…Say move will strengthen youth organisations, boost student representation
Youth and student leaders in Kogi State have commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for approving a 100 per cent increase in the monthly subvention to youth and student organisations in the state, describing the gesture as a major boost to youth development and institutional capacity.
The commendation was made on Tuesday at a press conference held at the OJN Foundation Secretariat, Zone 8 Roundabout, Lokoja, where leaders of various youth and student bodies described the governor’s decision as evidence of his administration’s recognition of young people as critical stakeholders in governance and development.
The increase, which raises the monthly subvention by 100 per cent, is expected to strengthen the administrative and operational capacity of beneficiary organisations and enable them to carry out their programmes and responsibilities more effectively.
The press conference brought together the presidents and executives of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), Association of Nigerian Female Students (ANFS), Kogi State Chapter, Kogi State Youth Parliament and other youth groups.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Student Matters, Hon. Oladele John Nihi, described the approval as a significant demonstration of Governor Ododo’s commitment to empowering young people and strengthening youth-focused institutions.
Nihi said the decision would address some of the operational challenges confronting youth and student organisations while providing them with greater capacity to contribute to policy advocacy, student welfare, leadership development and community engagement.
He noted that the intervention reflected an administration that understands the importance of youth participation in governance and recognises the need to support organisations serving as platforms for youth representation.
The youth and student leaders, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to the governor, pledging to justify the increased financial support through transparency, accountability and responsible leadership.
They also urged their members across the state to sustain constructive engagement with government and remain committed to initiatives that promote peace, unity and development.
The gathering described the approval as a positive signal to the youth constituency, stressing that sustained investment in youth organisations would strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
They reaffirmed their support for the Ododo administration and called for continued policies and programmes that prioritise student welfare, youth empowerment and inclusive governance.
The leaders maintained that the increased subvention should serve as renewed motivation for youth and student organisations to deliver greater value to their members and the people of Kogi State.
