A Zambian lady has taken to social media to narrate how youths turned around the fortune of their country for good by voting out a ‘repressive regime’.
@DonCorleAnn revealed that some Africans flooded their comments, telling them they will regret it and that a new government would do nothing.
She went out to say that as at August 1, the Zambian currency, Kwacha is the best performing currency in Africa and second best in the world, after being the worst in 2021.
Thanking youths in the country, the Twitter user further disclosed that they knew if they didn’t act and vote in a better leader, many of them would be forced to leave the country.
The Oyo State Government has called on youths in the state to be active participants in politics, especially as the 2023 General Elections draw nearer.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, made the submission, on Saturday, at the Oyo State Youths Summit held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, stating that youths have a big role to play in shaping the leadership of the country.
He said: “For the present administration in Oyo State, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, we are committed to building youths with good character. We indeed call on you to be part of the politics in the State.
“Get your PVC and act.”
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Seun Fakorede, emphasized that youths should perform in any leadership position they find themselves in.
He said: “Our country is drifting today due to poor leadership, therefore, we as youths must equip ourselves with the needed knowledge, so that when we get to these positions, we will perform differently.
“The only reason you can come on stage is because you have been equipped to lead. Be ready to use your voting strength to make the necessary change in the nation, you must not only engage in complaining but be fully involved”.
President Muhammadu Buhari declared on Monday that youths are the country’s most strategic asset.
The President stated this at the opening of a three-day national youth conference held in Abuja.
Buhari, who was represented at the forum by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, noted that the country’s most potent ambassadors were young people who are breaking new grounds, records and winning laurels in different areas of endeavour.
He said: “We recognise that our young people are this country’s most strategic asset. Investing in them is investing in the economic strength and development of our nation.
“This is why I recently approved the investing in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, an over $600 million programme supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) which will support young tech and creative sector entrepreneurs through the provision of finance, skills development and infrastructure.
While differences of opinion in respect of official policies are normal in liberal democracies such as ours, but out of respect for the rights and sensitivities of others, disagreement must be tempered and channelled through legally and socially acceptable means.
Most importantly, we must keep our faith in our country and remain optimistic that it will serve as the locus for fulfilling our aspirations.
“Building a nation is an intergenerational endeavour; I think this is a particularly important point; governments can be changed in electoral cycles, but the destiny of a nation is shaped across generations.
“This country is ours — above and beyond partisan squabbles, disagreements and everything else — the future will be what we make of it.
“By signing into law of the ‘Not too Young to Run’ bill almost three years ago opened the door for youth inclusion in our political process and by extension, in governance.”
A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, said on Sunday the All Progressives Congress (APC) has provided a political space for youths to unlock their potential.
Aondoakaa, who stated this at the Benue APC Youth Council maiden Youth Summit in Makurdi, added that the party placed a great premium on youth development.
He was represented at the forum by an APC chieftain in the state, Mr. Terwase Akume-Iusa.
He said: “APC is opening the political space and helping all young people to unlock our potential, to help you to fully appreciate who you are and what the future offers you.
“We attach great importance to your role of meeting the challenge of, and progress towards, building diverse, inclusive and peaceful political climate in Nigeria and Benue state in particular.
“May I appeal to all Benue APC youth that in spite of the adverse economic challenges confronting everyone today, do not play into the hands of desperate politicians.”
The ex-AGF, who is eyeing the APC ticket in the 2023 governorship election in Benue, promised to fast-track the development of the state if elected.
Nigerian disc jockey and activist, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, has said that Nigerian leaders are scared of its youths.
The DJ made this statement during her speech at the Oslo Freedom Forum.
In a video snippet of the event, she made reference to Afrobeats legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s 1977 hit song, Zombie, where he likened the Nigerian Army to Zombies, tagging them as ‘mindless zombies following idiotic orders.’
She said; “As an artiste and a DJ, I listen to music a lot all the time and I am reminded of the legend — the artiste, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He was known for speaking truth to power with his music and I am reminded of his 1977 song titled, Zombie. Here, Fela likens the Nigerian military to mindless zombies following idiotic orders. It was relevant then, it is relevant today and it is most likely relevant tomorrow, in the future.
The same future that they say is in the hands of the leaders of tomorrow, but what we have tomorrow are recycled leaders of today who have failed to provide an enabling environment for young leaders to thrive and contribute. But they chose, instead to kill us all off one by one.
“This might sound outrageous to you and you might wonder why; I will tell you. Our leaders are afraid; it is as simple as that. They are afraid of a thinking, innovative and collaborative working Nigeria. They are afraid of every young Nigerian who, against all odds, have made it for themselves.
They are afraid of a ‘me’; the coconut head generation as we like to call ourselves. We are hard-headed, we are not easily deceived by propaganda. We stand up to our oppressors, starting with the Nigerian Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.
“Yes, you heard me right. The Nigerian Minister for Information, our very own spin doctor, his first name is ‘Lie’. It is inevitable, right? The pun is begging me. ‘Lie’ called the shooting a fabrication of a massacre without bodies. He said I was a purveyor of fake news with an intent of tarnishing the nation’s image and I am a terrorist among other things.
The Nigerian Army called the shooting fake and I had made the whole thing up with a green screen. Yes, I have plans of going to Hollywood after this speech.”
Angry youths on Wednesday burnt down the country home of the Sokoto State Commissioner for Security and Career Studies, Col. Garba Moyi (retd), for allegedly working with bandits.
The spokesman of the state police command, Sanusi Abubakar, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Sokoto, said the irate youths burnt down the building located in Isa local government area of the state after they accused him of working with bandits who regularly attack the area.
Abubakar added that the youths also torched a vehicle belonging to the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Gobir Alhaji Nasiru Ahmad, whom they also accused of colluding with the bandits.
According to the spokesman, trouble started when the commissioner turned down the youths’ invitation for discussion on incessant attacks in the area.
Abubakar said at least five persons had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Moyi, who also confirmed the attack on his home, blamed his political rivals for the ordeal.
He said: “It is true that youths attacked my house at Isa local government area. They overpowered the security man in the house and set the house ablaze.
“I am yet to visit the area to ascertain the extent of damage to the house; but I can confirm that no life was lost.
“I know this is the handiwork of my political opponents as I have absolutely nothing to do with bandits.
“For now, I cannot say anything further as the investigation is ongoing by the police.”
Head Pastor of Purpose Centre Church, Reverend Jacqueline Othoro, has narrated how she defied societal pressure and remained single despite being 52 years old.
She said that she is okay even if it lasts for her entire life, adding that “I can’t control someone coming into my life”.
The female pastor from Kenya then urged young people to stop going beyond their means to please society.
According to her, certain milestones perceived as parameters for success by society are pushing the youth into doing all sorts of things to fake a good image of themselves.
The cleric cited the perception that getting married or attaining financial prosperity by age 30 as some of the pressures that young people have had to grapple with.
“We are putting a lot of pressure on younger people. There are people who will hire a car for the weekend just to be seen driving so that people can see that they have a car,”she asserted while speaking on NTV’s show Your World.
Reverend Othoro boasted about being 52 years old and was still single and childless, saying what matters to her most is the fact that she is still alive and has lost nothing as a result of the singleness or childlessness.
She disclosed that growing up, she planned to get married by age 28 but although her dream never came to pass, it didn’t compel her to go above and beyond to please anyone.
I am 52 years old, still single and with no children. I am alive and that’s critical. I had a goal to get married by 28, I am 52 now and still single, I didn’t die or lose anything. Learn to be flexible with goals that you can’t control, I can’t control someone coming into my life,” she said.
Tension rocked Osogbo, Osun state capital on Tuesday as youths hit the streets to protest alleged harassment by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Offence Commission (EFCC).
In a video which surfaced online Monday night, the youths were seen shouting and protesting that the operatives of the EFCC raided their Estate and were trying to tow away exotic cars at midnight.
It was gathered that the EFCC operatives carried out a raid within Adetunji Estate around 2.00 a.m. to arrest suspected fraudsters but they were waylaid on their way out after arresting some suspects, seizing about 20 exotic cars.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, has said the best way to restructure the country is to allow Nigerian youths to take over the leadership of the country.
He made the comment on Friday during a Channels TV programme, ‘Politics Today’, while reacting to the recent resolve by the Southern Governors.
Recall that 17 southern governors under the aegis of Southern Nigerian Governors Forum, SNGF, on Tuesday, unanimously called for the restructuring of the country to put the current agitation for secession to an end.
The governors while deliberating on the current security situation in the region, also banned open grazing to end the incessant crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.
Bello faulted the move for restructuring, stating that the governors are also contributors to the bad governance in the country.
He said: “My definition of restructuring is allowing the younger generation to take over the leadership of this country.
“In some quarters where the restructuring is sounding so loud, looking at history and performances, how have they been able to perform when they were given positions of authority in this country?
“Those of us that are still in authority today, how have we been able to implement programs that can benefit the lives of the people?
How much have we taken the people seriously, how much have we accounted for what we have been entrusted with?”
Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Acting National Leader of Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has asked the youth to take their position as change agents in the country.
He maintained that the present administration had failed Nigerians and the youth had refused to charge the government to work in the interest of the country.
The Pan-Yoruba leader stated this at the 95th birthday of the leader of the Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and the dedication of Reuben Fasoranti Chapel at the Anglican Grammar School, Iju/Ita-Ogbolu in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday.
The chapel was built by the old students’ association of the school.
Adebanjo said President Muhammadu Buhari ought to have stepped down from government due to the condition of the country.
He said; “I have told them that in a better and civilised country, he (Buhari) should have gone long ago. If he has self respect, he should have gone because everything has failed.
“What is he presiding over? Is it over corruption, security, education? Law and order has broken down in the country for the past three years. It is only because Nigerians are over-tolerant of despots, that is why he (Buhari) is still there.
But as a Christian, I still have hope. If Nigerians are conscious of their rights, they know what to do. Where is the demonstration (of youths) in the country that the Buhari government must go?
The younger generation has failed the country. The country was not as bad as this when we were demonstrating for self governance then. They (youths) want the old men to fight their cause for them. Why should people like me be in the trenches at 93 and Baba Fasoranti at 95? Where are those in their 40s and 30s?
“When we were at their age, we were in the streets of Lagos, London, everywhere and when we were in the university…. The youths should be ashamed of themselves.
Ace Nigerian comedian Adebola Adebayo better known by his pseudonym, Mr Macaroni has urged youths in the country to prepare for the 2023 election.
Mr Macaroni in a social media post admonished youths to exercise their civic responsibility by registering for their voter’s card and preparing to elect new leaders into power.
Macaroni, one of the most outspoken entertainers in the country stated that youths should desist from being bystanders and mere onlookers.
Taking to Twitter, Macaroni wrote;
“Nigerian Youths, Time no dey ooo…
Even while we continue to use our voices and platforms to speak up, we must take voting seriously come 2023!!
We know say e no go easy oo but let’s make efforts!!
We must get our PVC and Vote!!!”
The social media continued;
“Nigerian Youths, we must wake up ooo.
We have only ourselves.
Sheyb una see how dem don dey defect from PDP to APC and from APC to PDP!!
They don’t have shame ooo.
All of them are the same.
They are all United in corruption and impunity.
Voting is an Avenue we have to explore.”
In his concluding paragraph, Mr Macaroni told Nigerian youths to continue to fight for their fundamental rights by agitating against the corrupt government.
Here is what he wrote in conclusion;
Nigerian Youths. Let’s be informed!
Understand the role of elected officers in government and how to hold them accountable, more information on how to get your PVC and general political participation.”
Yul Edochie, the son of Nollywood legend, Pete Edochie has taken to social media to reveal how youths in Nigeria are under so much pressure to impress their peers online.
According to the Nollywood actor, Nigerian youths need to relax and see themselves not as failures. He mentioned that social media is not the measurement for success, neither should it be used to judge one’s achievement in life.
Yul urged Nigerian youths to keep working hard and disregard the opulence and affluence of others that are shared on various social media platforms.
He advised youths to focus on themselves and keep building their careers and finances.
Taking to the microblogging site, Twitter, Yul Edochie wrote;
“Many youths are under a lot of pressure these days. Sadly it’s not pressured to achieve. But the pressure to look like they are achieving. And social media is largely responsible for it. Take it easy. Avoid competition. The goal is to be successful, not to look successful.”
Since his debut in 2005, the younger Edochie has become one of the most prominent figures in the movie industry.
Oyo police command says one police officer was killed during the mob action in Igangan on Friday.
As the police begin an investigation into the violence that erupted in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, January 22, 2021, the state Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko has appealed to youths in the state to remain calm.
The police boss also vowed to bring those responsible for the burning of properties in Fulani settlement and other criminal activities in the town to justice.
Recall that following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum a Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo issued to the Fulani in Oyo state, the activist and his supporters stormed Igangan to eject Seriki Fulani and herdsmen accused of perpetrating crimes in the town.
