Nigeria At 66: Ododo Urges Kogi Youths To Shun Kidnapping, Violent Crimes

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on the people of the state, particularly youths, to reject kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism, drug-related offences and other forms of criminality.

Ododo made the call in his Independence Day anniversary broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 66th year of independence, urging young people not to allow poverty, peer pressure or the desire for quick wealth to push them into criminal activities.

He stressed that hard work, education, enterprise, integrity and perseverance remained legitimate pathways to a meaningful and productive life.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and strengthening the administration of justice, while protecting the rights of citizens and taking firm action against criminal activities.

He also called on parents, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to join government in the fight against crime.

“The battle against criminality is not a battle that government can win alone. It is a collective struggle for the soul and future of our communities,” he said.

As part of activities marking the 66th Independence Anniversary, Governor Ododo also granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts in the state.

He said the exercise was anchored on the constitutional prerogative of mercy and guided by considerations of rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.

According to him, the exercise was particularly significant because the Independence anniversary represents freedom, responsibility and the enduring hope that future generations can build a better society.

The governor said justice must be balanced with compassion, stressing that a society committed to justice must also recognise rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption for those who demonstrate genuine remorse and readiness to return to responsible living.

Ododo disclosed that he inaugurated the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2, 2026, in accordance with the constitutional framework governing the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.

The seven-member council, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, reviewed relevant case records, considered representations made on behalf of inmates and convicts, examined correctional reports and visited correctional centres across the state, including Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.

He said the council considered factors including age, health, the nature and circumstances of offences, period already served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation, vocational skills acquired, family and community support, the interests of victims, public safety and the broader interests of justice.

The governor said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy on grounds including old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorsefulness and compassionate considerations, while seven others received remission of sentence.

Among those granted mercy on old-age and medical grounds were Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 91; Ajagbonna Olufemi David, 72; Yakubu Atabo; Chief Umane Okeme; Saidu Atuluku Yunusa; Hilary Chike Nwaeze; Ebenezer Mopah; Abdullahi Jibril; and Usman Ismaila.

The seven beneficiaries whose sentences were remitted are Tunde Adura, Olusaye, Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.

Ododo stressed that the exercise did not diminish the seriousness of the offences for which the beneficiaries were convicted, describing it as an exercise of constitutional compassion in deserving circumstances.

He charged the beneficiaries to regard the opportunity as a fresh responsibility and urged them to return to their families and communities as responsible citizens.

“You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,” the governor said, urging them not to return to crime but to put to productive use the skills, education and lessons acquired during their incarceration.

On the national economy, the governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the courage and vision with which his administration is pursuing national renewal.

He said the Federal Government’s focus on economic reforms, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and social investment was aimed at addressing immediate difficulties as well as longstanding structural challenges.

Ododo particularly highlighted the Federal Government’s recently approved deep offshore investment framework, which the Presidency says is designed to unlock up to $50 billion in new investment and revive major deep offshore developments.

He also cited interventions in education, agriculture, housing, compressed natural gas, domestic refining and other sectors as part of the Federal Government’s broader development direction.

The governor said Kogi State remained aligned with the national aspiration for a stronger, more prosperous and secure Nigeria.

He noted that Kogi’s strategic location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, coupled with its agricultural, mineral and tourism resources, gave the state enormous development potential.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, human capital development, rural electrification, mining, tourism and enterprise.

He said the objective was to build a Kogi State where opportunities are accessible to citizens across communities and where government provides the environment, infrastructure and policies required for citizens to create wealth.

The governor further called for unity among Kogi people, irrespective of political, religious, ethnic or social differences.

“Politics will come and go. Administrations will come and go. But Kogi State will remain our common home,” he said.

He urged citizens to protect the state, invest in its future and give younger generations reasons to remain proud of their heritage.

As Nigeria marked 66 years of independence, Ododo called on Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and continue working towards a stronger, more productive and prosperous nation.

He congratulated President Tinubu and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the anniversary and paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers, soldiers and security personnel serving to protect the nation.

The governor concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to good governance, security, infrastructure development, human capital development, economic empowerment and the creation of opportunities for the people of Kogi State.

“The Nigeria we desire is possible. The Kogi State we desire is possible. But possibility becomes reality only when hope is matched with action,” Ododo said.