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General Ahmed Seeks Local Governments’ Support For NYSC

Published

1 year ago

July 20, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General YD Ahmed has appealed for robust support from the 774 Local Government Chairmen cross the country.
He said this would enhance the achievements of the Scheme which largely depends on the commitment and active participation of key role players in the running of the Scheme.
General Ahmed stated this while addressing the National Executive Council Meeting of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Lafia.

He said Management has made a sustained advocacy on the proper performance of stakeholders’ roles as spelt out in the NYSC Act Cap N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
General Ahmed stated further that the role of Local Governments are critical to the smooth operations of the NYSC because majority of Corps Members posted to serve in the rural areas support developmental strides, especially through their Primary Assignments in schools, Primary Healthcare Centres and other aspects of national economy.

The Director General informed the Council Chairmen that while the Federal Government shoulders a greater part of the responsibility of running the Scheme, the enabling Act saddles States and Local Governments with complimentary responsibilities which include the provision of facilities like; Orientation Camps, Corps Transit Lodge, Corps Lodges, Office Accommodation and other forms of intervention that are essential for the welfare of Corps Members and the general success of the Scheme.

While appreciating the Local Government Chairmen for their individual and collective gestures in supporting the Scheme, such as the provision of accommodation for Corps Members and facilitation of their integration into the host communities, General Ahmed added that there is much to be done in many Local Government Areas across the country to make the operating environment more conducive for the Scheme.

“Permit me at this juncture to highlight some of the key issues that require your attention such as; formation of NYSC Local Government Committees. Section 8 Sub-Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the NYSC Act provides for the establishment, composition and functions of the NYSC Local Government Committee in each of the 774 Local Government Areas of the country. However, the committees have not been in existence in many of the Local Government Areas over the years.

Therefore, to ensure smooth operations of the Scheme at the grassroots, the committees need to be put in place and empowered with the necessary resources to enable them function effectively.

I therefore appeal to those of you that do not have the committees to establish and make them functional”, he said.

General Ahmed further informed the Council Chairmen that Management is in constant liaison with security agencies, adding that Section 8 Sub-Section 3 (d) of the NYSC Act saddles the Local Government Councils with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of Corps Members serving in each Local Government.

He also requested them to use their offices to influence other stakeholders such as traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to complement the efforts of the security agencies in their areas.

The Director General advised the Local Government authorities that host NYSC Orientation Camps to contribute towards ensuring the safety of the camp facilities through local security arrangements.

He also informed the Chairmen that the condition of some of NYSC Zonal and Local Government offices leave much to be desired, while some of the Scheme’s Zonal and Local Government Inspectors operate in dilapidated structures, others have inadequate office spaces thereby hindering effective performance of their duties.

The DG however thanked the Local Governments that have provided befitting office accommodation, while he appealed to others to do same so as to enhance the smooth conduct of the Scheme’s operations.

Other statutory areas that the DG harped on include; transport for Corps Inspection in order to enhance grassroots development and support for Community Development Service Projects.

The National President of ALGON, Hon Aminu Mu’azu Maifata in his remarks lauded the Scheme for it’s remarkable achievements over the past fifty-one years.
He however promised that the requests of the Director General would be considered.

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

Published

10 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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