By Mohammed Ahmed Yabagi.
Youths from the twenty-one Local Government Areas of Kogi State under the aegis of Forum of Coordinators of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) have donated the sum of two million Naira to the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to allow him purchase his intent form for the November 2nd gubernatorial election.
Making the donation on Monday at the Government House, Lokoja, Chairman of the forum, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu said the body’s resolve to make the donation was informed by the desire of the youth of Kogi State to sustain the present administration’s good programmes for the development of the entire state.
Comrade Abdul as he is fondly called, noted the commitment of the present government to ensure a secured future for the youths of the state, adding that they had never had it so good in the history of the state, hence creating a path for the next generation to follow.
The chairman lauded the administration of Governor Bello for the gigantic developmental strides which has informed the yearning by the people of the state for him to run again, saying it was important to protect Kogi’s present proximity with the APC led Federal Government.
While urging the Governor to keep focus in moving the state forward irrespective of the criticisms from the opposition as his good works would repel the naysayers, he assured of their resolve to also mobilise youths from all parts of the state to vote massively for the Governor’s return for second term.
Comrade Abdul added that the socio-economic and political configuration of Kogi State has changed for the better since the Governor’s assumption of office because of his young, intelligent, disciplined and focused disposition.
Speaking in a welcome address, the state commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Prince Salisu Sani Ogu described the event as a milestone in the aspirations of Governor Bello to return to Lugard House for another term.
Reacting, the Governor thanked the youths for their steadfast support for his administration, saying it was a watershed and loud statement of what the real desires of the youths are in Kogi State.
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Edward Onoja admitted that though he appreciated the gesture, he was not surprised by the overwhelming show of love as the mandate was divinely given in the first place, hence several ‘armies’ are taking over the battle for Bello’s re-election aspirations.
Highlight of the occasion was the donation of NYCN crested campaign paraphernalia including T-shirts and faze caps for the purpose of Governor Bello’s November governorship aspiration.
