National News
ActionAid Nigeria Describes Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech, Echoes of Past Unfulfilled Promises and Reforms

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech, Echoes of Past Unfulfilled Promises and Reforms
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has described President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech as echoes past promises and reforms that remain unfulfilled, stating that: “Despite the administration’s claims of economic progress, the reality is a worsening crisis for millions of Nigerians who cannot afford basic necessities.”
The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, lamented that fuel subsidy removal, increasing cost of electricity, mounting inflation, heightened insecurity, inflation, and rising food prices have driven the poor into deeper poverty while unemployment soar.
The statement decried that the President’s reforms have only worsened the economic and social crisis, creating ripple effects that have deepened poverty and inequality.

Mamedu, said in the statement that the President has repeatedly asked Nigerians to “sacrifice” for the country, stressing that “but how long must this sacrifice last? The citizens are already bearing the brunt of devastating economic policies, with no respite in sight.
He said: “Meanwhile, corruption festers unchecked across all levels of government. What meaningful steps have been taken to address this systemic issue? In today’s speech, the president failed to address key issues, notably inflation and the rising exchange rate, which directly impact the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. These omissions leave us questioning the federal government’s understanding of the daily struggles Nigerians face.”
He insisted that: “The removal of the fuel subsidy on May 30, 2024, as pronounced by the president, triggered an unsustainable rise in fuel prices, making transportation, food production, and energy costs increasingly unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
“Citizens are yet to recover from this shock, and instead, they face continuous suffering. The current reform by the President mirrors the devastating policies of past regimes, particularly those during the Abacha era, which left scars that we are still trying to heal from. President Tinubu’s purported “achievements” have not yet led to tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. On the contrary, there are growing concerns about threats to life, heightened insecurity, and rising inequality.”
He added that: “While ActionAid Nigeria acknowledges the military’s recent victories, issues surrounding the banditry in the Northwest remain largely unattended. Bandits continue to terrorise communities, displace families, and destroy livelihoods.
“These violent acts have left many Nigerians vulnerable and in constant fear. Shockingly, the President made no mention of this in his speech, ignoring the devastation that banditry has caused. The government must act swiftly to address the ongoing violence in the Northwest, providing security and protection for the citizens who have been left voiceless and unsupported.”
He noted that: “Nigerians have been speaking out, using various platforms to express their frustrations and concerns. Protests, public demonstrations, and widespread conversations on social media are clear indicators of the people’s dissatisfaction. Yet, the President and his administration remain distant and unresponsive to these cries for change. It is time for the government to truly listen to the people. Nigerians are tired of being told to “be patient” while their realities grow bleaker by the day.”
He said: “Nigerians need more than promises. We need tangible changes that will lead to affordable and improved living standards, security, and justice. Until then, ActionAid Nigeria stands in solidarity with the citizens, demanding that the government listen and act in the true interest of the people. We call for reforms that reflect the lived realities of everyday Nigerians and promote inclusivity, equity, and sustainability in governance.”
ActionAid Nigeria Describes Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech, Echoes of Past Unfulfilled Promises and Reforms
National News
Nigeria Partners UNICEF To Train 20m Youth In Digital Skills By 2030

Nigeria Partners UNICEF To Train 20m Youth In Digital Skills By 2030
** As VP Shettima chairs Generation Unlimited board
By: Our Reporter
The Federal Government of Nigeria has renewed its strategic partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to train and empower 20 million young Nigerians with digital skills by 2030.
This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima has accepted to chair the board of Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), a public-private-youth partnership platform constituted to help young Nigerians between the ages of 10 and 24 transition from learning to earning through digital connectivity.

Speaking during a meeting with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall; UNICEF Deputy Representative, Dr. Rownak Khan, and Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, at the President Villa, Abuja on Monday, Senator Shettima warned that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, currently estimated at over 230 million with an average age of 17, presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It is an honour for me to serve as the Chairman of Generation Unlimited (GenU 9JA). This platform provides a vista of opportunities for our young people. Beyond rhetoric, if we want to survive and thrive, we must empower our youth through digital means. That’s the only way forward,” the Vice President said.
The GenU 9JA initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive development, digital innovation, and youth empowerment as tools for national transformation.
VP Shettima stressed that Nigeria is not seeking handouts but sustainable, equitable partnerships.
“We are not looking for charity. We want a mutually beneficial relationship—one based on respect and shared interests. This is why I’m very passionate about the digital initiative. Beyond leadership in our enlightened self-interest, if we want to live in this part of the world, we have to involve them, we have to empower them,” he said.
The VP described the initiative as a beautiful programme that would enable the Nigerian youths trade their skills in the global market, saying “from earning to learning is a beautiful initiative and more than any other platform, the digital space gives us the easiest window to get the youth engaged effortlessly.
“They can trade their skills in the global market. I know of a lot of young Nigerians who are working for global firms from the comfort of their homes,” he added.
Earlier, UN Resident Coordinator, Fall, praised Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the GenU platform is central to addressing youth unemployment, educational inequality, and digital exclusion.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, youth-focused initiatives—skills, digital access, and employment—are critical. And GenU is helping to drive those priorities,” Fall said.
Also, UNICEF Deputy Representative, Dr. Khan, added that GenU 9JA is one of UNICEF’s most successful global youth empowerment programmes, with Nigeria showcased as a model.
“We’ve seen incredible results from Nigeria. Few countries globally have recorded the level of youth impact that GenU 9JA has achieved,” she said.
According to Khan, the programme is built on three pillars: digital connectivity, pathways from learning to earning, and youth engagement and empowerment—all designed to prepare Nigerian youth for today’s job market.
On her part, UNICEF Lagos Chief, Celine Lafoucriere, noted that since its launch in 2022, GenU 9JA has impacted over 10 million young people, with 1,500 job linkages already secured.
“To reach our target of 20 million youth by 2030, we must now strengthen coordination among partners and align even more closely with national policy,” Lafoucriere said.
End
National News
OAU RETREAT: STAKEHOLDERS RESOLVED TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE INSTITUTION’S DEVELOPMENT

