The Nation Newspaper

Tag: youths

  • Youths explains support for Lagos senator

    SOME youths in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have explained their support for Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, to seek another term in the National Assembly.

    The youths’ Chairman, Akintunde Olamilekan, said the senator deserves another term for being an advocate of human capital development.

    Speaking at a programme in Bariga, where the youths endorsed the senator, Olamilekan said Ashafa has made his mark by building a towering reputation as a consultative contributor to bills, motions and matters of national importance.

    Besides, he said the opinions of the senator can be trusted to be unbiased and nationalistic.

    Ashafa, according to him, has through various platforms of engagement directly empowered and impacted on the lives of over 10,000 constituents of Lagos East and is still going strong.

    He said: “He has done well for the youths in Bariga LCDA and that is why we are endorsing him for another term in the senate, so as to enable him continue with the good works he has been doing. Ashafa has done a lot in our constituency and the youths really appreciate him.

    “He has donated entrepreneurial tools and equipment to the constituents, constructed boreholes across the district, constructed ICT center/town hall in Ikorodu, donated transformers and supported education.

    “He constructed blocks of classrooms in various schools, embarked on free medical outreach, agricultural entrepreneurship programme and empowerment programme for widows and widowers.

    His (Ashafa’s) actions are driven by a firm believe that one of the primary responsibilities of the government is to implement economic policies that lift millions of our citizens out of poverty and to use the resources at its disposal to create safety nets for the poor and vulnerable in the society.

    “The senator has supported six bills in the 8th Senate, including the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Achievement Bill 2014, the Chattered Institute of Logistics and Transport Bill 2016, the City University of Technology Bill 2016, Sporting Tax Holiday Bill 2016, the Nigerian Postal Bill 2017 and the Nigerian French Language Village Established Bill 2017.”

    Another youth, Fatimah Adebayo, said Ashafa is being endorsed because of his many contributions to the development of the society, especially his constituents at the Lagos East senatorial zone.

    “He has done well to us and we want him to continue his good deed. I urge the youths in this LCDA to get their Permanent Voters Card and vote for Ashafa; he needs the support of us all to continue his good deeds.”

    “He has empowered us through the ‘Say no to drug abuse campaign in conjunction with the Valley View Events Centre, Magodo Estate; and Bank of industry (BoI) loans for Lagos East constituents; the Senator Gbenga Ashafa medical outreach/free eye test; installation of solar powered and street lights; as well as financial assistance to thousands of constituents, groups, associations and religious organisations through the Gbenga Ashafa Trust Empowerment

    “It is our responsibility to get what is ours. He has promised to give us what is ours; he has empowered us and given transformers. He deserves another term.”

     

  • Abidoye to youths: it’s your turn to take over

    Nigeria’s youths should brace up to the challenge of leading the nation because the older generation has failed, the Spiritual Father of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church worldwide, Most Rev Samuel Abidoye, has stated.

    He challenged them to warm up to the reality of leading the nation out of the woods because the older generation has failed the nation.

    Abidoye also urged Christians to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.

    He added that Christians should collect their cards “and vote their conscience without any compromise of collecting money which really amounts to mortgaging our lives and that of the future generations.”

    The 98- year- old man spoke with reporters at the international headquarters of the church, Galilee Land, Orile Igbon, along Ogbomoso/Ilorin expressway to herald this year’s C$S Movement Ascension of Mont Horeb.

    He however counselled the youths not disappoint nation and their constituents when they get into various leadership positions, saying “from whom much is given, much is also expected”.

    “It has already been established youths constitute largest percentage of the population and with the challenges already created by the elders of the country and support given by some elders, it is an opportunity for them to wake up and be fully prepared to take over mantle of leadership from the elders”, he said.

     

     

     

  • Johnson Foundation empowers youths, women in Osodi/Isolo

    A non-government organisation, the Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson Foundation, yesterday donated cash gifts and food items to indigent widows and youths in Osodi/Isolo Federal Constituency, Lagos State.

