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Youth Marginalization, A Ticking Time-bomb – Onaiyekan Warns

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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.

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO: Four Men Bag Life Sentence For Kidnapping In Ekiti

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“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.

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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.

READ ALSO: Troops Kill Five Terrorists, 44 Surrender In Borno

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.

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“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.”

READ ALSO: Ogun To Give N500,000, N10m Grants, Others To Business-oriented Youths

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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.

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

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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.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

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.”

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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

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

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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.

‎ 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.”

‎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

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.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

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.

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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

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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.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

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.”

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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.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

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.

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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.

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