Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged Christian and Muslim leaders to discourage politicians from recruiting youths for thuggery and violence, warning that such activities threaten peace and security in the state.
Ododo made the call when he received delegations of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Jama’atu Nasril Islam at the Government House in Lokoja.
The governor identified selfish political interests and the exploitation of young people for destructive purposes as major threats to peace and stability.
He urged religious leaders to use their pulpits, sermons and counselling sessions to discourage political violence and other activities capable of undermining security.
Ododo said religious institutions should promote unity and peaceful coexistence rather than division.
He also commended CAN and JNI for their contributions to peacebuilding, expressing appreciation for their prayers, counsel and support for his administration.
The governor said the gathering of Christian clerics and Muslim scholars demonstrated the importance of cooperation across religious lines.
He maintained that sustainable peace required more than security operations, stressing the need for economic empowerment, development and legitimate opportunities for young people.
According to him, addressing the conditions that expose youths to destructive activities is important to improving security and promoting development.
Ododo urged the religious leaders to continue praying for the government, security agencies and residents of the state.
He also assured them that his administration remained open to their advice and constructive contributions to governance.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Kogi indigenes to strategic national positions, particularly in the security and administrative sectors.
He described the Federal Government’s approval for Kogi to host the forthcoming Nigerian Army Annual Conference as an opportunity for the state to contribute to national security discussions.
Ododo also highlighted development projects, including the rehabilitation of the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene highway, the establishment of a special agro-processing zone and plans for an international airport.
He said the initiatives were expected to improve livelihoods, create economic opportunities and strengthen long-term security.
Earlier, the Kogi State CAN Chairman, Adebayo Olaniyan, commended the governor for engaging religious leaders and maintaining an open channel of communication with them.
Olaniyan assured the administration of the association’s continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity and religious tolerance.
Similarly, the state JNI Chairman, Usman Bello, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the administration and pledged continued prayers for the governor and the progress of the state.
The meeting came amid the administration’s call for religious institutions to help sustain peaceful coexistence and discourage the use of young people in activities capable of threatening public order.
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