By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja
January 25, 2026
In a powerful demonstration of political solidarity and youth-driven mobilisation, Kogi youths on Sunday announced the donation of ₦100 million to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a special fund to purchase his re-election nomination form when the time comes, declaring their unwavering support for his leadership and reform agenda ahead of 2027.
The historic announcement was made at the Kogi APC Youth Rally held at the President Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, where thousands of young party faithful gathered to celebrate two years of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s youth-centred administration and formally endorse President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Using the platform of the rally, Governor Ododo projected President Tinubu as Nigeria’s most courageous and reform-minded leader, describing the ₦100 million donation as a bold statement of confidence by informed youths who have judged the President by results, not sentiments.
“The youths of Kogi State have spoken with one loud, clear and courageous voice,” Ododo declared to thunderous applause. “This endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not emotional; it is informed. It is the decision of young people who can think, who can judge results, and who understand leadership.”
According to the Governor, the voluntary donation symbolises sacrifice, belief and ownership of Nigeria’s future by young people who recognise the difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration.
Describing Tinubu as “the boldest President in the history of Nigeria,” Ododo said the President chose national survival over political convenience at a critical moment in the country’s history.
“Any politician thinking only of re-election would have played safe,” the governor said. “But Jagaban faced the storm, took the heat and led from the front. Today, we are seeing the results of courage. The naira is stabilising, food prices are responding, the cost of living is dropping, and the standard of living is rising. This is not propaganda; it is about results.”
Governor Ododo further noted that no administration has prioritised youth empowerment like that of President Tinubu, citing expanded opportunities in agriculture, skills acquisition, economic inclusion and youth participation in governance. He said the ₦100 million contribution reflects appreciation for policies that place young Nigerians at the centre of national renewal.
He also spoke warmly of his personal relationship with the President, describing Tinubu as a father figure whose guidance continues to strengthen his resolve to serve Kogi State faithfully.
“I am lucky to be serving Kogi State at a time when Jagaban is serving Nigeria,” Ododo said, adding that the gesture by Kogi youths confirms they are “the most enlightened demographic coalition in Nigeria.”
The governor equally commended First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the visible impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative in Kogi State, noting that women, families and vulnerable citizens across the state have benefitted. He also acknowledged the contributions of Seyi Tinubu to youth empowerment nationwide, describing the Tinubu family as “a family of vision, kindness and impact.”
Ododo praised the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, calling him a quiet reformer strengthening party structures and positioning the APC for future electoral victories.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, said the ₦100 million donation was a deliberate and symbolic investment by Kogi youths in a future they believe in. He described the rally as proof that Kogi youths are “awake, organised and aligned with purposeful leadership.”
Anyebe highlighted major achievements of the Ododo administration, including the appointment of youths into strategic government positions, training of over 3,000 youths in skills such as CNG conversion, welding, fabrication and engineering trades, the maiden Kogi Youth Summit, statewide town hall engagements, monthly subventions to youth and student bodies, bursaries and scholarships, welfare packages for corps members, and the revitalisation of sports as a tool for unity and economic opportunity.
He also acknowledged the role of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello in laying the foundation for youth leadership in the state and urged sustained party unity ahead of future elections.
The rally climaxed with chants of solidarity for the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as Kogi youths reaffirmed their commitment to mobilise, sacrifice and stand firm with what they described as a shared journey of renewed hope, stability and national sustainability.
