The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi state have unveiled a week long beehive of activities including a “Meet and Ask”, victory procession and conference which according to them were befitting ways to honour Governor Yahaya Bello’s youthful leadership and the numerous benefits his leadership had on the youth demography.
The youth body made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing at the youth house in Lokoja where they affirmed that during the 8 years of the administration of Gov. Bello, the waters of the youth demography which naturally was flowing against the tide has changed significantly. They added that Youth’s issues was the front burner of discuss in Kogi and in Nigeria, while Youth Inclusion and mainstreaming advocacy and requests became a thing of the past.
Comrade Ojodunwene, the Chairman GYB Valedictory/Thank You Committee while delivering the press address asserted that the “Youths are the leaders of tomorrow” slogan chanters were disgraced as Youths took the Centre stage of leadership and decision making in the state.
Part of his address reads ‘’It is no longer in doubt that Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello is a pacesetter and a myth buster. This is evident in his style of leadership. He dared where no one dares. He stepped where everybody fears. He conquered empires instituted in the foundation of the state. A very good example is the unpopular hydra-headed wage bill problem of the state which has left the state in poverty and shambles in the past. Gov. Yahaya Adoza Bello fought doggedly to liberate the state from that quagmire. A battle so many faulted but yet celebrated in their hearts’’.
He added that Just when it seemed like Kogi is irredeemably taken by insurgents and general insecurity – the days of boko-haram sleeper cells, herdsmen attacks, banditry and kidnapping, communal clashes and many other vices; Gov. Bello went after the perpetrators of violence and criminalities in the state, despite the information that most of them were untouchable, investigated them, made arrest and demolished their criminal hideouts, confiscated the lands for the safety of the people of Kogi State.
This action caused crimes and criminalities to nosedive significantly and all road users, especially travelers-through Kogi State became safe and could travel through the state with their mind at rest.
The planning committee chairman also said, the Governor ensured that the impossible in Kogi State happened with ease adding that Just when the spectators of doom labeled Kogi State as a uni-religious state, the governor built and equipped a befitting government house chapel to accommodate the Christian faithful in the state.
He revealed that the council also benefited in the giant strides of Gov. Bello highlighting some of the few things he did to support the activities of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, he said the governor graciously presented 21 Sharon buses to the LGA coordinators of the organization.
‘’A befitting permanent structure at the heart of the town was approved and handed over to the National You council of Nigeria. Monthly subventions was also approved and being paid to the Council. Finally, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter have been appointed into numerous executive council’’. He added
He mentioned that the council on these premise was poised to support the party and mobilized heavily for the victory of Ahmed Usman Ododo at the polls.
Comrade Ojodunwene said that the general public would be invited to witness and document the beginning of series of event lined up by the youth council under the leadership of Benjamin Jeremiah Ojodale to celebrate the wonderful 8 years of impact in Kogi State.
Events itemised includes a “Meet and Ask” seat out with the governor on the 25th of January. According to him, this event is to allow youth leaders across the state and the country at large to have a seat with the governor and ask questions around his leadership-style, magnanimity, motivations and future plans.
He added that on the same day, 5000 Youth of Kogi State will also be having a “Victory Procession” from Ganaja Junction to the government house to present a plaque of Victor to the governor.
The comrade said the final event is a beffitng celebration conference, with the theme ‘’Youthful Leadership Incubation, Consolidation and Good Governance: Yahaya Bello Example’’. This is to bring together friends, families, political associates, APC stakeholders, lovers of Yahaya Bello and Youth leaders across the 36 states of the federation to celebrate, learn and share stories on the good leadership of Governor Bello and also, submit the Youth Agenda for Good Governance to the Governor-Elect, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
On his part, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, Comr. Benjamin Jeremiah, noted that the council has enjoyed progressive relationship with the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, adding that under the governor’s administration, youths who were the proverbial “leaders of tomorrow”, are now today’s leaders.He ppraised the governor for uplifting the status of Kogi youths and promised of their continued support for his course.
The Chairman also pledged support for the incoming administration of Usman Ododo, expressing confidence that he would further the youths friendly policies of governor Yahaya Bello.
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