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2021 Int. Youth Day: Youth Engagement To A Food Secure Future -Minister

Published

4 years ago

August 12, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare has identified youth engagement in agriculture as a key factor to the transformation of food systems.

This year’s International Youth Day celebration offers the world an opportunity to again implement timely policies that will harness the innovative talents of the youth development.

while speaking at the occasion, in Abuja, the sports minister Chief Dare stated that global effort on food may not be achieved without the meaningful involvement and participation of young people.

According to him, “The theme for this year’s celebration: Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” seeks to highlight the urgency of transforming food systems, particularly in the wake of a global pandemic.

“The theme also identifies youth engagement as a key factor to the transformation of food systems. This is in realization of the fact that success of such a global effort may not be achieved without the meaningful involvement and participation of young people.

“Without any iota of doubt, we now know that Youth innovation Is a Catalyst needed to drive Development in all its ramifications. With the increasing uptake of technology as an enabler by a huge number of the younger generation, the innovative minds and skills of the youth will serve as the fuel for development.

“Our world is increasingly technology driven by a youthful generation of brilliant and innovative minds who are daring and ready to discover new frontiers through innovation”

“In line with the theme for this year’s celebration, therefore we at the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports are of belief that when the youth are properly educated, engaged, with their innovation and entrepreneurial solutions, they will continue to play a very significant role in the actualization of the 2030 Agenda which include poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation. The Ministry therefore uses the opportunity of this celebration to echo the voices of the youth and also assure them that Government is committed to working towards more equitable food systems with their full involvement and participation.”

Commending the President’s effort on youth development, he said: “The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, through the Ministry, line MDAs and other partners will step up awareness creation to enable our youth make informed decisions on food choices in line with the increasing global education on the healthiest and most sustainable options for both individuals and the environment. Government will create the enabling environment and inclusive support mechanisms to ensure that the youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life, while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems in line with the objectives of this year’s celebration.

“Presently ongoing is the training of close to 5,000 Nigerian youth across the six geopolitical zones of the week in critical areas of green stimulus, digital skills, AI and Robotics and clean and renewable energy.”

The international youth day saw the majority of youth and National Youth Service Corp members in attendance with several entertaining displays by the cultural groups, dance Drama , drama and hosts of other activities to the admiration of the youths in attendance.

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Tax Reform Bills: Extricating Nigeria From Economic Cesspit

Published

3 days ago

April 8, 2025

The Gleamer

By Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi

On March 13, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Reform Bills. The Senate is expected to debate the bills after its current recess, resuming plenary on April 29, 2025. Once the Senate passes them, they will be sent to the President for assent. This is the final stretch.

What comes to mind when you hear the word reform? What do you think of when you hear Tax Reform Bill? After all this time, many Nigerians now have a clearer understanding of what is happening. But when you think of it, who do you envision? There is no other person than the man of the people: Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

After taking office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a situation that required urgent action. Our tax system had been plagued by inefficiencies, low compliance rates, and inadequate coverage. The country also faced challenges like the need for more transparency, improved coordination between federal and state tax authorities, and the lack of a clear, modernized tax framework to support long-term economic growth.

President Tinubu was fully aware of these shortcomings before and after assuming office. The one thing he could do was put a capable man in charge: the Tax Boss. The government made tax reform a priority in its broader economic agenda, and Dr. Zacch has demonstrated commitment in ensuring these reforms are efficiently implemented.

The Tax Boss knew that no matter how brilliant the reform looked on paper, it had to work in practice. Under his leadership, FIRS accelerated internal reforms, digitized processes, automated over 80 percent of returns processing, and integrated new modules into the TaxProMax system to make compliance easier and smarter. This is what Nigerians needed: we are not waiting for change; we are making it happen.

By the end of 2024, four draft bills emerged: the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Taxation (Consolidation) Bill, and the Joint Tax Board Bill. Each was designed to streamline laws, harmonize tax administration, and expand the tax base without overburdening taxpayers. The National Assembly opened its doors to scrutiny with public hearings, tough questions, governors’ perspectives, and expert feedback. Some proposals were revised, such as the decision to retain the current VAT rate.

But let’s not forget how we got here. It took presidential will, expert input, and above all, Dr. Zacch, the Tax Boss himself. The Tax Boss has not only championed this process; he has owned it with clarity, purpose, and results. With continued execution and the right structures in place, the tax reforms will build a stronger system for everyone, from government to everyday Nigerians.

Tax Reform Bill is not just another trend. It’s the change we have been asking for. Most importantly, it is here to stay.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service

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