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The Imperative for Youth Involvement in Government Positions in Nigeria

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The Imperative for Youth Involvement in Government Positions in Nigeria.

The Imperative for Youth Involvement in Government Positions in Nigeria.

In recent years, the call for increased youth participation in government positions has gained momentum in Nigeria. With a population where over 60% are under the age of 25, the potential for young leaders to influence policy and governance is immense. This article explores the importance of youth involvement in government, highlighting exemplary case studies of young Nigerians who are making significant contributions to the nation’s leadership.

The Imperative for Youth Involvement in Government Positions in Nigeria.

•The Case for Youth Involvement;

Youth involvement in government is crucial for several reasons:

1. Fresh Perspectives: Young leaders bring innovative ideas and perspectives that can drive change and address contemporary issues, such as technology, education, and unemployment.

2. Representation: With a significant portion of the population being youth, their representation in government ensures that their voices, concerns, and aspirations are adequately addressed.

3. Sustainable Development: Engaging youth in governance fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership, which is essential for sustainable development. Young leaders are often more attuned to the needs of their peers and can create policies that resonate with younger demographics.

4. Bridging the Gap: Youth involvement helps bridge the generational gap in politics, fostering collaboration between seasoned politicians and the younger generation, which can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive policies.

• Exemplary Youth Leaders in Nigeria;

Several young Nigerians have already stepped into leadership roles, demonstrating the potential of youth in governance. Here are some notable examples:

1. Hon. Ayodele Olawande – Minister for Youth Development
As the Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande has been instrumental in implementing programs aimed at empowering young Nigerians. His initiatives focus on skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement in governance, ensuring that the youth have a platform to voice their opinions and contribute to national development.

2. Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo – Minister of Interior
Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has made significant strides in the Ministry of Interior, focusing on security and immigration reforms. His youth-centric approach has led to the establishment of various programs aimed at engaging young people in community policing and security awareness campaigns, fostering a sense of responsibility among the youth.

3. Hon. Khadijah Kareem Omotayo – Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs
As the Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs, Hon. Khadijah Kareem Omotayo plays a vital role in ensuring that the concerns of constituents, particularly the youth, are addressed. Her advocacy for youth engagement in local governance has empowered many young people to participate actively in their communities.

4. Mr. Kareem Muri-Okunola – Principal Secretary to the President
Mr. Kareem Muri-Okunola’s role as Principal Secretary to the President showcases the importance of youth in high-level decision-making. His background in public administration and policy has allowed him to contribute effectively to the administration’s goals, particularly in areas affecting youth employment and education.

5. Mr. Kamorudeen Yusuf – Personal Assistant to the President on Special Duties
Mr. Kamorudeen Yusuf has been pivotal in coordinating youth initiatives within the presidency. His focus on special duties related to youth empowerment programs has led to increased opportunities for young Nigerians in various sectors.

6. Mr. Seyi Tinubu – CEO of Loatsad Promomedia
Mr. Seyi Tinubu, as the CEO of Loatsad Promomedia, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the advertising industry. His experience in managing a successful business equips him with the skills necessary for public office, where he could further influence policies that support entrepreneurship and youth development.

7. Mr. Kolawole Aspire – Chairman of Real Estate Developers of Nigeria (REDAN)
Mr. Kolawole Tony Aspire’s leadership in REDAN highlights the potential of young professionals to influence economic policies. His advocacy for affordable housing and sustainable urban development has positioned him as a key player in shaping policies that benefit young Nigerians.

8. Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi FICA – CEO/Chairman of Nord Automobiles Limited
Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi’s success in the automotive industry exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth. His leadership experience and commitment to innovation make him a strong candidate for public office, where he could advocate for policies that support local manufacturing and job creation.

In conclusion, the involvement of youth in government positions in Nigeria is not just beneficial; it is essential for the country’s progress. The examples of young leaders like Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, and others illustrate the positive impact that youth can have on governance. By trusting and empowering young people to take on leadership roles, Nigeria can harness the energy, creativity, and determination of its youth to drive sustainable development and create a brighter future for all. It is time for the nation to involve youth in governance. Youths like Mr. Seyi Tinubu, Mr. Kolawole Tony Aspire, Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi FICA amongst others will contribute immensely to the development and growth of this country if given a chance to hold leadership positions in the public sector.

Compiled By;

Comrade Awoyinfa Opeoluwa,
National Coordinator,
Renewed Hope Youth Alliance (RHYA).

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Crisis Looms in APC ….As Elected National Deputies demands for equity, justice and sense of belonging…

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Crisis Looms in APC

….As Elected National Deputies demands for equity, justice and sense of belonging…

 

All seems not to be well in the ruling party, Apc at the National level due to alleged injustice melted out to some elected National deputies of the Party.

Recently some NWC and NEC members were offered appiontment in some Parastals, to the utmost suprise of everybody some of the elected Deputies were left out.

According to a reliable source, this injustice has been on going since they were elected, they were not giving housing or car allowances like thier colleagues, Most Affected are the following

-Deputy National Legal adviser
-Deputy National Youth Leader
-Deputy National Treasurer
-Deputy National Auditor
-Deputy National Welfare officer are not also members of the NWC,
while some National Deputies are members.

