International
British Council, EU, others want full youth engagement in governance
British Council, EU, others want full youth engagement in governance
The British Council, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and stakeholders have called for full engagement of youths in governance.
They made the call during a policy dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, with theme: “Youth Perspective for Building and Sustaining a Prosperous Nigeria”.
The dialogue was organised under three British Council programmes, Agent for Citizen-driven Transformation(ACT), Managing Conflict in Nigeria(MCN) and Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption(RoLAC).
The participants stated that since Nigerian youths were often victims and active participants in most violent conflicts, they were critical to finding solutions to various security, economic and other socio-political challenges.
Speaking, the British Council Chief Executive Officer, Scott Macdonald said many young Nigerians had brilliant hopes and towering aspirations.
He added that the council’s programmes over the years included increasing the chances of the vulnerable to contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria.
“It is really a joy and privilege to be part of an organisation like the British Council, which is making a contribution to the future of Nigeria.
“We are attempting to share our skills and knowledge and in turn learning from Nigeria about the solutions that we can apply to the challenges we face at home in the United Kingdom.
“This is my first visit to Nigeria but British Council has been operating here for nearly 80 years and throughout these years we have connected young people through opportunities and education and various other programmes.
“Many of those who have taken part in British Council activities over the years have become leaders in many countries and across Nigeria,” he said.
On security, he stated that the council had worked over the last 25 years with partners to strengthen peace and security in Nigeria.
Macdonald expressed optimism that Nigeria and UK would continue to maintain cordial relationship.
Contributing, the National Chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani, said the youth had the capacity to bring about the needed change in Nigeria if fully involved in governance.
He said with youths accounting for about 70 per cent of Nigerian population, their impact in good and sustainable governance could not be overemphasised.
On poor youth participation in governance , particularly electoral processes, Sani urged them to participate actively in politics.
“Power is never given on a platter of gold, you have to earn it and struggle for it especially in a capitalist society like ours, because nobody will give it to you for free.
“So, I call on the youth not to relent in vying for political offices and to ensue violence and money for vote,” he said.
He also urged women and persons living with disabilities to make their impact felt in the society by not just electing people into positions of authority but vying for positions.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN ) reports that the dialogue which attracted participants from various organisations across the country, cut across the youth, persons living with disabilities among others.
Meanwhile, discussants gave insight into sub-topics which included youth perspective for addressing security challenges in Nigeria, youth political apathy and the future of leadership in Nigeria.
Others are, politically disabled: barriers and factors affecting people with disabilities political life, empowering women for meaningful participation in governance and peacebuilding.
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom has expressed its commitment to the restoration of peace, stability and sustainable solutions to the troubled Northeast region which has been bedeviled by insurgency.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson made the commitment on Monday when she paid a courtesy call on Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.
Atkinson who commended Zulum for his commitment to fighting insurgency in Borno, said: “On behalf of the British Government, I recognise the effort of His Excellency, the Governor, in tackling insurgency and supporting the people of Borno State, particularly aiming to secure a prosperous future for the people displaced by insurgency.
“I want to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and sustainable solutions, particularly through the ongoing regional stabilisation facility.”
Responding, the Secretary to Borno State Government who received the Deputy High Commissioner on behalf of Governor Zulum, expressed appreciation to the UK Government for their partnership and support.
He said,: “With the UK Government to start with, we have quite a number of very strong partnerships. His Excellency appreciates it, and he specifically instructed me to convey the special message of appreciation.”
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Engr Emet Kois, Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Work and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio, Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga and Inter-Governmental and Special Duties, Tukur Shani.
Others in attendance include Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Abdullahi Ishaq, the Senior Technical Assistant, Political, to the Governor, Alhaji Tahiru Shettima, Permanent Secretary of political and cabinet, Danjuma Ali, and the Executive Secretary of Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response (BOACSDHR), Babakura Mamman Gadai.
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
A swift response by the Nigerian troops in Kebbi has foiled a bandit attack on Dabai Town, forcing the assailants to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. when suspected bandits attempted to invade the town.
“Security forces were immediately dispatched to intercept the assailants and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the source said. “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their mission and escaped.”
While no casualties were reported, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the brutal killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Mission expressed deep distress over the incident and extended condolences to the family, congregation, and community of the late cleric.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence. Our thoughts are with them during this time of profound grief,” the statement read.
The mission also called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Father Okechukwu’s killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls for enhanced security measures, especially in regions affected by banditry and violent attacks.
The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security agencies are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
U.S. Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest in Kaduna
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