National News
FG Establishes Youth Desk to Tackle Challenge Affecting Young Nigerians

FG Establishes Youth Desk to Tackle Challenge Affecting Young Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Youth Development, Oyedele Olawande, has announced a collaborative effort with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish a Youth Desk Office aimed at tackling issues affecting young Nigerians.
Speaking during the International Anti-Corruption Day event, the minister emphasized the critical role of this initiative in empowering the youth and addressing corruption.
He noted that: “The Nigerian Youth Aid Desk is not just a platform; it is a confirmation that this administration sees, hears, and values the youth.”
Olawande, while describing the initiative as a direct link between young Nigerians and decision-makers, providing avenues for reporting corruption, seeking justice, and accessing help for drug-related issues, noted that the collaboration with UNODC, “will create a safe and empowering space for young people, equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves from societal vices.
He said: “Together, we are building a more effective response to the challenges facing our youth and creating safe spaces for their development.”
Highlighting the administration’s commitment, Olawande noted that the platform is part of broader efforts to rebuild trust between the government and the youth. He said: “Under this administration, we are determined to rebuild the trust that has been lost. For years, young people have felt left out, but we believe things must change.”
The minister also reflected on the lessons learned from youth protests, including the #EndSARS movement, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement. “The lack of constant engagement with the youth is one reason for protests and the low trust in government. This initiative is a step towards bridging that gap,” he explained.
Olawande extended his gratitude to UNODC for its partnership and called for further collaboration across sectors. He said: “We need open collaborations to ensure the government remains transparent and inclusive. Together, we can make this country proud.”
The Help Desk platform comprises several initiatives designed to reach young people across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory. Olawande emphasized the administration’s commitment: “With ongoing collaboration with UNODC, we will extend this initiative to local governments. Nigerian youth should access justice wherever they are. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to young Nigerians everywhere, regardless of their background.”
The Youth Desk Office, now operational under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is expected to enhance the government’s responsiveness to youth concerns, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and participatory governance structure.
In his earlier remarks, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to youth-centered initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in the fight against corruption.
Toure outlined UNODC’s focus on working with the Ministry of Youth Development to address key issues such as drug abuse, human trafficking, cybercrime, and violent extremism.
UNODC Nigeria Country Representative, commended the Minister’s rapid response to youth recommendations. “Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the vanguard of change today. The Nigerian Youth Help Desk empowers the largest demographic to be agents of accountability, bridging the gap between aspiration and action. And I believe by harnessing their energy and potential, we forge a path to justice, security, and progress for all Nigerians. Everyone must embrace this initiative as a catalyst for transformation, recognizing that when we invest in our youth, we invest in the very foundation of our nation’s future.” He affirmed.
Youth champions against corruption, Mr Mubarak Idris and Ms Calista Njoku expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by FMYD and UNODC. They emphasized the readiness of Nigerian youth to build trust and collaborate more effectively with the Federal Government when provided with meaningful participation opportunities.
This year’s Anti-Corruption Day theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” highlights the pivotal role of young people in fostering transparency and accountability.
FG Establishes Youth Desk to Tackle Challenge Affecting Young Nigerians
National News
One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State

One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have attacked Gari Village in Masamagu area of Niger State, killing one person and abducting another in a violent incident that occurred on Wednesday night.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the attack happened at about 9:30 p.m. on July 24, when six unidentified gunmen stormed the community and macheted a 55-year-old man, Umaru Zakiru, to death.
They also abducted one Hussaini Muhammed to an unknown destination, but the victim later escaped from captivity with a gunshot wound.
A tram of security forces responded promptly and evacuated both the deceased and the injured to the General Hospital in Kontagora for autopsy and medical treatment.
A manhunt has been launched to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State
National News
Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them

Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians in Diaspora of his administration’s determination to continue to provide the enabling environment and policies that will boost their active participation in the country’s governance.
Tinubu gave the assurance at the opening of the National Diaspora Day celebrations 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This year’s celebration is themed: “Optimizing formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and growth”.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said: “We will continue to provide an enabling platform for effective policies for the Diaspora with the view to galvanizing your support for this administration and concretizing our democracy, optimizing your potentials and setting a good example for other African countries to emulate.
“Let me also state that we will look into the Challenges NiDCOM has enumerated with a view to ameliorating same so that we can harvest maximally the benefits of migration through the engagements with our Diaspora for national development and growth.”
He added that: “It is a great delight to address our over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora on this auspicious occasion of the celebration of our National Diaspora Day 2025.”
“Only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.
The President highlighted the contributions of the diaspora, which include increasing remittances, pointing out that in 2024 alone, “Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion through official channels—more than four times the value of the country’s foreign direct investment.
He said: “The Nigerians in the diaspora are also actively investing in our health care, agriculture, education, information, communication technology, housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas, and other sectors.
“This, I must say, is commendable and in our enlightened self-interest.”
The President stressed how highly the government rates the Nigerians in diaspora, saying “Our renewed hope for foreign policy recognises the diaspora as the fourth pillar for the agenda—namely democracy, demography, development, and diaspora.
In his goodwill message, the minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said:
“When you go to any part of the world, maybe in Asia, Africa, South America, you will see Nigerians excelling. Nigerians breaking barriers. Nigerians breaking ceilings. And Nigerians using ceilings as springboards to greatness.”
The Minister highlighted the economic potential of diaspora remittances—comparing Nigeria’s $21bn in 2024 remittances to $32.91bn in oil earnings and India’s $135.46bn diaspora inflows.
He said: “What does that tell you? It tells you that the power of economic emancipation, a lot of this resides within you, beyond your own imagination,” he said.
The minister also explained that the administration is laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity—even if short-term sacrifices are required.
“You cannot cure a tumor by virtue of a paracetamol. It is important that the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President came into being. And today, we can see the results. We can see the economic stability of this country,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also spoke on the reforms in his ministry which include immigration and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
He therefore called on the diaspora community to trust in the country’s direction under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Nigeria has never been ready for investment more than now. We are ready for investment.
“I assure you, under the leadership of this President, you will never regret your investment. Nigeria loves you. Nigeria cares about you. And this particular administration cares about you,” he said.
Earlier, in her remark, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said “The theme is apt to appreciate the efforts of both the government and the diaspora community in nation building and also to discuss how to make diaspora engagements better for national development.”
She emphasised the role of Nigerians in diaspora in the country’s development.
Dabiri-Erewa announced a proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme. The initiative would allow professionals in the diaspora to take part in six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, aimed at promoting knowledge transfer and innovation across sectors.
“It will strengthen their role in nation-building and serve as a knowledge-driven giveback to the fatherland,” she added.
Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a new Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform, aimed at providing secure housing opportunities for diaspora Nigerians seeking to invest back home.
Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them
National News
Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma

Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Nasarawa State have arrested six suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang responsible for a series of violent crimes in Yelwa Ediya village, Doma Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Darda’u Shehu, Yunusa Malami Hashimu, Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Musa, Mohammed Musa, and Jibrin Lafia, were apprehended during a coordinated raid based on actionable intelligence from a concerned resident.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping of a local councillor, Hon. Ari Muhammad, on May 26, 2025. They further disclosed that one of their members, Darda’u Shehu, raped the councillor’s wife, Talatu Ari, during the abduction and stole two mobile phones an Infinix Note 30 valued at ₦250,000 and a Tecno phone valued at ₦20,000.
The gang also confessed to mounting a roadblock along the Doma–Yelwa Road on July 19, where they attacked one Ibrahim Haruna and snatched his Bajaj motorcycle worth ₦970,000.
Recovered from the suspects were ₦100,000 in cash and one Bajaj motorcycle believed to have been taken from one of their victims.
The suspects also named their gang leaders as Bammi Alhaji Amme (alias Zomo) and one Lawali (surname unknown), who are currently on the run.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and bring them to justice.
End
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