News Agency of Nigeria
Dangote Cement marks Int’l Youth Day at Obajana

Dangote Cement marks Int’l Youth Day at Obajana

By Nana Musa

The Dangote Cement says its company’s policy is in line with the United Nations’ ideals of empowering the youth for social and economic development of societies.

 

The Plants Director, Nawabuddin Azad, said this when the company marked the International Youth Day at its Obajana plant, Kogi.

Azad, who was represented by the General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, was speaking on the theme: Local Youth Action on SDG and Beyond.

 

He said that the youth have always been a priority in its job creation drives and empowerment programmes.

 

He noted that, only recently, youths from the company’s host communities were empowered on poultry farming, solar entrepreneurship, fashion design, and several other vocational skills.

 

“At our plant, we believe in shared value, where business success goes together with social progress. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower the youth, uplift communities and promote sustainable practices,” he said.

Addressing staff and guests at the plant, the Chief General Manager and Head of Production, Mr John Gwong, described the youth as the greatest asset of any nation, noting that their creativity, energy, and innovation remain critical for Nigeria’s future.

 

He stressed that Dangote Cement views the youth not only as future leaders but also as present contributors to the company’s growth.

 

“At Dangote Cement, we see the youth as the backbone of society. By mentoring them, building their capacity, and exposing them to new technologies, we are preparing a generation that will secure the growth of both our company and our nation,” Gwong said.

 

On his part, the Head of Human Resources, Mr Azeez Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of instilling discipline, hard work, and integrity in young people.

 

He noted that the youth population is central to Nigeria’s workforce and their skills and values directly influence the productivity of industries.

 

“Our engagement with young employees goes beyond technical training. We prioritise ethics, teamwork, and responsibility, because these are the values that shape strong leaders and professionals. When the youth succeed, companies like Dangote Cement and the entire nation also succeed,” Adeniyi remarked.

 

Also speaking, Mr Wale Adedeji, Head, Technical, Dangote Academy, urged youths to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that the future belongs to those who are adaptable and forward-thinking.

 

 

Adedeji explained that Dangote’s continued investment in young professionals has strengthened its operations and positioned the company as a leader in Africa’s cement industry.

 

“The world is changing rapidly, and young people must be equipped not only to take jobs but also to create them. The values of curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving are essential for them to remain competitive globally, and these qualities directly translate into the company’s ability to innovate and remain productive,” Adedeji said.

 

The officials collectively noted that industries, governments, and communities must create platforms that empower young people to maximise their potential.

 

They warned that failing to invest in youth development could worsen unemployment and social vices, which would threaten national stability.

 

Dangote Cement showcased initiatives such as its graduate trainee scheme, internship opportunities, and community empowerment projects, which have empowered hundreds of young people across its host communities and built skilled workers for the company.

 

According to the management, the youth are not only vital to Nigeria’s future but are already playing an indispensable role in the day-to-day operations of Dangote Cement through innovation, energy, and fresh perspectives.

 

The highpoints of the ceremony was a call on young Nigerians to remain committed to lifelong learning and positive values, while stakeholders were urged to sustain efforts at mentoring, empowering, and involving youths in nation-building.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu prioritises youth empowerment – Minister

Tinubu prioritises youth empowerment – Minister

Youth

By Angela Atabo

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that youth empowerment is a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.

Mahmoud said the current administration prioritised youth, recognising them as the driving force of Nigeria’s future.

“Through skills development, entrepreneurship support, digital innovation, and job creation initiatives, the government aims to equip Nigerian youths to thrive in a competitive global economy.

“The goal is to empower young people as job creators rather than just job seekers, thereby reducing unemployment, fostering innovation, and strengthening socio-economic development,” she stated.

The minister also assured that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, remained fully committed to supporting the NYSC’s objectives and providing an enabling environment for corps members to thrive.

She commended the NYSC management for their dedication in delivering a successful orientation course and emphasised that the scheme’s commitment to youth development and national integration remained vital to strengthening national unity.

Mahmoud urged corps members to uphold the values of discipline, unity, patriotism, and service, and to reflect those ideals throughout their service year.

She encouraged them to make positive contributions to their host communities, reminding them that the NYSC was not just a call to duty but also an opportunity to promote peace, development, and national unity.

