Kogi Youths Converge on Lokoja as State Marks Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary »

Young people from across Kogi State, including corps members, students, representatives of tertiary institutions, and community-based groups, on Wednesday converged on the Government House in Lokoja to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with lectures and panel discussions.

The event, organized by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, focused on the theme: “All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mohammed Farouk, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described Nigerian youths as “invaluable assets with the capacity to unite the nation across ethnic and religious divides.” He said Nigerian youth stand tall as invaluable assets whose creativity, energy and patriotism are critical to nation-building.

He noted that the theme of the celebration is both a call to action and a reminder that building Nigeria is the collective responsibility of every citizen, regardless of age, gender or status.

Hon. Mohammed Farouk – Commissioner for Water Resources

Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing his bold reforms as the kind of leadership needed at this crucial time in the nation’s history. He added that Kogi State is aligning with this national vision through increased investment in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructure and security.

“To our young people, your energy, your creativity, and your patriotism are the lifeblood of this state and this country. You are not just the future of Nigeria; you are the strength of Nigeria today,” the Governor declared.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, described the Independence Anniversary as a celebration of Nigeria’s resilience, diversity, and unity. He commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to youth empowerment, infrastructural renewal and people-centered governance, stressing that youths are the heartbeat of nation-building.

Hon. Aridaojo Monday – Commissioner for Youth & Sports Dev.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Mathew Ajayi, Director Institute of Governance and Development Studies, Federal University Lokoja, said independence remains a priceless gift bought with the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers. While acknowledging the challenges facing the nation, he urged youths to remain steadfast in patriotism and peaceful coexistence, noting that democracy, despite its shortcomings, remains better than military dictatorship.

Prof. Ajayi also praised the Kogi State Government’s investment in security, education and youth development, describing the state as a leading example in empowerment and inclusive governance.

Panelists including Baba Isaac Ibrahim of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Abraham Peter, HOD Political Science, Federal University Lokoja, Bar. Ekpa Okpanachi, Halima Oiza of Chachavivi Women and Child Support Initiative, and Bar. Majabi Emmanuel Akindele, also spoke on the theme of the day, urging collective action to advance national development.

In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, and Chief Kikpoye Karibo, Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, also called for unity and collective responsibility in building a better Nigeria.