Gov. Ododo Celebrates International Youth Day, As He Unveils Kogi Youth Data Base
By Abubakar Suleman
The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo has celebrated the 2024 International Youth Day.
The event which took place at Glasshouse, Government House, Lokoja on Monday, with the theme “FROM CLICK TO PROGRESS: YOUTH DIGITAL PATHWAY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Elder Salifu Oyibo, extolled that the youths’ database has been designed to be a comprehensive platform that would not only document the skills, talents, and aspirations of the young people but will also connect them with opportunities for growth and development.
The Deputy Governor who stated that the platform would serve as a bridge between the youths and various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations pointing out that it would facilitate access to resources, training, and mentorship, thereby enabling the young people to take full advantage of the digital economy.
“Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the International Youth Day. We acknowledge the invaluable positions, family energies and indomitable spirit of our youths. As we reflect on the theme for the year: From Click To Progress; Youth Digital Pathway For Sustainable Development, I commend the youths of Kogi State for their mature and peaceful conduct demonstrated during the last instigated nationwide protest against the APC Government, which Kogi State youths understood and stayed away from. It was an act of commitment and solidarity towards the government of Alhaji Usman Ododo and the President, Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
Here in Kogi State, we are proud of the remarkable strides of our young people in taken in different sectors, from technology, agriculture, education to arts and entertainment. You are not just leaders of tomorrow but taking the forefront already as Kogi State is committed to creating an environment where our youths can strive towards sustainability. We are investing in education, particularly, in areas that promote ICT and digital technology, agriculture and sustainable environment.
Our aim is to empower the youths to take the lead in these critical areas by providing the tools they need to shape a better future for themselves and generations to come. We are also focused to providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs,” His Excellency declared.
In a lecture/training, Dr Victoria Yemi-Peters described the youths as the cornerstone of the future. She further expantiated on the theme, imploring them to embrace the advantages of digital technology and shun the negative uses for their safety, employment and development.
Highlights of the event were lectures/training of the youths, cultural displays and musical entertainment.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Monday Anyebe said that the day was to celebrate the youth around the world, pointing out that the Governor has unveiled Kogi state data base.
The Commissioner also said the Governor has taken the lead, creating and implementing youth policies, he described the 2024 youth celebration in Kogi as innovative.
According to him, “the digital revolution has transformed the way we live, work, and interact. It has opened up new opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. From the click of a mouse to the tap of a screen, saying young people today have the power to influence change and create impact on a scale never seen before, with great power comes great responsibility. It is imperative that our digital pathways lead to progress that is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to all”.
Hon. Anyebe further said the Gov. Ahmed Ododo, being the youth friendly Governor is committed to continue to empower the youth to harness the full potential of digital technologies adding that the commitment is evident in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy, promoting digital entrepreneurship, and creating a conducive environment for innovation.
“In Kogi State, we have always believed in the power of our youth. You are the driving force of our society, the pioneers of innovation, and the bearers of our state’s future. The digital era has given you unprecedented tools to reshape the world, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these tools are used to foster sustainable development and progress in our communities”.
The commissioner disclosed that the Governor has unveiled the Kogi State Youth Database saying it is an innovative initiatived by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
He stressed that it is a testament to the dedication in leveraging digital tools for sustainable development. “The youth database is designed to be a comprehensive platform that will not only document the skills, talents, and aspirations of our young people but also connect them with opportunities for growth and development, he said.
“This platform will serve as a bridge between our youth and various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations. It will facilitate access to resources, training, and mentorship, thereby enabling our young people to take full advantage of the digital economy”,
“As we celebrate this International Youth Day, I urge all the youth of Kogi State to take ownership of their digital futures. Embrace the opportunities that digital technologies offer, but also be mindful of the challenges. Use your digital skills to drive positive change, contribute to sustainable development, and build a brighter future for yourselves and the generations to come”,
“To our esteemed partners and stakeholders, I call on you to continue supporting our youth. Together, we can create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, promotes inclusivity, and ensures that no one is left behind in this digital journey”.
