The Nation Newspaper

Tag: youths

  • Iba youths, residents call for change in LCDA leadership

    As the tenure of the current elected members of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGA) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in Lagos expires this month there is already agitation among youths and residents in some quarters on how they want council affairs to be handled and who they want to take over as either Executive Secretary/Chairman of their council area.

    Even though the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has said it cannot conduct the local council election this year because of some constraints, in which case caretaker committees would have to be appointed for the 57 councils, this has not stopped the youths and residents of Iba LCDA to agitate for fairness in the headship of the council and their choice of candidate as executive secretary of the committee who they also want to transform eventually as chairman of the council when elections are eventually held.

    Last week about 3000 youths and residents of Iba LCDA led by their leader, Bola Hassan addressed a press conference where they demanded not only for redress of what they described as injustice in the headship of the LCDA but also that their former representative at the Lagos state House of Assembly, Hon. Saheed Taiwo Adio should emerge as the executive secretary/chairman of the council on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Stating their case, they complained that since the creation of the council in 2003/2004 only one Ward out of the five Wards in the council has been heading the administration of the council to the outright exclusion of the remaining four Wards.

    Calling for fair play, Hassan said Ward A has been unduly favoured with the headship of the council since its inception sometimes even holding position of council chairman and vice chairman at the same time and “this has affected development projects in other Wards as all focus is on Ward A. What we are therefore clamouring for is an end to injustice against the remaining four Wards and an end to political imbalance in the LCDA.

    “The other Wards have been unduly oppressed and marginalised in the governance of Iba council whereas they constitute the highest voting population. At this juncture the four Wards stand for fair play in the politics of Iba LCDA and what the youth and residents of Iba are soliciting for is democratic constitutional primary elections into the office of the chairman and other elective positions for the forthcoming council elections”, Hassan said.

    Making a case for their choice of candidate, Hassan said, “the youth and residents have been working very hard to ensure that APC as a party delivers the dividends of democracy which have eluded the people in Iba LCDA over time and we are sure that there is no better person than our former two-time representative at the state Assembly, Hon. Saheed Adio who can deliver the goodies.

    “Our utmost conviction is that APC through the leadership of Hon. Saheed Adio will definitely bring the dividends of democracy to the doorstep of the residents and all members of Iba LCDA, that is why we are asking for a credible primary election to pick who will be the LCDA chairman in the council election when it is time, but meanwhile we want him to be appointed to head the caretaker committee that will oversee the council at the expiration of the tenure of current elected officers of the council pending when the election is held because we need a drastic change in development projects and infrastructure in all Wards in the LCDA”, Hassan said.

    Iba LCDA was one of the 37 councils created by former governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2003 with its headquarters located within the vicinity of an oracle called Ayoka by the native Iba community  and it is delineated into five Wards namely: Ward A- Iba Township; Ward B- Okokomaiko; Ward C-  Abule Aka,  Afromedia, Mebamu and Nicer; Ward D- Isashi and Igbo Elerin; Ward E- Kemberi and Alaba Rago.

    According to Hassan, “even though it was agreed in 2003 at its creation when Ward A produced the executive secretary that subsequent ones will be rotational among the five Wards, this has not been the case as all subsequent chairmen have always come from the same Ward A. That means for 11 years the other four Wards have been neglected. Ironically Ward B is the largest and most populated  in Iba LCDA and thus has the largest number of voters. This is incontestable from the record of election result from 1999 till date.

    “Ward B is also blessed with the highest concentration of markets, public and private educational institutions, hospitals, small scale industries, motor parks and garages and therefore serves as the center of commerce which undisputedly make its environment very valuable in revenue generation. Hon. Saheed Adio who is our choice and the most credible candidate for the position of Executive Secretary/Chairman of Iba LCDA is from Ward B”, Hassan said.

  • NDE trains 30 youths

    NDE trains 30 youths

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Kano State is training 30 unemployed youths on environmental beautification under its empowerment programme.

    The state NDE Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Bichi, addressed reporters yesterday in Kano ion the training.

    He noted that under the programme, the beneficiaries would be trained in POP, interlock and tree nurseries production.

  • Muslim youths condemn insecurity

    Muslim youths condemn insecurity

    The Youth Wing of the Nasrullahi-li-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has urged government to improve the security situation in the country.

    It also urged Nigerians to be more security-conscious.

    The Zonal Head of Da’wah of the society, Nurudeen Balogun, said: “Security is not for the leaders alone; the various communities and people need to be up and doing in terms of the protection of their lives and property.

    “Security is essential at this time of insurgency; we should be mindful and watchful of those around us. This is vital  for us to be able to reduce insecurity.”

  • Youths back Wamakko

    Youths back Wamakko

    A Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko yesterday got a nod from the Sokoto Youths Enlightenment Forum to vie for the Sokoto Central senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The forum comprises over 2,500 youths from across the state.

    Speaking with reporters in Sokoto after its general meeting, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Bashiru Abubakar, said Wamakko’s endorsement was informed by his performance.

