admin
The Special Adviser on Youth Affairs and Student Matters to the Kogi State Governor on Monday met with two young businessmen, Agagwu Israel and Yahaya Sani, at the OJN Foundation Secretariat.
The meeting highlighted the Special Adviser’s commitment to addressing unemployment by promoting legitimate, self-started businesses as an alternative to exclusively waiting for government employment. The two entrepreneurs, both hailing from the Eastern part of Kogi State, have jointly founded a successful business selling a local delicacy: well-packaged bean cake. They have branded their product ‘Akala Anana’, which is the Igala language term for bean cake, giving their venture a distinctive regional identity. Mr. Nihi praised their initiative, stating that their effort is an excellent example of “looking inward” and showcasing what idle youths in Kogi and Nigeria can achieve.
Demonstrating direct support, Mr. Nihi purchased one pack of the ‘Akala Anana’ for N50,000, significantly more than the usual price of N3,500, affirming his dedication to the business.
He also promised that the OJN Foundation would formally partner with and support the young men to ensure the longevity and expansion of their enterprise. Additionally, Mr. Nihi offered practical business advice, including the suggestion of introducing smaller, more affordable packs to make the product accessible to a wider customer base. The meeting was held in the presence of other key state officials, including Samuel Kadiri, SSA on Grassroots Mobilization, and Alonge Israel Femi, SSA on Digital Communication to the Governor.
This high-profile reception underscores the administration’s emphasis on youth empowerment, an effort Mr. Nihi attributes to the overall leadership of His Excellency, Ahmed Ododo.
