Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has endorsed the proposed Kogi Youth Security Summit, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and greater inclusion in efforts to strengthen security and drive sustainable development across the state.
The governor made the commitment on Sunday while receiving youth leaders and stakeholders at the Government House in Lokoja, saying the young people are critical partners in tackling inesecurity and advancing the state’s development agenda.
Governor Ododo said youths remain the backbone of society possessing the energy, talent and capacity needed to shape the future of Kogi State when properly engaged.
According to him, his administration has prioritised youth participation in governance by deliberately involving young people in policy implementation and decision making.
He expressed optimism that the proposed Youth Security Summit would provide a platform for young people to collaborate with government and security agencies in developing practical strategies to address security challenges across communities in the state.
Governor Ododo also reaffirmed his commitment to the proposed Ododo Youth House project, assuring that the project would not suffer the fate of abandoned government projects.
He explained that the facility would be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to ensure its sustainability.
According to him, the Youth House will serve as a modern hub for innovation, leadership development and skills acquisition, featuring a 1,000-seat multipurpose hall, office spaces, a well-equipped library, children’s amusement park and other facilities designed to promote learning, entrepreneurship and youth engagement.
Governor Ododo revealed that the monthly subvention to the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, which had remained at N500,000 for more than a decade, had been increased.
He also pledged to sustain regular quarterly engagement with youth groups to strengthen communication and partnership.
Earlier, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Monday Anyebe, described the Ododo administration as youth-focused, noting that the large number of young people serving in the current cabinet reflects the governor’s confidence in their abilities.
He acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges but commended the governor for consistently paying the NYCN subvention since assuming office.
Anyebe added that the relative peace being enjoyed in the state is as a result of deliberate policies and strategic investments by the administration, stressing that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Abdurrahman Abdulmumin Enesi, applauded the governor for his commitment to youth development.
He appealed for the appointment of more competent young people into strategic government positions and reiterated the council’s support for the proposed Ododo Youth House as a lasting legacy that would nurture future leaders.
Enesi also urged the state government to further review the council’s monthly subvention from N500,000 to N5 million to enable it effectively implement programmes that address the needs and aspirations of young people across the state.
