The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Leadership not by forceful enthronement, says Ekiti monarch

    Leadership not by forceful enthronement, says Ekiti monarch

    The Oore of Otun-Ekiti and paramount ruler of Mobaland House, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, has debunked reports that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, appointed anyone as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

    Oba Adeagbo said while the Ooni has the power to confer the title, the monarch has not made such an appointment.

    He said leadership was neither about what he called forceful enthronement nor empty threats.

    The clarification follows claims that a businessman, Dotun Sanusi, was conferred with the title by the Ooni.

    The Alaafin had on Monday given the Ooni 48 hours to revoke the purported chieftaincy title.

    In a statement on Monday signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin argued that the Ooni lacked the exclusive right to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland, insisting that such powers rested solely with the Alaafin.

    He also said the Ooni’s instrument of office confined his authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, now split into Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.

    The Ooni in a counter-statement yesterday issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Akogun Banjo Ayinde, said while the Ooni has not even conceived the idea, it is well within his powers to make such an appointment if necessary.

    Read Also: N’Delta monarch urges urgent works on deteriorated south-south roads

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Mumuni, has urged the Ooni and the Alaafin to prioritise peace, unity and diplomacy in their engagements as foremost traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

    Mumuni in a statement he signed yesterday, while reacting to the cold war brewing between the two paramount rulers over the controversial chieftaincy title conferred on a popular Ibadan-based business mogul, Sanusi, as Okanlomo of Yorubaland, said the weight of history and legacy entrusted to their thrones required wisdom, patience and mutual respect.

    He urged both royal fathers to focus on collaboration, rather than conflict, noting that their conduct would set precedent for millions of Yoruba.

  • Oyo APC leaders meet over 2027 polls

    Oyo APC leaders meet over 2027 polls

    • Future is bright, says Dare

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Oyo State yesterday promised to face future elections with confidence, hope, enthusiasm and optimism about victory.

    They converged on Ibadan home of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, to review the outcome of the recent House of Representatives by-election.

    They also discussed strategies for repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

    At the meeting hosted by the former Sports Minister were a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Chief Wale Ohu, co-chair of the APC Peace Advocate and Afeez Repete.

    They said the recent poll was a litmus test for the party’s preparedness for future elections.

    They vowed to sustain the strategic consultations and reposition the chapter as a formidable opposition against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Dare reiterated his confidence in the future of the chapter, noting that the electoral defeat should motivate chieftains to gird their loins.

    Read Also: Oredo APC promises to support Okpebholo

    He said: “As a proud son of Oyo State, I strongly believe APC has a bright future. Ibadan North by-election result is a wake-up call, and we are already taking steps to reposition the party.

    “Our structures are being realigned, and efforts are ongoing to bring everyone on board as we march toward 2027.

    “I urge our members who are dissatisfied with the by-election result  to remain hopeful, because things will soon take the right shape.”

    Ohu emphasised the importance of peace and reconciliation within the party, saying: “Ibadan North by-election has shown us that we still have a lot of work to do. This is not the time for disunity.

    “APC must remain peaceful and united to secure greater results in future elections. We are putting the house in order.”

    The party leaders also discussed broader strategies for strengthening APC across all zones in the state.

  • Court to Daniel: Present property documents within two-week period given by govt

    Court to Daniel: Present property documents within two-week period given by govt

    Ogun State High Court sitting in Sagamu yesterday directed former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to present the necessary documents requested by the state government.

    At the resumed hearing of Suit No: HCS/371/2025, Otunba Justus Gbenga Daniel and Anor vs the Governor of Ogun State and Others, Justice O. S. Oloyede directed Senator Daniel to present his papers to the government in line with the request made to him and other residents in the area.

    O.T. Olaotan (Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice), who represents the government, alongside R.B. Kadiri (DCL), A. E. Odukoya and W. A. Onawole informed the court that an interlocutory injunction and counter-affidavits have been filed in response to the motion by Daniel and served on the claimants’ counsel.

    The counsel noted that the matter was not ripe for hearing and that the court was also not inclined to take the application.

    However, A. O. Kotoye (SAN), with O. T. Are and A. O. Adeniyi for the claimants, applied for the court to extend the interim order earlier granted, which will automatically abate after seven days.

    Court Read Also: Owo Catholic church attackers have link with foreign terrorist groups, DSS tells court

    The defence argued that the court should order the claimants/applicants to take advantage of the two-week extension announced by the government and furnish the Ministry of Physical Planning with the necessary documents, which others served with the same notices have been complying with.

    Justice Oloyede thereafter asked the parties to maintain the status quo. He also urged the parties to explore settlement options.

    He further directed the claimants/applicants to take advantage of the extension and furnish the relevant government agency with the necessary documents as requested by the government.

    Counsel for the claimants and defendants both agreed that the matters be adjourned to October 13.

    The court consequently adjourned the matter to the date agreed by the parties for the hearing of the pending applications.

  • Edo unveils new Education policy

    Edo unveils new Education policy

    Edo State Government has introduced new policy on education for basic and secondary schools, in line with the National and State Policies on Education, Edo State Education Law and other relevant statutory frameworks.

    It said all schools, public, private, and faith-based in Edo State were required to comply with the policy.

    Among the policy was to allow younger siblings to use approved textbooks previously purchased by their older siblings.

    It said only textbooks recommended and approved by the ministry would be permitted in all schools across the state.

    Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, in a statement, cautioned authors and publishers that no textbooks should contained workspaces within its content, saying, ‘any textbook that includes workspaces will be derecognised by the ministry.

    Dr. Iyamu said only students who have completed the Basic 1-9 and Senior Secondary 3 were permitted to hold graduation celebrations.

    Iyamu said all Pre-Basic pupils were not allowed to embark on graduation ceremonies and parties across the state.

    Read Also: Oredo APC promises to support Okpebholo

    According to him, “this policy is aimed at ensuring that pupils, students, parents, guardians, stakeholders and school managers remain focused on achieving quality learning outcomes at the conclusion of each educational level.

    “The minimum age of a pupil to write MBA (primary 6) remains 10 years.”

    Iyamu announced a mandatory four-week intensive entrepreneurship skills training programme for all JSS 3 students.

    “This is in line with the transformation drive of our education-loving Governor Monday Okpebholo, in ensuring that every Edo child graduates with not just an academic certificate, but also a hands-on skill. A certificate of training will be issued along with the BECE certificate.”

  • Ondo SDP sacks state secretary overalleged misconduct, financial impropriety

    Ondo SDP sacks state secretary overalleged misconduct, financial impropriety

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sacked its Ondo State Secretary, Jimmy Akinyan, over alleged insubordination, financial impropriety and anti-party activities.

    The decision was taken at a stakeholders meeting of the party, which was attended by the members and the leaders of the SDP in the state held in Akure.

    Although, Akinyan has kicked against his sack, saying the party leadership has no locus standing to relieve him of his position.

    But addressing reporters after the meeting, SDP Chairman in the state, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, said the stakeholders found Akinyan guilty of what he also called “grave misconduct’ and act of sabotage during the elections.

    He disclosed that the decision to sack Akinyan was unanimously taken by the leaders and members of the party, noting that such behaviour was a violation of the party’s values of loyalty, integrity and discipline.

    “Central to the deliberations, however, was the issue concerning the former state Secretary, Comrade Jimmy Akinyan. After a painstaking review and in line with our values of integrity, loyalty and respect for internal discipline, stakeholders resolved that the party leadership must serve as an example to members. 

    “The findings against the former secretary were grave and could not be ignored. His conduct, which ranged from insubordination, financial impropriety and anti-party activities to acts of sabotage during elections, represented a direct violation of our collective trust.

    Read Also: SDP to participate in Saturday bye-election elections, says INEC

    “In the wisdom of the stakeholders, such behaviour cannot coexist with the principles of loyalty, ideological conviction and organic growth, which the SDP stands for. 

    “Therefore, in the best interest of the party and in fulfilment of our duty to uphold discipline, the stakeholders unanimously resolved to relieve Comrade Jimmy Akinyan of his position as State Secretary with immediate effect,” he said.

    According to him, a five-man disciplinary committee led by the State Legal Adviser has also been constituted to review the matter and advise on Akinyan’s continued membership in the party.

    Akinbuli added that Mr Femi Ikoyi has been appointed as the new secretary for the party in acting capacity in the state.

    “To ensure continuity and stability, stakeholders also unanimously appointed Mr. Femi Ikoyi as the new State Secretary of the SDP, Ondo State,” he added.

    The SDP party chairman insisted that Akinyan’s removal marked the beginning of efforts to rid the SDP of indiscipline and sabotage while repositioning it as a credible opposition in the state.

    “We are determined to build a party of conviction and loyalty, one that offers Nigerians a true alternative rooted in discipline, respect, and service to the people.

     “I therefore call on all party members, supporters, and the public to rally behind this renewed commitment to unity and discipline,” Akinbuli said.

    But reacting, Mr. Akinyan told The Nation that the party had no right to relieve him of his position as the secretary of the SPD in the state.

    “The party has no right to sack me, and let me also tell you that Barrister Gbenga is not the party chairman. For that reason, he cannot claim I have been removed,” Akinyan said.

    He further claimed that he is the rightful leader of the party in the state, stating that a July decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) dissolved the working committee and installed a caretaker leadership, with him as chairman.

    “I have the letter from INEC that made me the chairman of the party. Initially, I was the state secretary of the party, which was when Olu Agunloye was the National Secretary of the party, but when the NEC met in July, the working committee was dissolved and new a new caretaker committee was put in place.”

  • One year after, Okuama leaders still in military custody without trial

    One year after, Okuama leaders still in military custody without trial

    • Army: we will comment soon

    Six leaders of Okuama community in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have spent one year in military detention without trial, sparking renewed calls for their release.

    The detainees, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo of the Delta State University, Abraka Physics Department, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, Mr. Dennis Amalaka, and Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, were arrested by the Nigerian Army between August 18 and 19, last year, following the crisis that resulted in the killing of 17 soldiers near the Forcados River.

    One of the detainees, Mr. James Oghoroko, had died in custody.

    Addressing a press conference, Comrade Edewor Egedegbe, Chairman, Board of Trustees of Citizens Right Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI), said the detainees have been denied access to legal representation, medical care, and family members, describing the prolonged detention as a breach of their constitutional rights.

    Read Also: Okuama: Senator Dafinone demands justice, rehabilitation for Delta community 

    Egedegbe urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and relevant authorities to intervene and ensure due process.

    The Okuama community restated its condemnation of the killing of soldiers, but insisted that the rights of its leaders must be respected, urging a transparent investigation into the incident.

    The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade Asaba, Delta State, Captain Ilyasu Bawa Rijsu, said he had just assumed duty, and yet to be briefed about the development.

    “My Brigade Commander is also not around, but now that I have your contact number I will save it and get back to you when I get facts from my Commander when he returns to Asaba,” he said.

  • Four more internet fraudster-suspects arrested at Obasanjo library complex convicted

    Four more internet fraudster-suspects arrested at Obasanjo library complex convicted

    Four more suspected internet fraudsters arrested during a sting operation by agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, were yesterday convicted by a  Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

    The anti-graft body arrested 93 suspects at a hotel within the precincts of the library. Seven of them had been convicted for cybercrime-related offences.

    In two separate judgments yesterday, Dehinde Dipeolu, the presiding judge, convicted and sentenced Olugbodi Adefolarin Pamilerin, Adenuga Ezekiel Oluwaseyi, Yusuf Ramon and Ganiyu Ibrahim for internet fraud.

    In the first ruling, Pamilerin and Oluwaseyi pleaded guilty to charges of impersonation, identity fraud and retention of proceeds of crime.

    Pamilerin admitted to fraudulently posing as “Emily Eddins” on Telegram and was found to have retained $160 obtained through deceit.

    Franklin Ofoma, the EFCC prosecutor, presented evidence, including Pamilerin’s iPhone 14 and a N150, 000 bank draft as restitution.

    The judge sentenced him to one month’s imprisonment or an option of a N500, 000 fine and ordered the forfeiture of the iPhone to the Federal Government.

    Read Also: Obasanjo’s son congratulates new APC chairman, Yilwatda

    The charge sheet reads: “That you, Olugbodi Adefolarin Pamilerin (Male) sometime in 2025, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, retained in your control the total sum of $160 which were proceeds of criminal conduct, deceitfully obtained from unsuspecting members of the public and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment etc) Act No: 4 of 2004,” the charge against Pamilerin read.

    Oluwaseyi also pleaded guilty to impersonating a woman on Gmail accounts and retaining $1,000 from fraud.

    The evidence tendered against him includes two iPhones (iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 6S), a N1 million bank draft and forensic investigation reports.

    Oluwaseyi was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment or an option of a N2 million fine, with the confiscation of his devices and the bank draft.

    “That you, Adenuga Ezekiel Oluwaseyi (Male), sometime in 2025, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently held out yourself as a lady in your gmail accounts, synderlaureen909@gmail.com and antonyeagle879@gmail.com to unsuspecting members of the public, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2015,” the charge against him reads.

    “That you, Adenuga Ezekiel Oluwaseyi (Male), sometime in 2025, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, retained in your control the total sum of $1000USD which were proceeds of criminal conduct, deceitfully obtained from unsuspecting members of the public, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 17 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment etc) Act No. 4 of 2004.”

    In the other judgment, Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced Ramon and Ibrahim for impersonation, identity and internet fraud.

    They both pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them.

    S.M. Yabo, the prosecution counsel, called two investigative officers, Chukwu Christian and Izuchukwu Collins, to review the facts of the cases.

    Yabo, thereafter, sought to tender, in evidence, the extrajudicial statements of the defendants; Ramon’s iPhone XX and iPhone XX Max; Ibrahim’s iPhone 13; the N200,000 bank draft in restitution made by Ibrahim; as well as the forensic investigation documents printed from their mobile devices.

    They were all admitted as exhibits by the court.

    The judge convicted and sentenced Ramon to one month imprisonment from the day of his arrest, with the option of a fine of N200,000, and ordered that the mobile devices recovered from him be forfeited to the federal government.

    The judge also convicted and sentenced Ibrahim, who confessed to having benefited from the $150 from his criminal activities, to one month’s imprisonment, with the option of a fine of N200,000.

    He ordered that the iPhone 13 recovered from him as well as N200, 000 in bank drafts be forfeited to the Federal Government.

  • Foundation launches new cohort of vocational training in Afijio

    Foundation launches new cohort of vocational training in Afijio

    Seyi Adisa Development Initiative (SADI) in collaboration with Oguntoyinbo Foundation has launched a fresh cohort of vocational skills training, such as tailoring, nail technology and Website Design, among others, to shape the creative and digital economy in Awe town, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    The program, which was flagged off with great anticipation, had over a hundred trainees, community stakeholders, alumni, and instructors.

    As part of the launch, three outstanding alumni from the 2024 cohort were empowered to deepen their journey into entrepreneurship, with each of them receiving startup support equipment to scale their skills into thriving businesses.

    Speaking at the event, the program manager, Miss Adelayo Adeyemo, reiterated the pseudo-internship structure for vocational skills acquisition at SADI to ensure sustainability.

    She urged graduates to remain in close contact with their instructors, show progress consistently on the online community platforms, and contribute value by working on real-life projects, such as making bags for clients or family members, making wigs, cakes for clients at home and abroad, or continuing to build websites for small businesses.

    The new participants were introduced to the ongoing monitoring and evaluation plan, where their training is regularly tracked.

    Read Also: Land disputes: Alaafin calls for peace, harmony among Oyo, Afijio communities

    Equipment and facilities have been made available at the SADI Vocational Skill Centre for those who do not yet own personal tools, ensuring no one is left behind due to financial limitations.

    Also in attendance was the nail technology instructor, CEO Fabluxx Nail Tech Studio, who shared how her work with press-on nails now reaches international clients, her services also being referred everywhere and Anne- Inspired, the Sewing Academy in charge of the tailoring session of the training, also encouraged the students to maximize the opportunity as it is a rare privilege to be selected for the free training worth over 100,000 per individual.

    In their remarks, the newly empowered alumni expressed gratitude to Oguntoyinbo Foundation and SADI Nigeria for choosing them as examples of transformation, promising to make the best use of the opportunity and make the best use of their skills.

  • Pro-Tinubu group appoints Ejioye Ekiti Coordinator

    Pro-Tinubu group appoints Ejioye Ekiti Coordinator

    A pro-Tinubu group under the auspices of the City Boy Movement (CBM) has announced the appointment of Prince Ayorinde Isaac Ejioye as its new Director for Ekiti State. 

    The appointment was confirmed in a letter by the Director-General of City Boy Movement, Mr. Shoga Francis Oluwatosin.

    The Director General said that Ayorinde’s unwavering commitment, loyalty, and contributions to the growth and vision of the movement were key factors in his selection for the role. 

    He urged the new Ekiti Director to collaborate with youth stakeholders in Ekiti state and work closely with the group’s national leadership to ensure its objectives are met.

    The appointment, Oluwatosin said, was part of the Movement’s efforts to expand its tentacles across the country towards galvanizing support for President Bola Tinubu. 

    Responding, Prince Ejioye thanked the movement’s Director-General for the appointment,  promising to justify the  confidence repose him with exemplary service.

    Read Also: Ejioye, Ogunjobi celebrate defining union

    He pledged to uphold the movement’s  integrity and values, working tirelessly to advance its objectives and support the Renewed  Hope Agenda of  President Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity Agenda 

    He promised to collaborate with youths, students bodies, government agencies, and community leaders to drive positive change and achieving the movement’s desired goals. 

    He reiterated commitment to further strengthen its presence in Ekiti State and contribute to the state’s socio-economic development and the country at large.

  • Minister seeks rethinking of urban growth, youth inclusion

    Minister seeks rethinking of urban growth, youth inclusion

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa has emphasised the timeliness of rethinking urban growth patterns and youth inclusion.

    Using Mexico as a case study, he highlighted parallels between Nigeria and Mexico’s federal systems and climate similarities, presenting three Mexican lessons for inclusive urban belonging.

    The minister, who was represented by the Director, Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade in the ministry, Hashimu Sa’idu, said this during the International Youth Day 2025 themed: “An Evening with the Future: Youth, Urbanisation and Global Possibilities,” organised by HipCity Innovation Centre in Abuja.

    The forum brought together diplomatic missions, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Mass Housing, Urban and Regional Planning Department, Area Council Services Secretariat, other relevant government ministries, youth living in the FCT, and civil society organisations.

    The forum was attended by officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), alongside diplomatic representatives from Mexico, Uganda, and other international partners, creating unprecedented dialogue opportunities for youth-centered urban development solutions.

    The minister said: “First, upgrading where people already live through Mexico’s Urban Improvement Program; second, promoting secondary cities through culture and identity via programs like Pueblos Mágicos and Barrios Mágicos that bring dignity and economic opportunities to smaller cities and historic neighborhoods; and third, linking housing, energy, and youth employment through Mexico’s Ecocasa program supporting affordable, energy-efficient homes construction.”

