News

Christmas: NYCN Calls For Unity, Sacrifice, Leadership For National Development

Published

11 months ago

December 25, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged the Nigerians to use the lessons from Christmas to build a nation that is founded on unity, peace and prosperity.

In a statement he signed and made available to this medium, Wednesday, NYCN President and Secretary Board of Trustees, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo said the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes a renewal, a new beginning that brings peace and the possibility of a better future. As young people, we must draw inspiration from this

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, the National Youth Council of Nigeria extend warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to Nigerian youths and everyone across the country. Christmas is more than just a time for festivities—it is a season that encourages deep reflection on the values that bind us together.

“This time of celebration reminds us of the importance of love, compassion, and unity, principles that are essential in our individual lives and the collective progress of our nation.

“Christmas transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It serves as a reminder of the power of togetherness, the strength that comes from community, and the joy found in sharing with others. This season challenges us to reflect on our actions, our relationships, and our contributions to building a harmonious society. The teachings of Christmas—selflessness, love, and kindness—are timeless and continue to inspire us, particularly as we navigate the challenges of modern life.

“In this season of joy, let us reflect on what it means to be Nigerian youth in today’s world. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the economic challenges, insecurity, and the overwhelming sense of hardship faced by many in our society. Yet, the message of Christmas calls us to rise above these difficulties, to embrace hope and resilience, and to renew our commitment to making a positive difference in our communities.

“The birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes a renewal, a new beginning that brings peace and the possibility of a better future. As young people, we must draw inspiration from this message and carry it forward in our daily lives, with the understanding that we are the future of Nigeria. The work we do today will shape the tomorrow of our country, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we build a nation that is founded on unity, peace, and prosperity.

“As Nigerian youths, we must acknowledge the crucial role we play in the future of this country. We must rise above the challenges and be proactive in creating the change we wish to see. Unity is paramount to progress, and it is in our diversity that we find our greatest strength. Nigeria is made up of people from different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, yet our diversity should not divide us. Rather, it should unite us as we work toward common goals for the betterment of all Nigerians.

“In this Christmas season, NYCN under my leadership urge all Nigerian youths to foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Let us set aside divisions and focus on what we have in common—the desire for peace, security, and prosperity. Our shared humanity should drive us to build bridges rather than walls. As young people, we have the power to shape the future by embracing our differences and using them to our collective advantage.

“We must also extend kindness to those who are less fortunate. Christmas is a time for giving, and as young leaders, we have the power to make a difference. Whether through charitable initiatives, community service, or even simple acts of kindness, we can all contribute to making someone’s life better. Our society needs more young people who are ready to serve and support others, especially in times of hardship. In doing so, we can embody the true spirit of Christmas.”

He added: “Furthermore, I call on Nigerian leaders to take meaningful steps toward good governance, youth empowerment, and the reduction of poverty. The youth population is one of the greatest assets this country has, yet many young Nigerians are still faced with unemployment, lack of opportunities, and limited access to resources. It is time for leaders to prioritize the welfare of the youth, providing them with opportunities for education, skills development, and job creation.

“The youth of Nigeria are capable of driving the change this country needs. However, this can only happen when our leaders commit to policies that empower young people and provide the necessary infrastructure for their development. There must be a concerted effort to ensure that every young person has access to the tools and resources needed to thrive. This is essential not only for the well-being of our youth but also for the future prosperity of the nation.

“Additionally, there needs to be a greater focus on good governance and accountability. The nation’s resources must be used for the benefit of the people, especially the young population, who will drive Nigeria’s future. We cannot afford to allow resources to be mismanaged or wasted.

“This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us renew our commitment to the values of selflessness, sacrifice, and love. As young people, we must understand that the future of Nigeria depends on the actions we take today. Our country is in need of leaders who are willing to put the needs of the people first, who are ready to make sacrifices for the common good, and who are committed to creating a more prosperous, just, and equitable society for all.

“In conclusion, I encourage every Nigerian youth to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and apply its lessons in their daily lives. Let us embrace unity, work together for the betterment of our nation, and commit ourselves to making meaningful contributions to society. Let us also task our leaders to focus on good governance and youth empowerment as a means of reducing poverty and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

“May this Christmas season bring peace, joy, and hope to all Nigerians. Let us move forward into the new year with renewed purpose and determination to build a better Nigeria for ourselves and for future generations.”

Share on Facebook

News

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

Published

1 hour 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.

Share on Facebook