Lokoja Local Government Area, on Tuesday, played host to the final phase of the Kogi Youth Townhall Meeting, where youths and community leaders showered accolades on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership and notable achievements in security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, led the state delegation to the Lokoja LGA Secretariat, where they were received by the Lokoja Local Government Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu; Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Farouk Yahaya; House of Assembly member representing Lokoja I Constituency, Hon. Bin Ebaiya; APC Youth Leader, Hon. Mohammed U. Mohammed; and other notable stakeholders.
During the interactive session, participants praised Governor Ododo for prioritizing security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
Abubakar Datti lauded the administration’s efforts in these areas but called for more recruitment into the local government civil service and the renovation of dilapidated schools.
Similarly, Atiku Bala, a beneficiary of the state’s skills acquisition programme, commended the Governor’s gesture while appealing for the fulfilment of further pledge.
APC Youth Leader in Lokoja LGA, Mohammed Maigizo, described the Governor’s youth inclusiveness as unprecedented and urged for enhanced security support for the area.
The Kogi State APC Chairman, Hon. Mohammed U. Mohammed, noted that youths in the state are now “leaders of today” due to the opportunities provided by the Ododo administration.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Farouk Yahaya, also praised the Governor’s performance, highlighting the livestock farming empowerment programme under the L-Press scheme as one of the programs which is helping young people to become self reliant. He also noted that the administration of Governor Ododo has fixed and expanding the old water works to provide portable water to the people of Lokoja.
Engr. Farouk stressed that the Ododo government, a continuation of the Yahaya Bello administration, is pursuing a 32-year development plan with a strong focus on youth development.
Lokoja LGA Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, outlined ongoing projects in the area, including school upgrades under SUBEB, road rehabilitation, primary healthcare centre improvements, and the construction of a 5km road in Kupa.
He said the submissions of youths at the townhall meeting was a clear indication that the governor is doing well and deserves to be supported. Adamu assured the Governor of the council’s continued support.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Monday Aridaojo Anyebe expressed appreciation for the warm reception across all LGAs visited during the townhall tour, interpreting it as a sign of public approval of Governor Ododo’s administration. He assured that the concerns raised would be communicated to the Governor.
The Commissioner also revealed that the ministry’s empowerment programmes draw beneficiaries from the youth database hosted on its website and disclosed ongoing efforts with STETCOM to revive inter-school sports competitions.
The Commissioner urged the youths to continue in their support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, assuring them that the administration is committed to delivering more dividends of democracy to the people of Kogi State.
The grand finale of the Kogi Youth Townhall Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, with Governor Ododo expected to attend.