Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Federal Government, through the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has supported farmers in Oyo State with training and empowerment on cassava cultivation and processing.

The two-day training, held at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food security state office, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Participants, were trained on series of approach to getting good yield, ranging from fertiliser application, soil testing among others.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the training session, Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services in the ministry, Mr Ayodele Olawunmi, who was represented by a Principal Agric Officer, Mrs Temitope Banjo, said the aim and objectives of the training were working towards food security and sustainable agriculture as well as the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘The empowerment programme is to upgrade farmers’ knowledge about cassava production and processing in Oyo State. Oyo State is one of the prominent cassava producers in the country, so it is very important to come to Oyo State when we talk of Cassava because the state contribute a lot to cassava production in Nigeria.

‘And the whole process is exposing them more to the necessary skills in processing and to reduce usage of chemicals in the processing of cassava. Some people process their cassava, especially when they want to use it to make fufu with detergent and some other chemicals.

‘This training is meant to tell them that they must not add chemicals to cassava when processing it because it is very dangerous to human health. What we are promoting is food security with nutrition, it is not food security with damaging of our health. Nutrition is one of the important aspects of food security, so the two have to go together.’

The Oyo State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food security, Mr Adetunji Samson, represented on the occasion by Chief Agric Supritendent, Mr Adefesobi Oluwatoyin, called on participants at the training to make good use of all that they have learnt during the course of the training and extend same to their fellow farmers who could not attend the programme.

At the end of the training, each of the farmers was given a knapsack sprayer in order to boost their farm work.

Mr. Olufemi Oyedele, is a built environment professional and affordable housing advocate. In this interview with DAYO AYEYEMI, the astute estate surveyor and valuer, took a critical look at the Nigeria ‘s housing sector since independence, itemized some of the challenges, and suggested way out of the wood.

What is your assessment as Nigeria clocks 65 years of nationhood?

Yes, Nigeria’s 65th Independent Anniversary is here again and in a twinkle of an eye, the 66th anniversary will be here.

The housing sector in my own assessment has performed abysmally low in the last 65 years. Though we have adequate resources to achieve ‘adequate housing’, we lack ‘the will’ and the institutional and organisational capacity to be self-sufficient in housing. The government has refused to adequately organise the people to be able to house themselves and adequate housing remains a mirage despite our 65 years of independence. In many quarters, the question arose that would it not have been a better story in our housing strides if the colonial masters were still in charge? There are a lot of things we can do better to change our housing narratives. The housing sector is still unorganised, underfunded, corruption-ladden, unprofessional, under-productive and lacking direction.

Nigerians have not been properly housed. About 60 per cent of Nigerians live in slums! These are self-help abode that people manage to remain hopeful. They manage this squalid settlements and inadequate quality houses with the hope that tomorrow will be better. Some of them have lost hope in a better future due to their past experiences despite the fact that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Chapter 4 claims that housing is a right of all citizens.

What are major achievements?

The major achievements in the housing sector and notable challenges in recent time are the Renewed Hope Housing Programme which ‘aim is to address the nation’s housing deficit by providing affordable, decent and dignified accommodation for citizens, particularly low-income and vulnerable groups.’ If the government can achieve this aim, it will go a long way to ameliorate the housing sufferings of the people. The building materials hubs planned to be located in the six geographical zones of Nigeria and in which one is already set for the Lekki Free Trade Zone is also laudable achievement.

What are the challenges?

Notable challenges in our housing sector include the incessant building collapses which seems to be reducing the housing stock and the credibility of our builders; the demolition of buildings which is an economic waste among a people that is lacking; high cost of building materials, which is majorly due to over-dependence on the traditional method of construction and low level of titling which creates dead capital in the untitled lands.

The government of the day is not living up to expectations in the housing sector considering the huge housing deficit which experts claim is now in the region of 28 million. There are things the government (federal, state and local) can do separately to achieve housing adequacy.

What are the solutions?

