By Mary Amodu.
In a bid to promote youth participation in politics and emancipation in governance, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has promised to build a developmental centre for youths in the State.
The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Edward Onoja, made the statement recently at the inauguration of the 5th executives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State chapter which took place at the federal university auditorium, Lokoja.
Onoja noted that the decision of the construction of the civic center was part of the contracts approved during the recently held State executive meeting(SEC) which he said will serve as a rallying point for youths to build a strong oriented family.
He further stated that the governor sees the NYCN platform as an opportunity to give back to the youths, urged the youths to shun every form of ethnic and religious sentiment in dealing with one another.
Delivering the keynote address, the Secretary of Consumer Protection Council, Barr. Babatunde Irukera advised youths to see every challenge not as a hindrance but a stepping stone to their destination.
Irukera added that the 21st century came with lots of competition and opportunities which when harness would be of great benefits in the State and the country at large, describing the youth as a vanguard of the society that is entrusted with so much responsibility by the elders and as such, should work hard to ensure they do not compromise that trust.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Comrade Gabriel Adoji called on youths in the State to ignore all negative statement attributed to the New direction administration as they are all false and from opposition of the government.
Also speaking, the outgoing Chairman, Comrade Farouq Mazai called on youths in the state to show solidarity and give the desired support to make his successor succeed in office just as he noted that he has no iota of doubt that his wealth of experience and astuteness would take the Council to its enviable height.
The newly elected chairman, Comrade Oladele Nihi appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello for always identifying with the youths just as it is evident in his cabinet, while he expressed optimism to partner with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to allow youths take their rightful position in governance.
