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Tag: Youths

  • Tinubu approves N50,000 monthly stipend for youths

    Tinubu approves N50,000 monthly stipend for youths

    President Bola Tinubu has approved a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 10,000 Niger Delta youths to mitigate current hardship in the country.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced this during the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities and youths and women in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    He said the payment would be made under the NDDC Youth Intensive Scheme and would last for an initial 12 months with the possibility of extension.

    Akpabio emphasised that this move was part of Tinubu’s efforts to address the region’s challenges and urged against participation in the national protest scheduled for August 1.

    “The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will implement this scheme immediately to support 10,000 youths with N50,000 monthly to cushion the current hardship.

    “We acknowledge the severe impact caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta and are taking prompt action to address these issues.

    “The economic challenges in our nation are known by President Tinubu and is already receiving required attention to address them,” he said.

    Akpabio said that Tinubu had also approved the simultaneous commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project from both states, which is expected to create thousands of jobs for the region’s youths.

    According to him, the forthcoming national protest was orchestrated by faceless people aiming to instigate chaos and damage across the country.

    “There is nothing in the 10 points agenda for the national protest that captures the interest of the Niger Delta.

    “The organisers are merely copycats imitating the situation in Kenya, not minding the potential anarchy their protest will bring upon this country.

    “The issues facing the country are currently being addressed, and so, there is absolutely no need to protest,” he stated.

    The senate president pointed out that necessary funds were being allocated for critical projects to meet the needs and dreams of the Niger Delta people.

    He urged for patience as the Federal Government’s policies and programmes take effect, emphasising that one year was too short a timeframe to measure its success.

    Earlier, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, called for calm and support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He stressed the immediate implementation of resolutions from the recent Niger Delta Summit to accelerate regional development.

    “Do not go out to protest, but rather let us consolidate on the gains this administration has made,” he pleaded with the youths.

    Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, warned that the protest would further damage the nation’s economy, which could take years to recover.

    He linked the current hardship to the removal of the corrupt petrol subsidy and the unification of the naira, asserting that these initiatives were necessary to prevent Nigeria’s collapse.

    The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that Tinubu met a very bad economy and had already initiated programmes to revive the economy.

    According to him, the Niger Delta was beginning to see the fruits of long-standing militant agitations for development under the present Federal Government.

    “The Project HOPE is bridging the skill gaps among our youths, while we are working with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce to train youths and young entrepreneurs of the region.

    “We are also collaborating with the chamber to support small and medium scale enterprises as well as partnering the Bank of Industry to fund our empowerment initiatives.

    “Youths should avoid participating in protest that could destabilise the country and hinder development, ultimately impoverishing the people,” he pleaded.

    Mr Jonathan Lopkobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, reiterated that Niger Delta youths, particularly Ijaw youths, should refrain from joining the national protest.

  • BREAKING: Protest begins in Niger state

    BREAKING: Protest begins in Niger state

    Despite several efforts to stop the protest by  state and federal government, some youths have trooped to the streets of Niger State to protest the ongoing cost of living crisis in Nigeria.

    They wielded placards such as ‘Enough is Enough’; ‘Stop Anti-Masses Policies’; ‘We Are Not Slaves In Our Country’; ‘Hardship Is Unbearable’, ‘Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back’, among others.

    The protesters marched on the streets as they chanted anti-government songs.

    It was gathered that some of the protesters on Abuja-Kaduna expressway and attempted to speak with them but they declined.

    The Federal and State governments had made several efforts to stop the protest, saying it could be hijacked by hoodlums and enemies of democracy.

    Last week, Governor Mohammed Bago had wooed residents of Niger with welfare packages to prevent the protest.

    He had announced a N20,000 wage allowance for state and local government civil servants, ordered the immediate release of 50,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains to be sold at subsidised rates to mitigate the current economic hardship.

    “We have over 100,000 metric tonnes of food in our reserves, out of which we will be releasing 50,000 metric tonnes to be sold at 50% of its present price. Before the end of the year, we will slash food prices by 90%,” he had said at a townhall meeting.

