By Boluwaji Obahopo, LOKOJA

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi state have unveiled a week long activities to celebrate the end of tenure of outgoing governor, Yahaya Bello.

The week long activities which includes a “Meet and Ask”, victory procession and conference according to them were befitting ways to honour Governor Yahaya Bello’s youthful leadership and the numerous benefits his leadership had on the youth demography.

The youth body made this known yesterday in Lokoja during a press briefing at the Youth House in Lokoja where they affirmed that the 8 years of Bello’s administration changed the tide positively for youths in the state.

They stressed that Youth’s issues was at the front burner of discuss in Kogi and in Nigeria, while Youth Inclusion and mainstreaming advocacy and requests became a thing of the past.

Comrade Ojodunwene, who was the Chairman for the Valedictory/Thank You Committee said, “It is no longer in doubt that Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello is a pacesetter and a myth buster. This is evident in his style of leadership. He dared where no one dares. He stepped where everybody fears. He conquered empires instituted in the foundation of the state.

“A very good example is the unpopular hydra-headed wage bill problem of the state which has left the state in poverty and shambles in the past. Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello fought doggedly to liberate the state from that quagmire. A battle so many faulted but yet celebrated in their hearts’.

“Just when it seemed like Kogi is irredeemably taken by insurgents and general insecurity – the days of Boko-haram sleeper cells, herdsmen attacks, banditry and kidnapping, communal clashes and many other vices; Gov. Bello went after the perpetrators of violence and criminalities in the state, despite the information that most of them were untouchable, investigated them, made arrest and demolished their criminal hideouts, confiscated the lands for the safety of the people of Kogi State.

“This action caused crimes and criminalities to nosedive significantly and all road users, especially travelers-through Kogi State became safe and could travel through the state with their mind at rest.

“The Governor ensured that the impossible in Kogi State happened with ease. Just when the spectators of doom labeled Kogi State as a uni-religious state, the governor built and equipped a befitting government house chapel to accommodate the Christian faithful in the state.”

Ojodunwene revealed that the Youth Council also benefited in the giant strides of Bello highlighting some of the few things he did to support the NYCN, “The governor graciously presented 21 Sharon buses to the LGA coordinators of the organization.

‘’A befitting permanent structure at the heart of the town was approved and handed over to the National Youth Council of Nigeria. Monthly subventions was also approved and being paid to the Council.

“Finally, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter have been appointed into numerous executive positions,” he added.

Ojodunwene said the Youth Council thought it wise to honour the governor by presenting a lined up activities to celebrate the wonderful 8 years of impact in the State, “These includes a “Meet and Ask” seat out with the governor on the 25th of January – which will allow youth leaders across the state and the country at large to have a seat with the governor and ask questions around his leadership-style, magnanimity, motivations and future plans.

“On the same day, 5000 Youth of Kogi State will also be having a “Victory Procession” from Ganaja Junction to the government house to present a ‘Plaque of Victor” to the governor.

“The final event is a befiting celebration conference, with the theme ‘’Youthful Leadership Incubation, Consolidation and Good Governance: Yahaya Bello Example’’.

This is to bring together friends, families, political associates, APC stakeholders, lovers of Yahaya Bello and Youth leaders across the 36 states of the federation to celebrate, learn and share stories on the good leadership of Governor Bello and also, submit the Youth Agenda for Good Governance to the Governor-Elect, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.”

On his part, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, Benjamin Jeremiah, noted that the council has enjoyed progressive relationship with Bello’s administration, adding that under the governor’s administration, youths who were the proverbial “leaders of tomorrow”, are now today’s leaders.He appraised the governor for uplifting the status of Kogi youths and promised their continued support for his course.

The Chairman also pledged support for the incoming administration of Usman Ododo, expressing confidence that he would further the youths friendly policies of governor Yahaya Bello.