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FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government
FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government
By: Michael Mike
The federal government is currently planning to push for 30 percent inclusion in government in the country.
Speaking at the commemoration of the International Youth Day in Abuja, Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio disclosed that efforts were ongoing to enact a law that will guarantee a 30 per cent inclusion of youth in government in Nigeria.
At the event rganised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, with the theme “Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems”, the Minister said the current government was doing a lot for the youth, adding that the Federal Executive Council had approved a 30 per cent inclusion for youths in the country.
She however said the intention was to institutionalise the policy, disclosing that her office was currently working with the national assembly to pass a law that will give the youth a seat at the table.
She said: “The Federal Executive Council approved the institutionalization, not just as a policy now, but taking a bill to the parliament and we solicit support we can get to ensure that this bill is advocated for and it is passed into law to ensure 30% minimum, 30% youth inclusion in government across all tiers of government
“If we have 48 ministers on the cabinet, we’re talking about, if this bill is passed, we’re saying we’ll have at least 15 young people under the age of 40 in the cabinet in the next dispensation.
“So we seek your support to help us have more voices to speak to the challenges that young people face.”
She said the inclusion of more youth in decision and governance would enhance rapid development both in policy making and financial autonomy for nation-building.
The Minister said the dialogue was a significant step towards President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s goal to build young entrepreneurs.
The Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, in her welcome address said over 250 MSMEs from across Nigeria registered for the event, saying it was a testament to the innovative spirit and collaborative drive Nigerian youth possess.
She said: “73% of entrepreneurs here are between 18 and 35 years old, highlighting the significant role young people play in driving digital startups and business innovation. 60% have tertiary-level education, leveraging their knowledge to innovate, particularly in agriculture, technology, and services.
“Yet, despite this foundation, challenges remain — 49% of these businesses earn up to only 1 million Naira annually, underscoring the struggle to scale amid broader economic constraints.”
She noted that despite the strong foundation of educated and experienced young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, significant barriers still prevent many from fully realising their potential.
She said the UNDP is an integrator and the lead agency for the SDGs, adding: “That’s why my colleagues and our government partners are here today—to listen to you and, more importantly, to leverage your insights as we design our next set of actions for youth businesses in Nigeria.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said: “According to International Labour Organisation’s World Employment and Social Outlook Report, globally, nearly 1 in 4 young people (23.5 per cent or 289 million) were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in 2023. Here, the National Bureau of Statistics puts the youth unemployment rate at 13.4 percent in 2023.”
She added that: “Evidently, the current state of youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria demands immediate attention and action. The consequences of this situation, including frustration and social unrest among youth and families, are severe and immediate. With over 60percent of Nigeria’s population under 25, initiatives like this are urgently needed.
“As policymakers, we have since recognise the unique perspectives, creativity, and energy that young people bring towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.With the ICT sector now contributing about 13 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are using available technology to expand the productive capacity of the economy.
“Of the about 41.5 million registered small businesses in Nigeria, SMEs sub-sector accounts for 96 percent of total businesses in the country and have contributed about 50 percent to the national GDP (NBS, 2023). Undoubtedly, this sub-sector is crucial to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.”
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria, Mohamed Fall said: “In recent years, the world has witnessed unprecedented changes driven by digital innovation. Across the globe, youth are leading this charge, utilizing technology to create businesses, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Africa, where the youth population is rapidly expanding, the digital economy offers a unique opportunity to accelerate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and create sustainable livelihoods.
He added that: “According to the concept note prepared for this Youth Engagement Week, digital transformation is one of the six pivotal transitions that can catalyze progress across the SDGs. With over two-thirds of the world now online and mobile phone subscriptions surpassing 8.63 billion in 2022, the digital landscape offers a fertile ground for innovation and economic development. In Nigeria, as in many African nations, young people are already harnessing the power of technology to drive change. They are not just participants in the digital revolution; they are its leaders, its visionaries, and its most ardent advocates.
Today’s youth are digital pioneers. They are using mobile devices, digital platforms, and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence to create new opportunities and solve complex challenges. This digital revolution is directly linked to over 70% of the 169 SDG targets, making it a crucial tool in our efforts to achieve sustainable development.
“In Nigeria, young entrepreneurs are developing innovative solutions that address critical issues such as food security, climate change, and access to education. From digital agriculture platforms that connect farmers with markets to fintech solutions that make financial services accessible to all, young Nigerians are proving that technology can be a powerful force for good.
“As we look across Africa, we see similar stories of innovation and resilience. Youth-led businesses are thriving in the digital economy, capitalizing on opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand their reach and impact. These young entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are building the future of Africa—a future where technology is leveraged to create inclusive and sustainable growth.
“However, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Digital transformation is not without its obstacles. Access to technology remains unequal, particularly in rural areas, where infrastructure is often lacking. Digital literacy, too, varies widely, with many young people lacking the skills needed to fully participate in the digital economy.”
FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government
Troops Intervene in Farmer-Herder Clash in Riyom, Recover 37 Sheep
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intervened in a farmer-herder clash in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, rescuing the injured parties and securing livestock pending peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Security sources Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on May 11 at Potok Fongon village in Ganawuri District of Riyom LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 6 OPEP deployed at Ganawuri responded swiftly following reports of a clash between a farmer, Mr Fon Gehgeh, and a herder, Mr Usman Iliyasu, over alleged grazing on farmland.
