Annually on Aug. 12, the International Youth Day celebrates the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as humanity works toward a better world.
The youth is so important as they represent an important human resource within society, renewing, refreshing, maintaining as well as acting like agents of social change, economic development and progress.
The theme for 2023 International Youth Day is: Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, recognising their critical place in the society, says humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere.
In so doing, he urges that “today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and planet”.
However, in spite of young people being a tremendous resource for sustainable development, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stands at 53.7 per cent according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
There is, therefore, a pressing need for innovative and hands on interventions, including entrepreneurship education, in reversing this trend.
To help bridge the gap, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria is addressing this need, with the recent conclusion of a vocational skills training program, delivered in collaboration with Whitefield Foundation.
The training enables young people acquire knowledge, skills and confidence for self-sustainability, covered four skillsets – Solar panel installation, Graphics Design and Social Media Management, Beauty Care (make-up, aromatherapy and massage) and Web Development and Digital Marketing.
The selected skill sets are identified as quick-to-market and high-impact economic areas with immediate opportunities for earning a decent income and improving livelihood.
According to Nestlé Nigeria, a member of the Alliance, the project is being carried out in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 which is to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all by 2030
Over the last two years, the Alliance has empowered no fewer than 16,000 young people with employability and entrepreneurial trainings, internship and mentoring opportunities equipping them for the world of work and business.
In commemoration of the 2023 International Youth Day and second-year anniversary of the Alliance, high-flyers of the vocational skills training in Ibadan and Kano, were gifted start-up kits to enable the speedy commencement of their businesses.
In his comments at the Ibadan event, Mr Shakiru Lawal, Vice President of the Alliance and Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC said:“Young people are central in building the nation we all desire.
“At Nestlé, we believe that communities cannot thrive if we fail to offer a future to them.
“ This is why we are committed to working with stakeholders and like-minded organisations to help young people develop their skills so they can find jobs or create their own businesses.
“I am delighted that the trainees have acquired capacities and capabilities to make a difference, enhance opportunities for self-employment and economic productivity.
“To the exceptional trainees being provided with start-up kits today, I urge you to positively use these skills to make a living and serve your communities,” the Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC says.
Ahmed Alaga, President of the Alliance and Program Manager Partnerships, Jobberman Nigeria, affirms that young people are the engine for growth and development, a huge resource and great asset for national advancement.
“The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is committed to supporting young Nigerians with the skills, trainings and knowledge that will increase their chances of getting gainful employment opportunities or becoming entrepreneurs, unleashing their true potential,’’ he says.
Tumi Onamade, Secretary of the Alliance and Senior Manager, Participant Engagement & Programmes, UN Global Compact Nigeria Network who was also spoke at the Ibadan event.
“Today we stand united in celebration of two impactful years of collaborative youth empowerment.
“As we commemorate the International Youth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, fostering SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
“Our journey as an Alliance remains unwavering, bound by purpose and guided by the firm belief that by investing in youth today, we build a stronger tomorrow”.
High-flyers of the vocational skills training with the start-up packs provided by the Alliance to enable them commence their businesses (Picture from the Ibadan event)
The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development also commended the efforts and says it is committed to the development of appropriate Policy Frameworks, such as the National Youth Policy which has employment and entrepreneurship as strategic thrusts and the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan, with priority focus on employability, entrepreneurship, employment creation equality and rights.
In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Abubakar Ismail said, “With the huge number of youth entering the labour market annually in Nigeria, and limited job opportunities in the formal sector, skills based entrepreneurship remains a viable option for economic empowerment, job creation especially in the small and medium enterprise sector.
“And improvement of the general standard of living. Globally, entrepreneurs have advanced development through innovations in all sectors.
“We are delighted to be part of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria and will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to create opportunities for youth development”.
Mustapha Fasasi, 34, indigene of Oyo State, South-West Nigeria, is a beneficiary of the programme and expresses his excitement d about his recently acquired skill of solar panel installation for homes and small businesses.
With prior interest in solar and renewable energy, he signed up for the vocational skills training hosted by the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, as soon as he heard about the training through a radio programme.
“The training was an extremely rewarding experience for me as I have been equipped with the hands-on skills and knowledge required to immediately commence solar panel installations and start earning income to support myself and my family.
