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Alleged N7.2billion: Minister Didn’t Divert Any Money, Bash Ali lashes at CHRSJ

Published

5 years ago

May 14, 2019

The Gleamer

Alleged N7.2billion: Minister Didn’t Divert Any Money, Bash Ali lashes at CHRSJ

…As LOC set to meet on 21st May

Joel Ajayi

Former World cruiser-weight Champions,Bash Alli has lashed at human rights organization, known as Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice CHRSJ over the reports that the Sports Minister Barrister Solomon Dalung is seating on N7.2billion approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Ministry for the promotion of World boxing championship bout.

CHRSJ has dragged the Minister for Youths and Sports, Barr. Dalung before the nations’ anti-graft bodies over criminal diversion of sum of N7.2bn.

The rights group, maintained that the sum of N7.2billion was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Ministry for the promotion of a World boxing championship bout which involving a former world cruiser-weight champion, Mr. Bashiru Alli popularly known as Bash Alli.

Bash made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to Dalung in his office ahead of the first Local Organizing Committee Meeting (LOC) slated for 21st of May 2019.

According to Ali, he debunked making any pronouncements to anybody regarding the funds to be released by the federal government.

“My attention has been drawn to an online publication that minister of Youth and sports Barrister Solomon Dalung is holding billions of Narira released for the Bash Ali Boxing Project” he said.

“I was with the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo recently and he never told me that a kobo was released to the sports ministry for the Bash Ali project or any other projects.”

“Am not a coward and I can fight my battle myself and I do not need anybody to use me to fight with the minister. That each time I and my members met with the minister he gave us transportation fare” he added.

Reacting to the allegations, Dalung revealed that the reason he invited Bash Ali to his office is to clear the air about the reports.

“Why I decided to invite you to my office is that my attention has been drawn to a publication which is alleging that N7.2billon meant for the fight was diverted by me, by a reputable human rights organization I got worried but I think they are not reputable regarding this allegation.”

“They are laying claim that federal government has released N7.2billon to the ministry and that we diverted it and now I decided to draw your attention wether you are aware that the money has been released it and it been diverted”.

“The invitation letter has been sent to all the members of the local organizing committee for the meeting on the 21st of May 2019”.he concluded.

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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