"Let's Join Hands to Build Nigeria", Governor Ododo Urges Youths at Independence Day Event »

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, has called on Nigerian youths to take active role in nation-building, urging them to join hands to secure the country’s success. The governor made this appeal during an event commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration held in Lokoja.

Governor Ododo who was represented by the Auditor General for Local Government, Honourable Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, urged youths to embrace their roles as the drivers of the nation’s future, stressing the importance of unity and collective effort in building a prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Ododo emphasized the vital role young people play in the nation’s development and called for increased innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility among the youth. “The future of Nigeria rests in your hands,” he stated. “It is only by joining hands that we can make Nigeria succeed. We must move beyond the challenges of today and work together to create a better tomorrow.”

The governor commended the resilience and potential of Kogi State and Nigerian youth, urging them to take advantage of opportunities in various sectors of president Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, to drive the country’s transformation. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development through various initiatives aimed at harnessing their talents and ideas for national progress.

Governor Ododo also addressed some of the challenges facing the country, including unemployment, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, but assured the youth that his administration, in collaboration with the federal government, were working tirelessly to address these issues.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, emphasized the critical role of Nigerian youth in the country’s future. Speaking on the theme “From Independence to Innovation: The Youth as Catalyst for Nigeria’s Transformation,” Anyebe stressed the importance of empowering young people as the key drivers of national development.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence in 1960, Hon. Anyebe acknowledged both the challenges and achievements, noting that despite setbacks, the nation’s resolve to progress remains steadfast. “At 64, Nigeria is still a youthful nation,” he said, pointing out that over 60% of the population is made up of young people. According to the Commissioner, this demographic is not just the future of the country but also the force propelling its current growth.

Hon. Anyebe praised the leadership of Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending his vision for youth empowerment. He noted that the state government, under Governor Ododo, has made youth development a priority by fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, skills development, and technological advancement. He also lauded the contributions of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, emphasizing that both administrations have worked tirelessly to ensure the prosperity of Kogi’s youth.

As Nigeria commemorates 64 years of independence, Hon. Anyebe called on all Nigerians to reflect on the past while envisioning a future led by the youth. He urged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, according to Anyebe, is working hard to modernize the nation.

In a keynote address delivered by Dr. (Mrs) Oluwakemi Ayodele, Dean, School of Applied Science, Kogi State Polytechnic, she emphasized the role of youths in national development, stressing that government should encourage intergenerational dialogue to foster inclusiveness in nation building.

She praised the government of Kogi State for its policy of inclusivity, and called on the governor to ensure diversification and promote industrialization of the state economy.

On his part, the representative of the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Abdulrazaq Suleiman, praised the youths of Kogi State for their resilience and support for the administration, urging them to continue to be worth ambassadors of the state.

He said although the hardship the country is currently passing through didn’t start today, he however expressed optimism that the leadership of president Tinubu and governor Ododo at the state level are implementing policies to better the economy and lives of Nigerias.

The panel discussion that followed featured key voices from the public and private sectors, all focused on the ways in which Nigerian youth can lead the charge for innovation and growth. Participants called for increased government support, as well as private sector partnerships, to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among the younger generation.