By Ojotule Romanus
Thounsands of Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) youths, have thrown their weight behind the second term re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The youths demonstrated their support by offering a check of N100m for both the the APC presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination forms in the 2027 general elections.
The spokesman for the youths who is also the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Monday Anyebe, said the gesture was aimed at rallying support for President Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. And that the decision was borne out of a strong conviction of their capability to ensure a better Nigeria.
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He made the presentation of the N100m check at an endorsement rally organised to cap the 2nd Year Anniversary celebration of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Odoodo held at the Muhammad Buhari Civic Center in Lokoja.
Governor Odoodo received the cheque on behalf of Mr. President for onward presentation to him.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo acknowledged the group’s objective of re-electing President Tinubu in 2027, describing the step as a demonstration by “young people who can think”.
According to him, the youths of Kogi State have spoken with one loud, clear, and courageous voice in support of Mr. President.
He further emphasised that their decision to endorse President Tinubu for a second term was not emotional but informed.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is without a doubt, the boldest President in the history of Nigeria. Any politician thinking only of re-election would have played safe. He would have postponed hard decisions. He would have allowed our economy to sink, just to protect political comfort but Jagaban did not do that. He faced the storm, he took the heat. He led from the front.
“He took hard decisions to save Nigeria from total economic collapse. And today, we are seeing the results of courage. The Naira is stabilising. Fuel prices are becoming more friendly. Food prices are responding.
“The cost of living is dropping, while the standard of living is rising. This is not about grammar. This is not about propaganda. This is about results.
“This is what happens when a visionary leader is in charge. This is what you get when a courageous leader chooses country over comfort. This is what you get when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is President” he further emphasised.
“My dear youths, let me say it loud and clear: No administration has empowered the youths of Nigeria like the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. From agriculture to economic inclusion, from skills development to access to opportunities, from opening the doors of governance to young people and women, this President believes in you. And let me say this to you today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not only been a leader to Nigeria, he has been a father figure to me. He has guided me. He has supported me. He has encouraged me to succeed as your Chief Servant. I am lucky, very lucky, to be serving Kogi State at a time when Jagaban is serving Nigeria”, the governor also added.
Governor Ododo further pointed out that the determination of Kogi youth to support President Tinubu’s second term bid has clearly shown that youths are the best demographic coalition in Nigeria.
He also appreciated the leadership of the APC at both the national and state levels emphasising that the new National Chairman of party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, was a game changer.
“He is quietly strengthening our party. He is silently building capacity. He is like a Mikano generator, heavy power, no noise. With him, APC will continue to grow from strength to strength. Mr Chairman, thank you for your guidance and leadership”, the governor added.
“My dear youths of Kogi State, I accept your endorsement with humility, but let me say this clearly: Let us first work for the re-emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That election is critical, that election is strategic, that election is more important than any other election. We must continue this journey of national renewal with him.
“On behalf of Mr President, I thank you for sending me to deliver the cheque for his nomination form to him. What you have done is to clearly tell the President that the 2027 election is not between parties alone, but between vision and mere rhetoric..Your message will be delivered.
Governor Ododo used the medium to assure the people of the state that his administration would continue to provide all the needed development to make Kogi State great while calling for their continued support to ensure the speedy realization of the set goals.
“My mandate is your mandate! I am a young man, just like you. We are the same. Every effort I make to succeed is so that many of you will have opportunities tomorrow. We will not fail our generation. We are doing this together, for the greatness of Kogi State. My dear youths, do not allow division. Those who want us divided are selfish people, people who are angry that Kogi State is moving forward. As your Chief Servant, I see only one thing at all times: Kogi State”. He pointed out.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and the State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, stated that the massive turnout of kogi youth was a clear demonstration of their confidence in the Governor Ododo led administration as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
Hon. Anyebe said the Governor Ododo has placed the youth at the center stage of governance through deliberate policies, including youth appointments, skill acquisition programmes, empowerment initiatives, regular engagements and sustained support for youth and student bodies across the state hence, the need to support him for consolidation.
Also speaking, the National Youth Chairman of the party, Hon. Dayo Israel, said the support for President Tinubu and Governor Odoodo, as shown by the youths is a clear indication that Kogi youths were ready to defend good governance with action and not just words.
In his goodwill message, the State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, commended the youths for the massive turnout. He equally expressed optimism that they would consolidate the party’s achievements and secure victory for the party in the coming elections.
