Abuja Set Ablaze with Anticipation as Folorunsho Unveils You Against Crime International (YACI)

Abuja, Nigeria – 11th September 2025 – Social innovator and youth mentor Tayo Folorunsho is set to officially launch “You Against Crime International (YACI)“, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to crime prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria. The launch will take place during the Abuja Stakeholders Dialogue on Sustainable Crime Prevention, themed “Culture: The Cure for Crime”, on Thursday, 11th September 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Transcorp Hilton (Capital Bar), Abuja.

You Against Crime International (YACI) is a grassroots-driven movement that combines culture, advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement to foster safety, peace, and lawful living. Through the power of edutainment and national dialogues, YACI seeks to address the root causes of crime by inspiring behavioral change, strengthening communal values, and empowering young people to choose positive alternatives.

Founded by Mr. Tayo Folorunsho, who has over 15 years of experience working with youth and communities, YACI reflects his lifelong commitment to mentorship, empowerment, and opportunity creation.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mr. Folorunsho stated:

“You Against Crime is not just a campaign – it is a movement. It’s about equipping people, especially young Nigerians, with the tools, knowledge, and hope to choose a better path and contribute positively to society.”

One of YACI’s core strategies is the use of culture as a powerful tool in the fight against crime. By reconnecting with traditional values, languages, and heritage, the initiative promotes discipline, respect, and responsibility. Through music, drama, festivals, and storytelling, YACI will engage directly with grassroots communities, creating meaningful platforms for awareness, prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

At the launch event, YACI will also unveil its upcoming projects, including:

• The “You Against Crime” Festival & Docu-Series – featuring real-life testimonies, cultural performances, and awareness campaigns.

• Community-driven initiatives linking cultural identity with crime prevention, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.

YACI aims to bring together government agencies, civil society, traditional institutions, the private sector, and local community launches ,a united mission to build a safer and more hopeful Nigeria.

It is important for us as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reflect on our actions and commitment to the progress of our great party. If the same energy and strength we are now seeing in internal struggles had been deployed during election days, by now PDP would have been the only dominant political party controlling everywhere, especially in Lagos State.

It is therefore disturbing and unacceptable that some individuals, claiming to be leaders or aspiring candidates, think they can singlehandedly write the entire ward executive list across all their wards list exco in their local government. With due respect, such practice is sheer political recklessness and an insult to our constitution.

Let us ask ourselves:

Can one or two individuals who sit in a hotel room and secretly write all the ward executive names succeed in winning elections?

Can one man alone serve as party agent in all polling units on election day?

Will the ward leaders, who were sidelined and denied the opportunity to determine their own executives, be willing to work for the party in the election?

The answer is No.

Some of our members even go as far as wanting to dictate what happens in other local governments, rather than testing their popularity and strength in their own local government. If those you are supporting in another LGA are truly popular, credible, and ready to serve, then allow them to contest freely within their constituencies instead of imposing them through manipulation.

I have also been told by some that I “do not understand politics” simply because I refuse to manipulate or interfere in other local governments. As the Southwest Zonal Ex-Officio, my role is to strengthen our democracy within the party, not to impose candidates. How can I claim to know a local government more than its own leaders?

In my own LGA, Alimosho, I have seen members who never attended ward or LGA meetings for the past two years suddenly fighting for positions, more aggressively than those who have consistently sacrificed their money, time, and strength for the growth of our great party. During the last local government elections, they did not participate, yet now they seek leadership positions.

Unfortunately, I was informed yesterday that in some LGAs, members are fighting and even threatening one another simply because of congress positions. The question remains: are these individuals truly ready to serve, or are they only struggling to control executive positions for personal gain either to extort aspirants in 2027, to use the positions as bargaining chips with opposition parties, or to add them to their personal profiles?

We must not allow this destructive culture to continue. The PDP Constitution is very clear on how congresses should be conducted. Article 2 emphasizes that the party shall be guided by the principles of democracy and social justice. Article 47(1) states that “the organs of the Party shall be constituted through democratic elections,” while Article 25(1) stipulates that ward, LGA, state, and national congresses must be convened according to laid-down procedures.

Therefore, ward executives cannot and must not be written in hotels by a few individuals. Congresses should be conducted in line with our constitution, either through open congress elections or consensus as provided by the constitution not imposition.

We must also remember that PDP is the only true democratic party in Nigeria. We are not like the APC “Baba sope” military-style political associations. Those who normally manipulate congresses by writing names in hotel rooms have already been suspended and later defected to other parties, leaving behind a legacy of failure. Their bad example must never be followed again.

Nigeria and Lagos are winnable for PDP if we get it right, starting from our congresses. Let us return to the foundation of our part leadership beginning from the ward, upward to the LGA, state, and zone. That is the only way we can achieve true victory and reclaim power for the people.

Long live PDP! Long live Nigeria’s democracy!

Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Southwest PDP Ex-Officio

Compiled by Sunday John, Kazeem Adegoke, Princewill Ashu

As Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas marks his second anniversary in office, it is fitting to reflect on the remarkable achievements that have defined his tenure.

Over the past two years, the Taraba State Government has shown unwavering commitment to delivering transformative projects and initiatives that have positively touched the lives of citizens.

Yet, while the governor has remained focused on providing the dividends of democracy to the people of Taraba, some disgruntled politicians have sought to discredit his achievements by pushing misleading narratives that he has not done enough for his state.

