2023: Yahaya Bello is qualified to be President — Kogi HoS
The Kogi State Head of Civil Service (HoS), Mrs Hannah Onyinoyi Odiyo, has said that the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, possesses the qualities to be the next Nigerian president.
Odiyo revealed this while speaking to journalists on Saturday at the Youth and Democracy Summit held at NBA Hall, High Court, Ilorin.
She described Gov. Bello as experienced, young, energetic, visionary, and a born leader, who can lead Nigeria to the promised land if entrusted with the leadership of the country.
According to her, Nigeria needs to give room to youths in governance and do away with old men.
“Bello is an eye-opener for youths as you can see how he has transformed Kogi into a beautiful state and envy of the world.
“He makes Kogi the safest state in the country as he extends security network across the state without any discrimination.
“Kogi is the only state where youth inclusiveness in governance is 99 per cent under Bello’s watch. What else do you want from him to prove?
“Stop relegating the youths and give them a chance. They have what it takes to lead Nigeria to greatness,” she said.
The HoS, however, called on the public to emulate the Kogi slogan, which is “Youth o clock,” to allow youths to move the country forward.
The guest speaker at the summit, Alhaji Hakeem Lawal, called on the government at all levels to ensure youths’ involvement in policy making.
Lawal also warned the government to desist from underrating the youths and entertain their opinion.
“Government should make youth empowerment a priority and give them a platform to operate and contribute to the development of the country,” he said.
He urged the youths to support one another’s individual aspirations without losing focus on the overall and collective goals.
Mallam Garba Attahiru-Madami, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kwara, advised the youths to be courageous and not to feel inferior and intimidated by the actions of the leaders.
Attahiru-Madami appealed to the youths to be strategic and support one another to achieve their goals.
The theme of the summit is “Youths and Sustaining Democracy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward.”
The summit, whose sub-theme was “Nigeria 2023: Role of Youths in ensuring free, fair and credible election,” was attended by students in their numbers and top government officials and military personnel across the state.