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Tag: Youth

  • We must nurture, empower youth to be tomorrow’s leaders – Speaker Abbas

    We must nurture, empower youth to be tomorrow’s leaders – Speaker Abbas

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said the government must consider how its policies, programmes, and budgets affect the youths being one of the major drivers of development.

    Speaker Abbas said the youth, as leaders of tomorrow, should be empowered, nurtured, and motivated for the leadership roles they are about to take. He, however, stated that young Nigerians should also be willing to take leadership responsibilities.

    The Speaker said this while declaring open a Youth Town Hall on the 2025 Budget at the National Assembly Abuja on Monday.

    It was the second in the series of engagements between the Speaker and Nigerian youths, the first being on July 31.

    While noting that the importance of the engagement could not be overstated, Speaker Abbas recalled that at the first Youth Town Hall, he promised to institutionalise regular engagement with the youth, being “our nation’s young people.”

    He said: “This gathering highlights the vital role of your voice in shaping the future of our nation. It acknowledges that you, the youth of Nigeria, are not just the leaders of tomorrow but active participants in the governance and development of today.

    “Your energy, creativity, and resilience are transforming every sector of our society, from agriculture to technology, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship. Across these fields, you demonstrate that Nigerian youth can achieve greatness with the right support and opportunities.

    “Yet, we must ask ourselves: how can you do even more? How can we, as leaders, create an enabling environment that allows your potential to flourish fully? This dialogue is, therefore, so important to explore how government policies, budgets, and programmes can better support you in taking your rightful place as drivers of national development.”

    The Speaker said all the stakeholders at the town hall must also discuss a critical subject that affects not just your future but the very future of our nation: leadership recruitment.

    He noted that the responsibility of building the next generation of leaders must not be left to chance. He added that political parties, as key institutions of democracy, have an urgent role to play in identifying, nurturing, and empowering young people to assume leadership positions.

    In recognition of the young people’s incredible potential, Speaker Abbas recalled that the National Assembly enacted the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Act, which lowered the age requirement for elective offices.

    He said the landmark legislation opened up new opportunities for young Nigerians to actively participate in governance, enabling those with the vision, energy, and competence to step forward.

    “However, more than the law is needed; political parties must take this further by deliberately mentoring and supporting young aspirants, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.

    “Across Africa and beyond, young people are demonstrating that they can excel when provided the opportunity to lead,” Speaker Abbas said, stressing that, “They are a clarion call to Nigeria and the world that investing in young people’s leadership potential pays dividends for society as a whole.”

    The Speaker stated: “Preparation is, therefore, non-negotiable in leadership. It requires education, exposure, mentorship, and a strong sense of duty and integrity. Young Nigerians must be intentional about preparing themselves to lead, not just politically but in every sphere of society.

    “I call on political parties to take seriously their mandate to scout for and develop young talents, ensuring that leadership succession is deliberate and inclusive. The future of our democracy and the survival of our institutions hinge on this.”

  • Shun protest, embrace constructive dialogue – Macaulay charges youths 

    Shun protest, embrace constructive dialogue – Macaulay charges youths 

    Former Secretary to Delta State Government, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay has appealed to Delta Youths and Nigerians at large to refrain from joining the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship, saying that they should opt instead for constructive engagement and dialogue.

    Macaulay made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen, at the weekend, in Asaba.

    While acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and the frustration that has sparked widespread concern, Macaulay said the country is too volatile for a Nationwide Protest, considering the negative consequences of it if not properly planned.

    He said; “Protests, while a democratic right, must be considered carefully in the context of their potential of negative impact. Are the organisers of the protest guaranteing the possibility of it not to be hijacked by hoodlums, which if hijacked will lead to destruction of properties and government infrastructures.

    “Delta State is a developing State, engaging in a protest might led to the destruction of some few infrastructural developments we have achieved in our Dear State.