    The foundation, which is sponsored by the former Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ganiyu Johnson, also gave scholarship to indigent tertiary students in the area.

    Johnson, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarified that the activities of the foundation were not motivated by partisan politics, explaining that he was trying to plough back to a society that has assisted him to achieve his dream in life.

    Accompanied by his wife, Funke, Johnson, who also donated cash gifts and consumables to some orphanages, promised to sustain the empowerment programme.

    The event, which was held at Bouyard Event Centre, Isolo, and chaired by Chief Afolabi Salami, was witnessed by the Lagos APC outgoing chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka Ilufemiloye, Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr. Abdulakeem Abdulateef, Chairman of Isolo Council Shamishideen Olaleye, Chief M.A. Taiwo, former member of House of Representatives Akinderu Fatai, Olamide Kasali, Wale Adelana, community and religious leaders, women and youth groups, and members of the Community Development Associations (CDAs).

    Beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes showered praises on Johnson, describing him as a compassionate leader, kind and loving neighbour.

    Johnson, an engineer, spoke on the gospel of philanthropy, saying that it is a patriotic assignment to extend a duty of care to the needy.

    He disclosed that the foundation has touched may lives through the programme, urging other well-meaning materials to take similar steps.

    Johnson said: “I was a beneficiary of the Federal Government scholarship. To gain admission into the university in the seventies was very difficult, if you were not from a rich family and you were not working. That’s what motivated me to give back to the society. The scholarship has placed me in the position where I can render assistance to the less-privileged.”

    Noting that widows and indigent students are going through hard times, the former commissioner urged public-spirited individuals to come to the aid of the poor.

    Ajomale applauded Johnson for the initiative, saying that the foundation has made progress.

    He said: “We are moving forward. Good things are coming and it is our turn. I was also a beneficiary of scholarships which made me to study in Russia. This is a good gesture.”

  • Stop fighting Oshiomhole, youths tell Amaechi

    •Delta APC ‘won’t accept’ ex-governor as party chair
    •Oshiomhole not alternative to Oyegun, says Airhiavbere

    SOME All Progressives Congress (APC) youths in Southsouth have urged the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Ameachi, to stop fighting ex-Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole over position of the party’s national chairman.

    They told Ameachi to concentrate on defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in River State.

    A statement in Benin yesterday by Ebie Paul (Bayelsa); Chidom Ogor (Rivers); Tony Adun (Edo); Edesiri Ojugo (Delta); Victor Eket (Cross River) and Igbiri Cosmas (Akwa Ibom), backed the Zonal Executive Committee in adopting Oshiomhole as the zone’s candidate.

    The statement reads: “Oshiomhole fought doggedly for the APC in the South South, and because of him, APC was able to hold on to Edo State. But Amaechi failed to win Rivers State for APC.

    “Each time there is an election, he decides not to participate and PDP will win, so how can such a man want to dictate who becomes what in APC in the Southsouth?

    “Rather than strategising how to defeat Wike, Amaechi has been holding meetings to stop Oshiomhole from becoming APC’s National Chairman. Oshiomhole comes to Benin and walks freely because he is loved by his people, but Amaechi cannot walk the streets of Port Harcourt freely unless with soldiers; this is the sign that he is not home with his people.

    “We appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to open his eyes very well because people like Amaechi lack what it takes to deliver the South South for him. Oshiomhole has done it in Edo State, and we know that APC will pick more states in the South South if he becomes the chairman.”

    APC in Delta State has rejected moves to back Oshiomhole as national chairman.

    Oshiomhole was endorsed by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki; Zonal Vice Chairman Hilliard Eta; and four of six zonal chairmen, at the Government House yesterday.

    A statement by the state’s Deputy Chairman, Chief Cyril Ogodo, described the adoption as “desperate and despicable”.

    Leader of the party, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, said party leaders and stakeholders did not deliberated on adopting Oshiomhole as candidate.

