Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road linking Oyo and Ogun States, while approving the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta-Ibadan Road.

The projects, according to the President, are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen transportation networks, deepen economic integration and address critical infrastructure deficits across the South-West.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, President Tinubu, who was represented by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, said the projects demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians.

President Tinubu described the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, with links to other parts of the South-West and the country.

He said the occasion demonstrated what purposeful leadership could accomplish when political will was driven by genuine concern for the welfare and prosperity of the people.

According to him, the flag-off was more than the commencement of another road project, but ‘a decisive statement that no critical infrastructure deficit will be ignored and no strategic economic corridor will be allowed to stand in the way of our collective prosperity.’

‘The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to.

‘Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda moves beyond promises into practical action through a project that will improve mobility, strengthen commerce and create new possibilities for our people,’ he said.

The President noted that improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, enhance productivity, reduce transportation costs and create employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.

He disclosed that the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability, safety and long-term value.

President Tinubu said the contractor had assured the government that the project would be completed in less than 24 months, charging the company to mobilise fully to site, adhere strictly to approved specifications and deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.

He also appealed to host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the project.

He warned against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands that could delay construction, stressing that the success of the project depended on the cooperation of all stakeholders.

According to him, the real value of the road would be measured by its impact on Nigerians, particularly through improved movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, easier transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduced travel time and better access to jobs, education and healthcare.

President Tinubu added that the approval for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta-Ibadan Road would further improve connectivity between the two major cities and stimulate economic activities across Ogun and Oyo states.

Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, said that the President Tinubu had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan-Abeokuta Road, noting that the procurement process was already ongoing.

Umahi said Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being executed across the South-West.

He added that Ogun and Ondo States had a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which, he said, would provide access to the biggest seaport currently being developed in Ogun State.

While highlighting some of the projects being executed by the Federal Government in the South-West, the Minister listed the 1,068-kilometre Badagry-Sokoto Road, noting that 258 kilometres had already been dualised.

He also mentioned the 56-kilometre Oyo-Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed, as well as the 34-kilometre Oyo-Ibadan Road, which was abandoned but had been resuscitated by the present administration.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous contractors in the country, with a record of executing quality projects across Nigeria.

He called on the people of the affected communities to support the contractor and ensure the timely completion of the project.

Also speaking, Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, said the road was conceived during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1965 to link the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

He noted that President Tinubu’s decision to reconstruct and modernise the road would make it more functional, reduce travel time and minimise accidents along the corridor.

In his goodwill message, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the deplorable condition of the road and its negative impact on the socio-economic development of communities along the corridor.

He said its reconstruction would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, calling on the people to support and cooperate with the contractor for the speedy completion of the project.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, noted that the poor condition of the road had created security challenges, including making parts of the corridor vulnerable to criminal activities.

He expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of banditry and kidnapping, while further strengthening the existing peaceful relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

Oba Ladoja urged the contractor to work diligently towards the speedy completion of the project for the benefit of the people.

The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and commenced on July 11, 2026. It is expected to be completed by June 10, 2029.

Nigeria is currently battling an alarming doctor-to-patient ratio, with roughly one doctor available for every 4,000 to 5,000 citizens-a far cry from the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of one doctor per 600 people. Now, a kidnapping crisis is taking a direct toll on this fragile baseline. When a single medical professional is abducted, thousands of patients instantly lose access to care, accelerating the collapse of a healthcare system already reeling from mass emigration and systemic underfunding.

Data from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition highlights that 91 health workers were kidnapped and 15 killed across 101 separate incidents between 2023 and 2025 alone. Bandits and organized criminal networks increasingly view medical personnel as high-value, vulnerable targets who can be snatched for ransom. The violence has gained prominence after the May 2026 midnight abduction of community health worker ‘Dr. Ebi’ (Omo Kemuna) and his wife in Kogi State, alongside a separate mass kidnapping of more than 20 medical doctors and a house officer.

The constant threat of violence is turning a demanding profession into a daily gamble with death. Roland Igbakpa, a medical practitioner, warned that doctors are now viewed as soft targets, stressing that the medical community’s patience is wearing thin as colleagues remain in captivity for months.