Two people were reportedly killed during the confrontation between the Yoruba youths led by Adeyemo better known as Sunday Igboho and the Fulani community in Igangan.Some properties belonging to the Fulani in the area were also reportedly set ablaze by the youths.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko.
Following the clash, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu ordered Onadeko to arrest Igboho and bring him to Abuja.
However, in a statement signed by Olugbenga Fadeyi, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo on Sunday, January 24, 2021, the Oyo police command said one officer was also injured while discharging his duty during the mob action.
The statement reads in part; “Sadly, the relative peace and calmness, being enjoyed, due to the visibility patrols of the security agencies were truncated by the visit of Sunday Igboho to Igangan, at about 1630hrs on 22nd January 2021.
“The visit had culminated in a mob action by some youths in the town, who, armed with different types of weapons, embarked on arson and a breach of peace. In the process, grievous hurt was committed against one of the police officers, while discharging his statutory duties.
“The commissioner of police will like to reiterate that the security agencies will not watch while some criminal elements take laws into their hands.
“Investigation into the arson and the breach of the peace, which occurred at Igangan will be investigated to logical conclusion and culprits shall be brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has cautioned the Inspector-General of Police and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State against the plan to arrest Igboho.
He advised them to use dialogues to solve the herders-farmers crisis in Oyo rather than arresting the activist.
President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that the public outcry/ demonstrations against police brutality shows the frustration of the country’s youth.
Many Nigerians had in October, taken to the streets of Lagos and some other states, to call for police reformation.
Buhari who was represented by his chief of staff, Ibrahim Gambari, who spoke at an event hosted by south-west governors in Lagos yesterday, pledged to address the root causes of the demonstration.
The president said the political class must go beyond lip service and equip the young people with skills that would make them competitive.
“Before our very eyes, what started as a peaceful demonstration turned to different thing that became a threat to all of us, who are regarded as elite,” he said.
What we witnessed in the violence showed that something needs to be done to address the underlying issues and come out with solutions. We must be able to sustain the peace in our region at all cost.
The vice-president and governors are designing an engagement framework through the National Economic Council that will be rolled out across States of the Federation.
“Chief among them is police reform across all its dimensions. Community policing as an additional layer that can resolve some of our security issues.”
The government will continue with policies of social protection and people empowerment despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday.
The President spoke at the State House during the launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES). He restated his administration’s commitment to youth development and poverty alleviation.
The President, who described P-YES as a cornerstone of his administration’s social and economic development strategies, said it was part of the overall policy of ensuring that 100 million Nigerians were lifted out of poverty in 10 years.
The P-YES launch, which is aimed at creating 774,000 jobs across the local government areas, was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi.
The President said: “The P-YES is also part of the plan that we adopted in 2016 in which we empowered One hundred youths from each of the 774 local government areas with the necessary tools to acquire skills and establish small businesses.
“Given the success of that initiative, we are now committed to creating 774,000 jobs across all the LGAs, through the P-YES programme.”
President Buhari, who took a tour of P-YES tools and equipment displayed at the forecourt of Presidential Villa expressed delight that the materials showcased represent the fruits of the initiatives by his administration in 2016.
“All the tools, machines and equipment that are exhibited here, are products of the efforts of these empowered youth entrepreneurs.
“I note with particular pleasure that they were all fabricated in Nigeria by Nigerian youths using locally sourced materials. This is a wonderful and uplifting achievement.
“As an entrepreneurship empowerment project, the P-YES programme aims to address the needs of unskilled and less educated youth.
“It targets key areas of activities that are of practical importance and are essential to every aspect of our economy.
“These include areas such as agriculture and food processing, restaurant and catering, tailoring and fashion design, technical skills such as in the Information and Communications Technology sector, artisanship, welding, carpentry and joinery, other small businesses and activities associated with the micro-economic sector of this economy.”
The President urged states, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) of government to factor the P-YES into their programmes to assist the youth to realise their potentials in their chosen fields.
He urged local and foreign private sector operators to contribute their share to the expansion of the programme through channelling their corporate social responsibility efforts towards skills acquisition, creation of start-ups, and other intervention measures.
President Buhari declared that the expansion of the P-YES would be vigorously pursued, adding that more resources would be committed to the achievement of its goals and objectives towards youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development.
The President commended the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Students Affairs, under Hon. Nasiru Saidu Adhama, for driving the P-YES programme in accordance with the mandates prescribed for the office and the programme.
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