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PDP Chieftain Condemns Gov Obaseki’s Ill-treatment of Philip Shaibu

Published

1 year ago

August 29, 2023

…Suspects Impeachment Plot

Prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo North, Chief John Asekhauno has condemned what he perceive as harassment of the deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, by Governor Godwin Obaseki and his aides.

In a press statement released yesterday, Chief Asekhauno expressed deep concern over the reported incident, claiming it was an affront to democracy, assault on political legitimacy, and a grave violation of the rights of an elected official.

He firmly denounced any harassment or intimidation against political opponents who ran on the same ticket with him, emphasising that it had no place in a civilised society.

Narrating the ugly event that took place at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, the venue of the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum celebration on Airport Road, Benin City, yesterday, Chief Asekhauno noted that against the narrative pushed by Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, that Comrade Shaibu ushered in his counterpart from Delta State and was already seated in the hall, an hour before the arrival of Governor Obaseki at the venue.

The party chieftain, who claimed to be an eyewitness, revealed that it was upon the realization that none of his media aides was within sight that the deputy governor sought to find out where they were so they could capture special moments for his office at the event, then he went to ask after his aides.

He noted that on getting to the entrance of the venue, he was surprised that all his media aides were outside as the security personnel to the governor would not allow them access into the hall, claiming that they were not accredited to be part of the media crew covering the event.

“I suspect that all the efforts by Philip Shaibu to get his media aides into the hall, which the security details of the governor rebuffed, may have been the reason he stormed out of the venue as he felt he was not needed there.

So, the narrative by the commissioner that the deputy governor does not like attending state functions is an attempt to malign him, and the stoppage of his media aides may have been orchestrated to get the deputy governor to react to gather impeachment offences against him.”

Recalling the incident of Sunday, the August 29, where in a viral photograph, a security detail of Governor Obaseki was seen at an interdenominational service at the Festival Hall of the Government House, preventing the deputy governor from greeting his principal, the PDP chieftain said “such actions not only degrade the dignity of those involved but also cast a negative shadow on the efforts towards building a united Edo State, and I think the good people of Edo State deserve leaders who prioritisme the welfare of the citizens over personal animosity.”

Chief Asekhauno urged Governor Obaseki to adhere to the principles of democratic governance and lead by example. He emphasized that political differences should be resolved through constructive dialogue, not by resorting to power plays or harassment.

The PDP Chieftain called on all stakeholders to work towards fostering an inclusive and collaborative political environment for the benefit of all Edo residents.

Chief Asekhauno further demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged incident to ensure that those responsible for the harassment face appropriate consequences.

He stressed the need for accountability and transparency in governance, urging the state’s leadership to focus on fulfilling their campaign promises instead of engaging in political hostilities.
Asekhauno appealed to all political actors in Edo State to prioritise unity, development, and good governance above personal or party interests.

He remarked, “It is time for our leaders to rise above pettiness and work towards the common goal of making Edo State a model of progress and prosperity.”

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Olawande’s 21st Century Skills initiative, A Move Towards Re-fertilization Of Nigerian Youths

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Transforming the Nigeria youths to equip the current and future generations with 21st century skills is important. The Africa and National Youth Day 2024 is therefore a historic moment to put a need 21st century skills at the forefront toward the the growth and development of all.

Nigeria as a nation has made meaningful progress in education over the past 60 years, with more girls in school and more students in Higher education system than ever before.

Reports showed that School completion rates have increased from 2000 to 2022 at all levels.

Still, these gains are insufficient to prepare Nigerians youth for the 21st century and its fast-changing professional landscape. By 2030, roughly 60 million jobs iin Nigeria and 230 million in Africa will demand digital skills. Classroom practices must shift to meet these future employability needs and nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Nigeria recorded the largest population of young people in the continent of Africa that means a 21st century skills is critical to to equip the current and future generations.

Based on this, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande who has been promoter and advocate of digital skiill even before he became Minister has once again initiate digital literacy programmes, technical skills empowerment and leadership insight and urged young people to actively develop and adopt crucial 21st-century skills to effectively combat the rising issue of unemployment.

When he was Minister Youth for State, he introducing the Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs, implementing the Youth Empowerment Program, training over 10,000 young people in vocational skills, establishing the Youth Mentorship Initiative, pairing young people with experienced professionals, and developing the National Youth Policy, providing a framework for youth development.

He also initiated the “One Youth One Ward” initiative to tackle drug abuse, established the Youth Innovation Hub, hosted the National Youth Conference, rolled out the Youth Volunteer Program, fostered partnerships with private sector organizations amongst others.

He has implement innovative programs, foster strategic partnerships, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Now Minister of Youth without doubt has been at the forefront of this journey, demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering Nigerians youth even from his school days.

Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this appeal today in Abuja during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme : ‘ Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century’ and sub-theme: ‘Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth’,

He said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

Olawande strongly advocated for the youth of Nigeria to prioritize the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers.

According to the Minister, “acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.”

“Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations,” he explained.

The Minister further explained that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” serves as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

Olawande stated : “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent”.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

Adamu said that for one to go far in whatever they are doing, they must be self-disciplined, duly intelligent and have the consistency in learning.

However, the minister of Youth led the teaming youths on a road walk from the Ministry to BMO Event Centre to Celebrate Africa and National Youth Day.

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