Kogi Youth Adviser Oladele John Nihi announces next edition of flagship symposium, drawing on decades of Pan-African student leadership and philanthropy
By DANJUMA AMODU
The Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Youth and Student Affairs, Hon. Oladele John Nihi, popularly known as OJN, has announced that the 7th edition of the OJN Annual Symposium will hold on Wednesday, 15th July 2026, at the 1,500-capacity Kay Galaxy Event Center, Lokoja.
In a statement released on his official platforms, Nihi described the symposium as an annual gathering to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and inspire greater impact. “I look forward to welcoming you and appreciate your continued support. Kindly mark your calendar and join us for this memorable occasion,” he said, signing off with his signature hashtag #StillRising.
The event, scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM, is expected to draw stakeholders, youths, policymakers, and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond.
FROM STUDENT UNIONISM TO GOVERNMENT: A LIFE OF ADVOCACY
Long before his appointment as Special Adviser on Youth and Student Affairs to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Nihi built his reputation on the frontlines of student advocacy. A self-described Pan-Africanist, he is a life-long advocate for youth inclusion in government and leadership positions.
As a student leader, Nihi rose through the ranks of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, before becoming a prominent voice in the All-Africa Students Union, AASU. During his time in AASU, he was vocal on issues affecting African youths, including access to quality education, unemployment, and the need for stronger youth representation in governance across the continent.
His tenure as an African student unionist saw him engage in policy dialogues across West Africa, mobilize Nigerian students for continental solidarity campaigns, and push for the domestication of the African Youth Charter. Associates say that era shaped his philosophy of “service above self” and his belief that leadership must translate into measurable impact for young people.
That philosophy now guides his work in government and through the OJN Foundation, which he established to cater to the needs of young people. He envisions a world where everyone is given a platform to learn, develop, grow, and contribute to the growth of society, which he sees as a global village.
THE OJN SYMPOSIUM: 7 YEARS OF DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT
First convened in 2019, the OJN Annual Symposium has grown into one of Kogi State’s most consistent youth-focused intellectual platforms. The event assembles industry leaders and learners to discuss critical issues important to the growth of individuals and society.
Past editions have featured panel sessions on entrepreneurship, leadership, civic participation, and education, drawing speakers from government, academia, and the private sector. The 2026 edition is expected to maintain that tradition, with stakeholders anticipating discussions around youth inclusion in governance, security, and job creation.
The choice of the 1,500-capacity Kay Galaxy Event Center signals an ambition to host the largest edition yet, reflecting the symposium’s growing influence.
YOUTH AT THE CENTRE OF KOGI’S AGENDA
Nihi’s announcement comes as the Ododo administration continues to emphasize youth empowerment as a pillar of its governance agenda. The state government has in recent months commissioned projects like the Violent Crime Response Unit and expanded scholarship and skills acquisition schemes targeted at young people.
For Nihi, the symposium serves both as a report card and a rallying point. “This annual gathering provides an opportunity to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and inspire greater impact,” he noted.
From continental student solidarity campaigns to policy advisory in Lokoja, OJN’s trajectory reflects a consistent thread: using platforms to amplify youth voices. With the 7th symposium, that mission enters another year.
The 7th OJN Annual Symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, 15th July 2026 at Kay Galaxy Event Center, Lokoja.
