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FG Inaugurates Technical Committee On Establishment of National Youth Bank

Published

12 months ago

December 3, 2024

Joel Ajayi

In a determined effort to empower young people, cultivate their potential, and support their ambitions in ways that will create lasting change, the Federal Government has inaugurated a technical committee to establish the national youth bank.

While addressing the committee members at a brief inauguration ceremony held in his office, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the committee members’ job is to guide the establishment of the Youth Bank in every critical aspect: its governance structure to operational model, from the types of financial services it will offer to how it engages with young people.

The Minister tasked the committee to establish a strong foundation in order to ensure that the Youth Bank becomes a vibrant and sustainable institution, adding that the committee is responsible for designing a comprehensive strategy for the bank, as well as developing operational and governance frameworks that will guarantee transparency, accountability, and long-term success.

He emphasized that the committee will focus on identifying and building partnerships with financial institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that the Youth Bank has the resources and support needed to expand and achieve its goals and also committed to creating an inclusive environment where youth from diverse backgrounds can access the opportunities, regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender, or geographic location.

“The vision for the Youth Bank is to deliver on the Presidential Mandate delegated to the Ministry of Youth Development to create a dynamic platform where young people can access the financial support, resources, and mentorship necessary to translate their ideas into action.

“The Youth Bank is an institution designed to provide young people with not just the financial capital but also the necessary capacity-building, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. The Bank will serve as a platform that empowers youth to become the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of both today and tomorrow,” the Minister stated.

Olawande expressed appreciation to the Development Bank of Nigeria for agreeing to co-chair the event, as well as to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bank of Industry, the Ministry of Finance, and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority. He also commended the management staff of the Ministry for their commitment and dedication to supporting the youth and affirming the nation’s belief in their capabilities.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, spoke extensively on the committee’s importance. He observed that despite Nigerian youth’s remarkable potential, many young people lack the resources, networks, and financial support needed to fully realize their ambitions.

Mr. Boneventure Okhaimo, a representative from the Bank of Industry, expressed the readiness of the bank to work with the Ministry and other stakeholders to actualize the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, while outlining the significance of the committee and its relevance to the success of the Youth Bank.

In his own contribution, Mr. John S. Onoja, representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), affirmed the commitment of the apex bank to ensure speedy registration and licensing of the Youth Bank as soon as all necessary criteria are met.

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

3 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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