News
Don’t allow social media lies push you into setting Nigeria ablaze – Minister tells Youths
Joel Ajayi
Minister of State for Youth development, Mr. Olawande Ayodele has urged Nigerian youths not to allow contents they see on social media push them into setting the country ablaze.
Ayodele made this appeal in Abuja when the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria led by Veteran nollywood actor, Zark Orji paid him a courtesy visit.
According to the Minister, most of the content on social media are lies been peddled by politicians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration a bad name.
“We are pleading, we are begging, we are appealing to everybody, we are sure that this country is in a safe hand, we should not allow political people to tell us things that are not correct, we should make sure that this five applications that we are using, facebook, twitter, instagram, snapchat are not used as tools to destabilize the country.
“I also want the traders to know that if this thing happens, it will first get to them before anybody. We don’t want people to use this avenue to disrupt the government and the citizens of this country. Yes, you have the right to protest, you have the right to express your displeasure but we are saying that it is time to make research and talk to ourselves and know where these things are affecting us and have a roundtable with the government because this is a listening government.”
Ayodele pleaded with Nigerians to rethink their decision and shelve plans to embark on a nationwide protest, assuring the youths that the president mean well for the country.
“A lot of things have been put in place, we have never had it so good that the minimum wage was increased by 130 percent but the president has done that and even approved a three year review against the initial five years, within one year alone, the Tinubu Administration has approved the disbursement of 10billion naira to 36 states and the FCT for the procurement of CNG buses to reduce transportation costs across the country.
“He has also approved 35billion naira student’s loan with a record of 70,000 successful applicants and has also suspended duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities. We need to love and support the country.”
Speaking earlier, Orji who noted that the planned protest is directionless, warned that it may lead to widespread unrest and instability, deterring investments and stifling economic growth in various sectors including disruption of production and events as well as impacting the livelihoods of many.
He stated: “This directionless protest could lead to widespread unrest and instability, deterring investments and stifling economic growth in various sectors including disrupting production and events, impacting the livelihoods of many.
“Public services and infrastructure might be compromised, further straining healthcare and education. Such protests can also deepen societal divisions, making it harder to achieve unity and address our nation’s challenges.
“Just recently, Kenya chose a similar path and now her citizens wish they had done things differently. We urge citizens to consider these consequences and seek more constructive avenuesfor change.”
Noting that the group recognises the challenges and pain faced by many Nigerians because of government policies and actions, Orji maintained that they are hard but necessary choices for the growth of Nigeria.
“From the perspective of Renewed Hope Ambassadors and otherstakeholders, this planned protest from unknown people poses significant risks across Nigeria.
The said protest is being championed by masked entities who want to leverage on the current events to hijack and sabotage the efforts of this administration and we patriotic citizens. In fact, this is an effort to take us back to ground zero.” He added.
According to Orji, Renewed Hope Ambassadors has launched the “Jagaban Will Fix It Nigeria Project” as part of their contrilbution to nation building.
Thie initiative, he explained plans to address concerns through an upcoming town hall meeting for open dialogue and by launching capacity-building initiatives to engage young people and informal sectors in rural areas.
He added: “This project aims to reach 100 communities and empower 5,000 individuals, providing support and opportunities for growth, in FCT and further execute in 36 states.
“We urgently plead with our fellow Nigerians and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry to desist from the planned protest.
“Our platforms and influence can be used to foster unity and advocate for meaningful solutions, rather than actions that may lead to further unrest.
“Let us channel our collective energy towards positive initiatives that contribute to the progress and stability of our nation,” Orji concluded.
Foreign news
Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration
By Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.
Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.
“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.
“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”
He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.
“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”
Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.
“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”
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