Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage

By: Michael Mike

The Majority Leader of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Ridwan Barade has called for the outlaw and criminalization of marriage of male or female under the age of 18.

Speaking at a National Roundtable Dialogue with High-Level Policy Makers in commemoration of of the Day of the African Child 2025 organised by the African Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN) Nigeria and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Abuja, Barade said: “A child who is not yet done with education, who doesn’t even have the intellect of herself, is already in a house giving birth to children, which is very wrong, and if we don’t change that narrative, then we won’t be able to move forward as a country.”

He added that: “The normal age for an adult is 18, so I believe if we can have a rule that you can’t marry before 18, then I believe we’re going to have what we’re looking for,” stressing that “the government should make a rule that no parent should give their child out before 18.”

He noted that if we can be able to penalise people that are doing such things, then we’re going to be great country.

He revealed his readiness to work with other members of the Nigerian and other stakeholders to prepare the legal framework for outlawing marriage of minors, people below 18 years.

On her part, the Nigeria National Coordinator of AfriYAN, Adek Bassey has called for the involvement of more youth in governance. She said: “We should be on the roundtable where decisions are taken.”

She also advocated for transparency of programme initiated for youth by government, noting that as at now there are dearth of programmes for youth in the country.

She added that governments in the country should embark on programmes centered around youth and release funds to build youth in the country.

Bassey while commending UN and its agencies for funding programmes meant to advance the course of youth in Nigeria, said the youth will be happy when the major funds for them are from Nigerian government.

She said: “So that when we see a call from our own pool of funds from the government, all of us will be excited that this funding, we are funded by the Nigerian government. No, we are always funded by UNFPA, we are always funded by UN Women’s Agency. We want to be funded by our own Nigerian pool fund for young people, you know, let it be that accessible.

“Put your criteria for us to meet, which we are definitely going to meet and we have track records of our work. So that is what we want to see. Every year, annual call from the government, youth apply for this fund and get to do programmes and you have a tracking system to see that this funding is actually being used for this issue.”

Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage

PEBEC Commences Nationwide Tour on Ease of Doing Business

By: Michael Mike

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is commencing a nationwide tour to sensitize on the ease of doing business.

The tour which would see it conducting technical sessions and town hall meetings in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT is to bring home the strategies on doing business right.

A press statement at the weekend by PEBEC read: “The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is
pleased to announce its nationwide tour, starting on June 23, 2025, to drive the ease of doing business reforms across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The tour will run from the last week of June into mid July.

“The tour will feature technical sessions and town hall meetings, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage with government officials, share experiences, and propose reforms to ease business operations.”

The press statement further read that: “The goal (of the tour) is to create a more conducive business environment, attracting investment, and driving economic growth across Nigeria.”

It revealed that the tour will provide an opportunity for businesses, investors, and the general public to interact with government officials, share concerns, and propose solutions to challenges hindering business growth.

“For more information about the PEBEC nationwide tour, including dates and venues for each state,” the statement asked interested Nigerians to visit PEBEC website or social media channels.

PEBEC Commences Nationwide Tour on Ease of Doing Business

Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a decision he will never regret.

Speaking on Saturday in Uyo during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally sent a message to the governor, assuring him that the APC would be home to him and his supporters.

“This party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken,” Shettima declared. “Mr. President asked me to assure you personally—no one will question your place here.”

Describing Tinubu as a “bridge-builder” and “deep-rooted democrat,” the Vice President praised the president’s enduring commitment to democratic values, recalling how he stood firm during challenging political periods in Nigeria’s history.

“Few figures in our national history have given as much and demanded so little in return,” Shettima said, referencing Tinubu’s past political sacrifices.

The Vice President noted that the APC is not a party driven by media hype but by vision, merit, and loyalty. “We are not just a political platform; we are a movement,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno said he joined the APC to align with the Tinubu-led administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and fast-track the realization of key infrastructural projects, including the long-delayed Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom.

“My progressive state movement is predicated on enlightened state interest—to support Mr. President’s bold and audacious reforms,” the governor said.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed the governor and his supporters, hailing the massive turnout as a demonstration of public trust in the APC.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the significance of the governor’s defection, describing it not as just a political move but as a full-fledged “movement.” He assured Akwa Ibom citizens of the federal government’s support for development projects in the state.

Other notable speakers included Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who commended Governor Eno’s decision, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who declared the South-South zone’s full alignment with the federal government.

The event climaxed with the presentation of the APC flag and broom to Governor Eno, symbolizing his official welcome into the party and reaffirming the APC’s stance as a vehicle of national progress.

Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder