NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths

51 total views today

By Daniel Obaje/Jacinta Nwachukwu

The MTN Foundation has inaugurated a Digital Skills Academy, a platform aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with digital competencies to enhance their employability and economic participation.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative aligned with the Foundation’s commitment to education, health and economic empowerment.

According to Sanya, the academy will provide structured digital learning for young Nigerians from secondary school level through to professional certification.

“We have developed a platform that is not only accessible but impactful, from guiding secondary school students through career-aligned psychometric tests to offering over 23 career learning paths.

“We believe that the person who understands digital skills and technology will eventually displace those who do not, that is why we are investing in building this capacity, especially for our youth,” she said.

She explained that the goal was to reach underserved communities across Nigeria through partnerships with government and other stakeholders, with a long-term target of training at least three million Nigerians in five years.

“We don’t want this to stay in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. We want to reach Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and the rural corners of Nigeria,” she added.

On his part, Mr Simon Aranonu, a Director in the Foundation, described the initiative as a bold step toward democratising education and empowering individuals across the country.

“We recognise that digital skills are an essential currency in the global job market, they shape the way we work and learn and challenge our ability to adapt and grow,” he said.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, commended the Foundation for the initiative, saying that it is timely and critical to national development.

“I commend the MTN Foundation for your vision, not only in launching this programme today but for everything you have done in supporting capacity development in our nation.

“The MTN Skills Academy will not only raise digital literacy but broaden the possibilities for youths in Nigeria,” he said.

He called for more collaboration between public and private sectors to drive innovation and digital inclusion.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mrs Ebiho Agun, Deputy Director of Enterprise Development, described the academy as a timely and strategic initiative to empower Nigerian youths with essential digital skills.

“This launch is a call to action, a call to invest, and to innovate.

“The MTN Foundation Skills Academy is a bridge to opportunity and a spark for the next generation of Nigerian tech leaders,” he said.

The event drew participation from stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society, all united in the mission to create a digitally empowered future for Nigerian youths. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Agriculture , Food Security

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts

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By Tosin Kolade

Irrigation and water management experts have called for the inclusion of women and young professionals in advancing irrigated agriculture across Africa.

This call was a central theme at the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.

“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive.

“They are no longer just learners; they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent”.

According to Oluniyi, who is also the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, a key highlight of the conference was a field visit to an irrigation site near Keffi, Nasarawa.

She described the visit as “a practical eye-opener” that provided real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within irrigation practice.

She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.

Oluniyi also pointed to a pre-conference youth forum, which provided a platform for delegates from various countries to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas.

Their engagement in the main sessions, she said, brought fresh perspectives to the discussions.

She added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from across the continent.

“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women and addressing barriers such as limited access to land and other essential resources.

“During the session, two female farmers; one from the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa and another from the Kano River Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara, shared their personal stories of transformation and empowerment.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when women are supported, they not only thrive but also uplift others in their communities.

“In essence, our youth and women are not merely participants, but are agents of transformation. With the right support, they can help lead Nigeria and Africa towards a more food-secure and climate-resilient future, “Oluniyi said.

Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa.

He called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.

“There are important lessons to take forward. From now on, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our development goals”.

Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact, and ICID remains committed to supporting future progress,” he added.

Mr Inuwa Musa, Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“To ensure food security, irrigation must be prioritised, we cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. Sustainable, year-round food production depends on effective irrigation systems”.

Kuta, representing the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group, also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, particularly when it comes to managing shared water resources.

“Development does not happen in isolation. We must resolve conflicts over transboundary resources like the Niger Basin. There is enough water to meet our needs, though perhaps not our greed. We must learn to share wisely”.

Similarly, an Irrigation and Drainage Expert Mr Razaq Jimoh noted the urgency of scaling up action.

While acknowledging that Africa is on the right path, he warned that progress remains slow, especially given shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges.

Jimoh, a former Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, reiterated the need for year-round food production.

“You cannot end poverty by farming for only a few months and surviving on that harvest for the rest of the year.

“The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year, and that requires functional irrigation systems”.

He also called for an end to disputes over shared water resources, emphasising the need for equitable access and cooperation.

“Most conflicts in inter-basin and transboundary areas stem from unequal access, but there’s enough to meet our collective needs if we prioritise and collaborate”.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.

