International Youth Day: Ododo Urges Kogi Youths to Drive SDGs for Lasting Impact »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged youths to take the lead in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by leveraging technology, agriculture, and strategic partnerships to address local and global challenges.

The governor gave the charge on Monday during the 2025 International Youth Day celebration held at the Government House, Lokoja, with the theme: “Local Youth Action for the SDGs and Beyond.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Farouk Yahaya, Governor Ododo commended his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a strong foundation for youth development in Kogi State. He praised Kogi youths for reciprocating the gesture through positive engagements, which he said have contributed to crime reduction and enhanced community development.

“Our young people must harness the potential of the state’s science and technology hubs as well as our abundant agricultural resources to innovate, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to achieving the SDGs. My administration will continue to prioritize youth empowerment and provide an enabling environment for them to excel,” the governor assured.

In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, described the celebration as a platform to recognise the creativity, energy, and resilience of young people. He outlined the administration’s initiatives to empower the youth, including vocational training, ICT capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and sports development programmes.

“By embracing technology and partnerships, our youths can become agents of transformative change in Kogi State and beyond,” Hon. Anyebe added.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Folusho Owoeye, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, stressed that achieving the SDGs requires inclusive, innovative, and collaborative youth action. She encouraged youths to acquire digital skills, explore renewable energy, adopt climate-smart agriculture, and build strong networks to drive sustainable development.

The event featured a panel discussion where young entrepreneurs, academics, and political appointees shared ideas on scaling local innovations to meet global development goals.

Special guests delivered goodwill messages, commending the state government’s commitment to youth development and calling for sustained investment in technology, education, and enterprise.

The celebration attracted youth leaders, civil society groups, development partners, government officials, and students from across the state.