The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka has described as worrisome the parlous state of the economy which has rendered otherwise productive youths idle.
The clergyman expressed this concern at a public forum during the official unveiling of the Fund-Yes Entrepreneurship Enhancement Fund (FeeFund) in Enugu on Saturday.
The FeeFund is an initiative of FUND-YES Cooperative, a non-bank financial investment and wealth creation cooperative business society of youths, women, and financial investors, established by a social entrepreneur, Kennedy Iyere.
Addressing journalists, Mbaka lamented the high unemployment rate among the youth, describing it as worrisome and calling for an urgent need to tackle it.
He noted that insecurity would fester if key social problems in the country were not addressed, noting that the current situation has made it important to encourage and support women to embrace entrepreneurship.
Mbaka described entrepreneurship as a viable tool to tackle youth unemployment and therefore, called for an entrepreneurship revolution among Nigerian youths.
While commending Iyere and the partners of FeeFund, Mabaka expressed optimism that it would help to provide business financing and enterprise development assistance for youths and women entrepreneurs.
He said: “This is the time to create mass employment through entrepreneurship and take millions of youths, women, and families out of poverty, hunger and economic hardship.
“FeeFund is coming at a time Nigerians need it the most. It is important to address the country’s ongoing problem of economic hardship. This is why I have endorsed FeeFund. This is the way to go if we must create jobs for our youths and women.”
The proposal to establish State Police forces under the control of Governors poses significant risks to the security and well-being of Nigerians. Governors have a history of abusing their power, and controlling state police would only exacerbate this issue. As seen in the past, governors have prevented local governments from functioning properly, manipulated state assemblies and the judiciary, and used federal police as an instrument of oppression.
It is disingenuous for Governors to request state policing when they claim they cannot pay the 60K minimum wage. How do they intend to fund state police forces?
This request connotes sinister motives, aiming to intimidate and subjugate the people. Instead, governors should allow Local Government Councils to work autonomously, fulfilling their statutory responsibilities with FAAC funding, as designed by the constitution. It is high time governors stop depriving LGAs of their rightful funds and let them function as the third tier of government.
I agree with the submission and sentiment of those who want state-by- state discretionary wage hikes rather than the current uniform system being used, nonetheless, we must recognise the fact that it will spell doom for states to intend to pay their state policing structures different wages if such is granted. The wage disparity could cause chaos, engender corruption, and create bigger security issues in the society than we currently have.
Implementing state-controlled police forces without adequate checks and balances would lead to a surge in intimidation and oppression of political opponents. The scarcity of essential equipment, inadequate manpower, and operational challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force would only be exacerbated by decentralizing policing responsibilities to state governments. It is crucial that we prioritize the safety and security of all Nigerians by ensuring that law enforcement powers are not concentrated in the hands of state governors.
Nigerian emperor-ish Governors have consistently demonstrated a desire for control and oppression, opposing LGA autonomy, State Assembly autonomy, State judiciary autonomy, and wage increments for workers. Their request for state police control is a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate and subjugate the people.
I am urging Mr President to, as a matter of principle and love for the downtrodden, refuse their entreaties and prioritize the well-being and security of Nigerians by denying governors control over state police forces.
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) says it trained a total of 4000 Nigerian youths in various skills in the year 2024.
The training was carried out in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Budgeting and Economic Planning under the ITF’s National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (NERGP).
The director general of ITF, Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun stated this in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state on Friday, June 7, during the graduation ceremony of a fresh batch of graduates of the programme.
He noted that so far 100 youths in the state have participated and benefited in the three months of technical and vocational training.
According to him, the beneficiaries underwent two months of intensive learning and one month of practicals/hands-on training.
“The ITF – NERGP programme is aimed at equipping our youths with the technical and vocational skills, knowledge, and attitude that will enable them to become Self-employed or employers of Labour.”
