…Says Tinubu working hard to transform economy
By Uche Onyeali
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has commended youths for shunning what he termed ‘politically motivated protests’ in the country.
The governor said young Nigerians stood on the positive side of history for not giving up themselves to be used as agents of chaos.
Ododo, who described the youths as “a force for nation building and the bulwark of national development,” said the decision of Kogi youths to organise a summit that examined the roles of youths in nation building, showed that they are patriotic and believe in the transformative agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The governor made these declarations while addressing multitude of youths in Lokoja during the Kogi Youth Engagement Summit with the theme; ‘The Role of Nigerian Youths in Nation Building.’
The youths opted out of the planned protest against hardship and bad governance and rather discussed the way forward for the country.
While commending them for not making themselves willing tools in the hands of desperate politicians, Ododo noted that President Tinubu had done a lot to change the narratives and highlighted many of the achievements of the present administration.
“In February 2023, you came out in your numbers to elect President Tinubu because of your faith in his love for Nigeria and his capacity to bring hope to our situation as a nation. It is heartwarming to note that your faith in his patriotism, capacity and commitment has remained unshaken.
“The theme of your engagement today, ‘The Role of Nigerian Youths in Nation Building’ could not have come at a better time than now. Nigeria is a nation of potentials. Unlocking these potentials will depend largely on the mindset of young Nigerians like you and I. The level of our nation is the level of our youth. A nation is carried on the strong back of the youth and we must begin to interrogate our roles in building a Nigeria of our dream,” the governor said.
Canvassing more support for the administration of President Tinubu, Ododo informed the youths that “under Tinubu’s administration, your opportunities are limitless.”
He noted that “with the Student Loan Scheme, children of the poor now have the chance to be educated to any level of their choice. He has successfully removed the financial barricades to ensure that every Nigerian child is educated. This will undoubtedly inspire many to hatch the many opportunities that education presents.
“In the last few months, the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy has opened up a lot of empowerment channels, empowering thousands of youths on digital skills. Oil is limited to its deposits. Solid minerals are limited to their volume of deposits. The opportunities that digital skills offer are limitless. Therefore, the president is opening windows of limitless opportunities for youths in Nigeria.
“In recent months under the dynamic leadership of Mr President, sub-nationals are beginning to benefit from the mineral resources in their states. Modalities are now in place to enable states take part in partnership for mineral resources exploration. This will expand the horizon for industrialisation and consequently open up more jobs for our youths.
“The many agricultural interventions have exposed more youths to agriculture which is the new gold globally. Hundreds of youths across the country are already benefitting from schemes that empower them to become big time farmers. They are doing their own protest by leveraging the available opportunities to produce more food for our people.
“As a governor, I can tell you authoritatively that sub-nationals have received a lot of support from the federal government in order to stimulate the economy and make life better for our people. That is why as governors, we are doing our best to change the narratives,” he added.
In the same vein, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe commended youths for standing solidly behind the laudable policies of President Tinubu, saying Kogi will continue to leverage the opportunities for youth development.
Various youth organisations in the state passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Ododo.
