Still, in the spirit of conversing for a youthful and purposeful leadership come 2023 General Election, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, has interfaced with Rivers State APC youth party leader and its NYCN leadership.

In a round table discussion held in River State over the weekend, the Chairman of Kogi NYCN, Amb. Usman Ogohi, appreciated the audience granted to his team while lauding the leadership of youth stakeholders in the state.

According to him, NYCN is a non-partisan group which is poised on the need of ensuring adequate and capable leadership across all sectors, especially as it relates to youth welfare and representation.

Ogohi noted that the emergence of Governor Yahaya Bello in Kogi State was a clear signal of what a capacity filled youth could do if allowed to handle the helm of affairs, stressing that through GYB, youth participation and inclusiveness in politics had taken a new turn in the state.

Amb. Ogohi further called on the unification of Nigeria youth in taking over power in 2023, stressing that ” if we don’t support and stand for what we believe in, no one will do that for us and we would be doing ourselves a great disservice”.

He stressed that one thing that sets Governor Bello apart from others is his strong belief in equity, fairness and justice.

This, he said has been reflected severally in the appointment of his aides and the spread of developmental projects, demonstrated in the provision of infrastructures and utilities in the state.

In his response, the APC Youth leader in River State, who is also an APC statutory delegate, Baridakara Gbarato, thanked the state chairman of Rivers for the arrangement for the interface.

Gbarato noted that beyond individual and party interests, youths must strive to build good relationships and leverage on building a networking platform that could improve members of that constituency.

The youth leader further tasked the youths on active political participation, adding that if politics is left in the hands of the elders, the youth constituency will continue to suffer misrepresentation and good governance.

While lauding the Kogi NYCN efforts shown towards GYB2PYB advocacy in the country, he stressed that at the right time, GYB profile will be accessed and the needful will be done accordingly.

Earlier, the host NYCN Chairman of Rivers State, Nwisabari Bani, commended the leadership traits of Kogi NYCN Chairman and for showing strong desire towards the GYB2PYB emancipation, come 2023.

He further urged and encouraged youths to wake up to the reality of being politically partisan, stressing that we cannot achieve our dream Nigeria or change the narrative of the country without playing our part in the political system.

In a similar event, the President National Youth Council of Nigeria, His Youthfulness Amb. Sukubo Saraigbe, in a chat with newsmen after the council’s annual National Executive Council meeting, disclosed that all youth council members are free to contest in any elective position of their choice.

According to him, there is a need for youth in the council to take advantage of the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ opportunity to encourage youth political participation.

He added that the Council would be given their full support to any of its members that want to contest irrespective of the party.

The NYCN boss also reaffirmed NEC recognition of Nassarawa NYCN Chairman as the state leader of the council and the Chairman of all Chairmen position he is currently occupying.

End

Following the official declaration of His Excellency Yahaya Bello, to honour the call of Nigeria Youths to contest for the presidential election come 2023, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, has continued its campaign for GYB2PYB emancipation.

It would be recalled that in 2021, the state NYCN under the leadership of Amb. Ogohi Usman, had embarked on a tour across the 21 Local Governments in the state and further extended the tour to interstate across the North Central States.

In his opening remarks in Kaduna on Friday, the host state Chairman of Kaduna NYCN Chapter, Bagudu Nathaniel, expressed his delight in having the NYCN delegates from Kogi State, noting that the chapter has fared well under the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello.

According to him, the quest to support the GYB2PYB candidature for the 2023 presidential general election is simply born out of the capacity shown by GYB and the transformation projects carried out in Kogi State.

He further added that he is quite sure and positive that when GYB becomes PYB, the total transformation he brought to Kogi will be replicated in Nigeria, with the issue of security in view.

Earlier, the Kogi NYCN Chairman, Amb. Ogohi Usman, urged Nigerian youth to be united in taking over power in 2023, saying, “power, as we all know, is not given but taken without violence”.

According to him, bringing out and supporting a candidate is only the beginning of an election process.

”Hence we must know that if our voices must be heard through the candidature of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, who has finally harkened to the call of Nigerian youth, we must all come out in our strength and voices to support him till the very end.

“At the time GYB became Governor, Kogi was groaning and bleeding, Kidnapping and armed robbery were twin crimes that gained notoriety, making it one of the most unsafe and insecure in the country.

”Though, a situation he inherited, he didn’t bulge, but it was his first test and he grabbed the bull by the horn by now making the state the most secure place in the country.

“With an emphasis on five thematic areas covering health, infrastructures and utilities, public service and pension reforms, education and youth engagement, GYB  was able to structure plans, programmes and policies of the government which all his giant stride projects were driven and implemented”. he said.

Usman further stressed that surely the time is the youth’s 0′ clock and it’s the time for youth to take their future into their hands through the capable leadership of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, who like the late Abiola who played borderless politics.