“I look forward to further personal development till I become an expert in this sector,’’ he says.
Mustapha is one of over 500 young people, who are beneficiaries of the vocational skills training held in Ibadan and Kano.
Mariya Ahmad Jibrin, who participated in the Kano training in the graphics design category expresses her gratitude to the Alliance for the transformative training experience which has equipped her with the skills to create impactful designs.
She attests that the laptop provided to her as a start-up kit is an invaluable and treasured support for her business.
Launched in August 2021, the Alliance is a business-driven movement of organisations passionate about working together to help young people around the country acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the world of work or create their own enterprise.
Members of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria include Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria and U-Connect HR Limited.
Also, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Activate Success International as partner organisations.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that with 70 per cent of her population under 30, Nigeria has one of the largest youth population in the world, representing a remarkable opportunity for development and growth.
For this, Nestle Nigeria and member/partner organisations are committed to equipping young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills to enable them secure gainful employment or set up businesses of their own.
With the huge objective of reaching 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills within three years from the inauguration of the Alliance in August 2021, the Nestle Nigeria and members of the Alliance remain focused in closing the gap.
“We remain committed to working together to address the challenges of youth unemployment in the country.
“And as we continue to expand partnerships and collaborations, we are assured that we are on the right track to the actualisation of our objectives,’’ Lawal had earlier said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A social enterprise organisation, Illuminating Minds, said it trained 67 teachers in the Mangu IDP camp in Plateau State on trauma-informed classroom care.
Founder of the organisation, Dr Itari Turner, said in a statement on Saturday that the training tagged “A Teacher with a Difference”, was conducted in collaboration with its partners Shamiri Institute and Charis Healthcare & Community Support Initiative.
Turner stated that the training was carefully designed to help teachers better understand the signs and symptoms of trauma, and how to create a safe and supportive learning environment for children who have experienced trauma.
Turner said that the training was also essential for teachers in IDP camps as many of the children they teach have experienced significant trauma.
“Children who have experienced trauma often have difficulty learning.
“They may be withdrawn, aggressive, or have difficulty paying attention.
“By understanding the signs and symptoms of trauma, teachers can better support these children and help them succeed in school,” she stated.
Turner also stated that the training equally focused on trauma healing for the teachers themselves.
“Teachers need to be able to heal from their trauma to be effective in supporting children who have experienced trauma.
“Teachers who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to connect with children who are also struggling.
“By healing from their trauma, teachers can be more present and supportive for the children they teach,” she said.
Turner called on stakeholders to support and pay attention to the mental health, trauma and education needs of Internally IDPs.
She said that her mission was to visit and train teachers in at least 100 IDP camps across the country by the end of 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
At least 949,132 enrolees of the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management scheme accessed the insurance scheme between 2020 and first quarter of 2023.
Mr Suleiman Mustapha, Head of Administration and Finance, Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) stated this on Saturday in Abuja.
He spoke at a two-day workshop for chairmen of the 23 local government councils of the state.
He said that of the 949,132 enrolees, 68,013 accessed health services under the scheme in 2020; 379,450 in 202, while 404,835 accessed the services in 2022.
In the first quarter of 2023, a total of 96,834 enrolees accessed the scheme, he added.
Mustapha said also that currently, 514,982 people, representing 5 per cent of the state’s population had enrolled in the scheme.
He explained that 343,948 of the enrolees were from the formal sector of the economy, while only 173,134 enrolled from the informal sector.
Giving further details, he said 9,192 of those who enrolled from the informal sector were private individuals and households, while 79,329 were vulnerable groups enrolled under the state’s 1 per cent consolidated revenue.
Mustapha added that 6,851 persons were enrolled under the Secondary School Health Insurance Programme, 27,114 under the Tertiary Students Health Insurance Programme and 50,648 under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
“Those registered under the BHCPF comprise 7,490 pregnant women, 10,463 aged (65 years and above), 3,273 children under five years, 21,995 poorest of the poor households and 7,427 persons with disabilities,” he said.
Mustapha explained that Kaduna State established the Contributory Health Scheme in February 2018 as a strategy to achieve universal health coverage by providing accessible, high-quality, inclusive, and affordable healthcare services to all.