    “In the past, as a Labour Leader, I have lead several protest which were never hijacked or led to destruction of infrastructures that we have in the State. Fifth columnist are waiting to portray the protest in a way that might jeopardise the current democracy that we are practicing in Nigeria.

    “I therefore urge the youths to embrace dialogue rather than protest because honestly, protests at this time won’t help the country.  Any negative implications of the protest will aggravate the sufferings of the masses.” Comrade Macaulay concluded.

  • Delta LG Polls: Ughievwen youths make case for Ughelli South Council Chair

    Delta LG Polls: Ughievwen youths make case for Ughelli South Council Chair

    Youths of Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State say they will not accept anything short of the chairmanship seat in the forthcoming local government council elections in the state.

    A few days ago the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) fixed Saturday, July 13, 2024, as the date for local government elections when it finally released the timetable and schedule of activities for local government elections in the state.

    Rising from a one-day political summit and media briefing with the theme: “Repositioning Ughievwen Nation For Political And Economic Prosperity”, held at a location in Udu Local Government Area, the Ughievwen youths under the auspices of Ughievwen Youth Congress in a communique also insisted that it is their turn to produce the next chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ughelli South Chapter.

    The political summit which was part of the activities to herald this year’s Local Government Council Elections in Ughelli South LGA addressed sundry issues that tend to undermine the destiny and place of Ughievwen Kingdom in the political equation of Ughelli South.

    The summit which was well attended by Ughievwen sons and daughters from all the communities and clans in Ughievwen Kingdom reviewed various aspects of Ughievwen political travails against the backdrop of the LGA Chairmanship position of Ughelli South Local Government Council of which Ughievwen, over the years, have been shortchanged, and lamented the total neglect and complete disregard of the zoning arrangement between Constituency I (Ughievwen) and Constituency II (Olomu, Ewu, Effurun-Otor, Arhavwarien and Okparebe).

    In the communique issued after the summit and signed by the Ughievwen Youth Congress President, Mr Peter Darah, Secretary, Clarkson Irhivwen and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dase Onajite, the youths said their claim to the two positions is premised on the zoning arrangement between Constituency One (Ughievwen) and Constituency Two (Olomu, Ewu, Effurun-Otor, Arhavwarien and Okparebe).

    In their analysis, since the return of civil rule in Nigeria in 1999, Constituency I has held the chairmanship position of Ughelli South Local Government Council for 9 years while Constituency II has occupied it for 14 years.

    According to the breakdown, for Constituency I occupation of the chairmanship position of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Dr A. P. Fovie held sway for 3 years and another 6 months; Rev Matthew Akporayen for 1 year and 10 months; Barr Dennis Djomah for 3 years and another 1 year and 4 months, bringing the total number years spent to 9 years and 8 months.

    Constituency II is as follows: Barr. M.K. Emujakpor did 11 months; Hon. R. Ugherakpoteni 5 months; Hon. Josephine Oduaran 2 months; Chief Vincent Otidi 1 year – 7 months; Chief Anthony Oviri Uto 1 year- 10 months; Hon. Paul E. Etaga 3 years and Dr Richard Kofi 6 years of two tenures, which makes it a total of 14 years.

    For the seat of chairman of Ughelli South Chapter of PDP, the Ughievwen Youth Congress in its analysis stated that Constituency I (Ughievwen) had Chief Hon. Michael Djegbe Oshetigho for 8 years on two tenures of 4 years each.

    While Constituency II (Olomu, Ewu, Effurun Otor, Arhavwarien and Okparebe) has held the local government area party chairmanship for 18 years and 1 month, with Chief Ashagbe 3 years; Late Chief Amos Itihwe 6 years; Chief Sam  Obomohwoyeren 1 year; Chief Vincent Oduaran 4 years and Chief Francis Aguonigho 4 years.

