By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commissioned the DAM Foundation Civic Recreation Complex at the Okene, describing the facility as a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment, human capital development, and community transformation.
At the ceremony, Governor Ododo on Monday applauded the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and Founder of Doctor Abdullahi Mustapha Foundation (DAM) Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, FNSE, CEng, MIMechE, for what he termed a selfless investment in humanity.
The Governor said the complex would primarily serve the less privileged, the vulnerable, and the youth, while stimulating local economic activities and complementing the state government’s development agenda.
“To the glory of God and in service to humanity, we unveil this edifice for the benefit of our people,” Governor Ododo said, adding that the facility would nurture talents, drive human capital development, and strengthen community cohesion.
He assured that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for credible individuals and institutions committed to people-centred interventions, while urging other Nigerians to emulate the DAM Foundation.
Earlier in his address, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for honouring the foundation with his presence, describing it as a clear demonstration of leadership and a strong commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance across Kogi State.
Dr. Mustapha also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda’s emphasis on inclusive growth, youth empowerment, economic revitalization, and human capital development aligns with the vision of the DAM Foundation. He said the foundation remains committed to advancing these objectives through practical, community-based interventions.
According to him, the DAM Foundation is established to promote community development and youth empowerment and was born out of the conviction that sustainable development begins when people at the grassroots are equipped with the right tools, opportunities, and support systems.
He recalled that the location of the complex was once idle and had become a place where some youths drifted into unproductive and harmful activities. “Today, that narrative has changed,” he said, explaining that the DAM Complex was deliberately designed to keep minds engaged, talents nurtured, and youthful energies redirected towards productivity through sports development, skills acquisition, capacity building, and entrepreneurship support.
Dr. Mustapha highlighted several milestones recorded by the foundation, including strategic job creation programmes that have enabled hundreds of youths to secure employment in public institutions and the private sector, as well as scholarship schemes that have provided educational opportunities for deserving students. He added that the foundation’s human capital development initiatives have equipped many youths with market-ready skills, fostering self-reliance and sustainable growth.
He also thanked Governor Ododo for the commissioning of a 100-bed capacity hostel to serve athletes during championship games and for community use. He further announced the registration and admission of over 100 children from across the country into the DAM camp, marking the commencement of the 2025 DAM Foundation Basketball Championship.
In addition, Dr. Mustapha revealed that about 1,000 youths and women have just completed training in ICT and craft skills for artisans, which attracted them to the benefits of certificates, computers, and essential tools distributed.