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Kogi Deputy Speaker, advocates For Youth Participation In Leadership, Decision Taking
The Deputy Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Ahmed Mohammed has advocated for a narrative change in Nigeria where Youths should be given opportunity to participate in leadership and decision taking of their immediate society. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Hon Ahmed Mohammed also urged youths across the country to see themselves as future leaders who should strive to shun thuggery, violence, cultism and other forms of social vices and embrace meaningful ventures that could make them self-sustaining.
The Deputy Speaker gave the admonition over the weekend, while speaking at a Youth Forum organised by the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative to further mark this year’s International Youth Day Celebration in the North Central Zone of Nigeria held in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.
The Programme with the Theme: “Youth Engagement Through Building and Strengthening of Democratic Institution” was put in place in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria and Youth Employment and Social Support Operation(YESSO).
The Deputy Speaker hinted that the focus of the present administration in Kogi state has been on how to make youths productive by providing them with opportunities that would make them self-reliant.
“We have put in place skills acquisition programmes for the Youths. We have involved the youths in governance of the state through appointments into various positions. Our focus has been on how to see that the youths stands tall in all ramifications
” Security challenges in Kogi have been at a low level as a result of government attention on youth empowerment
“A lot of empowerment programmes have been carried out by the present administration to ensure that youths were effectively engaged to better their life” Hon Ahmed Mohammed disclosed.
The Senior Special Assistant on Security in charge of Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Onoja Ignatius who also spoke at the event, challenged Nigerian Youths to embark on meaningful ventures that could enable them become responsible citizens to qualify in leadership roles.
“Youths should be placed on the top to enable them use their God given talents to champion the progress of their father land. There is need for a narrative change not only to involve the elderly in leadership but extend such opportunity to the youths as well” the SSA advised.
He therefore, appealed to youths across the country not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to carry out dirty jobs such as killings and perpetrating evils in the society.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi in her contribution through online, called on government at all levels to encourage girl child education and participation in governance like their male counterparts.
“Government should endeavor at all times to embark on intensive sensitization of citizens to embrace extending equal opportunities to both male and female folks in every activity” Ene Obi appeals.
She however, urged Nigerian youths to always imbibe hard work and honesty in every aspect of their life describing positive attitude as the only way out to achieve greatness and worthy living.
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Kogi Government Clarifies Arrest of Defamation Suspect, Insists On Due Process
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports alleging the unlawful detention of one Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, describing them as deliberate attempts to distort facts and incite public sentiment.
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In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government stated that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition against a “clearly defamatory” publication authored by him against the State Government.
Fanwo emphasized that the suspect voluntarily honoured the police invitation, confessed to authoring the false publication, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction which ordered his remand. He stressed that contrary to claims on social media, Abdulhamid is not being detained illegally but is facing prosecution in line with Nigeria’s laws on defamation.
“Defamation is a criminal offense in Nigeria, not an expression of free speech,” the statement read. “It has the potential to destroy reputations built over decades and plunge innocent individuals into disrepute. Sadly, Abdulhamid allowed himself to be used by disgruntled political elements who are yet to come to terms with the fact that the era of politics of patronage is over in Kogi State.”
The government accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring misinformation in a bid to undermine the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom it said has earned the people’s trust through “massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, and civil service welfare.”
While reiterating its commitment to youth empowerment through ICT, enterprise, and education, the government expressed disappointment that some young people still allow themselves to be exploited by desperate politicians.
The Commissioner drew comparisons with a previous case involving political activist Austin Okai, who was forgiven only after publicly apologizing for similar actions.
“Justice must never be based on ethnic considerations. To ask that Abdulhamid be released because he shares ethnic ties with the Governor is to insult the principles of fairness and equality before the law. What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” Fanwo stated.
He further noted that Abdulhamid’s case should serve as a lesson to other youths that those who incite wrongdoing rarely show up to defend their pawns when the law takes its course.
The government assured the public that the case will follow due process and urged the media to verify facts and avoid sensationalism in reporting issues that border on legal and reputational matters.
“We have chosen to speak out in order to clarify the facts and ensure that members of the public are not misled into defending wrongdoing out of ignorance or emotion. When you make wild allegations against the State Government, be prepared to defend them because others also have the right to defend their integrity,” he concluded.
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Good Governance: KONGONET Chairman Calls for Citizen Participation In Governance
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chairman, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina has called on government at all levels to embrace inclusivity in planning and service delivery to boost good governance.
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Ambassador Muraina also called on civil society organisations and development partners to work together in deepening citizen participation in ensuring that governance remains transparent, responsive and true reflective of people’s needs.
Ambassador Muraina made the call while speaking at the 2025 KONGONET Annual General Meeting held in Lokoja on Thursday.
He said that the annual general meeting with the THEME: Synergy for Socioeconomic Development: Uniting State And Non-State Actors for A Greater Impact In Kogi State, is targeted at ushering in quality service provision and positive engagement.
He maintained that together, “We can build more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Kogi State for generations to come”
“I want to sincerely appreciate each and every one of you for your support in the last five years of my leadership. Your unwavering support, collaboration, and commitment have been instrumental in sharing the positive trajectory of our collective efforts in Kogi State.
“Over these years, our partnership has yielded remarkable achievements in bringing about impactful synergy between the state and Non-State Actors
“We have been able to strengthen relationships with government ministries, departments, and agencies which have translated into impactful programmes that benefit our citizens”
He solicited for extension of same cooperation to the incoming KONGONET executive.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC), Nda Eri who also spoke at the event, commended KONGONET in its task to enhance good governance through engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He assured of more logistics support from the state government in promoting the mission and vision of KONGONET
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving MDAs in recognition of their roles in promoting good governance in Kogi.
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Kogi (PDCRC) Boss Lauds Governor Ododo’s Administration for GBV Initiative
By Our Reporter
The Director General of the Kogi State Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Hon Idris Onogo Esq, has praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children in the state.
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Hon. Idris made this commendation today while addressing Newsmen in Lokoja.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of the Commissioner, Hon (Haj) Fatimah Momoh, demonstrates Governor Ododo’s administration’s dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for all citizens.
The committee’s mandate includes providing psycho-social support to survivors, ensuring that cases are handled with care and professionalism, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity for women and children.
Governor Ododo’s leadership has been marked by a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare and well-being of Kogi State citizens. The GBV initiative is just one of the many efforts by his administration to address the social and economic challenges facing the state.
By establishing this committee, Governor Ododo’s administration has shown its commitment to upholding the rights of women and children and providing support to those affected by GBV.
Bar Idris’s praise highlights the significance of this initiative and reveals the administration’s efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
The Kogi State Public Defender’s Office and other stakeholders have expressed optimism that this initiative will yield positive results and contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for women and children in the state.
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