    Details later…

  • Planned Protest: IGP told to provide security for protesters

    Planned Protest: IGP told to provide security for protesters

    Ahead of the planned nationwide protest in August, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to provide security for demonstrators.

     

    Angry youths are determined to protest against the country’s current economic hardship. The “End Bad Governance” protest, scheduled from August 1 to August 10, is gaining momentum on social media.

     

    While government officials have urged organizers to cancel the demonstrations, labeling them politically motivated, the TUC insists on protection for the protesters.

     

    During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, TUC President Festus Osifo emphasized that the Police are required by the Police Act and the constitution to ensure security for protesters. He stated that adequate protection is crucial to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums.

     

    “The Police Act also mandates the police to ensure law and order and protect those protesting,” said Osifo.

     

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, governors, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged Nigerians to reconsider the planned “End Bad Governance” protest.

     

    In recent months, food and basic commodity prices have soared as Nigerians face one of the worst inflation and economic crises, fueled by the government’s policies on removing petrol subsidies and unifying forex windows.

  • Shoe polish, methylated Spirit now used by Youths to get high – NDLEA

    Shoe polish, methylated Spirit now used by Youths to get high – NDLEA

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported that youths are now using nail polish and methylated spirit to achieve a state of ‘highness’. The agency noted that conventional narcotic substances like tramadol, codeine syrup, and cannabis have become too expensive for some users.

     

    Tijjani Rabe, the Ogun State Commander, revealed this while receiving members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Represented by Deputy State Commander Ekundayo Williams, Rabe expressed concern that the issue is troubling for families, society, and Nigeria as a whole.

     

    Despite ongoing sensitization and advocacy efforts, the agency has observed a yearly increase in substance abuse. Rabe cited a 2018 survey showing that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 16 had used a substance in the previous year, reflecting a 5.6 percent increase from 2016. The survey also indicated that 20 percent of these individuals have drug disorders.

     

    Rabe pointed out that besides conventional drugs, many people now use household items like nail polish and methylated spirit, particularly among youths who cannot afford conventional drugs. He added that one in five abusers injects drugs with needles and syringes, which increases the risk of spreading blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B.

     

    The NDLEA chief highlighted that the South-west region has the highest rate of drug issues, with Ogun State having more abusers due to its large number of tertiary institutions and diverse youth population. The agency, in collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders, has extended its sensitization and advocacy efforts to schools, places of worship, markets, parks, and rural communities.

  • Tax: Protesting Kenyan Youths burn down part of Parliament building

    Tax: Protesting Kenyan Youths burn down part of Parliament building

    Part of the Parliament building in Nairobi was set by fire on Tuesday as anti-tax protests by youths worsened in Kenya.

    It was observed that the fire started to billow in the building few minutes after the protesters broke through police lines and into the building.

    The protesters got in shortly after the legislators voted to pass the bill introducing taxes, forcing ruling party lawmakers who were instrumental to the passing of the bill to flee through a tunnel, while opposition legislators who voted against the bill walked freely out of the besieged building.

    At least five of the protesters were allegedly gunned down by the police, who are reported to have used live ammunition in their desperate bid to stop the invasion of the country’s legislative complex.

    Reports also claimed that two people were reported to have died before the Tuesday incident since the start of the protests, incidentally, on Tuesday last week, June 18.

    Thousands of Kenyans have since been involved in the protests, which started in the capital, Nairobi, and spread to other towns and cities.

    The police have been having a hard time trying to contain the protesters, who turned out in massive numbers.

    It was learned that the direct attack on the parliament came after members passed the controversial Finance Bill from the executive arm of government, which introduced unpopular taxes.

    Protesters have Pro been calling on the members of parliament not to approve the new tax proposals, and after the executive last Thursday dropped some of the contentious proposals, they insisted the entire bill be scrapped.

    However, Kenyan President, William Ruto has defended the tax proposals, saying new taxes are needed to run the country and reduce external borrowing.

    Tax measures in the bill that remained untouched and which prompted the attack on the parliament as the lawmakers passed the bill on Tuesday include a tax on specialised hospitals, which many Kenyans fear could raise healthcare costs and an increase in import tax from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent of an item’s value, which is seen as likely to soon be a reason for the high cost of imported valuables, among other measures.

    Some observers of the event, however, see the protests as transcending concerns over new taxes. Citizens see the government as having generally failed at providing for them.

     

  • Sen. Dafinone advises parents on youth reorientation

    Sen. Dafinone advises parents on youth reorientation

    Sen. Ede Dafinone has advised parents to be more involved in reorientating the youths on the need to shun social vices and imbibe good habits.

    Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, gave the advice in Ughelli on Wednesday at a public lecture organised to mark the 10th anniversary of Advocate Newspaper.

    The lecture is entitled “Youth Empowerment and Leadership Evolution: Rethinking Nigeria’s Leadership Recruitment Process”.

    The senator, represented by Adelabu Bodjor, his Chief of Staff and Director-General of his campaign group, blamed parents for the poor development of their wards.

    Dafinone, who said he was given to ensure sustainable youth empowerment in his constituency, urged parents to always involve their wards in whatever they do.

    According to him, leadership training in a sustainable manner begins from the home.

    “We need to reorientate our youths that education is not a scam. Parents should, therefore, get their wards involved in whatsoever they are doing,

    “For every bad child, the parents should be held accountable,” he said.

    Earlier, the Publisher of Advocate Newspaper, Shedrack Onitsha, said his dedication to journalistic excellence in the past 10 years had contributed to shaping the media landscape in the Niger Delta.

    He said the lecture was carefully selected to ignite a dialogue that would challenge the status quo and advocate for a competent, reflective and inclusive leadership recruitment process.

    The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Enajite Ojaruega, said Nigeria has the highest number of youths globally, but without the nation taking full advantage of it.

    She said Nigerian youths were endowed with innovations and creativities, amounting to the greatest export the nation could boast of.

    The professor of African Literature in the Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta University (DELSU), described the youths as the bedrock driving the nation’s advancement.

    The don decried the low level of youths in leadership recruitment despite their role in promoting the image of the country positively abroad.

    Ojaruega noted that leadership would, however, not come on a platter of gold and therefore urged the youths to earn it by working their way to relevance.

    She identified some of the forces working against the youths as the political landscape, economic landscape, and the social fabric.

    “Nigerian youths have been marginalised and disenfranchised. We need to get our values right and our mindset for a get-rich syndrome must change.

    “We are in a serious leadership crisis. The late Chinua Achebe once said that the problem of Nigeria is bad leadership but today, it is also a problem of followership,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Special Guest of Honour, Mr Fed Majemite, emphasised the need to entrench vocational studies in the nation’s educational curriculum to equip the youths with skills.

  • Benue APC ‘wahala’: Youth Leaders pass vote of confidence on State Chairman, Agada+Photos

    Benue APC ‘wahala’: Youth Leaders pass vote of confidence on State Chairman, Agada+Photos

     

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders from the 9 local government areas of Benue South, have declared total support for the Comrade Austin Agada-led state executive of the party.

    At a joint press briefing of the APC youth leaders in the Senatorial district held in Otukpo on Wednesday, the state chairman, Agada, was described as a young man, whose “transformative leadership has set a precedent, bringing about unprecedented development in the history of local politics” in Benue State.

    Comrade Christopher Ogbole, the APC zonal youth leader who spoke on behalf of the youth leaders present from the 9 LGAs of Benue South, also said the entire youth wing of the party acknowledged the laudable social economic interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in areas of infrastructures and human capital development; while passing vote of confidence on the leadership of Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Benue APC.

    “In the vibrant political landscape of Benue South Zone C, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Youth leadership proudly stands behind the Benue State APC Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, recognizing his exceptional leadership qualities that have positively impacted the lives of the youth and communities under his influence.

    “Comrade Agada’s commitment to youth inclusion and empowerment is unparalleled, as evident in his remarkable efforts to engage and uplift the younger generation. His personal touch with friends and widows showcases a leader who goes beyond politics, embodying empathy and compassion.

    “We are equally grateful to our party men and women especially the young people who elected us to be their watch and negotiate for their welfare, our assurance to them is that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will bear beneficial fruits to the entire country especially the young people of Benue South, Zone C”, the party said.

