Tag: Youth

Participate Fully In Political Activities, Obasanjo Challenges Youths

File photo of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has challenged African youths to fully participate in political activities as Nigeria gears up for the 2023 general elections in February.

Obasanjo also warned the young population not to allow those he said will mess up with their future to lead them again.

Speaking in Abeokuta, the ex-President said that such participation would also guarantee a better future for the young generation as it would not allow those who are messing up their future to succeed.

Represented by the Deputy Chief Coordinator of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, , Dr  Ayodele Aderinwale, the former Nigerian leader said the biggest obstacle to effectively removing the barrier “is the attitudinal disposition and orientation of the young people.”

“I am challenging you as young Africans to engage in activities that would change the African narrative by participating fully in all the socio-economic and political activities that guarantee a better future for you and not allowing those who are messing up your future to succeed,” Obasanjo said.

“The young people should demand vociferously that our governments must enhance enabling entrepreneurial environment for young people is also a key to unleashing a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth. As this will have a broader impact in promoting sustainable development and addressing the barriers that specifically hinder young people like yourself to be economically empowered. Such empowerment will not only improve the individual life but also affect their community positively as they will serve as an agent of wealth creation.

“The villagization of the globe has rendered geographical barriers largely irrelevant. The movement towards a knowledge economy has also meant that proper nuances eliminate barriers. In essence economic opportunities have become transborder in nature and manifestation. There are enormous opportunities for private initiatives in the national and global economic space.”

According to him, if our youth can be desperate enough to agree to trek through the desert to get menial jobs in Europe, that energy, that spirit, that fortitude should be channelled to eradicate both physical and mental barriers.

‘Our Future Is Full Of Hope’: Atiku, Tinubu Praise Nigerian Youths 

A photo combination of Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu.

 

The presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu have hailed Nigerian youths for their contributions to the nation.

Atiku and Tinubu’s messages came in separate statements issued to mark the 2022 International Youth Day.

The former vice president in a series of tweets on his handle described the nation’s young people as innovative.

“One thing is critical, our nation’s youth have never, at any point, lacked innovative ideas and unique energy for breakthroughs. What’s been missing is the necessary governmental leadership that will throw up opportunities to allow for full expression,” he said.

“There’s no telling that our current situation has drastically diminished the possibilities that should be available to young people to harness their potential. But hope beckons.”

READ ALSO: You Can’t Campaign For Tinubu And Not Look Stupid, Dino Melaye Slams Keyamo

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Nigerian youths attain their full potential.

“Our exponential ability has repeatedly proved itself, and it is my responsibility to ensure that the skills and talents of our youth are not left or forced into latency due to leadership oversight at the top,” he added.

On the other hand, the former Lagos State governor shared a video on his official handle, hailing the creativity of the country’s young people in several facets of life.

According to him, the ingenuity of Nigerian youths is why the country’s music “is moving people and making them dance in major venues across the world”.

Tinubu said Nigeria is “blessed with the inexhaustible energies and brilliance of young people. Every day, they keep breaking boundaries and records in almost every human endeavour. The creativity that lives in the heart of the average Nigerian youth shines bright ‬like the sun.

“I must acknowledge and appreciate the innovators that power the economy that has changed lives. People like Mitchell Elegbe, Tarebi Alebiosu, Aniedi Odo- Obong, Odunayo Eweniyi, and Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin.

“And many others are leading the way, embellishing through their enterprise, creativity, and vision. Our nation’s fast-growing reputation as the best place for tech entrepreneurship on the African continent

“Our future is full of hope and excitement in the African continent. Our future is full of hope and excitement, in part because of the work of these men and women have done and continue to do. I celebrate them all.”

The APC chieftain also said that female Nigerian athletes are “showing the men how it is done”.

“What can I say that has not been said about the Queen of the tracks, Tobi Amusan?

“Record breaker, Ese Brume, fearless wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye, and speed setter, Favour Ofili are but a few of the young ladies showing the men how it is done and showing the world that Nigeria is more than just a footballing nation,” the former lawmaker added.

He reiterated that it is the duty of the government to create an environment that will lead to the harness of the country’s youthful talent, noting that their “success might bring pride, joy, and excitement to our people and renewed hope to generations of Nigerians to come”.

