The JAGABA/ODODO Students’ Mandate 2027, Kogi State Chapter, has officially launched its Campus Ambassadors Initiative, with a mandate to deepen civic engagement and information-sharing among students across tertiary institutions in the state.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, during an event attended by government representatives, student leaders, members of the media and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the JAGABA/ODODO Students’ Mandate 2027, Kogi State Chapter,Usman Ibrahimnyass Dende
said the initiative would establish a structured network across 12 tertiary institutions in the state.
According to him, the Campus Ambassadors will engage students through intellectual discussions, civic programmes and information-sharing activities focusing on education, youth development, infrastructure, economic policies and other issues affecting students and young Nigerians.
Ibrahimnyass Dende said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that students were adequately informed about government policies and programmes at both the federal and state levels.
He highlighted a number of programmes of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which, according to him, have direct implications for students and youths, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), investments in tertiary education through TETFund, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, infrastructure development, healthcare interventions and agricultural programmes.
At the state level, Dende commended the administration of Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for what he described as continuity and consolidation of development initiatives, particularly in education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth development.
He cited the state government’s budgetary allocation to education, free education in public primary and secondary schools, payment of examination fees and scholarship support as some of the initiatives benefiting residents.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure development at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and Kogi State University, Kabba, as well as the reported revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
According to him, ongoing road projects across Kogi East, West and Central, alongside major economic projects such as the Kogi Cargo Airport and Lokoja International Market, are expected to create economic opportunities and jobs for young people.
The coordinator also acknowledged the contributions of former Governor Yahaya Bello to the development of the state, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment.
Addressing the newly inaugurated Campus Ambassadors, the coordinator urged them to be responsible representatives and to promote constructive engagement within their respective institutions.
He charged the ambassadors to communicate government programmes objectively, facilitate meaningful discussions and ensure that the concerns of students are brought to the attention of relevant authorities.
“Our objective is clear: to create a structured platform where students can understand government programmes, discuss their impact, communicate issues affecting the student community and participate meaningfully in our democratic process,” he said.
He added that the network would continue its activities across tertiary institutions in Kogi State as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The event was attended by the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Students Matters, Hon. Oladele John Nihi; Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Students Affairs, led by Hon. Emmanuel Ojodunwene Mario; student leaders and members of the press.
