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FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government

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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

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Zulum Urges Muslims to Uphold Piety, Charity, Moderation

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Zulum Urges Muslims to Uphold Piety, Charity, Moderation

… Donates ₦50 Million to Support Ramadan Activities at OAU

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged Muslim faithful to embrace the virtues of piety, charity and moderation as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet.

He highlighted the values of Ramadan as essential tools for fostering a resilient, patriotic and charitable citizenry in Nigeria.

Governor Zulum made these remarks on Sunday during the Annual Ramadan Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), held on the university campus in Ile-Ife.

Zulum who is the Special Guest of Honour at the event, called on Muslims to remain prayerful, patriotic, and patient throughout the holy month.

He further encouraged Muslims to promote religious tolerance, engage in philanthropic endeavours, and serve as exemplary ambassadors of Islam, fostering unity and understanding with other faith communities.

… Navigating Economic Challenges in Nigeria

Delivering a lecture titled “Navigating Economic Difficulties in Nigeria through Reliance on Allah,” the Guest Lecturer, Professor Badmus Olanrewaju Yusuf, urged Muslims to uphold the Islamic principles of divine reliance, equitable resource distribution through Zakat and Sadaqah (obligatory and voluntary charity), and compassion for the less privileged in society.

Professor Yusuf advised against wasteful spending and immoral behaviour during the holy month of Ramadan, calling on the faithful to embody discipline and self-restraint.

… Zulum Donates ₦50 Million to Support Ramadan Activities at OAU

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum, on behalf of the people and government of Borno State, donated the sum of ₦50 million to support charitable initiatives, fraternity, and communal harmony within the OAU Muslim Community.

Chairman of the occasion, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for his generosity and commitment to fostering unity across various communities in Nigeria.

Professor Ali, while commending the Governor’s philanthropic efforts, urged Nigerian Muslim leaders to support faith-based initiatives and charitable activities to promote godliness, civic responsibility and a culture of philanthropy.

Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Member representing Jere Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, Honourable Abba Kyari Abba Kolo; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Regional Integration, Dr Hassan Zanna Boguma; and Professor Bobboi Umar.

Zulum Urges Muslims to Uphold Piety, Charity, Moderation

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Bandits Attack Fulani Settlement in Kaduna, Kidnap Several Residents

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Bandits Attack Fulani Settlement in Kaduna, Kidnap Several Residents

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits stormed a Fulani settlement in Nariya, Kaduna, in the early hours of Sunday, abducting an unspecified number of residents.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the assailants invaded the home of the late Amadu Janu, a known cattle breeder, at around 12:01 a.m., March 7, firing sporadically before whisking away their captives to an unknown destination.

Following the attack, security operatives were deployed to the scene, where an initial assessment was conducted.

The security forced have since launched a manhunt for the attackers and are intensifying efforts to rescue the victims.

Bandits Attack Fulani Settlement in Kaduna, Kidnap Several Residents

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Crime

Police Arrest Own Officer Over Alleged Killing of 19-Year-Old Girl in Delta

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Police Arrest Own Officer Over Alleged Killing of 19-Year-Old Girl in Delta

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Delta State have arrested a member of the Anti-Cult Unit, Philip Chukwuka, 33, for allegedly shooting and killing a 19-year-old girl, Isioma Nwayalani, in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the tragic incident was reported at 8:30 p.m. by the family of the victim who informed the Okpanam Divisional Police Headquarters that they had received a distress call from a man identified as Chika, informing him that his younger sister had been fatally shot.

Upon receiving the report, the police patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, where they encountered a large crowd protesting the killing.

The security operatives managed to disperse the crowd peacefully, and a spent cartridge was recovered at the scene.

The victim was immediately taken to the Specialist Hospital, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. Her body has been deposited for an autopsy.

Meanwhile, the suspect has been arrested, and his service weapon has been recovered as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have assured residents that the case will be thoroughly investigated, and justice will be served.

Police Arrest Own Officer Over Alleged Killing of 19-Year-Old Girl in Delta

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