“The ITF-NERGP is aimed at upskilling and re-skilling our youths in different trades thereby addressing skills gap challenges in our dear Country”, he explained
Represented by the Acting Area Manager of ITF in Ebonyi State, John Chukwuelue, Mr Ogun noted that the ITF-NERGP training covers the following trades: – furniture making, plumbing and pipe fitting, electrical installation, and beauty care.
“All the participants were given Start-up- packs in accordance with the trade each learnt. The training was a huge success as most of the beneficiaries are able to demonstrate and practice what they have learnt without supervision”, he said
The Director General noted that the Agency has over the years developed numerous skills intervention programmes aimed at tackling unemployment and poverty, promoting entrepreneurship, and reducing youth restiveness while also facilitating the diversification of the Nigerian economy in line with the Federal Government’s policy.
He said: “Some of the programmes implemented by the Fund include the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), the Women Skills Empowerment Programme (WOSEP), Construction Skills Empowerment Programme (CONSEP), Agri-partnership Skills Empowerment Programme (AgSEP), Skills Training and Empowerment Programme for the Physically Challenged (STEPP-C) amongst several others.
“After three (3) months of training, participants were properly assessed. The programme is certified using the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) model which is a system for the development, classification, and recognition of skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired by individuals, irrespective of where and how the training or skill was acquired.
“Based on this, I am confident that the trainees are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and attitude to run successful technical vocational businesses within and beyond the state.
“However, for the efforts of Mr President to have a meaningful impact, it behoves us as government officials, Non-Governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to join hands with the Government for the growth and development of our dear country”, he said
The DG encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the training that have acquired urging them to use the skills they learnt to build a successful career.
“These packs are not just a way to make a quick buck; they are a chance for you to make a real difference. They are your ticket to launching your own business and becoming an Entrepreneur”, he added.
As Nigeria joined the rest of the World to mark this year’s International Children’s Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative(CALDEV) have expressed willingness to work together to ensure that the rights of children are adequately protected.
The two organisation made this known when a delegation of CALDEV officials and school children paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of NHRC on Monday in Abuja.
Hon. Bamidele Salam, Founder and President of CALDEV, who led the delegation, said the visit was part of stakeholder’s engagement to rally support for the rights of Nigerian children as they mark the International Children’s Day
According to Salam, who represents Ede North,South/Egbedero/Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State at the Federal House of Representatives, there is a gap on issues affecting children in Nigeria in spite of the Child Rights Act.
“One of those gaps is the one that has to do with children’s rights to education, and it is sad that in the whole world, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children today, according to UNICEF, about 17.5 million children do not have access to education.
“Children in Nigeria that are involved in forced labor are over 15 million, according to the last statistics also by the UNICEF, and Children have been victims of violence in their homes, violence in schools, violence even in religious places, violence in several spaces, because there are inadequate measures to protect them from abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional trauma that children face.
“These are just some of the issues that affect the Nigerian child,and I believe that an occasion like this should be used to drum up the awareness and ask for the intervention of government at all levels on addressing these problems.
“So we are here today to further extend to you our hand of collaboration and readiness to work together with the National Human Rights Commission for the purpose of protecting the rights of Nigerian children, advancing their cause, and progressively removing Nigeria from this very odious record which we have obtained everywhere in the world.
“Together we can raise awareness and initiate measures that will ensure that there are consequences for those who abuse the rights of children, because where there are no consequences, impunity is bound to continue,” he said.
The CALDEV helmsman added that “If a child wants to take a legal action, he needs a guardian, through which he can take some legal action against those who infringe on his or her rights.
“This is where we believe that the National Human Rights Commission should come in to ensure that we protect children and give them a very open space to air their views and to lodge complaints about those abuses that they suffer and those rights which are denied them”,he said.
While presenting a formal proposal for a collaborative partnership with NHRC to the Executive Secretary, Salam said,” We are going to work together to ensure that Nigeria provides a very brighter future, a very guaranteed future for our youthful population.”
