Youth

By Uzair Adam

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed treason charges brought against several minors involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, following the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw the case.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu approved the dismissal after Mohammed Abubakar, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), moved an application for discontinuation.

Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), cited Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal basis for withdrawal.

The DPPF also requested that proceedings exclude the minors from the courtroom, in compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA and the Child Rights Act.

Defense lawyers, including Femi Fanala (SAN), did not oppose the application, leading Justice Egwuatu to officially drop the charges.

This decision comes after 114 protesters were granted bail of N10 million each with two sureties by Justice Egwuatu last Friday, following their arraignment on charges of treason and related offenses.

Health concerns prevented five minors from attending the arraignment, while four defendants reportedly collapsed in court, prompting a brief adjournment.

Further proceedings for both groups of defendants are scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the AGF to ensure the release of the minors involved in the protest.

By Ishaq M. Sani

 To surmount all challenges, the good people of Zaria deserve the best leadership at the local government executive council. Therefore, it’s imperative to bring in competent, young, and vibrant representation to the good people of Zaria local government. 

The good people of Zaria equally need a leader who can foster a harmonious synergy between the local, state, and federal governments, paving the way for remarkable achievements, transformative development, and a brighter future—a leader with a proven track record of driving impactful changes and advancing grassroots priorities. With Engr Jamil piloting the affairs of the cosmopolitan Zaria, an era for Pressing forward in the direction of progressive outcomes and solid attainments for the good people of Zaria is possible. 

However, Jaga’s socio-political background and mentorship from both the executive governor, Mal Uba Sani, and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas, as Deputy chief of staff, have instilled in him the values of honesty, inclusivity, and open-mindedness to diverse views, contributing to effective governance. 

Ahead of the October Kaduna LGA elections 2024, a vote for Engr Jamil is a victory for addressing critical issues relating to Human Capital Development, Infrastructure Development, Security, Agriculture, Environmental management, Climate change, greenfield initiatives, Trade and Investment, and Robust Citizen engagements.

His focus on human capital development emphasised this: Engr Jamil is set to ensure education/scholarship, health, and social investment. He has tagged “Education: Knowledge and Skills Acquisition for the Future.” He is also Ensuring that scholarship opportunities are expanded to less privileged students to support lifelong learning. 

Elucidating impacting measures, combined with a continuous programme to improve teachers’ quality and teaching standards to ensure that basic education investments produce the desired learning outcomes in line with the sustainedmanifesto of his excellency Mal Uba Sani. Moving further, Zaria needs a well-equipped leader to support entrepreneurship in ICT, which is necessary for stimulating innovation and economic growth. 

Focus on Health ensures access to quality care in the health sector to consolidate the remarkable achievements recorded by Sen Mal Uba Sani, the state government leader, and Speaker Abbas’s critical interventions. Zaria looks forward to robust social investment through social welfare and liberating empowerment through dedicated funds for women and youth. 

The Zaria infrastructural development is also expected to focus on investment in sustainable environmental infrastructure such as water supply, sewage and solid waste management, and adequate infrastructure such as culverts, drainage and connecting roads/bridges for job creation, taking centre stage. 

The mission is to collaborate with the neighbouring LGAs and state and federal governments to continually improve the quality of connecting roads and ensure the expansion of the local electricity infrastructure, especially across Dembo, Wucicciri, and Dutsen Abba, among others. 

Furthermore, it promotes environmental conservation and sustainability, protecting Zaria’s natural resources and ensuring the sustenance of the conditions for economic dynamism through investments, vibrant commercial activities, skills development, and job opportunities.

However, like many other local governments, Zaria has been one of the hotbeds of security threats in Zone 1 of Kaduna state in the last eight years, with attacks happening on a regular basis. I commend the Governor and the honourable speaker for their robust efforts in maintaining the peace and stability of the state within their first year in office. 

Moreover, Engr. Jamil is expected to ensure a secure, peaceful, and united Zaria LGA. Effective collaboration between the state and federal government will ensure the deployment of security personnel and equipment for adequate security in the local government. Deep intelligence gathering through collaboration with traditional, religious, and community leaders will support security agencies. 

In light of the preceding, the competitive advantage of Zaria’s growth potential in the agricultural sector is viable through effective utilisation of agro-ecological zones, rising youthful population, irrigated farming opportunities while transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture and leveraging linkages with local manufacturing in the promotion of agri-business.   

