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Tag: youths

  • FG tasks youths to tap into Youth Investment Fund

    FG tasks youths to tap into Youth Investment Fund

    The Ministry of Youth Development, Jamila Bio Ibrahim has charged Nigerian youths to tap into revised Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) which is set to provide young entrepreneurs with access to loans and comprehensive business support.

    Ibrahim said this at the 2024 National Youth Summit on Crime Prevention organised by African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention, AYICRIP held at the University of Lagos.

    Theme: “Empowering Youth: Building Safe and Inclusive Communities. It brought together hundreds of youths, government representatives, civil society groups and law enforcement agents. It features areas such as the role of education and leadership in crime prevention, the impact of social media and technology, mental health, economic empowerment, and the importance

    Ibrahim, was represented by Olufela Olatoye-Sosan, said that the federal government recognises the grave threat that high unemployment rates pose to our nation. In response, we have developed new initiatives and restructured existing ones to meet the needs of our youth, aiming for sustainable solutions that address long-term challenges.

    “One of our initiatives is the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), which promotes entrepreneurship and job creation. By supporting our youth through loans and providing training on building scalable and sustainable businesses, the NYIF serves as a cornerstone for youth empowerment.”

    Read Also: Creating jobs, entrepreneurship with N75b Youth Investment Fund

    She stated further that they have begun work on establishing the National Youth Development Bank (NEXTGEN BANK), a pioneering effort in partnership with the Bank of Industry. 

    This bank provides financial solutions tailored specifically for young entrepreneurs, youth-backed ventures, and youth sector enterprises.

    “The Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the National Youth Development Bank (NEXTGEN BANK) are transformative initiatives to reduce youth crime and foster safe, inclusive communities. By providing loans and training, NYIF empowers young people to start and grow businesses, tackling youth unemployment and the financial desperation that can lead to crime.”

    “By providing opportunities for entrepreneurship, these programs keep youth constructively engaged, preventing idleness and frustration that can lead to delinquency. Ultimately, by offering viable pathways to financial independence and success, the NYIF and NEXTGEN BANK address the root causes of youth crime, contributing to a safer and more prosperous society.”

    Recognising the vital role of young people in governance, the minster noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has approved this unprecedented initiative, ensuring that 30% of government appointments are reserved for youths.

    In his welcome address, Founder/Executive Director of AYICRIP, Chris Ibe said that the conference is a call to action and a reminder that crime prevention is not solely the responsibility of the government or law enforcement agencies.

    “It requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society – from families and schools to businesses and civil society organizations. Everyone has a role to play in creating environments where young people can flourish,” he said.

    “Our theme for this year’s summit reflects a vision of a society where young people are not only protected from crime but are also pivotal in creating environments where everyone can thrive. This vision is particularly significant in our context as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world”.

    “Youth are often at the heart of both the challenges and solutions in crime prevention. As the future leaders and innovators, it is essential that we harness our potential, energy, and creativity to foster communities where safety and inclusivity are the norms”, he said.

  • Expert urges youths to prioritise  job positioning, employability skills, others

    Expert urges youths to prioritise  job positioning, employability skills, others

    Human Resource expert and lead executive of Career Right Track, Lara Yeku, has advised youths and job haunters to understand the importance of job positioning and how it increases their chances of securing a suitable job.

    She explained that job seekers should first discover themselves, know who they are, their strengths and weaknesses before applying for jobs.

    She said this at a programme organized by Career Right Track held at RCCG Lagos province 35 on Saturday, tagged “Mapping Out Your Career”.

    “We need to understand that the world of work is evolving and the need for you to position yourself for a job has become more critical than before, first and foremost, you need to be aware of who you are, what are your skills, what are your strength, what are you good at doing, understand your personality and what career is suitable for you.

    “Another one is branding yourself appropriately, part of the session was focused on etiquette,  etiquette is really important for social interaction, right conduct and behaviour, because you can’t give what you don’t have.