In their various responses, the State Chairmen from Kano NYCN, Awwalu Moh’d and Jigawa NYCN Chairman, Aliyu Yahaya lauded the credible achievements in Kogi and the bold step taken to lead the Presidential race for all Nigerian youths.

They further stressed that his achievements are speaking for him already, adding that the network chain of the NYCN across the 36 states including FCT would be put to proper use.

Similarly, former executives of the council and appointees of Governor Bello, Hon. Israel Alonge, Hon. Emmanuel Isah, Rahinat Muhammad and others, emphasised on the achievements of GYB in the state and how Nigeria especially its security challenges can be transformed as he did in Kogi State.

The highlights of the tour were questions and answers sessions, goodwill messages from critical stakeholders, and speeches from National Delegates from APC Youth wing in Northwest.

End

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State chapter, on Thursday urged government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to ensure youth involvement and engagement in the transformation of food systems in Nigeria.

The Kogi NYCN Chairman, Amb. Ogohi Samuel Usman, made the called at a press conference in Lokoja, to mark the 2021 International Youth Day (IDF), and to build on the existing working relationship with Journalists.

According to Usmsn, the Kogi youth belief that youth engagement is germane to the transformation of food systems, and as such, should be incorporated into all Summit work streams and structures.

”The success of such effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people. Consumption patterns that impact one’s personal health and that of the planet are instilled early in life.

”Today, global agriculture is facing major challenges, including feeding a growing world population, the need to address rural poverty, and the management of ecosystem goods and services in light of global environmental changes, evident through climate change.

”Food systems include not only the basic elements of how we get food from farms to the table, but also all of the processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population, and the negative externalities that can be generated during the process, such as air and ocean pollution as well as desertification.

Usman stressed that population health was also relevant in addressing food systems challenges, especially as nutrition-related chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer were major contributors to the global burden of disease.

He added there was also the risk of zoonotic diseases that can result from unsustainable farming practices and the climate crisis, which had been even more evident during the pandemic that had highlighted those with such chronic diseases which are at a higher risk for negative outcomes from COVID-19.

”Furthermore, the number of people affected by hunger and malnutrition has increased despite the objective of achieving zero hunger which also must be addressed within this context.

”In addition, hunger drives forced displacement and conversely forced displacement can have a devastating impact on agricultural production.

”Kogi Youth have also stressed that concrete actions, are needed, and particularly with regard to the work done around fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the key role of youth employment and entrepreneurship in small-scale farms and in rural areas.

”Today, COVID-19 is adding to the strains on our food systems, disrupting markets and supply chains for small-scale farmers around the world, threatening peace and stability particularly among the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.

”We continue to state that we are facing a health crisis and climate crisis that demands urgent changes to our food systems; business-as-usual is not an option anymore”, he said..

He, therefore advised the State Government through the state Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Youth and Sports Development and other relevant ministries and agencies should leverage and follow up with the recommendations from the arrangement of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Major Group for Children and Youth.

He further called for synergy from relevant ministries and agencies with NYCN involvement and CSOs in brainstorming on how issues surrounding inter-linkages embodied by the 2030 Agenda including poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation is managed and if possible tackled permanently.

He thanked His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, for being a visionary leaders whose area of focus and achievement was to rapidly address the above concerns.

”His blueprint plans for the state caved out in the early days of his administration is what the world is focusing at now with just few areas to be adopted by His Excellency.

”We have no doubt in the capacity of the current government in infusing to it plans the resolution and action plans that would be release globally for the betterment of youth in the state, and securing the future of her citizen.

”I therefore thank the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his supports towards youth in the state.

He urged everyone in the state to make themselves available and as tool towards achieving a better society we crave for..

NAN reports that IYD is celebrated every August 12, which gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement.

This year’s theme; titled, “Transforming food systems, Youth innovation for human and planetary health” stressed the need for inclusive support mechanisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life..

End

Following the success of the Ward Congress of the All Progressive Congress (APC) across the 21 Local Government Area of Kogi State, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)’s Chairman, His Youthfulness Usman Ogohi Samuel, has commended the high level of peace and unity displayed by Kogi youths.

In a statement by the
Chief Press Secretary to the Kogi NYCN Chairman, Aturu Bishop on Sunday in Lokoja, described the peaceful conduct of the youths as ”exemplary’.

The Council boss who monitored the progress of the Ward Congress in the eastern senatorial district of the state, Odu Ward 2 precisely, noted that the youth through the exemplary display of His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello has imbibed and began to practice the true tenant of politics.

Ambassador Ogohi who thanked various Local Government Chairmen in the state for running an inclusive administration which he said has given youth a sense of belonging in the political cycle, stressed that the negative narrative about youth in the state will soon be a thing of the past through the programs the state NYCN is planning to execute.