The minister further advised corps members to remain security-conscious, respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities, and conduct themselves in ways that would bring honour to both the NYSC and Nigeria.

Also speaking, the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr Samson Ateli, described the NYSC as a valuable national asset.

According to Ateli, the scheme plays a vital role in promoting peaceful coexistence and national development through the mobilisation and deployment of corps members across various sectors.

He urged corps members to accept their postings in good faith and warned against seeking or inducing rejections.

“I also encourage you to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and register for the post-camp SAED training,” he added (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement

Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement

By Douglas Okoro

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to engage youths in practical agriculture, noting that hunger and idleness fuel online anger and misinformation.

 

Nwifuru made the call on Friday in Abakaliki when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit during the minister’s tour of federal projects in the state.

 

He said that engagement of youths in practical agriculture would properly channel their energy and potential in meaningful ventures and deter them from engaging in destructive social media activities.

 

He called for the imposition of restrictions on social media usage to curb the spread of unfounded information about national development.

 

The governor said that while government was not out to control the youths, it had a responsibility to protect them from misinformation and the negative impact of false social media reports.

 

“While growing up as a young man, it was always a thing of joy to own a farm but these days, youths hardly engage in agricultural activities.

 

“It is high time we put serious restrictions especially on unfounded stories.

 

“You go to social media and see posts declaring someone dead while the person is hale and hearty, yet the writer faces no sanction. This is not how a country should operate,” Nwifuru said.

 

On the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nwifuru said activities of several ministries were under-reported, giving the impression that only the Ministries of Works and the Federal Capital Territory were active.

 

According to him, this is the first time since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 that an Igbo man has been appointed Minister of Works, describing the current minister, Chief David Umahi as vibrant and committed.

 

“He left his signature in Ebonyi which will be very hard for anybody to erase and we are proud and confident that he will leave same signature in the Federal Ministry of Works,” the governor said.

 

He expressed confidence that with Tinubu’s achievements in physical infrastructure and human capital development cutting across the length and breadth of the country, his re-election in 2027 was guaranteed.

 

The governor pledged the full support of Ebonyi people in achieving the goal.

 

He lauded the president for establishing the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said, had attracted over 400,000 student beneficiaries.

 

The governor also commended the Ebonyi postgraduate scholarship scheme aimed at training indigenes at Masters and Doctorate levels in local and foreign universities.

 

Nwifuru added that the state had improved infrastructure and staffing in secondary schools to raise the quality of education.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Skills: Niger empowers 3,000 young entrepreneurs

Skills: Niger empowers 3,000 young entrepreneurs

By Rita Iliya

Niger Government has trained 3,000 young entrepreneurs on financial literacy and business management skills, as part of its capacity building initiative in the state.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to the governor on Social Investment Programme (SIP), stated this at a 3-day training of the second batch of the youths on Tuesday in Minna.

 

She said that the training was conducted by the state government in collaboration with MasterCard Foundation and Enterprise Development Centre.

 

According to Bako, the online and offline training programme tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth (TNY) was launched in March to train 10,000 youths, particularly young women, between the ages of 18 and 35.

 

“The training is being conducted in batches, with 2,000 young entrepreneurs already being trained online and almost 1,000 trained physically in the first batch.

 

“The aim is to transform the mindset of these young entrepreneurs, move them from the informal to the formal market and provide them with access to markets,” she said.

 

She revealed that the 50 First Class graduates trained in May as Business Development Service Providers were  already working with small business startup and existing businesses, and  providing them with necessary support.

 

Bako commended Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger for his human capital development initiatives, especially for women and youths to excel in their various endeavours.

 

Also speaking, Alhaji Shehu Bwari, Coordinator, Entrepreneurship, Ministry for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, described the training as one of the best initiatives to come to the state.

 

“For years, we have been skilling up young people in the state without tangible results, but with this business development entrepreneurship guide, our youths are ready to conquer the world,” he said.

 

In his remarks, Mr Yusuf Christopher, Project Coordinator, Enterprise Development Centre, said the training would help young entrepreneurs build their capabilities on how to own successful and sustainable businesses.

 

“We will be training them on capacity building, also provide mentorship for three months and help them register their businesses for those yet to do so,” he said.

 

In their separate remarks, some of the beneficiaries, Fatima Abdullahi and Fatima Hamza, expressed appreciation to the state government for the initiative.

