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FG Identifies Four Key Thematic Areas as Priorities for Development of Nigerian Youth
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has identified four critical thematic areas as priorities for the development of Nigerian Youth, designed to empower young people, enhance their skills in order for them to thrive and Catalyse economic development.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya, disclosed this during the Opening Ceremony of the 7th National Council on Youth Development, with the theme: “Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyse Economic Development”, held in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to him,“Thematic areas include Governance, Jobs, Skills and Innovation, Cultural and Behavioral Change and Human Capital Development.
Olusanya elaborated on the critical thematic areas essential for the National Council on Youth Development : “Governance is foundational, as it establishes effective systems and policies that empower youth engagement. Jobs, Skills, and Innovation are crucial, focusing on creating robust employment opportunities that drive economic growth.
“Meanwhile, Culture enriches society by promoting the arts and preserving heritage. The focus on Behavioral Change is vital for cultivating the positive attitudes and behaviours that foster personal and community advancement. Lastly, Human Capital Development reinforces the message that investing in our youth is paramount, as they represent the most valuable resource for the future.”he further explained.
“Together, these themes provide a comprehensive framework to empower and uplift the younger generation, ensuring that they have the tools and support to thrive in society,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary urged participants to identify and align themselves with any of these thematic areas and participate actively in their discussion by sharing insights, experiences, and innovative ideas. He added that the collaborative approach will ensure holistic and inclusive outcomes from the technical session.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Sports Development in Borno State, Hon. Comrade Saina Buba, expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for allowing the state to host the National Council on Youth Development. He emphasized the importance of learning, relearning, and unlearning in order to create the Nigeria that every youth envisions.
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AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs
By James Samuel, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.
This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.
“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.
“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”
He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.
“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.
He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.
“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.
She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.
The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.
The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.
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