In his remarks, Mr Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary/CEO of NHRC commended CALDEV for the initiative and expressed his goodwill to Nigerian Children on the celebration of their day.
Ojukwu who was represented by Mr Harry Obe, Director in the Department of Economic,Social and Cultural Rights of NHR, said the commission has a department that is dedicated to issues of children and women.
He therefore expressed the commission’s readiness to collaborate with CALDEV in protecting the rights of the Nigerian child.
“We all agree that in our present-day generation and the circumstances that surround the world now, there is need for all of us to join hands and pay attention to value re-orientation, development of children, particularly if we must actually ensure that the world is preserved and that the value system that our fathers handed over to us is actually taken forward and better developed for the good of humanity.
“The fact that children are vulnerable is not in doubt because of their age and circumstances they find themselves, they are subject to control and possible manipulation by older members of the society.
“So there must be a dedicated effort like you have shown and then institutions like the NHRC must work with you to ensure that the children are protected from possible violations or abuses.
“Our law envisages that we partner with civil society organisations, and for a civil society organisation that is focusing on a particular area that is within our mandate,we will work with you,” he said.
Obe added that “What we need to do is to, after now, set up a committee that will work together to draw the memorandum of understanding that will be signed between the organisation and the Commission to ensure that we further protect and drive the objectives of the organisation.”
Wife of Anambra Governor Dr Nonye Soludo has challenged parents to make it a daily routine to celebrate their children, stressing that they deserve to be celebrated.
She said celebrating children should not be a yearly affair, noting that giving them sense of belonging would go a long way in reducing their attractions to vices capable of destroying their lives and destiny.
Soludo spoke during a visit to the Model Community Children’s Home, Awka as part of her activities to mark 2024 children day, where she spent time with the children, cooking and feeding them.
She recalled with nostalgia the motherly love and care of her mother while growing up, attributing her well cultured character to such motherly disposition.
She said: “I’m here to celebrate the children’s day with the children, cook for them and feed them. They need as motherly love and warmth as they can get.
“I visit them regularly and call on their caregivers to find out how they’re fairing when I’m away. You can see how familiar they are with me, with many desiring to sit on my laps.
“We celebrate children everyday. For me as a mother, I celebrate my children every day. I was here four days ago. But today, we’re reminded and encouraged to leave everything and celebrate the children because they deserve to be celebrated.
“While growing up, my mum played a wonderful role in my life. Because of the way she celebrated me, there were things I wouldn’t do as a student in boarding house because I know she’ll be disappointed to hear of any misbehavior from me.
“That’s why parents must be positive with their children. They can’t deviate, even under peer pressure influence. They need more of assurance and blessings than curse, because whatever you tell them will always come to pass.”
The Governor’s wife advised the children to be focused and and to listen to their parents for proper guidance and direction in life.
“For the children, times are very hard, especially with the era of social media influence. I urge them to remain focused and listen to their parents because they’re the people that will guide them and tell them the truth.
“Whatever you see out there in the social media can be deceptive and misleading. But that of the parents will lead you to the right path and the sky will be your limit,” she added.
Coordinator of the home, Rev Sister Philomena Akuchukwu, appreciated the governor’s wife for the visit, describing her motherly care and attention to the children as top-notch.
“Since you came into office, you have not set eyes off our home. You visit us practically every month with food and drinks. You made our home your second home and know each and everyone of us very well.
“You cook for us by yourself, feed us and again pay our school fees. Every child that comes here goes home a different person. May God bless, protect, reward and keep you safe for us,” she posited.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has urged children to become worthy ambassadors for their families, communities, Edo State, and the nation.
In a goodwill message on Monday by his media team in Benin City, Ighodalo emphasised the importance of raising children with the awareness that they represent their families and the larger community.
“On this auspicious occasion of Children’s Day, I rejoice with all of you, our dear children, who are our hope for a better tomorrow and society.
“When we look at you, we feel so happy and blessed. You are destined to be your family’s and community’s ambassadors. As parents, we are determined to help you play this role effectively every day as you grow up.