    She also emphasised that educational status is not enough to get a job, saying that employability skills and networking are key factors needed in getting a quality job.

    “Another step to positioning yourself right for a job is by improving your employability skills through skills knowledge competence acquisition, a lot of people want jobs but how well are they building the right skills and competence for the job to make them fit for the job, another step is networking, being in the right circle, right association at the right time, because your network is your net worth, because you are able to accelerate your positioning when you are in the right network.”

    Corporate trainer, Nonye Cally-Bechi, urged both the younger and older generation to learn qualities that will help promote the workspace as they both have differences but cohabiting will produce great results.  

    “There’s a whole lot going in our world right now, and the workplace is not an exception, so many things are happening especially with the generational gap we have now, you see a younger generation who think they know it all and the older generation should get off because they understand technology and here you have the older generation, saying we have institutional knowledge, we have experience, you have so much to learn from us, so what I think is for both generations to learn from each other, we all have something to learn from each other, the whole generation has a whole lot to learn from the younger generation, and the younger generation has a whole lot to learn from the older generation, there has to be a balance, the older generation has the experience, the younger generation has tech, and look at the world today, tech is ruling, so the older generation needs the skill of tech so as the younger need the experience, so finding the balance is key.”

    Read Also: NGO empowers youths with digital, soft skills

    Also speaking, an executive member of Career Right Track, Yewande Adedayo, advised youths to add value in wherever space they find themselves, saying the best way to doing that is by upskilling themselves. 

    She said the employers of labour are not only after degree and certifications but what value you can add.

    “The world of the youth where we are today is very volatile, it’s highly changing, and my advice to the youth is to make sure they are adaptable, flexible, and they upskill themselves, and in terms of upskilling, yourself, you have to understand that you’ve gone to school for a particular degree  but after that degree, you are completely relevant to your industry, first understand yourself, what’s your plan for yourself, what’s God’s purpose for your life, after understanding this, you need to be well skilled in those areas and as much as possible provide value to yourself, and the only way you can provide value to yourself is in upskilling yourself, you need to come to the table with something, employers these days are looking for people that are versatile, so my ask for youth today will be that they upskill themselves, remain versatile, and remain relevant to the employers and ensure they add value.” 

  • First Lady raises the alarm over waning values among youths

    First Lady raises the alarm over waning values among youths

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has warned that Nigerian children are at risk of losing their identity if necessary steps are not taken to make amends.

    She gave the warning at an event tagged ‘Celebrating the Nigerian Woman’ organided as part of activities to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

    The event was put together to recognise the women that have made significant contributions in their various spheres of life, communities and in the nation at large.

    First Lady Tinubu emphasised the importance of women as the foundation of the home and society, stressing the need to continue nurturing children and instilling good morals while preserving cultural and traditional values. 

    In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: “Gathered here today are women from across all sectors of our society, who have individually and collectively contributed to the development of our great nation. Every woman, irrespective of age is a mother, a nurturer, a builder and the foundation upon which our families, communities and institutions thrive”.

    She expressed concern that without intervention, the current state of society could lead to children losing their identity.

    The First Lady urged women to become unifying forces in their homes and communities to drive greater prosperity for the nation. She encouraged drawing inspiration from the legacies of pioneering women who have paved the way.

    “When mothers stand with you, the house is in order. Looking ahead, we must endeavour to become the unifying force in our homes and our communities, to bring about greater prosperity for our nation. 

    “Let us continue to draw from the lessons of the pioneers who have paved the way and build on the legacies they have left behind”, she said. 

    Read Also: First Lady’s RHI donates fooditems to 900 Kano homes

    She urged everyone to contribute their quota and continue praying for President Bola Tinubu and the nation until Nigeria reaches the promised land, which she referred to as “Eldorado.”

    “To all our mothers here today, and to those who have supported and keep touching our lives in countless ways, I say thank you. Thank you for your love, strength, and unending sacrifices,” she said. 

    Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, described Senator Oluremi Tinubu as an embodiment of experience, having served as First Lady of Lagos State for eight years, Senator of the Federal Republic for eight years and now the First Lady of the country. 

    Addressing the First Lady pointedly, Hajia Shetimma described her as an embodiment of humility, zeal, passion, commitment and sincerity of purpose.

    “I thank my Almighty Allah for blessing m with you, I always see you as a role model. I want to assure you Insha Allah, together forever Ma”, she said. 

    The wife of the Vice President charged the First Ladies of the various states to tap from Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s wealth of experience. 

    Wife of former Head of State, Mrs Victoria Gowon, stressed that until women unite, Nigeria will go no where.

    She said if women unite and begin to mentor others, Nigeria will one day produce a female President. 

    “I  like to say something, the First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria has shown us the way to take people as friends, as partners to move the women of Nigeria forward. To be seen as mothers, as helpers. 

    “Until we as women unite, we are not going anywhere. We have to unite. We have to remove our differences, it doesn’t matter where you come from or it doesn’t matter who you love, you are a woman, you are a mother.

    “At this juncture, I call on women of Nigeria to support Mrs. Tinubu in the office she is today. She has shown that she can help women of Nigeria, she can support the children of Nigeria. And together we will be strong, together, one day, we will find amongst us, one of us that can be the leader of this country,” she said. 

    Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for acknowledging former first ladies whom she always remember and valued as integral parts of the nation. 

    She emphasised the importance of unity and support, highlighting the significant role of Nigerian women in the country’s progress. 

    “Nigerian women, we have a mother who loves, cares for her children and in turn stand by her side.

    “Onyeka (the lady of song) has said it all, one love keeps us together.  Where there is love, peace will keep us together and shine on us together.”

  • Engage in electoral process, Ehondor of Benin Kingdom urges youths

    Engage in electoral process, Ehondor of Benin Kingdom urges youths

    The Ehondor of Benin, in Edo state, Chief lyare Ehondor has issued a passionate call for the revival of ancient traditions in the governance of the state.

    Emphasizing the rich history and sophisticated political system of their ancestors, Chief Ehondor urged the people of Edo State to honour these traditions as they approach the upcoming elections.

    “Our ancestors built a civilization renowned for its sophisticated political system, a system that valued consultation, representation, and the active participation of all members of society.

    “Just as they recognized the importance of inclusive governance, so too must we embrace the power of collective action in charting the course of our state,” Chief Ehondor stated.

    Addressing the youth specifically, Chief Ehondor called on them to reclaim their rightful place in the political arena.

    Read Also: 56 young Nigerians to travel to US for Mandela Washington Fellowship program

    “Your voices are the echoes of generations past, your ideas the seeds of a brighter future,” he said.

    “It is time to breathe new life into our ancient traditions by actively engaging in the electoral process.”

    Chief Ehondor urged the youth to register to vote, educate themselves on the issues that matter most to their communities, and cast their ballots with conviction on Election Day.

    He emphasized that their participation is not merely a privilege but a sacred duty to honour the legacy of those who came before and to safeguard the prosperity of generations yet to come.

    Chief Ehondor called for unity and empowerment, stating, “Together, let us forge a path forward that honours our heritage, respects our diversity, and empowers every citizen to contribute to the advancement of our great state.”

  • Why we are focusing on the youths – Foursquare GO

    Why we are focusing on the youths – Foursquare GO

    Over the week, over 1, 971 delegates from 178 Districts of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria re-affirmed Rev Sam Aboyeji as its General Overseer for another five years. Aboyeji in an interview with ADEOLA OGUNLADE spoke about the challenges, success, why the church adopts elections to elect its leaders, and his commitment toward raising a new generation of God’s army for the end-time evangelism.

    Congratulations on your reaffirmation as the GO of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. What are your projections for the new tenure?

