“Within the nation’s youths lies the excellent spirit and pearl of transformation to digitally innovate Nigeria to prosperity and global acclaim,” Tinubu affirmed on the occasion of International Youth Day.

The International Youth Day is celebrated every August 12, and the 2024 theme is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’.

The President acknowledged the strides of the youth in diverse spheres, especially in developing billion dollar technologies and innovations to make the world a more prosperous and evolved place.

He also specifically saluted youths in Ebute Metta, saying that with only a ring light and a camera, they create legitimate income and wonders in the amusement sector.

Similarly, he acknowledged “that young woman entrepreneur in Aba, creating inimitable fashion pieces, and that young man in Kano, creating pathways for sustainable agriculture through agro-technology”.

The President stated that it is in furtherance of harnessing the creative talents of the youth that his administration relaunched the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

According to him, the facility is a N110 billion fund dedicated to empowering the youth in priority sectors to drive sustainable economic growth and development.

He pointed out that the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) programme, the 3Million Technical Talents Scheme, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP) are also some of the programmes to empower the nation’s young people, and create millions of IT and technical jobs that will make them globally competitive.

The President assured that his administration is determined to actualize the dreams of the youths in a sustainably expanding economy.

During the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima highlighted the urgent need to address this issue.

Ibrahima pointed out that many youths emigrate through dangerous and irregular means, emphasizing that strategies must be adopted to stop this perilous trend.

She called on Members of Parliament to propose initiatives that invest in the skills and capacities of West African youth, aiming to harness their potential for the subregion’s development.

This exodus, often referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome’ in Nigeria, has resulted in a significant loss of skilled youth from Africa to Europe and other developed nations.

Ibrahima’s remarks followed a presentation by Teresa Boteli, Policy and Liaison Officer of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Boteli discussed the hazardous journeys African youth undertake to reach Europe and North America, exposing themselves to severe risks such as human trafficking, exploitation, and death.

In 2023 alone, an estimated 5,000 migrant deaths were recorded.

While migrants contribute to cultural exchange and diversity, Boteli noted that they also encounter significant challenges regarding integration, discrimination, and legal obstacles in their destination countries.

According to the IOM’s 2023 report, approximately 300,000 West African migrants use perilous routes through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean Sea annually.

The ECOWAS Parliament’s call for action underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to invest in youth skills development, aiming to create opportunities within the subregion and reduce the urge for dangerous migrations.

This call was made during his remarks at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024, held at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, where a public speaking engagement took place with students of Sani Dinyadi Unity Secondary School in Sokoto.

The event, conducted on July 2nd across selected schools nationwide, aimed to inspire and educate students about the various opportunities within the Army, emphasizing its positive contributions and achievements.

Lagbaja, represented by Colonel Aliyu Musa, Acting Commander of the 108 Division Equipment Workshop, stated, “This engagement is part of the Army’s initiatives to create unique opportunities for students to interact with Nigerian Army personnel. It aims to foster positive perceptions of the Army among younger generations, encouraging them to consider joining this noble profession.”

He highlighted that the Nigerian Army provides substantial opportunities for individuals to achieve their life goals, extending beyond combat roles.

The various services and roles played by different Corps within the Army were also discussed, showcasing how they contribute to society.

Students were provided with insights on topics including the selection and recruitment process, the requirements for joining the Army, and awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

They were also informed about the numerous life-enhancing benefits available to Army personnel.

The event featured a 20-minute video clip on the evolution, disposition, and prospects of the Nigerian Army, along with the donation of writing materials and souvenirs to the school, and concluded with a group photograph.

The training, aimed at enhancing maize production and reducing maize prices in the northern region of Nigeria, was conducted in Kaduna.

Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFS), highlighted the primary objective of the training: to bolster maize production in both states and stabilize maize prices in northern Nigeria.

Represented by Mr. Bruce Asaleke, Director of Agric Extension in the ministry, Kyari emphasized that the program would educate smallholder farmers on year-round green maize farming.

The farmers will receive training in various aspects of the maize value chain and acquire new farming techniques to enhance their productivity.

This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to job creation, scarcity reduction, and income growth among farmers, particularly women and youths.

The Minister emphasized that this effort would enhance farmers’ capabilities and increase maize production, contributing to the government’s mission to empower women and youths in the country.

Kyari also underscored the government’s determination to ensure food and nutrition security in Nigeria, highlighting maize farming as a lucrative venture that generates employment, promotes nutrition, and fosters socio-economic development.

The choice of Plateau and Kaduna States for this training was influenced by the availability of suitable land and favorable climatic conditions that favor maize cultivation in these regions.

Muhammad Rili, the General Manager of the Kaduna Agricultural Development Project (KADP), noted that the training would equip farmers with the skills needed to tap into the profitable maize value chain.

Rili emphasized that maize, in addition to being a staple food, serves as a vital raw material for industries.

Participants like Juliana Choji from Plateau and Fatima Usman from Kaduna expressed their gratitude for the timely training.

They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to achieve higher yields and increased returns on their maize investments, foreseeing a more rewarding future in maize production.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Olusegun Dawodu made the call on Tuesday at the second edition of the Police Youth Dialogue organised by the Ministry at Abesan Youth Centre, Ipaja.

He advised the teeming youth population in the State to see Police Personnel as friends and accord them the necessary support and respect required for them to succeed in their constitutional responsibility of securing the life and property of residents.

He also told members of the Nigerian Police Force to be civil while carrying out their lawful duties, saying that Nigerian youths should be treated with respect and understanding as stated in the country’s constitution.

According to him, the initiative was borne out of the fact that there existed long time misunderstanding between the police and the citizenry as a result of which the programme themed: “The Police, Youth And The Law: Strategic Collaboration for a Safer Lagos”, was designed to bridge the communication gap and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement personnels and young people in the State.

Dawodu said: “As a proactive government, the Sanwo-Olu administration understands the indispensable role of youth in enhancing and sustaining the security of an important State like Lagos, hence the approval for the first-ever Police Youth Dialogue was given in 2021 when the maiden edition was held”.

“The Government, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, will continue to design programmes geared towards promoting Youth inclusion in the socioeconomic development of the State and also building the capacity of young people in contributing to the development of Lagos”, he added.

On her part, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said this year’s Police Youth Dialogue would be held in all the five Administrative Divisions of Lagos State from Tuesday, 10th – Friday, 20th January, 2023 during which Facilitators would be speaking on: “Dissecting Opportunities And Risks Embedded In Community – Police Collaborations” and “The Role of the Youth in Ensuring a Violence-Free 2023 Elections: Peaceful Voting Culture”,

Stressing the importance of the Programme, the Permanent Secretary said: “It is an opportunity for the youth to meet with their ‘perceived enemy ‘ and discuss their grievances amicably in order to improve the security situation in the State and prevent future face-offs. It is also an opportunity for the Lagos State Police Command to explain its operations and principles to the youths, enlighten them on what constitutes criminality, establish an effective communication channel and clear all doubts about its integrity and effectiveness”.

Similarly, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative which would foster a harmonious relationship between the youth and the police.

In their presentations, Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf, an activist, enlightened the participants on their rights and their limits in relating with the Police. At the same time, Mr. Philip Daramola, a representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission, spoke on the role of the youth in ensuring free, fair and credible 2023 elections.

The Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development to Mr. Governor, Hon. Saheed Afonja; Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Mr Lekan Biliaminu Oba and Lagos State Youth Ambassador, Miss Zainab Ayomikun Aderounmu commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative and requested for its sustainability.

Dawodu listed the Y2022 Ambassadors as Zainab Ayomikun Wuraola Aderounmu (State Ambassador); Anisere Peter Olufemi (Ikeja Divisional Ambassador); Victory Ashaka (Badagry Divisional Ambassador); Samiat Oladimeji Ishola (Ikorodu Divisional Ambassador) and Giwa Omotomiwa (Epe Divisional Ambassador).

He disclosed that their emergence followed rigorous screening processes carried out by seasoned Assessors after their participation in two stages of an intensive Leadership Training Programme divided into Stage I (non-residential for five days) and Stage II (residential for six days) in which hundreds of youths from the five divisions in the State took part.

The Commissioner said the Ibile Youth Academy is designed to provide a safe platform for the youth of Lagos State to learn and participate in educational, recreational and leadership activities by engaging in programmes of generation-changing dimension that promote and foster a commitment to learning positive values and healthy habits.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman, House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Moshood Oshun said a nation could only be successful by building the youths.

Urging the Ambassadors to practicalise the knowledge and skills acquired in the course of the leadership training, Hon Oshun implored public-spirited individuals and bodies to join hands with the State Government in empowering the youth.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said: “The Ibile Youth Academy is an annual leadership training programme designed to take into consideration the heterogeneous nature of young people in the State. The training is aimed at enabling the youths to reach their full potential as productive and responsible citizens”.

Oke-Osanyintolu solicited the support of parents/guardians to embrace youth development programmes which include sports activities, entertainment, fashion and art design, leather and craft work as well as ICT among others.

Speaking in a panel discussion at the 7th annual Project Management Institute (PMI) Africa conference held in Lagos Sanya stated: “At MTN Foundation, we understand that education is a path. We believe innovation is formal education agnostic.

We understand that everyone may not go through the four walls of formal school. Young people think about the future, the gratification and the job they want to do. So, for us, this is critical. It became clear to us what we can do to make an impact, and that is youth development in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Muhammad Sani Gaya and Secretary, Murtala Muhammad of ASUU, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

The union noted that the body language and antics of the government were indications that the government was out to completely destroy education in the country, especially tertiary education.

“We are prepared and determined to continue enduring the torture and negative media campaign against our struggle in order to liberate ourselves, the young and upcoming generations of Nigerians from the deliberate efforts to deny them access to quality and affordable education.

‘’Indeed, education is the only weapon that can change society, denying our youth education is akin to destroying the nation. The intention of the FG to destroy university education in Nigeria should be vehemently resisted,’’ the statement said.

The union said the use of hunger to coerce members of ASUU to suspend its indefinite strike has failed in the past and definitely will not yield any fruitful result now.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the union is resolute, determined, focused and ready to continue the struggle in order to salvage the Nigerian public universities from imminent collapse.

‘’Unfortunately, the FG is blessed with enough wrong people at the right places. Irritably, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, is badly informed of the university system and dilettante with the primary duties of an academic staff. The public may note that based on laws establishing universities, an academic staff is employed to teach, conduct research and render community service. So, when ASUU embarked on strike, only the teaching component stopped, thus, the issue of imposing “no work no pay” doesn’t rightly and legally apply to academic staff.’’

According to the statement, the demands of the union are not self-serving but altruistic.

“As a body of intellectuals, our union demands repositioning of our universities for greater efficiency in national development and technological advancement.

“Also, massive and sustained funding for our universities; a reversal of apparent decay in the university system; and, enhanced and competitive remuneration for overworked academic staff in Nigerian universities.

“Nigerians should join ASUU to ask the Federal Government to tow the path of honour by respecting the agreement it freely entered with our union.”

‘’It is paradoxical to note that while the government has acknowledged the demands of ASUU as genuine and patriotic, yet the FG under the stewardship of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has shown lack of political will, nonchalance and ill-intention towards salvaging the University System from imminent collapse arising from the comatose created by the above highlighted issues.’’

‘’It is quite disheartening that ASUU, this time, is dealing with an insincere and dishonest FG that claims to be fighting corruption but is surrounded by corrupt elements whose major preoccupation is denying the citizenry reasonable living standard and quality education.’’ the statement said.

The state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday during the inauguration of the programme in Lekki, adding that it was organised in partnership with the Temple Company of Ogidi Studios.

She said, “The ministry, in collaboration with Temple Company of Ogidi Studios, Lekki, Lagos, has commenced the training for 200 youths in music, visual arts, multimedia design and textile, among others.

“This initiative is among several others embarked upon by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to empower residents. There had been an earlier collaboration with Ebony Life Academy and Del-York Creative Academy to train youths via its free, short courses on creative skills.

“This programme covers all aspects of filmmaking and media content production including acting, directing, editing and cinematography amongst others and about 1,500 young talented persons have already benefitted from the first phase of the training.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Temple Company, Ogidi Studios, Mr Idris Olorunimbe, explained that the training would be different and significant because the internationally-acclaimed Henley School of Business was scheduled for the programme.

The youths, who acted under the aegis of ‘Nigeria First’, argued that the NYSC scheme has become a national heritage and a symbol of the country’s unity.

The group demonstrated against the backdrop of the clamour by some people that the scheme should be scrapped.

Recall that the scheme was established in 1973 by then Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war.

It seeks the development of common ties among Nigerian youths and the promotion of national unity.

Addressing journalists, the leader of the group, Comrade Richard Augustine, said that the NYSC scheme should be protected and preserved, since its objective was the promotion of national integration among Nigerians.

He said, “We wish to state in unequivocal terms that the NYSC must not be scrapped, as it would amount to a great disservice to the country, if such a brilliant initiative is sacrificed on the altar of selfish aggrandizement by some vested interests in the country.

“Sadly, those against the existence of the NYSC have elected to turn the truth on its head for inexplicable reasons and link the continued existence of the scheme as responsible for the death of corp members and other appurtenances occasioned by the spate of insecurity in the country.

“We find such a stance anti-Nigeria given the numerous contributions of the NYSC to nation building and sustainable growth and development.

“It is on record that the operations of the NYSC have evolved over the years in conformity with the global trend from a scheme devoted to national integration to a skill and the entrepreneurship hub for the teeming youthful population of the country.”

Augustine said rather than abolish the scheme, the government and other stakeholders could look at its challenges in order to put it right.

“That some youth corp members encountered life-threatening situations that, in some instances, resulted in death does not mean that the NYSC is a death trap as some unscrupulous groups and individuals would want the unsuspecting members of the general public to believe.

“Our opinion is that those who have advocated for the scrapping of the NYSC in recent times are not in tune with the reality on the ground in the country.

“It is either a function of ignorance or mischief, given that the operations of the NYSC in Nigeria have been noteworthy and instrumental in implementing policies and programmes that place the youths on the pedestal to achieving greatness.

“Nigeria First wishes to reiterate that the call for the scrapping of the NYSC is a misnomer and should be disregarded by concerned stakeholders, including parents and guardians, as the novel introductions in the NYSC in recent times have been impactful in our quest for socio-economic growth and development,” he stated.