…we know when something doesn’t work for 16 years, we have to try something new.
Kogi youths and students have been assured of a better deal under the current administration of Governor Yahaya Bello through the practical ‘New Direction Blueprint.
Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Youth Empowerment, Sports and Students’ Affairs, Comrade M.D. Eseyin, gave the assurance while delivering a speech at the Northern Nigeria Student Forum dinner.
Eseyin, who recently toured all higher institutions of learning in the state in a bid to forge synergy with students and management of these schools, expressed confidence in the efficacy of the ‘New Direction Blueprint’ which, upon implementation, will offer great opportunities for students and graduates in the state.
He pointed out that Governor Bello has secured and put in place modalities for the creation of employment opportunities for Kogi youths who are willing and ready to work.
“Series of agreements have been signed with some multinationals and Chinese firms, who are coming in with their resources to invest and get our youths employed through mining, power generation and soft agricultural loans to youths who are willing to go back to the farms. All these investment agreements are aimed at creating financial security for the people of Kogi State, especially the youths. When these investments are pulled together and harmonised, our youths, especially graduates would have no reason to be idle, he said.
“For our Students studying in higher institutions across the country, the governor has said it that Youths’ and Students’ bodies are his immediate constituency. As I speak to you, the Government is working on paying outstanding bursary arrears for the Students and a new template is being worked on to ensure a better package for the Students of Kogi State.
“Recently, the State government hosted Kogi State students under the umbrella of National Association of Kogi State Students, NAKOSS, and the Student Union Governments, SUG, in all the higher institutions of learning in the State and monthly subventions package was earmarked for the Students. This is the first of its kind since the creation of the State. Only two months ago, the Governor also announced the donation of two buses for students and youths bodies across the state.
According to Eseyin, Governor Bello has created a veritable platform for youths in the state to thrive and believe in themselves through his appointments so far with youths holding key and sensitive positions in the state.
He said, “there is no doubt that the trend of appointing young, energetic and creative professionals is clearly shaping the mindsets of our teeming youths into believing that they can achieve whatever set goals they want to achieve”.
He praised the governor for working hard to ensure the state secured the long awaited bailout funds which, upon release, has brought smiles to the face of civil servants who got three to five months outstanding salaries paid to them recently.
Eseyin applauded the governor for taking steps that resulted in saving about sixteen billion Naira annually for the state through the recently concluded staff screening exercise.
“These are funds that would have disappeared into the pockets of ghost workers and other unintended beneficiaries. These funds are now available to ensure the future of our youths is secured. We must move forward in a way that benefits the Youths of Kogi State, because we know when something doesn’t work for 16 years, we have to try something new. That’s why the governor is spending a lot of time building vibrant connections between the Youths.
He called on all youths and students to support the current administration.
