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Bio- Ibrahim Vows To Support Capacity Building For Youth

By
Naijanow
-

Maryam Aminu

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim has reiterated her commitment to youth development-focused initiatives particularly capacity building that would harness the potentials of the youth and upscale them towards achieving rapid socio-economic growth in the country.

In a statement on Friday 12th January, 2023 by the Head Press and Public Relations, Maryam Umar Yusuf, Bio vowed to support any capacity building effort that will promote the potential of young women and girls inorder to empower them to play their part in shaping the future of Nigeria.

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim made this assertion in her office in Abuja during a courtesy visit by some executive members of the Progressive Young Women Forum.

According to the Minister, young women and girls need mentorship to enable them to realize their full economic and political potential.

In her words, “young women will be gradually repositioned through mentorship and empowerment to enable them to positively impact their families and communities.”

Earlier in her address, Hon. Patience Kwache, the National President, Progressive Young Women Forum who led the delegation on the visit, disclosed that the purpose of their visit was to brief the Minister on the forum’s activities and to explore potential areas of collaboration with the ministry.

Extolling the Honourable Minister’s dedication to duty when she served as the National President of the Forum and now that she is the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Kwache expressed confidence in her ability to adequately represent and promote the interest of the youth.

She posited that the Minister’s past record of achievements were what earned her, her appointment as a Minister, adding that it shows that mentorship is what every girl child needs in order to showcase her talent or potential.

In her welcome address, Hajia Amina Daura, Director of Network & Social Mobilisation Department of the Ministry said that Progressive Young Women Forum(PYWF) is a platform dedicated to nurturing and sensitizing young women across Nigeria through networking, mentorship, capacity building, advocacy efforts and equal representation in governance.

She further said that the forum believes in the significance of amplifying the voices of women and girls, as they deserve equal opportunities to learn, grow, and connect by enabling them to realise their full economic and human potential.

Olawande Mourns Akeredolu, Says I Lost More Than A Governor

By
Naijanow
-

Maryam Aminu

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience. Coping with such a loss may feel impossible and the idea of a life without this person can be daunting, confusing, and heartbreaking.

At the wee hours of Wednesday, the bell tolled for a father figure, an adviser, a counselor, and a guardian

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has mourned the passing of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN).

In a message he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday, Olawande described the late Akeredolu as a father,an adviser, a counselor and a guardian.

“Arakunrin was much more than the governor of my state. He was in the class of people who were very dear to me . He cared for me so deeply and took a special and unexplainable liking towards me.”

He recalled many instances when the late governor Arakunrin always expressed his concerns over his personal wellbeing.

“The Governor often wrapped such jokes about me getting married. It is such a regret now that I would not have a chance to do that, which he had often spoken about in his presence.”

“I have always held the belief that none of us stands alone in this world and that the death of any of us affects all of us. Indeed, this is one death that affects me so significantly, especially considering the strength and courage I draw from the exemplary life of Arakunrin. This is why even in death, his legacy of principled politics and fight for justice, which he pursued through his practice of the law, and his commitment to defending the truth would remain a guiding compass throughout my public service life.” Said Olawande

The Minister who drew consolation from the fact that late Arakunri lived a memorable life in the service of his people said,
“Today, we do not mourn Arakunrin; instead, we celebrate his life of achievement and impact. We celebrate the rich life of a man who showed us, through the force of his character, that fair and transparent success is possible. His life achievements, as Ondo State Attorney General, as president of the Nigerian Bar Association and governor of Ondo state, were glaring testimonies to his well-charted life.”

He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased
“During this period, I stand in prayers with Mummy, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and my deadr brother and friend, Babajide Akeredolu. I pray God accepts Daddy’s return, repose his beautiful soul, and watches over his legacy.”

FG Reiterates Commitment To Creating A Conducive Environment For The Youth

By
Naijanow
-

Maryam Aminu

As part of its responsibilities to create a safer environment for the youth, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth Development has reiterated it’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the youth

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim disclosed this in her keynote address during the graduation ceremony of the second Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship in Abuja, on 20th December, 2023.

The Minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is steadfast in its commitment to creating an environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of the youth, to unleash Nigeria’s potential.

In her words, she said “the Ministry is envisioning a Nigeria where every young person is not just a spectator but an active participant in the unfolding narrative of the country.”

She further assured that the Ministry will play an essential role in driving meaningful change. ” Our mandate extends beyond providing opportunities. It encompasses nurturing a generation of leaders who are not only well-equipped with the necessary skills but are also driven by a sense of duty and responsibility towards our great nation. ” She reiterated.

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim speaking on the theme of her address, Unleashing Nigeria’s Potential through the power of youth political leadership, explained that it is a clarion call for action that defines the Nigerian youth. “

“Unleashing Nigeria’s potential through the power of youth political leadership is a clarion call for action that beckons us to recognize the immense talent, creativity, and resilience that define the Nigerian youth.” She said.

The Minister noted that the theme resonates deeply with the Ministry’s education, engagement, and empowerment mission.

She observed that education is the bedrock upon which a nation’s future is built, and it goes beyond the classroom. It is about equipping our youth with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to navigate the complexities of political leadership.

While extolling the achievements of 45 young graduates, the minister stated that their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm had earned them a well deserved place in the prestigious programme and set the stage for a new era in Nigeria’s political leadership.

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim, therefore, called for effective participation of the youth in elections, as the decline in their participation in the last general election raised some concern.
*”Examining the roster of candidates for the 2023 elections revealed a noticeable decrease in the representation of young contenders, dropping from 34% in the 2019 general election to 28.6% this year.” She decried

Yuletide: UN-POLAC donates food items to correctional centers in Lagos

By
Naijanow
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Oru Leonard

As part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, the United Nations Positive Livelihood and Awards Centre (UN-POLAC Foundation), in Lagos, donated food items to correctional centres for boys and girls.

The UN-POLAC Coordinator, Lagos State Chapter, Dr Nzeribe Okegbue, said that the aim of the visit was to celebrate the yuletide with the children.

“UN-POLAC is an international non-governmental organisation under the leadership of our Director-General, Prof. Halo Eton and Funmilayo Adesanya, that advocates for peace, security and better living.

“We are here today to celebrate the season with this children and applaud the good work of the men and women that are taking care of these young ones.

“We believe that for a better society, these children needs to be reformed because for us to have a peaceful society, they need to be reformed to become good citizens of Nigeria.

“We have come to identify with them and to show these kids that they are loved and we pray that God will keep them alive to be better citizens,” he said.

While giving advice to the kids and parents, he said that the reformation of kids is everyone’s responsibility, adding that correcting the kids start from the home.

“We don’t need to wait for the kids to depreciate in value before they are corrected.

“If we all get it right from the family level, it will reduce the pressure and challenges associated to bringing these kids to correctional home.

“I encourage all parents and guardians to guide their kids properly and do their best at nurturing them so that they won’t engage in drugs and illegal activities that will make them end up in correctional homes,” he said.

The management of the two correctional centres (girls and boys) at Idi-Araba as well as Oregun Ikeja Lagos state appreciated the foundation for the gifts.

“This place is a reformation centre and there are skills acquisition programmes whereby we empower the children so that by the time they go back to the society, they will have something to do.

“Most of them come in through the ministry or courts and there is another department that monitors them to know when to leave.

“Before they leave, they spend between six to nine months with us so that they would have gone through therapy before they can go out,” they said.

NSCC LAUDS REMI TINUBU’S RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE

By
Naijanow
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Maryam Aminu

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has lauded the First Lady, Distinguished Senator Remi Tinubu for the generous inclusion of Senior Citizens in her Renewed Hope Initiative in the country.

In an official statement, NSCC Director General, Dr Emem Omokaro says the gesture by the First Lady confirms the favorable disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to older persons in Nigeria.

The statement signed by NSCC’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications, Omini Oden, says the act by Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu has accorded Senior Citizens a welcomed sense of inclusion and addressed their right to non-discrimination.

NSCC Director General, assures that the National Senior Citizens Centre has created sector wide partnerships to mainstream older persons into the Social Investment programs, Health and Social Care and other laudable initiatives including the realization of One Community, One Senior Centre Project.

While renewing her appeal to State Governments to expedite action towards domestication of the National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 and National Policy on Ageing, Dr Omokaro noted that the decentralized and inclusive template of the Renewed Hope Initiative template should encourage and boost State and Local Governments efforts to ensure equity and age-specific responses during planning, budgeting and implementation of health and social services to meet the needs of different population categories without leaving older persons behind.

The Director General commended the National Stakeholders Consultative Forums on Ageing; a mechanism of the National Senior citizens Centre for reaching and involving participation of older persons even in hard-to-reach places, who have approached offices of the First Ladies in their respective States and successfully secured slots for older persons from the 250 allocated.

The National Senior Citizens Centre will continue to create awareness of its robust and sustainable Older-Persons-Centered and community-oriented programs and services towards achieving a dignified, healthy, happy and secured geriatric population and welcomes states, local governments and private sector partnerships in their adoption and replication across the country.

Omini Oden
Head, Corporate, Media and Communications

FG To Collaborate With Dream Again Foundation On Inmate Transformation

By
Naijanow
-

Maryam Aminu

In support of achieving measures to support the transformation of prisoners i

In the community, the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has expressed the readiness of his Ministry to collaborate with Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation to meaningfully impact the lives of young inmates in the Correctional Centres in Nigeria.

Mr. Olawande made this known during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Foundation in his office at Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

The Minister, who described the foundation initiator as a gift to humanity, stated that most youths lack engagement. He therefore emphasized the need for the government and youth to work together to lead the youths aright.

While referring to the attitude of people to inmates in the correctional centres, Olawande said that everyone has a destiny, and no individual can be described as entirely bad.

”Every life is a storyline. Stories can be realities when God is in charge. Unlock your mind and live your dream. If you do that, you won’t be hindered by what people say or do to you.” He added.

The Minister, reminiscing about his life, noted that the goals of the foundation are similar to his theme in life, which is to put the people first. “My dreams might be outside the prison, but I am also ready to take the dream to the prison if need be.”He added.

Speaking further, Mr. Olawande commended the zeal, efforts, and volume of achievements by the Foundation and reassured them of his readiness to collaborate with them.

Speaking earlier, the team lead and founder of the organisation Mr. Bashiru Adamu explained that the foundation originated from his community development service during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Otukpo, Benue State.

He further said that the aim of the foundation is to equip young inmates with skills that will contribute to their productivity and success upon reintegration into society.

Mr. Adamu announced that the foundation has expanded its reach to six prison locations across Nigeria, including Lagos Abuja and Kaduna. He disclosed that his organisation had set up libraries and classrooms to empower youth in correctional centres who, according to him, constitute approximately 95% of the incarcerated population nationwide.

Also speaking, a beneficiary of the foundation and former inmate, Mr. Akpoo Thomas Ogah shared his transformative journey, crediting Mr. Bashir and the Dream Again Foundation for changing his life through skill acquisition.

He informed the Minister that after he regained his freedom, he successfully launched his business and even participated in the prestigious National Expo 2020, where he represented Benue State and earned recognition from the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture.

YULETIDE: No room for compromise as NSCDC deploys 3,500 Personnel in Nasarawa State, assures residents of adequate security

By
Naijanow
-

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nasarawa State over 3,000 personnel for the celebration of Christmas and New Year across the nooks and crannies of the state.

The State Commandant Abbas Bappa Muhammed msgt, made this statement available to pressmen through the Public Relations Officer DSC Jerry Victor at the Command Headquarters in Lafia, the State Capital.

The Commandant who assured the public to go about to celebrate this festive period, as officers and men are deployed to various locations including Worships recreational and event centers across the state.

He disclosed that NSCDC have mapped out various black spots within the state Capital and other towns and villages within the state, First and foremost, I urge everyone to prioritize safety in all their activities during this festive period. The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also present increased risks and challenges. It is important for individuals, families, and communities to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their surroundings. I urge you all to be mindful of strange movement within and around your areas and to report to any security agency within your reach.

He charged the officers during the deployment briefing against any form of behaviour that will tarnish the good image of the Corps. Professionalism is your watch word, he warned.

During this time, there is often an increased risk of various incidents such as road accidents, fire outbreaks, crimes, and emergencies. Therefore, I implore everyone to be vigilant and cautious. Whether you are traveling, celebrating at home, or engaging in festive activities, keep safety at the forefront of your plans.

“Christians should use this period of the Birth of Jesus Christ to pray for the Unity of the Nation and wish all a very peaceful celebration ahead”, Abbas advised.
(NSCDC NASARAWA STATE COMMAND)

Minister Calls For Youth Mentorship

By
Naijanow
-

Maryam Aminu

We often hear the saying that children are our future. But what happens when children take the troubled path, succumbing to crime, drug addiction or self-destruction? If children are our future, isn’t it our responsibility to shape our future by shaping our youth? We can do that through mentorship.

One of the major components of society is mentorship because the young ones need guidance and direction as they strive to make a positive contribution to life.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has called for mentorship of students so as to enable them to navigate the issues of life.

The Minister made the call in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Association of Nigerian Taxation Students (ANTAS) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) led by the President, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi.

Dr. Bio Ibrahim, in a statement signed by the Head, Press, and Public Relations, Maryam Umar Yusuf, expressed her desire to see more youths, occupy positions of leadership thanked President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing youths, especially women into his cabinet and committes that will drive the economy of the nation.

Speaking on the proposed collaboration between the Ministry and ANTAS-CITN to reduce the ongoing high spate of brain drain among the youth, Dr. Bio-Ibrahim underscored the need to find an elaborate area for such collaboration.

“In a couple of weeks, we should be able to consolidate this relationship and be able to find an elaborate area for our collaboration.” She said.

The Minister expressed her gratitude for being decorated as the Technical Advisor of ANTAS by its president, Mr. Opeyemi Babatunde. “Thank you for choosing me to be an advisor. It is a privilege that I am not taking for granted. I am ready for whatever it takes for me to be part of the process as long as my schedule permits.” She added.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, the 16th President of CITN, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, in his remarks, said that the youths are inspired when they see a youth leader that they can relate with. He disclosed that the Institute trains the young ones to be confident by giving them the opportunity to speak for themselves.

He stated that with the efforts of the Institute, the nation has 32 tertiary institutions that are offering taxation as a main course at various levels such as ND, HND, BSC, Masters, and PhD.

“It shows the imperative of taxation and that we need the manpower who can actually handle things either as revenue officers, tax participants, and even as taxpayers.” He said.

Also speaking, the Chairman CITN committee on student affairs and tertiary education relations, Dr. Abiola Adimula stated that the association has three proposed areas of collaboration and partnership with the Ministry, amongst which is a high level stakeholders roundtable meeting tagged, “Youth Convening: Exploring opportunities for youth empowerment in Nigeria towards diminishing JAPA syndrome whereby relevant stakeholders will be invited to discuss plans and opportunities available to the youth, to reduce the high spate of ongoing brain drain in the country.

Dr. Adimula further stated that ANTAS-CITN through its network can facilitate the presentation of the Ministry’s activities at its United Nations Headquarters to open up better visibility and partnership with UN international agencies and other funding organisations.

The President of ANTAS, Mr. Opeyemi Babatunde later decorated the Honourable Minister as the Technical Advisor of the association, which, according to him, was
based on the constitutional provisions of the association.

FCT Minister’s Cup:NPF Polo Team Qualifies For Finals Against FK 3

By
Naijanow
-

Ibrahim Musa Kalla

The 2023 Abuja Carnival polo tournament at the main Fitch of the Guards Polo Club is on course at the Nigerian Army Polo Resort, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Abuja.

A total of twelve Polo teams across the country have flexed muscles for the soul of the prestigious FCT Minister’s Cup.

Chairman Nigerian Police Polo Association CSP Usman Abdullah machika explained that the NPF, in the round of twelve, performed incredibly well, defeating two matches against the FTU and 313 Polo teams by 7 to 2 and 6 to 4 goals respectively.

The match, which was keenly contested, ended in 7 goals to 6 in favor of the NPF team which qualified the NPF team for semi finals with Musaco Polo Team.

According to CSP Usman, with the three straight winnings, the NPF Polo team has qualified to play in the finals of the FCT Minister’s Cup against the FK 3 on Sunday, the 17th. December 2023 .

Enoh Declares 2 Day Ministerial Retreat on Athletes’ Performance at 2024 Olympics and African Games Open  

By
Naijanow
-

Promise Garba

As part of preparations towards ensuring podium finishes by Nigerian Athletes in international competitions, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has declared a two day Ministerial Retreat on Athletes’ Performance at 2024 Olympics and African Games open.

Declaring the event open at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja today, the Minister stated that the retreat was to address some of the issues responsible for the poor performance of Nigerian Athletes during international competitions.

He stated that as a nation, it is imperative to move with the trend of events in line with international best practices, especially considering the fact that contemporary sports have assumed global status.

Senator Owan Enoh informed that the retreat will also provide participants with the opportunity to examine the strategies that could be adopted in terms of training plans, code of conduct for Athletes and Officials, Anti-Doping Education and the Roles and Responsibilities of the National Sports Federations towards podium performance at the 2024 Africa Games in Accra, Ghana as well as the Olympic/Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

*This makes the retreat auspicious. Sports achievements are used as a barometer to evaluate effective and meaningful governance at all levels.*
*The Federal Ministry of Sports Development through this retreat will address some of the factors that are responsible for the poor performance of Nigerian athletes at international sports competitions*, he said

The Minister informed further that the Ministry will use the retreat to address performance-hindering issues such as lack of identifiable process to improve performance of athletes, lack of professionalism from sports administrators, athletes and athletes support personnel, funding and late release of funds, athletes’ preparation (in terms of good training programmes), anti-doping education and lack of scientific approach to training programmes.

He assured that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration was fully committed to creating an enabling environment to ensure the Development of Sports in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Government.

While commending the resource persons who have been working assiduously behind the scene towards Nigeria’s preparation and participation for podium success, the Minister expressed optimism that the team has the capability of making the retreat successful

Senator Owan Enoh added that the team of resource persons will henceforth function as the Ministerial Podium Performance monitoring team. It will monitor the preparations of federation athletes for the 2024 Africa Games and Olympic/Paralympic Games in Accra, Ghana and Paris, France respectively, concluding that all monitoring activities are to be reported to his office on a regular basis.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary overseeing the Ministries of Sports and Youth Development Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar called on participants to make use of the opportunity provided in ensuring that critical issues affecting Nigerian Athletes towards podium finishes during international competitions are not only identified but also addressed accordingly.

Represented by the Director Planning Research and Statistics Mr Akin Adesina, the Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry will continue to ensure full implementation of the policies, initiatives, and programmes of the Federal Government in line with its mandate.

(FMSD Press)

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