Edo Election: Youths Protest, Call For Non-Violent Governorship Poll

Youths protest in Benin City, the Edo State capital on June 12, 2020.

 

 

A group of youths under the aegis of Edo Concerned Citizens have staged a peaceful protest in the state.

The protesters marched through some major streets on Saturday in Benin City, the Edo State capital to demand a peaceful governorship election in the state.

They urged the political leaders to sustain the relative peace in the state as they prepare for the poll scheduled for September 19.

According to the protesters, the demonstration became necessary as a result of the recent turn of political activities in the state.

They believe the events seem to have raised concerns over the possibility of the election being marred by violence and other forms of electoral malpractices.

The protest held as political parties and various groups increase activities ahead of the election to select the state governor for another four years.

Among these activities are the screening exercises by various political parties before the primaries to pick their candidate for the election.

See more photos of the protest below:

Kogi Youths March, Demand Peaceful Governorship Election

 

Youth in Kogi State have vowed to ensure a free, fair, and credible exercise ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state.

They also said they have resolved to support a peaceful process that would lead to electing a competent candidate who would transform the state economically and politically.

The youths staged a march on Wednesday tagged, ‘Vote Not Fight; Election No Be War,’ as part of activities lined up for the celebration of 2019 National Youth Day in Kogi State.

They stressed the need to sensitise the public against violence during and after the governorship election as they staged a peaceful protest walk within Lokoja metropolis.

READ ALSO: PDP Members Caution Leaders Against Endorsing Aspirants

The youths drawn across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state came together and asked residents to flee from any act of violence during the poll.

They walked from the Ganaja junction down the town to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state capital.

There, they handed over a five-point demand to the representative of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), while the coordinator appealed to INEC to remain unbiased during the election.

In his response, INEC’s Director of Voters Registration and Publicity, Mr Ahmed Biambo, said the electoral body was determined to create a level playing ground for all the 91 registered political parties to contest the governorship election.

The youths also took their sensitisation to the Police Headquarters in Lokoja, and they were received by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Busari.

Mr Busari who also received the letter containing the demands by the youths promised to support their course for a better election.

Ondo Youths Protest Over Lack Of Development In Ilaje

Ondo Youths Protest Over Lack Of Development In Ilaje

 

Youths from the oil-producing Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have staged a peaceful protest in some communities in the area.

The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, said they were unhappy with the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), the government agency in charge of developing communities in the LGA.

They decried the lack of development in Ilaje, alleging that OSOPADEC has not executed any project in the area in the last two years.

READ ALSO: Floods Hit Parts Of Lagos After Heavy Rains

The youths, therefore, called for a total autonomy of the agency to enable it carry out its responsibilities effectively.

Motorists and commuters also decried the deplorable condition of roads in Ilaje.

But the chairman of OSOPADEC, Olugbenga Edema, told Channels Television that claims that the commission has not executed any project in Ilaje in the last two years were untrue.

He equally spoke about the issue of autonomy for the agency.

See photos below:

Nigeria’s Greatest Asset Is Our Youths – Atiku

Nigeria's Greatest Asset Is Our Youth – Atiku
File photo

 

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, says it is important for the Federal Government to regconise the fact that the youths are the nation’s greatest asset.

He said this in a Facebook post on Thursday, apparently in reaction to the comments made by President Muhammadu Buhari about the youths.

READ ALSO: ‘We Are Not Lazy’, Nigerian Youths Reply Buhari

In a video, the President had said that many of the youths below the age of 30 were uneducated, but waiting for everything to be done for them, just because Nigeria is an oil-rich country.

Atiku, on his part, said he would never refer to the youths as people who sit and do nothing, stressing that they are all hardworking.

“I should know, I have thousands of youths working for me all over the country who have been the backbone of our success.

“I’ve always said oil is not Nigeria’s greatest asset; our greatest asset is our youth who created Nollywood out of nothing and an entertainment industry that is second to none in Africa,” he stated.

The former presidential candidate noted further that Nigerian youths are charting new frontiers and creating a huge technology industry on their own.

He added that their entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and creative abilities are things of pride that should be applauded, encouraged and nurtured by the government.

Meanwhile, Many of the reactions to the President’s comments have been critical, some of whom accused him of describing the youths as lazy and being humourous with national pride.

However, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, in a statement on Thursday, accused mischief makers of twisting President Buhari’s comments.

“There is no way President Buhari, father of the Nigerian nation in every sense of the word, who equally has biological children of his own in the youths age bracket, pass a vote of no confidence on all youths.

“It can only exist in the imagination of those who play what the President has described as ‘irresponsible politics’ with everything,” Adesina said.

Youth Empowerment: Kano Govt Graduates Over 500 Participants

At least 500 youths have undergone empowerment training initiated by the Kano State government.

The youths, after the programme which lasted for three months, graduated with various empowerment packages.

The event held on Thursday in Kano State and was attended by the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and senior government officials in the state.

See photos below;

Ajimobi Congratulates Obaseki, Says APC Will Not Disappoint

Abiola Ajimobi, youth, agricultureThe Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has assured the people of Edo State that the Governor-elect, Godwin Obaseki, and “the All Progressives Congress family” will not betray the trust and confidence reposed in them through their mandate.

The Governor gave the assurance through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, in a congratulatory message to Obaseki, in Ibadan, on Saturday.

Ajimobi applauded the Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, for entrusting the fate of the people of the state in the hands of Obaseki, whom he described as a worthy successor, capable of keeping up the momentum.

He thanked the people of Edo State for their resolve to keep faith with the APC, a development he attributed to the people’s appreciation of the massive socio-economic transformation the state had witnessed in the last eight years.

Ajimobi said: “The outcome of the keenly-contested election is a further confirmation of the confidence which the people of the state have in the APC as well as the present administration under the pragmatic leadership of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

“I must not fail to commend the APC campaign train in Edo State and the national campaign council chaired by my brother, Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State for a well-articulated and well-coordinated campaign that took them to the nooks and crannies of the state.

“I’m confident that the incoming governor will not betray the confidence the people reposed in him by giving him their mandate, given his impeccable antecedents as a good manager of men and resources.”

The Governor assured the people that Obaseki would build on the monumental achievements so far recorded by Oshiomhole through his people-oriented programmes, which had endeared him to the generality of the people of the state.

Ajimobi also called for continued support of the people for the APC-led Federal Government in its determination to take the country out of its present economic doldrums, stressing that they would have cause to smile when the efforts began to yield fruits.

Kano Youths Kick Against Pension For Former Governors

Kano Youths on pensionSome youths have called on the Kano State House of Assembly to repeal the pension benefits for former governors and their deputies in the state.

The Voice of Progressive Youth in Kano State alleged that the benefit had given more attention to the governors and deputies to the detriment of the citizens.

The Chairman of the group, Hamisu Sharifai, presented the letter of protest to the Clerk of the Assembly on Friday in Kano, northwest Nigeria.

He noted that the law would destroy the state’s economy, considering what the beneficiaries of the law were getting from the state’s lean treasury.

In line with the current Nigeria’s economic crisis, Mr Sharifai insisted that the said law be repealed in the interest of justice, equity, fairness, public decency and morality.

The youths noted that the law depleted the lean treasury of the state as well as made the governors and their deputies the landlords, rather than the servants of the good people of Kano State.

In his response, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Lawan Badamasi, assured the youths that their message would be delivered to the leadership of the House.

He promised that the lawmakers would act in accordance with the law.

In 2007, a former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, signed the Pension Rights of Governor and Deputy Governor, a law that entitles former governors and their deputies to pension rights for life.

Section 3 (1) of the law provides the governors and deputy governors with pension at the rate equivalent to annual total emolument of the incumbent governor.

This includes two personal staff, two brand new vehicle, free medical treatment and 30 days annual vacation within or outside Nigeria.

Leaders, Citizens Must Sacrifice For Nigeria To Progress – Ajimobi

Abiola Ajimobi, youth, agriculture, Oyo State, AjimobiThe Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has enjoined the country’s leaders and followers to be prepared to make sacrifices for its development in the spirit of collective responsibility to bail the country out of the pervading trying times.

The Governor gave the advice in an interview with journalists shortly after participating in the Eid-el Kabir prayers at Agodi prayer ground, Ibadan, in company with some members of the state executive council, as well as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola, and other Islamic faithful.