Utsev commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.

He noted that their collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.

Utsev was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director Reforms Coordination with the ministry.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders across the continent to promote inclusive participation, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.

NAN reports that several distinguished individuals were recognised at the award ceremony for their contributions to leadership and governance in the water and agriculture sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

General News

Niger, NGOs train 10,000 youths on financial literacy

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By Rita Iliya

Niger Government says it will train no fewer than 10,000 youths, particularly young women, on financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna on Saturday that the training is in partnership with two NGOs; Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and MasterCard Foundation.

 

At the inauguration of the online training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY)’, Mrs Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, said the programme would equip youths with entrepreneurial business management skills.

 

Bako said that the programme was aimed at enhancing young entrepreneurs’ mindsets for transformation, employability and management capacity development.

 

“The programme is designed for mostly young female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen offering both online and in-person training sessions to foster entrepreneurial skills to succeed.

 

“The programme provides 60 per cent online and 40 per cent offline training, targeting 80 per cent young female and 20 per cent male entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35,” she said.

 

According to her, the online training is open to all Niger residents, and interested persons can register via the link: bit.ly/tny25niger.

 

She said benefits of the programme include business growth and mentorship, business registration and branding support, job placement and entrepreneurship linkages and certification.

 

In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, noted that “the programme package does not include starter packs, business grants or loans.”

 

Also speaking, Mrs Halima Rabiu from EDC, explained that the programme could also be done 100 per cent online, and participants can learn at their own pace.

 

“The courses are easy to understand, and we also have community physical learning for the state government to bring the women together to learn through zones,” she said.

 

Similarly, Mr Olawale Anifowose, Director Programmes and Partnerships of MasterCard Foundation, disclosed that the programme was designed for 10,000 entrepreneurs in Niger State, focusing on micro enterprises.

 

“The programme promises to build on past successes, offering an enhanced curriculum that covers critical areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing and digital skills,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Ismail Abdulaziz

Agriculture

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities

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By Justina Auta

The Ministry of Youth Development and Heifer International, an NGO, has urged youths to leverage innovative agricultural technology to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They made the call at the inauguration of the 2025 AYuTE Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, now in its fourth season, is an initiative of Heifer International.

NAN reports that the initiative aims to empower agri-tech innovators to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, noted that the initiative would empower youths to drive sustainable development, particularly within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Olawande, represented by Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Special Assistant on Gender Affairs, said the initiative was a project aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerian youths in agriculture.

“It is also fostering innovation and addressing the critical challenges facing our agricultural landscape in Nigeria, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and livelihoods.

“Initiatives like these are crucial, and the focus on agri-tech solutions is particularly timely.

“We need to leverage technology to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and create a more resilient, sustainable agricultural sector.

“This challenge provides a platform for our young entrepreneurs to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to the transformation of our dear country,” he said.

Olawande therefore reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s youths and tech innovators to achieve sustainable growth and development.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International, said a $40,000 grant would be awarded to the top three finalists of the challenge to provide them with the necessary support to scale their agri-tech innovations.

He said this would help transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Describing the challenge as an enterprise development programme, he stated that it aims to identify, nurture, and support innovative, technology-driven agri-centric enterprises to grow, scale, and thrive.

“It is to ensure that the youth of today take hold of the agriculture they want tomorrow, and it also provides them with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and generate employment for others,” he said.

He added that the organisation also provides participants with technical assistance, business development support, and introductions to potential investors.

He said this support would continue until participants successfully commercialise their technologies.

“Some of them become our programme partners and implement initiatives that offer solutions to farmers’ challenges.

“By virtue of their participation, others have found them interesting and invested in them, enabling them to continue growing,” he said.

According to him, the organisation has impacted over 46 million smallholder farmers across America, Asia, and Africa since its inception 80 years ago.

Also, Abdulmutalib Mohammed, representing the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU), said: “Technology is a very important catalyst in achieving food security.

“If it’s not anchored by the youth and tech-savvy individuals, we don’t see how we can catch up”.

Some past beneficiaries of the grant testified to its impact in equipping them with technology-driven solutions to address challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They said it has contributed to food security, economic growth, and youth empowerment. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

Economy/Business

ECA, AfCFTA to boost visibility of women, youths through e-commerce

312 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

Women and youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria will benefit from improved access to African markets following the validation of the Market Access Guide and E-Commerce Platform.

