…Celebrate Gov. Ododo, Yahaya Bello as Peacebuilders
Youths in Kogi Central have launched a peace and empowerment initiative aimed at rewriting the history of political violence, promoting healing, and fostering a new generation of purpose-driven youth.
Speaking at the event themed ‘Peace After Pain’ held in Okene, Chairman of Kogi Central Youth, Ahmed Adams described the occasion as a symbolic turning point for Kogi Central, once infamous for political thuggery and youth-led unrest.
“This is no longer the Kogi Central that was known for violence, we are now a district of peacebuilders and visionaries, determined to support our communities and honour the memories of those we lost.”
He revealed that 114 families of victims of past political violence received financial support of ₦100,000 each, while 171 individuals three from each of the 57 wards in Kogi Central were given ₦50,000 each as a mark of solidarity and recognition of their resilience.
Adams noted that the empowerment segment of the initiative saw one youth from each ward also received an industrial sewing machine to promote skill acquisition and self-reliance.
In addition, each Local Government Area in Kogi Central was allocated ₦1 million to further support youth-focused development efforts.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Domestic Affairs, Kashim Ododo, urged the youths to permanently shun violence and embrace peace as the foundation for personal and community advancement.
He attributed the region’s transformation to former Governor Yahaya Bello’s efforts in peacebuilding, which laid the groundwork for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to continue through innovative youth empowerment programmes.
“The same youths who were once used as tools of destruction are now the champions of peace, this shift is the result of leadership that believes in dialogue, inclusion, and opportunity.”
Also speaking at the event, stakeholders and community leaders commended the conveners for the initiative, describing it as a model for other regions grappling with the legacy of political violence and called for continued support for programmes that promote peace, skill development, and inclusive growth.