Finally, Zaria envisions a leader who is committed to providing all-inclusive and diverse representation, Feedback mechanisms, and accountability processes, ensuring effective engagement with all communities for equity, responsiveness, collaboration, and accountability; this is possible when Engr Jamil is given the mandate. 

 Join Engr Jamil Ahmad Muhammad on this great journey…

Ishaq M. Sani writes from the office of the APC chairmanship Candidate, Zaria local government. Strategic communication directorate

By Muntari Umar

The word personal describes someone’s own possession alone—something that belongs to someone and has power over it. Development refers to sequential and evolving changes over some time. It is a gradual and eventual transformation in the state of a particular thing.

Personal development is a series of positive changes ascribed to an individual over time. It is an accomplishment that someone gets over some time due to discipline, patience, dedication, and training. Personal development is beneficial to its owner, including sometimes to the people living around him.It causes happiness and satisfaction.

Therefore, personal development is very important. Every sensible individual should have a target personal development that he will focus on realising. Becoming busy on various aspects of the topic will make one serious and bring public respect, awe, support from the likes, comfort, and other good feelings.

Personal development is a must for people, particularly youths in their twenties and thirties.

Some of its examples include both soft and hard skills. Soft skills such as the ability to communicate very well verbally and in writing, the ability to solve complex problems resulting in wonderful outcomes (creative and proactive), the ability to control one’s emotions, the ability to learn new things quickly (smartness), ability to detect changes around one’s environment and respond accordingly, and ability to operate computers. All these are things that are learned over a while.

Hard skills include carpentry, tailoring, phone and computer repair, fridge fixing, shoe making, welding, painting and wiring houses, building, and vehicle repair, among others. These, too, are learned with time. The two classes of skills generate money for their respective experts.

The paragraphs above show the extreme importance of the day’s business because they are sources of income. Every individual needs money to survive. We all need food, shelter, clothes, medication during sickness, and education from qualitative sources.

Fortunately, money is required to possess all these things, and wonderfully, money comes from a particular ability developed over time. Because as long as you are good at something when the issue of that thing arises, you must be needed and finally be paid.

Money will also boost your immune system and give you much freedom of speech, power, and influence.

These opportunities are almost everywhere. They are easily identified. You need to feed yourself with the passion of your interesting personal development. Befriend its experts. Show them your interest. Respect and be obedient to them.You will gradually, but with patience, dedication, resilience, discipline, and practice, learn and start making money, thereby transforming your life.

Failure to have any personal ability will cause people to look down on an individual, disrespect him, and consider himlazy and useless to his life and his society. People will withdraw from a person who lacks any ability and shows no interest in any matter of development.

With this, I call on all of my fellow youths who lack any skills to embrace learning any available skill they can access. I urge you to become alert and sensitive to the chances of transforming lives. Remember, seeing is with the eyes, while vision is with the mind. Good things will locate you if you think positively.

“Whoever fails to learn learns to fail.” — Anonymous.

Muntari Umar wrote via muntariu94@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Amidst growing concerns over economic hardship, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Olawande acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians while expressing confidence in the President’s ability to implement effective solutions.

The Minister highlighted several key achievements, including a 130% increase in the minimum wage and the passage of legislation reducing the review period for minimum wage from five to three years. 

He urged citizens to adopt a pragmatic approach and capitalize on government initiatives, cautioning against the misuse of social media to destabilize the nation.

Olawande appealed to Nigerians to collaborate with the government in addressing the country’s challenges, emphasizing President Tinubu’s dedication to the nation’s well-being. 

He stressed the importance of unity and collective effort in overcoming adversity and building a prosperous Nigeria.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a group supportive of the government, launched an initiative titled “The Jagaban Will Fix It Nigeria” project.

This project aims to engage citizens through town hall meetings and capacity-building programs, promoting constructive dialogue and solutions. 

The group warned against the potential risks of protests and encouraged citizens to explore alternative avenues for driving positive change.

By Tahir Mahmood

Kano State, known for its vibrant culture and economic potential, has witnessed an influx of companies and nongovernmental organizations. However, there is a noticeable disparity in the representation of local citizens within these entities.

