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Skill Acquisition: NDE organises orientation for 50 youths in Gombe
Skill Acquisition: NDE organises orientation for 50 youths in Gombe
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) on Thursday sensitised no fewer than 50 youths who have been selected for training on solar energy and environmental beautification.
The orientation was to equip them with the necessary information for a successful three month training in the state.
The solar energy and environmental beautification training schemes of the Special Public Works Department of NDE is being carried out under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI).
The Director-General of the NDE, Mr Silas Agara, while speaking during the ceremony in Gombe urged youths in the state and country to embrace government’s skill acquisition programmes to tackle unemployment and become self-reliant.
Agara restated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu under its Renewed Hope Agenda, to ensuring economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction for youths and citizens across the state and country.
He said skills acquisition remained a potent tool to empowering youths and tackling unemployment hence the investment by the Federal Government in that regard to tackle unemployment and ensure better living standards for youths.
Represented by the State Coordinator Mawa Lamu, the DG urged participants to make the best use of this opportunity to better their lives, your communities and the nation at large.
According to him, youths should leverage the skills acquisition programmes of the government to get knowledge in skill and get a skill for job.
He also urged those undergoing trainings learn the necessary skills in line with the essence of the initiative to ensure they become better after the training.
“These transient jobs training have been carefully designed for 18 participants under the solar Energy Set and 32 participants under the Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS).
“At the end of the training, unemployed persons will equip yourself with a skill that guarantee employability, create wealth and enhance self-reliance.
“The NDE stimulates the interest in you youths (school leavers, graduates of tertiary institutions to identify business opportunities in alternative energy sector such as solar Energy.
“And also beautify our environment and our homes through learning soft and hard landscaping POP, and horticulture skill.
“I want to congratulate you that out of 20,000 that applied under Gombe State, you are among those selected to participate in this second Renewed Hope Employment Initiative.
“I charge you to use this opportunity to get knowledge in skill and get a skill for job,” he said.
Agara commended Tinubu for RHEI and for supporting the programme towards empowering youths with the right skills to become self-sufficient.
He also commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for also creating an environment conducive for youths to learn skills in the state.
Mr Budidi Ibrahim, a master trainer on solar installation lauded Tinubu’s initiative, stressing that with such initiative being sustained, more youths would be empowered to become job-givers.
On his part, Michael Elisha, a participant, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries appreciated the effort of the Federal Government towards reducing unemployment and creating wealth.
He pledged to use the skill that would be acquired to contribute to the development of Nigeria.
Skill Acquisition: NDE organises orientation for 50 youths in Gombe
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
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