    According to him, incumbent chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is “a worthy son of our zone who has performed creditably, and who deserves to be given the first right of refusal”.

    The chairmen, who dissociated themselves from the adoption, include Chief Davies Ikanya (Rivers); Deacon Joseph Fafi (Bayelsa); Etim John (Cross River); Amadu Attai (Akwa Ibom), and the Deputy National Secretary Victor Giadom.

    A chieftain of the APC in Edo State, Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, has faulted the endorsement of Oshiomhole by the Southsouth caucus for the party’s national chairman.

    He said Oshiomhole is not an alternative to Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    Airhiavbere, who spoke on the division in the Southsouth chapter over the choice of Odigie-Oyegun and Oshiomhole for the national chairman, said the latter remains the best candidate given how he has kept the party together.

    He maintained that being a former governor does not guarantee that Oshiomhole  would be a good party chairman because he has not been tested.

    According to Airhiavbere, what is playing out ahead of the party’s national convention is an awful way to reward Odigie-Oyegun after all he has done to stabilise the party. He called on stakeholders to support him for a second term so that he can consolidate on his achievements.

    His words: “The division in Southsouth is normal, and I believe a healthy competition means the APC is still very vibrant and a party to beat. But Oshiomhole is not an alternative to Odigie-Oyegun. That is the truth and that is my stand.

    “If there is anything, I want my voice to be heard on this issue. Oshiomhole is not an alternative to Odigie-Oyegun if the APC national chairman will come from Edo State. He is not an alternative because we know the contribution of everybody to the party. So, my take is let Odigie-Oyegun remain.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Lagos empowers over 18,000 women, youths

    Speaking at the Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the three years anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat of the Ministry, the Commissioner for  WAPA, Dr. Lola Akande, who gave a breakdown of the figures, said  5,724 trainees graduated from the centres in 2015; 7,301 in 2016 while 5,159 were trained last year. “The ultimate aim was to empower the trainees to reduce poverty, make them self-reliant and also (become) job providers rather than job seekers,” she said.

    Dr Akande, however, expressed concern over the low enrolment of women and youth into the 17 free skills acquisition training centres across the state.

    According to her, the reduction in the number of trainees last year showed that the centres are not being used to their maximum.

    She said the Ambode-led administration is committed to alleviating poverty in all forms among the citizens of the state, especially women who have been identified as the chief burden bearer in their families.

    “This is why the government is investing in women empowerment, skills acquisition programmes, access to loans and provision of working tools to enable them better their lives and become self-reliant so as to contribute to the development of the state and the nation at large,” she said.

    She however appealed to residents especially vulnerable women, youths, job seekers and young school leavers to take advantage of the trainings to become economically and financially viable.

    Dr Akande added that in its bid to help sustain the general well being of women in the state, WAPA also organised medical screening for 1,500 women and young adults such as cervical, breast, sugar level, blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, and others to check their health status.

    The ministry, Akande said, has also handled a total number of 1,313 domestic violence matters and resolved 1,055 cases, among others.

  • Youths chase away regent in Ekiti

    •Kingmaker accused of imposition
    •Palace shut

    Crisis erupted at Agbado-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government of Ekiti State at the weekend, as youths protested alleged

    imposition of a regent.

    The Regent, Bolaji Okunbobade, was allegedly appointed to occupy the

    throne vacated by her late father, the Owa Oro of Agbado, Oba Okunbobade, who joined his ancestors on March 19.

    Reports said yesterday that the demonstration was spearheaded by youths, who were joined by other indigenes.

    The protesters, who carried placards and leaves, blocked the Ado-Ikare Road for hours and accused one of the kingmakers of choosing Bolaji as the regent.

    They alleged that due process was not followed and “critical stakeholders” were not carried along in the choice of Bolaji, whom they described as an “illegal regent.”

    Chanting war songs, the protesters invaded the palace and reportedly chased away the regent and her aides.

