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Zulum harps on provision of skills acquisition, education, others to end youths restiveness

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Zulum harps on provision of skills acquisition, education, others to end youths restiveness

By Salihu Inusa

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has advocated for provision of skills acquisition, better education and scholarship programmes to mitigate the increase of youths restiveness and joblessness in the society.

He said, for any reasonable and responsive government, there is the need to ensure that youths who are future leaders of tomorrow accorded the desired assistance they need.

The Governor disclosed this on Thursday at the occasion of the 7th National Council on Youths Meeting (NCYM) which took place at Multi- Purpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri.

The theme is: ‘Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyze Economic Development’.

Zulum who is the Chief Host said, Borno State Government under his leadership is proud to host and participate in such an important meeting, where a window of opportunity is open for brainstorm, innovate, interact and collaborate for the betterment of Nigeria.

He noted that since inception into office in 2019 to date, the present administration which has been battling with over a decade Boko Haram crisis, has been very committed in 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 in the state.

The youth population according to Zulum “is an asset of a nation, as recent statistics showed that 70% of the Nigerian population is under the age of thirty (30). This is a great potential as it translates to a larger productive economy in the near future with these promising demographics.

“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, the Borno Commissioner of 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 the society.

In his address, the Minister 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 inline with his Renewed Hope Agenda”. Olawande said.

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

Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner 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, have 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 teaming and vulnerable youth groups across the state.

Zulum harps on provision of skills acquisition, education, others to end youths restiveness

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Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

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Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised three notorious terrorist kingpins during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama report that the operation was conducted on July 25 between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle District of the LGA.

During the operation, the troops neutralised the terrorists identified as Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu and Ali Yar Daribiyar, and recovered three AK-47 rifles with magazines and a motorcycle.

Sources told Zagazola that the terrorists and their foot soldiers were in the area to collect ransom and illegal levies imposed on residents when they were ambushed by the troops.

The source said the operation has triggered widespread relief and jubilation among residents of Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and nearby communities across Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs.

“These terrorists have long tormented the communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion, so this success is a huge morale boost for the people,” the source added.

The troops have continued to intensify kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the troops in sustaining momentum against criminal elements.

Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

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Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech

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Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech

By: Zagazola Makama

Once again, Amnesty International has taken a predictable but deeply troubling stance, this time, condemning the lawful detention of a social media influencer, Ghali Isma’il, who is facing charges over a false and provocative video announcing the death of Nigeria’s sitting President. In its hasty and one-sided statement, Amnesty labeled the Department of State Services’ (DSS) action as “a clear demonstration of abuse of power.” This knee-jerk condemnation reeks not only of bias but of a dangerous disregard for the responsibility that comes with free speech.

It’s important to remember that the Nigerian authorities are acting within the bounds of the law. Ghali Isma’il appeared before a competent magistrate and is being tried for spreading false information an issue of concern to public safety and stability. The viral video claiming the President’s death by poisoning, however unfounded and provocative, point to the need for responsible speech, especially in a period when misinformation can quickly escalate tensions or cause panic.

Let’s be clear: no one is above the law. Isma’il was not whisked away to a secret cell. He was arraigned before a competent magistrate court in Abuja and is being tried according to the laws of the land. The charges spreading false information with intent to cause public alarm and inciting disaffection against the government are not political fabrications.

They are legitimate concerns, especially when tied to a video falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu had died after being poisoned, and presented with an air of certainty that could spark panic in a country already battling complex security and economic challenges.

If this is what Amnesty International classifies as “freedom of expression,” then the organization must clarify where it draws the line between speech and sabotage. Are we now to accept that individuals can publish death hoaxes about national leaders and peddle wild, fabricated conspiracy theories under the guise of digital activism? Would Amnesty extend this same compassion if the target were a leader in Europe or America?

Is it truly free speech when falsehoods threaten public order or incite unrest? Would Amnesty International hold the same stance if similar misinformation targeted leaders in other parts of the world? These are complex issues with no easy answers, but it is crucial that we weigh the right to expression against the potential harm caused by reckless or deliberately false content.

Let us also not forget that this is not Ghali Isma’il’s first brush with dangerous disinformation. He has repeatedly posted bizarre claims including that former U.S. President Donald Trump was compelling Nigeria to repatriate terrorists into the country and quoting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tugger, who never mentioned such in his interview. Yusuf said they are ex- convict from Venezuela but Ismail, said they are “Terrorists” . When does free speech become reckless speech? When does falsehood become a threat to national peace and cohesion? This calls for a measured discussion on when speech crosses into dangerous territory especially when it influences public perception and stability.

Moreover, one must ask: where was Amnesty International when ISWAP terrorists released gruesome videos of mass executions? Where was Amnesty when bandits kidnapped and murdered citizens or when IPOB loyalists torched police stations and killed security personnel? The silence or muted response from Amnesty International in those cases raises questions about consistency and priorities. Their silence in the face of these atrocities is deafening. Yet, whenever the Nigerian state acts to preserve order and prevent chaos, Amnesty rushes in with a press release always siding with the provocateur.

Ultimately, the right to free speech must be exercised responsibly. Supporting lawful limits when speech could threaten national peace isn’t a contradiction to human rights but a recognition of their importance in a complex society.

Amnesty International faces an important question: will it stand as a defender of genuine human rights and democratic stability, or does it risk becoming a platform that inadvertently enables disinformation that jeopardizes it?

This double standard is becoming increasingly apparent to Nigerians. The right to free speech must be protected, yes but it must also be exercised with responsibility. Defending lies that threaten national unity under the cloak of human rights advocacy is not activism; it is sabotage.

Amnesty International must decide: is it here to protect Nigeria’s democracy or to shield those who exploit social media to endanger it?

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech

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Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers

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Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers

By: Michael Mike

Managing Director, Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company Limited, Yohana Dyelkop has raised an alarm over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) purportedly signed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and some property developers.

The businessman, who expressed this concern at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said he was worried by media reports about the said land development MoU.

He said media reports recently indicated that the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory had sealed an agreement with some local and foreign investors to develop 200 hectares of land in the Abuja Technology Village.

According to him, the reports specifically allege that the MoU has purportedly been signed between FCTA and two organisations, Mag International Links Limited and the National Agency for Science and Technology (NASENI).

Dyelkop said that government’s genuine efforts to attract foreign investment, especially property developers, was commendable but it was expedient to clarify that Abuja Technology Village has numerous plots across various districts.

He warned that his properties: Plots 22 and 23, C17 Industrial Area 2, Pyakasa Village, Airport Road, are located within the area earmarked for the allocation.

“Unless the MoU explicitly excludes these plots, any agreement covering them would be unlawful,” he stressed.

Dyelkop warned that the prospective developers should steer clear of his land as they are subjects of ongoing litigation, adding that cases of land grabbing and encroachment were rampant in the FCT.

According to him, his company has officially written to the parties involved expressing its concern about the MoU, warning them and the prospective investors to steer clear of his properties and avoid possible contempt of court.

“We are concerned about news reports regarding an MoU between the entities and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for the purpose of land development.

“Specifically, Plots 22 and 23, C17 Industrial Area 2, Pyakasa Village, Airport Road, are subject to ongoing litigation, with the Hon. Minister as a defendant.

“All parties have been served with a court order, and unless the MoU explicitly excludes these plots, any agreement covering them would be unlawful,” he added.

The real estate mogul, who is also the National Chairman of a political group, “Better Opportunities With Tinubu (BOWT) 2027, called for caution and respect for the rule of law to avoid denting President Bola Tinubu’s image.

Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers

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