    I want to thank God for today. It is only God that can do it.  Our first term was challenging. COVID-19 was one of the challenges we encountered. We came into office in November and COVID-19 struck in February 2020, but God helped us. There were other distractions associated with taking off of the new administration.  When we were taking off, a lot of forces were trying to keep me on the ground. You have fought your way through to take off, and when you take off, most times, you are on auto-fly. That is the way I will classify my first term. By the grace of God, in the first term, we did not allow distractions, in the second term; distraction would have no place in our administration.

     Are you saying you are satisfied with the first term?

    No, not necessarily, it is good that we have a second term, so whatever needs to be perfected, we will perfect them. As I speak to you there are parts of the vision that some have not bought into in the fifth year and we were just lamenting that if they had bought into it, we would have gone very far. For instance, the Grand Assembly Project, some are just buying into it. We are spending millions to plant those churches for our youths which is not in tune with our normal tradition of planting churches. If you know us, we are a very conservative church. When we go out for evangelism and we have to gather the people and disciple them, the place of worship can come later. When we came in, our approach was to secure a place of worship first in a very conspicuous place and put in all the equipment so that it could attract young people. It was in our fourth and fifth years that some of our leaders started buying into it.

     What were the challenges you went through in your first tenure?

    We had so many. Anyone who confesses Christ must go through one challenge or the other. The first challenge we had was COVID and God helped us. We were always on air live for two hours every Sunday, 9-11 am for 18 months until we were allowed to hold full services. I was preaching and there were sessions of prayers. There were challenges of skepticism. I was the first GO in the history of the church that was selected from outside Lagos and the strength of the church is in Lagos and Southeast. At that point, God needs to help you and you need to prove yourself. They voted for me then and the election in my first tenure was not as overwhelming. Also, some of the visions God gave me did not go in line with the tradition. For instance, the emphasis on youths, this is a church where the majority of our ministers are elderly. So, the first reaction was that I wanted to displace them. God had to give us another idea to balance this.

     Today, all our pastors are medically insured. Any of our pastors can walk into any hospital of their choice and get treated under our insurance package. Those are parts of the ways we managed it. We also introduce parting gifts to our pastors who are retiring. We also train pastors when they are about to retire. Five years before retirement, our pastors go through training that prepares them for retirement. All these were put in place to solve the problem of our ticking toward young people. Some distractions wanted to take us off point, but we had to keep fighting.

     The early Apostles were appointed after prayers were made, while election in Foursquare?

    I have asked the International President of the church, Rev Randy Remington too and his response was that the way God works is that anything you tell God to use to speak to you, he will use. He uses what he thinks you will associate with. Before the game at all, everybody knows the rules and we will take it to God.  To the glory of God, I have heard several times that the person we wanted from God to lead is the one that eventually emerged. Like this re-election, we have been praying to God for weeks that we will not miss the very will of God on this matter. That is why the church is still an example in this country. The church is one that  you can lay your hand on our audited financial statements every year. It is even available. That goes to every of our churches, the pastor is accountable to the members. It is only in spiritual matters that you are the head but when it comes to financial matters, there are people who are better than you in the congregation and they should have a say. God wanted Moses to build the Tabernacle, and God told him to go and meet Bezalel from the tribe of Judah and Oholiab from the tribe of Dan whom God had given rare talent, intelligence, and ability for the construction.   The church will be a better place when pastors give the people what should be their responsibility.

    Read Also: Sallah: Youths fete Muslim communities

     Why focus on Youths?