An Economist with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA), Mamudou Sebego, said this at the Nigeria African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Validation Workshop, in Lagos.

According to him, the entrepreneurs will gain visibility under the AfCFTA initiative.

“This event marks the third consultative engagement between the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, with support from the UN-ECA and Nigerian businesses, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of women and youths in cross-border trade.

“The platform and guide aim to simplify trade processes, enable visibility for products, and connect vendors with buyers across the continent.

“It is expected to address longstanding challenges such as logistics bottlenecks and difficulties with export documentation, which many small business owners have faced.”

Sebego added that the platform was designed to serve three key purposes: giving visibility to products, facilitating vendor-buyer matchmaking.and enabling cross-border transactions.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies to ensure AfCFTA implementation.

“Registration, product verification, and customs documentation remain under the purview of various institutions such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.

“The e-commerce platform will not override regulatory processes but will integrate them over time.

“The goal is to simplify and eventually connect these processes online, but regulatory bodies will still play their role,”he said.

The Representative, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, Franca Achimugu, expressed the country’s readiness to implement AfCFTA commitments.

“Nigeria has taken a significant step forward by participating in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), a pilot phase of AfCFTA aimed at testing trade processes among willing and ready state parties.

“So, GTI allows countries that are ready to start trading and test the processes.

“Nigeria joined the GTI in June 2024 and successfully made its first shipment to Kenya in September, which arrived at its destination in December 2024,” she said.

Achimugu said that while the pilot shipment exposed gaps needing adjustments, Nigeria was  almost good and ready to go.

She said that the ultimate goal was to enhance the competitiveness of women and youth in the AfCFTA, noting that information was more important than money.

“This work is showing us where the opportunities are across Africa and what the requirements are for each market,” she  said.

Mrs Bukola Ajani, President, Association of Women in Fashion Tech, commended the initiative and expressed concerns about production cost.

“It will work similarly to platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and business owners have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to reduce the burden associated with physically moving goods across borders.

“This will help us sell our products without travelling out of Nigeria. That is a major advantage, but concerns about production costs remain.

“Challenges such as high energy costs and currency devaluation still undermine competitiveness in the free trade market.

“With a little push and support, we are ready to showcase our products to Africa and beyond,”Ajani said.

Dr Blessing Irabor-Oza, National President, Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), described the guide and platform as game-changing for women-led businesses.

“Some of our members are already exporting to the UK and US, but this will help many more women tap into the African market.

“The e-commerce platform will showcase our products and simplify payment systems,” she said.

She reiterated the potential for Nigerian products, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors, to thrive under AfCFTA.

“Our African fashion and Shea butter products are in high demand globally, and with proper packaging and standards, we can compete with the best,” she added.

Mrs Margaret Adepetu, Women’s Coordinator for the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, also commended the initiative.

Adepetu said that while digital tools were helpful, addressing fundamental issues like the high cost of fuel and improving the value of the naira remained crucial.

“We can have all the platforms, but if the cost of fuel and electricity remains high, our products will still struggle to compete,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by representatives of government, stakeholders, entrepreneurs and partners. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Economy/Business

UNDP, academy empower youths to harness AfCFTA opportunities

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By Lucy Ogalue

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Lelook Bags Academy, has trained 100 Nigeria youths on bag making.

The training is to enable the youths to key into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, said this at the graduation ceremony of the students in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Attafuah, the event emphasises the importance of leveraging AfCFTA to foster intra-African trade and economic growth.

While stating the transformative potential of AfCFTA, she said that intra-African trade, remained at a mere 16.6 per cent of the continent’s population of 1.4 billion

She emphasised that Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, engaged in only about 10 per cent of this trade, indicating substantial room for growth.

Attafuah stressed the need to connect individuals to opportunities, markets, and knowledge, with a particular focus on supporting women’s roles in trade.

She announced initiatives to link women to essential information, networks and financing, aiming to ensure that AfCFTA served as a practical tool for inclusive development.

Addressing the graduates, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer  (CEO) of Lelook Bags Academy, emphasised the significance of discipline, continuous learning, and innovation.

She urged them to view their acquired skills as instruments to break cycles of poverty, build generational wealth and create lasting impact.