The solutions to the challenges in the housing sector include first, evolving a housing culture for Nigeria though a formal forum. Housing cannot continue to be delivered haphazardly as it is currently being done. Secondly, we need an organ of the Federal Government that will be in charge of coordinating the housing efforts of the three tiers of government in Nigeria. There is a wide disparity between the prices of building materials and what the customers are willing to pay. Thirdly, there must be intensified efforts of governments to provide social housing for the poor and vulnerable in the society. This class of people cannot adequately house themselves.

Renowned Nigerian journalist, Dr Reuben Abati, is set to present three new books exploring politics, society, and personal reflections.

The public presentation and official launch, organised by Caltop Publications Nigeria Limited, will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The books to be unveiled are Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter and Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President.

Speaking on the publication, Ayo Arowosegbe, Managing Director of Caltop Publications, described the books as compelling and insightful.

‘Compelling, insightful, and relevant for our times. These works will serve as vital references for policymakers, media professionals, academics, students, and the public seeking informed perspectives on Nigeria and the world at large.’

The event is expected to attract dignitaries from government, academia, the private sector, the media, and the literary community in celebration of Dr Abati’s remarkable contributions to journalism, literature, and civic engagement.

Coinciding with his 60th birthday, the occasion will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the life and career of a media icon who has remained steadfast in his commitment to national development.

Dr Reuben Abati, a distinguished journalist, columnist, and writer, previously served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, and was Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspapers.

Elevators are small, shared spaces we often find ourselves in. They save us time, but also come with unspoken rules that make the ride smooth for everyone. These simple habits show respect for others and create order in an enclosed space.

Whether you’re going to the office or staying in a hotel, you should learn proper elevator etiquette rules to make the ride less tense or uncomfortable.

Here are seven of these rules you should know.

1. Wait before entering

One of the most important elevator etiquette rules is waiting for people to step out before you go in. You could cause confusion and physical clashes if you rush in while others are trying to exit.

What should you do instead? Stand by the door while giving space, of course and enter when your path is clear.

2. Stand away from the door

After entering the elevator, avoid standing in the way. You could either move to the back or to the side so that others can easily come in.

If you stand directly at the entrance, it could make the ride an uneasy one for you and those who are trying to enter.

3. Respect personal space

So, you know that elevators are often tight, right? Well, respecting personal boundaries is still possible in such a tight space.

If the elevator is less crowded, you should avoid standing too close to someone. If it’s full, stand properly without leaning on or pushing others

Respecting personal space is one of the simplest elevator etiquette rules that makes everyone more comfortable.

4. Reduce noise

Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, or laughter in the elevator because it’s a confined space and sound can feel amplified.

If you can’t avoid conversations, keep your voice low. That way, people don’t get to listen to private conversations, and everyone can maintain a peaceful environment during the brief ride.

5. Tame your belongings

A large hand luggage can take up more space than necessary. If you’re carrying a heavy bag, hold it close to your body or place it on the floor beside you.

This elevator etiquette rule is important because it prevents accidents and ensures that other people have enough room to stand.

6. Use buttons considerably

While pressing the elevator buttons, do it considerately. Don’t joke around by pressing multiple floors as a joke. If someone asks you to help them with the floor they are going to, you can help them with the button if you’re close.

7. Be proactive yet calm

When you reach your floor, step out quickly so that others can continue their journey. Don’t wait around to finish a conversation or look for directions.

If it’s not your turn to leave and you’re close to the door, step out briefly for others to leave and enter again if necessary.

This elevator etiquette rule is very practical.

Next time you enter an elevator, remember that these simple habits can help you turn a ride in a tight space into a smoother and better experience.

The Nigerian equities market ended Tuesday’s session on a cautious note as profit-taking in banking and oil and gas stocks offset gains in the industrial and insurance sectors, leaving the overall market performance largely unchanged.

