News
FG Launches First NiYA Youth Ambassadors in Akwa Ibom at National Youth Day Celebration
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has officially launched the NiYA Ambassador Programme in Akwa Ibom State, a landmark initiative to strengthen youth engagement and grassroots participation in national development.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of ARISE Youth Skills Week 2025 in Uyo, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development described the launch of the ambassador programme as a strategic move to bring Federal youth programmes closer to communities.
Under the initiative, two youth ambassadors will be appointed in each local government area to promote key programmes of the Ministry, including the Bamboo Youth Empowerment Scheme, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), and Digital Literacy For All (DL4ALL).
“To the young people here today: You are not just the future, you are the present. Your ideas, energy, and courage have the power to transform Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He praised the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government in organizing the celebration and commended the Akwa Ibom Youth Skills Pitch Challenge, calling it “a model for other states.”
“Giving young people the platform to present their ideas and receive support is one of the most impactful ways to empower them. This is real, practical development,” he added.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in today’s economy, noting that skills in AI and digital tools are now critical across sectors like farming, healthcare, fashion, education, and music.
Drawing from lessons learned during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, he called for stronger support systems to help young innovators turn their ideas into viable businesses.
As part of its ARISE Agenda for human capital development, the Akwa Ibom State Government hosted the grand finale of ARISE Youth Skills Week on Monday, July 14, in Uyo.
Themed “Harnessing Youth Skills for Economic Growth and Innovation,” the event featured a dynamic panel discussion with leaders in agriculture, healthcare, tourism, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.
Representing the Executive Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering young people through access, innovation, and opportunity.
A major highlight of the day was the AI and Digital Skills Pitching Competition, where 15-year-old Ephraim Asuquo emerged overall winner with his innovative agricultural technology project, AGROCAD, earning a ₦1 million cash prize.
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with state governments to ensure that young Nigerians are skilled, empowered, and ready to compete globally.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
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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