National
Take skill acquisition training seriously Gov. Sule admoniahes corps members
From Daniel Abel Lafia
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state has urged 1115 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training to be offered during their orientation course seriously.
Sule stated this at the Swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch B Stream 1 Orientation Course held at Magaji Dan-Yamusa NYSC Permanent Orientation camp in Keffi local government area of the state on Friday.
Sule represented by Mr Alphonsus Mai-Keffi, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa state Ministry for Special Duties, Legal Matters and Youth Affairs said showing interest and participating in SAED training will go a long way in eradicating the menace of unemployment presently ravaging the nation as a whole.
He therefore urged them to take the SAED training seriously to achieve the set goals for which it was created which is earning skills to be self employed and entrepreneurs.
The governor also urged the corps members to pay attention and participate in all other programmes of the orientation course which are deliberately packaged to make them discover their potentials and meet the expectations of the scheme.
“It is in the light of this that I enjoin you to pay attention to the lectures on salient national topics and on the NYSC scheme that you will receive. I am also aware you would undergo training on the SAED programme. Therefore I urge to take the SAED training seriously,” he said.
Sule assured the corps members of his government’s statutory responsibility to their welfare, security and general well-being.
“Nasarawa state is peaceful and you will come to see it as a home away from home. Let me reiterate that your security is guaranteed,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Alhaji Abdullahi Jikamshi, Coordinator of the scheme in Nasarawa state congratulated the corps members for successfully completing their final examinations which qualified them to be called up for national service.
Jikamshi represented by Mr Olabode Felix, NYSC Camp Director for the 2023 Batch B Stream 1 orientation course in the Nasarawa state orientation camp charged the corps members to take every bit of the orientation course seriously as it will determine their level of success in the service year.
“The scheme has put several parameters in place to measure your performance during the service year as the scheme will not hesitate in meting out appropriate punishment to erring corps members.
“In a few days you will be witnessing the inauguration of the camp court which will try and punish erring corps members in accordance with the laws. I therefore charge you to shun all social vices ranging from cultism, consumption of illicit drugs, immoral acts among others,” he said.
Jikamshi who revealed that a total of 1115 corps members have been duly registered assured the corps them that scheme has carefully sourced for resourceful trainers who will train them on different skills which will enable them to be self-reliant due to the paucity of white collar jobs.
“I urge you to choose a skill and be 100 percent committed to it,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for the unalloyed support of the state government to the scheme under the leadership of Gov Abdullahi Sule and also reminded him of the scheme’s appeal for the construction of a befitting 3000 capacity Multipurpose Hall for lectures and hosting of programmes.
National
Concerned Religious Prayer Forum Responds to Criticism of National Prayer Initiative
The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum has issued a statement clarifying its mission and responding to recent criticisms surrounding its seven-day national prayer initiative.
Established as a non-governmental organization on January 9, 2024, the Forum emphasizes that it is an independent group composed of citizens motivated by a shared desire to promote peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
The initiative has drawn scrutiny, particularly due to its involvement of high-profile figures, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as leaders of the prayer effort.
In the statement, Director General, Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan of the Forum reiterated that the prayer campaign is not government-driven or politically motivated, but rather a spiritual call for Nigerians to come together and seek divine intervention for the country’s challenges.
The Forum stated that it was not seeking political endorsement but instead believed that the involvement of such respected figures would inspire broader national participation.
Citing religious scriptures, the Forum stressed the role of prayer in supporting and strengthening efforts for national progress.
The Bible, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, encourages prayer as a means of healing and unity: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face… then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Similarly, the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186) reminds believers that “I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
The Forum further addressed critics who questioned the efficacy of prayer in resolving the nation’s issues, insisting that divine intervention does not replace the need for diligent work but complements the efforts of the people. “This initiative is not about replacing hard work but about seeking spiritual guidance and collective unity to overcome the challenges facing the nation,” the statement read.
Encouraging all citizens and leaders to support the prayer initiative, the Forum called for unity in Nigeria’s pursuit of peace and prosperity. It urged Nigerians to set aside differences and work together in both practical and spiritual ways to help heal and build the nation.
The Concerned Religious Prayer Forum concluded its statement by inviting Nigerians to join in prayer, stating, “As we strive for national progress, prayer continues to serve as a catalyst for peace, growth, and development in Nigeria.”
National
Northern Senators applauds Tinubu’s Order to Release Detained Minors
***Emphasize Need for Youth Welfare
The Northern Senators Forum, led by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in ordering the release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The forum expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release, calling it a demonstration of the President’s commitment to youth welfare and justice.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to the National Update, Yar’adua acknowledged the President’s leadership in addressing this sensitive issue, emphasizing that Tinubu’s prompt response reflects his dedication to safeguarding the rights of young Nigerians.
“This decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of our youth,” Yar’adua stated, commending Tinubu for prioritizing the release of the minors held in detention.
Yar’adua also praised Northern leaders who have been actively advocating for the minors’ release, crediting their persistent efforts with bringing the issue to national attention and ensuring fair treatment for the young detainees. He noted that their advocacy was instrumental in prompting a rapid response from the federal government.
As part of the forum’s statement, Yar’adua called on Northern leaders to continue prioritizing youth welfare and development. He emphasized that creating a safe and supportive environment for young people is essential for fostering Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“It is essential that we create an environment where our children can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation,” he said. “Our youth need the support and resources to become active contributors to Nigeria’s development.”
The Northern Senators Forum reaffirmed its commitment to policies that protect and promote youth welfare and urged a nationwide focus on youth education and safety. Yar’adua concluded the statement with a call for cooperation among all levels of government and communities, stressing the importance of investing in the nation’s youth for a more prosperous future.
National
Timi Frank commends Tinubu over release of detained Minors
***Calls for Compensation, Justice
In a recent development, Comrade Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly praised President Bola Tinubu’s directive to release minors detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Frank called the move a “step in the right direction” and urged the government to do more to address the broader concerns of Nigerians who have faced repercussions for protesting against government policies.
In a statement from Abuja, Frank acknowledged Tinubu’s past involvement in activism, recalling the President’s role in protests, including during Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and the 2012 demonstrations against the removal of fuel subsidies by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He encouraged Tinubu to extend the recent release order to all detainees held for expressing opposition to government policies, framing this as an alignment with Tinubu’s own history of activism.
Frank did not stop at calling for the release of detainees; he also urged the President to reconsider recent economic policies, such as the floating of the naira and removal of fuel subsidies, which he argued have contributed to widespread economic hardship.
“We commend the President for taking this positive step,” Frank said. “However, we urge him to reconsider the policies that are exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.”
The activist also called on the Federal Government to compensate the released minors, arguing that they suffered “violations of their fundamental human rights” and endured “dehumanizing” conditions during their months-long detention without trial.
Frank proposed financial support for the minors and their families, as well as scholarships and psychological counseling to help them recover from the trauma of their detention.
Frank’s statement emphasized the need for accountability, urging the President to launch a probe into why these minors were held for over 90 days without prompt intervention from the intelligence community.
He specifically called for investigations into the roles of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Commissioners of Kano and Kaduna states, where the minors were detained.
He warned against any attempt to “sweep the probe under the rug” and pledged to monitor the situation to ensure public transparency.
“This probe must be thorough, and officers found complicit should be held accountable,” he said. Frank emphasized that this is necessary to restore public confidence in law enforcement and ensure such detentions do not recur.
He further appealed for government intervention to ease the reentry of the minors into society, suggesting reputable boarding schools and the assistance of professional counselors to help them overcome the distress of their experiences.
“By taking these steps, we can heal past wounds and work towards a more compassionate society for all Nigerians,” Frank concluded.
Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, has previously expressed support for policies he views as beneficial to Nigerians while holding the government accountable on issues of rights and governance. His recent remarks signal a continuing commitment to advocating for the protection and welfare of young Nigerians, particularly those impacted by political or social issues.
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