As part of activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, the Kogi State Government hosted a special interactive session with young people, reaffirming its focus on promoting youth inclusion in governance and sustainable development.
The event held at the Government House in Lokoja brought together youth leaders and stakeholders from across the state with the theme “partnership, participation, and progress.”
Speaking on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Honourable Suleiman Abdulrazak, emphasized the importance of youth participation in building the future of the state and nation.
He called on young people in the state to harness the numerous opportunities in the state’s mining sector, describing it as a vital channel for economic development and job creation.
“This administration believes in the capacity of our youth. The mining sector holds enormous potential, and we want young people to step up, take charge, and be at the centre of Kogi’s economic transformation,” he said.
He commended former Governor Yahaya Bello for laying a solid foundation for youth involvement in governance, adding that the Ododo administration is building on that legacy with a strong commitment to policies and programmes that impact the lives of the people.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, described the interactive session as a symbol of renewed hope and a practical demonstration of Governor Ododo’s commitment to youth-driven governance.
He noted that the administration is actively aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of inclusive development through targeted youth empowerment initiatives.
“From skill acquisition and enterprise support to sports development and leadership inclusion, Governor Ododo has been intentional in building a future that reflects the dreams of our youth,” he stated.
Anyebe urged young people in the state to remain proactive and continue engaging with government policies that shape their future, assuring them that their voices and ideas are not only welcome but essential to the state’s development.
The Democracy Day Youth Interactive Session also featured cultural performances and dance displays, celebrating the nation’s democratic journey and the central role of youth in sustaining democracy in Nigeria.
