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His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday commissioned the DAM Foundation Civic Recreation Complex in Okene, describing the landmark facility as a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment, human capital development and holistic community transformation across the state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Ododo lauded the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and Founder of the Doctor Abdullahi Mustapha Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, FNSE, CEng, MIMechE, for what he described as a selfless and visionary investment in humanity that directly addresses the needs of the people at the grassroots.

The Governor noted that the complex is designed to serve primarily the less privileged, the vulnerable and the youth, while also stimulating local economic activities and complementing the development agenda of the Kogi State Government. According to him, the facility represents a practical demonstration of how private sector initiatives can align with public policy to drive sustainable development.

“To the glory of God and in service to humanity, we unveil this edifice for the benefit of our people,” Governor Ododo declared, emphasizing that the complex would play a critical role in nurturing talents, driving human capital development and strengthening community cohesion. He assured that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for credible individuals and institutions committed to people-centred interventions and called on other Nigerians to emulate the example set by the DAM Foundation in investing in projects that directly uplift communities.

Earlier in his address, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ododo for honouring the foundation with his presence at the commissioning, describing it as a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership and a strong commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment and inclusive governance across Kogi State. He said the Governor’s support further reinforces confidence in partnerships that prioritize people-oriented development.

Dr. Mustapha also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on inclusive growth, youth empowerment, economic revitalization and human capital development aligns seamlessly with the vision and mission of the DAM Foundation. He affirmed that the foundation remains resolutely committed to advancing these national objectives through practical, community-based interventions that deliver measurable impact.

According to him, the DAM Foundation was established to promote community development and youth empowerment, born out of the conviction that sustainable development begins when people at the grassroots are equipped with the right tools, opportunities and support systems to thrive. He explained that the foundation’s approach is anchored on creating platforms that unlock potential, foster productivity and promote long-term self-reliance.

Reflecting on the journey leading to the completion of the complex, Dr. Mustapha recalled that the site was once idle and had gradually become a space where some youths drifted into unproductive and harmful activities. He said that narrative has now changed, stressing that the DAM Civic Recreation 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.

He highlighted several milestones recorded by the foundation over the years, including strategic job creation programmes that have enabled hundreds of youths to secure employment in public institutions and the private sector. He also pointed to scholarship schemes that have provided educational opportunities for deserving students, as well as human capital development initiatives that have equipped many young people with market-ready skills, thereby fostering self-reliance and sustainable growth within communities.

Dr. Mustapha further expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for commissioning a 100-bed capacity hostel within the complex to serve athletes during championship games and for community use. He announced the registration and admission of over 100 children from across the country into the DAM Camp, marking the formal commencement of the 2025 DAM Foundation Basketball Championship, which he said would further promote youth engagement, discipline and talent discovery through sports.

In addition, he revealed that about 1,000 youths and women have just completed training in ICT and craft skills for artisans under the foundation’s empowerment programmes. He noted that the initiative attracted beneficiaries to the benefits of certificates, computers and essential tools distributed to support their transition into productive ventures and sustainable livelihoods.

The commissioning of the DAM Foundation Civic Recreation Complex was widely hailed as a significant milestone in Okene, symbolizing the impact of collaborative efforts between government and the private sector in advancing human capital development, empowering youths and laying a solid foundation for inclusive community growth in Kogi State.