The NGX All-Share Index slipped marginally by 0.004 percent to close at 147,710.96 basis points, while market capitalization shed N3.99 billion naira to settle at N93.76 trillion.

The month-to-date and year-to-date returns stood at 3.05 percent and 43.05 percent, respectively, reflecting sustained investor optimism despite intermittent pullbacks.

Market sentiment remained negative, as 35 stocks declined compared to 23 gainers, translating to a market breadth of 0.7×.

Austin Laz which fell by 7.9 percent and Deap Capital which dropped 6.,7 percent led the losers’ chart, while Regal Insurance and Prestige Assurance topped the gainers’ list.

Sectoral performance mirrored the cautious mood, with three of the five major indices closing positive.

The Insurance index led gainers with a 1.01percent rise, driven by renewed interest in Regal Insurance which gained 8.8 percent and Prestige Assurance which appreciated by 6.7 percent. The Industrial Goods and Consumer Goods indices also advanced by 0.30 percent and 0.10 percent respectively, buoyed by gains in BUA Cement which rose by 0.06 percent and International Breweries which climbed 3.6 percent.

On the flip side, the Banking sector dipped by 0.37 percent as selloffs in United Bank for Africa which lost 1.2 percent dragged the index lower, while the Oil and Gas sector weakened by 0.09. The Commodity index closed flat.

Market activity showed a mixed pattern as total traded volume fell by 20.73 percent to 495.10 million units, while the total number of deals declined by 18.75 percent to 25,645. However, transaction value rose sharply by 28.71 percent to N17.34 billion, indicating a shift toward high-value trades.

Fidelity Bank emerged as the most traded stock by volume with 50.90 million shares, while MTN Nigeria dominated in value terms with N2.46 billion naira worth of transactions.

It is noted that the market’s sideways movement reflects cautious trading ahead of upcoming third-quarter earnings releases. Analysts, however, expect bargain-hunting in fundamentally sound stocks to support a mild rebound in subsequent sessions.

In today’s digital ecosystem, where privacy concerns and data-driven industries dominate, the demand to buy proxy server solutions is growing rapidly. Once seen as niche tools, proxy servers have become a mainstream necessity. Whether for businesses scaling their online operations or individuals seeking anonymity, proxies now play a critical role in internet infrastructure.

What is a Proxy?

At its core, a proxy server is an intermediary. Every device online has a unique IP address that reveals location and internet provider. By routing traffic through a proxy, users replace their real IP address with one from the proxy network. This simple substitution shields identity, bypasses restrictions, and creates a buffer between the user and the web.

How Proxies Work

The process is straightforward. A computer sends a request to a proxy, which then forwards it to the destination website under its own IP address. The website responds to the proxy, which relays the data back to the user. This ensures the website only ‘sees’ the proxy, not the end-user.

Types of Proxies

Proxies are not created equal. Their utility depends on how and where they are hosted.

Datacenter Proxies. Hosted in global data centers, these are fast and cost-effective. However, because they don’t belong to real residential users, they are easier for platforms like Google or Facebook to flag. They are ideal for web scraping or automation, but less suitable for sensitive tasks like social media management.

Residential Proxies. Assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to home connections, these proxies mimic genuine user behavior. As a result, they are trusted by major platforms and less prone to bans. Their reliability makes them valuable for e-commerce monitoring, advertising verification, and account management, though their price is significantly higher than datacenter options.

Mobile Proxies. Leveraging IP addresses from mobile carriers, these proxies route traffic through 3G/5G networks. Because traffic appears to originate from mobile devices, social platforms treat them with a high level of trust. Given that more than 60% of global internet traffic now comes from mobile devices (Statista, 2024), mobile proxies have become especially powerful for marketers and businesses relying on app ecosystems.

Choosing the Right Proxy

Selecting a proxy depends on balancing speed, trust, and cost. Forbes Tech Council experts often point to reliability and anonymity as top priorities, especially for businesses that cannot risk downtime or blocked accounts. Industry guidelines suggest evaluating six criteria:

Reliability and uptime stability.

