youth - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Fri, 2025

Group urges FG to appoint Minister of state for youth

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Concerned Northern Youth Stakeholders have appealed to the Federal Government to appoint a Minister of State for Youth Development from Northern Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the group’s Coordinator, Usman Doshiro, in Abuja.

He stated that such an appointment would facilitate the seamless execution of policies targeted at youth across all geopolitical zones, thereby fulfilling the administration’s promises ahead of 2027.

“Nigeria’s youth are diverse, and ensuring equitable leadership across regions will foster national unity and inclusiveness in youth policies.

“Given the enormous responsibility of the Ministry, appointing a Minister of State from the North will complement the efforts of Hon. Olawande and help in reaching more youth, especially in rural areas,” Doshiro said.

He further stated that the youth constituency remains the strongest pillar of support, adding that the appointment would inspire and mobilise young Nigerians towards national development, unity, and progress.

Doshiro reiterated the President’s commitment to youth empowerment and national transformation, stating that young people eagerly anticipate this strategic decision.

This, he added would reinforce the Renewed Hope Agenda and keep Nigeria’s youth actively engaged in nation-building.

“We are particularly grateful for the energetic and result-driven approach of the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande.

“Under his leadership, we have seen a renewed focus on youth inclusivity, skills development, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities.

“However, to further strengthen the Ministry of Youth Development and ensure greater regional balance, deeper grassroots engagement, and expanded impact, we humbly appeal for the appointment of a Minister of State for Youth Development from Northern Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Sat, 2024

Agriculture

Expert calls for youth, women empowerment in agriculture

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By Naomi Sharang

The Chief Executive Officer of Shield Africa, Mrs Osenaga Orokpo, has emphasised the need for empowering youth and women to drive sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria and Africa.

Orokpo, speaking at the Shield Africa Summit 2024 in Abuja on Friday, noted that food insecurity and poverty have become major concerns on the continent.

She stressed that Africa must prioritise sustainable agriculture and food security, transforming fields and approaches to prioritise sustainable practices, empower youth and women, and unlock the true potential of African agriculture.

Orokpo envisioned a prosperous Africa where every young person had the tools to become an agri-preneur, transforming farmlands into sources of wealth and opportunity.

According to Orokpo, hunger affects over 250 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, with population growth threatening to outpace agricultural production.

She emphasised the need for more youth involvement in agriculture, citing the average age of farmers as over 60, while the median age of the population is just 18.

Orokpo called on stakeholders to join forces to shield Africa from hunger, poverty, and pain.

She announced that Shield Africa aimed to create 15,000 to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs for young individuals in 2025, contributing to youth employment and reducing poverty.

The Deputy Governor of Benue, Dr Sam Ode, represented by Director-General Benita Shuluwa, emphasised the potential for rural communities to drive economic transformation.

He highlighted Benue’s experiences in investing in rural infrastructure, which he said have boosted agriculture and uplifted communities.

Ode commended Shield Africa for providing agricultural support, empowering youth, and promoting gender inclusivity.(NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Abiemwense Moru

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Fri, 2024

General News

Take active role in anti-corruption war– ICPC boss tasks women, youth

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The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), has urged women and youths to take a more active role in the fight against corruption and other social vices in the county.

Aliyu made the call in his address of welcome at a one-day workshop for women and youths on corruption prevention at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference has as its theme: “Women and Youth Alliance Against Corruption”.

The ICPC boss said that women and the youth disproportionately experienced the effects of corruption in society, and urged them to rise to fight against it.

Aliyu stated that the conference was put together as a pivotal event dedicated to empowering two key groups, women and young people in the fight against corruption.

”Today’s workshop is not just an event; it is a crucial platform that aims to highlight the pivotal roles that women and the youth play in the fight against corruption.

”By uniting our voices and resources, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in our communities.

”Engaging women and young people in this battle is essential, as they are often the first to feel the effects of corruption, yet they hold the keys to innovative solutions and transformative leadership,” he said.

Aliyu said further that the workshop stands as a pillar of public engagement, fully aligned with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and the ICPC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.

“ICPC is committed to leveraging technology for mobilisation, building inclusive coalitions, and empowering marginalised voices to foster a more just and equitable society.

”By engaging women and youth, our over-arching objective is for our anti-corruption efforts to become more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable.

”It is also to enhance credibility, increased public support, innovative solutions, long-term impact and, of course, a more just and equitable society for Nigerians,” he said.

In her address, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President, said that when corruption thrives, the most vulnerable women, children, and marginalised communities bear the heaviest burden.

”It is for their sake, and the future of our beloved country, that we must remain resolute in our efforts to combat this scourge.

“As we gather today, let us reflect on the words of our elders: ‘It takes a village to raise a child;’ and in the same vein, it takes the collective will of the entire nation to defeat corruption.

“We cannot leave this battle to government agencies alone,” she said.

The President’s wife commended the ICPC and its leadership for their unwavering commitment to the cause of anti-corruption.

The conference brings together leaders, activists, policymakers, and community members to address the unique challenges women and youth face in combating corruption.

Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the conference aims to equip participants with strategies against corruption.

It also aims to support networks to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability within their communities and institutions.(NAN (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni