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Tag: Youth development

  • Youth Without Opportunity Is a Threat, Shettima Warns Nigeria

    Youth Without Opportunity Is a Threat, Shettima Warns Nigeria

    Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has warned that the country’s status as one of the youngest nations in the world could become meaningless without deliberate institutional investment to harness its demographic potential.

    Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the Abuja Dialogue 2026, Shettima stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population should no longer be treated as a mere talking point but as a strategic national reality requiring urgent policy attention. The event was organised by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.

    According to him, the country’s growing youth population risks turning into a liability if investments in education, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities are not prioritised.

    “We are one of the youngest nations on earth. That fact should not be treated as a line for conferences or a statistic for brochures. It is a national condition with profound consequences,” Shettima said.

    Call for Structured Youth Leadership Development

    The Vice President emphasised that Nigeria’s future would depend not only on natural resources or government ambitions, but on the strength of systems designed to ensure leadership continuity.

    He advocated a deliberate and forward-looking framework for youth leadership development, noting that leadership must be cultivated through structured pathways rather than left to chance.

    Shettima explained that youth leadership should not be seen as a ceremonial transition based on age, but as a continuous process of preparing and integrating young people into governance and nation-building institutions.

    Sanwo-Olu Highlights Role of Leadership Academy

    Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the dialogue as a strong signal of the federal government’s commitment to youth leadership development.

    He noted that the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy serves as a talent incubator, providing young Nigerians with practical exposure to public sector governance.

    Sanwo-Olu called for stronger policy frameworks, adequate funding, and political will to transform youth-focused initiatives into sustainable institutions.

    Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment

    Other government officials echoed the importance of investing in youth development.

    Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, described youth leadership as critical infrastructure that determines the strength of national institutions.

    Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said Nigerian youths are ready to contribute meaningfully to national progress. He added that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to creating enabling platforms for young people to thrive.

    Youth at the Centre of National Development

    Executive Secretary of the academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said the collaboration between the federal and Lagos State governments reflects a growing recognition of youth as central to national development.

    She noted that the Abuja Dialogue provides an opportunity to build consensus, align institutions, and reposition youth leadership from the margins to the core of policy and governance.

    A Critical Moment for Nigeria’s Future

    The Abuja Dialogue 2026 comes at a time when governments globally are grappling with rapid technological, economic, and social changes.

    For Nigeria, Shettima’s message underscores a pressing reality: without intentional investment and structured planning, the country’s demographic advantage could become a burden rather than a catalyst for growth.

  • Human Capital Development: Ebonyi Sends 47 Scholars to UK on Scholarship

    Human Capital Development: Ebonyi Sends 47 Scholars to UK on Scholarship

    No fewer than 47 beneficiaries on Monday departed Ebonyi State for the United Kingdom under the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, as Governor Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development.

    The beneficiaries departed from the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, where the governor described the programme as a strategic investment in the future prosperity of Ebonyi State.

    Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Nwifuru urged the scholars to remain disciplined and serve as worthy ambassadors of the state, noting that their journey symbolised more than international travel.

    “This event is not just about boarding a flight but destiny taking flight.
    This is about hope leaving the shores of Ebonyi to soar into the future,” the governor said.

    He explained that the scholarship scheme ranked among the most financially demanding interventions of his administration, second only to major infrastructure projects. According to him, the programme initially faced stiff opposition due to economic pressures and competing development needs.

    “Several people called for its suspension, arguing that the resources should be channelled towards roads, hospitals and other pressing needs,” Nwifuru said. “However, we would be mortgaging the future of Ebonyi if we fail to invest in the youths.”

    The governor added that the initiative aligned with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs, which places human capital development at the core of governance.

    “This initiative is deeply personal, as the beneficiaries are being offered opportunities I and many others never had,” he said. “Every fund spent on it is a collective sacrifice of traders, civil servants, artisans and taxpayers, aimed at making the path easier for the next generation.”

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ebonyi Scholarship Board, Chief Chaka Nweze, said the selection of beneficiaries was conducted strictly on merit.

    “We concentrated on first-class graduates, but due to prevailing developments, we also considered those with Second Class Upper division (2:1) with a CGPA of 3.0 and above,” Nweze said.

    He disclosed that an additional 43 beneficiaries would depart at a later date, as they were still awaiting visa clearance. He further revealed that all beneficiaries signed a bond committing them to return to Nigeria and serve Ebonyi State for a minimum of five years after their studies.

    According to him, the scholars would be deployed to educational institutions currently being inaugurated across the state, after which they would be free to pursue personal endeavours upon completing their service period.

    The scholarship scheme is part of the Ebonyi State Government’s broader strategy to build a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development and long-term growth.

  • World Chess Day: Enthusiasts harp on importance of chess to youth development

    Chess enthusiasts have advised parents on the need to encourage their kids to learn and be involved in the sport.

