Ododo: Youth Empowerment, Education Key to Kogi's Security

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi says youth empowerment, education, employment and technology are critical to tackling the security challenges facing the state.

 

Ododo said this in his keynote address at the 2026 Kogi Youth Security Summit in Lokoja.

 

The summit had as its theme "Building a Secure Kogi Together: Empowering Youth as the First Line of Peace and Community Security."

 

The governor said lasting security requires more than weapons. He stressed the need to tackle the root causes of insecurity through education, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.

 

According to him, his administration is committed to creating opportunities for young people through free and compulsory education, agriculture, technology, responsible mining and infrastructure development.

 

"Development is security because development gives people something valuable to protect," he said.

 

Ododo praised engineering students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) for their innovation in drone technology, and urged young people to acquire digital skills and use technology to improve security in their communities.

 

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts to tackle insecurity, and urged youths to shun cultism, drug abuse, political thuggery and other criminal activities.

 

The governor also called on residents to give credible intelligence to security agencies and to avoid spreading misinformation, hate speech and unverified reports on social media.

 

"Reporting danger is not betrayal. It is a responsibility. It is patriotism. It is love for your community," he said.

 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, announced plans to establish Youth Peace Ambassadors in the state's 21 Local Government Areas to deepen youth participation in peacebuilding and security.

 

Anyebe said the state would strengthen collaboration between youths and security agencies, and promote sports as a tool for peace and unity.

 

Mr Yusuf Abiona, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hay Bravo Security Ltd., called for stronger community-security partnerships, early-warning systems and sustained youth empowerment.

 

The summit brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on improving security in the state.

 

Ododo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to building a state where young people can access quality education, meaningful employment, and opportunities for innovation and productive engagement.