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FG Commemorates World Youth Skills Day, Charges Them To Harness Potentials

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2023

Joel Ajayi

In line with the United Nations General Assembly Declaration on the Celebration of the World Youth Skills Day, the Federal Government has commemorated the Day with a charge to the Nigerian Youth to look inwards, identify their aspirations, dreams, talents and potentials with a view to putting them into positive use for socio-economic development of the country.

In his keynote address at the occasion held today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar stated that the youth are the greatest assets any nation can have and thus legitimately regarded as the future leaders who are potentially the highest investment of a country’s socio-economic, political and technological development.

Alhaji Ismaila, however, observed that the number of youth who are unemployed or exposed to lower quality level work is of great concern to the government.

He explained that this year’s Commemoration with the theme: *Skilling Teachers, Trainers and Youth for a Transformative future* is apt as it is set to bring in the required synergy among all job and employment creators, with a view to increasing enthusiasm for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship among the youth aimed at taking them off the steeets.

The Permanent Secretary assured of the Ministry’s unreserved commitment to full implementation of the core mandate of youth development policies in line with the policy thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration through its numerous skill acquisition programmes which he said, has been exhibited through various investment and intervention programmes and thus urged the youth to reciprocate by putting their talents into positive use.

While calling on well meaning Nigerians, development partners, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as well as relevant stakeholders to continue to partner and collaborate with the Federal Government, not only in the area of identifying and catering for the youth but also empowering them in their various fields of endeavour, Alhaji Ismaila urged them to be committed to youth skills development through the creation of various platforms to showcase their talents, skills and connectivity so as to promote national development.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, (EDPD), Mr Olugbenga Momoh assured of the youth’s readiness and commitment to equip themselves with relevant ICT skills in order to explore job and employment opportunities in the technological-driven economy of the world so as to become relevant in the work of the future.

He commended all the partners for their support and the present administration in particular for the commitment towards the successful implementation of youth programmes, adding that it is a clear demonstration of all to one of the potential strategies at reducing the rate of Youth unemployment, poverty and restivness, especially among the youth and the attendant vices plaguing our nation.

Highlights of the occasion include the presentation of goodwill messages by Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), as well as relevant stakeholders

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Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo

Published

11 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.

The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.

Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.

The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.

“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.

The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.

He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.

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