By Mohammed Ahmed Yabagi.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said the best potential of the state can only be realised when they bound together in unity irrespective of their ethnic and religious inclination.
He made the statement on Monday in Lokoja when the leadership of Forum of Coordinators of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) made a N 2 million donation for the purchase of the November gubernatorial election expression of interest form.
Governor Bello was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Edward Onoja, who said despite deliberate efforts to discourage the youth body, the leadership went ahead with their plans, saying it was a show of their genuine commitment to reciprocate the recognition the administration had accorded them.
He stated that promoting progressive Kogi agenda above personal or sectional agendas was paramount to him as it was capable of producing far greater, better and developed Kogi State that would be to the benefits of all.
While thanking the youth for the huge sacrifice made through the donation, the governor said such sacrifice was endearing as it showed their concern and love for the programmes of the present administration.
He mentioned that his emergence and continuity was the fulfillment of divine mandate expressed through prophecy and that was why the move has never lacked the financial and human resources to back its successes.
Governor Bello acknowledged that the gesture was first of its kind in the political history of the State and many other similar gestures that had been forthcoming from quarters least expected were a proof of God’s backing in the fulfillment of the agenda capable of heralding overall development.
He stressed that his re-emergence remained the best option for the youths who were the largest and most influential constituents in the state, stating that he is a young and vibrant youth who has opened up the platform for more youth participation in governance as exemplified in his administration.
The Chief of Staff pointed out that the November 2nd Gubernatorial election in Kogi State was between the old and the new political orders, and it was left for the youths to make the most of the opportunities currently within their grasp.
He noted that persons who are against his administration for promoting a united front, where ethnic segregations were disallowed were strange to such progressive trajectory because they were used to the previous norms of ethnic bias.
Chairman of the Coordinators Forum in Kogi State, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu had earlier applauded the government for its youth inclusion policy and giving them a sense of belonging since it came on board three and a half years ago.
Comrade Abdul then also requested that they be included in the state campaign council for November polls in their various Local Government Areas, promising their preparedness to enter every nook of the state to convince voters to vote for Governor Bello’s return.
In his vote of thanks, the state chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Israel Alonge thanked the Governor for giving the body the recognition that it deserved as it is constitutionally required.
He thanked the Governor for bringing prestige to Kogi youths through his office, as they have become the toast of youths from other parts of the country.