 

“We have learnt how to establish a business, handle it and make it grow, I see myself as one of the biggest business owners in the state in the next five years,” Abdullahi said.

 

“The training has been impactful, providing us with new ideas on how to grow our businesses,” Hamza added. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

Organisation advocates more investment in youth dev’t

Organisation advocates more investment in youth dev’t

By Joy Obanya

An NGO, Streeze and Breeze, has underscored the need for adequate investment in youth development to bolster their self-reliance in the society.

 

The organisation disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), against the backdrop of the “Mic and Motion Talent Hunt”, on Monday in Abuja.

 

Omotoyosi Adekoya, the Founder of Streeze and Breeze, said that Mic and Motion was designed to encourage young artistes grow their innate skill.

 

Adekoya said: “The need for investment in empowering young people has become key to drive their energy in meaningful venture, therefore the Mic and Motion show.

 

“This show is a talent hunt aimed at giving a voice to the voiceless and people that do not have the financial capability to grow in their career.

 

“Particularly, for young artistes that need extra push. We will encourage them with the necessary support and push them out to the world to enable them grow.

 

“Notably, in areas such as dancing, singing and rap-battle form of entertainment, which is a specific niche that we decided to promote going forward.”

 

He revealed that participants at the show gained opportunity to participate in mentorship programme with record labels and professionals from across diverse entertainment field.

 

“The participants stand a chance to win cash prices, as well as in our next show scheduled to hold in Lagos.

 

“They will also be featured in the video publication on all social media platforms, such as Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Tik-Tok.

 

“Contestants during the show were given level playing field to be awarded contract by big entertainment industry,” he said.

 

In the same vein, Mr Abdulbasit Akaba, Secretary of Streeze and Breeze, commended the show for attracting people from all walks of life.

 

“The cash price awarded will encourage young people develop their skills. It is charity for us and by God’s grace, we hope to make them global,” Akaba said.

 

One of the organisers, Mr Ekenedirichukwu Abbata, urged young people not to relent in learning new skills, but believe in themselves.

 

“You must be creative in whatever you find yourself doing and dare to believe in yourself, do not stop. Keep going, pushing, and grinding and the sky will be your starting point,” Abbata said.

 

NAN reports that highpoint of the event was a cash prize of N200,000, awarded to Mr Young Incredible, who won the Rap Battle.

 

Mr Shay Moves from the dance category was awarded with N100,000, while Lil Nike who won the singing category was also awarded N100,000.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Congress tasks youths on unity, patriotism

Congress tasks youths on unity, patriotism

By Daniel Obaje

The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has called on youths to take ownership of leadership and push the vision of the Congress beyond national borders.

 

This call was made during the opening ceremony of the NYC National Special Convention held at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

 

The three-day convention brought together youths and stakeholders from the six geopolitical zones, to consult, strategise and elect new leadership for the organisation.

 

Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, President of the NYC, said the journey of the organisation was one of transformation and resilience, stressing that young people must never underestimate their potential.

 

“We started with nothing. Today, we have a viral organisation that is attracting national and global attention.

 

“This is to challenge everyone here that never say never. If we can move from nothingness to somethingness, then with the heads here, we can take it above borders.”

 

He assured that his administration would continue to give massive support to the next leadership that would emerge from the convention process.

 

“We are going to support the system and be with the executives that will emerge. Please take it beyond where we are, so that the generation coming can also appreciate your efforts,” he added.

 

Similarly, Abdulrahman Agboola, former Acting President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, commended the outgoing leadership of NYC and charged the incoming leaders to represent the genuine interests of Nigerian youths.

 

He emphasised the importance of neutrality, unity and commitment to national development, adding that youth leaders must always uphold the NYC constitution and focus on peace and progress.

 

“The history of the organisation is immediate, but the impact has been very great over the years. Kudos to the outgoing leadership

 

“We are not here as party representatives, we are leaders of the Nigerian youth and our actions must reflect that reality, irrespective of our political beliefs,” he said.

 

In his opening remarks, Adedamola Gbenga, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, described the convention as a “divine gathering” that had already begun to address long-standing issues within the Congress.

