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Youth Development: Centre Advocates Constant Dialogue on Gender-inclusion
Youth Development: Centre Advocates Constant Dialogue on Gender-inclusion
By: Michael Mike
The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has called for constant stakeholder dialogue on gender inclusion to advance youth development in the country.
The Chairman of PIC, Mr Udene Ufot, made this call at a two-day Gender and Inclusion Summit in Abuja.
The event with the theme: “Building Bridges: Advancing Gender and Inclusion Through the Intersection of Trade and Health.”
Ufot said the summit was conceptualised as a platform for dialogue where critical stakeholders from diverse sectors would reflect on new evidence and contextually relevant solutions to disparities in inclusivity, in Nigeria.”
He noted that: “This year, we are dedicating considerable time to discuss issues relating to Nigerian youth for many reasons,” adding that: “Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth in the world, about seventy per cent of the population is under 35 years old.”
He said: “The median age of youth in Nigeria is 18.1 years and 42 per cent are under the age of 15. The size and youthfulness of the Nigerian population offer great potential for innovation, technological advancement and economic development.
“For this potential to be harnessed, strategic investments in health, education, infrastructural development and job creation are critical while leveraging technology to deliver sustainable development at scale.
“We have a collective responsibility to develop inclusive approaches to address barriers to quality education, job and internship opportunities and access to health services for Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population.”
Also speaking at the event, Annett Gunter, German Ambassador to Nigeria, advised on the need for proper commitments to ensure sustainable growth.
She said: “Our commitment extends beyond discussions, it is a call to action for comprehensive gender-sensitive healthcare that recognised and addresses the unique needs of every individual.
“Similarly, the creative and media industries are powerful channels of narrative and both have immense potential to seal conversations towards inclusivity.”
On her part, Dr Charity Chenge, Senior Programme Officer, Global Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, underscored the need to prioritise moves for women to guarantee women healthy and reproductive lives.
She said: “We need to really focus on expanding opportunities for women to live healthy and reproductive lives.
“The Foundation works in partnerships and to improve health and productivity. We want to increase women’s economic opportunities by removing barriers, enabling decent work and supporting women’s enterprises to help them thrive in the economy.”
Meanwhile, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Convener, of the International Woman Leadership Conference, expressed appreciation to the Centre for the event, saying it promoted dialogue on gender inclusion and youth development as critical national conversation.
Awosika said: “This is not just a matter of women, it is a national economic issue. 50 per cent of our population is incapacitated.
“For not being educated properly and in the absence of adequate empowerment as well as lacking opportunities we put ourselves at a disadvantage.”
The high points of the event were the exhibition tour, research presentation, plenary and presentation of prizes.
Youth Development: Centre Advocates Constant Dialogue on Gender-inclusion
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have cleared multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and recovered items during an ongoing offensive operation in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Security sources said the operation, conducted by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies, is part of sustained efforts to dislodge suspected IPOB/ESN elements from the Ubah–Orsu axis.
The sources disclosed that at about 8:45 a.m. on May 1, troops advanced into the Mother Valley area following intelligence reports of possible re-infiltration by suspected fighters.
According to the sources, the troops also acted on credible intelligence indicating a suspected burial site of a late military officer, Capt. Stanley Chukwumerije Onweka, within the valley, with the aim of locating and possibly exhuming the remains for DNA analysis.
They added that during the advance, troops successfully detected and disposed of nine IEDs planted along the route.
The sources, however, said two civilian guides (pointers) sustained injuries from an IED explosion during the operation and were evacuated to a medical facility, but one later died en route, while the other is in stable condition.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of IED-making materials, Biafran uniforms, ranks, belts, mats, and unserviceable motorcycles.
The sources noted that despite extensive search, the exact location of the suspected burial site could not be established.
They added that operations are ongoing in the area to maintain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities.
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has graduated a new set of drone pilot trainees at the 8 Division Training School, Giginya Military Cantonment in Sokoto State.
Security sources said the ceremony, held on May 1, was attended by senior officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, alongside formation commanders, commanding officers and staff officers of the division.
According to the sources, the training focused on enhancing the operational capacity of personnel in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
In his remarks, the GOC emphasised the importance of force protection and operational preparedness, noting that drone technology has become a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.
He said the effective use of UAVs would improve reconnaissance capabilities, optimise resource deployment and enhance overall operational efficiency.
The sources added that the event was conducted successfully without any incident.
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four suspected terrorists during a patrol along Turare–Yantumaki Road in Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. on Friday when the troops came under attack by armed assailants while on routine patrol.
The sources disclosed that the soldiers responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers and killing all four suspects without recording any casualties on their side.
According to the sources, items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to N153,400.
They added that some of the recovered Android phones contained images of the suspects dressed in military uniforms and have been handed over for forensic analysis.
Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje.
The sources further revealed that the suspects were linked to a series of attacks in Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and other communities within Dutsinma and Matazu Local Government Areas.
They noted that the operation is considered a significant blow to a bandit network reportedly led by one Muhammadu Fulani, which has been associated with violent activities across Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia areas.
A security official said the development reflects ongoing intensified offensive operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring normalcy in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina
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