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

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
National News
We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged
By: Michael Mike
Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.
The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.
The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.
“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.
“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.
Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.
He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.
Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.
The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.
NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.
She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.
A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.
Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.
Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.
Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End
National News
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.
According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.
Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.
The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.
Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.
The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
National News
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.
It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.
Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.
“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.
“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.
He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
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