Governor Ododo Praises Kogi Students, Youths for Support »

In a strong reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to the development of education, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has assured the people of Kogi State, particularly students, that his government will continue to invest heavily in the education sector. The Governor made this statement at the Kogi Students Parley, which took place today in Lokoja, the state capital.

Governor Ododo, who was represented by the Auditor General for Local Government, Honourable Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, stressed the crucial role education plays in driving development and empowering young people. He noted that the administration’s focus on education is part of a broader vision to create a more prosperous and inclusive Kogi State.

“The future of Kogi State lies in the hands of our students and youth. As a government, we recognize the transformative power of education, and we are committed to ensuring that our schools, colleges, and universities receive the necessary funding and support to provide quality learning experiences. Our goal is to ensure that no student is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge,” Honourable Adabenege said, speaking on behalf of the Governor.

He described Kogi State students and youths as intellectual, innovative, creative, and peaceful sets of persons who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state and the nation at large.

Governor Ododo emphasized that his administration’s investment in education would continue to prioritize key areas such as infrastructure development, enhanced security on campuses, students and staff welfare, all aimed at improving the overall quality of education in the state.

He commended them for the vote of confidence passed on Governor Ododo a day before and for not aligning themselves with hoodlums, storming streets in the name of protests, to loot citizens’ properties and goods.

He urged the students and youths to continue to shun violence and embrace peace, as he reiterated his commitment to bringing infrastructural development to the state requesting their usual support.

Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, in his remarks, portrayed the students and youths to be the most cherished great assets of the state commending Governor Ododo for appointing youths as commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.

Hon Fanwo emphasized the government’s commitment to investing heavily in education, describing education as the biggest and most assured key to open the doors of prosperity and greatness. He expressed his confidence in Kogi State Students within and outside the state to be good ambassadors as they are performing extremely well in their academics.

The Hon. Commissioner narrated how Kogi medical students won 18 out of 20 awards to the inducted medical doctors in Kaduna State University, in which one person went home with 11 out of the 18, adding that through visionary leaders, Kogi State produced 36 medical doctors on 10th September, 2024, commending Former Governor Yahaya Bello for bringing Alhaji Usman Ododo who is doing extremely well.

He urged the students to shun unnecessary protests and continue to support the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, as he remains committed to the welfare of the citizenry and infrastructural development in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Monday Anyebe in his opening remarks commended the students and youths for their resilience, dedication, and unwavering support to the administration of Governor Usman Ododo, demanding their continual support as the Governor, is committed to job creation, empowerment, and security of lives and properties.

He urged the students to rreflect on the vision and actions of the administration, particularly in the area of education and student welfare, adding that the theme of this parley emphasizes empowerment through education, and the government of Alhaji Usman Ododo has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that education remains a priority in the consolidation agenda.

He called on the students to continue to be good ambassadors of the state in their various institutions, assuring that the government will continue to prioritize their welfare and safety.

In their separate remarks, the students leaders comprising National Association Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) Association of Polytechnic Students, All students tribal associations amongs others based their endorsement of governor Ododo on his laudable policies and the engagement of apable hands that are managing institutions. They also praised infrastructural development across campuses, and his commitment to students welfare.

They urged the government to introduce scholarship for exceptional Kogi students in various institutions across the country, stressing that it’ll serve as morale booster to students.

The Kogi Students Parley, themed “Empowerment Through Education: Focusing on the Transformative Power of Learning and Knowledge,” is part of the state government’s initiative to foster meaningful dialogue between students and policymakers. The event saw students from various tertiary institutions in Kogi State coming together to discuss critical issues affecting education and student welfare.