    One day, I had a cheque to catch, and I had to go to the bank. I took the cheque and I saw a crowd, and as a pastor of my status, I thought, I could see a member who could help me with the cheque to catch quickly. God did not allow me to see anyone. I saw young people everywhere. I went to Abuja and stood by the roadside and the people I saw were largely young people. God began to tell me that if you are going to be an effective minister of the gospel in Nigeria, these are the people to preach to while we are not neglecting the old too. That is why the project Foursquare NextGen came up. My wife and I were opportune to visit Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, where the founder of Foursquare Gospel Church was born. It was a big community with a museum built in her honour. Unfortunately, that week they wanted to sell the Salvation Army building where she was based. So, we were forced to ask the person in charge of the museum what happened. He brought out an album and, in the album, we saw that the people in the album were old people except a few persons carrying babies, and he said that these were the last event that happened in that church and as soon as the people died, the church closed down. That inspired me to pay more attention to the next generation. We are not ignoring the old but research states that if you preach to children in their teens, they are not likely to go back to the world. Many of our church leaders today started their ministry in their 20s. Today, the trend is changing, we want to salvage the next generation to the path of Christ.

  • Why youths should embrace agribusiness, by Oyebanji

    Why youths should embrace agribusiness, by Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has urged youths to shift their focus to agriculture, to achieve self-reliance in food production and bolster economic development.

    He said agriculture remained a viable solution to the country’s economic challenges.

    Oyebanji spoke in Ado-Ekiti during the launch of a four-day training and empowerment programme for youths in agribusiness.

    He identified the programme as a sustainable alternative to the continuous provision of palliatives to citizens.

    Read Also: No student will drop out again, says Tinubu

    The governor said the programme, which is a Public Private Partnership initiative with YSJ Limited, was meticulously crafted to address youth unemployment.

    He said the programme was consistent with his campaign promise to create access and pathway to opportunities for youths to prosper.

    No fewer than 400 youths drawn from the 16 local governments are participating in the training.

  • Govt concedes 2 per cent appointment quota to youths

    Govt concedes 2 per cent appointment quota to youths

    • From Bolaji Tunji, Abuja

    Two initiatives aimed at fostering greater inclusion and development opportunities for youths have been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    Youths Minister Dr. Jamila Ibrahim-Bio who dropped the hint after yesterday’s FEC meeting at the State House in Abuja, said the Council also approved additional provision for the restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).

    According to the minister, the Council has approved institutionalisation of a two per cent quota for youth and 30 per cent for women in all government appointments

    According to her, the step will be addressing the age-long marginalisation of young people in the decision-making processes.

    The minister said: “I’m delighted to brief the gentleman and women of the press that we have received Council’s approval to institutionalize a two per cent youth quota, a third percent representation of young people in all government appointments and an equitable young women representation inclusive of this 30%.

    “It will go a long way in addressing the long marginalisation and exclusion of young people in decision making, and will also go a long way to encourage young people to participate in decision making processes and in civic engagements.”

    Council also approved the restructuring and institutionalisation of the NYIF to support youth-led and youth-owned enterprises in priority sectors.

    The fund was established in 2020.

    She said the administration has commissioned a technical committee to review and restructure the fund, leading to the establishment of the NYIF through a legal framework.

    She said the revamped NYIF will get an immediate infusion of N25 billion from the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act, complemented by an additional N25 billion from the 2024 Appropriation Act’s Digital Development Fund.

    Read Also: No ransom paid for school children’s release – Fed Govt

    She said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the release of N60 billion through the Agriculture Investment and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Scheme.

    Ms. Ibrahim-Bio added that the implementation strategy for the Renewed Hope Youth Investment Fund will involve the establishment of clusters, where young people will cross-guarantee each other, focused on commodities with comparative advantages across the six geopolitical zones.

    Additionally, she said the fund will offer increased obligor limits, moratoriums, and extended loan tenures, allowing young businesses to incubate and reach profitability.

    She said: “Secondly, the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, initially established in 2020, has been restructured and institutionalized through a legal framework.

    “The fund, initially set at N75 billion, will now receive N25 billion from the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act and an additional N25 billion from the 2024 Appropriation Act. Additionally, N60 billion will be released from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s SME Investment Fund, focusing on agricultural investments.

    “These measures aim to support young businesses and stimulate economic growth.”

