Asiru Idris Takes AI Empowerment Drive To Five Kogi LGAs

The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, has sponsored an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology empowerment programme across five local government areas in Yagba and Kabba–Ijumu federal constituencies

He said this is part of grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in 2027.

The initiative, organised through the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group, was designed to introduce participants, particularly young people, to emerging digital technologies and their applications in education, business, employment and personal development.

The training covered Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopa-Amuro, Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu local government areas, taking technology education to communities across the two federal constituencies.

The programme commenced in Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East Local Government Area, before moving to Titcom College Hall in Egbe, Yagba West. It subsequently extended to Mopa-Amuro and Kabba-Bunu, with the final phase held in Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area.

Organisers reported encouraging participation across the locations, noting a significant increase in attendance at the Yagba East session between the first and second days.

The initiative also attracted notable personalities, including a former Head of Service and Special Adviser to Governor Ododo on Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Elijah Evenemi, who attended the Kabba-Bunu session, offered advice to participants and presented certificates.

Unlike conventional political mobilisation activities focused largely on rallies and campaign speeches, the initiative combined grassroots political engagement with digital skills development, providing participants with an opportunity to learn about technologies increasingly shaping the modern economy.

Artificial Intelligence is gaining applications in education, commerce, communication, research and content creation. Its effective use can help students improve research and learning, entrepreneurs promote their businesses and small business owners streamline routine operations.

For young people seeking employment or exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, digital literacy can also provide a foundation for acquiring additional skills and adapting to changing labour market demands.

The Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group, whose visioner and chief sponsor is Asiwaju Asiru Idris, is mobilising support for the re-election of Tinubu and Ododo, alongside other All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Through the empowerment programme, the group sought to complement its political activities with an intervention focused on knowledge acquisition, youth development and community engagement.

The approach reflects an effort to make grassroots mobilisation more practical by creating opportunities for residents to acquire useful knowledge while engaging with the group’s political message.

However, the long-term impact of the initiative will depend on participants’ ability to practise the skills introduced during the training and apply them to their educational, business and career pursuits.

The programme also aligns with the broader emphasis on youth empowerment, technology and skills acquisition under the Ododo administration, although it remains a separate initiative from the state government’s programmes.

In August 2024, the Kogi State Government announced the Kogi Youth Database platform to document young people’s skills, talents and aspirations and help connect them with available opportunities.

The administration has also implemented the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme, featuring vocational and technical training in areas such as software development, computer networking, solar power installation, welding and fabrication.

At a graduation ceremony in 2025, Governor Ododo reiterated his commitment to expanding skills development opportunities for young people across the state.

The governor also emphasised education, technology, employment and youth empowerment while addressing the Kogi Youth Security Summit in Lokoja on October 8, 2026.

Private individuals, community organisations and other stakeholders can complement government efforts by supporting initiatives that promote learning, innovation and economic participation.

As Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Idris occupies a strategic position in the administration of the state’s financial and development priorities. His sponsorship of the programme represents an additional avenue through which he has supported community-based skills development across Yagba and Kabba–Ijumu.

Idris has also expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for providing him with the opportunity to serve the people of Kogi State.
The initiative underscores the importance of expanding access to relevant knowledge and technical skills, particularly among young people who may have limited opportunities to participate in structured technology training.

From Isanlu to Egbe, Mopa-Amuro, Kabba-Bunu and Iyara, the programme brought discussions about AI and digital technologies closer to residents across the five local government areas.

For students, the knowledge acquired could support research and learning, while entrepreneurs could explore digital platforms to reach customers and improve business operations. Participants interested in technology-related careers could also use the training as a starting point for further learning.

For the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group, the initiative combines political mobilisation with skills development. For beneficiaries, however, its greater value will lie in translating the knowledge acquired into practical benefits.

The success of the programme will ultimately be measured not only by the number of communities reached or participants trained, but also by the extent to which beneficiaries can build on their new knowledge to improve their educational, professional and economic prospects.