Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has described President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s boldest leader and reformer in history since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Ododo spoke on Sunday in Lokoja at a rally organised by the youth wing of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to endorse President Tinubu for a second term in office and to celebrate the governor on his second year in office.
The governor declared that the President’s courage and results-driven leadership have earned him the informed endorsement of Kogi youths ahead of 2027.
At the massively attended rally which held at the President Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, Governor Ododo said the gathering was both a celebration of youth-focused governance in Kogi State and a clear vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The youths of Kogi State have spoken with one loud, clear and courageous voice.
“Your 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,” Ododo said.
The governor stressed that while many leaders would have chosen political safety over national interest, President Tinubu took tough decisions to prevent economic collapse.
He said : “Any politician thinking only of re-election would have played safe.
“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; this is about results.”
Governor Ododo further stated that no administration in the history of Nigeria has prioritised youth empowerment like President Tinubu.
He cited expanded opportunities in agriculture, skills development, economic inclusion and youth participation in governance to back up his claim.
Ododo also spoke about his personal relationship with the President, describing Tinubu as a father whose guidance and support have strengthened his resolve to serve Kogi State faithfully.
“I am lucky to be serving Kogi State at a time when Jagaban is serving Nigeria,” the governor said.
He added that the youths’ endorsement showed they were “the best demographic coalition in Nigeria,” capable of recognising good governance when they see it.
Ododo also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassion and the visible impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative in Kogi State.
He noted that thousands of families, women and vulnerable citizens have benefitted from her various pet projects.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of Seyi Tinubu to youth empowerment across the country, describing the Tinubu family as “a family of vision, kindness and impact.”
Ododo then showered praises on the national Chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing as a “game changer”quietly strengthening the party and positioning it for future victories.”
Ododo who accepted the youths’ endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in office urged them to remain united and focused on the collective interest of the state and nation.
“Whether you are from Ejuku or Obangede, Ajiolo or Anyigba, Okene or Kabba, we are all Kogites,” he said.
“Our enemies are not our ethnic groups, but those who divide us while stealing our commonwealth,” he said
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development, Governor Ododo highlighted achievements in agriculture, healthcare, education, road infrastructure, security and economic growth, assuring the youths that their mandate and trust would never be betrayed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, said the rally was a clear statement that Kogi youths are “awake, engaged and firmly aligned with purposeful leadership.”
He described Governor Ododo as a leader who placed youths “not at the edge, but at the very heart of governance.”
Anyebe outlined key achievements of the administration, including the strategic appointment of youths into government positions, training of over 3,000 youths in critical skills such as CNG conversion, welding, fabrication and engineering trades, the first-ever Kogi Youth Summit, statewide youth town hall meetings, regular ward-level engagements, monthly subventions to youth and student bodies, and sustained empowerment and vocational programmes.
The Commissioner also highlighted the timely payment of bursaries and scholarships, free healthcare for elderly citizens, welfare packages for corps members, and the repositioning of sports as a platform for unity, talent discovery and economic opportunity.
“The Kogi youth see you, Your Excellency. We feel your impact and appreciate your consistency,” Anyebe said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the former Governor Yahaya Bello in pioneering youth leadership in Nigeria.
Calling for unity ahead of 2027 elections, the commissioner urged stakeholders to set aside ego and division, stressing that the re-election of President Tinubu and the continued success of Governor Ododo’s administration require collective commitment.
The rally ended with chants of solidarity songs for the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. (vitalnewsngr.com)