Anonymity level to minimize detection risks.

Supported protocols for flexible use cases.

Speed and bandwidth capacity.

Cost-to-performance ratio.

Reputation of the provider, backed by verified reviews.

Why Proxies Are Rising in Demand

The proxy industry is expanding rapidly. According to Research and Markets, the global proxy services market is projected to surpass $2.5 billion by 2028, driven by increased demand for data scraping, digital marketing, and online privacy. At the same time, regulatory crackdowns and platform security measures are forcing businesses to adopt more sophisticated proxy types, particularly residential and mobile.

The Bottom Line

Proxies are no longer just tools for tech specialists. From securing online identities to powering competitive intelligence and ad verification, they are now central to how companies and individuals navigate the internet. In an era where both opportunity and risk are amplified online, the right proxy can mean the difference between scaling successfully and being locked out.

The Nigerian Army, 22 Armoured Brigade, has disclosed that one of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, is suspected to have committed suicide after killing his wife.

The Army, in a statement on Monday, signed by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, said the tragic incident which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State.

According to the statement, the situation has caused a tense atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident.

‘Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty within the Cantonment and had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment.

‘The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident,’ the statement reads.

Continuing, the statement stated that the Nigerian Army regrets the incident and ‘commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss. The army also prays for the peaceful repose of their souls.

‘The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly.’

The Nigerian Army, while seeking maximum understanding and cooperation of the public, assured that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public, rather, further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.’

As part of activities marking this year’s Green Diplomacy Week, the European Union and the German Embassy in Abuja have launched the German-Nigerian Flare4Value project, a landmark initiative designed to tackle gas flaring in Nigeria while unlocking new economic opportunities through gas optimisation and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation.

Declaring the event open over the weekend in Abuja, Kristina Fuerst, Head of the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, described the initiative as ‘a significant milestone in the German-Nigerian partnership and our joint commitment to transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities.’ She emphasised that ‘gas flaring reduction is not only a climate priority but a gateway to energy access, industrial growth, and sustainable development for Nigeria.’

Also speaking at the event, Johannes Lehne, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Germany in Nigeria, reiterated the strategic importance of emission reduction, describing it as both an environmental and economic imperative.

‘The strategic significance of gas flaring reduction represents both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity,’ he said. ‘By capturing and utilising flare gas, we not only cut emissions but also create value for power generation and industry.’ Lehne further noted that Flare4Value ‘reflects the strength of the German-Nigerian partnership and the EU’s wider commitment to supporting Nigeria’s leadership in climate action.’

In his remarks, Dr. Vitalis Obi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, said the initiative underscores Nigeria’s shared commitment to reducing emissions and unlocking the full potential of its gas resources. According to him, partnerships such as Flare4Value provide a pathway for Nigeria to transform flare gas into an engine for cleaner energy, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

The Flare4Value project is implemented under H2-diplo, a GIZ programme commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office and financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI). H2-diplo supports Germany’s international energy and climate diplomacy, working with partner countries to advance the use of green hydrogen in diversifying and decarbonising their economies.

Nigeria remains one of the world’s top seven gas-flaring nations, losing billions in potential revenue each year while contributing significantly to GHG emissions. In 2022 alone, the country flared around 275 billion standard cubic feet of gas, emitting over 16 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, a development that not only worsens climate change but also contravenes the Climate Change Act (2021), which mandates strict carbon budgeting and emission reduction.

Addressing this challenge head-on, the German-Nigerian Flare4Value initiative focuses on reducing flare-gas emissions, improving gas utilisation, and aligning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector with its Energy Transition Plan. A key innovation of the project is its exploration of flare gas-to-hydrogen pathways – converting waste into clean energy carriers while stimulating industrial growth.

