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International Youth Day: Nigerian Youths must Speak up – Chibuike Echem
In 1965, the United Nations General Assembly began making a concerted effort to impact the youth. They endorsed the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples. They began devoting time and resources to empowering the youth by recognizing emerging leaders and providing them with resources to meet the world’s needs.
August 12, is a very important date in the global calendar. It is a day that the global community sets aside to celebrate the International Youth Day. The important purpose of this annual celebration going by information from the United Nation is to, among other things, raise voices against any injustice or discrimination happening in the world with the youth. Again, going by available records, International Youth Day was recognised by the UN when they passed a resolution towards creating it in 1999 at the UN General Assembly.
Essentially, there was a need for this day because a very large amount of youth in the world are struggling with issues related to physical or mental health, education and employment and these issues need to be addressed. When the government or society does not focus on the proper development of the youth, they tend to become rebellious and opt for choices which are neither good for their development nor for their country.
As the global community uses workshops, concerts, conferences, cultural events, seminars and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organisations to celebrate the day, while recognising the contributions of young people and volunteers who are working towards the betterment of society and are raising important issues that need more attention of the society, there are painful signs that the situation in Nigeria shows that instead of celebrating, the average Nigerian youth is currently in a state of frustration.
In Nigeria the frustration of these young victims was not only fuelled by the gap between the promises made in the past by the government without fulfilment but predicated on the ills that flow from bad leadership, which daily manifests in the ‘tradition’ of leading without recourse to transparency and accountability. And as a consequence, ‘stifles development, siphons all scarce resources that could improve infrastructure, bolster education systems and strengthen public health and stack the deck against the masses.
Youth unemployment is potentially dangerous as it sends a signal to all segments of Nigerian society. Here in Nigeria, the rate of youth unemployment is high, even during the period of economic normalcy and this remains the real cause of insecurity in Nigeria.
From the above, it is obvious that ‘we are in a dire state of strait because unemployment has diverse implications. Security-wise, the large unemployed youth population is a threat to the security of the few that are employed. Any transformation agenda that does not have job creation at the centre of its programme will take us nowhere.
From unemployment challenges to the poor education sector, it is accurately documented that many Nigerian children are out of school not because they are not willing to be educated but because the cost of education is beyond the reach of their parents. The public schools are short of teachers with dilapidated buildings. Private schools on the other hand where the environment is conducive to learning is cost-intensive and out of reach of so many students and their parents.
In like manner, the Academic Staff Union Of Universities has been on strike since February 14, 2022. The group embarked on such industrial action to protest the government’s inability to implement their demands on salaries and allowances of lecturers, and improved funding for universities. The implication is that for the past six months and counting, these youths have been idling away at home and the Federal Government has not considered the damage such failures impose on this future strength of the nation that their generation will provide the next leaders.
looking at the above painful situations, and considering the fact that Nigeria races to the 2023 general election, the question(s) may be asked: How far can the youth go in a nation where tribal loyalty is stronger than our common sense of nationhood? Can the youth effectively guard their courage? How far can the youths go as change agents in a country, where excruciating poverty and starvation continue to drive more people into the ranks of beggars, whose desperate struggle for bread renders them insensible to all feelings of decency and self-respect?
While the answer(s) to these questions is being awaited, the truth must be told to the effect that to make this year’s world youth day rewarding as well as change this trend, and achieve the objective of engaging youth in formal political mechanisms, increase the fairness of political processes by reducing democratic deficits, contributes to better and more sustainable policies, which have symbolic importance that can further contribute to restoring trust in public institutions, especially among youth, there are inescapable actions that the youths must take, there are steps/action plans that Nigerian youths must execute.
Separate from constructively and sustainably engaging the Federal Government, It will not in any way be described as out of place if the youths harness their population advantage and their demographic dividends to form a formidable opposition that holds the government accountable or better still seek political offices come 2023 general election.
It is important that Nigerian youths continue to speak up against violations of human rights, suppression of free speech and freedom of the press. Youths must not initiate, encourage or spread false, mischievous or divisive information capable, or with outright intent, of misleading the populace and disrupting societal harmony and peace. Within the ambience of the law, they must speak up with facts against any wrongdoing or oppression by the government or fellow citizens capable of endangering sustainable democracy and the effective delivery of good governance.
On December 17, 1999, the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, and International Youth Day was born. It was first celebrated on August 12, 2000, and ever since the day has been used to educate society. Mobilize the youth in politics and manage resources to address global problems.
This year’s celebration is centered on the theme “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.”
In line with the annual celebration of International Youth Day, I wish to celebrates with Nigerian youths inspiring Students expresses our heartfelt greetings.
News
Phyna Detained at Abuja Hotel Over ₦3.5 Million Damage After Fight