  • ‘Youths have pivotal role in shaping the future workplace’

    ‘Youths have pivotal role in shaping the future workplace’

    The Employee Place (EMP) Industry Meet-Up, now in its fifth year, recently convened at the CIBN Bankers Hall, Lagos, uniting thought leaders to delve into Generation Z’s influence on the professional landscape.

    Speakers, including Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On-air), Makuochukwu Okafor-Obi, and Sheriff Adekoya, explored pivotal themes such as consumerism, innovation, and the essence of trust in the context of modern workplaces.

    Read Also: Employees learn about occupational safety in workplace

    A notable highlight of the event was the presentation of a survey conducted with 1,000 professionals from various organizations, aimed at understanding Gen Z’s impact on key workplace dynamics including consumerism, innovation, sustainability, and leadership. The study unveiled insightful data on how Gen Z integrates and influences the professional environment.

    Nduneche Ezurike, erstwhile Group Head Brand and Marketing Communication at Polaris Bank and the event’s convener, emphasized the crucial understanding of Generation Z as both a workforce and a consumer base. Insights from the survey revealed that a significant portion of Gen Z professionals feel empowered to share innovative ideas, signalling a shift towards more inclusive workplace cultures. However, traditional workplace norms present notable barriers, with a substantial number of respondents highlighting resistance to change, particularly in aligning with Gen Z’s sustainability values and digital consumer preferences.

  • Rector challenges youths on problem-solving

    Rector challenges youths on problem-solving

    The Rector, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has advised  youths to bring about  inventions for solving present day problems and move the nation forward.

    Speaking at CODEAVOUR 5.0 Coding & Artificial Intelligence International Competition hosted by YABATECH, he noted that today’s world is being championed by advanced technology.

    According to him, students are taking up the challenges which most of the elders have left because the society of now and the future would be  technology-compliant.

    “We are all here today to witness how students from various schools will apply technology to solve the problem of the present and the future, looking at how our children are proffering solution to the challenges of the world through technology called Artificial Intelligence is a wonderful innovation that we should all support.

    “YABATECH is dedicated to the development of the country that is why we are hosting this competition, to showcase students that will go ahead to represent Nigeria internationally,” he said.

    Read Also: Time has preserved Awo’s principles, legacies – Tinubu

    The Country’s Partner and founder of the Competition, Beebahtics Enterprise, Mrs. Habeebah Ibrahim in her keynote address, noted that 200 entries were recorded for the competition, and through stages in the competition, the entries had been reduced to 30, which are the finalist.

    She said the winner of the championship will represent Nigeria in International competition in Dubai. She thanked the 50 partners that were responsible for the Codeavour 5.0 International championship.

    Ibrahim said Codeavour is a prestigious annual worldwide championship that attracts and engages thousands of young minds in Coding and Artificial Intelligence challenges.

  • Our youths must be educated, says LCDA boss

    Our youths must be educated, says LCDA boss

    • By Muinat Ajibade

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa has bought Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms for indigent students Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration.

    The council boss stated that taking education to the greatest height was the priority of his administration.

    He reiterated his readiness to complement efforts of parents to achieve quality education.

    Yisa said: “It has been discovered that majority of the students who finished secondary school could not continue their education due to financial constraint. Some parents could not sponsor their wards for further studies due to economic challenges. This and other reasons have prompted this administration to finance this brilliant initiative”.

    Read Also: Marriage is not for the wise, rich or educated – Harrysong

    He added that his administration is sensitive about the plight of the residents, hence the need  to provide succor to youth at all levels.

    He listed some of the projects his administration has done in the past to include doling out 250 GCE forms to indigent students, distribution of skill acquisition forms for empowerment, revived adult literacy Class among aged men and women to improve their education standard.

    He enjoined the beneficiaries to put in every necessary effort to record best scores in their examination.

    “Buckle up and make sure you come out in flying colors, as this will motivate the council to finance more when need arises,” he said.