environmental development and humanitarian service, the delegation also presented her with an “Award of Excellence.”
Chief Dr Labaran Oyigebe presented the award on behalf of ICDA Ganaja Township, describing Osikoya as a worthy daughter of Igala land.
Oyigebe said that her contributions had continued to impact lives positively through various interventions in education and humanitarian development.
Responding, Osikoya thanked the ICDA leadership and traditional rulers for what she described as the “first royal visit” to the facility.
She said the visit and recognition would motivate the foundation’s management to intensify efforts toward achieving the centre’s objectives.
Osikoya also appreciated the Federal Government for its partnership with the foundation through the Federal Ministry of Education.
She said the collaboration had contributed to the establishment of the skills acquisition centre in Ganaja Township.
Oyigebe, in his royal blessings, prayed for the success of the centre and urged the students to take their training seriously.
He said the skills acquired at the centre could improve the students’ livelihoods and enable them to contribute to the welfare of their families.
The ICDA leadership pledged continued collaboration with the Ladi Memorial Foundation and other stakeholders to ensure that the centre produces skilled manpower.
It said the initiative would benefit Ganaja Township and contribute to human capital development across Kogi.
Traditional leaders at the visit included Chief Yahaya Salifu, Onu Igala Gadumo and Ogohi Ata of Igala Kingdom; Chief Idris Abdulrahaman, Onu Igala Jingbe and Olimene Ata Igala Kingdom.
Others are, Chief Abdullahi Idris, Dooogaaa, Onu Igala Emiworo, and Chief Dr Isah Obele.
Also present at the event were ICDA Ganaja Township Publicity Secretary, Mr God’s Power, Mr Iyodo Gabriel and other stakeholders. (NAN)
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi