By Naomi Sharang

Dr Jamila Ibrahim, newly screened Minister of Youth, has expressed her unwavering commitment to realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the youths of Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists after her screening in Abuja on Wednesday, Ibrahim emphasised the importance of youth inclusion in government decision-making.

“The President has heard the youth loud and clear by appointing me as the Minister of Youth.

“During the general elections, we clamoured for inclusion in government, to be at the decision-making table.

“The President has granted our request through my nomination as a minister and Minister of State for Youth, alongside other youthful cabinet members.”

Ibrahim, however, said that the cabinet nomination was just the beginning, indicating that more young individuals will assume leadership roles as heads of government agencies and departments.

Upon assuming office, Ibrahim stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive diagnosis of youth challenges to actively engage young people in the decision-making process.

She said: “If we want to plan for the future, young people must have input into the process. It is an all-inclusive approach aimed at ensuring that we involve more young people in shaping a prosperous future.”

Addressing concerns about her ability to lead the youth effectively, Ibrahim said: “Leadership is a lifestyle, not just a role or task.

“It is a journey that takes years and a process from envisioning oneself as a leader to leading others towards a common vision.”

She also unveiled her plan for periodic engagement with the youth, emphasising that while she couldn’t specify the frequency, these engagements would address issues relevant to young people, demonstrating her dedication to advancing their interests. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Busayo Onijala

The Consul General of the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Will Stevens, says African solutions are needed to address global problems of which include climate change, food insecurity, poor leadership, among others.

He made this known at the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Reunion Conference organised by the consulate for fellows who recently completed their  programmes at various prestigious institutions in the U.S..

Stevens charged the fellows to work together to solve global problems, noting that the MWF as well as other exchange programmes focused on building connections that would last.

According to him, the mission’s hope is that fellows bring back research, business and media ties back into Nigeria so it leads to investment and partnership.

“This is an incredible time to be part of the U.S. relationship with the continent and with Nigeria in particular because I think about the second half of the 21st century as the African century.

“This relationship right now is so strong, but it’s built on relationships between people, partnerships between our companies, universities, and civil society actors.

“But we need to start working together even more, because the problems that we face are global in nature,” he said.

Stevens said that the fellows were the network and  the future, noting that he had incredible faith in them.

“I have incredible faith in the dynamism that Nigeria produces in all sectors and I am yet to see the Nigerian faced with a problem that they don’t think they can overcome.’’

He noted that Nigeria had an average age of 19, and explained that youths were engaged by connecting and helping them to relate with their peers in the U.S. while identifying areas they could work together.

Speaking with newsmen, Dr Rabi Sufi, one of the fellows noted that the programme was very valuable to her, considering the work she does in the health sector.

Sufi, who was posted to Wayne State University in Michigan, said she gained both academic and leadership skills, and how to build advocacy.

“I did a lot of community awareness programmes in the community and I was able to get more knowledge on how to deal with leaders in such communities while increasing the impact of my work,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MWF, the flagship programme of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was established in 2014 to empower young African leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa between the ages of 25 and 35.

Fifty seven young Nigerians participated in the 2023 programme for six weeks at some of America’s top educational institutions,  focusing on tracks including business, civic engagement, or public management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Vivian Ihechu

By Zubairu Idris

The Katsina State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), says N300 million grant will be disbursed to 6,000 small scale business operators under the COVID -19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme (NG-CARES).

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Ashiru Mamman-Ingawa, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Katsina.

He said that the beneficiaries are from 20 selected local government areas in the state, adding that each beneficiary would get about N50,000.

Mamman-Ingawa said the agency’s Acting General Manager, Hajiya Jummai Garba, said the prospective beneficiaries would be women and youths operating small scale businesses.

Garba said that operational staff of the agency had since been mobilised to selected local government areas for validation of the prospective beneficiaries before the disbursement.

“The prospective beneficiaries were mined from the Katsina State Social Register obtained from State Operation and Coordinating Unit of the agency (SOCU),” he said.

Mamman-Ingawa explained that prior to the disbursement of the grants, the beneficiaries would be trained on how to handle their small scale businesses with the grant.

He stated that the grant would assist the beneficiaries to boost their businesses and become self reliant and achieve economic growth. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Abigael Joshua

The United Kingdom based leadership development organisation, TEXEM UK has described the appointment of Mr Hakeem Muri- Okunola, the Principal Secretary to President Tinubu as well deserved.

According to a statement on TEXEM’s website signed by Caroline Lucas, Director, Special Projects, Muri- Okunola is an alumnus of TEXEM having participated in its programme.

The programme was titled “Developing Efficient and Effective Leaders for Success in an era of slow growth and low-performance,” and was held on June 19 to June 20, 2019.

Lucas said that in the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics and public administration, it is with great pleasure and optimism that TEXEM congratulates Muri- Okunola.

“This is a remarkable testament to the unwavering commitment and exemplary service that Mr Muri-Okunola has consistently demonstrated throughout his illustrious career.

“Mr Muri-Okunola’s journey to this prestigious position has been one marked by dedication, competence, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service.

“His educational background, which includes a first degree in law from Lagos State University and a Master’s degree in International Business Law from Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London, laid the foundation for a career that would see him rise to the highest echelons of the public service,” she said.

Lucas said that one of the most impressive facets of Muri- Okunola’s career is his extensive experience, spanning over 25 years, in the fields of law and public administration.

She said his early career saw him as an Associate Solicitor at Adepetun, Caxton-Martins and Agbor, a testament to his legal prowess.

However, Lucas asserted that it was in the realm of public service that Muri- Okunola truly made his mark.

“Notably, Mr. Muri-Okunola served as the Personal Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State.

“This position placed him at the heart of governance and gave him firsthand experience in the complexities of public administration.

“His contributions during this period undoubtedly contributed to the successes achieved by the Lagos State government,” she said.

Lucas said that subsequently, Muri- Okunola went on to become the Head of Civil Service of Lagos State, where he further showcased his remarkable administrative skills.

She said his tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence and a focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the civil service, which plays a vital role in delivering essential services to the people of Lagos State.

“Now, as he steps into the role of Principal Confidential Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hakeem Muri- Okunola brings with him a wealth of experience and an astute understanding of the inner workings of government.

“His appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the belief that the best leaders are those who have honed their skills through years of dedicated service.

“Mr Muri-Okunola is not just a seasoned public administrator but also the first son of the respected late jurist, Justice Muritala Okunola,” Lucas said.

She said that he carries the legacy of his father’s commitment to justice and the rule of law, adding that Nigerians can expect that he will continue to uphold these values in his new role.

TEXEM’s founder, Dr Alim Abubakre also praised the appointment of Muri- Okunola by the president.

“At TEXEM UK, an organisation committed to developing efficient and effective leaders for success in an era of volatility and constant change, we take immense pride in acknowledging Hakeem Muri -Okunola’s achievements.

“His journey from our programme, “Developing Efficient & Effective Leaders for Success in an era of slow growth and low-performance,” held on June 19-20, 2019, is a testament to the impact of leadership development initiatives.

“Hakeem Muri -Okunola’s appointment as the Principal Confidential Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service,” Abubakre said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Rukayat Moisemhe

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) has appointed Mrs Kikelomo Fisayo-Okusanya as Marketing Deployment Director for the West and Central Africa Cluster (WCA).

Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT Nigeria, made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

He said the company, a multinational organisation operating in more than 180 markets, acknowledges that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) constitute a pivotal organisational asset.

Al-Bahrani noted that these elements empowered the company to attract and retain top-tier talents while delivering exceptional products and services to its global consumer base.

He said the appointment was in line with the company’s striking demonstration of commitment to global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda and talent development.

He stated that her appointment aligned with her induction into BAT’s West and Central Africa leadership team, making her the second woman to join the cluster’s leadership team.

According to him, the recent addition of a second female executive to the WCA leadership team demonstrates the company’s commitment to achieving 40 per cent female representation in senior leadership.

He added that the development was also in line with the company’s move to achieve 45 per cent in management roles by 2025, thereby promoting inclusivity and gender equality at the management level.

“BAT Nigeria is committed to a better tomorrow and fostering inclusive work environment that is encouraging different perspectives and ideas, ultimately leading to better decision-making and business outcomes.

“We are thrilled to welcome to the leadership team, our new Marketing Deployment Director and we look forward to the experience she will bring.

“A seasoned marketing strategist with over two decades of experience in the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Fisayo-Okusanya joined BAT Nigeria in 2003 as a trade marketing representative.

“Since then, she has built a stellar marketing career honing valuable expertise in trade marketing, brands, and activation throughout West and Central Africa.

“In her capacity as Area Head for 360 Activation and Marketing Operations, she left her indelible mark by pioneering an immersive virtual reality market experience.

“She also orchestrated a major overhaul of the Marketing Skills and Development Unit,” he said.

Al-Bahrani said the company would continue to do its best, following its recognition as a Global Top Employer in Nigeria and West Africa and was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Award.

He added that BAT Nigeria also emerged overall winner of the 2022 HR Oscars award by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria(CIPM).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before the appointment, Fisayo-Okusanya’s former role was Area Head, 360 Activation and Marketing Operations, BAT Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Esther Mamudu

Some activists have advocated the inclusion of women in the peace-building process and national cohesion.

They made the call at a symposium titled “The Role of Women in Peace Building as Mediators and in Reconciliation”.

The symposium was organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, One Percent International Management and Advocacy Initiative” to mark the 2023 International Day of Peace.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Stephanie Nnadi, said the event was planned to give women a chance to discuss and reflect on topics that would enable them participate actively as mediators.

“In a world marked by unprecedented challenges and conflicts.

”Today is significant to us as we know that all over the world, dialogue will be on the way forward and how to deal with the challenges confronting us as a nation and as global citizens,” she said.

The UN Ambassador of Peace, Adaora Onyechere called for immediate action to put an end to what she termed “atrocities” committed against women in African countries.

Onyechere, also a broadcast journalist, said: “This day is also in remembrance of Leah Shiabu’s, the over 6,000 persons killed in Cameroon crisis from 2006 till date.

”Half of those numbers are women and the over 2.6 million persons displaced in Sierra Leone.

“Over 70 per cent women and children and with over 1.9 million displaced persons in Nigeria, the burden bearers mostly women and children.

”According to UNHCR’s estimations, over 117.2 million people will be forcibly displaced or stateless by end of .2023.,” she said.

Onyechere said women had always been the burden bearers of terrorism, displacement, community clashes, banditry and wars.

She said it’s has become empirical to be deliberate about mainstreaming women in the process of peace thereby leading to national cohesion.

The Executive Director, International Society of Media in Public Health, Moji Makanjuola, urged  women never to refrain from playing their roles in peace building.(NAN)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Isaac Aregbesola

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government on Tuesday donated food and non-food items worth millions of naira to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Presenting the items to the IDPs in Abuja, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, said the donation was to commemorate the 2023 Independence Day celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries of the donations were displaced persons at Durumi, New Karshi and Wassa IDP camps in the FCT.

The displaced persons are predominantly from Gwoza in Borno and Adamawa among others who relocated to Abuja, sequel to their displacement as a result of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

Addressing the IDPs, Ahmed reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s resolve towards ensuring inclusiveness and assured that the commission would continue to drive innovation and actively seek sustainable solutions for all persons of concern.

“Today, we gather in Durumi, Abuja, on a mission to extend a helping hand to those residing in the Durumi IDPs Camp. Our purpose is to critical support in the form of agricultural inputs, educational supplies and food care packs.

“As our nation celebrates its 63rd Independence Day, we renew our unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Our resolve is clear: no one, regardless of their gender, age, or vulnerabilities, should be left without vital support, echoing the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.

“The importance of providing assistance to IDPs cannot be overstated. Neglecting those in displacement can have profound social and economic consequences for both the displaced and their host communities,” he said.

According to him, in the face of protracted displacement crises that often affect IDPs, ensuring access to assistance during such times is of utmost importance.

“In keeping with the commission’s sustainable solutions strategy and our dedication to the well-being of host communities, we are proud to announce the provision of essential agricultural inputs.

“These initiatives aim to empower our displaced population, many of whom are skilled farmers, to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

“Furthermore, we are equally committed to providing Educational Supplies to ensure that IDP children and adolescents have access to learning materials, facilitating their educational growth and development.

“Additionally, we are distributing food care packs to alleviate immediate hunger and provide much-needed sustenance to those in need,” he said.

The educational materials donated included 400 dozens of customised exercise books, 180 pieces of school sandals, 10 pieces of white board
and 10 pieces of white board dusters.

Others are 180 pieces of customised school bags, 180 pieces of customised plastic tables and chairs, biros and pencils.

The IDPs were also given agricultural inputs such as 26 pieces of pesticides, 26 pieces of herbicides, 26 pieces of insecticides, 86 sprayers and 25 irrigation pumps.

