From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has urged youths across the country not to relent in contributing their quota towards nation building and promotion of democracy
The governor noted that development of any nation is a collective responsibility entrusted in the hands of both the young and the elderly
He also admonished youths to resist the temptation of being used by politicians to execute dirty jobs such as thuggery, violence and killings during Political elections.
Ododo made the call while speaking during the 2025 June 12 Democracy Day Youth Interactive Session, organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, held at the Government House, Lokoja on Thursday.
The governor who was represented by the Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Suleiman Abdulrazaq, described the Youth Interactive Session with the Theme: 26 Years of Democracy, Renewing Our Commitment to National Development as not only timely but very relevant in impacting positively on the nation’s development and electoral process.
“As youths you must air voices that would promote democracy practice in Nigeria rather than embark on tendencies that would set the game on fire.
“Our past experiences where youths are used to perpetuate evils by politicians to achieve their selfish political ambitions must be resisted and declared unacceptable”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the youths assuring of their empowerment through skills acquisition and employment opportunities.
In his welcome address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, urged the youths to embrace entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as the surest alternative to make them self-reliant.
The commissioner disclosed that the Youth Interactive Session put in place is aimed at reflecting on the journey so far in the nation’s democratic process and general overview on youth development.