    Aside providing quality leadership for the party, the youth leaders also eulogized Agada for attracting many infrastructures to the area, facilitating employments of many youths, as well as offering scholarships to many indigent students in the state.

    The APC youth leaders also used the opportunity to urge those beating the drums for a parallel executive when another Congress had not been held, to decease forthwith, saying, such crisis mongers would also sabotage the good works of the Tinubu-led federal government in Benue State.

    “Additionally, the APC Youth leadership calls on individuals, such as Comr. Daniel Onjeh, Benjamin Omakolo and their associates, to cease creating crises in the zone, emphasizing the need for unity to fully harness the democratic gains achieved as a people.

    “The collective achievements in Benue South Zone C, including the appointment of three Permanent Secretaries, the Acting Controller of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Agency, Executive Secretary of TETFUND, and a Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission, are commendable milestones. The ongoing construction of the Makurdi-Otukpo-Enugu-9th Mile road further attests to the positive strides in the zone.

    “In conclusion, the APC Youth leaders in benue South zone c under my leadership as the zonal youth leader extends a vote of confidence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his role in fostering development, and to Senator Dr. George Akume for providing exemplary leadership in the state. Together, these leaders are contributing to a future of growth, progress, and prosperity for not just Benue State but Nigeria as whole”, Comrade Ogbole added.

    It would be recalled that the Benue APC has been ridden with crisis lately, with Governor Hyacinth Alia announcing Mr. Omakolo as an acting state Chairman of the party, despite the State High Court’s ruling by the state Chief Judge that Comrade Agada’s state executive remains intact.

    Both Agada and Omakolo are from the Benue South Senatorial district of the state.

  • Filmmaker urges youths to embrace opportunities in Nollywood for self-reliance

    Filmmaker urges youths to embrace opportunities in Nollywood for self-reliance

    Ace filmmaker and co-founder of Fenmore Studious, Allen Agozie, has urged teeming unemployed youths to embrace opportunities that abound in the Nigerian film industry in order to become self-employed.

    Agozie made the call in an interview on the sidelines of the maiden edition of the Fenmore Film Festival on Saturday in Abuja.

    The one-day film fiesta, organised by Fenmore Studious in collaboration with the French Institute, had in attendance industry stakeholders, young filmmakers and film enthusiasts drawn from different parts of the country.

    He said that as Nigerian youths grappled with unemployment, the film industry was a viable option that could create jobs and make people self-employed if only the youths could tap into it.

    Agozie said that a lot of opportunities were available both before and behind the camera for creative and talented young Nigerians whole may want to venture into the motion picture industry.

    “There are opportunities for every passionate and talented youth out there in the industry; from acting to cinematography, script writing, costume design and many more.

    “A lot of Hollywood films are being made with millions and millions of dollars and that is because they think it is an industry worth investing in, and Nollywood actually has the same potential.

    “So, what we really need to do is to start telling our own stories very well, genuine stories that a lot of people will be interested to take and make bigger on larger scale.

    “That is when the money and employment will come; and the industry is definitely worth investing in your time, talent and money.’’

    Agozie said that as Nigeria faced economic challenges and sought to diversify its revenue mainstay , its rich culture and creative sector was a veritable alternative, if well harnessed.

    He e urged government at all levels to make the sector attractive to creative young Nigerians by providing necessary support in form of funding and capacity building.

    According to him, the film festive is an initiative to offer young filmmakers a platform to showcase their talents and creativity.

    “As a production company, Fenmore Studio decided to organise this film festival in collaboration with the French Institute to celebrate short films and young filmmakers who are trying to tell our stories..

    “The aim of Fenmore Film Festival is to give them a platform to showcase their works and encourage them that they can be genuine and tell original humane stories.

    “The theme of the festival is ‘Contemporary African Narratives’, which is about the new ways of telling African story, and we want to tell our young filmmakers that they can change the nation through film.

    “We selected and exhibited eight films that we believe shows exactly what it means for young filmmakers in this generation to tell the same story that have been told before about society.

    “We hope that anyone that attended this festival fall in love with the films, and with this happening in Abuja, youth will join this community of young filmmaker,” he said.

