News
Africa/National Youth Day: Olawande Urges Nigerian Youth to Embrace 21st Century Skills
By Joel Ajayi
As Nigeria joins the rest of Africa to celebrate the 2024 Africa/National Youth Day, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has urged young Nigerians to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century. Addressing thousands of Nigerian youths during a road show in Abuja, he emphasized the critical role of modern skills in securing a brighter future for both individuals and the nation.
This year’s celebration, themed “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century” and subtitled “Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth,” is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of relevant skills and resilience in education.
According to Minister Olawande, the future is already here, and Nigerian youth must embrace essential skills to increase their employability and actively contribute to the nation’s development. He expressed optimism that, despite Nigeria’s challenges, the country’s large and dynamic youth population has the potential to build a prosperous future.
“Despite our diversity and challenges, we are united by a common goal to build a better Nigeria,” Olawande said. “Our differences—whether political, religious, or ethnic—should not divide us. Instead, we should work together to secure our future, aiming for a Nigeria we can all be proud of.”
Olawande noted the importance of educational reform in addressing the gaps in the current curriculum. He urged collaboration across sectors to ensure that Nigerian youth are equipped with practical skills that match the demands of a changing world.
“Nigerian youth need 21st-century skills to face today’s realities. Education is not just about the classroom but about equipping young people to navigate the world with confidence. We need to rethink our curriculum to focus on practical, relevant skills,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, the Minister highlighted the role of collaborative efforts between youth and educational bodies in guiding students towards a prosperous path. He stressed that building a resilient future for the youth will require continuous commitment and systemic change.
He emphasized, “A Rome wasn’t built in a day, and transforming our education system won’t happen overnight. We must address challenges from the roots, starting with a renewed focus on primary and secondary education that emphasizes mental health, critical thinking, and skills development.”
Minister Olawande reiterated his ministry’s dedication to collaborating with all sectors to create opportunities for young Nigerians, including those in informal sectors, to gain basic education and practical skills.
“Education is for all Nigerian youth,” he said. “Whether formal or informal, each young person deserves access to the skills needed to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.”
As the nation marks Africa/National Youth Day, the Minister’s message to Nigerian youth is clear: the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. By embracing the skills of the 21st century, Nigeria’s young generation can help pave the way for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
News
Inter-state Boundary Resolution: NBC Calls For Peace And Progress
Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Surv. Adamu Adaji has called for peace and progress in the resolution of interstate between Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
Adaji made this call at a Stakeholders meeting on the Abia/Akwa Ibom interstate boundary resolution held in Abuja.
The meeting underscores the Commission’s commitment to achieving a peaceful and definitive settlement.
“This meeting is a crucial step toward fostering understanding and cooperation between Abia and Akwa Ibom States,” the Director-General stated.
He acknowledged the complexities involved in resolving the decades long dispute, which has seen repeated interruptions due to local tensions and legal entanglements.
The Director-General highlighted the NBC’s determination to creating a harmonious solution, one that respects the historical and legal boundaries while prioritizing the safety and development of border communities.
The boundary dispute, rooted in the implementation of Decree 23 of 1985, has been marked by instances of hostility, waton destruction of lives and properties, and abductions, notably in regions where the field tracing exercise was stalled in 2014.
The Akwa Ibom State Boundary Committee expressed grave concerns over recent escalations, including fatal incidents affecting the Nkari people of Ini Local Government Area (LGA) and allegations of encroachment into farmlands in Obotme.
In her response, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, called for calm among affected communities, urging boundary community dwellers to avoid retaliatory actions whilst assuring them of ongoing efforts to resolve the matter peacefully.
The Akwa Ibom delegation presented a position paper outlining the state’s stance and a set of recommendations aimed at expediting the resolution process.
These recommendations include strict adherence to delimitation protocols and improved oversight of field team conduct to prevent further disruptions.
Echoing the call for decisive action, Engr Ikwechkwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State, expressed optimism for the meeting’s outcomes.
He addressed the lingering issues and called for the recovery of essential field documents lost over time, stressing the importance of these materials to accurately demarcate the boundary.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the need for a distinct categorization of disputes, distinguishing genuine boundary claims from requests for boundary adjustments.
With both states aligning on the urgency of a resolution, the NBC is expected to facilitate constructive dialogue in line with recommendations from previous joint meetings.
The Director-General concluded his address by reaffirming NBC’s role as a neutral body committed to justice and fairness, pledging that the Commission will implement the findings of this meeting to end the dispute and foster lasting peace in the affected areas.
The outcome of the Abuja meeting will be pivotal, with all parties hopeful for an agreement that finally puts an end to decades of contention, allowing both Abia and Akwa Ibom States to move forward in unity and prosperity.
The meeting brought together key representatives from both states to address the persistent boundary dispute affecting Abia and Akwa Ibom communities.
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