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FG Unveils Renewed Hope Youth Strategic Blueprint To Unlocks Nigerian Youth Potential For Economic Growth
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has unveiled the Renewed Hope Youth Strategic Blueprint to different donor agencies in order to harness and unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s youth, who represent a significant driver of economic growth.
While speaking during the donor engagement meeting, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande emphasized that Nigeria’s youth are the backbone of the nation and hold the key to realizing its full potential.
“With over 70% of our population—more than 130 million—within the youth age group, we have a significant advantage for socio-economic transformation.”
“However, we also recognize that this large youth population can present both great opportunities and challenges. That is why engagements like this are very important. With your support, through strategic investments, innovation, and collaboration, I am confident we can overcome any obstacle,” he said.
Highlighting the pressing issue of youth unemployment, which he noted remains a formidable challenge in our society, Ayodele underscored the significant progress made by the current administration in tackling this problem.
He pointed out that : “the youth unemployment rate has dramatically decreased from a concerning 12.55% in 2020 to a remarkable 5.84% in 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted policies and initiatives designed to empower young people.”
The Minister observed that despite significant progress, the youth unemployment rate rose slightly to 6.5% in the second quarter of 2024. He urged donors to recognize both the tremendous strides that have been made and the importance of maintaining the momentum in collaborative efforts and investments as innovative programs are essential to opening doors for young people, ensuring they acquire the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
He emphasized the significant opportunity to strategically position government institutions, including the Federal and State Ministries of Youth, the NYSC, and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC). Through organizational reforms and capacity building, he added, these institutions can become key platforms for driving policies and youth development plans that meet the demands of the 21st century.
Olawande also urged donors to collaborate and take a focused approach to reshape the behaviors and mindsets of young people, especially in this era of social media and digital technology. The Minister noted that with the population projected to reach 350 million by 2050, there is a crucial opportunity for youth to either become the world’s valuable human resource or conversely, a burden to the society.
Dr. Osubor Gregory, representative of the African Development Bank (AFDB), stressed the organization’s strong commitment to youth development. He highlighted that his Agency is actively launching several innovative programs aimed at empowering young people, adding that the dedication is not just an initiative; it is a fundamental principle of the organization. “The African Development Bank is determined to ensure that every project directly benefits youth, fostering their growth and potential for a brighter future”, he concluded.
The representative of the Islamic Bank, Ibrahim Suraju recognized the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria. He said that the Islamic Bank is dedicated to supporting initiatives and programs that improve skill development, promote capacity building, nurture entrepreneurship, and stimulate innovation. “These elements are not just important, they are essential catalysts for driving sustainable economic growth. Together, they can pave the way for a brighter future,” Suraju stated.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
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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