The Nation Newspaper

Tag: youths

  • 6,000 youths benefit from $4.59m organic fertiliser project 

    No fewer than 6000 unemployed youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will benefit from an organic fertiliser and waste recycling project about to kick off there.

    The project initiated by the Agriculture Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN) is meant to create jobs, promote environmental sustainability in the territory while the processing plant will be located at the popular Gosa Dump site.

    National President of AGAN, Dr. Egbuta Michael, during a briefing in Abuja explained that a tripartite agreement have already been signed with the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    Michael said the project will fully commence as soon as the funding is secured but other pre-activities is expected to start after the scheduled stakeholders meeting.

    He expressed concern on the huge tons of wastes being generated daily in the territory but poorly managed except for intervention of waste scavengers.

    According to him, the idea is to convert the wastes such as plastics, aluminum cans, and other non-biodegradable items into raw materials for other products.

    “The produced organic fertiliser will be used for farming and sold to other farms while the non-biodegradable waste components such as metals, glass wares are to be processed into recycled materials and sold to local manufacturing industries.”

    He added that, “a cluster will work in a common facility utilization outfit, which will involve building of standard material recovery facility. It will be compartmentalized into a general waste dumping or sorting bay, metal baling section, plastic crushing and shredding, organic shredding section among others.”

    However, he noted that funding for the project will be sourced through crowd funding with donations from prominent Nigerians and private firms such as Julius Berger.

    He said stakeholders meeting to be chaired by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Ogunwunsi will be organised ahead of the event kickoff.

    “Earnings by cooperatives will be by earn-as-you-work basis as records of each member contribution will be kept in a cooperative Bank account,” Egbuta said.

    Representative from the Department of Agriculture Extension Service, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developement, Ime Umoh described the initiative as timely due to ongoing efforts of the current administration to tackle unemployment.

    Umoh pledged to support the project and drive it to success, stressing that it falls within mandate of the ministry.

  • Osinbajo to youths: Nigeria’s future depends on you

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has hailed youths for their desire to contribute to nation building through involvement in politics.

    He urged them to ensure the ideals they want to see in the country are realised.

    Prof. Osinbajo, who spoke during a meeting with young aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the country’s future depended on the commitment of youths, who were willing to play their part and make a positive difference.

    He said it was important to encourage young people to participate at all levels in the party.

    Osinbajo said: “I want to comment that your courage is exceptional. If you aspire to be anything in a country of about 200 million people, you are a courageous person, no question about that, because when you count the number of people who hold elective offices in this country, they are very few when compared to the population.

    “So, what you are searching for is really coveted. It is not a walk in the park. I salute your courage.”

    He congratulated the aspirants “for having gone this far in the game.”

    “That you are not just sitting at home, not just getting upset with yourself in the social media. You are putting your money, resources and time where your mouth is. So, consider yourself in very exceptional company.

    “These are people who have not lost hope, but are determined to ensure things work,” the vice-president said.

    He said youths should not lose hope, as things would improve if they remained committed to the ideals.

    Osinbajo added: “I believe the future of our party depends on people who are committed to its development. People who want to build a party based on ideals.

    “As a young person, I belonged to pressure groups. I graduated at 21. When I graduated, I began to participate in pressure groups, human rights organisations, anti-corruption, civil society groups of every kind.

    “When parties were founded, we could not aspire, but we remained involved. My first involvement in government was when I was appointed as the attorney-general in Lagos State.

    “For seven years – after serving as the attorney-general – I was part of the party. I did not have a board appointment or anything, but I kept working for the party. I kept working for the party as a lawyer.

    “Most of those cases, we were not paid a dime. But we went from place to place. Sometimes we didn’t even have a place to stay when we went to court the next morning. So, there is a measure of paying the price, it depends on how serious or committed we are to some of the things we say we are committed to.”

    He advised youths to be committed and remain in the party to build its structures.

    According to him, “in party politics, we must go beyond positions, whether elective or appointed. But we must be committed to something, the principles and beliefs of those who are the forebears of that party.”

    The vice-president said: “We are in a place where we are the ones who can make the difference. Nothing is going to change overnight, but we can make efforts to change the process. We can do a lot more, but it depends on our commitment.

    “I like the idea of young people getting a quota in the party structure to run for office at a level such as the houses of assembly.”

     

  • Youths get leadership tips

    Youths should develop their leadership and entrepreneurial abilities for the upliftment of the country, the author of Leadership and Entrepreneurship Series, 1, Mr Dipo Ojedeji, has said.

    He spoke at the launch of the book in Lagos.

    Ojedeji highlighted a synergy between society and schools, saying the latter needed to put in place more leadership-driven initiatives.

    He said: ‘’There is need for joint cooperation so that Nigeria can become a better country. Schools need to put enforcements on courses based on entrepreneurship and leadership. Schools also need to make the right impact on children as there is need for change in their mindset.’’

    A co-author, Mrs Ronke Fasheru, also gave insights on the book,and the need for improved leadership motivations among youths.

    She said: ‘’There is dignity in labour, if youths can just work up the passion for making use of their knowledge and apply it on something beneficial, then there is hope for a better Nigeria.’’

    Mr Tobi Lawal, who chaired the occasion, recalled that from the onset he knew the book would fly, considering its contents which are of benefit to youths and adults alike.

    He underscore the essence of training children to being risk takers, more daring to challenges, whileand not shying away from their responsibilities.

    Mrs Busola Adegbajo, an education consultant, who reviewed the book, said: ”The book helps children to collaborate as well as teachers. The book is an inspiration and it contains everything about life. The books talks about altitude and aptitude, integrity and also purpose driven passion. There is need for periodic training for our teachers so that they can deliver their duties effectively and also impact rightly in the children.

    ”The book pinpointed that the foundation of success is built on the right attitude. In the book, I read that knowledge is not for sale, it is acquired. The book talked about the challenges of integrity and reward for integrity. The book is the right lead for youths to develop their leadership and entrepreneurship qualities and also improve on their behaviours.’’

  • Osinbajo presents 150 tricycles to women, youths

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday presented 150 tricycles to market women and youths in Cross River State.

    He said the initiative was one of the laudable empowerment prgrammes for women and youths implemented by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    Osinbajo said the programme comprised poultry production and its value chain, fishery production and its value chain, snail production and its value chain, production of confectioneries, production of soap, detergent, fields of artisanship, among others.

    He launched a Federal Government programmme tagged Trader-Moni at Watt Market.

    Niger Delta Affairs Minister Usani Uguru Usani said the event was a continuation in the series of empowerment through the provision of tricycles for women and youths in the region.

    He said similar presentations had been carried out in Warri, Delta State, adding that with the implementation of the 2018 budget, other states in the region would soon be covered.

    “May I emphasise here that this empowerment programme is aimed at achieving cardinal objectives, which include the improvement of transportation access, enhancement of economic activities, haulage of produce and implements to and from the farm and the fulfilment of other ancillary activities such as mechanics, vulcanisers, panel beaters and electricians.

    “It is my hope and desire that this initiative of the government will improve peace and development in the state, and indeed the region.”

     

     

  • Desist from illicit drugs, sex, youths told

    President of Voice of Joy and Gladness Women International Ministry Pastor (Mrs.) Bukola Oladiyun has urged youth to abstain from illicit drugs and sex.

    She advised them to channel their strength to more sensible missions that will benefit them and the nation.

    She spoke at a special outreach tagged ‘sex, dating, drug and the truth’ in Lagos.

    Oladiyun pointed out drugs, sex and alcoholism impact negatively on physical health of youths and their thought patterns.

    “Youths have power, energy, drive, passion and when all these are well invested there is a beautiful dividend for them, nation and the whole world.

    “But if they addicted to drugs, it will compromise their body system, sense, blood, tissues and other vital body systems and weaken their youth body and affect their mission,” she stated.

    She charged parents, government and religious leaders to maximise the potentials of youths by advising and guiding them toward the future because they are the resources of tomorrow.

