Kogi APC Youth Wing Hosts All-White Party to Celebrate Gov. Ododo’s Birthday in Lokoja »

Lokoja was lit up on January 1st as the Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing led by Hon. Mohammed U. Mohammed, hosted an all-white party in honour of the birthday of the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The well-attended event, held in the state capital, drew a broad mix of political leaders, youth stakeholders, security agencies, young entrepreneurs, entertainers and supporters of the governor, turning the celebration into a blend of birthday festivity and political solidarity.

Among the dignitaries present were the member of the House of Representatives representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, Hon. Danladi Aguye; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Aridaojo Monday Anyebe; former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Imam; Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Women Mobilization, Hon. Charity Ijese. Others included party leaders, aides of government, community leaders and friends of the celebrant.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Mohammed U. Mohammed said the gathering was organised to celebrate the life of Governor Ododo and to appreciate his impact on young people across the state. He described the governor as a “youth ambassador” whose administration has deliberately created space for young people to participate in governance.

“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has shown, both in words and action, that the future of Kogi belongs to the youth,” Mohammed said.

“Today, young people are not just spectators; they are active contributors to governance and development. This celebration is our way of saying thank you and reassuring him of our loyalty and support.”

He urged youths across the state to remain united and to continue supporting the Ododo administration, noting that sustained peace and cooperation were critical to achieving the government’s development agenda.

In his remarks, representative of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, commended the APC youth leadership for organising what he described as a symbolic and timely celebration.
“This administration understands the language of the youth,” Anyebe said. “From empowerment programmes to appointments, the governor has demonstrated trust in young people. It is only right that the youth, in turn, stand firmly with him.”

Similarly, Hon. Danladi Aguye who was also awarded for his good representation at the House of Representatives praised the initiative, noting that youth-driven events such as this help strengthen party unity and grassroots engagement. He called on young people to channel their energy into productive ventures that would complement government efforts. While describing Governor Ododo as God-given leader, Hon. Aguye promised to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to his constituents.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to individuals drawn from various sectors in recognition of their contributions to youth development, peacebuilding and security in the state. The awardees included community leaders, security personnel, youth advocates and professionals who have played visible roles in mentoring young people and promoting social stability.

One of the award recipients, Hon. Charity Ijese who spoke to our correspondent, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to do more. “This award tells us that our efforts are seen and valued. It encourages us to remain committed to supporting peace and youth development in Kogi State,” he said.

She appreciated Governor Usman Ododo for giving young people the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state. She called on youths to remain steadfast in their support for the and ensure that Ododo gets reelected in 2027.

Another award recipient, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abubakar Umar who recieved an ward for his diligence in carrying out his police duties, thanked the youths for the recognition. He noted that the ultimate goal of policing is peace and security, adding that if a handshake can guarantee peace, it is the duty of the police to extend it. He also urged Kogi youth to shun violence and continue to abide by the laws of the land.

Other awardees at the event also shared positive reactions, with many describing the celebration as colourful, well-organised and reflective of the growing influence of youths in Kogi politics. Several attendees noted that the all-white theme symbolised peace, unity and a hopeful future for the state.

The celebration featured music, goodwill messages and informal interactions among political leaders and youth groups, rounding off what participants described as a fitting birthday tribute to the governor and a reaffirmation of youth support for his administration.