Kogi targets mineral value addition as youth mining, jewelry programme kick off

The Kogi State Government has partnered with Malivelihood Luxury to launch the Kogi State Youth Mining and Jewelry Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the state’s vast mineral wealth while creating sustainable opportunities for young people. The programme is designed to equip youths with practical and globally competitive skills in ethical mining, […]

The Kogi State Government has partnered with Malivelihood Luxury to launch the Kogi State Youth Mining and Jewelry Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the state’s vast mineral wealth while creating sustainable opportunities for young people.

The programme is designed to equip youths with practical and globally competitive skills in ethical mining, mineral refinement, jewelry 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.

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.

Participants will be trained by seasoned local experts as well as foreign facilitators with extensive industry experience, ensuring that the curriculum meets international standards.

Beyond skills development, the programme is expected to stimulate the state’s economy by supporting the formalisation of mining activities, encouraging the growth of value-added industries and attracting foreign direct investment. Analysts say the initiative underscores Kogi State’s efforts to position itself as a forward-looking subnational government focused on long-term economic competitiveness.

“For participating youths, the programme offers exposure to global best practices and clear pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and access to international markets. Outstanding participants are expected to benefit from advanced learning opportunities, including exposure to world-class mining facilities and renowned jewelry craftsmanship institutes abroad,” the statement said

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.

Leveraging its global network and industry expertise, the firm is expected to facilitate foreign partnerships, technical exchanges and new revenue streams for the state.