    “Thus, arising from the foregoing, the summit resolved that for justice, fairness and equity in  Ughelli South LGA, Constituency I (Ughievwen) should be allowed to complete its outstanding Chairmanship terms as fulfilment of the zoning arrangement in Ughelli South  Local Government Council, as anything short of this will be fully resisted by all youths. The summit therefore called on all God-fearing leaders of Ughelli South and elsewhere to support the justifiable demand of the peace-loving people of Ughelli South Constituency I  (Ughievwen).

    “That for justice, fairness and equity in  Ughelli South LGA, Constituency I (Ughievwen) should be allowed to complete its outstanding PDP Local Government Chairmanship terms as a fulfilment of the zoning arrangement in Ughelli South Local Government Council, as anything short of this will be fully resisted. The Summit also called on all God-fearing leaders of Ughelli South and elsewhere to support the justifiable demand of the peace-loving people of Ughelli South Constituency I (Ughievwen).

    “The summit is not unmindful of the political appointments in Ughelli South. To this end, the summit contends that all appointable positions are at the discretion and prerogative of the Governor of the State which are exclusively different from the political structure at the  LGA level which the political ancestors in the Ughelli South have equitably delineated for peaceful coexistence of the groups in the LGA over the years.

    “To this end, the local  Government Council and PDP Chairmanship positions are electable-tenured positions duly recognized by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and should not be traded on petty sentiments. Where a zoning arrangement is agreed upon by a group, (As enshrined in the PDP constitution) it should be respected. The Summit therefore called on all God-fearing leaders of Ughelli South to support the justifiable demand of the peace-loving people of Ughelli South Constituency I (Ughievwen),” said the youths of Ughievwen Kingdom in the communique.

    The youths at the summit agreed that Ughelli South is one big political family that has remained steadfast to the ideals of the PDP and will continue to deliver on all political fronts but vowed to resist all attempts to make Ughievwen a Second Fiddle in the local government area.

    They expressed dissatisfaction over the continuous short-changing of Constituency I (Ughievwen) when it comes to the two chairmanship positions in the local government area despite its 62% voters’ strength, abundant endowments of human, land mass and natural resources as well as a standing zoning arrangement between Constituency I (Ughievwen) and Constituency II (Olomu, Ewu, Effurun Otor, Arhavwarien and Okparebe).

  • Appointments: FEC approves 10% youth, women quota

    Appointments: FEC approves 10% youth, women quota

    The Federal Executive Council has approved the institutionalisation of 10 per cent youth quota in all government appointments and an equitable young women representation.

    Dr Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youths, disclosed this at the end of the 4th FEC meeting, on Monday in Abuja.

    She said that council also approved the restructure of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the revamping of the Youth Investment Fund.

    The minister said that the quota would encourage young people to participate in decision making processes and in civic engagements.

    “This will in turn lead to young people’s contributing tremendously to national development agenda.

    “I’m also pleased to announce the second council approval to restructure and institutionalise the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund.

    “This is a fund that was approved in 2020 and on assumption of Office of this administration, we commissioned a technical committee to review this fund and restructure it with the aim of institutionalising it through a legal framework, which will lead to the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Fund.

    “We have secured council approval for the immediate release of N25 billion from the 2023 supplementary Appropriation Act and an additional N25 billion from the 2024 Appropriation Act under the Youth Development Fund for Development provision in the budget.

    “We also received an additional approval from council for a N60 billion release from the Central Bank of Nigeria through the agric. investment of small medium enterprises,” she said.

    Ibrahim said that these schemes would support young businesses and bring a lot of succour to young persons in the country.

    She said that the commencement of the schemes would be done with collaboration from relevant agencies like agriculture and food security, creative economy as well as state governments among others.

  • Youth Group dismisses NECA’s criticisms of Expatriate Employment Levy

    Youth Group dismisses NECA’s criticisms of Expatriate Employment Levy

    A youth group, Consolidated Youth Assembly (CYA) has dismissed the recent criticisms by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) regarding the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), stating that it is essential for enhancing skills transfer and generating revenue.

