Kogi Govt. harps on Youths Development for better future

By Obansa Ibrahim , Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment in developing the Youth towards securing their future for a better society.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Hon. Anyebe Aridaojo Monday stated this at a one day stakeholders meeting on effective coordination and collaboration of Youth activities in the State as well as public launch and presentation of 2024 Ministry of Youth and Sports Budget analysis report.

According to him, “it is of interest to note that there are so many empowerment programmes ongoing that capture certain percentages for the youth but little do the Ministry know who benefits what from such programmes.

He recalled that the Ministry recently had a meeting with the Youth Organizations to foster unity among the different bodies and to channel a way forward for effective coordination and better collaboration.

Continuing, he said ” I will be pleased to have the right information about programmes and activities that are Youth oriented so that the Ministry can effectively monitor and key into such programmes for the benefit of our Youth.

“The expectation from this engagement Is to fashion out a holistic approach to develop positive relationships, supportive environment and empowerment opportunities to shaping the fives and future of the youth.

He expressed optimism of the
Ministry hope for a better coordination of these programmes and synergy with the different MDAs and organization for ultimate
relationship to achieve the goals of the present administration in Kogi State.

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director, Lugard Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative, (LYDEI) Aminu Okwutepa Oseni observed that the meeting is important because it will enhance collaboration and synergy among relevant stakeholders who are implementing Youth sector initiative or project in the state.

“Lugard Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative is Implementing the Upright Youth Accountability Project with funding from Nigeria Youth futures Funds (NYFF) , to promote accountability and open governance as well as to strengthen youth participation and inclusion in governance as well as to scale up public investments in Youth Development both political and budget commitment to drive inclusive, sustainable youth empowerment at the state level.

” The project also seeks to catalyzed increased quantity and improved quality of public investment in youth development and empowerment thorough enhanced young citizen’s participation in evidence-based policy making to increased productivity of young entrepreneur, Youth innovation as well as youth in agriculture.

” The project is built on the advocacy model of the public investments to the youth development remain top priority at a time of tremendous economic and political challenges in Nigeria.This meeting is one of LYDEI commitment towards opening the space for citizen’s participation in the Youth development policy and budget making processes towards mutual accountability in Kogi state.

“If sustainable investment is made to support young entrepreneur, youth in agriculture as well as innovation, entertainment and technology our economy will grow”.

Okwutepa is of the view that this State Level Consultative meeting hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with LYDEI is aimed at facilitating conversations amongst key stakeholders to look at comprehensive strategy toward youth development programmes in Kogi State.

“We will also use this opportunity to Launch and Disseminate the Youth Budget Analysis Report of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Development Budget 2024. This meeting is one of its kind organized by Both partners with support from Nigeria Youth Futures Fund Project” he added.