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Afolabi urges youth engagement to curb vandalism, boost national development
Joel Ajayi
Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Afolabi, founder and presiding bishop of Christ the Rock of Ages Evangelical Gospel Mission, has raised concern over the rising vandalism of public infrastructure across Nigeria, warning that the destruction of government property undermines national development and the country’s future.
Afolabi, who spoke on Wednesday in an interview in Abuja, specifically cited the vandalism of solar-powered streetlights, highway facilities and bridge installations, describing the trend as a major setback to public investment and public safety.
He challenged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the nation’s future, urging them to see public assets as collective property rather than government possessions to be destroyed.
“If young people destroy government property today, what will they use tomorrow when it is their turn to lead?” he asked.
According to him, meaningful youth engagement remains a critical solution to vandalism and social unrest.
He argued that widespread unemployment and lack of opportunities have pushed many young people into destructive activities.
“If the youths are engaged, they will not have time to vandalise public property,” Mr Afolabi said. “The future of Nigeria is in their hands, but the government must also create jobs and provide an enabling environment for them to thrive.”
While acknowledging that the government may not be able to employ every young person, he stressed the importance of deliberately engaging a substantial percentage of the youth population in productive ventures, noting that gainfully employed youths could positively influence others.
Mr Afolabi called on the federal government to develop structured and well-defined youth empowerment programmes rather than ad hoc initiatives. He referenced Libya’s former farm settlement schemes as an example of how state-led programmes could productively engage young people and strengthen national development.
“Nigeria has very industrious and hardworking youths,” he said. “What they need is a clear template and a definite programme, not guesswork.”
He urged policymakers to prioritise youth-focused interventions as a long-term strategy to curb vandalism, reduce social vices and secure Nigeria’s future.
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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