    Group leader, Mallam Hamza Abdullahi, said in Abuja, that EEL has benefits for the Nigerian economy. “The EEL is a crucial step towards promoting local workforce development and reducing dependency on foreign expertise,” Abdulahi remarked in a statement.

    Contrary to NECA’s concerns about discouraging foreign investment, Abdulahi argued that the levy demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and creating a conducive business environment. “By encouraging companies to invest in local talent and skills development, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” he stated.

    Abdullahi also addressed NECA’s assertion that the EEL would hinder the government’s fiscal and monetary reforms, stating that the levy aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy. “The EEL complements existing legislation aimed at promoting local content and immigration regulations”

    Regarding NECA’s legal objections to the levy, the youth leader highlighted the government’s authority to implement such measures in pursuit of national development goals. “While we respect NECA’s concerns, it’s important to recognise that the government has the constitutional mandate to enact policies that advance the public interest”

    Furthermore, Abdulahi dismissed NECA’s predictions of negative socio-economic consequences, asserting that the EEL would ultimately benefit Nigerian workers and businesses. “By investing in local talent and reducing reliance on expatriate labour, we are creating more opportunities for Nigerian professionals to excel in their careers”.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and job creation through initiatives like the Expatriate Employment Levy, adding “We urge stakeholders to support these efforts and work together towards building a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria”.

  • Why we introduced U-17 youth league – NPFL

    Why we introduced U-17 youth league – NPFL

    Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), has said that the newly introduced Under 17 Youth League would help the country select and prepare players for international tournaments.

    Elegbeleye said this on Saturday while speaking to newsmen in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during the final of the maiden edition of the youth league.

    “The league will serve as a reservoir for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to select a squad for international competitions,” he said.

    According to Elegbeleye, who is the 2nd Vice-Chairman of the NFF, the league will only focus on young players.

    “Where we have an NPFL club, the youth team (U-17) will be like a feeder team to the various clubs.

    “When you have the U-15 players, they cannot graduate immediately and be playing for the premier league, so we need them to go through the U-17.

    “Plateau United FC is already benefiting. I can spot three of the boys coming into the senior team from the U-17 team; that is the spirit.

    “When we play Under 15 and Under 17 league every season, it will enable us to have a pool of footballers that NFF can select from.”

    Elegbeleye regretted the failure of the country to qualify for the last U-17 World Cup, saying that it was due to poor planning.

    He expressed the hope that the introduction of the youth league would take care of the lapses that hindered the country from picking the ticket for the last cadet World Cup.

    “For instance, we used to be world champions in U-17 football; we have won it four to five times, but unfortunately, we did not qualify for the last event.

    “We cannot ask why it was so because we are not planning. We are no longer planning, and when we are not planning, we cannot get good results.

    “Now, with the introduction of the youth league, we will have players that will be focused,” he said.

    Three ex-internationals, Patrick Pascal, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Seyi Olofinjana were showcased as ambassadors and role models for the youths in the  league.

    Elegbeleye added that the ex-internationals would motivate the young players.

    “By God’s grace, this tournament has come to stay. This is what we call, ‘Premier League U-17 season one; next one will be season two’,” Elegbeleye said.

  • 100m children, youth out of school in Africa – AU

    100m children, youth out of school in Africa – AU

    The African Union (AU) says no fewer than 100 million children and youth aged five to 19 across Africa are not socially integrated simply because they are out of school.

    AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Mohammed Belhocine said at the ongoing AU Summit in Addis Ababa.

    Belhocine said the children and youth are vulnerable to all sorts of scourges, and they can be easily manipulated by terrorist groups, drug dealers and human traffickers.

    He noticed that many of them end up in different crime networks or migrating to other parts of Africa or out of the continent.

    He stressed the need to support these children and youth through vocational and technical training, and help them get necessary skills to become self-employed.