    Abubakar said: “We want Wamakko to contest the senatorial position due to his landmark achievements as a governor for nearly eight years. We are desirous of an exemplary representative of his caliber, whose record of transparency, accountability and even spread developmental projects stand for him.”

    He listed some of the governor’s achievements as: the successful take -off of the state university; construction of an orthopaedic hospital, the College of Agriculture, Wurno, and the School of Midwifery in Tambuwal; women and youth empowerment.

  • Urhobo youths hail suspension

    Urhobo youths in Delta State have hailed the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for ostracising some politicians accused of working against Urhobo’s governorship interest.

    The UPU, in a published advertorial last week, ostracised three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains- Olori Magege, Monday Igbuya and Ben Igbakpa- for working against Urhobo’s interest.

    The youth urged the UPU to extend the same treatment to other “disloyal” Urhobo politicians.

    President, Urhobo Media Group, Daniel Ekiugbo said: Much as Urhobo politicians fronting aspirants from other districts have fundamental and democratic rights to so freely associate, UMG is strictly opposed to anyone exercising such privilege to ridicule the UPU.”

    Rex Anighoro of the Coalition of Urhobo National Youth Leaders and Stakeholders (CUNYLS) described the UPU ban as “a definitive and needful action towards sanitising the political class betraying the Urhobo nation.”

    Omonigho Matthew said: “It is a good, timely decision but certainly not enough. UPU should drop any executive member who is an active member of any party so UPU can fight justly.”

    Unuajefe Choice said: “UPU has more work to do and let all anti-Urhobo declaration masterminds and supporters be fished out and sanctioned for life.

    Michael Kalabu said: “There are more people to be sanctioned, those executing anti-Urhobo agenda, many are hiding under party loyalty to sell Urhobo, UPU should move down to Udu council area too, there are many betrayals there.”

  • Youths threaten to mobilise against APC

    Youths threaten to mobilise against APC

    YOUTHS from Ibeju-Lekki Local Government area of Lagos State have threatened to mobilise against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections if it fails to replace the current political office holders from the area.

    The youths, under the aegis of Concerned Youths of Ibeju Lekki Local Government, alleged that public office holders elected from the area have woefully failed electorate in the area.

    They said: “We like to remind the party leadership that the recent history of Ibeju Lekki is one that is politically threatened by the opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), specifically in terms of catchment over the time with all efforts previously put in place to win political offices in Ibeju Lekki.”

    In a communiqué at the end of a meeting, they resolved that “any attempt by the APC leadership to consider the return of any, some or all of these current political office holders from Ibeju Lekki may spell political catastrophe for the party in the coming elections”.

    The communiqué signed by Adedayo Nurain added: “We call on APC leadership to carry out on-the-spot assessment of the facts contained in this statement and sample opinions of the politically active people in Ibeju Lekki.

    “We remain resolute in this demand, reminding the party of fresh plots by the opposition to gain control of Ibeju Lekki axis of Lagos State scale up to capture the entire state in governorship election in 2015

    “We warn strongly that any attempt to ignore or disregard our position will mean that our group will rally our members teeming over 500 youths to campaign against these current serving political office holders directly, irrespective of political affiliation, and will ensure they are not re-elected to serve in their respective current capacities.”

     

  • Show interest in governance, Akpabio tells youths

    Show interest in governance, Akpabio tells youths

    Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akapbio has urged the youths to show interest in governance, adding that they should be drivers of development.

    He spoke at an inter-denominational service to mark the 27th anniversary of the state creation and the 54th independence anniversary. The theme of the event, which held at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, was: “The God of Grace.”

    Akpabio said: “I charge the youths to rise up and protect the uncommon transformation of the state because there must be maintenance and sustainability of the developmental projects.

    “I also charge the youths to shun tribal sentiments and vote for a person, who will sustain the uncommon transformation as the next governor.”

    The governor said the next governor would sustain the legacy of his administration, urging the people to vote for a focused, sincere, liberal and non-tribalist candidate.

    Akpabio said the service was organised to thank God for what He had done for the state

    He said:  “When God gives you the opportunity to serve, do it sincerely and stop criticising others. I will not be distracted by critics. My administration will also continue to partner with the church.

    The governor congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan over his endorsement by various stakeholders. He urged the people to support the administration.

    A cleric, Bishop Emma Isong of the Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), spoke on the theme: “Building A Legacy.” He said the governor has impacted on the state.

    He charged politicians to build worthy legacies while in office.

    Bishop Isong, on behalf of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Cross River State chapter, presented a plaque to Governor Akpabio as ‘The Most Christian Friendly Governor’.

    The Chairman of the Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Cletus Bassey, also extolled the virtures of the governor.

    He commended Akpabio for partnering with the church and touching the lives of Christians in the state.

  • Show interest in governance, Akpabio tells youths

    Show interest in governance, Akpabio tells youths

    Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akapbio has urged the youths to show interest in governance, adding that they should be drivers of development.

    He spoke at an inter-denominational service to mark the 27th anniversary of the state creation and the 54th independence anniversary. The theme of the event, which held at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, was: “The God of Grace.”

    Akpabio said: “I charge the youths to rise up and protect the uncommon transformation of the state because there must be maintenance and sustainability of the developmental projects.

