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The Nasarawa State Government has urged youths to shun violence and other negative acts capable of destroying their future and that of the state at large.
The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Amb. Lucky Yargwa, made the call on Wednesday in Lafia at a townhall meeting with youth various groups across the state.
The forum was themed: “Breaking The Barriers To Meaningful Participation And Inclusion In Advocacy”.
Yargwa said that the importance of peace to human and societal development could not be overemphasised, hence the need of his call in that direction.
He commended the youths for celebrating their day, while calling for peaceful co-existence among the youths.
The commissioner also applauded the youths for supporting Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s administration to exceed all expectations in the state.
He assured them that the state government would continue to support youth activities in the state to enable them excel and give them a sense of belonging.
“And to enable them compete favourably with their counterparts around the globe,” he said.
Besides, Yargwa called on the youths to take advantage of the various empowerment opportunities created by the Sule administration to make them become self-reliant.
“You can be employers of labour you can contribute your quota to your families and the state at large,” he said.
The commissioner further called on them to mobilise support for the re-election of the governor and all ensure the success of other APC candidates in the 2023 general elections.
Earlier, the state Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mr Ja’afar Loko, applauded Sule for approving the celebration of the day in the state,
“For appointing young people into various areas of his administration, and for creating programmes and policies that have direct impact on the youths which continue to improve their welfare.
“And place them at par with their counterparts around the Nigerian States,” he said.
The chairman assured the governor of their support at all times.
He however appealed for upgrades of youth development centres and skills acquisition centres across the state to meet acceptable and best standards so that more youths can benefit from the facilities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NYCN, Nigeria Youth Parliament (NYP), Eggon Youth Movement (EYM) Worlfwide, Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) and Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC) were some of the youth organisations that participate in the event.
Others were the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN, Youth Wi, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI, Youth Wi, Nasarawa State Students’ Association (NASSA), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and Nasarawa State Social Media Influencers and presidents of ethnic nationalities.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Social Development Secretariat (SDS) on Monday endorsed the newly elected executives of the FCT Chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
The Mandate Secretary of SDS, Mrs Hazida Kabir, made the endorsement in a statement by Mr Shaka Sunday,
Head, Media and Public Relations Unit of the secretariat, on Monday in Abuja.
Mrs Kabir urged the Chairman of NYCN, Suleiman Ango, who was elected for a second tenure, to ensure transparency in running the affairs of the council.
The Secretary also enjoined the chairman to reposition the organisation for it to live up to its mandate which include the provision of a working instrument that would ensure peace, love, harmony, progress and understanding among members,
Similarly, she advised the executives to unite as an indivisible and indissoluble youth council dedicated to the promotion and education of the youths resident in the FCT.
Kabir emphasised the need of the leadership of the council to work vigorously towards inculcating in the youth, a sense of patriotism and nationalism and coordinate the various programmes of all affiliate members.
This, according to her, will ensure active mobilisation of FCT youths for development purposes and enable them to contribute, comment and give recommendation on important issues raffecting the resident youths.
” The Federal Capital Territory Administration, through the Social Development Secretariat, has congratulated the State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria after its successful elections held on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 at Gwagwalada Area Council.
” The Youth Department of the secretariat which is responsible for the supervision of the Youth body in the FCT, briefed me through a Deputy Director who represented the secretariat alongside representatives from the DSS, the Nigerian Police and the NSCDC.
” They witnessed and monitored the elections, confirmed that diligence and due process in line with the extant rules and relevant provisions of the NYCN constitution were painstakingly adopted, thereby leading to a free, fair and credible elections.
” The Administration will continue to give support to the council’s Programme as much as possible and ensure strict supervision of its activities through the Youth Department of the Social Development Secretariat according to the extant rules guiding its establishment.
”
She explained that the results of the election as announced by Amb. Abdulrazak Shaibu, Chairman of the 8-Man Electoral Committee declared Suleiman Ango, who was unopposed.
” Other members of the executives include Deputy Chairman, Irimiya Salome; Secretary General, Dadanla Kazeem; Assistant Secretary General, Indatsu Ibrahim; Treasurer, Yahaya Maikas; Financial Secretary, Isah Usman; Programme Secretary, Yahaya Baba and others.
”
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Prof Alewo Johnson-Akubo, Vice Chancellor (VC), Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi, has bagged the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Sokoto Platinum Leadership Award by the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the award, which was conferred on the VC in his office on Monday, was accompanied by a Medal of Honour as the “Garkuwan Matassan & Cynosure of Educational Transformation.