The following elected National Officers were also left out in the last appointments announced.
The National Ex-Officio South-West
National Ex-Officio South+South
National Ex-Officio North-Central
National Ex-Officio South-East
National Ex-Officio North- West
National Ex-Officio North East

Worst of it all happened During the last Christmas and new year celebrations,were NWC members shared 20 bags each to themselves without even giving the Non NWC National Officers any. They weren’t given other items that were shared like their colleagues got. They see it as greed on the part of their colleagues in NWC.
They also did not benefit from the Housing and vehicle allowances their fellow colleagues in NWC gave themselves.

If not for the respect they have for Mr president by now they would have Been protests,.

A reliable source informed us that the Non NWC Deputies together with the Ex officio are planning for a Show-down next week if their demands are not met promptly.

They claim they all worked for the emergence of Mr President and were also elected the same day as their colleagues who got appointments as Chairman of Federal Government agencies and wondered why the National Chairman of their party APC did not forward their names to Mr President for Federal appointments.

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Goma Under Siege: M23 Rebels Tighten Grip Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

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Goma Under Siege: M23 Rebels Tighten Grip Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

Goma Under Siege: M23 Rebels Tighten Grip Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

More than 900 people have been killed in the past two weeks amid intense fighting between M23 rebels and government forces in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The escalating violence has also left approximately 2,880 individuals injured and admitted to various health facilities in Goma since January 26, according to a statement released late Monday by the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

Last week, the M23 armed group, backed by Rwandan troops, seized control of Goma’s airport as its fighters swept through the regional capital of North Kivu, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. The rebels have since intensified their attacks in eastern DRC, establishing checkpoints and significantly restricting humanitarian access.

 

With Goma under their control, M23 rebels advanced toward Bukavu, another major city in eastern DRC. Previously, the group had declared its intention to push further across the country toward the national capital, Kinshasa. However, in a recent statement, M23 rebels denied any plans to capture Bukavu.

 

“It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” said M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka.

Meanwhile, Rwanda-backed forces in eastern DRC announced on Tuesday that they would pause their advance for humanitarian reasons. The Alliance Fleuve Congo rebel coalition declared a unilateral ceasefire starting February 4, 2025, citing growing humanitarian concerns.

A statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the rebel group read: “The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) informs the public that, in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the regime in Kinshasa, it declares a ceasefire starting February 4, 2025, for humanitarian reasons.”

Despite the ceasefire declaration, there has been no immediate response from the DRC government in Kinshasa, and it remains unclear whether the Congolese military will honor the truce. Over the past three years, multiple ceasefires and truces have been declared, only to be systematically broken.

Before the ceasefire announcement, the International Committee of the Red Cross reported treating over 600 wounded individuals since the start of January, nearly half of whom were civilians, including women and children. Humanitarian organizations, including the WHO, have also warned of an increased risk of disease outbreaks, including mpox, cholera, and measles, as displaced populations struggle to access medical care amid the ongoing crisis.

 

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Historic Shift or Political Turmoil? Lagos Assembly in Crisis After Speaker’s Impeachment

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Tinubu Intensifies Lobbying Efforts Amid Northern Opposition to Tax Reform Bills

Historic Shift or Political Turmoil? Lagos Assembly in Crisis After Speaker’s Impeachment

Lagos, Nigeria – Political tensions in Lagos State have reached a fever pitch following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the historic appointment of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Meranda officially assumed office on Monday, January 27, 2025, amid controversy, with a two-thirds majority of the House voting to remove Obasa.

Historic Shift or Political Turmoil? Lagos Assembly in Crisis After Speaker's Impeachment

Citing Chapter 5, Section 92 of the Nigerian Constitution, lawmakers defended their decision, stating that Obasa’s impeachment was carried out in accordance with legal provisions. However, the political landscape has since been rocked by unexpected developments, including the detention of several lawmakers involved in the impeachment by operatives of the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS).

 

In a show of defiance, members of the Assembly visited the DSS office in Shangisha to reaffirm the legitimacy of their decision and condemned the detentions as intimidation tactics.

 

The crisis deepened on Sunday, February 2, 2025, when reports surfaced alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had instructed Meranda and other principal officers to step down in order to reinstate Obasa. The reports further claimed that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had intervened on Obasa’s behalf, pressuring the President to act to prevent potential political instability ahead of the next elections.

Sanwo-olu Distances Self from #IgboMustGo" Protest

However, a political insider dismissed these allegations as false, asserting that they were fabrications designed to sway public opinion in Obasa’s favor. The source, speaking to PMExpress, stated, “When it seemed ploys and tactics from the ex-speaker were not yielding expected results, those behind the plots resorted to sponsoring wild rumors and dropping influential names.”

Another source close to the presidency dismissed the speculation as baseless, asserting that it was inconceivable for President Tinubu to be unaware of such a significant political shift in Lagos, his stronghold. The source noted, “How can something of this magnitude happen, and the DSS and other intelligence agencies be unaware? These are civilian politicians, not military officers who can hold clandestine meetings. If the President had any objections, he would have stopped it before it even began.”

The unfolding crisis has left Lagosians watching closely, as the political power struggle continues to play out. With Meranda now at the helm, the next moves of both her allies and Obasa’s supporters will determine the future of the Lagos State House of Assembly and its leadership. Whether this marks a new era of progressive leadership or a prolonged period of political instability remains to be seen.

 

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