By Maryam Abubakar Gulma.
Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State expressed his approval of the Kogi Youth Engagement Summit, emphasizing the importance of peaceful advocacy over violent protests.
Speaking at the 2024 Youth Engagement Summit summit in Lokoja on Wednesday, organized by Youths in the state,Ododo described the theme of the summit,”The Role of the Nigerian Youth in Nation Building,”timely.
The governor,who notec that Nigeria’s potential largely rests on the shoulders of its youth.
urged the youth to support the Tinubu administration and shun the lure to use them as against to be used to undermine the nation.
He promised increased youth representation in his cabinet, recalling that he had already appointed many young individuals since taking office.
Ododo, who also emphasized that the nation’s progress is closely tied to youth engagement.
called on them to collaborate in building the Nigeria of their dreams, by focusing on key sectors like science, information technology, agriculture, medicine, and sports.
He reminded the youth of the role played in electing President Tinubu in February 2023, promising that their faith in this administration would not be misplaced, adding they remain very importance in the effort in ensuring unity and the development of the country.
Acknowledging the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy for its efforts to provide digital skills training, Ododo noted the vast opportunities available in the digital realm for the advantage of the youth.
He promised increased state involvement in the exploration of these resources to foster industrialization.
Ododo also praised the youth for engaging with agricultural programs initiated by the Tinubu government to address food shortages.
He declared that Kogi youths are a beacon of hope, urging those planning protests to seek dialogue with authorities instead and thanked them for facilitating smooth governance and reiterated his commitment to greater inclusiveness.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Monday Ayebe, enumerated Ododo’s achievements in youth development to include ;increased bursary payments and the consolidation of free education initiatives. He urged the youth to prioritize dialogue.
The first guest speaker at the occasion,a Professor of Political Science from the Federal University, Lokoja,Olarotimi Ajayi paid glowing tribute to the Nigerian nationalists who he noted made significant contributions to the development of the country at a young age.
He called on today’s youths to act as agents of change and harmony, stressing the importance of patriotism and strong character.
Professor Ajayi acknowledged the challenges facing many young people, including single parenting and poverty, but encouraged them to remain resilient and take control of their destinies.
He called on families, schools, media, and government to work together to improve the lives of the youth and address their challenges.
The second quest speaker who is the Rector of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja,Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended the Governor for his cutting across all areas of human development within six months of his administration in the state.
He called on the youth in the state to align with the vision of the Ododo administration to ensure its success and reject the call for protest.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
