News
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
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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