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Int’l Youth Day: We’re Behind You, Tinubu …CSOs Urge FG To Address Youth Unemployment, Others

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerian youths of his optimum support towards achieving their full potentials.
The president gave this assurance in a statement via his verified X handle on Saturday to mark the 2023 International Youth Day.
Tinubu noted that the entire nation is standing behind the Nigerian youth as they pursue their various dreams.
He urged Nigerian youths to embrace the numerous challenges they encounter while chasing their dreams, stressing that they possess the capacity to light up Nigeria.
Tinubu stated, “As you celebrate this International Youth Day, know that you are not alone – the entire nation stands behind you, ready to champion your aspirations.
“Embrace the challenges, chase your dreams, be involved, and continue to be the beacon of hope that lights up our nation. Happy International Youth Day!”
Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), International Alert, and International Organization for Migration, have called on President Tinubu and State governors to urgently address rising unemployment, Japa Syndrome, kidnapping, restiveness, drug trafficking, organ sale, and other vices plaguing the country.
The call was made during a media conference to mark the IYD 2023.
The Executive Director, AYGF, Dr Arome Salifu, in an address read by other CSOs, pointed out that the challenges currently confronting young people threatens national development and cohesion, which some dangerous persons had taken advantage to recruit young people into kidnapping, drug trafficking, prostitution, organ harvesting, terrorism and banditry.
Salifu said: “As we stand on the threshold of embracing such a far-reaching and all-encompassing initiative, it is essential that we directly confront the formidable challenges presented to our youthful population within Nigeria.
“Notably, Nigeria’s current population stands at approximately 211 million, a statistic emphasized by the UNFPA’s 2022 report. Equally significant are the projections that anticipate potential increases to 264 million by 2030 and an astounding 300 million by 2036, as highlighted by the World Population Review (2022). In light of these projections, it is our duty to adopt a carefully formulated and expansive strategy aimed at harnessing the immense potential inherent in our youth demographic.
“Currently, a notable disparity exists, with a significant 60% of our population comprising young individuals who lack representation in crucial decision-making processes. This imbalance not only hinders their rightful participation but also fosters government distrust and mounting frustration among our youth.
“In tandem with these disparities, we must confront the stark fact that 86 million Nigerians, or 41% of our population, live in extreme poverty (World Poverty Clock, 2021). Equally concerning are the statistics on youth unemployment, which reached 42.5% in 2020, along with an underemployment rate of 22.8% (National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, 2022). Further analysis reveals that over 53% of our dynamic 151 million2 youth face unemployment, contributing to a staggering total of 80 million (National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, 2022). This alarming situation not only perpetuates persistent poverty but also fuels the phenomenon of mass migration, also referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome’.
“Our Nigerian youth are not passive observers; they actively seek participation in policy formulation and decision-making processes that drive both personal and communal progress. Unfortunately, these aspirations often encounter barriers that prevent their involvement, despite their undeniable relevance. The new government, at all levels; federal and state inclusive, holds a pivotal role in spearheading a comprehensive drive to drastically reduce the pressing challenges of youth unemployment, mass migration, youth poverty, and the exclusion of young voices from policy-making processes”.
He, however, listed some panacea to the challenges youth are contending with in the country.
“By actively involving the youth in policy formulation, the government can tap into a wellspring of innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, thus shaping a narrative that resonates deeply with the aspirations of our society.
“This collaborative approach offers an unprecedented opportunity to establish a robust and forward-looking agenda. Through strategic investments in skills acquisition, job creation, and essential infrastructure development, the government can initiate a transformative ripple effect, effectively addressing youth unemployment, poverty, and the prevailing trend of mass migration.
“Guided by inclusive policy making, this integrated strategy has the potential to not only empower our youth but also steer Nigeria towards a prosperous and harmonious future.
“With Nigeria’s substantial youth population constituting over 70 per cent, there arises a compelling call for democratic participation and inclusive engagement. Recognizing the importance to shape the new Government’s agenda, Africa Youth Growth Foundation and International Alert supported by the European Union and International Organization for Migration are collaborating to create a platform for key decision makers and young people to collaboratively dialogue on youth inclusive development”, he said.
