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Tinubu Inaugurates Youth Confab Planning C’ttee, Gives Reason For Subsidy Removal

Published

1 year ago

March 10, 2025

President Bola Tinubu on Monday said he removed fuel subsidy to protect the future of the unborn generation.

President Tinubu stated this at the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, declaring that the government policies are designed to secure a prosperous future.

He said: “I’ve listened to you carefully, today is not for long speeches, I just want to reassure you that you are you hope of the this country. Everything hangs on your future, every decision that I’ve taken is all about tomorrow.

“When you remove oil subsidy, you’re protecting the future of generations yet unborn, the youth. Where’s the investment for the infrastructure? When you listen to the majority of professionals talking about Japa, leaving Nigeria, it’s because if you grow prosperity back home and you empower people, they will not bother to leave, they will stay home. This is your home, to develop, build and make prosper.

“Government of the day is all about you, take it very seriously. You can abuse politicians all you like, but politics is about development and the future generation. I’m glad you are all here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow and the day after. I’m with you.”

President Tinubu said when his administration started, things looked difficult and tough but that he has been able to weather the storm.

He said: “When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey and hopeless. We tried hard and we were fetching water from a dry well, but today the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking in, technology is advancing. You have the opportunity.

“I’ve listened to the remark of your spokesperson, you have the great opportunity of advancing the development of this country, it’s all in your hands. Mine is to help navigate and push and lift the heavy weight problems, so I can clear the path for you to have a very great future, but it’s in your hands.

“Look at me in the face, tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way you want things done or suggestions. We’ll try to implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country.

“Mine is to assure you that we’ll do everything possible to make Nigeria a better place for you, but we can’t do it alone, you represent over 60% of our population, you’re the heartbeat of our nation and I hope you’ll take this opportunity very seriously.

“I am with you, I repeat again. I therefore inaugurate the committee. I wish you a very successful period, an interesting one. Let’s employ technology every way possible, let’s look at our farming conditions, let’s hear what we can do to empower youths in their firm spirit, let’s work for food sovereignty of this country.

“I like you, I can’t be youth again, maybe in the next life, I’m envious of all of you.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the confab will be convoked to promote youth engagement.

Olawande noted that President Tinubu’s administration is a listening government that is ready to be attentive and incorporate the ideas and incorporate the ideas and contributions of young people in governance.

He said that the members are carefully selected as representatives were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Finance, other related Federal Ministries, Civil Society Organisations, Non-governmental organisations the World Bank, amongst many others.

He said they are to champion and plan for the conference that will impact the life of the youths of Nigeria

According to the Minister, “the government aims to create opportunities for the youth and is focused on addressing their concerns.

He urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the youth confab to contribute developmental policies.

A lead member of the youth confab planning committee and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, lauded President Tinubu’s commitment in recognising the youths.

“I would use this opportunity to appreciate the recognition of youths by the President”

He outlined that the 30-day National Youth Confab will be segmented into virtual consultations, regional meetings and the last week of it will engage youths at the Abuja conference.

Itodo urged the government to keep the confab completely insulated from politics.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu during his 2024 Independence Day broadcast, announced the plan for a 30-day national youth conference to address critical issues facing the country’s youths, including unemployment, education, and political participation.

The Committee is to be chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Among those inaugurated are Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission Asuquo Ekpeyong, Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, Hauwa Nana Ibrahim, Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe, Uchechukwu George Egbe, Samson Itodo amongst many others.

Also represented in the planning committee are representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance,the World Bank, Non-governmental organisations

Present at the inauguration were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Youth development, Ayodele Wisdom, Spokespersons to the President, Mr Sunday Dare and Mr Bayo Onanuga Senior Special Assistant on media, Tunde Rahman.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

3 minutes ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

17 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.