Lokoja — GOVERNOR Ibrahim Idris of Kogi State has flagged off the second phase of the entrepreneurial training programme for 300 youths drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state.

He also promised grant them soft loans to set up their own businesses after completion of their training.

Idris disclosed who this while speaking at the said Salem University in Lokoja, explained that the programme is a collaborative effort between the state government and the University geared towards effective capacity building and reduction of youth restiveness in the state.

He said that the initiative is aimed at empowering the youths in the state and reduce the unemployment, stressing that his administration is committed to human development and training programme which is critical in stemming youth restiveness and its effects.

Earlier in his address, the Special Assistant to Governor on Youth Empowerment, Mr. Friday Sani said Kogi State government has expended over N2 million towards the youths development in state.

Sani also said the government spent N50 million to prosecute the second phase of its training project for the youths, adding that N16 million was spent monthly for recruitment of youth to participate in vocational skill acquisition programme.

Vice Chancellor of the Salem University, Lokoja, Professor Paul Omaji who spoke on the training programme partnership project, described the initiative as unique and critical to capacity building for the future leaders.

Omaji said the restoration of the youth is not negotiable, saying that it is everybody's business and youths are not only leaders of tomorrow, but also today.