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Why Nigerian Youths must be creative, collaborate for nations development, Youth Minister

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***Take advantage of Tinubu’s commitment to integrating their perspectives in policy-making 

The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, has called on Nigerian youth to priotize on innovation and collaboration as vital tools for accelerating the country’s Socioeconomic development. 

Speaking at the third edition of the African Youth Conference held in Abuja on Saturday, he also charged them to take advantage of the commitment of President Tinubu to integrating the youth’s perspectives in policy-making 

Represented by Dotun Omoleye, Olawande the minister encouraged young Nigerians to recognize their significance in Nigeria’s progress, urging them to see themselves as key stakeholders in the nation’s development.
“The youths must look inward and see themselves as major drivers of national development,”  

The Minister acknowledged the vital role of creativity in addressing contemporary challenges in Africa, highlighting the importance of young people as active participants in national development. 

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implemented initiatives like the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) to empower young entrepreneurs with financial support, allowing them to launch businesses that tackle pressing issues.” Further, the Minister noted the unprecedented representation of youth in government positions, including senior cabinet roles, exemplifying that young people are already leaders today, not just the future leaders. 

This involvement he said underscored the administration’s commitment to integrating youth perspectives in policymaking. 

He indicated that creativity is crucial for developing sustainable solutions and that young minds are essential in identifying opportunities and driving innovation in the continent.

The Minister highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering youth, not just as policy beneficiaries, but as active participants in the development process. He noted that young Nigerians possess untapped potential capable of contributing significantly to the country’s growth.

David Nwokorie, the convener of the African Youth Conference, also urged the youth to make the most of available resources, stressing the importance of collective action in realizing the Nigerian dream. “All hands must be on deck to realize the Nigerian dream,” he said.

He said the Africa Youth Conference, focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals and aims to unite young people from across Africa

He encouraged participants to share ideas and develop initiatives addressing current youth issues, emphasizing collaboration with governments. 

The theme, “the creative mind, creating sustainable ideas for long-lasting solutions,” he said reflects the desire for youth to take initiative rather than relying solely on government action. 

Nwokorie stressed the importance of youth responsibility and creativity, asserting that governments can only provide the right environment and support. 

Other notable speakers, including Bitrus Lawrence Gariki, Mandate Secretary for FCT Area Council Services, and Chinezu Metu, a participant, echoed the call for government support in fostering an enabling environment for youth to thrive. They emphasized the need for young Nigerians to pursue innovative ventures that contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic progress.

The conference, themed “Creating Sustainable Ideas for Long-Lasting Solutions,” provided a platform for discussions on youth engagement and the pivotal role of innovation in national development.

It also facilitated  interaction between young leaders and government representatives to discuss challenges and solutions for a better future in Nigeria

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JAMB Steps Up Fitness Game with Staff Health Walk Ahead of 2025 Exam Marathon

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By Veronica Dariya, Bwari (Abuja)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has kicked off the year with a proactive approach to staff wellness, organizing a 5km health walk in Bwari, Abuja, to gear up for the demanding 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) season.

The health walk, held on Saturday, saw JAMB staff traverse a scenic route through the Nigerian Law School road, Kuduru road, and Bwari Area Council Secretariat, before returning to the board’s headquarters.
SpeKing on the initiative, JAMB’s Director of Human Resources, Mr. Gani Abdulrahman, emphasized the importance of physical and mental preparedness for the UTME exercise.
“Managing the UTME is like fighting a war. We need our team to be alert, energized, and healthy throughout the process. This walk is a first step to achieving that,” Abdulrahman said.
The director revealed plans to institutionalize periodic fitness activities and reactivate the board’s sports club to promote long-term wellness among staff.
For many participants, the event was more than a fitness session. Mrs. Halima Aliyu, one of the staff members, said the health walk offered a chance to socialize and unwind while promoting a culture of exercise.
“This walk is a perfect way for us to bond as colleagues while keeping fit. Many of us get so busy with work that we forget to take care of ourselves. This initiative reminds us of the importance of health,” Aliyu said.
She expressed hope that such activities would become a regular feature of JAMB’s calendar, contributing to both personal health and workplace productivity.
This health-focused initiative is part of a broader effort by JAMB to ensure its staff are equipped to handle the pressures of the annual UTME, which demands precision, focus, and stamina.
The board has promised to unveil details of the 2025 UTME process soon, raising expectations for what could be one of its most innovative and efficient examinations yet.
As JAMB gears up for a busy year, the health walk reflects a commitment to fostering a culture where productivity is powered by wellness. It’s a fresh reminder that a healthy team is a productive team—and JAMB seems poised to lead the charge.