OAU RETREAT: STAKEHOLDERS RESOLVED TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE INSTITUTION’S DEVELOPMENT
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders at the just concluded four-day strategic Obafemi Awolowo University Council Management Retreat have resolved to work together and use their respective expertise towards the development of the institution.
Rising from the retreat held from May 28 to May 31, 2025 at Ede, Osun state, the Stakeholders used the opportunity to restrategise on challenges and opportunities confronting the 63 years old institution.
The retreat tagged: “Towards A Better Working Relationship Between Council and Management” had Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, former Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan as the keynote speaker.

Other stakeholders in attendance include Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Pro-Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Simeon Adebayo Bamire, OAU Vice Chancellor, his DVC Administration, Prof. O.M.A. Daramola and newly elected Great Ife Alumni Association President, Barrister Leye Bunmi Falode.
Others in attendance were Prof. M. Olubola Babalola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Akanni Akinyemi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development and all other principal officers of the University which include the Registrar, Librarian and the Bursar.
All the registered unions like ASUU, CONUA, Students Union Government among other stakeholders at the institution were equally in attendance during the retreat.
In his goodwill message, Barrister Falode used the opportunity to unveil the Alumni 14-point agenda which include giving priority to the needs of the University as the Federal Government allocation alone cannot sustain it.
He also said that working together with all stakeholders in a rancour-free atmosphere is what they need to achieve all the set goals of the Alumni for the university.
Falode, who was sworn in as Global President on Saturday May 24, however, urged all stakeholders to work in harmony with the management and Council of the Institutions towards making it a true centre of academic excellence.
OAU RETREAT: STAKEHOLDERS RESOLVED TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE INSTITUTION’S DEVELOPMENT
National News
ECOWAS Court President Calls for Strategic Renewal and Institutional Realignment

ECOWAS Court President Calls for Strategic Renewal and Institutional Realignment
By: Michael Mike
The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves on Monday emphasised the critical need for transparent financial management and strategic institutional reform as the Court navigates a defining moment in its administrative evolution.
Speaking at the 17th Administration and Budget Retreat of the Court, the President said the retreat was not merely a routine institutional exercise, but one that requires renewed commitment, clear vision, and adaptive leadership.
“This is not just another meeting,” he said. “It is a decisive moment that will shape the future of the Court. The complex administrative and financial environment we are operating in, demands not only compliance but also innovation, resilience, and courage.”
Gonçalves stressed the importance of building a more efficient and accountable institutional framework. He called for a renewed sense of purpose among departments, urging managers and staff to embrace transparency and creativity in tackling challenges.
“The Court must reflect a strong strategic direction and realign its priorities to match regional realities. We cannot afford to be passive. We must act decisively to redefine our priorities, streamline our procedures, and reinforce our core mission”.
Highlighting the economic challenges facing the West African region, the President underscored the need for efficient use of financial resources and ensure that all initiatives, are results-oriented, impactful, and aligned with the Court’s long-term vision.
He emphasised that the Court must serve as a model of integrity, foresight, and adaptability: “We are not only managing numbers; we are shaping the future of regional justice. Our financial and administrative actions must match the responsibility we carry as custodian of community law.
The President called for the consolidation of strategic plans into concrete, measurable reforms and encouraged collaboration across departments to foster a professional and inclusive working environment, one that motivates, empowers, and attracts talent.
The Director of Administration and Finance of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Chief Dr. William Deiyan Towah who made a presentation on the «Objectives and Expectations of the Retreat,” emphasised the importance of strategic reflection, data-driven planning, and institutional renewal. He urged participants to go beyond routine planning and embrace a future-ready approach that prioritises impact, sustainability, and risk management.
“This is not just about doing our best,” he stated. “It is about ensuring our efforts are effective, sustainable, and align with the Court’s evolving realities.”


Participants at the retreat include directors, heads of divisions and units, administrative and finance staff and other key staff of the Court.
ECOWAS Court President Calls for Strategic Renewal and Institutional Realignment
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