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.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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