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Advancing NiYA: Youth Minister Strengthens Tinubu’s Vision Through International Ties

Published

4 months ago

July 10, 2025

Joel Ajayi

In continuation of the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians for the demands of the global digital economy, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has embarked on a strategic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), forging key international partnerships to advance youth innovation, enterprise, and digital capacity-building.

During a high-level engagement with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a leading institution in youth enterprise and innovation, the Minister explored areas of collaboration in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).

The initiative aims to empower over 7 million young Nigerians with digital skills, entrepreneurial training, civic leadership development, and access to international opportunities.

“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems. Sheraa’s mission to nurture talent aligns perfectly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people,” the Minister stated.

In a landmark development, the Minister announced a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s foremost technology and innovation platforms. From September 1st to 4th, 2025, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase, designed to spotlight the creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian youth on a global stage.

Through this initiative, 300 high-potential Nigerian startups will be selected for global visibility, access to international markets, and targeted support for growth and scale.

This effort is in close collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, who joined the Minister during the engagements.

Highlighting the domestic rollout of NiYA, the Minister noted that over 210,000 young Nigerians have already been onboarded. Green House Centres are being established across all 774 Local Government Areas nationwide, providing structured training, enterprise support, and access to emerging technologies.

In addition, a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA is being developed to create a sustained pipeline of Nigerian talent into global platforms such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global, further integrating Nigeria into the international innovation ecosystem.

The visit also included a strategic meeting with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Discussions focused on collaborative opportunities in AI education, business process outsourcing (BPO), startup incubation, and remote work innovations, sectors critical to youth employment and digital transformation in Nigeria.

“The future belongs to those who innovate. Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators, not just consumers, in the global digital economy,” the Minister affirmed. “We are laying the foundation for a generation of leaders who will define Africa’s tech-driven future.”

These engagements reinforce the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to building strategic global partnerships that will provide Nigerian youth with the tools, platforms, and networks required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

“To every young Nigerian innovator, tech founder, designer, and change-maker: your time is now. The world is paying attention, and Nigeria is ready,” the Minister concluded.

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Nentawe Is a Unifier, Not a Fractionalizer

Published

3 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The North Central Youth Coalition for Asiwaju (NCYCA) wishes to address recent misguided comments and actions by certain unscrupulous elements attempting to undermine the National Chairman of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Yiltwalda Nentawe, and destabilize the harmony currently enjoyed within our ranks.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja and signed by the National Coordinator of NCYCA, Mr. James Iorkusah, the group condemned these detractors and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the leadership of Prof. Nentawe.

According to the NCYCA, some so-called “support groups” — notably the All Progressives Congress Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN) — are not recognized by the official APC structure and therefore lack the legitimacy to speak for the Party. The statement described the APC-YSN as a fringe coalition of political opportunists bent on sowing division and confusion within the Party for the selfish interests of their sponsors.

“The public should not take these impostors seriously,” the statement read.

Contrary to the false narratives being peddled, the NCYCA emphasized that Prof. Nentawe’s leadership is anchored on unity, inclusion, and progress. His actions and policies have consistently demonstrated a sincere commitment to bridging internal divides, fostering collaboration, and promoting a shared vision for the future of the APC.

Since assuming office, Prof. Nentawe has worked tirelessly to strengthen internal cohesion, reconcile differing interests, and ensure that every member of the APC feels heard and valued. It is therefore unthinkable for any genuine stakeholder to call for his resignation on the baseless accusation of being a “disrupter.”

As a recognized youth support organization within the North Central region, the NCYCA urges all Party stakeholders to rally behind Prof. Nentawe in his quest to advance unity, inclusivity, and the expansion of the APC membership base — welcoming all Nigerians of goodwill, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, whose name has been mischievously used by political saboteurs to stoke division.

Under Prof. Nentawe’s leadership, the APC has grown stronger, more participatory, and more representative — providing every member with a voice and an avenue for both personal and community growth.

The NCYCA deeply appreciates Prof. Nentawe’s unwavering dedication to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and looks forward to continued partnership in building a more united, dynamic, and progressive Party.

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