    Special Adviser to the President of ECOWAS Youth Council (EYC) on Conflict Resolution in Diaspora Matter, Ambassador Tosin Adebuji applauded Oladiyun for taking the bold step to advocate against ungodly sex and illicit drug intake among youths

     

  • ‘Buhari’s govt good for youths’

    Kwara All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Abdulfatai S. Gambari has said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has bettered the lot of the Nigerian youth.

    The APC aspirant, popularly called Ambassador by his supporters, added that the administration is out to bail Nigeria out of the stranglehold of poverty, maladministration and corruption.

    Gambari was speaking to reporters in Igboho, Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State at the declaration of Prof Jibu Ojerinde’s son, Olumide, for the House of Representatives.

    Olumide is aspiring to fly the flag of APC in the 2019 general elections.

    Gambari said, “My advice to Nigerian youths is to believe in   one man. We have been praying to have him and God gave him to us. God gives the young people to have President Muhammadu Buhari. Check out what he has been doing, they are not borne out of selfish intention.

    “They are aimed at bettering the lot of the youths. I advise the young people to emulate him.”

    On his governorship ambition, he said, “I am confident I will clinch the APC governorship ticket in Kwara. I’m not in doubt that i will win the election. The youths of the state will tell you that the only candidate they have presently is ‘Seriki,’ they don’t even call me aspirant, they call me candidate. By the special grace of God come 2019 I shall be there.”

    Speaking on his ambition, Olumide, son of the former JAMB registrar, said the interest of his constituency that had hitherto been relegated to the background is the motive behind his joining politics.

    He said, “I am aspiring to represent Olorunsogo/Irepo/Orelope Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

    “I am inspired to politics to ensure that my people get dividends of democracy. We cannot continue to fold our hands and allow democracy dividends to elude our people through non-performance of some people.

    “When i get there I will use my position to promote peace and unity amongst our people and also socio-economic development.

    “We will focus attention on our agric which has not fully tapped into, will be enhanced into agro-manufacturing, thus encouraging investors in that sector to establish their industries in this area.

    “It is very glaring that this area, I mean Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State. When we get there we will use our influence to attract federal presence in this area as politics is about ‘rob my back i rob yours.’

    “That is why I said that those who had represented in the past had not been the voice of the people.”

  • Why youths need entrepreneurial skills, by Baptist cleric

    President of Lagos Central Baptist Conference Dr Kehinde Babarinde has explained why youths need to imbibe entrepreneurial skills.

    He said acquisition of the skills will enable them to achieve their career and business goals.

    Babarinde, who is also the National Director of Leadership Initiative and Family Empowerment, stated there are basic elements of the model of business relationship that should be imbibed by youths.

    The relationship and business advisor postulated the LEARN model of business relationship.

    He said the learning model is a fundamental tool for development of business relationship through informational listening, interactive listening and critical listening.

    Babarinde spoke to a cross section of youths drawn from several institutions, churches and student fellowships across Lagos State during an empowerment seminar on development recently.

    He advised the youths to take up their faiths seriously to achieve their set goals in life

    He disclosed empathy, as one of the skills, is desirable to develop business relationship as value and trust are essential in dealing with people.

    He added reliability is the projector of business and as a result, youths should eschew mediocrity and become reliable and polite in their commitments.

    He challenged youths to possess strong negotiating skills which will further enable them to gain advantage in their professional and business pursuits.

    Babarinde, who bemoaned the rate at which youths live without concrete goals, urged them to embrace goal-centered business networking.

    He advised youths to develop goals in joining group of like- minded individuals, engage in meaningful and proactive social media relationship amongst others.

    He charged youths to be more result oriented in order to contribute meaningfully to nation building and economic development.

     

  • Appeal to youths

    Sir: Most Nigerian Youths haven’t discovered their place in their country. Running after politicians, chanting and going on errands isn’t an assured future for self and country. Just as Hayakawa will always say, “It is the individual who knows how little they know about themselves who stands the most reasonable chance of finding out something about themselves before they die.”

    Many youths have sacrificed their lives so cheap for those who feel the youths can be used to achieve their purpose by giving little token. We’ve been used and we’ve been dumped now they’re calling us all again in different auspicious groups ahead of 2019 Elections.

    I want every youth to address the following questions?

    Where are the youths in government? What happened to those we risked our lives under harsh weather conditions just to see they emerge? Have they forgotten all their promises?  Do they still acknowledge our efforts and contribution?

    Do you know that less than 20% of youths participate in electoral process? I recently engaged some youths in conversation and I realized that many of us are not ready to even vote next year. We have our PVC but it’s just another object. Most youths have the mentality that “our votes won’t count”. Yet, when we don’t vote, we give room for bad governance in our country.

    We complain of bad governance yet we have a tool just as a gun in the hands of a hunter to terminate the life of any animal so also we can terminate the selfish ambition of some of our leaders.

    Curt Coffman once said “A great manager is someone who says, you come to work with me, and I’ll help you be as successful as possible; I’ll help you grow. I’ll help you make sure you’re in the right role; I’ll provide the relationship for you to understand and know yourself. And I want you to be more successful than me.” This is the spirit of true leadership.

    John Maxwell will say “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

    We need leaders that’ll look beyond their personal interest and see to the general good of the people. Leaders that’ll become a solution and not a burden to us.

     

    • Obiora Okeke,

    Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

  • Go for political offices, SDP urges youths

    The leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has urged youths to actively participate in politics in order to be part of the decision-making that will shape the future of the country.

    Its chairman, Korede Duyile, spoke at the official declaration of Tajudeen Adefisoye, a youth contesting the seat of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.

    Duyile said the masses were tired of voting the same set of people with the same ideology.

    Also speaking, Tajudeen Adefisoye, said he decided to run on the platform of SDP because it had plans to allow youths to vie for positions.

    Adefisoye said he decided to be part of the real change and liberate the people of Idanre and Ifedore by bringing meaningful development to the constituency.

    At the event, Adefisoye was presented with the flag of the party officially, and was charged to continue to promote the party in and outside the state.

     

  • Youths petition IGP over APC chairman’s death in Enugu hotel

    Youths, under the auspices of Ezza Ezekuna Youth Association, have staged a peaceful protest in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on the death of an All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairman, Ernest Oduu, a lawyer.

    Until his death, Oduu was the Chairman of APC in Ezza South Local Government Area.

    He reportedly slumped on Saturday in an Enugu hotel, said to belong to a stalwart of the party in Ebonyi State, and confirmed dead at a hospital.

    The over 500 youths marched on some streets in Abakaliki before terminating the protest at the Government House.

    Addressing reporters, the youths urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the matter and unravel the cause of Oduu’s death.

    The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions like, “IGP, please, investigate the death of our son”; “Ezza youths mourn Ernest”; “We don’t want the death of our brother swept under the carpet” and “The cause of his death must be made public.”

    The protesters’ leader Leonard Alegu said the youths were at the Government House to protest the delay by the Enugu State Police Command in unravelling the death.

    They urged the Ebonyi State government to liaise with Enugu State police commissioner to begin investigation into the death.

    “Since Saturday, August 17, when our brother was said to have slumped and died in a hotel in Enugu, where he attended a political meeting, nothing has been heard about his death. We are worried that the police command in Enugu State has not commenced investigation and we are calling for justice.

    “We are here to make a passionate appeal to the Ebonyi State government to please liaise with the Enugu State Police Command, not just to investigate the cause of the death but to also unravel the cause of his death because justice will not be served if the cause of his death is not unravelled.”

     

    The Chief of Staff to the Government House, Ofor Okorie, said the youths’ action showed their high level of maturity and civility.

    Ebonyi State Deputy Police Commissioner in charge of Operations, Mr. Tony Olofu, said the command would collaborate with its Enugu State counterpart to probe the death.

    He urged them to go back to their businesses and remain law-abiding.