Comrade Joseph Olamilekan Yenax, the Chief of Staff to the President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), has called on students from Kogi State to rise to the challenge of active participation in national student unionism and politics. He emphasized that increased representation at the national level is essential for advancing the interests and welfare of Kogi students across Nigeria, stressing that the current lack of significant representation has hindered the region’s ability to fully access opportunities and benefits available through national student leadership.
In a passionate statement, Comrade Yenax lamented the limited involvement of Kogi State students in critical leadership positions within the national student union framework, describing it as a gap that urgently needs to be addressed. He noted that Kogi State, with its history of intellectual and political contributions, cannot afford to remain in the background when it comes to issues of national importance, especially those affecting the student community.
He took the opportunity to commend the efforts of former Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, who he described as a pioneer in integrating youths and students into governance. According to him, Governor Bello’s commitment to youth inclusion in politics set a standard for other leaders to emulate. Yenax acknowledged how Bello empowered young people and provided platforms for their active participation in leadership and governance, which he said created a foundation for sustainable development in the state. He also praised the current administration under the Chief Servant, His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for consolidating these efforts and maintaining a leadership approach that fosters youth inclusion and empowerment.
Comrade Yenax extended a humble appeal to leaders across Kogi State to support students aspiring to make a difference in unionism and politics. He urged them to be accessible and provide the necessary resources and encouragement that students need to thrive in leadership roles. According to him, such support is critical for building the confidence and capacity of young people to represent the state effectively and advocate for its interests on a larger scale. He emphasized that the involvement of students in unionism and politics is not just about personal growth but about creating a legacy of progress for the state and the nation.
The NAUS Chief of Staff further issued a clarion call for them to embrace the responsibility of leadership and representation. He reminded Kogi State students of their critical role in shaping the future, urging them to seize opportunities and ensure that the state’s voice is heard in national student union politics. He pointed out that representation is the foundation of progress and that collective action can lead to meaningful changes that benefit the entire Kogi student community.