He said that the beginning of access to healthcare services under the scheme in June 2020 represented a shift from the catastrophic health expenses and high out-of-pocket expenditure incurred by the infirm.
The scheme, he said, presented a more efficient, sustainable, and comprehensive approach to health financing, that allowed for contributory pre-payment mechanisms.
According to him, health insurance is the most sustainable mechanism to achieve universal health coverage in the state.
“For Kaduna State to attain universal health coverage through the provision of access to basic, quality, and affordable healthcare services, there is a need to invest in strengthening healthcare systems.
“This implies mobilising funds from various sources and strategically deploying these funds for maximum benefit in a sustainable way.
“We must also ensure that our people access the needed healthcare services whenever they require it, and that funds are available to provide those health services,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Shuaibu Jaja, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, commended KADCHMA and its partners for efforts to increase funding of healthcare centres.
He described the workshop as very enlightening and pledged stronger collaboration with KADCHMA to increase enrolment from the informal sector into the scheme.
He also said that the workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to brainstorm and evolve a strategic plan on how to strengthen healthcare systems, particularly the primary healthcare centres.
“At the local government level, we have a duty to collaborate and work closely with KADCHMA to ensure the attainment of the goal of the health insurance scheme in Kaduna State.
“On the problem of enrolment, council chairmen will collaborate with the KADCHMA to ensure that local government workers are enrolled in public facilities as against private facilities.
“This will provide the needed funding to improve the quality of healthcare in public health facilities,” Jaja stressed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised to find sustainable and innovative funding solutions to healthcare services in Kaduna State.
It was organised by KADCHMA with support from development partners like Save the Children International, Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn and Lafiya programme. (NAN)
The Succour for Nations Development Initiatives (SFN), a non-governmental organisation, has cautioned Nigerians against illegal migration, in commemoration of the 2023 International World Youth Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SFN is an organisation borne out of the need to provide the support required for the development of African nations.
It is founded on the understanding that nation-building is a task for all, not just the government.
SFN focuses on building the mindset and capacity of youths within the age of 18-35, thereby awakening them to the responsibility of personal development and nation-building through value reorientation.
The group, in its annual Thrive Conference 4.0, with the theme: “Rising Above the Tides”, on Saturday in Lagos, encouraged young people on resilience and building their quotient in a hostile environment.
The founder of the group, Mrs Solape Adesuyi, urged Nigerian youths to be resilient and use challenges they face as opportunities to create better versions of themselves.
“The aim of the Thrive 4.0 conference is to encourage young people. As we can observe the environment is tough, and with the current state of the economy a lot of people are frustrated.
“What we have come to do is to give young people hope and that they can thrive no matter the situation they find themselves.
“These young people can take advantage of opportunities all around them and make better version of themselves.
“We cannot entirely ask Nigerian youths to stop the continuous relocation outside country.
“However, we counsel them that there are a lot of opportunities both locally and internationally.
“We encourage young people to relocate legally, build the capacity and bring the resources and knowledge to impact your nation and people,” Adesuyi told NAN.
According her, young people should not go with the mindset of escaping the Nigerian system but must go with the mindset that they are building capacity to return and build their nation.
“With our various sessions, we are also bringing opportunities for learning, skills acquisition, building capacity.
“If the Nigerian youth can rise up with the application of the principles of adversity quotient they have, we will see them gather momentum and do exploits.
On his part, Mr Tolulope Ahmed, a youth advocate and the Chief Executive Officer of Value Publishing, called for the participation of more youths in conferences like this to build the capacity for the next generation.
“We are here to sensitise the young people and help them build capacity for whatever they aim to do or achieve in life.
“The Thrive 4.0 conference is an event no youth can afford to miss. The conference actually needs more publicity to help engage more youths as we help them to unleash their capacity.
“If we can equip the young people, they can thrive in any environment they find themselves,” Ahmed said.
Also, Mrs Blessing Alagbe, a guidance coach and educationist, tasked the youth on a change of mindset for a successful future.
“The programme is tailored to young people to go over and above the storm and troubles of life.
“Our youths need a total mind orientation, whatever change we hope to see in young people will have to start from their minds.