    The minister said that Nigeria is already implementing similar projects, citing Lagos Blue and Red Rail lines cutting commute times and the national electrification project expanding solar energy access to over 5.5 million people with 125 mini-grids commissioned.

    He highlighted the construction of Renewed Hope Estates as one of the government’s efforts to curb the housing crisis in the country.

    According to him, the estates will be developed across the six geo-political zones.

    Executive Director, HipCity Innovation Centre, Bassey Bassey called on both Federal and State governments to have more young people included in urban policy development and planning.

    He also called for the provision of access to early renters by providing grants and a system that ensures youth have access to decent and affordable housing in planned neighborhoods as well as access to public services to make life easy for them.

    Bassey said that for many Nigerian youths, city life that should be a gateway to opportunity, is now a daily negotiation for survival.

    “Housing costs are so high that even a full year’s minimum wage cannot rent a decent home in a planned neighborhood. A situation that forces thousands into overcrowded, unplanned settlements — spaces that are vulnerable to eviction and demolition without warning. We claim to live in the city, but we are quick to say ‘I wan enter town’. Meaning young persons are villagers in the city,” he said.

    Bassey said that Nigeria’s public transportation is too often inadequate, unreliable, and unsafe.

    “In Abuja, Mass transit buses run only on major routes, leaving young people to spend far more on commuting than they can afford, or to spend hours each day walking long distances.

    He added: “The ‘city experience’ that should inspire creativity and connection is too often replaced with fatigue, anxiety, and disillusionment. The quality of life for urban youth is in decline, eroded by rising food prices, unsafe public spaces, and exclusion from the planning processes that shape the very streets youths live on.”

    According to him, the prevailing challenges are mounting pressure on the mental health of young people.

    “It is no wonder then that the ‘japa syndrome’ has become one of the defining narratives of our time. Young Nigerians are leaving — in droves — for what they believe will be safer, more dignified lives abroad. While migration is a human right, the scale and desperation fueling irregular migration reflects a deep failure at home,” added.

    Director of Mass Housing for the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, commended HipCity Innovation Centre for creating a platform that amplifies youth voices on urban challenges.

    Represented by Florence Kazzah, Dauda reaffirmed FCDA’s commitment to developing inclusive and affordable housing solutions that meet the needs of all residents, particularly young people striving for independence.

    Dauda underscored the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society in building cities where everyone can thrive.

    The Country Director of Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) Nigeria, Sophie Knobel emphasised the creation of ‘open cities’ where the co-existence of different social groups and cultural diversity foster growth that is diverse, equitable, creative, sustainable and inclusive.

    Knobel highlighted the need for inclusive development, affordable housing, streamlined governance, and participatory planning as key recommendations for Nigerian cities, particularly referencing HBS Nigeria’s work on transforming abandoned public buildings into more inclusive and affordable housing spaces for the youths and urban poor residents.

    The Mexican Deputy Head of Mission Jose Brisemo, presented his country’s comprehensive youth engagement framework, positioning youth participation as a cornerstone of crime prevention.

    Read Also: Dangiwa showcases Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing gains in northern Nigeria ‎

    “When we actively engage young people, we effectively redirect them away from organised crime,” the Ambassador explained.

    Minister Counselor, Ugandan High Commission, Abuja Dr. Omara Sam highlighted their distinctive cooperative financial model, where young people organise into registered groups of ten members, qualifying them for loan access up to $2,000 per group.

    According to Sam, this microfinance approach enables youth-led entrepreneurship and community development.

    The Ugandan delegation also presented their agricultural engagement strategy, where the government procures youth-produced agricultural products for export to regional markets including Malawi.

    “This program incentivises young people to pursue agricultural ventures while guaranteeing market access for their products. Complementing these efforts, Uganda’s technical college system provides practical vocational training that equips youth with immediately applicable life skills,” the envoy added.