There is a need to address unemployment challenges and breathe new life into the economy of Kano State by drawing inspiration from the successful Edo Jobs Center model. This initiative comes at a crucial time when the need for job creation and skills development is more pressing than ever. It is suggested that Kano State adopt a framework similar to the Edo Jobs Center, a proven model that has successfully facilitated job placements, nurtured skills development, and fostered economic growth in Edo State. The aim is to tailor this approach to the unique needs and opportunities within Kano.

Acknowledging the existence of the Sani Abacha Youth Center and the challenges it faced, the Jobs Hub may aim to learn from past experiences. It is crucial to analyze the reasons behind the center’s abandonment, incorporating these lessons to develop strategies that ensure the sustained success of the new initiative, particularly in promoting local employment.

It’s important to note the historical context, particularly of the abandoned Sani Abacha Youth Center Kano, which had similar aspirations but fell short of realizing its full potential, serving only as a wedding event center and a popular rawar gala location—a joint for hookups where local ashawos are initiated and recruited, despite the Hisbah’s commitment to curbing those activities in the state. Learning from past experiences, the Jobs Hub may aim to address the shortcomings of previous initiatives and create a sustainable platform for employment and skills development.

The key components of the Jobs Hub may include an online portal connecting job seekers with opportunities, comprehensive skills development programs, and strategic partnerships with local businesses. This holistic approach will seek to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers while equipping the local workforce with the skills needed in today’s dynamic job market.

In light of the challenges faced by the Sani Abacha Youth Center, it is imperative that the new initiative address the reasons behind its abandonment. By incorporating lessons learned from past experiences, the Jobs Hub may aim to not only overcome previous obstacles but also ensure long-term success and sustainability with modern technological advancements.

To achieve the above, collaboration with the government, private sector, and local communities is crucial. This is to encourage the Kano State government to actively engage in supporting and endorsing the establishment of the Jobs Hub, aligning it with existing employment initiatives and leveraging public-private partnerships for enhanced impact.

The success of the Edo Jobs Center model presents a compelling case for the potential for positive outcomes in Kano State. As we endeavor to revitalize opportunities and stimulate economic growth, it is hoped that the government will consider adopting the Edo Jobs strategies, setting in motion a transformative journey towards a more prosperous and vibrant Kano State.

The proposed Jobs Hub integrates various components to create a comprehensive approach to local employment: Online Portal, by establishing a digital platform connecting local job seekers with employment opportunities, making the recruitment process more inclusive and accessible.

Skills Development Programs, through implementing targeted training initiatives tailored to the needs of the local workforce, enhance their competitiveness in the job market. Partnerships with Companies, by fostering collaborations with companies and organizations operating in Kano, and encouraging them to actively participate in the Jobs Hub by recruiting from the local talent pool.

A critical aspect of this is the emphasis on addressing the issue of underrepresentation of Kano citizens in the workforce. The Jobs Hub may work closely with companies to develop strategies for recruiting and retaining local talent, promoting a more inclusive and diverse work environment through government mandates for local recruitment. By recognizing the pivotal role of the government in influencing employment practices, this suggests that Kano State can enforce regulations mandating companies and organizations operating within its borders to prioritize the recruitment of Kano citizens.

This proactive approach aligns with the state’s commitment to promoting local employment and ensuring economic opportunities are accessible to its people. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Active collaboration with both government bodies and private sector stakeholders is essential for the success of the Jobs Hub. Encouraging dialogue and partnership-building creates a supportive ecosystem for local employment initiatives. The establishment of a Jobs Hub in Kano State not only addresses unemployment challenges but also tackles the issue of workforce disparities.

By promoting local employment, the proposal aims to create a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities. The government’s mandate to enforce local recruitment practices can further solidify the impact of the Jobs Hub, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive economic future for the people of Kano State.

The State holds the promise of revitalizing the local economy and creating a brighter future for the youth. By learning from past experiences and adopting innovative solutions, Kano has the opportunity to pioneer the fostering of employment, skills development, and sustainable economic growth.

Tahir Mahmood Saleh can be reached via tahirmsaleh.seggroup@gmail.com.

By Al-Janat Firdous Mohammed

In the dynamic world of media and entertainment, the definition of an ideal physique has continuously developed, creating and redefining societal beauty standards. 