 

“We all agree that our gathering here today is divine, in the sense that we have used this opening ceremony to achieve so much and address a lot of issues bothering on the development of the Nigerian Youth Congress.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Our youth workshop embodies normative CSR in Action- TEXEM CEO

Our youth workshop embodies normative CSR in Action- TEXEM CEO

In a world too often defined by transactional giving and optics-driven interventions, something extraordinary happened at Greensprings School, Lagos. Over a hundred senior secondary students gathered not for entertainment, nor for tokenistic exposure, but for something deeper—a genuine invitation to lead.

What made this event exceptional was not the calibre of the speakers or the prestige of the organisers, though both were impressive. What set it apart was the moral clarity underpinning its existence. It was a masterclass in normative corporate social responsibility—a manifestation of giving as duty, not as a tactic.

TEXEM, a UK-based leadership development organisation, convened this youth leadership workshop to mark its fifteenth anniversary. But unlike many commemorative events that serve as vanity milestones, this was a profoundly human declaration: that leadership development should not be reserved for boardrooms and ministries. It must start where the future lives—in our schools, in our youth, in the raw courage of untapped potential.

Dr Alim Abubakre, the founder of TEXEM, framed the day with one simple but urgent truth: leadership does not begin with a job title. It begins with awareness, with action, and with the courage to serve. This sentiment was not rhetorical. It was a call to conscience that wove through every panel, every breakout session, and every question asked by the students who had never before seen themselves as stakeholders in national transformation.

From John Momoh’s passionate reflections on media integrity to Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat’s poignant plea for values-driven public service, each contributor affirmed a shared moral belief: that society has a sacred responsibility to equip its youngest members not only with skills but with vision, empathy, and agency.

This was not about developing human capital for future corporate gain. It was about honouring the intrinsic worth of every young person and reinforcing that their dreams are not naive—they are necessary.

Group Photograph with the Students from invited schools within Lagos State Education District II; Immaculate Heart Senior High School, Mende Senior High School, Anthony Village Senior High School, Baptist Senior High School, Gbagada Senior Grammar School, and Lanre Awolokun Senior High School.

 

The workshop’s design echoed this ethos. Students were not passive recipients of wisdom; they were co-creators of dialogue. They posed hard questions to public leaders, shared their perspectives on national issues, and committed to specific actions they would take in their communities.

One student pledged to advocate for mental health awareness among her peers. Another set out to build a small recycling initiative in her neighbourhood. These were not exercises in branding or PR—they were acts of conviction, sparked by a sincere encounter with responsibility.

The difference lies in intention. Normative CSR does not measure success by future ROI or long-term market positioning. It asks instead: What is right? What is just? What contribution do we owe to those who have no platform, no privilege, and yet every right to flourish?

In choosing to invest time, talent, and resources in young Nigerians who hold no purchasing power, TEXEM made a statement of values—not strategy. And in doing so, it reclaimed the moral centre of leadership development.

Winners of the Quiz Competition (L -R): 2nd Runner Up, Marcus Ofure – Gbagada Senior Grammar School; Winner, Daudu Abdul – Anthony Village High School; 1st Runner Up, Bakare Titilope – Immaculate Heart Senior High School

This initiative reminds us that CSR need not be tethered to metrics of brand equity or talent pipelines. Sometimes, the purest form of impact is that which expects nothing in return but the possibility of a more just world.

For the students who walked into that room uncertain and walked out emboldened, no KPI could capture what was awakened in them. They were seen, they were heard, and they were trusted with responsibility.

As nations wrestle with uncertainty and institutions search for legitimacy, this kind of intervention is no longer optional—it is essential.

TEXEM’s workshop serves as a powerful example that when organisations lead from a place of conscience, they do more than fulfil a mandate. They honour a legacy of shared humanity. And in doing so, they remind us all that leadership—true, inclusive, compassionate leadership—must begin not at the top, but with the next generation.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Group lauds Tinubu for creating South-West Development Commission

Group lauds Tinubu for creating South-West Development Commission

 

By Angela Atabo

The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW), has applauded President Bola Tinubu for creating the South-West Development Commission.

The President of the Council, Aare Hassan, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Friday in Abuja.

Hassan, represented by Alawode Rahmon, YCYW National Coordinator, said the commission would help to drive  infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth, and enhance social welfare in the South-West geopolitical zone.

“As part of the familiarisation meeting  between the apex Yoruba indigenous people globally, YCYW visited the Ministry of Youth Development.