‘Injury to one is injury to all. Doctors should not be targets of kidnapping,’ Igbakpa said.

‘It is not safe for us to be in this country anymore,’ Sanusi Rufai, a health worker at the El-shadai Diagnostic Centre in Abuja said, urging the government to take urgent steps to protect lives and property, particularly healthcare workers who often travel at odd hours to attend to emergencies.

Rufai noted that every health worker removed from the system places additional pressure on those remaining, particularly in hospitals already operating with inadequate staffing.

Akeem Akintayo, a former Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre, Mararaba, in Nasarawa State, said the government must intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted health workers and prevent similar incidents.

According to him, the immediate priority should be to ensure that abducted medical personnel return safely to their families and workplaces.

He said the broader objective must be to tackle insecurity in a manner that allows doctors and other health workers to concentrate on their primary responsibility of saving lives.

The federal government has announced the release of the 2026/2027 admission list for successful candidates offered admission into junior secondary school one (JSS1) of the federal unity colleges (FUCs) nationwide.

According to a statement by Boriowo Folasade, the director of press and public relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, approved the release.

The minister, speaking about the list, said that the development reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, accessible and orderly admission process for prospective students seeking placement in federal unity colleges.

Parents and guardians can check the admission status of their children and wards through the Federal Ministry of Education’s admission portal or the notice board of the relevant federal unity college.

Successful candidates are required to print their admission slips and proceed to the Federal Unity College indicated on the slip for confirmation and completion of the admission process.

Parents and guardians are advised to check admission status promptly and ensure that successful candidates report to their respective colleges as required.

The minister congratulated all successful candidates and urged them to approach their academic journey with diligence, discipline and commitment to excellence.

Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, has pledged total dedication to his newly assigned role as Secretary I of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, while assuring Nigerians that national security operations will continue uninterrupted.

The minister made this known on Monday in Abuja while reacting to his appointment into the party’s campaign structure by President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the APC.

In a statement by Leah Katung-Babatunde, his Special Adviser on Media, Musa expressed appreciation to Tinubu and the ruling party for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as a call to greater national service.

He assured party leaders, members and supporters that he would bring diligence, strategic coordination and administrative discipline to the assignment in order to contribute to the party’s electoral success in 2027.

The Defence Minister, however, stressed that his constitutional responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of citizens remains paramount.

According to him, ongoing military operations, defence sector reforms and inter-agency collaborations aimed at tackling insecurity across the country will continue with renewed vigour despite his additional political responsibilities.

‘National security remains our highest imperative. The ongoing operations, strategic reforms and inter-agency collaborations across the defence sector will continue unabated with increased vigour.

‘Our resolve to uphold the mandate of the Ministry of Defence, protect our people and drive Mr President’s vision for a safe and prosperous Nigeria remains firm and unshakeable’, Musa stated.

The minister noted that the armed forces and other security agencies remain focused on addressing the nation’s security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality threatening national stability.

His appointment into the APC Presidential Campaign Council comes as political parties begin preparations ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ruling party expected to unveil strategies aimed at consolidating support for Tinubu’s administration and future electoral contests.

Musa called on party members and Nigerians to remain united and support the administration’s efforts to strengthen security, promote development and sustain governance initiatives across the country.

He expressed confidence that the APC would record success in future elections while continuing to deliver on its promises in the areas of security, economic growth and national development.

Ogun Waterside Local Government has pledged support for the proposed Dangote Deep Seaport and urged the developer to prioritise employment opportunities for qualified residents of host communities.

The commitment was made at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by AbdulGaniyu Odunnoiki, chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, with representatives of Dangote Group, traditional rulers from Ode Omi and Irokun Kingdoms, community leaders, and government officials in attendance.

Odunnoiki said the proposed seaport would create jobs and stimulate economic activities in the coastal council, while urging residents and traditional institutions to maintain peace as the project progresses.

‘This engagement is about strengthening mutual understanding, fostering peaceful coexistence and creating a sustainable framework for community development and industrial collaboration,’ he said.

He also assured investors of the local government’s support while pledging to protect the interests and welfare of host communities.

‘The Dangote Deep Seaport will not only transform our local economy but also create opportunities for our people and future generations.’