“There is the need for our youths to begin to believe more in themselves, we may have failed systems but Nigeria is not a lost cause.
“I want to believe that young people will be leaving from this conference with that understanding that they need to go back and have a rethink.
“They need to start thinking; where am I now?; what can I start doing differently that will cause changes in me first before we start going into the society; because you cannot give what you don’t have,” Alagbe added.
Another facilitator and fitness coach, Mr Martin Odey of Eco- fitness, called for physical capacity building as well as intelligence and financial empowerment for the youth.
“We are part of this conference to build the youth. They do not just not need to build financial or intelligence capacity but also their physical capacity and thrive wherever they find themselves.
“So, it is important for the youth be able to build confidence and build themselves in all aspects in order to overcome the current challenges,” Odey said.
A participant at the conference, Mr Abayomi Fatoki, a sales manager, said he had learnt how to succeed even in adverse conditions.
“The reason I am here for the conference is to learn and be a more successful youth.
“One lesson I have learnt from the conference is that I need to be efficient in everything I do. Hardship is part of life and makes me extraordinary.
“You cannot remain in your comfort zone and excel, we need to thrive and aim at continuous development,” Fatoki said.
Mr Temitope Abayomi, another participant, said he hoped to build capacity for adversity quotient.
“What I have gained in this conference is build up my adversity quotient capacity. I do not have any intention to relocate, I survive in Nigeria.
“I have come to understand that to be great in life, I must be able to handle wisely the adverse situation I face and thrive above it,” he said. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu reaffirms the commitment of his administration to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths
This is contained in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja.
The president stated this on the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD).
Tinubu said that job creation, education and skills development to digital innovation, financial technology, and youth participation in governance were key factors in national growth.
Tinubu emphasised that youth empowerment was a fundamental pillar of all reform actions being implemented across sectors.
He added that these create an environment where Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
The president acknowledged the growing interest and impact of many young Nigerians in technology-related fields the world over.
He pledged to honour his campaign commitment of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy for youths and national economic development.
He said he strongly believes in the principle of “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and remained undeterred in his focus on delivery.
As agents of change, President Tinubu urges the youth to champion national progress, unity and collective prosperity for all citizens.
In tandem with the theme of this year’s event: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” the president urged young Nigerians to spearhead efforts aimed at achieving the highest quality of sustainable development.
He said this would shape the future of the planet in conformity with his agenda of expanding green job opportunities and advocating for renewable energy solutions as an integral part of Nigeria’s current and future energy mix.
On this International Youth Day celebration, the president assures the younger generation that his administration would engage them with a view to implementing their important and forward-looking feedbacks.
Highlighting his commitment to active listening and engagement, Tinubu noted that the enactment of the Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to the Student Bodies of tertiary institutions nationwide stand out as tangible examples of his administration’s responsiveness.
The president heartily extends his best wishes to all Nigerian Youth on this joyous International Youth Day Celebration.(NAN)
The Rotary Club has urged government, cooperate organisations and influential individuals to intensify efforts at reducing the number of out-of-school children the country.
The President, Rotary Club of Abuja Central Business District (CBD), Mrs Aisha Ali, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during her investiture as the 7th President of the club in Abuja.
She also urged spirited Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist in creating means of livelihood for the people, especially at this challenging moment.
“Government alone can not do it. We have to come together and do what is called crowd funding to give hope to those at the grassroots and lonely places, who cannot repay our gesture.
“We need to ensure that every child goes to school, because education is the right of every child.
“We should carry everybody along because when these children are not in school they can later create problem for the society.
“If God has blessed you, try to bring at least a child off the street back to school,” she said.
Earlier in her acceptance speech, Ali who is the 7th president of the club, pledged that the club would continue to prioritise humanitarian services and projects that would impact positively on the people.
“In line with our new year theme of the club: “Create Hope in the World” which began on July 1, the board members and I have come up with some selected projects to be executed.
“As a matter of priority the completion of the building of a block of classrooms at LEA Primary School at Gidan Gimba, Uke, Nasarawa State, which the club started last year.
“This will provide a conducive learning environment for pupils of the community.
“We also intend to strengthen our support to our Rotary Club at Command Secondary School, Mogadishu Baracks, Abuja among others,” she said.
