VP Shettima Leads FG’s Delegation To Katsina Over Demise Of Governor’s Mother

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday led a delegation of the Federal Government on a condolence visit to the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Sarafa’u Umaru, who passed on last Saturday at the age of 93.

The Vice President was accompanied by the member representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri federal constituency, Borno State, Hon Usman Zannah; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.

Speaking during the condolence visit in Katsina, VP Shettima said he was in the state at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the governor and the people of the state over the demise of the governor’s mother.

Noting that the late Hajiya Sarafa’u lived a life worthy of emulation, the Vice President described death as an inevitable destiny that hangs on everyone’s neck, saying “But for her, it’s largely a celebration of life for her to answer the call of Allah at the right old age of 93.

“Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you, the government and good people of Katsina State over the sad demise of the matriarch of the Radda family.

“Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck. But for her, it is largely a celebration of life, for her answer to the call of Allah at the right old age of 93 is worthy of celebration.

“But the death of a mother is still a very sad loss. May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and reward her with his Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the family, the government and the good people of Katsina State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” VP Shettima prayed.

Responding on behalf of the Katsina State Government, Deputy Governor of the state, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, thanked the Vice President for coming to commiserate with the governor and the people of Katsina over the loss of their mother.

“Your Excellency, we can’t thank you enough. You have always been identifying with the good people of Katsina State and the government of the state.

“On behalf of the family of the governor, the government of Katsina State and the good people of Katsina State, we thank you most sincerely for coming to commiserate with us and also for the prayers that you offered.

“We ask the Almighty Allah to grant her eternal rest and give her Aljannah Firdaus. We wish you and your entourage a safe journey back to your destination,” the Deputy Governor said.

The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari House in Katsina by the former Governor of the state, Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, the state Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Lawal Daura, among others.

VP Shettima Leads FG’s Delegation To Katsina Over Demise Of Governor’s Mother

NHRC URGES NIGERIANS TO PRIORITIZE PEACE JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) joins the global community to commemorate the International Day of the Right to Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, has urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to always adhear to the truth at all times and in all cases to promote peace and justice.

He made this statement in Abuja in commemoration of the day which comes up annually on the 24th of March.

He said the day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of everyone living in Nigeria to uphold the truth, ensure justice, and honor the dignity of those who have suffered from human rights violations.

‘As we reflect on this day, we recognize the challenges faced by individuals who courageously speak out against injustices, often at great personal risk. The NHRC remains committed in support of these individuals and will ensure that their allegations are thoroughly investigated and addressed with utmost seriousness’.

Speaking further, the Executive Secretary said ‘in Nigeria, we have witnessed recent incidents that highlight the need for robust mechanisms to address grievances and protect the rights of all citizens, especially victims of human rights violations’.

The Chief Human Rights Officer urge all to collectively push for accountability and transparency in addressing human rights violations as this is a penacea for peace and justice.

He recalled that a lot of individuals have suffered one form of injustice or the other due to lack of adhearance to truth concerning human rights violations. ‘So many Nigerian are today languishing in jail on the basis of false allegations against them’ he said.

‘ We must therfore ensure that those who have suffered from human rights violations receive the necessary support and protection they deserve .

The Human Rights Advocate used the opportunity of the commemoration to call on relevant authotities to work together to create a society where every individual’s rights are respected and protected, reaffirming the Commission’s dedication to protect the dignity of victims, while ensuring accountability for all forms of human rights violations.

NHRC URGES NIGERIANS TO PRIORITIZE PEACE JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT NiYA LAUNCH:: We’re Equipping Nigerian Youths To Be Major Competitors On Global Stage

** Says Nigerian Youth Academy is a bold response to unemployment, poverty, other barriers to nation’s progress

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday in Abuja affirmed his administration’s resolve to equip Nigerian youths with the required skills that would enable them to compete effectively as key players on the global stage.

He listed areas the government intends to train the young population to include world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, even as he pointed out that the success of a nation becomes realistic “when its children go to bed guaranteed of their place in the changing world.”

The President who stated this when he officially launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that as a peculiar nation with a median age of 17 years, Nigeria is one of the youngest populations in the world.

President Tinubu who was represented at the launch by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, observed that such peculiarity is an invitation to rise to the challenge of Nigeria’s projection to be the third-largest in the world by 2050, with an overwhelming majority of her citizens under the age of 21.

NiYA, according to the Nigerian leader, will focus on three critical areas namely education and skills development, economic empowerment, and leadership and civic engagement.

“Through world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, we will ensure that our youth are equipped to compete on the global stage.

“Initiatives like the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters will provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to young entrepreneurs, while the establishment of a National Youth Development Bank will ensure access to the capital needed to turn ideas into thriving businesses,” he declared.

President Tinubu explained that the NiYA is a bold response to Nigeria’s low human capital index ranking, unemployment and other barriers to the nation’s progress, assuring that within the next two years, the academy “will train and empower millions of young Nigerians.

“It will equip them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to compete with the rest of the world. This is not just an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of our nation”.

Noting that the security of the nation’s human capital cannot be guaranteed unless a robust, skills-driven learning environment is created, the President said his administration has also made significant strides in the nation’s human capital development agenda.

He continued: “Yet, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Nigeria’s Human Capital Index ranking remains below its potential, with youth unemployment and learning poverty presenting critical barriers to progress.

“These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect lives disrupted, dreams deferred, and futures left uncertain. The Nigerian Youth Academy is our commitment to changing this narrative.”

“The Nigerian Youth Academy will nurture the next generation of leaders, training them in governance, policy-making, and community development. We believe that the success of this initiative rests not in Abuja alone but in the communities where real change is felt.”

Earlier, Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, explained that the initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with marketable skills.

“The President promised to the Nigerian youths to provide a platform where they can achieve their dreams; the dream of many Nigerian youths is to have a good job and live a good life,” he said.

The Minister noted that NiYA aims to “upscale and bridge the skill gap in the job market and will close the gap for many youths to be empowered with the skills needed for the job.

“This initiative is for every Nigerian youth. NiYA represents the determination of Mr. President to help all youths build a better future and create opportunities for themselves and their families,” Olawande added.

The Minister urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity, saying it is an opportunity for every Nigerian youth to get on board, learn a skill and get engaged to take control of the future.

Also, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun congratulated beneficiaries of the N1million presented to six members of NiYA representing the six geo-political zones of the country for a start-up package to help them implement their programmes as self-employed and skilled youth.

Mr Edun said NiYA is a bold and ambitious step towards achieving President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians.

He explained that NiYA speaks directly to the aspirations of over sixty million Nigerian youths from the ages of 18 and 35 within the nation’s borders and across the diaspora who are hungry for knowledge, skills and opportunity.

“We know that skills, not just certificates, are the real currency of today’s global digital economy and that is why NiYA is so important, it is more than a learning platform. It is a launch pad for a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and founders who can reach out all over the world comfortably seated using the internet,” he stated.

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT NiYA LAUNCH:: We’re Equipping Nigerian Youths To Be Major Competitors On Global Stage