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Our Govt’ll Eventually Triumph, Fubara Assures Rivers People …Inaugurates Govt House Staff Quarters

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that despite the unceasing antagonism against his administration, the course of governance is irreversible, and victory is assured for the State.
The Governor, who noted how the news of the judgment of the Supreme Court dampened the spirit of most Rivers people, charged them to brace up because what is ahead is more than what just passed.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while inaugurating the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, reconstructed by his administration, along Forces Avenue (opposite Government House), Old GRA, Port Harcourt last Monday.
He noted that as humans, they may have felt disturbed by the Apex Court’s pronouncements, but advised them to realise that God, who has their back, will accomplish His purpose.
He said, “Our back is not on anybody; it is on God. I want to thank you for your support, and assure you that, if there is one person on this planet Earth that will continue to stand by you, I will be that person.
“I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer, if I am called upon 20 – 30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”
Governor Fubara, however, emphasised that no matter how much the adversaries have tried to fool the State, the time has fully come for Rivers people to take their destinies in their hands.
The Governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or asking people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will not look away when haters of the State struggle to unlease violence in the State.
He said, “No matter how we’ve been fooled in this State, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies in their hands.
“Inasmuch as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worse that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?
“So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us. Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”
Governor Fubara pointed to why it has to be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remains his top priority, quickly emphasising that he will not hesitate to pay the supreme price, if it is so required.
But, Governor Fubara noted that his strength is in the supreme God and all Rivers people who love the State, and are interested in its progress and peace, counselling them to know that there is honour and glory in fighting gallantly, being on the side of truth.
Governor Fubara pointed attention to the Holy Scripture, quoting Philippians 3 verse 18-19, which said: “For as I have often told you before, and now, I tell you again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, and their god is in their stomach, and their glory is in their shame, their mind is set on earthly things only.”
The Governor stated: “Just like the word said, we are not after our stomach, we are after the joy of our people, that at the end of the day, what will count for us is the lives that we have touched genuinely, the legacy we leave that will speak for us, that will open doors for our children, the generations yet unborn.
“Knowing that and having that in mind, it spurs us, it forces me, as a person, to stand on the side of right, to do good, to stand on the side of truth that even if anybody calls me tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted to have conceived the project, executed it, and, by the special grace of God, is dedicating it to the glory of God for use by the workers.
Governor Fubara stated that what has been achieved: the staff quarters and other projects lined up for inauguration, as proof against what has been said in some quarters, that there is good governance on course in the State.
He said, “Here is a legitimate, purpose-driven governance in Rivers State, and we are here to display, genuinely, not because of our own selfish interest, one of those things that this government has done to show that we appreciate, understand the need, and must continue to do what is right for our people.
“When we came on board, this building was a dilapidated building, completely unhabitable. We felt we must add value, which is the basis of our governance, to what we met, and we decided that, look, our staff can’t be living in uncomfortable place, they can’t leave like animals while I leave in big comfortable place.
“How would I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy, and the government decided to embark on this project. I am happy that the contractor delivered it within the time limit.”
Governor Fubara thanked the elders of the State who have continued to provide support and stand with his administration, and assured them that he will not disappoint their expectation of providing good governance to the State.
In his address, Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie thanked the Governor for embarking on the reconstruction of the project, and for tastefully furnishing the facility to make living comfortable for workers.
Providing the project description, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine, said the project was awarded on June 6, 2024 to Monier Construction Company (MCC), and today, staff of government will have a more comfortable accommodation that will impact positively on their productivity.
He stated: “The Government House Staff Quarters has 6 numbers of two bedroom, 11 numbers of one bedroom, 11 numbers of Boys Quarters. Hostel A has 32 bed spaces, Hostel B has 30 bed spaces. There is canteen, cafeteria, gymnasium – fitness centre where staff will be exercising themselves, mini basketball court, a soundproof power generating plant, water tank. The contract is completed, and contract sum fully paid.”
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Okogbule Steps Down, Lauds Fubara For Support As RSU VC
The outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, for his support towards the successful completion of his tenure.
Okogbule said he owed the governor a debt of gratitude for his support to his administration and his decision to allow him continue from office as the Vice Chancellor despite being appointed by Fubara’s estranged godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor stated this during a valedictory press briefing held at the university’s auditorium to give account of his five-year single tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
“The essence of this briefing is to give account of my stewardship, achievements and challenges within the period under review.
“First, let me thank the Almighty God for seeing me through in good health despite the office challenges. He has really been faithful. My appreciation also goes to the two governors who are visitors to the university for appointing me and for as well, allowing me complete my tenure,” he said.
Okogbule expressed joy for the opportunity given to him to serve the State, saying he was bowing out from the office as a fulfilled man who has served meritoriously and also achieved a lot in the development of the institution.
He noted that RSU became one of the best universities in the country under his watch and listed the establishment of the school’s satellite campus in Etche, Emohua and Ahaoda as part of his achievements.
According to him, academic activities in those satellite campus are in their third years.
“We could not complete that of Keren in Khana Local Government Area because we could not complete the remodeling of the campus; so the students will continue to remain at the main campus,” he added.
Okogbule also pointed out that the graduation and induction of first set of medical nurses and midwifery students took place during his administration, while also achieving full accreditation of many courses for the university.
On the challenges faced by his administration, the Vice Chancellor identified lack of funding and power supply as major constraints, and advised his successor to look for alternative sources for power generation.
He expressed appreciation to his management team, staff and students including the media for the support given to him during his tenure and urged them to extend same to his successor.
Prof. Okogbule’s five-year single term comes to an end today, having been appointed on March 5, 2020 by the former governor of the State, Nyesom Wike.
Amadi Akujobi
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Don Tasks Varsities On Artificial Intelligence
A renowned lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Bourdillon Omijeh, has called on universities to upscale their academic curriculum to keep up with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Omijeh stated this while delivering the 196th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt, last week.
Speaking on the topic: “Embedded Systems, The Game Changer On Modern Industrialisation”, he discussed what he described as Education 4.0, emphasising the need to integrate digital and innovative skills into education to keep up with rapid technological changes with Artificial Intelligence.
“Education 4.0 has to do with education in the fourth industrial revolution, whereby you have build in the emerging digital skills. The jobs that are available now, in the next few years, will phase out, because we are now in the era of full automation.
“Artificial Intelligence is taking the whole lead, and so we need to develop manpower for industry. If we go to the oil and gas today, it is a transformed oil and gas system, whereby all the things that would have been done mechanically are being done automatically”, he said.
Omijeh called on government to prioritize human capacity development, saying that while infrastructural projects may face setback, investing in youth education and equipping students with relevant technological skills will enable them to earn livelihood during their studies.
He stressed the importance of acquiring practical skills alongside formal education, adding that relying solely on academic certificates will no longer be sufficient in today’s fast-changing digital landscape.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, highlighted Prof. Omijeh’s impact on the school.
“Prof. Omijeh is a game-changer. He has attracted so much to the university in terms of collaboration. And I must tell you, do not think it is easy that you make people from outside the country come here, bring equipment, bring money, trust you enough to say you can carry out research and give them results.
“You know we are in an era of digital transformation and so every curriculum must take into cognizance the fact that the digital transformation has come to stay.
“So, in whichever way you want to teach, in whichever way you want to research, you must think digital as the way to go. So, embedded systems have come to stay in the University of Port Harcourt”, he said.
The lecture showcased Prof. Omijeh’s research breakthrough in embedded systems, emphasizing their impacts on industrial revolution, community development and global recognition.
His innovations include GSM-based control device for home appliances, GSM-based remote control robotic car, among others.
The Inaugural Lecture recommended that the federal government should invest massively in Education 4.0 and the production sector of the economy, fund start-ups, innovation hubs and create smart factories.
It also recommended for improved curriculum and teaching methodology for embedded systems and emerging technology, among others.