    Africa faces a setback in delivering quality education, especially at low grades, resulting in nine out of 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The children are being unable to read and understand a simple text by the age of 10, the commissioner acknowledged.

    Noting that Africa needs about 90 billion U.S. dollars to achieve universal education coverage by 2030, he called for global support for the continent to meet the funding gap.

  • Campaign of calumny: Northern Youths support Gbajabiamila’s call for probe

    Campaign of calumny: Northern Youths support Gbajabiamila’s call for probe

    …says Tinubu’s Chief of Staff integrity can’t be compromised

    A group of northern elites working for the unity and progress of Nigeria, has thrown its weight behind the call by the Chief of Staff to the President, asking the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate the continued smeared attacks on his person.

    Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila has come under intensed and growing attacks on the social media by some “elements” since his appointment as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In a letter dated 9th January, 2024, Mr. Gbajabiamila asked the DSS to investigate and prosecute those behind the “false allegations and sustained campaign of calumny” against him.

    Rising from a two-day retreat in Kaduna yesterday, the Northern Unity Forum, led by the National President, Ambassador Usman Biu, said the Chief of Staff had done the noblest thing, by choosing to explore the civil and legal way of seeking protection, rather than devising self help mechanism.

    The group said the north was happy with how the Chief of Staff has conducted himself around the presidency so far, offering quality service to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to the forum, “the success of every administration depends on the productivity of the Chief of Staff who is the head of all supporting Staff and behind every government that is performing well, there is a man who keeps sleepless nights working round the clock to ensure the Head of the government does not fail”.

    The forum therefore gave a passmark on the activities of the Chief of Staff to the President, RT. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, saying he has so far conducted himself well in his given assignments, with utmost integrity.

    The northern group also believed the working relationship between Gbajabiamila and other appointees of President Tinubu, is cordial, giving the President a peaceful platform to operate.

    The Forum described the Chief of Staff as a man who sees every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion, as one, hence, his peaceful and inclusive conduct with those around the President.

    “This, no doubt, has greatly provided the President with peaceful atmosphere to operate. Unlike in the past administration where the President would be busy trying to settle cold wars between his Chief of Staff and other top govenrment officials, thereby missing out on many actions of national importance”, the forum added.

    It said Gbajabiamila is a man known for high sense of integrity, owing to how he was able to stabilize the House of Representatives for four years, adding that, Nigerians are happy that he has not compromised his integrity, even in working with the President.

    “You see, this is a man that has spent over 20 years serving as a Legislator. He has served as Minority Whip, Minority Leader for eight good years, Majority Leader and eventually, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. If his integrity was in question, the people of Surulere Federal Constituency would have not voted him to the House, back to back; and his Colleagues would not have entrusted him with so much leadership of portfolios at the Green Chamber”, it added.

    The Forum also hailed President Tinubu for not giving in to the antics of those it described as “enemies within” and “external forces”, trying to distract the government that was already done selecting its gears and on the verge of delivering good governance to the people of Nigeria.

    As part of its communique, the Forum affirmed its support for the Tinubu led administration, while also congratulating the northern Governors who won their electoral cases at the Supreme Court recently.

    The Forum called on the Governors to convoke a peace and security summit with relevant stakeholders in attendance, to address the issues of insecurity and communal crisis across the north.

  • Okechukwu urges youth to harness social media, books resources for personal, societal progress

    Okechukwu urges youth to harness social media, books resources for personal, societal progress

    Former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Toby Okechukwu has urged Nigerian Youth to harness the power of social media to make a positive impact, empower themselves and others, and to drive economic development.

    Okechukwu gave the advise at the University of Abuja, while delivering a keynote address at the leadership and development lecture series of the Sultan Maccido institute for peace, leadership and development studies.

    He noted that the youth, equipped with technology, hold immense potential to shape the future.

    He also noted that while social media is good, books hold the power to transport one to distant realms without physical movement.

