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

Published

2 years 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.”

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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