Like many other countries, Nigeria has seen an increase in body trends among celebrities, which significantly impact their audience, particularly impressionable youth. 

From Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) to facelifts and Botox treatments, the pursuit of a specific look has become a dominant influence. The early 2000s saw a boom in the global fad of becoming ultra-skinny, with many celebrities striving for a waif-like appearance. 

However, in recent years, a paradigm shift has happened, with curvier silhouettes becoming the new ideal of beauty. BBLs have become highly fashionable, with celebrities publicly discussing and even getting these procedures to improve their curves.

Facelifts and Botox treatments have also become popular as people seek to combat the natural ageing process. The media’s portrayal of faultless celebrities frequently adds to false beauty goals, which may lead fans and adolescents to explore comparable operations.

Celebrities play an important role in moulding society’s norms, and their physical modifications can significantly impact their fan base, particularly the youth. The pressure to conform to these ideals can have a harmful influence on self-esteem and physical appearance. 

Many young people may feel compelled to change their bodies to fit in or meet the perceived standards of their idols. For example, the rise of social media has led to celebrities displaying their nearly ideal bodies, creating the illusion that these standards are attainable and desired. 

This can exacerbate fans’ vulnerabilities, creating a culture in which bodily changes are viewed as a way to earn acceptance and validation. How can we prevent our youths from succumbing to ‘fake’ beauty standards?

One, promoting body positivity and acceptance is critical for demolishing false beauty standards. Celebrities who advocate for accepting one’s natural body, warts and all, can be strong role models.

Second, educating young people about the manipulative nature of media images and the frequency of picture editing can help them develop a critical mindset. Understanding that the images portrayed may not reflect reality can help mitigate the media effect.

Equally, creating an environment where mental health discussions are normalised is critical. Young people who are dealing with their body image should have access to support networks, such as counselling services or community groups.

Several Nigerian celebrities have spoken out against unrealistic body ideals, serving as constructive role models for the kids. Actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington, for example, promotes self-love and frequently uploads unfiltered photographs to demonstrate sincerity. 

Similarly, media star Tolu Oniru-Demuren, commonly known as Toolz, has been outspoken about embracing her curves, challenging the concept that only certain body types are attractive. As body trends in Nigerian media emerge, it is critical to recognise the potential harm they might cause to the impressionable minds of young people. 

By developing a culture of body positivity, increasing media literacy, and offering mental health care, we can help young people resist the temptations of conforming to unattainable beauty standards. Positive role models in the celebrity world can significantly influence cultural attitudes regarding body image, fostering a healthier and more accepting mindset for future generations.

Al-Janat Firdous Mohammed is an NYSC member serving with PRNigeria.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

The new Bauchi Commissioner of Health, Dr Sambo Umar Adamu, has charged Bauchi youths to be productive and peace ambassadors of their respective communities to bring the desired development to the state. 

The disclosure was made at his Magama residence when he received the delegation of the Magama Youth Forum on a congratulatory visit. Expressing his happiness over the visit, Dr Sambo assures his readiness to work closely with youths to bring much-needed development to the state, particularly in the health sector.

Further, Dr Sambo said his door will always be open for consultations on moving Bauchi state to the greater pedestal. He added that Governor. Bala Muhammad’s administration was an inclusive regime. Therefore, he promised to learn from his footsteps by carrying everybody along, irrespective of party, religion and tribal affiliations, for the sustenance of peace and to bring progress to the state. 

In his remark, the acting chairman of Magama Youth Forum, Malam Isma’il Abubakar Najjar, asserted that the visit aimed to felicitate with Dr Sambo on his appointment as the new Bauchi state commissioner of health as well as pray for more success in the distant future.

Malam Najjar said Magama Youth Forum are ready to give maximum support and cooperation to the new commissioner to perform his responsibilities to revamp the Bauchi health sector.

While making his comment, the acting assistant secretary of the Magama Youth Forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkarim Jibrin, appealed to the new commissioner to consider the union at a time of enjoying the democratic dividend as well as shun nepotism by giving equal opportunity to the entire citizens of the state.

The visit had in attendance chairmen and secretaries of various associations within Magama and its environs.

By Salihi Adamu Takai 

Creativity pays with much income, so don’t be misled as you’re acquiring knowledge in any field of study, whether scientific or artistic. Refrain from relying on the Government to enumerate your study; the onus is on you to use your knowledge to help your humble self and the Government.

