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NYCN 60th anniversary: Alausa, Oyetola, NYSC DG task youth on nation building

Published

12 months ago

December 10, 2024

Joel Akayi

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola have urged Nigerian youths to focus on nation-building in their endeavors.

They made this call during their speeches at the National Youth Council of Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary Dinner and Award Night on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Alausa, one of the awardees, urged Nigerian youths to always keep in mind that their actions today will impact the future.

The Minister of Education, represented by Rev. Dr. Ijeoma Ogoliegbune, emphasized that Nigeria’s future relies on the youths’ dedication to making positive contributions to society and the nation’s development.

“Nigerian youths are critical stakeholders in national development. You represent the heart of the nation, and your role in shaping the future of Nigeria cannot be overstated. Recognizing the importance of your involvement, the Ministry is investing considerable time and resources in education to empower and equip you with the necessary tools for progress.

“I appeal to you to dedicate yourselves fully to the task of nation-building. Your active participation is essential for creating a prosperous and sustainable future. The future of Nigeria depends on your commitment to contributing positively to society and the country’s growth.

“Do not disappoint us. There is a pressing need for you to engage more deeply in national development. Every action you take today has the potential to shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant nation, but it starts with your dedication and involvement,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, praised the NYCN, noting that the Council’s dedication to youth empowerment over the past six years has been truly inspiring.

Oyetola, represented by Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Muhammad Tahir Zakari, urged the youths to renew their commitment to empowering and uplifting Nigerian youth.

“It is a great honor to stand before you today. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Nigerian youths for reaching this incredible milestone. This is a momentous occasion, marking six decades of tireless dedication, growth, and impact in the lives of young people across the nation.

“Your commitment to youth empowerment over the past six years has been truly inspiring. The hard work, resilience, and positive energy you have demonstrated towards the development of Nigeria are invaluable. Your contributions have made a significant difference in shaping the direction of our nation, and it is important to acknowledge the incredible efforts that have brought us this far.

“As we reflect on the past 60 years, let us renew our commitment to empowering and uplifting Nigerian youths. The future is in your hands, and with continued unity, focus, and dedication, there is no limit to what you can achieve. Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigeria, one where the potential of every youth is recognized, nurtured, and harnessed for the growth of our great nation.”

On his part, NYCN President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, encouraged Nigerian youths to continue supporting the government at all levels.

Sukubo emphasized that supporting the government is one of the easiest ways for citizens to receive the long-awaited benefits of democracy.

” We have gathered here to celebrate the 60th anniversary of NYCN, but we thought it wise to also celebrate the numerous leaders from across the country who have, in one way or another, contributed to the development and empowerment of Nigerian youths.

“The last 60 years of NYCN have not been without obstacles and challenges, but because of the doggedness and determination of Nigerian youths, we weathered the storm, and today we have so many things to celebrate.

“As we celebrate today, as youth leaders, we must always remember that our nation needs us. The challenges Nigeria is facing require our collective efforts to solve.

“On behalf of NYCN, I commend President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing reforms, and I appeal to Nigerian youths to be patient. I also urge each and every one of us to support the government at all levels, regardless of the political party in power, because once they are elected, they are expected to lead everyone. This is the sure way we can achieve the dividends of democracy,” he said.

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

4 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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