Ali commended all the past presidents and leaders of the club for their contributions towards the development of the organisation.
The immediate past President of the Club, Maxwell Amuchie, while congratulating the new leadership urged it to develop personal conviction and courage in the pursuit of its set goals.
According to him, without the power of personal conviction and courage, it would be difficult to accomplish any set goal.
He said that the club under his leadership was able to carry out series of humanitarian services, including a toilet facilities donated to a school in Gidan Gimba.
“With that singular act, we were able to stop open defecation in the primary school which was without toilet facilities for both the teachers and the students.
“We also started the construction of a block of two classrooms with the head teacher office,” he said.
The Guess Speaker, Dr Betty Olutunde, in her presentation titled: “Creating Hope in the World Through Humanity” urged members of the club to continue to leave a life of selfless service to help others.
Olutunde, the Founder of Betneely Charity Foundation, who was represented by Mrs Glory Johnson, urged Rotarians to continue to uphold the tents and principles of the club to make the world a better place.
She advised them not to be selfish but always think and look out for the welfare of others.
“I have never seen a tree that eats its own fruits, rather when the fruits come out, every other person comes to take from that tree. That is what Rotary stands for.
“Let us continue to think about those out there without access to clean water or healthcare facilities,” she said.
NAN reports that highlights of the Investiture programme included fund raising and presentation of awards of excellence to persons who distinguished themselves in humanitarian services.
The awardees include the Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Biu with the Award of Excellence for Prudence Leadership; Olutunde with outstanding Humanitarian Service and Women Empowerment.
Also the Award of Excellence in Humanitarian Service was conferred on King Odeh Adah, an entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Ochacho group.
The Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, was also presented an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Leadership, while Award of Professional Excellence in Journalism Service was conferred on Adewunmi Ayobami, the Executive Director, News, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).
Other recipients of the club Awards of Excellence and Humanitarian Services include the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Tanko Al-Makura; the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship candidate in Kogi, Muritala Ajaka, and the immediate past president of the club, Amuchie.(NAN).(www.nannews.ng)
President Bola Tinubu is profoundly saddened by the news of the passing of Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro.
He extends his deepest condolences to deceased family, the diplomatic community, as well as the Government and people of Kwara.
The president recognises Amb. Laro’s tireless dedication in fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France during his tenure.
He noted that his commitment to diplomacy and the impactful role he played in ensuring the success of the president’s visit to France in June this year.
The visit was the president’s first foreign trip following his assumption of office in May 29.
Laro has devoted himself fully to his duties during 35 illustrious years in service as a Nigerian diplomat, spanning from 1983 to 2018.
Tinubu remembered the late diplomat’s profound grasp of geo-political intricacies and how he aptly harnessed his wealth of skill and experience in multilateral diplomacy to advance worldwide peace, security and development.
The president affirms that the appointment of the Fellow of the National Defence College as an Ambassador in July 2020 to represent Nigeria in France was in recognition of his widely respected expertise and dedication.
“Our nation has lost an exemplary diplomat. I will always hold cherished memories of my interactions with him during my attendance at the New Global Financial Pact Summit in France this June.
“His unwavering dedication and strong sense of duty left an indelible mark. May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious and prosperous world,” the president said.
Tinubu prayed that Almighty God will continue to console Laro’s family, friends, and colleagues while granting eternal rest to the departed soul.(NAN)
As the world celebrates this year International Youth Day (IYD), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, an NGO, has called on the youth to invest in education and training that focus on green skills.
Founder and President of the foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, made the call at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja, as part of activities to mark this year’s international youth day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Youth Day, observed on Aug. 12 every year, is a special day recognised by the United Nations to bring attention to issues impacting young people globally.
The day is also used to celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.
“The Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” has been chosen as the theme for the 2023 International Youth Day.
Mrs Ahmadu stressed that the theme highlights the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more environmentally conscious and sustainable world.
She noted that by acquiring green skills, the youth could contribute to finding innovative solutions to the pressing environmental challenges confronting the planet.
“As the custodians of tomorrow, you have the power to make a profound impact on the health of our planet.
“It is now more important than ever before to invest in education and training that focus on green skills, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, conservation, and eco-friendly technologies.”
She, therefore, enjoined the youth to envision a world where clean energy sources replace fossil fuels, where sustainable agriculture practices feed the growing population, and where waste is reduced, reused, and recycled.
“I encourage you to take charge of your own learning and seek opportunities that allow you to develop these essential green skills. Embrace sustainability as a way of life and incorporate eco-friendly practices into your daily routines.
“Choose renewable energy sources, reduce your carbon footprint, and advocate for sustainable practices within your communities,” she affirmed.
Mrs Ahmadu, who, however, acknowledged that the journey to a sustainable world does not rest solely on the youth, advocated for collective action for achieving lasting change.
She urged the youth to engage with their peers, community leaders, critical stakeholders and organisations to work towards sustainability.
She also emphasised the need for the youth to unite and demand policies and initiatives that prioritise environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday in the presidential villa, Abuja, received Rebecca Kabu, one of the 277 Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014.
The first lady, in company of the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, promised to ensure that Rebecca is well taken care of medically and fit to return to school willingly.
Mrs Tinubu, amidst emotional trauma, appreciated the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and other security agencies and people who were involved in Rebecca’s rescue.
“Our dear daughter, Rebecca, I welcome you, I’ve been praying for you all night, it is well with you, what has happened to her is much traumatised; words are inadequate for me to describe it.
“Cases of amnesia should be treated; it is difficult to get by, but since you are still here, God has plans for you. I thank the office of the NSA and NIA for not relenting and everyone that is assisting in her rehabilitation.
“Rebecca will be our first comeback story and returnee, she is our first fruit; she is a case I am quite interested in to see that she can go back to school at her own pace.’’
The first lady said her NGO, Renewed Hope Initiative, is strongly working on how matured girls who are forced out of school can return to school for quality education.
She promised that Rebecca will be one of the first recipients of her free education benevolence.
Tinubu said the younger ones, if well educated, would be able to fit into the society and inherit the good legacies the older ones are leaving behind.
“Earlier, I talked to the NSA representative about cases of alternative high school where girls like Rebecca can go back and learn at their pace, because education is important for her and others.
“They need education as tool for the market place, to be able to understand and manage the inheritance and legacies that shall be handed to them.
“We pray and continue to pray that all our children that are still with Boko Haram will come back home, we are waiting in earnest, we have not given up hope, I am sure that by the time she is reunited with her parents, she will be glad.
“With the governor waiting for her, she is in good hands,’’ the first lady said.
Responding, Rebecca, in her low voice, told the first lady that she could barely understand English Language, but the first lady condoled her, saying that she would overcome it.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, the Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre, NSA, said Rebecca, kidnapped at age 13 in 2014 and now 22 years old, was rescued by the government security agencies on July 17.
He said the returnee has been certified medically and mentally fit to be reunited with her parents in Zana village in Borno state.
He said subsequently, the NSA office would follow up and present her case alongside the 15 other rehabilitated girls that were also rescued for Federal Government education support.
“I’m here to present to you one of those our young ones that were kidnapped in 2014, we are lucky to have one of them back in our midst. Rebecca was kidnapped and abducted from her school in Chibok in 2014 by late Shekau-led Boko Haram.
“She was rescued and repatriated from Cameroon on July 17, and has completed intensive medical screening and physiological evaluation over the past two weeks by a team of medical and psychological experts between the office of NSA and the National Intelligent Agency.
“Rebecca has been found to be in good health and is psychologically stable; the next step is to hand her over to the Borno state governor for onward reuniting with her family in Zana. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 14 suspected internet fraudsters in Makurdi, Benue.
EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement in Abuja.
According to him, the suspects include Solomon Oloche, Innocent Ochola, Aselo Wisdom, Simon Jeff, Innocent Raphael, Akula Kelvin, Emmanuel Okanche, Francis Chikodirie, Atoo Michael, Ochayi Nelson, Ngutor Paul, Michael Tyobe, Samuel Okanche, and Patience Tseaa
He said that they were arrested after series of surveillance based on intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.
“Items recovered from them include a Toyota Camry Car, 14 iPhones, 11 Android phones, 6 Laptop computers, different ATM Cards, a flash drive, MTN Router, Tus bike and several incriminating documents.
“The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” he said.(NAN)
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
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