Kogi East NYCN Stakeholders Forum: Ojodale, Ogbo, Edoka, Erico, others support Gov Ododo, reject Igala Agenda
By Yahaya Idris, Kogi
The Igala youths have made a significant decision to unite and pursue a common agenda focused on enhancing development and improving livelihoods within their constituent. This initiative aims to transcend religious, political, and tribal biases, fostering a cohesive approach to support leaders who can guide them toward economic prosperity. Such unity is crucial for the Igala people, who have faced challenges like poverty, insecurity, and lack of cohesive leadership in the past. By setting aside differences, they can leverage their collective strength to address these issues and work towards a more prosperous future.
At the Kogi East Leadership Retreat, Comrade Benjamin Jeremiah Ojodale, Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), expressed optimism about the youthful leadership under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He believes this leadership will drive socioeconomic development and offer opportunities for young people to contribute within the administration.
This aligns with broader efforts in Kogi State to enhance youth engagement and development, as seen in initiatives like the Kogi East Youth Leadership Retreat, which focuses on economic priorities rather than political agendas
Comrade Benjamin Jeremiah Ojodale, Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), expressed gratitude for the wisdom and grace he received during his tenure. He noted that this period was marked by numerous events where youths benefited significantly from both government and private organizations.
Ojodale highlighted the support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who he believes is a youth-centric leader focused on security, development, and empowerment. His tenure included achievements like facilitating infrastructure projects and appointing NYCN coordinators across local governments
According to him, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is a youth-centric leader whose governance prioritizes security, development, and empowerment of young people to achieve economic freedom.
Ojodale took advantage of the occasion to showcase his major achievements during his first year as Kogi State Chairman of the NYCN, including facilitating the installation of a motorized borehole at Kogi Youth House through the efforts of the National Assembly member representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, appointing NYCN coordinators across the 21 LGAs to serve as Local Government Assistants to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, and obtaining a Sienna vehicle from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enhance mobility.
The State NYCN Chairman commended the organizers and committee members for their outstanding work, emphasizing the importance of continuing this program in order to achieve set goal.
Dr. Usman Salisu Ogbo, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, has expressed strong opposition to the “Igala Agenda,” which seeks to shift power dynamics within the state. He argues that this movement is driven by selfish interests and could lead to significant divisions within the Igala Nation, potentially resulting in detrimental political consequences.
Dr. Ogbo emphasized that such agendas could disrupt the current good leadership and create a fragmented political landscape, undermining unity among the Igala people.
He believes that focusing on personal ambitions rather than collective progress poses a threat to the state’s cohesion and stability
Dr. Usman Salisu Ogbo addressed attendees at the Kogi East Leadership Retreat on Friday, where he discussed the theme “Good Governance: Examining Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Strategic Leadership Example.” The event, organized by the Kogi East National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), brought together stakeholders from various sectors to engage in discussions about governance and leadership in the region.
In his remarks, Dr. Ogbo revealed the importance of unity and collaboration among the Igala people, cautioning against divisive agendas that could undermine political stability and community cohesion. His participation underscored his commitment to fostering good governance and strategic leadership within Kogi State.
Dr. Usman Salisu Ogbo, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, served as a keynote speaker and voiced his concerns regarding the divisive impact of political agendas on the Igala Nation. He observed that the pursuit of a “failed political cause” has led to increased division among the Igala people, making them “mere laughing” stocks
Dr. Usman Salisu Ogbo criticized the leadership of the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), questioning their commitment to the interests of the Igala people. He emphasized that Igala sons and daughters are demanding tangible actions, particularly referencing the need for renovation of the Igala Unity House in Anyigba.
Ogbo’s statement draws attention to the considerable expenditure and sacrifices incurred to bring the project to fruition, but wonders why the ICDA has been unable to maintain it, underscoring the necessity for effective and responsive leadership to drive development, education, security, and other priorities.
He noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is a lover of Kogi State people, with programmes and policies that cater to all, devoid of tribal, religious, or political discrimination, within his administration.
The Ankpa born Academic Done noted that advocators of the Igala Agenda are recuperating from their setbacks and have deserted those they backed in the 2023 elections, now searching for alternative candidates for the 2027 elections.
He emphasized that Governor Ahmed Ododo has performed exceptionally across all sectors in Kogi State, calling on his constituents to unequivocally reject the failed Igala Agenda.
Dr. Ogbo however, defined Good Governance as any leadership that is beneficial and brings about transformation for the betterment of society.
Dr. Chief Joseph Ameh Erico, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Lagos-based Security Expert, also congratulated Kogi East Youth Forum for creating a platform for a round table discussion, where development, security and good governance flourish in the area.
The award winning security expert emphasized that forming leadership in a specific zone or district is impossible without support from others, urging Igala to reassess their strategy before time runs out.
As Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Erico pledged his continued support to Igala Youth Forum, advising them to remain committed to their newly launched initiative.
Comrade Onuh Edoka, Special Adviser on Labour Matters to Kogi State Governor, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for changing the State’s leadership narrative.
Edoka argued that Governor Ododo has not wronged anyone in Kogi State, and predicted that critics will be put to shame soon.
He appealed to Igala people embrace Kogi State Agenda being Championed by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, noting that Kogi Agenda has benefitted all and Sundry.
Engr. Godwin S.B Emmanuel, the Pioneer State Chairman of NYCN and SSA to the Kogi State Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Isah Emmanuel Ojoduene (SSA on Student Matters), and Engr. Usman NDA Muhammed, a philanthropist from Bassa LG, all expressed gratitude towards the people of Kogi East for supporting a cause aimed at liberating their region. They encouraged those who are hesitant to join the movement for a “New Kogi East
The Kogi East National Youth Leadership Retreat featured discussions on enhancing the well-being of Kogi East, with contributors including Comrade Onuh Edoka, Victor Adoji
The event was designed by the Kogi East, National Youth Council of Nigeria Stakeholders Forum to address leadership, security, and development challenges in the region, while participants from 9 LGAs including Dekina, Igala Mela-Odolu, Olamaboro, Ibaji, Idah, Ankpa and Bassa respectively