Representing Dangote Group, Sulaimon Ibrahim said the company would continue to engage with host communities throughout the development of the project.

‘Our commitment goes beyond infrastructure. We will honour every agreement reached with the host communities and ensure that all persons affected during the planning process are compensated in line with established enumeration and industry standards,’ Ibrahim said.

He said the success of the project would depend on transparency, partnership and mutual trust between the company and host communities.

The Olokola project has long been positioned as part of Ogun State’s efforts to develop a major industrial and logistics corridor in its coastal area. The state government had sought to revive the seaport and free trade zone after the original plans stalled, with the facilities expected to support industrial and commercial investments in the area.

If completed, the proposed port could become a logistics hub for exports, imports and regional trade. It will support exports of fertilisers, petrochemicals and refined petroleum products, and could eventually handle liquefied natural gas exports and heavy industrial equipment imports. The goal is to create an integrated industrial ecosystem that strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

Also, Samsideen Lawal, member representing Ogun Waterside Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, urged Dangote Group to prioritise qualified indigenes for technical and management positions that would arise from the project.

Following the deliberations, participants adopted a communique committing all parties to transparency, regular communication and peaceful collaboration throughout the implementation of the project. They also agreed to hold further town-hall meetings as development progresses.

Rotimi Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governor of Rivers State, has urged Nigerians to vote on candidates’ records rather than on ethnic sentiment.

He spoke at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, where he represented Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate.

The ADC, described by some as a leading opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has led calls for accountability and governance that positively impact citizens.

Amaechi joined Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore and Adewale Adebayo – presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP), the African Action Congress (AAC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) respectively – at the conference on Monday to discuss Nigeria’s security situation, policing structure, fuel subsidy and the economy.

He argued that the economy can be stabilised through massive job creation, local production and policies that put more money in Nigerians’ pockets.

The ADC vice-presidential candidate said an Atiku-Amaechi administration would ensure equitable distribution of political appointments across the country, criticising what he described as concentration of appointments under the Tinubu administration.

Omoyele Sowore, AAC presidential candidate, called for a change of government, arguing that Nigeria’s security crisis cannot be resolved under the present leadership.

Sowore also criticised the Federal Government’s fuel-subsidy policy, adding he has consistently opposed subsidy because of the way it is administered.

‘If there is anybody that has been consistent in the removal of fuel subsidy, it has been me. The question about fuel subsidy is: who are you subsidising? You are subsidising the elite. You are subsidising the governors,’ he said.

On security, Sowore and Adewale Adebayo, SDP’s presidential candidate, agreed that Nigeria requires a change in leadership to tackle terrorism and other threats. Adebayo, however, differed from most candidates on policing structure, advocating a three-tier system involving federal, state and local government police.

Donald Duke, former Cross River State governor, said leadership remains the central issue confronting Nigeria, arguing that getting the leadership question right would have a multiplier effect on other sectors.

‘If we get the leadership right, everything else will fall into place,’ Duke said, condemning the influence of ethnicity in Nigerian politics and advocating reforms to strengthen the presidential system.

Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Cross River State Governor, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to reposition agriculture as a major engine of sustainable economic growth, wealth creation and rural prosperity under its Green Economy Revolution.

The Governor, represented by Peter Odey, his Deputy, stated this on Monday at the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium, Ugep, where he linked the festival’s message of prosperity to his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Odey said the 2026 Leboku theme, ‘Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,’ captures the essence of the administration’s People First Agenda, particularly its commitment to transforming agriculture from subsistence activity into a commercially viable enterprise capable of creating jobs, increasing household incomes and strengthening the state’s rural economy.

He said the administration was already implementing a comprehensive agricultural intervention programme centred on smallholder farmers, including the establishment of cluster farms supported by revolving loans, as well as the deployment of tractors, ploughing machines and other agricultural equipment to expand production and improve productivity.

‘Our objective is to move our farmers from subsistence agriculture to commercial farming. We want our people not merely to farm to feed themselves, but to farm as a business, create wealth and contribute significantly to the economy of Cross River State,’ Odey said.

According to him, mechanisation, access to finance and improved market linkages would enable farmers to cultivate larger acreages, increase yields and earn better incomes, while positioning agriculture as one of the strongest pillars of the state’s economic transformation.

The Deputy Governor further disclosed that the Otu administration had unveiled an ambitious Public-Private Partnership investment package valued at ?70 billion and US$1.075 billion, with agriculture-related investments accounting for the largest share, underscoring the strategic importance attached to the sector.

He said the government’s vision was to build an agricultural economy capable of supporting rural communities while providing raw materials for industry, expanding the state’s export base and creating a sustainable ecosystem around farming, agro-processing, logistics and markets.

Odey, however, stressed that economic prosperity could only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

He therefore reminded all certificated Village Heads, Clan Heads and Paramount Rulers that their cardinal responsibilities were to preserve the customs and traditions of their people and promote peace within their respective domains.

‘Tourism and economic development cannot thrive in a volatile or chaotic environment. We will therefore not hesitate to withdraw the Certificate of Recognition of any royal father whose domain becomes engulfed in a breakdown of peace,’ he warned.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Yakurr to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful resolution of disputes, noting that a peaceful Yakurr would be better positioned to attract investments, deepen tourism, expand agriculture and unlock the enormous potential of its creative economy.

Also speaking, Effiong Ekpenyong,the Special Adviser on Events Management, Governor’s Office, provided a strong cultural and economic perspective to the celebration, describing the 2026 Leboku as more than a festival but a platform for connecting Yakurr’s cultural inheritance with its economic aspirations.

Ekpenyong said the theme, ‘Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,’ was deliberately chosen to underscore the fact that culture should not merely be preserved as a relic of the past but deployed as a resource for creating opportunities, attracting visitors, empowering young people and stimulating enterprise.

‘Leboku is a celebration of where we come from, but it is also a statement about where we are going. Our culture is not a burden from the past; it is an asset for the future,’ he said.

He noted that Yakurr possessed enormous cultural capital which, if properly harnessed, could support tourism, hospitality, creative enterprise and other components of the emerging cultural economy.

‘When we preserve our culture, we preserve our identity. When we promote it, we create opportunities. And when we connect it with tourism and enterprise, we turn culture into an economic asset,’ Ekpenyong said.

The Special Adviser commended Governor Otu for his sustained support for cultural preservation and promotion across Cross River, stressing that the administration recognised the power of festivals such as Leboku to project the state’s identity, attract visitors and generate economic activity.

He also challenged the younger generation to take ownership of Yakurr’s cultural heritage, urging them to go beyond participating in the festival to becoming active custodians, promoters and innovators capable of translating their cultural inheritance into modern creative and economic opportunities.

‘The future of Leboku is in the hands of our young people. They must understand their traditions, preserve their authenticity and, at the same time, find innovative ways of presenting them to the world,’ he said.

Ekpenyong further called for greater unity among the people of Yakurr, stressing that the festival’s enduring message must be one of peace, identity, inclusion and collective prosperity.

The celebration featured goodwill messages from Obol Ofem Ubana, Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area; Chief Obi Ayuk, Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism; as well as an inspection of the festival market, yam barn and Leboku Art Exhibition.

The colourful event also featured traditional parades by maidens, royal fathers and various cultural groups, reinforcing Leboku’s position as one of Cross River’s most significant platforms for cultural expression, tourism promotion and the celebration of agriculture and the harvest.

Endorsed and amplified by the Good Governance Group (GGG)

Something remarkable has just been announced in Singapore, and Nigerians ought to pay attention-not merely to marvel at the figures, but to understand what purposeful government looks like.

In his 2026 National Day Rally address, Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, unveiled an extensive support package for Singaporean children and their families.

Under the new arrangement, an eligible Singaporean citizen child will receive a baby gift of S$10,000. Another S$5,000 will be placed in the child’s MediSave account to meet healthcare needs. The government will also make an initial S$5,000 deposit into a Child Development Account and match the parents’ savings dollar for dollar, up to an additional S$5,000.

The support does not end at birth.

From the age of one until 16, the child will receive annual credits of S$2,000-a total of S$32,000 over 16 years. At 17, another S$10,000 will be deposited into the child’s post-secondary education account. There will also be annual Edusave top-ups during primary and secondary school.

Altogether, the maximum government contribution amounts to approximately S$67,000 for each eligible child before the age of 18.

