News

Youth Marginalization, A Ticking Time-bomb – Onaiyekan Warns

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2024

Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has warned the government that youth marginalization is a ticking time bomb threatening Nigeria’s future.

According to him, young people are frustrated and feel excluded from the country’s development.

Onaiyekan made this statement on Tuesday at the National Youth Summit in Abuja, organized by the Christian Youth for Peace and Development Initiative (CYPDI). He stressed the need for an enabling environment for youth development.

He criticized the government’s efforts so far as inadequate and disconnected from the real needs of young people.

The Cardinal’s warning came on the heels of recent nationwide protests, which he said were led by young people eager to participate in the country’s development but feeling ignored by older leaders.

Onaiyekan, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CYPDI, acknowledged the impatience and frustration of the youth, noting that they have always been at the forefront of change in Nigeria.

He said, “Young people in Nigeria want to contribute to peace and development but feel marginalized by older leaders. Young people in Nigeria are frustrated with the country’s leadership and want change. They want to work hard but need an avenue to produce and be recognized.

“There is a recognition that young people cannot be expected to be ‘patient’ indefinitely, as they have their own visions and timelines for the country’s progress.

“The government needs to genuinely listen to young people and provide meaningful support and opportunities, rather than just making token gestures.”

Also speaking, Pastor Dr. Simon Dolly, Director-General of the Christian Youth for Peace and Development Initiative, echoed Onaiyekan’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peace.

He appealed to youths to embrace peace and give it a chance, while also urging the government to support non-governmental organizations promoting peace and harmony.

According to him, “Development will never take place in an atmosphere of crisis. We are calling on the youth to always give peace a chance.

“Leadership is not easy. Our primary principle as religious leaders is to pray for our leaders and support them.

“One of the major problems we have in this country is that we do not love each other. If we were our brother’s keeper, this country would move forward.”

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, represented by Archbishop Johnpraise Daniel, also spoke at the summit, stressing the importance of preparation and responsibility among young people to take advantage of opportunities and shape their future.

“When opportunity meets preparation, it is called luck. We need to roll up our sleeves and work hard. We must be ready to take the future into our hands. It doesn’t come through violence or protests,” he said.

The National Youth Summit, themed ‘EMERGE: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Innovation For Sustainable Youth Development,’ aimed to inspire innovation for sustainable youth development and featured discussions on peace-building, youth empowerment and development as well as a book launch and an awards ceremony.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

17 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

39 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.