“I must emphasise that you need three things to succeed in this. First, be a disciplined child. Second, be respectful, and third, be ambitious. I sincerely believe that if you follow these three principles, you will grow to be the man or woman your family, community, and state will be proud of.
“As for us, we are determined to ensure that we do everything possible to help you to fully realise the enormous potential in each of you. Trust me on this.
“Thank you for adding so much joy and hope to our lives. Have a wonderful Children’s Day,” Ighodalo said.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship poll in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has expressed sympathised with victims of the recent flash flood in the state, particularly in Benin GRA.
In a statement on Sunday, Ighodalo urged all those affected to understand that he feels their pain and anguish deeply and shares in their suffering.
He also encouraged them not to despair but to continue exhibiting the spirit of perseverance for which the average Edo man and woman is renowned.
“I wish to express my profound sympathy with all the victims of the recent flash flood in our dear state, particularly in Benin GRA. Seeing those clips filled me with deep pain in my heart. I sincerely share your pain and anguish, the sense of material loss, and the mental torture or trauma.
“It is a pity that as humans, we are like helpless pawns in the hands of nature. Man has no known armor or defense against natural disasters like this.
“So, at a time like this, the most plausible thing to do is dig deep into the depth of our being and exhibit that spirit of perseverance, fortitude, and strength for which the average Edo man and woman is renowned. Let us remain calm, stoic, and hopeful. You are not alone. We are all with you,” he said.
Ighodalo assured that the quest for a lasting solution that will stand the test of time is underway to address the perennial devastation caused by such flash floods in well-known areas of the capital city. He also acknowledged that the state government has taken measures to bring immediate relief to the victims.
He cautioned politicians to be wary of rushing to politicize everything, especially natural tragedies like flash floods.
“Rest assured that in no distant time, a permanent solution that will end this perennial devastation will be put in place. I am happy that the state government has quickly moved in to ensure palliative measures to arrest the level of misery and pain. Again, accept my sympathy,” he stated..
The Northern Agenda (NA) has saluted the Police and other security agencies for pledging to adhere to the court order stopping the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.
The group said the Police and others have demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the judiciary in the Kano Emirate case.
Kano Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, during a joint security press conference, said security agencies will enforce the court order restraining the State Government from dissolving five newly created Emirates.
In a statement signed by Alhaji Salisu Sabo, the group said the security agencies have demonstrated remarkable professionalism and dedication to their duties by complying with the court order.
Sabo said this solitary action has prevented potential unrest and violence, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved are protected and a recognition of the importance of the judiciary in our democratic system.
The group also reminded the governor that the judiciary which he wants to blackmail today stood by him and his questionable mandate as Governor of Kano State.
“In a commendable display of professionalism and dedication to upholding the law, the Nigerian Police Force has pledged to comply with a court order halting the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir of Kano, despite the Kano State government’s initial disregard for the ruling.
“This move is a significant step forward in promoting the rule of law and democratic governance in Nigeria,” the statement said.
“The Kano Emirate case has been a subject of controversy, with various factions vying for power and control. However, the court’s decision to halt the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir of Kano was clear and unequivocal. Unfortunately, the Kano State government initially chose to ignore this ruling, threatening to undermine the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law.
“In this context, the Nigerian Police Force’s decision to comply with the court order is a breath of fresh air. By upholding the law and respecting the judiciary’s decision, the police have demonstrated a commitment to democratic values and the protection of human rights. This move also sends a strong message to all parties involved that the rule of law will be respected and enforced, regardless of political or personal interests.
“The security agencies actions are particularly commendable given the sensitive nature of the case and the potential for unrest and violence. By prioritizing the maintenance of public order and safety, the police have ensured that the situation does not escalate further, and that the rights of all parties involved are protected.
“This development is also a testament to the growing independence and assertiveness of the Nigerian judiciary. The court’s decision to halt the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir of Kano was a bold move, and the police’s compliance with the order demonstrates a recognition of the judiciary’s authority and impartiality.