Representing the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager for Energy, Circular Economy and Climate Change, said the initiative captures the shared global responsibility to reduce emissions. ‘Reducing what goes into the atmosphere today is a responsibility we all share,’ he said. ‘It’s encouraging to see Nigeria’s flare-reduction efforts already yielding results; this project takes those gains even further.’ Ogbemudia added that the initiative ‘isn’t only about environmental protection; it’s about creating new business opportunities through gas commercialisation and cleaner energy solutions that benefit people and the planet.’

Through structured dialogue, technical collaboration, and private-sector engagement, Flare4Value provides a high-level bilateral platform for Germany and Nigeria to deepen cooperation on climate action.

Launched under the EU Green Diplomacy Week, the initiative reinforces the EU’s commitment to forging strong partnerships in multilateral decarbonisation efforts. Nigerian institutional partners include the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria (GACN), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

The project was formally introduced at a virtual kick-off meeting on 29 September, followed by Thursday’s high-level launch in Abuja. A study tour to Germany is scheduled for October, bringing together Nigerian public and private-sector actors with German stakeholders. The initiative will culminate in a multistakeholder conference in Abuja on 4 December 2025, where a discussion paper on flare-gas reduction will be presented alongside a B2B exchange platform for Nigerian and German businesses.

The Federal Government has initiated a comprehensive review of the existing cost-of-collection framework used by major revenue-generating agencies in a move aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public financial management.

The review, which targets institutions such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), seeks to determine whether the current practice of deducting cost of collection at source still aligns with government’s fiscal reform objectives.

Under the existing system, these agencies are allowed to retain a percentage of the revenue they collect on behalf of the Federation as operational costs before remitting the balance to the Federation Account.

While this model was initially designed to incentivise revenue generation, critics have argued that it encourages inefficiency, limits transparency, and creates room for financial leakages.

Confirming the policy discussions, the Federal Ministry of Finance, clarified that the review is in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve value-for-money outcomes in government operations.

‘What is underway are ongoing policy discussions in line with the directives of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to review the cost-of-collection structure. These discussions are part of broader efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and value-for-money in public financial management. However, no final decision has been made on this matter,’ the Finance Ministry said.

The ministry emphasised that there has been no policy change regarding the current practice, and revenue-generating agencies should continue to operate under the existing framework.

It further assured stakeholders that any eventual adjustments will follow due process and involve extensive consultations with relevant institutions to avoid disruptions in revenue operations.

‘The current framework remains in effect,’ the Ministry stressed, adding that future reforms will be guided by transparency, stakeholder engagement, and clear communication to ensure smooth implementation.

The proposed review aligns with the administration’s broader fiscal reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria’s revenue base, minimize wastage, and ensure that every naira generated delivers maximum public value.

‘WHEN you empower the youth, you empower the future of a nation.’ These words, often echoed in policy discussions, find real meaning in the work of Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development. In a country where young people make up more than half of the population, leadership that speaks directly to their hopes and challenges is not just desirable, it is essential. Since assuming office on October 16, 2023, and later elevated to the substantive Minister of Youth Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a year later, Olawande has distinguished himself as a minister who translates promises into action. His approach to youth engagement, empowerment, and protection has not only redefined the mandate of his ministry but also rekindled a sense of belonging among millions of young Nigerians. One of the most striking features of his leadership has been his consistent closeness to the youth themselves. Rather than governing from behind a desk, Olawande embarked on engagement tours across the country, meeting young Nigerians in their own spaces and listening to their stories, challenges, and dreams. His visits to Delta and Cross River States directly birthed digital job training programs tailored to the aspirations voiced by the young people he met.