This editorial seeks to present a clear examination of the governor’s accomplishments, highlighting his vision, leadership, and steadfast dedication to building a more prosperous Taraba State.

Infrastructure Development: A New Era of Progress

One of the hallmarks of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’s administration is its emphasis on infrastructure development. The governor has made significant strides in improving the state’s transportation network, with several road construction projects underway. These initiatives not only enhance connectivity but also stimulate economic growth, foster trade, and improve the overall quality of life for Taraba’s residents. The governor’s commitment to infrastructure development is a testament to his administration’s focus on creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

Economic Growth and Development: A Beacon of Hope

Under Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’s leadership, Taraba State has witnessed a surge in economic growth and development. The administration has implemented policies and initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, investing in human capital, and creating opportunities for economic empowerment. These efforts have led to increased economic activity, job creation, and improved living standards for citizens. The governor’s vision for a prosperous Taraba is evident in the state’s growing economy, which is attracting investors and entrepreneurs from across the country.

Education and Human Capital Development: Investing in the Future

Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’s administration has prioritized education and human capital development, recognizing the critical role that these sectors play in shaping the state’s future. The governor has implemented initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education, enhancing teacher training, and promoting skills development. These efforts are designed to equip Taraba’s citizens with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to compete in an increasingly globalized economy.

Healthcare and Social Welfare: A Commitment to Citizen Well-being

The governor’s administration has also made significant strides in improving healthcare and social welfare in Taraba State. Initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure, increasing access to healthcare services, and promoting disease prevention have been implemented. Additionally, the administration has introduced social welfare programs designed to support vulnerable members of society, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. These efforts demonstrate the governor’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare and social services.

Security and Governance: A Foundation for Progress

Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’s administration has prioritized security and governance, recognizing that these are essential for creating a conducive environment for development. The governor has implemented initiatives aimed at enhancing security infrastructure, promoting community policing, and fostering collaboration between security agencies. Additionally, the administration has demonstrated a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, ensuring that public resources are utilized effectively and efficiently.

For more clarity, some of these achievements also include:

1 Free and Compulsory Education: Implemented free and compulsory education in all public schools across Taraba State.

2 Distribution of Instructional Materials: Distributed instructional materials to schools to enhance learning.

3 Construction of New Schools: Constructed 60 new schools to improve access to education.

4 Payment of WAEC and NECO Fees: Paid WAEC and NECO fees for students across the state.

5 Renovation of Schools: Renovated both primary and secondary schools across the state.

6 Fencing of Schools: Fenced primary and secondary institutions to ensure safety.

7 Taraba State Development Master Plan: Launched the Taraba State Development Master Plan to guide development.

8 Revival of Taraba Geographic Information Service (TAGIS): Revived TAGIS to modernize land administration.

Economic Development

9 Agricultural Revitalization: Revitalized agriculture with farming tractors in every ward.

10 Digital Transformation: Established a Digital Information Technology hub for youths.

11 Economic Diplomacy: Fostered international partnerships to attract investments.

Infrastructure Development

12 Road Construction: Commenced massive road construction projects across the state.

13 Reconstruction of Government House: Revitalized the Government House and state ministries.

14 Completion of Abandoned Projects: Completed several abandoned projects, including the renovation of the State Liaison Office in Abuja.

15 Rural Electrification: Commissioned rural electrification projects, including in Gembu.

Healthcare

16 Improvement of Healthcare Services: Improved healthcare services across the state.

17 Reconstruction of General Hospital: Reconstructed the General Hospital in Ussa Local Government Area.

Security and Governance

18 Improved Security: Enhanced security, eradicating kidnapping and ensuring citizens’ safety.

19 Payment of Salaries and Pensions: Paid salaries and long-standing pension and gratuity arrears.

20 Civil Service Reforms: Implemented civil service reforms to improve governance.

Environmental Conservation

21 Tree Planting: Planted 4 million economic trees for environmental conservation.

Youth Empowerment

22 Youth Employment: Employed thousands of youths in daily cleaning of the state.

23 Digital Skills Training: Provided digital skills training for youths.

Women Empowerment

24 Women Employment: Employed women in daily cleaning of the state.

Other Achievements

25 Prompt Payment of Running Costs: Released funds for monthly running costs to ministries and agencies.

26 Payment of Gratuity: Approved payment of gratuity backlog and set aside funds for monthly payments.

27 Completion of Water Projects: Completed the Jalingo Primary Water Scheme to increase water supply.

28 Procurement of Tractors: Procured 750 new global multi-purpose mini tractors for small and medium-scale farmers.

29 Reconstruction and Upgrading of the dilapidated State School of Nursing and Midwifery to international standard and reduction of school fees

30 Enrollment of Local Government Staff: Released over N71 million for enrollment of local government staff and teachers in the pension scheme.

31 Signed multibillion naira MOU with Lagos State Government on Agro-Allied produce and agricultural partnerships to boost agricultural production and empower local farmers.

32 Taraba is now Number one in Nigeria in affordable tuition fees and highest school enrollment

33 One of the first and few states in Nigeria now paying the new minimum wage to civil servants

34 Resettlement of displaced Ussa Local government areas refugees scattered by bandits back to their homelands

35 For the first time in 18 years, the Dr Agbu Kefas’s administration distributed over 500 utility vehicles and more than 1000 motorcycles to political appointees, senior civil servants, high court judges, Legislators, traditional rulers including including first , second and third class and all security agencies in Taraba State

36 Fencing and Upgrading of all primary and secondary schools in the state ongoing.