By Engr Ikenna Okonkwo FNSE, FNIEE, FNIMMME

As Nigeria battles rising insecurity, unemployment, and a worrying surge in criminal activities, the critical question remains: how can we better engage the nation’s youth to steer them away from dangerous paths and towards meaningful, productive lives?

This question hit home during a routine drive along the busy Kubwa Expressway in Abuja, a route I traverse almost daily.

Amid the hum of traffic and the bustle of construction around the Katampe axis, where a new flyover is taking shape, a striking scene unfolds.

Groups of able young men and women, many of whom appear to be graduates from their posture and bearing, spend their days idling by the roadside, brimming with energy yet starved of opportunity.

These youths are not engaged in crime, nor are they part of the troubling narratives of kidnapping, cyber fraud, or other vices that often dominate headlines. Yet, society seems to turn a blind eye to their plight.

The irony is glaring. While we urge young Nigerians to shun criminal activities and embrace lawful means of livelihood, we do little to create spaces for them to thrive.

The question, then, demands urgent attention: are we, as a nation, encouraging or discouraging the youth who choose to stay away from vices?

The visible frustration among these young Nigerians points to a deeper failure of policy and support structures.

Their restless energy, if properly harnessed, could become a formidable force for national development rather than a brewing storm of disillusionment.

As leaders and policymakers commendably push infrastructure development projects like the ongoing works at Katampe, equal urgency must be placed on developing human capital.

Our young people need more than roads and flyovers; they need avenues for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, and meaningful employment.

The conversation must shift from simply condemning youth involvement in crime to actively providing alternatives that are accessible and attractive.

If we do not engage their potential, we risk losing an entire generation to despair.

Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment. The future of our nation hinges on how we treat our youth today.

The energy of our young men and women should not be wasted by the roadside but channeled into building the prosperous Nigeria we all desire.

Engr Ikenna Okonkwo FNSE, FNIEE, FNIMMME is a Public Affairs Analyst, marriage counselor and writer.

By Abdulkareem Adeyemi

On the morning of April 7, 2025, the capital city of Nigeria stirred not just with the sounds of routine bustle, but with voices—peaceful yet piercing—chanting for change.

Members of the Take It Back Movement, a growing coalition of young Nigerians disillusioned by economic hardships and political frustration, gathered for what was meant to be a peaceful protest. They carried placards, banners, and, most of all, hope.

But by midday, the scene at the Unity Fountain had turned into a haze of tear gas, chaos, and confusion.

Their chants were swallowed by the shriek of sirens and the urgency of feet scattering for safety.

This was not just a protest; it was a cry—one that echoed through the hearts of many Nigerians who feel they are running out of options and opportunities. But the question remains: why did a peaceful call for attention result in a forceful shutdown?

According to statements from law enforcement, the protest was “ill-timed.” Coincidentally, April 7 marked the National Police Day celebration—a day dedicated to honoring the efforts and sacrifices of the Nigeria Police Force.

However, for the citizens gathered, their presence was no less about duty. It was about responsibility: to speak, to question, and to demand better.

Critics have since raised concerns: was the issue truly about timing, or was it another instance of shrinking democratic space in a country where protest is fast becoming perilous?

The heart of the protest was not just about political rhetoric. It was about food prices, rent, job scarcity, and the suffocating cost of living in a country where the minimum wage barely covers a week’s worth of groceries.

Young professionals, artisans, graduates, and civil servants are increasingly unable to maintain even the most basic standard of living.

A bag of rice that cost ₦8,000 three years ago now sells for over ₦50,000.

Power supply remains erratic, insecurity festers in rural and urban areas alike, and yet, the elite continue to thrive untouched, their lives unfolding in opulence just a few kilometers from struggling communities.

To protest this reality is not a crime—it is a civic duty. Silence in the face of such hardship is complicity. If we continue to stifle these voices, we risk not just the loss of protest, but the loss of hope itself.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Football, the world’s most popular sport, operates under a complex rulebook that extends beyond goals, offside calls, and fouls.

While millions of fans passionately debate refereeing decisions, certain lesser-known rules continue to surprise even seasoned supporters and professional players.

A recent incident involving Julián Álvarez in the UEFA Champions League highlighted the importance of understanding these intricate regulations.

Here are some lesser-known rules that often go unnoticed:

Double Touch on a Penalty Kick

A player taking a penalty cannot touch the ball twice before another player makes contact.

If the taker accidentally hits the ball onto their standing foot before scoring, the goal is disallowed. This exact scenario cost Julián Álvarez a crucial penalty.

Dropped Ball Must Be Uncontested

In the past, dropped ball situations were often fiercely contested. However, under revised laws, referees now return possession to the team that last controlled the ball before play was stopped, ensuring a fair and conflict-free restart.

Offside from a Goal Kick

Unlike standard offside rules, a player receiving the ball directly from a goal kick cannot be penalized for offside, regardless of their positioning. This exemption also applies to throw-ins and corner kicks.

Penalty Kick Must Move Forward

A penalty kick must travel forward upon being struck. If the ball is played backward—intentionally or by mistake—the kick is immediately ruled invalid, and the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.

Deliberate Handball to Pass to the Goalkeeper

A player cannot deliberately pass the ball to their goalkeeper using their hands, even from a legal situation such as a throw-in.

If the keeper picks up a thrown-in ball from a teammate, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.

While these rules may not come into play often, their enforcement can instantly alter the course of a match.

As seen with Álvarez’s penalty blunder, understanding even the most obscure regulations can mean the difference between victory and heartbreak.