By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo says youths will continue to get their rightful position under his administration.
The Governor stated this during a summit tagged Kogi Youth Engagement organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sport Development with the theme the Role of Nigerian Youth in Nation building held at the Government House Lokoja.
The Summit which is the first under the present administration attracted a large number of youths across the State as they used the occasion to pass a vote of confidence on Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, saying they should be counted out of any planned protest.
Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo surprised the youth leaders and top Government Functionaries at the youth summit in Lokoja by vacating his seat on the high table as Governor of the state, and also directed all members of the State Executive Councils to vacate their seats for the youth leaders to take over proceedings at the Summit.
Governor Ododo while addressing the youth said there can only be hope for the future of Nigeria with active youth involvement in the governance of the country saying no Nation can attained greatness until the youth comes together to drive the process.
He explained that instead of taking to the street for protest, the youths should channel their energy towards ventures that will unite and build a greater Nigeria.
Governor Ododo stated that no Nation can attained greatness without the youth coming together to compliment the efforts of their leaders, saying the present administration of Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu is working hard within his few months in office to fix the country.
“The youth are the most cherish resources and We must constantly remind our selves of our duty to our fatherland and responsibilities to the realization of our destiny ”
“In February 2023 you came out to elect our president , Ahmed Bola Tinubu because of your faith,he is now for Nigeria and his capacity to bring hope to our situation as a nation will not deray”
He appreciated the organizers of the summit for bringing youths together , describing the programme as the best way of chatting a better life for youths in the State and described the youth as the shinning light of the nation.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade urged the youths to emulate the humility demonstrated by Governor Ododo to guarantee them a brighter future.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Monday Anyebe said the role of youth in Nation building cannot be over emphasized, hence the need for youths to channel their energy towards a positive things that will bring glory and honor to their motherland.
He noted that the state government has made a significant role in empowering the youth and enumerated the achievement of the present administration, including appointment of youth in cabinet of the present administration.
One of the Guest Speakers Professor Olurotimi Ajayi called on government at all levels to guarantee a conducive environment for the manifestation of youth potentials and urged parents not to neglect their roles as the first teacher in the family.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, the State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Benjamin Ojodale Jeremiah said the greatest gift the Governor has given to the youth in Kogi state is the appointment of the Commissioner for youth and sports and appreciated the governor for his leadership role in providing enabling environment for youth.
He appealed for more position for youth, increments in their subvention and pledged the unwavering support of the youth to the President administration