”
Presenting the award to the VC, the NYCN President, Dr Isah Abubakar, explained that Johnson-Akubo’s choice for the prestigious award was sequel to his outstanding achievements as a Nigerian youth in the position of leadership.
“Sir, your lofty induction into Northern Youth Council Hall fame today, Sept. 26 is in recognition of your immense contributions towards purposeful leadership and youth empowerment.
“You are, indeed, the youngest Vice Chancellor in Nigeria today, and your life is already a blessing and role model for others to emulate.
“As a youth, you are Nigeria’s pride being a man of strong and good character doing marvellously in Salem University, Lokoja,” he said.
The president, who was represented his Vice, Mr. Victor Adodo, urged the VC to remain focused and committed to the wonderful works he was doing at Salem University, which he said had become a known citadel of education in Nigeria.
Responding, Johnson-Akubo, thanked the council for counting him worthy for the prestigious awards and pledged not to let the Nigerian youths down.
The VC said he was surprised when he was first told about his choice by the council to honour him, but that it had not only encouraged him to do more as a leader but to stand for honesty, sincerity and hard work.
“My word of advice to your council is that you too should continue with the good work you’re doing as it serves as an encouragement to those of us in the position of leadership in this country,” he said.
Johnson-Akubo lamented the involvement of youths in various social vices such as kidnapping, cyber crimes, thuggery, drug abuse, among others.
He said, “integrity is key to a man’s success in life simply because once you have integrity nothing else matters.
“Therefore, our fellow youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow, should keep their integrity intact and be prepared to take the Nigerian nation to an enviable height.
”
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
A Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CSOs) has commended the National Chairman, All Progress Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu for appointing Mr Ben Duntoye, a Special Adviser on Civil Society of the party.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by some of the CSOs on Monday in Abuja.
Mr Charles Ibiang, the National Coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition for Good Governance said Duntoye’s pedigree, commitment to national development, credible records within the Civil Society space gave him the leeway.
He described Duntoye as a man with strong faith in the ideals of the APC, adding that this must have been responsible for his appointment.
Ibiang said: “Adamu is the first political party chairman in Nigeria to recognise the role of civil society in this manner, as a way of deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.
Mr Jubril Muregi, the National Chairman of the Arewa Young Leaders Consultative Forum (AYLCF), said Duntoye’s appointment was a clear demonstration of Adamu’s belief in the potency of the civil society
According to him, Adamu deserves commendation for this historic and strategic appointment of a seasoned personality.
“The Civil Society Community sincerely appreciates him for his leadership and commends him for this gesture.
” He was quoted as saying.
”
In a related development, a foremost Youth Leader, Mr Blessing Akinlosotun, President Nigerian Youth Congress, extolled the virtues of Duntoye, describing the appointment as “the right step’’.
He said that Duntoye was former President of Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) and a former President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
He said Duntoye was a member of the Civil Society, Youth and Women delegation to the National Political Reform Conference 2005 and the head of the Youth Delegation to the National Conference 2014.
He said Duntoye was equally one of the Civil Society Representatives in the Nigeria Vision 2020 Steering Committee and was a former Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kwara State.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mr Solomon Adodo has urged youth to get actively involved in politics and governance, in order to chart a better future for the country.
Adodo said at an award ceremony organised by the NYCN in Abuja that it was important for the youth to lead the change they desire in the country.
The award was to recognise the contributions of some Nigerians to youths development as part of activities to mark the International Youths Day themed, “Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a world for all Ages.”
The NYCN president urged youths to focus on building partnerships for innovative leadership, economic growth and efficient security in Nigeria.
He said that the youths were the centre of the various crises in Nigeria and across the world.
”As such, they should strive to lead in finding solutions to the security, political and economic crises.
“It is therefore critical that greater attention is paid to youth development to help them uphold the social rhythms.
“Let me salute the gallant Nigerian youths who have continued to soldier into glory not withstanding the excruciating political and socio economic conditions,” Adodo said.
He challenged the youths not to bow to the current challenges, ”but work through it in partnership with Nigerians of all ages in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
”
The NYCN president decried what he called the ”systematic exclusion of young people in the critical sectors,” saying it was unacceptable.
He, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for carrying the youths along in his administration, but said ”more needed to be done to get things right.
”
The Patron of NYCN, Dr Ibrahim Dauda said the day was to re-evaluate and renew approaches on leadership, governance and developmental strategies that will guarantee a better society.
He said that youth occupy the largest demography of the global population and advised them to join political parties as well as be active players.
“Youths must seek leadership positions and serve with dignity and honour.
“The system must create friendly policies and level playing ground for youths to compete with people of all ages.
“Going by the theme of the day, it is pertinent to note that no demography can survive on its own.
”There must be inter-dependence on each age bracket to build sustainable growth and maintain a progressive index.
“The place of knowledge and experience is not negotiable, the Nigerian youths must subject themselves to learning and mentorship,’’ Dauda added.
A member of the House of Representatives, Saidu Abdullahi, said that the revolution in technology had availed youths the opportunity to advance interaction and learning.
“This must be embraced to better the society other than using it in promoting crime and criminality.
“While appreciating the energies that come with youthfulness, youths must embrace leadership and must demonstrate to be worthy leaders,’’ he said.
Abdullahi, who represents Federal Constituency in Niger urged the government should continue to create sustainable platforms.
This, he said, was to encourage infusion of the knowledge and experiences of senior citizens to help youths build carriers and exposure.
He said that this would help in bridging the gap created by age and front a renewed partnership to advance the course of humanity.
The lawmaker also urged youths in the country to ensure their votes count and good leaders were chosen in 2023.
In his speech, King Hope Dan-Opunsingi, the Amayanabi of Opu Ama in Rivers pledged his support to the youths at all times.
He assured them of his royal blessings, spiritual advice, financial and moral support to ensure they succeed in all endeavors.
The traditional ruler urged the youths to shun social vices, but ”set goals aimed at developing themselves and moving the nation forward.
”
In his remarks, National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Dayo Israel, urged youths to get involved in grassroots activities to fast track national development.
“Our level of involvement in governance should go beyond social media activities and organizing protests.
“To get involved or be carried along for leadership, you need to be patriotic, smart, determined and show your self worth,” he added.
Those honoured were Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare and Dr Ramatu Aliyu of the FCT, among others.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has tasked youths in the country on the need to shun violence before, during and after the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Mr Nathaniel Bagudu, Kaduna State Chairman of the council, made the call on Friday in Zonkwa, headquarters of Zango Kataf Local Government Area.
Bagudu was speaking at the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities organised by the Zango Kataf branch of NYCN as part of the activities marking the 2022 International Youth Day (IYD).
Represented by Mr Emmanuel Saiza, Zango Kataf NYCN Coordinator, he said the youths were the nation’s greatest assets, hence the need for them to be involved in the political process in a positive way.
According to him, the council will continue to initiate programmes aimed at reducing violent tendencies among young people in the build up to the polls.
He enjoined youths to develop skills and competencies to enable them to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the nation.
“We must not allow ourselves to be used as tools of violence in the hands of any politician.
“As we approach 2023, we are trying to look at programmes that are targeted at reducing violent tendencies among young people.
“We are imploring all youths to engage in non-violent election campaigns,” he added
Speaking on the theme of the 2022 IYD, “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating A World For All Ages”, Mr Emmanuel Laah, the guest speaker, said that the multi-faceted challenges facing mankind required solutions that involved all generations.
“Intergenerational solidarity entails collaboration and partnership of different generation towards achievement of a common goal.
“It recognises that challenges facing society required solution that involve all generations working together to spot opportunities and creatively find new path for the benefit of all.
“Intergenerational solidarity is typically centred on sharing knowledge, cultural norms, tradition as well as reciprocal care, support and exchange of resources,” he stressed.
La’ah stated that intergenerational gaps had significantly contributed to the difficulties being experienced by successive administrations in finding solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the country.
He called on the government to employ a more age-integrated approach in formulating policies and programmes.
In his remarks, Mr Francis Sani, Council Chairman of Zango Kataf LGA, said the innovative and industrious nature of the youths makes them well placed to transform society.
Sani restated the resolve of the council to creating the enabling environment for the youths in the area to realise their full potential.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a youth policy roundtable, as well as a football competition were also held to mark the day.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Ms Surah Animashaun, Chairman, Epe Local Government, in Lagos State, has urged youths to embrace peace, be productive and responsible to the society. Animashaun disclosed this at a ceremony to commemorate the 2022 International Youth Day on Friday in Epe. She advised the youths to strive to contribute meaningfully to the development of their immediate communities and the country at large. Animashaun commended the efforts of the National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN), Epe chapter on their efforts to stem the tide of social vices that have been hindering the development of the nation. “As leaders of today, and tomorrow, I want to use this medium to urge the youths to preach and practice peace among themselves. . “Ensure you demonstrate patriotism anywhere you find yourselves, make sure you do away with all forms of nepotism and promote competence above all forms of sentiments. “Without peace in the country, Nigeria cannot achieve any meaningful development and where there is disunity and lack of common understanding such a nation will remain stagnant, “she said. Animashaun added that most of the crimes in the country were mostly perpetuated by the youths, such as kidnapping, rape, sexual and drug abuse amongst others. “The youths constitute the majority of the population and they play a very important role in the progress of the society. “Therefore, there is an urgent need for the youths to avoid any form of violence and believe in themselves. ”They should do this rather than being used for thuggery or engaging in any form of social vices that can jeopardize their future, ” she said. The chairman decried the increase in cases of kidnapping, cultism and reckless driving recurrences in Epe metropolis. She said, ”most of those who engage in such acts are the youths and that should be a matter of concern to all stakeholders at all levels. ”Epe is the future of Lagos State, so to make it a reality, there is a need for support from everyone, especially the youths.” NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter has urged governments at all levels to redouble efforts towards addressing the yearnings and aspiration’s of youths.