Converted into naira, that runs into tens of millions. But the real lesson is not in currency conversion. It is in the thinking behind the policy.

This is not S$67,000 handed to parents in one envelope at the maternity ward. Some of it is paid gradually; some is reserved for healthcare and education; and the matching contribution requires parents to save before the government adds its share. In other words, it is not a political giveaway or an election-season palliative. It is a carefully designed social investment intended to accompany the child from birth through adolescence.

That distinction is important.

A purposeful government does not merely wait for citizens to become poor before distributing bags of rice to them. It anticipates their needs. It plans for the birth of the child, the health of the infant, the cost of childcare, the pressure on the family, the education of the adolescent and the transition into adulthood.

It builds a ladder before the citizen falls into a pit.

Singapore does not produce crude oil. It has no substantial domestic petroleum reserves to boast about. It imports the crude oil used by its refining and petrochemical industries. Yet, through competent leadership, disciplined planning, effective institutions and the prudent management of public resources, it has built one of the most prosperous societies in the world.

Nigeria, on the other hand, has produced oil for decades. We have natural gas, gold, limestone, bitumen, fertile soil, a youthful population and enormous human talent. Yet millions of our children are born into deprivation. Many receive inadequate medical attention at birth. Some cannot afford vaccinations or proper nutrition. Millions are out of school, while those who manage to attend often study in overcrowded classrooms without books, laboratories, electricity or competent teachers.

For many Nigerian families, the birth of a child is accompanied not only by joy but also by anxiety: hospital bills, food costs, school fees, rent and an uncertain future. The average family is largely on its own. Government appears briefly during elections, bearing food packages, small cash transfers and promises that disappear as soon as the votes are counted.

This is not to suggest that Nigeria can simply copy Singapore overnight or pay every newborn the naira equivalent of S$67,000. The two countries differ in population, size, history, economic structure and administrative capacity. But those differences should not become excuses for indifference.

Nigeria can decide that no woman should die while giving birth because she cannot pay a hospital bill. We can ensure that every child receives proper nutrition, primary healthcare and a decent basic education. We can establish child-development accounts for vulnerable families, provide reliable school meals, fund vocational training and create education savings programmes that follow children into adulthood.

We can do these things if we recognise that public money belongs to the public.

The Singaporean package tells its citizens, ‘Your child matters to the nation. His health matters. Her education matters. Your family’s stability matters. We will plan with you and invest alongside you.’

What message does the Nigerian state send to its own children?

Too often, the message is ‘survive if you can’. Find your own school. Generate your own electricity. Provide your own water. Pay for your own security. Treat yourself when you fall ill. Find work for yourself-and, after doing all these, remember to pay your taxes.

Leadership is not measured by the size of convoys, the magnificence of government houses or the number of political appointees surrounding an officeholder. It is measured by the quality of life of the ordinary citizen and by the opportunities available to a child born without privilege or powerful connections.

A purposeful government does not regard citizens as a burden. It regards them as its greatest asset. It does not simply consume today’s revenue; it invests in tomorrow’s people.

That is the lesson from Singapore.

The question for us is not whether Nigeria has enough oil. It is whether Nigeria has enough vision, discipline, compassion and accountability to make its enormous resources work for its people.

The Abia State Government has backed the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), with a target to register and onboard at least one million young people in the state.

The programme, which was officially flagged off in Umuahia on Friday August 21, 2026 is designed to address youth unemployment, poverty and the risk of radicalisation by providing young Nigerians with business grants, training and other forms of support.

Speaking on behalf of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, at the event, the Commissioner representing the governor, said the programme came at a critical time when young Nigerians needed opportunities to acquire skills, establish businesses and contribute to economic development.

The commissioner said, ‘Our young people need opportunities to learn, work, start businesses and grow their businesses. When young people have opportunities, they can build better lives for themselves, support their families and contribute to the growth of our state and country.’

According to the commissioner, YEIDEP would provide support to Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 across sectors including agriculture, technology, renewable energy, tourism, entertainment, fashion and beauty, food, health and other creative enterprises.

He noted that the initiative was particularly relevant to Abia, which he described as a state with a strong culture of entrepreneurship.

‘Across our communities, young people are already making shoes, clothes, furniture and other products. They are building businesses in technology, farming, food, entertainment and many other areas,’ he said.