Ezenwa urged the graduates to be proactive in building opportunities and leading change, emphasising that Africa’s development in trade would be significantly driven by women.

Also, a former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, applauded LeLook Bags’ impactful training of 100 youths in bag manufacturing.

Tallen reiterated the international competitiveness of LeLook’s products and emphasised the importance of such initiatives in providing sustainable livelihoods for young Nigerians.

She urged the public to support locally made products like LeLook bags, which rivals international brands in quality and design.

Dr Asabe Bashir, Director-General of the Mariam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, commended the high standards of LeLook’s products.

Bashir announced plans for collaboration with the Academy to enhance vocational training programmes in the country.

She said that such initiatives not only uplift individuals, but also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth by fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship among women and youths.

“These endorsements underscore the critical role of skill acquisition and local manufacturing in driving economic development and reducing unemployment in Nigeria,” she said.

Mr Desmond Toover, one of the graduating students, speaking on behalf of the class, thanked the UNDP and Lelook for the support and opportunity.

” We are more than a graduating class. We are a collective force, each of us bringing unique talents and perspectives that, when combined, can create extraordinary outcomes.

” We are deeply grateful to the phenomenal UNDP and Lelook Bags for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this training,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Metro

Nigeria, Germany partner on youth training

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Training

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has announced a partnership with Germany to launch an innovative dual vocational training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills for the job market.

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, gave this update in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, led by Dr Matthias Leder.

Olawande emphasised the ministry’s commitment to creating an environment that empowered young people to thrive and contribute to national development.

He also highlighted the ministry’s ambitious plan to train seven million youths in critical skills over the next two years.

He added that the ministry was organising an intensive three-day skills programme across 50 revitalised Youth Centres, culminating in a central event to enhance employability and prepare youths for an increasingly competitive job market.

Leder, in his address, called the training system a potential game-changer for Nigeria, noting the mutual benefits of dual vocational training for both countries.

He explained that the Nigerian youth would receive free vocational training in Germany, and those who pass the exams would be offered jobs at participating companies.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also stressed that the initiative would promote economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Germany.

He further said the collaboration built on a relationship that began in 2005 and was solidified with the launch of the Dual Vocational Education Project in 2012. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

ACCI empowers 15 youths with ICT, vocational skills

225 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has trained 15 youths in Information Communication Technology (ICT), administrative management, and other vocational skills.

President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, stated this during the 2nd graduation ceremony for the one-year competency-based training in Abuja.

Represented by his 1st Deputy President, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the ACCI boss said that the goal was to equip the youths with the needed skills to excel in their respective fields.

He stated that the trainees had participated in both the Office Administration (OA) and Technical Facility Operations and Maintenance (TFOM) Competency-Based Dual Vocational Training Programmes.

Obegolu emphasised that the event marked the culmination of months of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, with students completing rigorous and industry-focused training programmes.

“This training is the second phase of our competency-based programmes and serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, self-reliance, and commitment to excellence in vocational training,” Obegolu said.

He added that the goal of these programmess was to equip participants with the essential skills required to excel in their respective fields.

“These programmes go beyond traditional learning. They immerse trainees in real-world scenarios, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience,” he explained.

He further noted that the Office Administration programme followed the Dual Vocational Training (DVT) model, integrating workplace experience with academic instruction, leading to a level four certification under the National Skills Qualification Framework.

Obegolu also mentioned that the programmes were approved by the Federal Government through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He added that since 2021, the programmes have trained individuals in key areas such as workplace organisation, business communication, information technology, administrative management, and financial and legal support functions.

He described the TFOM programme, which focuses on technical facility management, highlighting its importance in equipping trainees with competencies across 12 critical learning fields, including safe working practices, environmental protection measures, electrical installation, and building security.

“The programme’s methodology, which combines one month of classroom instruction with three months of practical field training, ensures that graduates are highly employable,” Obegolu said.

He also lauded the graduates for developing essential soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism.

“These attributes will serve them well in their careers and contribute positively to their organisations and society,” he added.

Obegolu expressed his gratitude to GIZ and other stakeholders for their unwavering support in ensuring the successful execution of the training

He encouraged the graduates to embrace future opportunities with confidence and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Mrs Britta Erckelens, Programme Manager at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), praised the graduates for establishing a solid foundation of excellence.

