Sports
Minister of Youth Development Receives 2026 National Youth Security Emblem from Nigeria Youth Organisation
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering young people as critical stakeholders in promoting peace and security across Nigeria.
He made this known while receiving the 2026 National Youth Security Emblem presented by the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Speaking during the presentation, Comrade Olawande emphasized the importance of actively engaging young people in community-based peacebuilding initiatives, noting that youth participation remains central to achieving sustainable security and national development.
He observed that many young people migrate from rural communities to major cities such as Abuja in search of better opportunities. However, the absence of productive engagement often exposes them to negative influences, which can contribute to insecurity when such individuals return to their communities.
The Minister therefore stressed the need for increased awareness campaigns to help young people identify and harness opportunities available within their local communities.
According to him, communities possess numerous untapped resources capable of creating wealth and fostering economic independence for young people if properly utilized.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the importance of collaboration between youth organizations, government institutions, and international development partners in advancing the youth, peace, and security agenda.
He noted that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, with the support of partners such as the European Union (EU), continues to promote initiatives that empower young people to serve as ambassadors of peace and stability within their communities.
The Minister further encouraged youth groups to align their activities with the Ministry’s strategic framework, particularly through the Department of Networks and Social Mobilization (NSM), which serves as a key platform for youth mobilization and engagement nationwide.
Speaking on the broader national security framework, the Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening community-based security systems, including the promotion of community and state policing. He emphasized that security structures are most effective when personnel are familiar with and connected to the communities they serve.
Comrade Olawande also called for the practical implementation of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, stressing that meaningful results can only be achieved through deliberate action rather than prolonged discussions.
Earlier, the National Executive President of NYO, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, explained that the initiative is designed to mobilise Nigerian youths across the country to take collective responsibility for community security and national stability.
According to him, the emblem carries key inscriptions including “Community Security: A Collective Responsibility of All Nigerian Youths” and “Nigerian Youths, Operation Defend Your Community.” He added that the campaign is aimed at encouraging young people to actively support efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard their communities.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr (Mrs) Maryam Keshinro, noted that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the strength of the nation today. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to engage and mobilize youths in the fight against insecurity across the country.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
