The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion and empowerment by endorsing the proposed Kogi Youth Security Summit, describing young people as critical partners in strengthening security and driving sustainable development across the state.
The governor made the commitment on Sunday at the Government House, Lokoja, while receiving youth leaders and stakeholders, adding that the summit would reinforce the state’s security architecture through active youth participation in combating insecurity and criminality.
Ododo noted that youths remain the backbone of every society and possess the energy, talent and capacity needed to shape the future of Kogi State when properly engaged.
According to him, his administration has deliberately adopted an inclusive approach to governance by placing young people at the centre of policy implementation and decision-making, unlike in the past when their potential was largely underutilised.
He expressed optimism that the planned 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 in communities across the state.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the proposed Ododo Youth House project, assuring that it 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.
Ododo further highlighted his administration’s support for youth organisations, noting that the monthly subvention to the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, which had remained stagnant at ₦500,000 for over a decade, had been increased.
He also pledged to sustain regular quarterly engagement with youth groups to strengthen communication and partnership.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Monday Anyebe, described the Ododo administration as youth-friendly and youth-centred, stressing that the significant number of young people serving in the present cabinet demonstrates the governor’s confidence in the capacity of the state’s youth.
He acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges but commended the governor for consistently paying the NYCN subvention since assuming office.
The commissioner attributed the relative peace being enjoyed in the state to deliberate policies and strategic investments by the administration, saying security remains the foundation upon which development is built.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Abdurrahman Abdulmumin Enesi, commended the governor for his commitment to youth development.
He appealed to the governor to appoint more competent young people into strategic government positions and reiterated the council’s support for the establishment of the 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 ₦500,000 to ₦5 million to enable it effectively implement programmes that address the needs and aspirations of young people in the state.
The endorsement of the proposed Youth Security Summit and renewed commitment to youth-focused initiatives have been widely seen as further evidence of the Ododo administration’s resolve to position young people as key stakeholders in promoting peace, security and development across Kogi State.
