Kogi State Government has expressed its readiness to partner well meaning indigenes of the state and private organizations to alleviate poverty, empower the people and advance the state economically.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the commitment, yesterday during the inaugural Basketball Championship and Empowerment Programmes sponsored by the Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha.
The Energy Commission Boss embarked on multiple empowerment programmes at Okene for the Yuletide, through his NGO, “Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM) Foundation”.
Speaking at the DAM Basketball Championship and Empowerment Programme at Okene Club, Okene Local Government Area, Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, emphasized that poverty was one of the greatest enemies of mankind; as according to him, it reduces the self-esteem of a person and makes them feel inferior in the company of others.
The governor noted that to fight the monster called destitution head-on, in order to lift the greatest number of people in the state out of poverty, there must be synergy between the government and private sectors.
He commended the chairman of the DAM Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, for his support for the less privileged and the downtrodden in society, expressing the government’s willingness to collaborate with charitable organizations like the Foundation to engage youths, alleviate poverty, and foster harmonious community relations.
In his address, ECN DG, Dr. Mustapha, who is an indigene of the state and Chairman of the DAM Foundation, stressed the foundation’s philanthropic endeavors aimed at providing assistance to those in need, promoting education, delivering healthcare services, enlightening youths, and empowering individuals to live above poverty lines.
He said the 2024 edition of the Basketball Championship competition and Empowerment Programme in Kogi State seeks to unite young people and equip them with the tools for sustainable living.
Dr. Mustapha expressed gratitude to the governor for his consistent support in reaching out to the disadvantaged members of society.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of honor to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as the Sports Champion of the Year by the Chairman of the DAM Foundation.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor at the event were Hon. Onojah James, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security for Idah Federal Constituency, Sheikh Sani Momoh Musa, SSA to the Governor on Ethics and Values, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa, Chairman of Ofu Local Government, among other aides.
