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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
News
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent confrontation among rival youths in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga, Minna, Niger State, resulted in the death of one person and the arrest of several others, security sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to sources, on Friday at about 8:00 p.m., a group of youths armed with dangerous weapons were sighted causing havoc along David Mark Road. Security operatives quickly intervened and dispersed the group.
However, at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, the same group engaged in a violent clash among themselves using matchets and daggers. Twelve suspects, including Ibrahim Musa, Abbah Hussaini, Babangida Gambo, and Abubakar Bala, were arrested, by the police and their weapons recovered.
Later at about 8:30 a.m., Bello Mohammed of Farm Centre, Tunga Minna, was found lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to General Hospital Minna but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Sources said that preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was among the suspected thugs terrorizing residents in the area.
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
News
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
By: Zagazola Makama
A 25-year-old Fulani man, Yakubu Salisu of Tenti village, Bokkos Local Government Area, was killed in a violent attack, while six cows were poisoned in a separate incident in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
According to sources , Salisu was stabbed at the back by yet-to-be-identified assailants suspected to be locals of Bokkos. He died instantly at the scene.
Before the attack, a farmer, Josiah Joshua, 28, said he reportedly confronted six herders rearing cows on his farm. According to him, herders allegedly refused to remove the animals and attacked Joshua, resulting in injuries.
In retaliation, Joshua mobilized his friends to attack Yakubu Salisu, stabbing him multiple times on his before and killing him instantly.
Local leaders told Zagazola that the claims by some parties suggesting the Fulani victims “invaded farmlands” are false and appear to be an attempt to justify the attacks. Investigations indicate both incidents were unprovoked and targeted.
The police, however stormed the scene, photographed the corps and later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites, as the family declined an autopsy. The Authorities said they have commenced investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, in Riyom LGA, six cows were poisoned in Kwi village without any apparent provocation.
Authorities have commenced investigations into both incidents, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Security officials warned residents to remain vigilant and urged communities to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
These incidents illustrate the rising tensions in Plateau State, drawing attention to the need for swift intervention to prevent escalation of communal violence over farmland disputes.
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
News
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
By: Sunday Oladapo
Leadership in the security sector often reveals itself not through grand speeches or public displays of authority, but through quiet, deliberate decisions that gradually shift systems, culture, and outcomes. Adeola Ajayi’s stewardship of the Department of State Services (DSS) exemplifies this subtle but powerful form of leadership. Though he rarely seeks the spotlight, the changes unfolding under his watch are reshaping the DSS in ways that many insiders describe as the most meaningful transformation the agency has witnessed in years.
From the moment Ajayi assumed office, it was clear he was bringing a different kind of energy—one rooted in discipline, modernization, and strategic silence. Instead of sweeping pronouncements, he focused on strengthening the agency’s foundation: its people, processes, and purpose. And this approach, though understated, is now yielding visible dividends.
Reinvigorating Professionalism and Intelligence Capacity
One of Ajayi’s most significant achievements is the recalibration of the DSS’s intelligence framework. Recognizing that modern threats—from terrorism to cybercrime—require an intelligence service that is both proactive and technologically sophisticated, he initiated targeted reforms to upgrade analytical tools, digital surveillance capacity, and field operations coordination.
Training programs have also been revitalized. Officers are now exposed to global best practices in intelligence gathering, behavioral analysis, cybersecurity, and inter-agency communication. The goal is simple but transformative: build a DSS that can prevent threats before they materialize, rather than merely responding after damage has been done.
Ajayi’s emphasis on data-driven intelligence has contributed to more efficient threat assessment, improved crisis response, and a more agile internal structure that encourages innovation instead of outdated, rigid protocols.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration
A common weakness in Nigeria’s security architecture has been fragmentation—agencies working in silos, often competing rather than collaborating. Ajayi has worked quietly but effectively to change this dynamic. His leadership has fostered smoother cooperation between the DSS, the police, the military, and other national security institutions.
By prioritizing information-sharing, joint operations, and coordinated strategy development, Ajayi has positioned the DSS as a core driver of national security synergy. This shift may not be flashy, but its impact on operational success is already becoming evident.
Humanizing the Service and Rebuilding Public Trust
For many years, perceptions of the DSS fluctuated between respect and apprehension, largely due to concerns over transparency and human-rights practices. Ajayi has taken deliberate steps to address this by promoting a more professional, rights-conscious operational culture. Officers now undergo enhanced training on ethical conduct, community engagement, and communication.
While the DSS is not—and cannot be—a public-relations-driven institution, Ajayi understands that a modern security service must maintain a level of trust with the citizens it protects. His reforms are gradually helping to redefine the agency’s public interface, balancing its mandate for secrecy with an improved commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Internal Welfare and Institutional Stability
Security agencies perform best when their personnel feel valued, motivated, and well-equipped. Ajayi has strengthened internal welfare systems, ensuring officers receive improved support, clearer career growth opportunities, and the tools they need to perform effectively. This has boosted morale and reduced internal friction—two factors crucial for operational efficiency.
His quiet stabilizing influence has also brought a sense of predictability to DSS operations. Under his leadership, the agency appears more insulated from political turbulence, allowing it to focus squarely on its mandate.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Strategy, Not Spectacle
In a time when some leaders rely on bravado or theatrics to appear effective, Ajayi stands out for his disciplined restraint. His philosophy seems guided by a fundamental principle: a security agency’s success is measured in outcomes, not headlines. The calmness of his leadership style has enabled him to pursue reforms without unnecessary noise, distractions, or politicization.
And this may be the true hallmark of his impact—delivering change through consistency rather than controversy.
Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Blueprint for the DSS
If the momentum of Ajayi’s reforms is sustained, the DSS could emerge as a more modern, reliable, and globally respected intelligence service. His agenda sets a foundation for:
A culture of professionalism over patronage
A stronger intelligence-driven approach to national security
A more integrated and collaborative security environment
A service that balances secrecy with lawful, ethical conduct
A stable institution that prioritizes national interest above all else
His leadership demonstrates that meaningful reform does not always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it comes quietly—through silent changes that produce big, enduring impact.
In transforming the DSS with such strategic subtlety, Adeola Ajayi is not only redefining the institution but also showing that a new era of thoughtful, modern security leadership is both possible and already taking shape.
Sunday Oladapo is a public analysts from Abuja
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
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