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Kemi Badenoch Sparks another Controversy with Comments on Nigeria

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Kemi Badenoch

British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has again drawn sharp criticism following comments made during an event organized by the think tank Onward.
In her remarks, Badenoch expressed concerns about Britain potentially facing the challenges she attributes to Nigeria, describing her home country as plagued by “terrible governments.”
The Conservative Party leader, who was born in the UK but mostly raised in Nigeria, had repeatedly described growing up in fear and insecurity in a country plagued by corruption.
Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima accused her of denigrating the country.
Speaking to the audience on Thursday, Badenoch recounted her upbringing in Nigeria and how her family struggled financially despite working hard. She noted that her experience shaped her determination to prevent similar circumstances in the UK.
“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch said. “I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation. I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.”
Badenoch’s comments drew attention for their critical tone, particularly her remark about the Nigerian government:
“I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”
Badenoch further criticized Nigerian institutions, including the police, comparing her experiences in Nigeria to those in the UK.
She accused the Nigerian police of corruption, sharing a personal anecdote:
“The police in Nigeria will rob us,” she said, to laughter from the audience. “When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well, I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
These statements have been met with backlash from Nigerians, with many accusing her of reinforcing negative stereotypes and distancing herself from her roots.
Critics argue that Badenoch’s comments overlook the complexities of Nigeria’s challenges, while others see them as a betrayal of her heritage.
Some have taken to social media to express disappointment, accusing her of using her background to score political points.
While some observers have defended Badenoch’s remarks as honest reflections of her experiences, others have urged her to focus on contributing solutions rather than critiquing from afar.
This is not the first time Badenoch’s comments about Nigeria have stirred controversy. Recently, she distanced herself from the country’s northern region, stating she has “nothing to do with the Islamic northern region.”

As the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, Badenoch’s remarks highlight the tension between personal narratives and political diplomacy, sparking debates about identity, governance, and the responsibility of leaders with multicultural roots.

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FG Hits Back at Emir Sanusi’s Economic Reform Remarks: ‘We Don’t Need Your Approval’

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Bola Tinubu and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

The Federal Government has delivered a sharp rebuttal to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, expressing disappointment over his refusal to endorse the government’s actions.

Sanusi, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, had voiced his hesitation to speak in support of the reforms, stating, “I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, nor to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only help this government, and I don’t want to help this government.” His comments were made at a public event in Lagos, where he also indicated that he would withhold his explanations despite the significant economic impact of the reforms.

In response, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged that Sanusi’s decision to withhold support for the government’s economic agenda was his personal choice, but expressed frustration at his stance.
“It is rather curious for someone from an institution that champions transparency and integrity to openly admit to withholding the truth due to personal interests,” Idris remarked.
The Minister stressed that while everyone has the right to their opinion, the reforms under President Tinubu were designed to confront deep-rooted economic challenges, requiring bold and transformative actions. These reforms, including the unification of exchange rates and the removal of the fuel subsidy, are vital steps to secure Nigeria’s economic future.
Idris addressed Sanusi’s acknowledgment that the current economic pains were a necessary result of years of mismanagement, stating that these reforms are already showing positive results. “The unification of exchange rates has instilled investor confidence, leading to increased foreign reserves and better protection from external shocks,” he noted.

The government also highlighted the positive outlook for Nigeria’s economy, pointing to World Bank projections showing an upward trend in GDP and improvements in key sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

While expressing disappointment over Sanusi’s sudden criticism, Idris emphasized that Nigeria’s path to recovery requires unity and collective effort. “It is disheartening that reforms which were previously endorsed by experts like Emir Sanusi are now being subtly undermined,” he said.

Idris urged leaders like the Emir to set aside personal and partisan interests and work towards the greater good of the country. “This is a pivotal time for Nigeria, and what is needed is collaboration, not division,” he concluded.

The Federal Government reiterated that it remains committed to advancing economic reforms and fostering inclusivity, with a focus on long-term growth. The administration remains open to dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders while steadfastly putting the country’s interests first.

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