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Access To Capital, Job Creation Top FG’s 2025 Agenda For Nigerian Youths
Joel Ajayi
As 2024 draws to a close, the Federal Government has unveiled its strategic focus for Nigerian youths in 2025, prioritizing six critical areas aimed at empowering and transforming the nation’s young population.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during the closing ceremony of the 7th National Council on Youth Development (NCYD) held in Borno State.
Themed “Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyze Economic Development,” the event highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development.
The six priority areas outlined by the Minister include: Access to Capital, Job Creation, Empowerment, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship Support and Youth Involvement in Decision-Making Processes.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s sustainable growth and economic progress hinge on the empowerment of its youth, who make up over 60% of the population and represent the nation’s greatest strength.
“To facilitate this vision, the Ministry has established a Youth Help Desk to provide direct engagement opportunities for young people to address their concerns. Additionally, the government has approved the establishment of: A Youth House in Abuja, A Youth Centre in every state of the federation, A Youth Green House in all 774 local government areas “These initiatives will create platforms for interaction, engagement, and idea-sharing among Nigerian youths,” the Minister stated.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted additional programs such as the Corpreneur Support Initiative, Young & Secure, and other training and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the creative and entrepreneurial potential of young Nigerians.
He appealed to stakeholders, including State governors and commissioners, to support the establishment of these Youth Centres and ensure their state-level plans align with the national youth development agenda.
“Our youth need safe spaces to exchange ideas, network, and innovate. Their empowerment, support, and protection remain essential to unlocking their full potential,” Olawande emphasized.
In his opening remarks,the Borno state Governor, Governor Babagana Umaru Zulum reaffirmed the importance of youth development, describing Nigerian youths as the backbone of the nation’s economy. He pledged his administration’s commitment to initiatives such as vocational training, education, and scholarship programs to equip young people with the skills and resources needed for success.
“We believe that investing in our youth is investing in our future,” With 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, this demographic is an invaluable asset that must be nurtured and supported.
“This renewed focus on youth development signals the Federal Government’s dedication to empowering the next generation, ensuring their ability to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth,” he concluded.
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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