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Zulum Advocates Youth Empowerment, Skills Acquisition, and Scholarships to End Youth Restiveness

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Zulum Advocates Youth Empowerment, Skills Acquisition, and Scholarships to End Youth Restiveness

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for the implementation of robust skills acquisition programmes, enhanced educational opportunities and scholarship schemes as strategic measures to combat youth restiveness and unemployment in society.

Speaking at the 7th National Council on Youths Meeting (NCYM) held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Zulum emphasized the need for governments to prioritize youth development. He described the youth as “future leaders” who require adequate support to fulfill their potentials.

Themed “Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyze Economic Development,” the meeting provided a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration aimed at advancing youth development in Nigeria.

Governor Zulum, the Chief Host of the event, expressed pride in Borno State’s role in hosting the significant gathering.

He highlighted his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment since assuming office in 2019, despite the challenges posed by the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency.

Governor Zulum also underscored the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth population, noting that recent statistics reveal that 70% of the country’s population is under the age of 30. “This demographic is a significant asset, offering the potential for a highly productive economy in the near future,” he remarked.

He noted that since inception into office in 2019 to date, the present administration which has been battling with over a decade old Boko Haram crisis has been very committed to supporting youths through implementation of various initiatives aimed at empowering the youths, which include; provision of vocational training skills programmes, education, scholarships, distribution of Keke Napep, electric motor vehicles, establishing mechanical village at Molai and other entrepreneurship support programmes across the 27 local government areas of the state.

“In our society, the youths have faced numerous challenges, ranging from economic uncertainties, educational barriers and insufficient opportunities among many others.

“However, it is inspiring to see how many of our young people are stepping up, driving change and becoming the architects of their destinies and our tomorrow.”

“It is on record that youths in Borno have greatly contributed to peace and security and the overall socio-economic development of the state. The emergence of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has brought a great
respite to the security architecture of the state.

“Borno indeed has reclaimed its glorious position of Home of Peace and Hospitality. So please feel at home and enjoy the centuries long hospitality of the good people of Borno State.

“As a government, we recognize that our youth are the backbone of our society and it is our responsibility to provide you with all the necessary support and resources to thrive and develop to your full potentials.

“We believe that investing in our youths is investing in our future and we are committed to creating opportunities for you to grow and be successful”, the governor stated.

He therefore commended the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development (FMYD), Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Borno Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba, and all other stakeholders for choosing Borno as venue of the meeting, even as he urged participants to feel free and brainstorm critically towards complementing efforts of the government in revamping the future of youths in society.

In his address, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, expressed deep appreciation to Borno State government for hosting the NCYM.

“This meeting reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s collective commitment in advancing the interest of Nigerian Youths in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Olawande said.

He called on other state governors to emulate and follow the good steps of Governor Zulum in revamping the future of youths for the best.

Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba highlights the importance of youth in national development.

He said Governor Zulum, who has passion for the youths, has spent billions of naira in establishing 17 skills acquisition centres, sponsored thousands of indigenous students on scholarship in various tertiary institutions within and outside the country, with empowerment and jobs creation for the teeming and vulnerable youth groups across the state.

During the event, the National Youth Workers Association (NYWA) decorated Governor Babagana Zulum with fellowship award and renamed its national headquarters after the governor.

Zulum Advocates Youth Empowerment, Skills Acquisition, and Scholarships to End Youth Restiveness

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Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena

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Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena

By: Zagazola Makama

Chadian security forces on Sunday recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a joint search operation in parts of the capital, N’Djamena, as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity.

Sources Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the 10th arrondissement and parts of the 2nd arrondissement of the city.

According to the sources, the joint team of internal security forces seized 28 pistols, 14 other firearms, and more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition during the raid.

They also recovered military equipment and six vehicles suspected to be linked to criminal activities.

“Two gun owners were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody for further investigation,” a senior security official said.

He explained that the exercise was conducted under the supervision of top security authorities and formed part of broader measures to dismantle criminal networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the capital.

The official added that the recovery of the weapons had significantly disrupted the operations of armed groups and criminal elements in the affected districts.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chadian security services to sustaining pressure on all groups involved in arms trafficking, banditry and other threats to public safety.

“The security forces will continue intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country,” he said.

Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena

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VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum

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VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum

To Commission Nigerian House in Davos Tomorrow

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the alpine town of Davos, Switzerland, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23, 2026.

The Vice President arrived from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Saturday.

He was received on arrival by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, and Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland.

The 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of “Nigeria House Davos.” For the first time, the Federal Government has established a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.

This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will serve as a permanent hub for high-level ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week.

Vice President Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to the world’s most influential political and business leaders, as he participates in key plenary sessions focusing on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology.

Throughout the week, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, top executives from multinational corporations, and leaders of international development finance institutions to deepen partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an interview with journalists shortly after the VP’s arrival, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said Nigeria would makena robust presentation of investment opportunities in the country at the launch of the Nigeria House in Davos which will focus on President Tinubu’s efforts in revamping the economy.

According to the Minister, “we will be showcasing four playbooks on President Tinubu’s efforts in re-engineering the Nigerian economy. We will present our solid minerals sector, climate sustainability agriculture, creative and digital sectors to investors from all over the world.”

VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum

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CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move

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CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move

By: Michael Mike

The Coalition in Defence of Nigeria (CDN) has publicly supported the Federal Government’s decision to engage a United States-based lobbying firm over allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening the nation’s security and international relations.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the coalition insisted that the engagement of the lobby firm is not merely a public relations exercise but a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s long-term stability and global credibility.

The National Publicity Secretary of CDN, Mallam Isa Shehu, said Nigeria is currently grappling with serious security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and organized crime. He noted that these threats extend beyond Nigeria’s borders and are often connected to international networks involved in arms trafficking, extremist financing, and cybercrime.

Shehu argued that hiring a reputable U.S. lobbying firm would help Nigeria build stronger partnerships with foreign governments, particularly in areas of intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism collaboration, and technical support for security agencies.

He further explained that the move would ensure that Nigeria’s security concerns receive greater attention in Washington and other global decision-making centres, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace across the country.

The coalition stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective effort, not just government action. It called on civil society groups, business leaders, political actors, and ordinary citizens to play their roles in promoting national unity and security.

While acknowledging that the lobby contract alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security problems, the CDN maintained that it is a valuable diplomatic tool that could strengthen the country’s position on the global stage.

The group urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s decision, saying the issue is not political but essential for national survival and development.

The CDN concluded by reaffirming its full backing for the initiative and calling for nationwide solidarity in the fight against insecurity.

CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move

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