“This is with the sole aim of cross fertilising ideas on various issues of regional and national development.

“We  salute President  Bola Tinubu on the establishment of the Southwest Development  Commission, and appreciate all his  efforts in supporting youths through the Ministry of Youth Development,” he said.

Hassan explained that the reason for the group’s mission to the ministry was to give full support to the Tinubu administration.

He also disclosed that its members were planning  to deliver over two million votes  in 2027 to support Tinubu’s re-election.

Hassan called on the government to scale up interventions in the areas of food security, national security, youth development and robust economic development.

He  also appealed to the President not to relent in engaging youths and  empowering them to be  strategically positioned to contribute to national development.

Responding, the minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, commended the group’s initiative to contribute to governance.

Olawande reiterated the commitment of the ministry to support youth development in the country, adding that the forthcoming national youth confab was a step in the right direction for youth engagement.

He said that a portal had already been opened to that effect for youth registration nationwide, and it would be “youth-led, inclusive, non-partisan and transformational.”

The minister added that the  initiative aimed to “co-create youth-informed, youth-approved, and youth-led solutions” that speak directly to the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s vibrant youth population.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Minister urges youth to remain hopeful for better Nigeria

Minister urges youth to remain hopeful for better Nigeria

By Patricia Amogu

Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite has urged Nigerian youth to remain hopeful for a better Nigeria in view of the federal government’s commitment to implementing its Renewed Hope Agenda.

Uzoka-Anite said that with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reviving the economy, the impact of the efforts being made would be felt across all the regions in the country.

The minister said this in Abuja on Wednesday when she received in her office, Mr Kevin Timothy, the National President of Tinubu Young Generation Forum.

She reassured the NGO of President Tinubu’s commitment to creating the environment conducive for young people to excel economically and for the nation to be recognised as a country with the best innovative youth on the global stage.

“The necessary reforms of President Tinubu are reviving the economy and in a short time the reforms will yield results across all regions.

“The President is committed to empowering young people and is working on policies that embrace youth inclusion and engagement in every space and sector.

“He has created a conducive youth-friendly environment and has been supporting programmes that maximise the potentials of every Nigerian youth, giving them the opportunity to thrive economically.” she said.

Speaking earlier, Kevin praised the minister for encouraging the youth.

“As a respected leader and mentor whose expertise and dedication to public service are truly inspiring, you have readily demonstrated strong mentorship and passion for passionate young people.

“We look up to you for strength and support and we know that young people are learning from your wealth of experience and gaining valuable insights for development and growth

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting provided an opportunity for insightful discussions on nation-building.

The Tinubu Young Generation Forum is an organisation aimed at driving capacity building for young leaders, mentorship and empowerment of potentially ambitious leaders in the society under President Bola Tinubu’s guidance. (NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.

By Ikenna Osuoha

An NGO, Uplifting Youths Through Agriculture (UYOTA), has restated its commitment towards empowering Nigerian youths through agriculture.

The Co-Founder of the group, Mr Nnamdi Adigwe made the commitment during a news conference in Abuja.

Adigwe, said that the group would hold a summit on agricultural revolution with the theme: Agriculture, the Key to Economic Empowerment, Sustainable Development and Food Security in Africa.

He explained that the aim was to raise awareness in achieving food sustainability through youths’ engagement in agriculture.

“The Africa youth agri-business summit 2025 seeks to ignite youths’ interest in the agricultural value chain.

“We hope to empower them with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to see agriculture as a viable, profitable and sustainable business venture,” he said.

Adigwe who affirmed the group’s commitment to promoting agro-economy in Africa, said that through building such bridges, agribusiness could stimulate growth in our economy.

He said that the summit would offer opportunities to expand access to finance and investment by creating platforms for meaningful dialogue.

According to him, the summit will also help in tackling climate challenges in agriculture.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator, Mr Bola Ojo, said that the group would key into President Bola Tinubu vision for agricultural revolution.

Ojo, who commended President Tinubu’s agricultural policies, said that they would collaborate with the government in the area of ensuring food security.

He lauded the Minister of Youth Development and the leadership of the National Assembly for driving innovations and development in the agricultural sector.

Ojo said that the group through synergy with the government had made impacts on the youths at the sub-national levels, especially in understanding the importance of agriculture. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

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