His presence in Borno, at Maimalari Barracks where he met with wounded young soldiers, and in internally displaced persons’ camps where he distributed learning materials, revealed a minister who embodies empathy and demonstrates action beyond the confines of officialdom. For him, no Nigerian youth is invisible, whether they are in bustling cities, rural villages, or areas scarred by conflict. Economic empowerment has stood as a cornerstone of his work. Understanding that entrepreneurship remains the backbone of Nigeria’s youthful economy, he spearheaded the expansion of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund from seventy-five billion to one hundred and ten billion naira, giving young entrepreneurs better access to finance and opportunities. Programs like the Corpreneur Support Scheme provide funding for NYSC members trained in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program, ensuring that service year becomes a springboard into self-reliance. At the grassroots, the Grassroots Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme has supported small-scale businesses that sustain local communities, affirming his vision that youth empowerment must not be confined to urban centers alone but spread across every part of the country. In a society where the youth often feel vulnerable to harassment and profiling by security agencies, Olawande took the bold step of creating the Young and Secure Initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Police Affairs. This initiative, alongside the Nigerian Youth Helpdesk, offers young Nigerians a direct platform to report cases of harassment and ensures swift intervention, thereby protecting their dignity and rebuilding trust between youth and law enforcement. His emphasis on protection as a pillar of development reflects his belief that the potential of young people can only flourish in an environment where they feel safe and respected.

At the heart of his vision is the future of work, and here his imprint has been equally profound. Through the Nigerian Youth Academy, popularly known as NIYA, he launched the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ campaign, which has already drawn over eighty thousand sign-ups even before its official unveiling. This e-learning platform is equipping millions of young Nigerians with vocational and digital skills designed to meet the demands of both local and global markets. His partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency birthed the DL4ALL program, a digital literacy initiative targeting thirty million Nigerians, making it one of the most ambitious youth digital empowerment programs in the country’s history. Complementing this is his collaboration with the National Data Protection Commission which is not only training but also creating five thousand jobs in the fast-growing field of data protection. Olawande’s innovations stretch beyond the digital economy. By partnering with the Presidential Initiative on CNG, he facilitated the distribution of two thousand CNG-powered tricycles to young people in the transportation sector. This intervention addresses two needs at once: empowering youths with sustainable livelihoods and advancing the nation’s commitment to greener, cleaner transportation. Similarly, the soon-to-be-launched nationwide enrollment portal for young farmers demonstrates his recognition that agriculture must remain central to Nigeria’s growth and youth employment.

Infrastructure for youth development has also been elevated under his stewardship. The Youth House Initiative, already approved by President Tinubu, envisions Youth Houses in Abuja, Youth Centers in all states, and Green Houses in all seven hundred and seventy-four local government areas of the federation. These are not mere structures but hubs of opportunity, designed to provide resources, training, and support at the grassroots level. His drive to institutionalize youth involvement in governance also led to the creation of the National Youth Conference, a platform where young Nigerians can directly engage government, propose solutions, and shape the policies that affect their lives. In education and career development, Olawande has reformed the NYSC posting process to ensure corps members are placed in organizations relevant to their fields of study, transforming the service year into a period of genuine skill acquisition and career readiness. Alongside this, the ministry is working to ease the financial burden on students through the implementation of loans and stipends, ensuring that education becomes more accessible and less stressful for young Nigerians. All of these achievements are driven by a clear and simple philosophy which Olawande himself has often articulated: Support, Empower, and Protect the youth. (See the rest on www.tribuneonlineng.com)

Femi writes in from Abuja

This SEP approach runs through every initiative and reform, from financial inclusion and employment opportunities to protection from harassment and the creation of safe spaces where young people can thrive. It is a strategy that recognizes youth not as passive recipients of charity but as active partners in national development.

Hon. Ayodele Olawande’s first year in office has redefined what it means to be a Minister of Youth Development. He has shown through action that Nigerian youth deserve more than promises; they deserve structures that empower their dreams, systems that protect their dignity, and platforms that amplify their voices. In his story lies an example of governance that is responsive, innovative, and inclusive. For the millions of young Nigerians who now feel a sense of belonging, his leadership is not just a chapter in public service but the dawn of a new narrative in which the youth are truly at the center of national development.