Lokoja, Kogi State – The highly publicized Kogi Youth Engagement Summit, organized by Governor Usman Ododo, failed to impress attendees, leaving many feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The event, held at the Kogi State Government House, was touted as an opportunity for young people to engage with policymakers and industry experts, but it ultimately lacked substance and meaningful engagement.
Despite the impressive lineup of speakers and panelists, the summit struggled to maintain the interest of attendees, with many expressing frustration at the lack of concrete solutions and actionable plans. The event’s focus on rhetoric over reality left many feeling disillusioned with the political process.
“The summit was all talk and no action,” said one attendee. “We’ve heard the same promises and speeches before, but nothing ever changes.”
Governor Ododo’s keynote address, which emphasized the importance of youth engagement, was met with skepticism by some, who felt that the governor’s words rang hollow in light of his administration’s past failures to deliver on similar promises.
The summit’s panel discussions, which were intended to facilitate meaningful dialogue between young people and policymakers, devolved into scripted question-and-answer sessions, with little room for genuine debate or discussion.
Perhaps the greatest disappointment of the summit was the lack of tangible outcomes or commitments from the government. Attendees had hoped for concrete announcements or initiatives, but instead left with only vague promises and platitudes.
As the summit drew to a close, attendees couldn’t help but feel that the event had been a missed opportunity. With the state’s youth population facing numerous challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare, the need for meaningful engagement and action has never been more pressing.
The Kogi Youth Engagement Summit’s failure to deliver on its promises has raised questions about the government’s commitment to genuinely engaging with young people and addressing their concerns. As one attendee succinctly put it, “We need action, not empty words.”
