Olu Samuel, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Odod of Kogi, has urged Nigerian youths to play active role to strengthening a national identity and promote economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability in the country.
Ododo gave the advice at the occasion to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The governor stressed the need for the Nigerian youths to actively involved in nation-building by joining hands with leadership to secure the country’s success.
Ododo, who was represented by the Auditor General for Local Government, Mr Yakubu Adabenege, urged youths to embrace their roles as the drivers of the nation’s future.
He stressed the importance of unity and collective effort in building a prosperous Nigeria.
According to him, youths should play action role in ithe process of constructing and strengthening a national identity, institutions, and infrastructure to promote economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability.
Ododo emphasized the vital role young people play in the nation’s development and called for increased innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility among the youth.
“The future of Nigeria rests in your hands. It is only by joining hands that we can make Nigeria succeed. We must move beyond the challenges of today and work together to create a better tomorrow,” he advised.
The governor further commended the resilience and potential of Kogi and Nigerian youth, and urged them to take advantage of opportunities in various sectors.
According to him, sectors such as technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, to drive the country’s transformation.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development through various initiatives aimed at harnessing their talents and ideas for national progress.
He assured the youth that his administration, in collaboration with the federal government, was working tirelessly to address these issues.
Earlier, the Kogi Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, emphasized the critical role of Nigerian youth in the country’s future.
Speaking on the theme “From Independence to Innovation: The Youth as Catalyst for Nigeria’s Transformation,” Anyebe stressed the importance of empowering young people as the key drivers of national development.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence in 1960, Hon. Anyebe acknowledged both the challenges and achievements
He noted that noted that despite setbacks, the nation’s resolve to progress remains steadfast.
“At 64, Nigeria is still a youthful nation,” he said, pointing out that over 60 per cent of the population is made up of young people.
“This demographic is not just the future of the country but also the force propelling its current growth.
Anyebe praised the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, for his vision for youth empowerment.
He noted that Ododo had made youth development a priority by fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, skills development, and technological advancement.
He also lauded the contributions of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, emphasizing that both administrations have worked tirelessly to ensure the prosperity of Kogi’s youth.
Anyebe, therefore called on all Nigerians to reflect on the past while envisioning a future led by the youth.
The youth commissioner called for continued support for President Bola Tinubu, steering that the President is working hard to modernize the nation.
On his part, the representative of the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Abdulrazaq Suleiman, praised the youths of Kogi State for their resilience and support for the administration, urging them to continue to be worth ambassadors of the state.
He said although the hardship the country is currently passing through didn’t start today.
He, however expressed optimism that the leadership of president Tinubu and governor Ododo at the state level are implementing policies to better the economy and lives of Nigerias.
During the panel discussion by panelists from the public and private sectors, they all focused on the ways in which Nigerian youth could lead the charge for innovation and growth.
The panelists called for increased government support, as well as private sector partnerships, to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among the younger generation.