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FG Launches First NiYA Youth Ambassadors in Akwa Ibom at National Youth Day Celebration

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has officially launched the NiYA Ambassador Programme in Akwa Ibom State, a landmark initiative to strengthen youth engagement and grassroots participation in national development.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of ARISE Youth Skills Week 2025 in Uyo, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development described the launch of the ambassador programme as a strategic move to bring Federal youth programmes closer to communities.

Under the initiative, two youth ambassadors will be appointed in each local government area to promote key programmes of the Ministry, including the Bamboo Youth Empowerment Scheme, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), and Digital Literacy For All (DL4ALL).

“To the young people here today: You are not just the future, you are the present. Your ideas, energy, and courage have the power to transform Nigeria,” the Minister said.

He praised the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government in organizing the celebration and commended the Akwa Ibom Youth Skills Pitch Challenge, calling it “a model for other states.”

“Giving young people the platform to present their ideas and receive support is one of the most impactful ways to empower them. This is real, practical development,” he added.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in today’s economy, noting that skills in AI and digital tools are now critical across sectors like farming, healthcare, fashion, education, and music.

Drawing from lessons learned during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, he called for stronger support systems to help young innovators turn their ideas into viable businesses.

As part of its ARISE Agenda for human capital development, the Akwa Ibom State Government hosted the grand finale of ARISE Youth Skills Week on Monday, July 14, in Uyo.

Themed “Harnessing Youth Skills for Economic Growth and Innovation,” the event featured a dynamic panel discussion with leaders in agriculture, healthcare, tourism, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.

Representing the Executive Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering young people through access, innovation, and opportunity.

A major highlight of the day was the AI and Digital Skills Pitching Competition, where 15-year-old Ephraim Asuquo emerged overall winner with his innovative agricultural technology project, AGROCAD, earning a ₦1 million cash prize.

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with state governments to ensure that young Nigerians are skilled, empowered, and ready to compete globally.

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Foreign news

Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja

Published

14 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.

Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.

He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.

On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.

He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.

On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.

Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.

He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.

The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.

He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.

Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.

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