The Nasarawa State Chairman of NYCN, Malam Jaafar Loko, made the call in his message to mark the 2022 International Youth Day Celebration, on Thursday in Keffi.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Aug.12 of every year is a day set aside to celebrate youths worldwide with focus on issues affecting their well being.
The theme of this year’s international youth day celebration is,” Intergenerational Solidarity; Creating a World for All Ages.”
The objective of the theme is to amplify the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to leave no one behind.
It will also raise awareness on certain barriers to Intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons, while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.
Loko, therefore, emphasised the need for the government and private sector to continue to place priority on programmes that seek to empower the youths and give them a sense of belonging.
He enjoined Nasarawa State youths to take advantage of the numerous empowerment initiatives of the State and Federal Governments in agriculture and entrepreneurship to become self employed and offer opportunities for others.
Loko also urged the youths to avoid cultism, criminal activities, truancy, excessive intake of alcohol, smoking and other acts capable of destroying their future.
On the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, the youths leader cautioned young people against thuggery and all forms of electoral criminality.
Loko, who thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule of the state for his support to youths programmes and empowerment in the state, endorsed his reelection bid.
He called on youths in Nasarawa to mobilise support for Sule across the nooks and crannies of the state.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has pledged its support to the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, in his quest to ensure that youths are carried along in the party affairs.
Malam Jaafar Loko, the chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter, said this, in a statement on Thursday in Keffi.
Loko said that youths’ inclusion and empowerment were some of the ideals that were mainstreamed into activities undertaken by the council to enhance Nigeria’s democracy.
”Empowering youths in politics, creating avenues for engagement and reducing barriers for young people’s political and economic participation are key to curbing youth restiveness.
”So, the significance of youth inclusion in politics can’t in any way be overemphasised,” he said.
Loko stated that the APC National Chairman had always carried the youth along since his days as the governor of Nasarawa State.
He said that the council was grateful to Adamu for appointing its Public Relations Officer I, Malam Muhammad Lawal, as his Personal Assistant on new media.
”The appointment of Lawal has rekindled the hope of Nasarawa youths and encouraged them to continue to mobilise support for the party.
”This is to ensure its victory at all levels in the forthcoming 2023 General Elections,” he said.
Loko, however, appealed to the APC national leadership to encourage states chairmen of the party to priotise youths’ participation in the electoral process.
Also, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Keffi Local Government Area (LGA) NYCN, Coordinator, lauded Adamu for appointing Lawal.
“The appointment of Lawal excites Keffi youths, especially the members of the NYCN.
“We thank Adamu (Turakin Keffi) for recognising and engaging one of us.
” This is a clear testimony of youths’ inclusion in the scheme of things at the national leadership of APC,” Idris said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has been commended for proposing to establish its skills acquisition centre in Keffi.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Keffi Local Government Chapter, Nasarawa State, made the commendation in a statement in Keffi on Sunday.
He commended NESENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Prof.
Mohammed Haruna, for choosing Keffi as the location for the North-Central skills acquisition centre.
The youth leader said the centre would provide skill-learning opportunities for the people of the area when it came on stream.
According to him, it will enable youths in the area to imbibe skills that will make them to become self-reliant.
”The proposed centre will help tackle unemployment, poverty and insecurity in Keffi to a reasonable extent,” he said.
The NYCN official also commended NASENI for setting up a committee for the symbolic inauguration of the agency’s North-Central Zonal Agricultural Machinery Equipment Development Institute, Lafia.
Idris said that the establishment of the skills acquisition centre in Keffi and the institute in Lafia by NASENI was a good omen to the state.
He said that the projects were a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle poverty in the country.
He commended the President Buhari-led governnment for providing the needed funding for the agency to perform its functions.
”The agency has been able to prove its mettle and delivered on its core mandates.
”It has done so well in terms of technology transfer, training, food security and agriculture mechanisation,” he said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
