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Rome wasn’t built in a day – Minister tells Nigerian youths
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, has appealed to Nigerian youths to be patient, saying “Rome was not built in a day”.
Olawande made the call at a retirement dinner of Hajiya Walida Isa, Director, Corps Mobilisation, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday in Abuja.
The Youth Minister praised the exemplary service of the retired NYSC Director emphasising her boldness, courage and steadfastness.
He, however, highlighted the importance of diligence, factualness and contributing meaningfully to the country regardless of one’s role.
“Well, when I was speaking, I said it clearly. I said that if there is one thing that I’ve learned from this woman during her service, things we’ve heard about her, before we know her is boldness.
“She is courageous and steadfast. As a youth, be focused and just know that you can contribute anything meaningful to the country, whichever quota or whichever way they put you.
” So my message for the young people is that Rome is not built in a day. It is a process and this process is what we are in now. And the process is what we are seeing with what she has done and everybody is here to celebrate her.
” So what are they going to know you for when you are out of one particular job you are doing? We have clearly know and feel the good work, the good actions and great things she has done.
” We are satisfied and we know we are gaining a lot from her, as youths, we want to be bold, we want to be factual. We want to work diligently so that people will also say good things about us.
” We want all the young people she has trained in one way or the other to know that they can be better than her wherever and however they find themselves,” he said.
Speaking, Director General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation, Chief Obinna Nwaka, urged government officials to prioritise national interests over personal gains.
Nwaka emphasised the need for selflessness in public service adding that the retirement dinner was to recognise her exemplary service and inspiration to others.
“Hajiya’s dedication and detribalised approach set a standard for leaders,. We celebrate her to encourage others to emulate her exemplary service,” he said.
Nwaka appealed to the Federal Government to consider re-engaging the retired NYSC Director, citing her expertise and passion for nation-building.
In her goodwill message, Dr Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) congratulated the retired NYSC Director.
Umobong encouraged the retiree to continue offering her services to the country, leveraging her experience and skills for the nation’s progress.
She described her as a “jewel to the nation” and an “icon adding that her remarkable’s dedication to NYSC had left an indelible mark.
She acknowledged the rarity of Nigerian youth coming together to recognise someone’s contributions while attributing this to her exceptional character as a detribalised Nigerian.
“This is to celebrate an icon. That’s what I will call her. A jewel to the nation. It’s not all the time that you see Nigerian youth gather together to celebrate somebody’s exit from the public service.
“It says a lot about the kind of person that she is, a very detribalised Nigerian. So we are just here to celebrate her and to also tell her that we appreciate everything that she did in NYSC”she said.
Also, the new NYSC Director of Mobilisation, Mr Abubakar Muhammed described the retiree as a “sister” and an exceptional individual.
Muhammed encouraged her to explore new opportunities reminding her that life after service was full of possibilities.
“We will miss her but we are happy she completed her service in good health. She has left service but she is not tired. She can still venture into easy politics or do international businesses,” he encouraged.
Reacting, the retired NYSC Director highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in working with young people.
Hajiya Isa emphasised that challenges were inevitable but could be overcome with experience and faith.
“Behaving like youth myself helped me connect with them, understand their needs and listen to their concerns.
” I leave everything in God’s hands and commit to giving my best wherever I serve. Youth need to know that there is no shortcut to success, take the long route, and you’ll surely get there,” she advised. (NAN)
News
ACOMIN Conducts Monthly Stakeholders’ Advocacy Aim to strengthen supply chain to Combat Malaria in Taraba State.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) conducted its monthly Stakeholders’ Advocacy Visit in Taraba State on Monday, March 17, 2025.
The visit, an activity under the Community-Led Monitoring Project for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CLM-ATM), the community component of the Global Fund GC7 Grant was conducted by ACOMIN’S State Advocacy Team (SAT).
The project aims to empower communities to identify and address issues related to the quality of ATM services, community accountability, commodity utilization, and community engagement.
The team conducted four advocacy meetings with the: Logistics Management and Coordinating Unit (LMCU), State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Society for Family Health (SFH) and Management Sciences for Health (MSH).
The advocacy team led by ACOMIN’s State Chair for Taraba State, Alhaji Muhammad T. Danburam, accompanied by the State Program Officer, representatives from two Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and a Media Correspondent advocated for: the restocking of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in two health facilities in Kurmi and Donga LGAs, where shortages have been reported, ensure broader coverage of the upcoming Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) mass distribution campaign, particularly for underserved communities in Bali and Takum LGAs.
The team highlighted gaps in the malaria supply chain, emphasizing that these shortages have increased the financial burden on patients, many of whom are already economically disadvantaged.
In their response, the stakeholders appreciated ACOMIN’s continuous efforts in sharing community findings and encouraged the organization to sustain its engagement.
Regarding the stockouts of ACTs and RDTs, as well as the lack of ITN coverage in some communities, the stakeholders committed to addressing these issues in the next distribution cycle.
Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira.
Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.
She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes
However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday March 16, 2025. She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment.
The EFCC reiterates its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.
Nigeria is set to host the 7th African Spelling Bee (ASB) from April 9 to 13, marking the first time the prestigious competition will be held in a West African nation.
National Coordinator of the Nigeria Spelling Bee, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
Established in 2016, the ASB has previously been hosted by South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.
The Nigeria Spelling Bee, operating under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative, serves as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for this year’s event.
Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the organisation conducts spelling competitions across all Nigerian states and represents the country in international contests, including the ASB.
According to Ibrahim, the African Spelling Bee was founded with the vision of celebrating the African child, inspiring literacy, and creating a platform for connection and confidence-building among young learners.
He stated that the competition aims to enhance literacy and academic excellence while cultivating a strong reading culture.
The national coordinator noted that the competition also seeks to develop self-esteem and interpersonal skills while building human capital through capacity development.
He said it also aims to promote community-based partnerships and celebrate the cultural diversity and unity of African children.
He noted that this year’s event will bring together the top National Spelling Bee Champions from over 20 African countries.
They include; Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“The ASB embodies the spirit of Pan-Africanism by uniting young people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate linguistic prowess and cultural heritage.
“Through spelling competitions, African general knowledge quizzes, and cultural exchanges, the event fosters unity and mutual respect among participants, nurturing a generation poised to lead and transform the continent”.
Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record in the ASB, having secured multiple championship titles in previous editions.
He also noted that Nigerian spellers are preparing to defend the Senior Championship title won by Praises Minabowa in the last African Spelling Bee, reflecting the nation’s commitment to educational excellence and youth development.
“The upcoming event in Abuja is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 20 African countries anticipated to participate, each presenting their top six champions vying for the coveted title of African Spelling Bee Champion in both the senior and junior categories.
“Beyond being a competition, the event will be a celebration of Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the continent’s dedication to fostering education, unity, and excellence among its youth,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)