    Their whereabouts were unknown last night.

    Youths have sealed off the palace.

    The Nation learnt that the community has been thrown into crisis following the alleged taking over of artefacts, shrines and duties of sacrifices by four kingmakers.

    The kingmakers’ alleged action led to tension, but the intervention of Gbonyin Local Government chairman restored peace.

    The Olori Omo Owa (head of princess and princesses), Prince Sunday Adelusi, said he was not carried along in the choice of the regent.

    He accused one of the chiefs of impersonating him.

    A youth leader, Mr. Adeola Odesanmi, condemned the manner the regent was allegedly imposed.

    He called for the reversal of the action.

    Another youth leader, Sanya Adeibi, urged Governor Ayo Fayose to intervene in the crisis “before it gets out of hand.”

     

  • Jonathan charges youths not to repeat past mistakes of leaders

    FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerian youths, especially aspiring young leaders, not to repeat the mistakes of the past, charging them to revolutionize a new paradigm shift in leadership and citizenship.

    Jonathan gave the charge yesterday in Yenagoa while receiving the New Nigeria 2019 Group, (#NN-2019) and the Young Professionals of Nigeria, YPN, led by Chima Nwafor and Moses Siasia. He also commended the youth groups for trying to chart a new course for the socio-political development of the country.

    The former president, who described youths as the pillar of any society, stressed that anybody who meant well for the society will not downplay the role of the youths, noting that the political history of the country was replete with youths who have played leadership positions and performed creditably well.

    He also went on to urge the youths not to make the fundamental mistakes of past leaders which included mistakes of tribalism, nepotism, and mistakes of religious intolerance.

    He said: “I am happy that you cut across all parts of the country, you are not here because you are Christians or Muslims, you are not here because you are from the South-South, or from the North-East, or North West or South West, but because you are Nigerian youths that are committed to a particular cause and you want to make an impact for a better society for us and the future generations.”

    A statement issued by his media adviser also noted that Jonathan identified himself with other leaders who had advocated for young people to be fully involved in leadership. According to the statement, former President Jonathan said further that he believed in the philosophy of Late Maitama Sule who posited “that the young breed without old breed will breed greed.” I believe that both old and young people must come together.

    He noted that there was a time young people played dominant roles in the nation’s politics. He said: “All the big historical names you hear; Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Sarduana of Sokoto, Michael Okpara, all of them got involved in governance at very young age. Some of them were ministers in their twenties.”

     

     

    He stressed that the situation was similar up to the time of the military heads of state, starting from Yakubu Gowon who was 32 and Ibrahim Babangida and President Buhari who became heads of state as

    young men.

    He said further: “I am not envisioning a government that every actor will be below thirty-five years old, but I share the aspiration of those who want young people to be fully involved in governance.

    “I remember when Alfred Diette Spiff was the military governor of the then old Rivers State, though most of the members of his cabinet were older than him and even referred to him as “my son,” together they achieved much in infrastructure and human development.

    Jonathan stated that during his political career as a governor and president, he encouraged young people and women to play key roles in governance.

    “Before I leave let me charge the young people in two key areas; the young must reform the young for us to grow positively. Some of the challenges like cultism, kidnapping and terror that we are have in the society are perpetrated by youths who have been used negatively.

    “A group like yours constituting of CEOs must create platforms to re- orientate the thinking of our young people. I am glad that you mentioned setting up similar bodies, across the country. At least even if you start from the universities and secondary schools, to change the mindset of the youths.  Youth movements like Boys Scout, Boys Brigade and Girls Guide, developed from this kind of thinking. He went on to note that the growth of society should not be marked by flashy cars, sky scrapers and beautiful roads but by the people, the way they think and the way they do things.

    Earlier, the Convener of NN-2019, Dr. Chima Anyaso and Chairman NYPF Moses Siasia, said they are consulting with elder statesmen all over the country to seek their blessings and support, and mobilizing young minds to advocate for democratic inclusion come 2019, stressing that they have taken up the challenge to participate actively in the democratic process of the country.

