We Are Impressed with Governor Ododo’s Performance, Kogi/Koton-Karfe Youths Declare »

Youths in Kogi/Koton-Karfe Local Government Area have lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what they described as visionary leadership and a strong commitment to the welfare of the people.

They made their position known on Tuesday during the continuation of the Kogi Youth Townhall Meeting, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to appraise the Governor’s one and a half years in office.

The delegation, led by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, was warmly received by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, who led the team to the palace of the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, HRH Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu.

Commending the monarch for his role in promoting peace, unity, and development across his kingdom, Hon. Anyebe briefed him on the purpose of the visit. In his response, the Ohimegye applauded the initiative and urged the Commissioner to sensitize youths on harnessing opportunities in the digital economy, promoting the positive use of social media, and shunning violence and hate speech.

At the townhall meeting, youths from the three political zones of the local government commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in security, youth empowerment, infrastructure, and grassroots development.

Boboye from Zone C praised the Governor’s commitment to development but appealed for the rehabilitation of the road linking Zone C to Lokoja. Usman Sani from Zone B called for measures to address perennial flooding and the renovation of the Kpareke-Koton-Karfe road, urging political appointees to emulate the Governor’s humane nature.

Comrade Jimba Yakub from Zone A stressed the need for the provision of pipe-borne water and the recruitment of more civil servants at the local government level. A female youth representative commended the Governor for his support for women and widows, while urging increased inclusion of women in governance.

Chairman of Kogi LGA, Hon. Musa Abdulmalik, noted that Governor Ododo’s development strides are evident in the area. He assured that the people of the area will continue to replicate the governor’s humane leadership with their continued support.

On his part, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, described the Governor as a leader who prioritises the people’s welfare. He listed electrification, healthcare, and school projects, as well as security interventions, palace remodeling, agricultural support, and borehole sinking as tangible achievements in the local government.

Engr. Gegu also called for funding to fully establish the proposed School of Science of Kogi State Polytechnic in the area and appealed for the provision of a standard football pitch to boost sports development.

Responding, Hon. Anyebe commended the youths for their support, describing youth inclusion and development as a key priority of the Ododo administration. He assured that their inputs from the engagement would be harmonised and presented to the Governor for policy consideration.

The Kogi Youth Townhall Meeting is expected in Lokoja local government area next week, while a grand finale is slated to hold at a letter date as the state government deepens its youth engagement and participatory governance drive.