He further thanked executives of the state NYCN and youth across the 21 LG for not allowing themselves against all odds to be used as thugs before, during and, after the ward congress exercise.

Ogohi likewise congratulates all affirmed youth leaders, expects synergy with their various local government youth council Coordinators.

Similarly, the NYCN boss paid a thank-you visit to some stakeholders in the Eastern senatorial district, while pleading for their support in building a better society for the youth in the state through the youth council.

In his response, the Chairman of Dekina Local government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Prince Ishaq Shaibu Okolo has promised his unflinching support towards the newly inaugurated executives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter.

Prince Ishaq who doubles as the ALGON Sec. stressed that his Local Government and by extension the entire 21 LG in the state has benefited from the youth inclusiveness policy of Governor Yahaya Bello, adding that such spirit will be channeled in ensuring that they give their total support to the affairs of the state NYCN.

He further urged the Executives of the Council to pay key attention to the yearnings of the youth they represent across the 21 LG, adding that the hope for a better tomorrow lies in their capacity to deliver and run an inclusive administration that would attract development to the Council.

The council boss further proceeded to his ward, Odu Ward 2 to witness the Local Government Congress where he met with Hon. Y.Y Okala, Hon. Idoko Ododo, Hon. Enema Paul and Senator Jibrin Echocho and Hon. Ahmedi Attah urging them to use their wealth of political experience and good office in promoting and supporting the affairs of the state NYCN.

He also announced the appointment of Hon. Tijani Otokiti as Senior Special Assistant and Comr.Alibest Mayaki as Personal Assistant 2.

End.

Comr. Israel Femi Alonge, the Chairman of NYCN, Kogi State chapter, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Alonge said that the level of the Nigerian youths’ turnout and active participation in the exercise across the country, would show to the world their level of serious and readiness to take charge.

He stressed that the Nigerian youths could no longer afford to remain silence but should speak out as displayed in the just ended EndSARS saga with the mantra “SoroSoke”.

”We must take a firm grip of this opportunity and get ourselves duly registered and revalidated to enable us become active members of the democratic, and be part of decision making and implementation processes.

”Youths can only become politically relevant by actively participating in politics through this exercise that will give them the platform to have a voice and be heard.

”The time for activation is no better time than now, especially as the Chairman APC Committee on Registration and Revalidation of Youth and Women is our youthful and useful Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State”, Alonge said.

The Kogi youth leader described Bello as the most youth and women friendly governor in Nigeria.

He emphasised that the APC both within the State and National levels, had shown great concern to women and youths by availing them the opportunities to be part of the governance and policy making and implementation.

He particularly commended Kogi Governor for ensuring that women were elected into all the 21 Local Government Areas as Executive Vice Chairmen and Council Leaders.

He added over 64 female Councillors were elected across the 21 LGAs, adding that former NYCN Coordinators were made automatic Secretaries and Supervisory Councilors of their various LGAs.

”Youth involvement and participation in governance and policy making goes beyond the usual ranting on social media.

”Now is the time to go down to the grassroots and become card carrying members of a political party”, he said.

He urged the Council’s Coordinators in the 21 LGAs of Kogi, to collaborate with other afiliated youth organisations for massive youth mobilization and participation in the ongoing party registration and revalidation exercise.

He advised the youths to maintain peace and orderliness and cooperate as usual with the security agencies to ensure absolute peace during the exercise. (NAN)
ASA/

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, has described the criminal invasion of BN Ceramics Company Ajaokuta by some youths under the guise of Pan African Development Network Network as unacceptable, called on security agencies to fish out those behind the invasion.

Comr. Isreal Alonge, State Chairman of the State NYCN, registered the displeasure in a World Press Conference, described the activities of Pan African Development Youth Network as alien to youths of Kogi State.

He described BN Ceramics Company Ajaokuta as a company that has impacted the host Communities in Kogi, lamented that some persons not resident in the state would invade with the military and policemen, in a Gestapo manner, invade a business concern for no just cause.

The State Chairman of the NYCN to said the Council is concerned about the invasion, said it is taking a position on the matter because of the hundred of Youths who are engaged in BN Ceramics, said the invasion calls for the intervention by NYCN Kogi State Chapter.

The State Chairman described the invasion as alien to Kogi State Youths, said the Forceful demand of N10million by the Pan African Development Youth Network, who later collected N2million, and demanded monthly 10% return to it by BN as unfortunate.

According to the Chairman, ” For the avoidance of doubt, the NYCN had through a survey sent out questionnaire, using the checklist methodology to gather information pertaining to Staff welfare of BN Ceramics Company”, called on Security agencies to uncover those behind Pan African Development Youth Network.