Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo and several top government officials were honored at the Kogi Student Leadership Summit, organized by the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS).
Held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja, the event celebrated the achievements of Governor Ododo in education infrastructure, welfare of students, and security of schools and campuses and other officials of the state government who have played key roles in governance, youth empowerment, and the advancement of education in the state.
Apart from Governor Ododo, other notable awardees include Right Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly; Alhaji Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State; Pastor, (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D Secretary to the Government of Kogi State; Hon. Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor and Chief Hon. Jacob Edi, Special Adviser on Information and Communication.
Commissioners, heads of agencies, and student leaders were also recognized for their contributions to students’ welfare and the development of education in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development reassured students of the administration’s unwavering support, highlighting ongoing initiatives in bursaries, scholarships, subventions, health insurance, and other welfare interventions of the state government.
He praised the student community for maintaining peace and urged them to remain disciplined and steer clear of negative influences such as cultism and cybercrime.
The Guest Speaker and Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, stressed the importance of education as a tool for personal and societal growth.
He warned students against engaging in activities that could derail their academic journey, emphasizing that discipline and perseverance are key to success.
He also lauded the state government’s commitment to maintaining academic stability, allowing students to complete their programmes without unnecessary disruptions.
In his address, the NAKOSS National President commended the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its student-friendly policies and called for continuous engagement between students and government officials to address pressing concerns.
The summit provided a platform for discussions on education, leadership, and student engagement in governance, with speakers emphasizing the importance of collaboration between student bodies and the government to ensure continuous improvement in academic standards and students’ welfare.
