The former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris has admonished youths to stay clear of political violence and thuggery, urged them to remain committed to building a virile and strong nation.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris gave the charge in Abuja when he received the prestigious Pinnacle Award in recognition of his immense contributions to Youths Empowerment and economic development of Nigerian Youths.
The award was bestowed on him by Igala Youths Leadership Assembly, ably led by the Speaker, Ojochele Felix Akoh, with the former Governor urging the Youths to remain
focused, stay away from crime and criminalities, rather be focused on the development of Kogi State in particular and Nigeria in general.
He said during his tenure as Governor of Kogi State, listed youth empowerment programmes he put in place that enabled the youths learn trades, become economically independent said he encouraged most of them to acquire formal education.
The former governor said all his Empowerment programs while in office was without political sentiments, thanked the Igala Youths Leadership Assembly for finding him worthy for the award.
In his remarks, Barr. Shaba Ibrahim, Member, Representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, eulogized the former Governor for being the architect of modern Kogi State, said that the people of Lokoja/Koto Federal Constituency would always the former Governor’s aspiration in making the State an envy.
Also reacting to the award bestowed on the former Governor, Dr. Aminu Atabo who was also an Awardee at the well attended occasion added his voice too that if it was possible for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be amended for an extended tenure, Kogites would have gladly want the former Governor to continue to rule over them, attributed the developmental strides of the former Governor that touched every parts of Kogi State without tribal, religious or class segregation as reason why he was loved by the people.
Speaking at the occasion, the Speaker of the Igala Youths Leadership Assembly,
praised the former Governor for all his contributions that was geared towards youths emancipation, liberation and giving them a sense of belonging, asked God to grant the former Governor long life, good health and prosperity.
Other Executive Members of Igala Youths Leadership Assembly in attendance include; Prince Abubakar Ochiba, Rabiu Musa and others too numerous to mention.
On ground to join Former Gov. Idris to receive the award was a former Commissioner for Environment and Urban Development, Arch. Suleiman.
The occasion for the award was held at Chida International Hotels, Jabi, Abuja.