Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on youths in Okun land to embrace unity, economic self-reliance and peaceful political participation as essential tools for sustainable development and prosperity in the state.
Governor Ododo made the call on Tuesday at the Government House in Lokoja while meeting with members of the Okun Youths for Tinubu and Ododo, commending the youths for their unwavering support and commitment to the progress of Kogi State.
The Governor also praised leaders of the Okun kingdom for what he described as purposeful and sincere leadership that continues to inspire young people towards responsible participation in governance and community development.
He specifically acknowledged the contributions of John Nihi Oladele, applauding his efforts toward the growth and advancement of the Okun people.
Speaking on the economic prospects of Okun land, Governor Ododo said the area holds enormous potential, particularly with the discovery of vast lithium deposits. He noted that proper exploitation and local refining of the mineral could significantly tackle unemployment, insecurity and medical tourism while creating opportunities for economic growth.
“We are blessed, especially the Okun kingdom. Okun kingdom has been confirmed to have the largest volume of lithium. With unity, we can refine our own lithium and we would have ended unemployment, insecurity and medical tourism,” the Governor stated.
Governor Ododo urged residents of the state to shun division and work collectively for development, stressing that Kogi is richly blessed with human and natural resources.
“We were not born with hooligans, we were not born with thuggery. Let us work together to build a future that will help us forever,” he added.
The Governor further assured that his administration would not impose candidates on communities ahead of future elections, saying stakeholders would be allowed to determine their preferred aspirants through consultation and consensus.
Reaffirming his administration’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ododo declared that Kogi State would mobilise massive support for the President in the 2027 general election. He warned against actions capable of undermining the President’s political success in the state.
Governor Ododo also disclosed that township and internal road projects across Okun land had already been captured by his administration, assuring residents that the projects would be completed before the next general election.
Earlier, spokesperson of the Okun Youth Leaders, Comrade Seun Adebayo, commended President Tinubu for providing what he described as a level playing field for democratic participation across the country.
The group also declared total support for Governor Ododo, insisting that his re-election bid remained “non-negotiable” due to what they described as his developmental achievements in Okun land.
They praised the Governor for his investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare across Okun communities, while reaffirming their commitment to supporting his administration in building a greater Kogi State.
