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2024 NYFF Grant Unveiling, Beckons Of Hope For Nigerians Youth-Minister

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Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth Development Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim has expressed that the launching of the 2023/24 Nigeria Youth Futures Fund NYFF remains an inspiration for Nigerian youth for a Prosperous Future.

In her keynote address at the official 2024 2024 NYFF Grant Cycle Unveiling on Monday in Abuja, Minister Dr. Ibrahim said the youth are the architects of the nation and there is a need to invest them for prosperity.

NYFF fund grant, which is a  collaborative effort spearheaded by LEAP Africa and funded by the MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Luminate Group, where $1.2 million was given to 160 organizations and individuals.

Minister said this announcement represents a significant increase from the previous year’s disbursement of $600,000 to 130 recipients, demonstrating the growing commitment of the stakeholders to youth empowerment.

According to her, Today marks the unveiling of the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund, a visionary and collaborative effort spearheaded by LEAP Africa and generously funded by the MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Luminate Group.

This initiative seamlessly aligns with the core pillars of the Ministry of Youth: Education, Empowerment, and Engagement. It synergizes with existing initiatives such as the Youth Development Bank, the initiative to equip youth with knowledge and skills in critical sectors, and the creation of youth-centric platforms to project the voice of the Nigerian youth.

“Through collaborative efforts, we invest in educational opportunities beyond classrooms learning by doing, experiencing, and leading. We empower our youth with the resources to turn dreams into reality, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.

Dr. Ibrahim asserted that the increased funding symbolizes more than just numerical expansion.

“This is a bold move to catalyze a wave of change, encouraging our young citizens to play active roles in shaping the Nigeria we envision,” she said.

The Minister added that this fund serves to bridge the gap between the ambitions of Nigerian youth and the resources needed to make them a reality.

She noted, “We believe in your power to innovate, lead, and drive the progress we all aspire to witness.”

“For us, the NYFF’s significance goes beyond financial support; it is about igniting a national conversation and inspiring collective action toward achieving a future where all Nigerians can thrive. The fund covers key sectors such as good governance, sustainable development & infrastructure and addresses fundamental questions of unity, empathy, and patriotism.

“This fund is not just a financial commitment; it’s a resounding vote of confidence in the leadership capabilities of our youth. It is rooted in the belief that by empowering our youth with the right resources and opportunities, we are shaping the architects of our nation’s medium and long-term developmental plans.”

She urged all beneficiaries of the 2024 Grant Cycle of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund(NYFF) to maximize the 1.6 million dollars for national development.

In her remark, Deputy Director, of LEAP Africa Kehinde Ayeni, explained that the NYFF is a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening youth leadership in Nigeria.

She emphasized the fund’s long-term goal.

“The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) is a five-year collaborative initiative implemented by LEAP Africa and funded by MacArthur Foundation, and Ford Foundation to strengthen youth leadership in Nigeria.

“For the first year, we saw a lot of progress and growth and aspirations of young Nigerians, who responded to the fund and its purpose.

“Now, we are unveiling two categories out of three, which are the development and individual plan.

“We are giving out 1.2 million dollars over the next 12 months to almost 200 organizations or individuals.”

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Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja

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Joel Ajayi

The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.

Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.

He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.

On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.

He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.

On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.

Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.

He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.

The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.

He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.

Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.

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