While the food items were 97 bags of 25kg rice, 97 cartons of spaghetti, 97 bags of 1kg Semovita, 20 cartons of vegetable oil, 26 cartons of seasoning and 22 cartons of salt.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Durumi Camp, Ibrahim Ahmad, appreciated the Federal Government for the donations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Isaac Aregbesola

The FCT Police Command has advised the residents to be wary of boarding unpainted taxis, otherwise known as ‘kabu-kabu,’ to avoid becoming victims of armed robbers, also known as ‘One Chance’.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Haruna Garba, gave the warning on Tuesday, in Abuja at a news briefing on the command’s achievements in the fight against crime and criminality.

“I wish to advise residents of the FCT to be wary of the kind of vehicles they board. It is advised that they should board only painted taxis from designated motor parks.

“It is risky to board an unpainted taxis otherwise known as ‘kabu-kabu’ as they may fall victims of these robbers known as One Chance,” he said.

Garba said that police operatives in Abuja, while on crime prevention patrol, rescued one Ebere Alice, who boarded a Golf taxi and was robbed by the driver and the gang members of her belongings before dropping her off.

He said that the police gave the hoodlums a hot chase, halted the vehicle and arrested three suspects.

“They include Sylvester Attah, the gang leader, who has been into One Chance robbery for the past three years, Olalekan Salihu, and Gabriel Okwashi.

“The suspects confessed to the crime and the Golf car with Reg. No TKP 624 AA used in committing the crime was recovered. Suspects will be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigation,” he said.

Garba said that police operatives from Mabushi Division, acting on a credible intelligence, also arrested one Samuel Vincent, a member of a robbery gang, who specialises in robbing unsuspecting taxi passengers of their belongings.

“The suspect was about to be lynched by an angry mob before Police intervention.

‘’The suspect, alongside three others currently at large, had picked a woman (name unknown) from Karmo heading to Lugbe, and then diverted the vehicle to Mabushi area and dispossessed the victim of her belongings.

“The suspect confessed to his involvement in the crime and the car used in perpetrating the crime has been recovered. Suspect is cooperating with the police on how to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he said.

The CP also explained that police operatives from Mabushi Division, acting on credible intelligence trailed and arrested four other suspected armed robbers.

He said that the suspects included Oluwatobi Precious (an ex-convict), Theophilous Elkana, Ibrahim Usman and Umar Ibrahim, an ex-convict.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects robbed motorists of their phones while in traffic jam around Mobil filing station, Mabushi and zoomed off in a getaway golf car.

“Suspects confessed to the crime, while the said Golf car with Reg. No. DKA 288 RY, grey in colour, an Iphone 14 Pro Max and several ATM cards bearing different names and substances suspected to be cocaine were recovered from them,” Garba said.

He said that police operatives from Lugbe Division, acting on actionable intelligence, arrested one Emmanuel Abraham also known as ‘Mosquito’, a wanted and notorious armed robber/cultist linked to various cases of armed robbery/culpable homicide and other cult activities within Lugbe and environs.

“The suspect whose cohorts are presently in prison for robbery of one Mrs Abiodun Okunde, since 29th October, 2020 will equally be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigation,” he said.

Garba aid that the police operatives from Kabusa Division trailed and arrested one Adamu Idris, also known as Idi, a wanted and notorious kingpin responsible for series of kidnapping around Galadimawa/Apo, Lokogoma and Kabusa axis.

“The suspect, who was sighted at Okada Junction, Kabusa, took to his heels, was given a hot chase and apprehended by police operatives.

“During interrogation, suspect confessed to being a member of a 5-man gang, whose other members are currently at large,” he said.

Garba said that the suspect was cooperating with the police to apprehend other gang members and would be charged to court soon.

In a similar development, on 21/09/2023, one Abubakar Usman of opposite Estate Galadimawa reported at Kabusa Division that two persons later identified as Auwal Wada and Suleiman Hassan of Galadimawa village threatened to kidnap him and his entire family if he failed to offer them N7million ransom.

“However, an agreement was reached that he would pay N5 million. The police operatives from Kabusa laid a siege at the point of collection in a bush around Shereti village.

“The two suspects emerged to collect the ransom and were promptly arrested.

“This has been the modus operandi of the suspects as they have successfully robbed their victims in the past. The suspects will be arraigned in court soon,” he said

Garba said that the police operatives from Mabushi Division also carried out a raid of criminal hideouts at Gishiri Village and a total of 36 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp were recovered.

“In the same operation, one Bello Ahmed, AKA Wizzy Bola, a notorious and wanted armed robber terrorizing Gishiri Village and its environs, was arrested,” he said.

According to Garba, all the suspects will be arraigned in Court upon the conclusion of discreet investigations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Mark Longyen/Bashir Rabe Mani