    “I also charge the youths to shun tribal sentiments and vote for a person, who will sustain the uncommon transformation as the next governor.”

    The governor said the next governor would sustain the legacy of his administration, urging the people to vote for a focused, sincere, liberal and non-tribalist candidate.

    Akpabio said the service was organised to thank God for what He had done for the state

    He said:  “When God gives you the opportunity to serve, do it sincerely and stop criticising others. I will not be distracted by critics. My administration will also continue to partner with the church.

    The governor congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan over his endorsement by various stakeholders. He urged the people to support the administration.

    A cleric, Bishop Emma Isong of the Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), spoke on the theme: “Building A Legacy.” He said the governor has impacted on the state.

    He charged politicians to build worthy legacies while in office.

    Bishop Isong, on behalf of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Cross River State chapter, presented a plaque to Governor Akpabio as ‘The Most Christian Friendly Governor’.

    The Chairman of the Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Cletus Bassey, also extolled the virtures of the governor.

    He commended Akpabio for partnering with the church and touching the lives of Christians in the state.

  • ‘I’ll empower youths’

    A House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of Accord Party, Oludare Adigun Adesina, has promised to make people empowerment his focus and sponsor laws that would better the lives of people if elected.

    Adesina, who wants to represent Ido/Ibarapa Federal Constituency, spoke while declaring his intention at the party secretariat yesterday.

    The lawyer said his mission was to reduce unemployment rate in his constituency.

    “I want to bring to the notice of people in my constituency my intention to contest for the position of member, house of representatives Ido/Ibarapa constituency. I have a new vision, mission and new direction.

    “And I also want to solicit their support. I was The elders and party leaders here are quite aware of my person,” he added.

  • Youths urge council on development

    The Rubochi Youth Association (RUYA) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on the authorities of  the council and the FCT Administration to provide infrastructural facilities for residents of the community.

    In a communiqué jointly signed by the union’s President, Comrade Iyakwo Joseph, Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi  Galadima and Publicity Secretary, Comrade, Ayaje John Bako at the end of the union’s first economic summit held at the community, the youth urged the council to provide potable water, electricity and good road network to link Rubochi-Gombe with neighbouring Gadabuke town.

    They also urged the FCT Administration to intensify efforts in rehabilitating the Kuje-Gwagwalada and Abaji-Rubochi roads, saying it would go a long way in attracting the attention of merchants that will patronise traders at the Rubochi Market, thereby boosting economic activities as well as revenue generation for the council.

    The communiqué also said the council authorities should encourage local farmers to engage in more productive farming activities through the provision of modern farm inputs and implements such as improved seedlings, fertiliser, tractors, harvesters and storage facilities. These will improve food production.

    “The authorities of  Kuje Area Council, under the leadership of  Mr. Shaban Ishaku Tete, should, as matter of urgency, save the neglected Rubochi development secretariat from total collapse by renovating it. Consequently, some departments of the council could relocate to the secretariat for easy of accommodation,” the communiqué said.

    The youth stressed the need for the council chief to designate some days to personally attend to official matters at Rubochi, an action, they said, would enhance administrative activities in the secretariat.

    The union therefore, pledged to collaborate with the council authorities in providing banking services at Rubochi, especially micro-finance bank that would encourage economic activities, even as they assured businessmen and residents of safety of their resources.

    “RUYA is also assuring businessmen and women that it would collaborate with palace chief of Rubochi and government of Kuje Area Council to ensure that all resolutions reached are implemented,” they added.

    In another development, The Chairman of  Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon.Shaban Tete has expressed determination to partner with the National Film and Video Censors Board, in order to eliminate uncensored and unapproved videos from the FCT markets.

    Tete made this commitment when members of executive of the National Film and Video Censors Board visited him in his office to express their gratitude to the council chief for the office space allocated to them.

    According to Tete, for the board to choose Kuje as site for their office was a welcome development, saying the leadership of the council will collaborate with the board in order to sanitise the movie industry. He noted that uncensored immoral movies seen in the markets currently are not capable of teaching good morals to the young ones.

    “We will do what it takes to support your board, so that you will succeed in your endeavour. Our hands are on deck, because we need to control the types of movies that our children watch at home that could negatively affect their behaviours.

    “So, anywhere the council needs to encourage your board, we will do so. Our doors are open to support you so that the movie industry would be properly sanitised,” he said.

    Earlier, Mrs. Patricia Bala, Director-General, National Film and Video Censors Board who expressed gratitude to the chairman for giving them the office space, said the board needed to collaborate with the leadership of the council after setting up the office, to make their fight against uncensored movies successful.

    “We hope to set up a committee with the council and we want the council to nominate a desk office which we would be liaising with to the council. We really need to set up the committee to start working, because we need to sanitise the industry. As it is now, our staff strength cannot cover the whole country.

    “We really need the collaboration of the council, since there are a lot of uncensored movies in the market. We alone cannot cover everything, which is why we need to work with the council. We will be happy if the committee is set up, so that we can kick off immediately. There are too many unwholesome movies in the market and if they are not approved, they will be thrown out,” she said.