June 12: Governor Ododo Urges Youths to Embrace Hard Work, Democratic Values »

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on Nigerian youths to embrace the values of hard work, resilience, preparedness, and commitment to democratic ideals as the foundation for sustainable national development.

The Governor made this call on Wednesday during a Youth Interactive Session organized by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in commemoration of the 2025 Democracy Day celebration. The event, which brought together youths from across the 21 local government areas of the state, was held in Lokoja under the theme: “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”

Represented by the Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulrazaq Suleiman, Governor Ododo noted that Kogi State is setting the pace in youth inclusion in governance, stressing that his administration remains committed to empowering young people and creating opportunities for their growth and participation in state development.

The Governor urged youths to always prepare themselves for opportunities, stressing that the future belongs to those who are not only willing to dream, but also ready to work. He praised the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a solid foundation for youth development, which his administration is consolidating upon. Governor Ododo also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering support for democracy, and expressed appreciation to Kogi youths for their steadfast support of his government.

In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, highlighted the alignment of the event with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive governance. He stated that Governor Ododo’s Consolidation and Continuity Agenda is giving practical expression to this vision in Kogi State through deliberate policies and programs targeted at engaging and empowering youths.

“The journey of our democracy is not complete without the voices and actions of young people,” Hon. Anyebe said. “This event provides a platform for dialogue, engagement, and co-creation between the government and its most vital demographic, the youth.”

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Olayemi Michael emphasized that Nigerian youths must see themselves not just as beneficiaries of democracy, but as its defenders, drivers, and destiny. He challenged them to use their energy, innovation, and civic consciousness to shape the nation’s future, and encouraged the state government to invest further in entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and leadership development.

A panel session featuring academics and political figures further explored the roles of youths in promoting security, unity, and sustainable development, while a Q&A segment provided a platform for direct engagement between youths and government representatives.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Muiz Yinus Abdullahi, and the Director General of Protocol, Hon. Suleiman Ibrahim, both of whom commended Governor Ododo for his visionary commitment to youth engagement.

Participants at the event described the session as insightful, timely, and impactful, affirming their renewed commitment to supporting government efforts and contributing positively to the future of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.