According to the sources, troops arrived at the scene and found both men with varying degrees of injuries sustained during the altercation.
The victims were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Ganawuri for medical treatment.
The troops also recovered 37 sheep belonging to the herder and moved them to a safe location pending amicable settlement of the dispute by relevant authorities and community leaders.
Security officials said efforts were ongoing to ensure peaceful resolution of the matter and prevent escalation of tensions within the community.
Troops Intervene in Farmer-Herder Clash in Riyom, Recover 37 Sheep
Alleged Coup Trial: Cleric Says He Warned That The Plot Would Fail
*Admits he received money for ‘prayers’
By: Zagazola Makama
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, viewed a video- recorded statement by Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir, the sixth defendant in the ongoing trial of persons accused of conspiring to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
In the recording, the Sheikh, who admitted receiving money to pray for the success of the operation, however, claimed that he warned the alleged plotters that their plan was doomed and that they would be sabotaged from within.
The video recording was played during the continuation of trial proceedings, with the fourth prosecution witness (PW4) still in the witness box.
In the recording, Abdulkadir, an Islamic cleric, said he had known the alleged ringleader, Colonel Maaji, for less than a year and was approached through an intermediary identified as Sanda to offer spiritual support for the plot.
He told investigators that Sanda informed him that his “Oga” intended to stage a coup and needed prayers regarding its likely success. After conducting the prayers, Abdulkadir said he advised them the operation would fail and that two persons would eventually expose those involved.
A subsequent request was relayed back to him, he said, asking for further prayers to prevent those two individuals from speaking out. Money was later transferred to him for prayers and charity, and names of alleged participants were forwarded for inclusion.
Abdulkadir said he first learnt of the arrests through media reports, after Sanda had informed him that Colonel Maaji had been unreachable for four days. He maintained throughout the recording that the funds he received were strictly for prayers and not in support of any coup attempt.
He also acknowledged understanding that a coup meant a military overthrow of government but said he did not report the plot because he did not know who to report to.
The cleric said his arrest came after he visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to resolve restrictions placed on his bank account.
Upon contacting an EFCC deputy director, he was invited to the commission’s office to explain the source of the funds. He denied making any coup-related statement while in EFCC custody and stated that he was neither assaulted nor tortured, and that all his statements were made voluntarily.
Following the playback, the prosecution sought to tender extra-judicial statements made by all six defendants before a Special Investigation Panel and military police authorities.
However, defence lawyers of all six defendants objected, arguing the statements were either involuntarily obtained or made in violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Their objections include failure to inform defendants of their right to legal representation; alleged discrepancies between video recordings and corresponding written statements; allegations of coercion, inducement and torture; and claims that the footage did not adequately establish the physical condition of defendants during recording.
Counsel to the fifth defendant further argued that, given the number of accused persons, the court should conduct separate trial-within-trial proceedings for each disputed statement rather than a combined exercise.
Responding, the prosecution urged the court to dismiss the objections, maintaining that the law does not mandate separate proceedings for each defendant and that the trial judge holds discretion over how evidence is received.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled in favour of a single joint trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness and admissibility of all the disputed statements.
The case was then adjourned to May 12.
Alleged Coup Trial: Cleric Says He Warned That The Plot Would Fail
Gov. Mutfwang Urges Responsible Reporting, Says Plateau Remains Safe for Visitors
By: Zagazola Manama
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has urged journalists and social media users to exercise restraint and professionalism in reporting security incidents in the state, warning that unverified reports and sensational narratives were damaging Plateau’s image.
The governor made the appeal during a stakeholders’ engagement in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following recent security challenges in parts of the state.
Mutfwang said while the government remained committed to transparency and accurate documentation of security incidents, the spread of rumours and misleading reports on social media was negatively affecting public perception of Plateau State.
“I don’t want to suggest to anyone that any incident should be swept under the carpet. We keep accurate data of all accounts, but many people are in a hurry to put things on social media, and in the process, they are destroying the state,” the governor said.
He cautioned against publishing unverified information, noting that false reports often distort facts and create unnecessary panic among residents and outsiders.
According to him, there was a deliberate attempt by some individuals to portray Plateau State as unsafe and discourage tourism and investment in the state.
“There is a deliberate plan to de-market Plateau State and tell the world that Plateau is not a place anybody should visit. But let me reassure Nigerians and the international community that Plateau still remains the Home of Peace and Tourism. Nobody will take that away from us,” he stated.
The governor appealed to media practitioners to remain responsible in their reportage and support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability across affected communities.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security operations, protecting lives and property, and creating an enabling environment for economic and tourism activities to thrive in the state.
Gov. Mutfwang Urges Responsible Reporting, Says Plateau Remains Safe for Visitors
Troops Intervene in Farmer-Herder Clash in Riyom, Recover 37 Sheep
Fulani Bandits kill 2 in Plateau in reprisal to attack on herders that killed nine cows in Jos South
Two Killed in Attack at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau, One Suspect Arrested
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