News

Count Niger Youths Out Of Planned Nationwide Protest – Bago

Published

5 months ago

July 18, 2024

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has assured Nigerians that Niger youths will not be part of the planned nationwide strike set for August 1 to 10 2024.

A widely publicised youth protest has been planned to drive home the current hunger and economic hardship facing the country.

Bago made this known on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Minna where he averred that the youths in the State were peaceful and would not be drawn into any national protest.

He called on the youths planning the protest to bury the thought saying, “We, as youths of Niger state, have distanced ourselves from the nationwide protest because we are peaceful and want peace and tranquillity.

“You can start demonstrations but you cannot end demonstrations. To youths who are agitating for this protest, let us end these agitations, let us communicate and dialogue on the best way forward.”

The governor announced the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of grains which, he said, would be sold at 50 per cent of its present price and called on security agencies to be on their toes in monitoring and ensuring that the directive is followed to the letter.

“We have over 100, 000 metric tonnes of food in our reserves out of which we will be releasing 50,000 metric tonnes to be sold at 50 per cent of its present price. Before the end of the year, we will slash food prices by 90 per cent,” he assured.

Bago who also announced his support for the autonomy of local governments urged the Chairmen to sit up saying that several of them could not pay salaries for a year. He also boasted that the state government did not depend on FAAC to finance its projects or move the state forward.

“I do not need FAAC in Niger state. The roads I am building and the projects I have undertaken are not being done by FAAC. We are producing and that is the secret behind what we are doing. There are people who have invested in Niger State in the next five years.

“The food I am giving out at a 50 per cent subsidy was originally meant for export but due to the hardship faced by the people, we have opened our warehouses to feed Nigerlites.”

In his remark on the planned protest, the Emir of Bida and the Chairman of the council of traditional rulers of Niger state, Abubakar Yahaya urged the youths not to be tempted to embark on the planned nationwide protest, saying that the protest is not a way to go.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji in his address, also urged the youths of the state not to be part of the protest, stressing that the state would organize programmes for the youths to engage in.

Abuja Reports

NAPPS Ends 2024 in Grand Style, Praises School Owners’ Resilience

Published

15 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT Chapter, marked the end of 2024 with a grand celebration, reflecting on a year of challenges and triumphs.

The event, held at Glisten International Academy, Jahi – Abuja, brought together school owners, stakeholders, and supporters for a moment of relaxation, gratitude, and unity.
Speaking at the gathering, the FCT NAPPS Chairperson, Chief Mrs Rukayat Ruth Agboola acknowledged 2024 as one of the most turbulent years for private schools, citing financial burdens from accumulated debts, contentious levies, and operational pressures.
Despite these obstacles, she praised school proprietors for their resilience and dedication.
“This year tested our limits, but we stood strong together. With God’s grace and our collective efforts, we navigated the storm,” she stated.
The event featured support from area council chairmen and generous donors, whose contributions ensured the success of the celebration.
The President also commended Glisten International Academy, Jahi, for hosting the event at a reduced cost, emphasizing that the gathering symbolized hope and renewed strength for the education sector.
As attendees enjoyed the festivities, the President encouraged continued collaboration to overcome future challenges, declaring, “This celebration is a testament to our resilience and commitment to building a better future for education in Nigeria.”

Defence and Security

CDS Advocates Developmental Journalism for National Security

Published

18 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian journalists to embrace developmental journalism, urging them to tell evidence-based stories that positively portray the country and foster global confidence in Nigeria’s security efforts.
Speaking at a one-day roundtable organized by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), in Abuja on Thursday, General Musa emphasized the role of the media in advancing national security and cohesion.
“Developmental journalism promotes public awareness, informs policy decisions, and holds stakeholders accountable while fostering national stability,” he said.
He urged journalists to collaborate with security agencies to amplify Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguard its interests globally.
Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major-General A.G. Laka, pledged the centre’s support for media initiatives aimed at countering terrorist propaganda and enhancing public understanding of security challenges.
In a keynote paper, Major-General Chris Olukolade (Rtd) highlighted the practices of Western journalists in handling sensitive security information.
“Journalists should focus on the human impact of security issues and prioritize national interest while maintaining professionalism,” he advised.
The event underscored the media’s critical role in shaping narratives that support Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and foster unity.

News

FG Launches Job Initiative for 93,731 Nigerians, Prioritizes Digital Skills Training

Published

18 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Samson Adeyanju

By Jesusemen Oratokhai

The Federal Government has unveiled the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI), targeting 93,731 job opportunities across Nigeria, with a strong focus on digital skills.

Flagged off by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, at the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Skills Acquisition Centre in Bwari, Abuja, the initiative aims to empower at least 10 individuals from each of the country’s 8,809 electoral wards.

Minister Dingyadi, represented by Mr. John Nyamale, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment through sound policies and skill development.

“This initiative aligns with our goal to tackle economic challenges by creating jobs through skill acquisition across various sectors,” he stated, urging beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity.

Of the 93,731 beneficiaries, 40,000 will receive training in ICT and digital skills, a strategic move to equip Nigerians with 21st-century competencies. Additionally, 3,000 slots have been allocated for persons with special needs, according to NDE Director-General Silas Agara.

“This program is designed to produce globally competitive youths and address poverty through entrepreneurship by providing tools, equipment, and startup capital,” Agara explained.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to lift 10 million Nigerians out of poverty.

“If fully implemented, this program will significantly reduce poverty levels nationwide,” he remarked.

The RHEI represents a bold step toward equipping Nigeria’s workforce with both traditional and emerging skills critical for economic growth.