    While noting that Nigerian youth through social media has played a significant role in driving political change, the CoS said it is important to recognize the challenges as well.

    According to him, issues such as the spread of misinformation, echo chambers, and online harassment can hinder productive discussions and understanding.

    He therefore, advised Nigerian youth to critically engage with the information they come across, fact-check, and promote constructive dialogue to ensure the positive impact of social media on political change.

    Okechukwu said, “I recall my own university days when I read 30 novels in a semester, and I challenge you all to ask yourselves how frequently you read books. Have you delved into the pages of classics like “Things Fall Apart,” “There was a country,” or “Arrow of God”? Books hold the power to transport you to distant realms without physical movement. While we cherish social media, let us not forget the enchantment of books. Make a habit of reading, for it enriches the mind and nourishes the soul.

    “Citizen journalism; Nigerian youth have embraced the role of citizen journalists, using social media platforms to document and share real-time information about political events, protests, and social injustices. Through videos, photos, and firsthand accounts, they provide alternative narratives and shed light on important issues that may not be covered by mainstream media. This has helped in holding those in power accountable and raising awareness globally. Let’s dissect further on the role of social media on global movements such as the Black Lives Movement and End Sars Movement and how it has shaped our world today. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has emerged as a powerful force for social change, advocating for racial justice, equality, and an end to systemic racism. Social media platforms have provided a crucial tool for amplifying the voices of activists, organizing protests and rallies, and raising awareness about the issues faced by Black communities.

    “As we contemplate the role of Nigerian youths in this digital age, I urge you to analyze your strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and foster self-esteem, confidence, and motivation to realize those aspirations. Establish support networks by leveraging on existing social media networks that enable you to actively engage in your immediate community and foster positive social change. In conclusion, let us embrace this new era of communication and social media with a sense of purpose and responsibility. As the torchbearers of tomorrow, you have the power to drive positive economic development and social transformation. Believe in yourselves, learn, adapt, and use your skills wisely.”

  • Youths should focus on skill acquisition – AMAC Chairman

    Youths should focus on skill acquisition – AMAC Chairman

    Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Mr Christopher Maikalangu, has called on youth and entire residents of the area council to protect government projects in their communities.

    This call was made when he led council officials and journalists on the second phase of project tour to mark his one year in office, in Abuja.

    Maikalangu said it was important for them to guard the infrastructures passionately as it was to their own benefit.

    Earlier at the skill acquisition centre in Jiwa community, Abuja, the chairman urged the youths to be dedicated to their trainings, as they will be required to mass-produce furnitures for all the L.E.A primary schools in the area council.

    “In a month’s time from now, thousands of furnitures will be delivered in all our primary schools.

    “I want to encourage our youths as this is an avenue for you to learn a skill and become your own boss.

    “We will not go anywhere else to buy chairs or desks for our students, you will be the one to construct these furnitures for us to be dispersed to all our L.E.A primary schools.

    “Therefore, I need you to take your trainings seriously, on my part, I will continue to support you.

    “Make sure you pay attention to your instructors so that you can get all the knowledge you need to better your tomorrow,” he said.

    Residents at Karmo community, trooped out to celebrate the chairman for the road construction in their community.

    Mr Unana Dangona, a resident, appreciated the chairman for fulfilling his campaign promises to their community.

    “We are happy for this wonderful road project executed by the chairman for us here in Karmo.

    “Before, the road was not motorable as it was quite a disaster and muddy especially during rainy season.

    “We are happy and full with joy,” he said.

    Some of the projects visited include, Skill acquisition center, Jiwa, where over 60 youths are being trained on furniture making, solar powered borehole in Jiwa community, GwaGwa-Jiwa bypass road and street lights and road project at karmo community.

    Others are the Solar powered borehole at Zaudna, Bagusa communities in Dei-Dei, ongoing water project at Kagini and Kaba-Guidna communities, rural electrification project at Jiyita community, rural electrification and water project at Wupa community.