  • ITF, UNIDO to match youths with jobs

    The Federal Government has come out with a document that will match skilled students under the ITF with jobs, the Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Joseph Ari has said.

    Ari, who stated this yesterday during the official presentation of a report on ITF, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) skills gap assessment in Nigeria, said this document “will guide us to work with greater exactitude and reasonable sense of purpose.”

    He said the report will also assure that the people we train in workshops and classrooms across the country will go into jobs that are already waiting, in sectors that are truly short of manpower.

    Ari said the ITF, in line with its mandate and its desire to take a leading role in all matters of hands on skills, entered into collaboration with UNIDO to conduct a skills survey.

    He said: “This is to provide information on industrial skills demand, supply and gaps in Nigeria, formulate in consultation with relevant stakeholders, policy recommendations and action plan to alleviate the skills gap. serve as basic for government investment in skills development in Nigeria and guide the work of concerned organisations.

    He stated that the report presented today is the work of years of toil of several agencies, who despite all odds strove to produce the document.

     

  • Foundation holds talent hunt for youths

    The Peace Enlightenment Foundation at the weekend held a talent hunt for youths in Ijegun, a Lagos suburb.

    The programme attracted dignitaries, community leaders and apex members of the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vangaurd.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode urged the youths to stay away from drugs and cultism to realise their future plans.

    Ambode, who was represented by the State Coordinator, Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard, Seyi Bamigbade, maintained that the government would award scholarships to first and second placed candidates.

    He said: “We will monitor and hope that next year would be bigger than this. The message of the governor to the youths is that they know that they are the future of this country, and the future starts now. They should also obedient to their parents.”

    He assured residents of Ijegun that the government of Akinwunmi Ambode would build the road linking Ijegun to Festac Town, to ensure easy movement. He added that there is need for the people to support government’s effort at ensuring good roads and security.

    Bamigbade also urged Lagosians to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to enable them vote in the candidate of their choice, saying the present government has a lot of programmes for young ones.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Youths should participate in politics’

    A Youth activist, Chris Ifeoluwa, has urged the youths to participate in politics, instead of complaining about bad governance.

    The activist, who is the convener of the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ initiative in Surulere Federal Constituency I, Lagos State, said the time is ripe for generational shift.

    He spoke at a conference in Lagos with the theme: ‘The youth and their significance to the struggle for a new Nigeria,’ to create awareness for youths on political participation.

    Ifeoluwa said there is the need  for fresh ideas in politics to replace the penchant for the preservation of self-interest by politicians.

    Other speakers called on youths to embrace politics and registered before next year’s general elections.

    Ifeoluwa, who is an aspirant to the House of Representatives, said: “Let the youths stop lamenting and blaming the older politicians. We are young and vibrant and if we feel things are not done properly then it’s high time we took up the mantle.

    “Do not say there no to fifth term in your bedroom. Come out openly and say no to fifth term in Surulere Federal Constituency I and let people hear our voices.”

    At the primary, the aspirant will compete with Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who may be seeking re-election after spending 16 years in the House of Representatives.

    While reeling out his campaign promises, Ifeoluwa also donated books and other educational materials to students in selected schools across the nine wards in the constituency. He said the donation was to ensure that students have access to reading materials, thereby aiding their academic excellence and ultimately securing their future.

    He ssid the intervention was necessary to make learning attractive and take pupils off the streets. He said the highly successful men and women all over the world had their roots in proper and sound education. He urged them to make good use of the items.

    Ifeoluwa added: “I also urge the students to take advantage of the good educational policies currently running in Lagos State, given the foundation laid by our able leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to be able stand out in the future.”

    The aspirant also organised a one-week free health programme for the people of his constituency. The programme included free eye test and distribution of drugs to people with different ailments.

    He said: “The one-week free health programme ended with a visit to Heart of Gold motherless home where donations were made to the kids.”