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has been detained at Dalchifit Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja, following a violent altercation that reportedly caused property damage estimated at ₦3.5 million.
The incident, which occurred on October 14, 2025, allegedly stemmed from a ₦200,000 debt dispute between Phyna and the hotel management. According to reports, the confrontation escalated when Phyna claimed that hotel staff allowed touts to enter her room, leading to a scuffle and significant property destruction.
Police officers attached to the Gwarinpa Division were called to the scene and have since begun investigating the matter. Sources confirmed that CCTV footage from the hotel is being reviewed to determine the sequence of events and establish accountability for the damages.
In a series of emotional social media posts, Phyna recounted her ordeal, alleging that her safety was compromised when the intruders broke into her room. She described the experience as “traumatic,” especially as it came barely weeks after the death of her sister, which she is still grieving.
“They broke into my room and tried to attack me. I was terrified and confused. How can a hotel let that happen? I’m still in shock,” she reportedly said in one of her posts.
While the hotel management has yet to issue an official statement, insiders at Dalchifit Hotel confirmed that they are cooperating with authorities to resolve the issue. The management is said to be insisting on compensation for the damaged property before releasing the reality star.
Phyna’s legal team has reportedly engaged with the police to ensure a fair investigation, as fans on social media express concern and demand her immediate release.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has not yet made a formal statement but confirmed that the case is under review.
Phyna, who rose to fame after winning Big Brother Naija: Level Up in 2022, has since built a strong brand presence in entertainment and influencer marketing. The current controversy marks one of her most serious public incidents since leaving the show.
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Manchester United End Anfield Drought with 2–1 Win Over Liverpool

Manchester United claimed their first victory at Anfield in nearly a decade as Ruben Amorim’s men edged Liverpool 2–1 in Sunday’s Premier League clash, marking a landmark result in the Portuguese coach’s tenure.
Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring early before Harry Maguire’s late header sealed the win after Cody Gakpo had levelled for Liverpool. The result handed United back-to-back league victories for the first time under Amorim and eased mounting pressure on the manager, who described it as “the biggest win” of his 11-month reign.
“I don’t have many wins with Manchester, so this is really important,” Amorim said. “It’s back-to-back, it’s at Anfield that is really important. Every detail of this game.”
Despite the significance of the triumph, the 40-year-old boss refused to get carried away.
“I want you guys (the media) to continue with the negative narrative that’s best for me,” he joked. “We need to try to win three games in a row and then forget about top-four talk. This doesn’t change anything; we are the same team we were 90 minutes ago.”
Amorim praised his players’ response after conceding. “When we suffered the goal, we managed that moment well that’s a key point for our team,” he said. “It wasn’t a perfect performance, but the spirit was amazing.”
He also hailed the travelling supporters who backed the team throughout. “It was really important for our fans, because they are struggling. Today they saw a different team. To come here, to this stadium, and sing during the game that’s massive for us. This win is for them.”
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Ned Nwoko Gives Reason for Clash with Regina Daniels