    The chess enthusiasts spoke on the sidelines of a chess tournament organised by Rupetta Academy to celebrate World Chess Day in Abuja.

    Katmaan Senlong, an Education Advocate said the importance of engaging in the sport cannot be over-emphasised.

    “We are here to celebrate the international world chess day. This is a tournament to celebrate everyone that plays chess in Nigeria.

    “I can’t overemphasize the unique skills you learn by playing chess; reasoning, logical thinking, strategic organizational skills, attention to detail, and most importantly thinking outside the box.

    “So, we are here today not just to celebrate international world chess day, but also to encourage youths to embrace this noble game.

    “They say it is a game for geniuses, but it’s actually for everyone because today we are celebrating the fact that we are family,” she said.

    Selong, who is also the CEO of Rupetta Academy, the Organisers of the World Chess Day Tournament, said there was a need to create more awareness about the game in the country.

    She said the game needs to be introduced into the curriculum of schools and parents should be encouraged to enroll their kids into chess clubs, to teach them these unique transferable skills.

    She noted that her academy was doing a lot in this regard, adding that they were set to also organise a maiden Summer Tech, Swimming, Coding, and Chess programme for kids between the ages of six to 12 years.

    She revealed that at the club they combine unique opportunities for kids to learn how to code, play chess, and swim, saying that it was a unique combination because it will teach them across the spectrum.

    “They learn skills they will need to become fantastic leaders tomorrow such as; coordination, focus, discipline, concentration, and paying attention to details, amongst others.

    “I am sure these are familiar words in curriculum vitae nowadays when one is applying for a new job.

    “So, we are here to teach these children these skills because I am a firm believer in the notion that practice makes perfect.

    “We are organising a maiden Summer Tech Swimmers Coding, Chess, and Swimming Club during the vacation period aimed at positively engaging school children in productive ventures.

    “Indeed, this is the maiden edition and that’s why we are making it spectacular by organising this world chess day tournament.

    “The programme will run from July 24 to Sept. 4 and we will be giving out massive discounts and also making it affordable and accessible for kids that do not have this opportunity by providing scholarships for them.

    “But for those that can afford it, they are going all the way to get it and we have unique activities in the Tech Swimmers’ Club. It’s N300,000 for the full package,” she said.

    She stressed that the programme would be packed with lots of activities that kids would enjoy, but not only enjoy but skills they will need when they become employable.

    “For instance, there will be classes on emotional intelligence and I can guarantee you that kids are not taught that in school.

    “We are here to teach emotional intelligence because they need to, first of all, be aware of their environment, how their emotions affect other people, and how they can control it.

    “We are going to have health and fitness classes for them. We will be teaching them negotiation skills, and presentation skills, to name only but a few.

    “But not just that, we are also organising lots of events that will bring kids and young people together.

    “Football for instance is going to be on the agenda. We are going to also introduce Scrabble. These games are academic, intellectual, and mind workout games.

    “So, we will be encouraging young people to partake in this unique combination of games, activities, and lectures,” she said.

    Bode Durotoye, Chairman, Technical, Nigeria Chess Federation emphasised the need for children to learn the game at a very young age.

    “This is because it is going to be a gift for life. Chess is life generally and as you develop in life, you develop in the game too.

    “I met a young lady here at the age of 10. She was crying after I defeated her, but I had to pet and encourage her that the game of chess was a continuous process.

    “You win today, you lose tomorrow. These are the kind of values that the game of chess builds in the lives of children.

    “Life is not always rosy, you can be good today, tomorrow is a different situation,” he said.

    Anthony Ogor the Chairman of the Zalika Chess Club, Abuja, on his part said chess was fun and a game of kings.

    “When you play chess there is this aura of reputation that goes with it. When you see the class of people that play chess, you will quickly attribute intelligence to them.

    “Besides that, internally what chess does to you is that it gives you that air of confidence, especially when you are faced with challenges or troubles.

    “Whatever it is, you are able to come up with solutions quickly with even few options available to you,” he said.

    For eight-year-old chess champion Ivie Urieto, playing the game has made her imbibe the values of discipline, timeliness, politeness, and obedience.

    “I was introduced to chess by my father at the age of four and always watched him while he played. That was how I fell in love with the game.

    “My dream is to represent Nigeria in various International competitions and become a Grandmaster in the next five years,” she said.

    Joshua Adejo, a Senior champion who emerged the winner of the event’s biggest prize said he was elated to have won despite all odds.

    “I started the game awkwardly but I was able to gain some momentum with my play and deliver those wins at the very critical moments when it mattered most,” he said.

    The general and female categories both had a prize purse of N100,000 each spread across different winners.

    While the children category had an N100,000 cash donation with exercise books, math sets, and other learning materials.