She urged them to develop their skills and contribute to their respective industries to drive economic growth in Nigeria.

She also lauded the collaboration between GIZ and ACCI, which had enhanced the capacity of the ACC-IBEST Centre to deliver high-quality, market-relevant training programmes.

Mrs Phoebe Ocheche, Head of Training at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), advised the graduates to remain focused and share their experiences with others.

She thanked GIZ and ACCI for their efforts in making the training a success.

On behalf of the graduates, Mr Mamza Chakiram from the Industrial Arbitration Panel thanked ACCI, GIZ, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the training.

He said that the experience had exposed them to various technology programmes.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

General News

NNMDA D-G commits to promoting educational values, youth devt.

355 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA), has expressed his commitment to adding more value to the education sector and promoting youth development for a better society.

Emeje gave the commitment during his conferment with a National Outstanding Award as ‘Vanguard of Good Leadership and Epitome of Hope’ by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in Abuja.

He said that given his humble educational background, he understood how needful it would be to make the educational system less burdensome for students.

Emeje also said that it was time for an overhaul of school curricula, alleging that Nigeria was still deploying outdated curriculum against the 21st century realities.

“Being in this position can only accord me the opportunity to make my contributions toward finding ways to better the educational system.

“NANS has the population and you are the end-users of the curriculum, meaning that whatever you don’t want should not be there.

“You need to utilise that number to engage stakeholders meaningfully,” he said.

Emeje said that he decided to accept the award, amidst many award offers, because of his disposition toward youth development, saying that he had always exhibited this in his engagements.

“When the youth pick you up on anything, if it is bad, they are right and if it is good, they are right; they are the most vulnerable people and the vulnerable people see things better.

“Consider me as one of you and I will be committed to the development of the country through NANS,” he said.

Earlier, Vice-President of NANS, Abdullahi Bilal, stressed the urgent need for the government to invest in the education system in order not to jeopardise the future of no fewer than 40.1 million members of the association.

Bilal said: “We need to increase the budgetary allocation of education, address the issue of out-of-school children in the country and ensure that the introduction of student loan by President Bola Tinubu is implemented to benefit Nigerian students and not targeted at commercialising public education,” he said.

He also expressed worries over what he called outdated curricula, stressing “our curricula should be directed toward solving the problems of the Nigerian nation.”

He said that NANS had always championed the course of advancing education in the country and would continue in that regard.

Bilal said that Emeje was chosen for the award because he had shown a trajectory that promoted youth development and that he had made meaningful contributions to the Pharmacy profession, among other interventions. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

General News

Foundation advocates transformation of rural communities to tackle youth migration

419 total views today

By Ahmed Musa

Mr Emmanuel Obiabo, Executive Director of Statecraft Foundation, has emphasised the need for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration to prioritise transformation of rural communities to address increasing rate of youth migration.

Obiabo made this appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting with FCT Community Youth Associations in Abuja, focusing on enhancing service delivery in rural communities.

The meeting with the theme, “Promoting Active Citizenship and Leadership Development in FCT,” highlighted the importance of good governance in facilitating development.

Obiabo stressed that providing basic infrastructure in rural communities would significantly address challenges associated with youth migration.

“Some FCT rural communities lack Primary Healthcare Centres, power supply, and access to clean water.

“These gaps must be addressed to ensure the well-being of rural dwellers.

“The objective of the meeting is to facilitate commitments from stakeholders on addressing identified gaps, opportunities, and strategies related to infrastructure and service delivery in FCT rural communities.

“This includes education, primary healthcare, food, water, sanitation, power supply, and economic empowerment,” Obiabo said.

Mr Iliya Philip, Secretary of Ijah-Pada Community in Kwali Area Council, representing the youth, commended the foundation’s efforts in highlighting the community’s challenges.

Philip lamented the deplorable condition of roads and healthcare facilities in the community, appealing to the FCT Administration to expedite action towards revitalising the infrastructure deficit.

“While the FCT Administration has made efforts to improve infrastructure gaps in rural communities, including the inauguration of several roads in Kwali, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Abaji, and Abuja Municipal Area Council, more needs to be done.

“This is especially in areas like Abattoir, Naharati, Rafi-Zurfi, Lanto, Kuyami, Sabo-Iddo, Peyi, Pambara, and Jigo”.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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