Be curious about Creativity, and don’t think that you will have a certificate in some field of study so that Government will give you what you may rely on to quench your hunger. As you study at the University, college or secondary school, think of your future and learn to get money from the little you grasp in your study.

People should have learned that already as they started feeling discouraged by Government policy; success in life is attached to curiosity, innovation, creativity and courage. If people had been curious about innovation, they would have become creative and courageous about their interests.

Let’s look at the sources of development of the developed countries, such as China, America, England and others. We will say that they all developed because of curiosity in innovation. In China, we can see an infant exhibiting a sense of invention, producing phones and what have you; he doesn’t rely on the Government to give him jobs; the Government receives from his creativity.

In Nigeria, conversely, even a professor still relies on Government to boost his salary. That is a typical example of backwardness in Africa. Our Government also doesn’t encourage the youths to be curious about Creativity only bars them with a lack of encouragement. 

Therefore, as the youth who starts thinking of this idea, I engage myself in creativity. I did, and I got the value of it; I became curious about it; and will keep evolving curious about it forever. I exhibited my input on Earth, and it was accepted. Alhamdulillah!

Salihi Adamu Takai wrote from Kano via salihiadamu5555@gmail.com.

By Yakubu Sani Wudil, PhD

1. Leading by example and upholding integrity: An effective manager walks the talk and leads by example. They are seen as a role model for the team and instil trust and confidence in their employees by being honest, transparent, and fair in their actions. By being a person of integrity, managers can gain the respect and loyalty of their team, which is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment.

2. Building a diverse and inclusive team: Managers must recognise the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. They should strive to create a team representative of the community and customers they serve. This includes selecting people for the job based on their skills and qualifications, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other differences. A good leader can build an inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and respected.

3. Being a positive and supportive advocate for the organisation: A manager should be a positive and enthusiastic advocate for their company. They should believe in the company’s mission and follow its direction. They should also be able to communicate this enthusiasm and support to their team, which helps to create a sense of purpose and belonging among employees.

4. Communicating effectively and setting clear goals and expectations: Clear communication is essential for a manager to get the most out of their team. They should be able to clearly communicate their goals and expectations for the team’s performance and what is expected of each employee. Setting clear goals and expectations helps to keep employees engaged and motivated to achieve them.

5. Active listening and understanding the needs of employees: Managers need to be good listeners and actively seek feedback from their employees. They should be open to new ideas and suggestions and be willing to make changes in response to the needs of their team. By listening and understanding the needs of their employees, managers can create an environment that fosters collaboration and creativity.

6. Being emotionally intelligent, taking responsibility and learning from mistakes, and effectively delegating tasks: Emotional intelligence is an essential skill for managers. They should be able to recognise and manage their own emotions and those of their team. They should also be able to take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes. Effective delegation is also essential for managers, as it allows them to focus on their key responsibilities and trust their team members to handle their tasks effectively.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

Motorists have been admonished to drive at a regulated speed limit and observe the road and driving rules and regulations to prevent road traffic crashes along the major highways to save the lives and properties of the commuters.

Officer Gibson Ogbeinama, the unit head of operations, acting for Toro Unit commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, made the charge while supervising the potholes filling along Bauchi Jos road embarked by the Toro Uplift Association in Goljarendi Magama Gumau Toro local government Bauchi state.

Ogbeinama said three major factors contribute to road traffic crashes, among which are the environmental factor, the mechanical factor and the human factor. Therefore motorists should notice and adhere to driving guidelines by giving extra care to dangerous potholes to prevent frequent occurrences of road traffic crashes.

In his remark, the chairman of Toro Uplift Association, Abdulfath Mu’azu, expressed delight and appreciated the Road Safety Corps members’ support during the exercise. Added that Toro Uplift will continue working hand in hand with FRSC members when the need arises; hence the need is to save the lives and properties of the citizens.

Similarly, the chairman of Magama Youth Forum, Haruna Dan Maigoro, whom Jamilu Musa represented, the association secretary, thanked Toro Uplift for the gesture, adding that the fill-up exercise will go a long way in mitigating the risk of accidents along the road. He, however, relished youths for coming out in numbers to support the exercise.