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Youth Ministry Partners with Defence College to Boost Leadership Among Nigerian Youth
Joel Ajayi
The Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with the National Defence College, has launched a high-level conference designed to prepare young Nigerians for leadership roles across different sectors of national life.
Declaring the event open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as “a bold step towards shaping the leadership architecture of our beloved country.”He noted that with over 70% of Nigeria’s population being youth, “the future is not a distant dream; it is in the hands, hearts, and minds of our young people today.”
The President, however, cautioned that “energy without direction and potential without preparation can lead to frustration.” He underscored the urgency of values-based leadership and the inclusion of youth in addressing both national and global challenges such as cybersecurity, climate change, healthcare, food security, and innovation.
He urged participants to “learn, engage, collaborate, and form lasting friendships,” stressing that the leadership skills gained must extend beyond the conference into everyday civic life. He also called on policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to provide young people with quality education, mentorship, economic opportunities, and platforms for inclusive governance.
“The Nigeria we desire tomorrow depends on the leadership we build today,” President Tinubu stated.
In his keynote remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abdullahi Mohamed emphasized the significance of this partnership, especially at a time when the majority of Nigerians are within the youth age bracket.
“We believe the wealth of this nation is not in its oil or gas, but in the vibrant energy and potential of our youth. The future of Nigeria rests squarely in their hands,” the Minister said.
He noted that Nigeria’s strength is increasingly measured by the quality of its leadership and the readiness of young citizens to take on responsibility. He described the collaboration with the National Defence College as both timely and vital, rooted in shared values of discipline, innovation, courage, and creativity.
“Today, leadership depends not just on position but on values. This conference offers young people a platform to engage, learn, and grow into the leaders our nation needs,” he added.
The Minister encouraged participants to approach the conference with focus and open minds, expressing confidence that the ideas, networks, and strategies developed would significantly shape Nigeria’s future.
Also addressing the gathering, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Mohammed Jalo of Igabi Federal Constituency, Kaduna reaffirmed the importance of empowering young Nigerians for national progress.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Jo Okosun, highlighted the central role of youth in nation-building.
He stressed that “the strength of a country lies in its youth, and by investing in them, the future of Nigeria is safe in their hands.”
The conference brings together young leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the country to deliberate on youth empowerment, leadership development, and strategies for national advancement.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
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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