    Some of the short films screened at the festival include ‘Swimming in a Sea of Trauma’,’You Matter to Me’,’Boy Meets Girl’,’Cementary of Doves’,’Rare Fish’,’Hanky Panky’, ‘A Quiet Monday’, among others.

     

  • Northwest youths caution elders against “misleading” comments on Tinubu’s stewardship

    Northwest youths caution elders against “misleading” comments on Tinubu’s stewardship

    A group, the Northwest Progressive Youths on Sunday cautioned elders in the country against making “misleading comments” on President Bola Tunubu’s stewardship.

    The group’s Coordinator, Alhaji Muratala Kaoje, gave the advice while addressing newsmen in Sokoto.
    Kaoje faulted the Katsina Elders Forum’s comments.

    asking President Tinubu to reverse some administration’s decisions or risk losing the support of the North in the 2027 general election.

    He said healthy criticism is a good move in democracy, however, the group considered it desirable to draw the attention of the forum to concentrate on providing suggestions on way to solve some lingering challenges bedeviling the country.

    “Widespread challenges like killings, destruction of property have adversely affected the citizens” wellbeing in the North.
    ” The level of poverty, security challenges and educational backwardness need elders contribution based on thier experiences to provide solutions the challenges.

    ” Farming activities have been disrupted along with other sectors of human endeavors that almost collapsed due to security challenges,” Kaoje said.
    He notes that President Tunibu has embarked on measures to end security challenges and rejuvenate economic and social activities in the country.

    The group also expressed support for Belllo Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense and President Tunibu’s performance.

     

     

  • More than 600 million youths reside in conflict zones – Minister

    More than 600 million youths reside in conflict zones – Minister

    The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, says more than 600 million out of 1.8 billion youths globally, reside in conflict zones.

    Ibrahim said this at the Youth, Peace, and Security Summit, organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with Mercy Corps on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The minister said Nigerian youths constituted 10 per cent of the global youth population.

    According to her, the sheer demographic weight emphasises the critical role youths play in building peace, adding that there was no international framework to address youth, peace, and security issues until 2015.

    Ibrahim said the absence or limited inclusion of youths in peace processes had often led to the failure of those processes.

    “According to the United Nations Population Fund, there are over 1.8 billion young people globally, with more than 600 million residing in conflict zones.

    “Nigeria, unfortunately, has grappled with youth restiveness, recurrent violent conflict, and insecurity, largely attributed to influential push-pull factors.

    “Yet, the youth have emerged as pivotal actors, both as masterminds and victims of these challenges.

    “Leveraging their vulnerabilities, resilience and energies, violent extremist groups exploit their involvement in promoting nefarious activities,” she said.

    The minister said the ministry had taken proactive measures to address the menace with the development and launch of the Nigerian National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (NNAP-YPS).

    She said the action plan was in alignment with the pillars of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250, adding that the pilot dissemination had occurred in six states with progress underway in others.

    According to her, the on-going NNAP-YPS project is youth-led, involving state governments, civil society organisations, security agencies and critical stakeholders.

    She urged the NCTC-ONSA and its partners to leverage the summit to engage meaningfully and provide lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges while emphasising the positive roles youth could play.

    “To fellow peace advocates, I implore all of us to unite in our efforts, recognising that peace is indispensable for any nation’s development, Nigeria being no exception.

    “The future of our youths cannot be left in the hands of disgruntled elements; we must act swiftly and decisively,” she said.

    In his remarks, the Chief of Party, Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP), Sani Suleiman said meaningful youth participation was essential for achieving lasting peace.

    According to him, this summit provides a vital platform to showcase young people’s contributions to peace and security efforts and foster collaborative efforts for a brighter future.

    The Country Director of Mercy Corps Nigeria, Mr Ndubisi Anyanwu, said that youths were not only the inheritors of the future but also active architects of peace in the present.

    Anyanwu added that the summit was a testament to the dedication and capacity of young Nigerians to drive positive change and build a more peaceful and prosperous society for all.

    Participants at the event included State Governors, Ministers, representatives of MDAs, UN agencies, USAID, International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

    Others are: members of CIPP’s Youth Peace Networks, Youth Researchers and Youth Parliament, National Youth Council, and Children’s Parliament