Nigerian lawmaker and businessman, Senator Ned Nwoko, has addressed reports of a marital dispute involving him and his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, which have dominated social media in recent days.
In a viral video, Regina Daniels accused her husband of domestic violence, claiming she had fled their home due to repeated abuse. The clip has since sparked widespread reactions online.
However, Senator Nwoko has now denied the allegations, alleging that Regina has been battling substance abuse, which he claims is the root cause of their problems.
In a lengthy statement posted on Sunday, titled “Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence,” the senator accused the actress of violent behavior, including damaging property and assaulting domestic staff.
“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety,” he stated.
Nwoko further alleged that Regina had attacked three members of staff and destroyed cars and windows in the house, insisting that none of his other wives had ever accused him of violence.
“Regina is the violent one here,” he said. “I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria, especially Jordan, where she will not have access to drugs.”
He also claimed that while he took their son, Moon, to the hospital, chaos erupted at home, allegedly involving two of Regina’s “drug suppliers,” whom he identified as “Sammy” and “Ann.”
As of press time, Regina Daniels has not publicly responded to Nwoko’s statement.
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Defence HQ Denies Coup Attempt, Says Independence Anniversary Cancellation Not Linked to Any Plot

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement on Sunday, the DHQ clarified that there was no coup attempt or any plan to destabilize the country, describing the report as a fabrication aimed at causing unnecessary panic among citizens.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to state categorically that the report linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup is false and misleading,” the statement read in part.
The military urged members of the public to disregard the rumor and cautioned media organizations and social media users against spreading unverified information capable of undermining national security.


The statement reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and commitment to democratic governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge Empowers 578 Young Entrepreneurs, Awards ₦16 Million to 30 New Winners

No fewer than 578 young entrepreneurs across Nigeria have benefitted from Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge the Bank’s flagship entrepreneurial development initiative launched a few years ago.
Over this period, the Bank has invested in supporting budding entrepreneurs across multiple sectors to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The ongoing initiative recently produced 30 new winners, who received a total grant of ₦16 million during the Batch B, Stream II edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation course, held across 10 states of the federation.
The winners, innovative young entrepreneurs developing solutions across various value chains such as fashion design, bag making, pastry and beverage production, event management, and vegetable farming, emerged after pitching their business ideas during the challenge at NYSC Orientation Camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, and Plateau States.
At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ipaja, Lagos State, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo, who pitched a soap-making enterprise, emerged the overall winner to clinch the ₦800,000 grand prize. Ndukwe Chiamaka Joan, with her innovative Small Chops business proposal, claimed ₦500,000 as first runner-up, while Barakat Modinat Olamide secured ₦300,000 to support her beverage-making venture.

Expressing her excitement after emerging as the overall winner in Lagos, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo described the experience as life-changing, stating, “I’m truly grateful to Unity Bank for this opportunity. Winning the Corpreneurship Challenge has given me the push and confidence I needed to scale my soap-making business. Beyond the grant, the experience taught me how to structure my business better and believe in its potential. It’s amazing to see a bank that genuinely invests in young people’s dreams.”
Across the remaining nine states, 27 other winners also emerged after pitching diverse business ideas ranging from fish and poultry farming to printing, piggery, and cake production.
Over the past six years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become an integral part of the NYSC programme, aligning with the Federal Government’s drive to upskill young graduates and promote entrepreneurship amid the scarcity of white-collar jobs. Each edition attracts thousands of entries from corps members whose business plans are evaluated for originality, marketability, job creation potential, and overall business acumen.
Speaking during the grand finale in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through enterprise. She said:
“At Unity Bank, we believe that the energy and creativity of young Nigerians are vital to the nation’s economic transformation. The Corpreneurship Challenge is our way of nurturing this potential — by giving corps members the financial boost, mentorship, and confidence to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Seeing over 578 young entrepreneurs already impacted motivates us to keep expanding the initiative and deepening our support for the SME ecosystem.”
The Corpreneurship Challenge has earned Unity Bank national recognition for its role in youth empowerment and job creation, attracting over 2,000 applicants per edition.
In partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the initiative continues to serve as a launchpad for youth-owned enterprises, offering grants of up to ₦800,000 to help corps members turn their business dreams into reality.
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