By James Sani
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The Kogi State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development on Wednesday, December 23, 2025, held its maiden Kogi Youth Christmas Fiesta in Lokoja, the state capital.
The event, which attracted youths from across the state, was organised to celebrate the Christmas season and promote unity, peace and positive engagement among young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, said the initiative was designed to create a platform where youths could celebrate and be celebrated during the festive period.
According to him, the Christmas Fiesta was organised to reflect the true essence of the season, which is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, while allowing youths to express the celebration in a unique and positive way.
“As youths, we must do things differently. We must create time to celebrate and be celebrated. Since this is a season of celebration, it is important for young people to come together and celebrate what Christmas truly stands for the birth of Christ.”
Hon. Anyebe noted that the Kogi Youth Christmas Fiesta would not be a one-off event, assuring that the ministry would do everything possible to sustain it in subsequent years.
He expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for providing maximum support to youths in the state, which made the programme a success.
The commissioner further assured the governor of the unwavering support of Kogi youths, pledging their commitment to sustaining peace, unity and the enabling environment created by the present administration.
He urged youths in the state to remain law-abiding, security conscious and optimistic as the year comes to an end, expressing confidence that 2026 would be a better year for all.
The maiden Kogi Youth Christmas Fiesta featured music, entertainment and social interactions aimed at fostering togetherness among young people in the state.
James Sani Information Officer Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Lokoja