‘What many of them need is support. They need access to finance, better skills, good business knowledge and opportunities to reach bigger markets. YEIDEP can help provide some of these opportunities.’

The commissioner said more than 200,000 young people in Abia had already expressed interest in the programme and registered through its digital platform, while the Federal Government was targeting more than 20 million young Nigerians nationwide.

He urged young people in the state to take advantage of the initiative, whether they already owned businesses or merely had ideas they wanted to develop.

‘If you already have a business, register and see how the programme can help you grow it. If you have an idea for a business, this may be the opportunity to take that first step,’ he said.

He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, student bodies, cooperatives and community groups to assist in mobilising eligible young people to participate.

The commissioner said the state government’s support for YEIDEP was consistent with Otti’s administration’s focus on creating opportunities for young people, developing human capital and expanding the state’s economy.

He, however, stressed that the success of the programme should not be judged by the number of registrations alone.

‘The success of YEIDEP will not be measured only by the number of people who register. It will be measured by the number of businesses that are created, the businesses that grow, the jobs that are created and the lives that are improved,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, Kennedy Iyere, the coordinator-general of YEIDEP, described the initiative as an economic emancipation programme aimed at tackling youth poverty, unemployment and the conditions that could make young people vulnerable to radicalisation.

Iyere warned that Nigeria’s future could be threatened if urgent measures were not taken to address youth poverty and hopelessness.

‘Nigeria is fast becoming a country where the next 10 years is not assured unless something drastic is done to address the threats of youth poverty and hopelessness,’ he said.

He urged state governors to prioritise investment in young people and ensure that the Federal Government’s youth intervention programmes reached their states.

Iyere commended Otti for welcoming the YEIDEP initiative to Abia, saying the governor had demonstrated the kind of leadership needed to attract economic opportunities for young people.

He said, ‘This is the reason why every governor must learn from people like Dr. Alex Otti, the Executive Governor of Abia State, who with both arms opened, received us. He became part of this economic emancipation movement. This is a movement for economic emancipation.’

Iyere further criticised governors who, according to him, collect federal funds without adequately investing in youth development and employment creation.

He said, ‘Governors who have started going to Abuja to take money from the President every other month are not doing with the money what they should do, which is the prioritisation of investment in the youth of Nigeria to address the menace of unemployment. They should better have a rethink.’

He also warned political leaders against treating youth-focused interventions as instruments for political advantage, insisting that YEIDEP was an apolitical programme intended to benefit young Nigerians.

‘The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme has been made available by the Federal Government for the benefit of all the youth of Nigeria and should be a project embraced by every governor,’ Iyere said.

He maintained that economic hardship and lack of opportunities could increase young people’s vulnerability to criminality and radicalisation.

‘The vulnerability of youth to radicalisation is usually orchestrated or occasioned by social and economic misery,’ he said.

‘When the youths have lost hope in the nation, they tend to do things that will not exist in the interest of the nation. That is why we have so much rascality today within the system.’

Iyere urged young Nigerians to register for the programme and make use of the opportunities being provided by the Federal Government.

The Abia State Government, meanwhile, assured the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the YEIDEP team of its cooperation in ensuring that the programme delivers tangible benefits to young people in the state.

The state government subsequently declared the Abia State recruitment drive officially open.

The Plateau State Police Command has imposed a temporary ban on the operation of tricycles, popularly known as Keke-NAPEP, across Jos-Bukuru metropolis and other major towns in the state.

In a statement by Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the command said the restriction, which takes effect on Tuesday is part of security measures to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

‘The ban is part of security and safety measures put in place by the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, to ensure a hitch-free celebration,’.

The command said the measure was also aimed at preventing the use of tricycles for criminal activities, reckless driving and other offences associated with celebrations.

The command directed tricycle operators and members of the public to comply with the directive, assuring residents of adequate deployment of personnel to major roads, prayer grounds and public places.

The police commissioner also warned officers against using the restriction as an avenue for extortion, directing members of the public not to give money to any officer demanding it and to report such incidents immediately.

The command further reminded residents that the existing ban on motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, remains in force across Jos and Bukuru metropolis and all areas covered by the Jos Master Plan.