He called on citizens of the country and by extension the people of the state to perform their civic responsibilities and to play the role expected of them for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Speaking on the essence of the Sallah celebration, the Governor admonished the people and those in position of authority to ensure that they fulfilled every promise they made, which, he said, was in line with the teachings of the holy Quran.

Ajimobi said: “For every position we occupy in life, there is a responsibility. As Prophet Ibrahim sacrificed his son, we should also be ready to sacrifice. We should not always expect that only God must give, every individual must also give in order to get.

“For me, Eid-el Kabir signifies promise fulfilled. When a promise is made, we must ensure that we fulfill it. As government, we must endeavor to fulfill all our promises.”

He admonished the people to have strong belief in the ‘Change Agenda’ of the present administration, noting that the problem being faced by the country was as a result of long time financial indiscipline by political leaders as well as the followers.

He added: “The problem being faced today emanated from past mismanagement of our resources, lack of adequate planning, lack of infrastructural development and lack of adequate structure to propel development. So, every individual must play his or her role for the economic situation to improve.”

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere, had earlier led prayers at the ground and slaughtering of ram, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

While delivering his sermon, the Chief Imam called for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all residents of Ibadan, which, according to him, was in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran.

He counselled the people of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement of unknown people to the security agents, just as he prayed for peace and tranquility of the state.

NAFOWA Trains Youths, Widows of Fallen Air Force Personnel

Nafowa, Youth, Women Empowerment, Skill Acquisition ProgramsThe Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), has been training widows of deceased Air Force personnel and youths in different skills.

The training programme commenced on June 20 with 165 participants.

Most of the trainees were those whose husbands or parents died while fighting insurgents in the northeast region of Nigeria. The rest were from the barracks and host communities.

They were trained in tailoring, beads making, shoe making, ICT, catering, hairdressing, barbing among others skills.

The participants also received starter packs to enable them become successful in their chosen career.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the trainees at the Air Force base in Kaduna state, President of the association and wife of the Chief of Air Staff, Mrs Hafsat Abubakar, said that the training programme was to compliment the federal government’s effort in tackling unemployment and youth restiveness in the country.

She explained that the programme was designed to help build entrepreneurial skills among youths and women in the barracks, with a view to making them self-sufficient and useful to the society.

According to her, the current decline of the Nigerian economy makes it necessary for women and youths not to rely solely on white collar jobs, but to look for alternative sources of engaging themselves meaningfully through capacity building and skill acquisition.

Wife of the governor of Kaduna state, Mrs Hadiza El-Rufai, commended NAFOWA for initiating the training programme which she said would add immense value to the empowerment of youths and indigent women in the state.

She urged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity and develop themselves.

The Chief of Air Staff, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Nigerian Air Force headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Ajibola Jekenu, also commended NAFOWA.

He said that the service had also initiated some programmes aimed at touching the lives of indigent persons in the barracks and host communities.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed optimism that the training they have received would help them in becoming self-reliant and better equipped to support their families.

Christian Group Tasks Kaduna Governor-elect, Deputy On Campaign Promises

el-rufai Kaduna Governor The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has admonished the Kaduna State Governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and his Deputy, Barnabas Bantex, to deliver on their campaign promises to the electorates.

The Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of CAN, Bishop George Dodo, gave the admonition on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Service ahead of the May 29 handover. The Service was held at the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Kaduna.

He also urged the elected representatives to be fair to all and also run an open-door policy if they must make progress as leaders.

Bishop Dodo told the elected officials that the people would hold them accountable for their actions and inaction while in office and, therefore, urged them to do what was right before God and man.

The church service was part of the inauguration programme lined up for the May 29 handover.

‘Tough Decisions’

Although the incumbent Governor, Mukhtar Yero, lost the April 11 governorship election to the former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mallam El-Rufai, both men had continued to work closely for a smooth transition.

Addressing the congregation, the Deputy Governor-elect, Barnabas Bantex assured them that the incoming administration would take some tough decisions for the interest of the people.

He also explained that the incoming government would take all decisions in-line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and however assured the Christian community of equity and fairness.

Mr Bantex also told the Youth that the El-Rufai Government would provide massive jobs for them, and solicited for prayer from the Church to enable them succeed.

On his part, the outgoing Deputy Governor, Nuhu Bajoga, who represented Governor Yero, thanked the people for their support to the outgoing administration and urged them to extend similar support to the incoming government.