By Rotimi Odofin
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, officially unveiled the Kogi State Youth Database at the Glass House in Lokoja on August 12, 2024, to commemorate the 2024 International Youth Day.
This initiative aims to centralize information on the youth population in the state, enabling better planning and implementation of youth-focused programs and policies.
The launch event was a significant step towards empowering the youth of Kogi State and fostering their active participation in the development of our society.
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 our young people have 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.
The portal is: kogiyouthdatabase.com.ng
In his opening remark, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, described the youths of Kogi State as a driving force of the society, pioneers of innovation and bearers of the state’s future.
He emphasized that Kogi State, under the leadership of the youth-friendly Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo, is committed to empowering the youths to harness the full potential of digital technologies, noting that the digital era has given them unprecedented tools to reshape the world, adding that it was a collective responsibility to ensure that those tools were used to foster sustainable development and progress in the communities.
The Hon. Commissioner urged all the youths of the state to take ownership of their digital futures, encouraging them to embrace the opportunities that digital technologies offer, but should also be mindful of the challenges, urging them to use their digital skills to drive positive changes, contribute to sustainable development, and build a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come.
In a lecture/training, Dr Victoria Yemi-Peters described the youths as the cornerstone of the future.
She further expatiated 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.