“We urge the police and other security agents to continue on this path and work towards building trust and confidence with the public. We also call on all parties involved in the case to respect the legal process and allow the courts to make decisions without interference or intimidation.
“The judiciary must be allowed to function independently and impartially, without fear or favour. Any attempt to undermine the judiciary or ignore court orders will undermine the rule of law and democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking in esoteric opulence, Professor Isa Ali Pantami serenades listeners with vocal dexterity, weaving a tapestry of words that mesmerize and enthrall. Every syllable uttered is a masterful stroke of linguistic artistry, leaving the audience spellbound and yearning for more.
Just when you think he has reached the pinnacle of eloquence, the scholar plunges deeper into the depths of expressive virtuosity. His words are a symphony of wisdom, a gentle breeze that rustles the mind, awakening hidden truths and stirring the soul.
Recently, I spent a day with Pantami at his office after he scheduled a meeting. The teacher, cleric and politician is Nigeria’s immediate past Minister Communications and Digital Economy and former Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Pantami walked in and greeted all present with cheerful gestures while strolling to his desk. With a smile, he asked: “Mallam Abdullahi, You speak with the eloquence of a Hausa speaker, but I know you are not one!” I replied: “I am actually Igala but born in Zaria; the melting pot of intellectual seekers.”
As a journalist and author, I was enthusiastic about discussing the book which has generated significant buzz, both praise and criticism, within and outside the country. “Are you not worried about the negative reviews?,” I enquired in earnest.
Pantami’s response was characteristically optimistic: “The greatest tragedy is to write and not get reactions. The demand for mine has skyrocketed, with vendors struggling to keep up. This is how you measure the success of a book.
“The several reactions generated have led to an astronomical increase in demand, such that the book is now sold out. The online vendors are actually overwhelmed by ceaseless demand. I thank those who made this possible,” he said.
The book has been translated into five languages – Spanish, French, Mongolian, Hausa, Arabic – and is being used in universities and other tertiary institutions after grabbing the attention of critical thinkers, creators, innovators and individuals with the mindset of champions.
When asked about time management, given his prolific writing, preaching, and political activities, Pantami stated: “I don’t manage my time, I utilize my time with priority set out. I spend most of my day worshipping my creator, ample time with my family, and the rest researching and reading.”
I was indeed left in awe of my host’s visible passion for education and commitment to empowering young minds, the future leader. His answers quite expository, painting a vivid picture of the human experience and illuminating the path to understanding.
I left, feeling the urge to integrate his teachings into my craft and amplify the positive messages in the publication. I believe Pantami has sparked a revolutionary effect. The onus is now on everyone, especially youths and rising generations, to have degrees backed with skills.
_Abdullahi Haruna is author of “The Buhari In Us”_
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has tackled Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, over the proposed dispute resolution.
The palace chiefs also condemned the ‘abominable acts and utterances’ against the Benin traditional institution.
A statement yesterday by the Osuma Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; the Oliha Chief Edionwe Oliha; and seven others, said the Benin traditional institution had well-established and fully-functional process of customary arbitration, under the authority of the Oba of Benin.
They expressed displeasure over Obaseki’s moves and Nehikhare’s claim that the suit filed against the Oba by the suspended Enigie (Dukes) of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, was a family dispute within the Benin royal family.
The statement reads: “The process of customary arbitration is well-known to all Benin traditional chiefs, including the suspended Enigies. Any traditional chief who has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process.
“It is therefore an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration. We also wish to emphasise that the Oba reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people, irrespective of family status, age and office.
“Consequently, it is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty is in dispute with those over whom he reigns, including members of the royal family.
“We admonish the public to be wary of the abominable efforts to undermine the Benin traditional institution, through deliberate acts and utterances which are calculated to create confusion.”
The chiefs also pleaded with the public to remain law-abiding, and pray for peace to continue to reign in Benin kingdom.
