The NYSC Director of Internal Audit, Dr. Levi Agim, has urged corps members in Rivers to serve the state with commitment, passion and patriotism.

Agim gave the charge on Monday during a working visit to Batch A, Stream One corps members at the Nonwa-Gbam orientation camp in Tai Local Government Area.

He said the service year was “a time for reflection and introspection”, shaping character and preparing corps members for future responsibilities.

The director urged them to serve with “discipline and dedication”, noting that the nation places “great hopes” on the younger generation.

Agim also advised corps members to be role models, make a positive impact, and acquire skills through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

Rivers NYSC Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, said corps members were disciplined and actively participating in camp activities.

Oleghe identified rising food costs and camp maintenance as challenges, but assured that the state leadership remained committed to national service.

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

No fewer than 1000 indigent students on Saturday benefitted from the sixth edition of IIeri-Oluwa for AMBO Free UTME (JAMB) sponsored by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus.

The initiative which had commenced 6 years ago, had successfully impacted greatly in humanity as over 1000 had benefitted largely since its introduction.

The beneficiaries of the sixth edition seems to be the largest since the lofty initiative was introduced by the donor.

Addressing journalists during the screening exercise, the donor, Olalekan Badmus popularly called (Omo Oloore), expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the sustenance of the scheme since its commencement.

Badmus, who described the initiative as worthwhile, disclosed that over applicants had gainfully been admitted into tertiary institutions through the free JAMB scheme.

He said the initiative was conceptualized to bring much-desired support and ease the financial burden on parents and guardians and as well contribute significantly and productively to the provision of quality and qualitative education in the state.

Badmus who decried the state of education in Osun State under the current administration noted that no efforts would be spared to prioritize education when the progressive party returns to government this year.

He urged the beneficiaries to take maximum advantage of the initiative targeted to advance gainful admission into tertiary institutions of their choice.

Some of the beneficiaries extolled the donor and promised to see the support as a veritable tool to be admitted into higher institutions.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the ongoing reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration are opening new and sustainable pathways for Nigerian youths to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The minister stated this during the weekend, while delivering the 2026 Convocation Lecture at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, held at the Gidan Kwano Campus, Niger State.

Speaking on the theme “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” Idris described Nigeria’s youthful population as a strategic asset that must be properly empowered through education, skills development, and inclusive economic policies.

He noted that Nigeria is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious reform phases in its history, driven by the political will and vision of Tinubu, adding that the reforms are deliberate steps aimed at correcting longstanding structural challenges in the economy.

According to him, major policy decisions such as the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange unification, and the implementation of new tax laws are already restoring investor confidence, improving transparency, and creating a more stable business environment.

The minister explained that the reforms have begun to attract renewed interest from both domestic and foreign investors, leading to expanding opportunities across critical sectors including technology, agriculture, energy, and the creative industry.

He further highlighted several youth-focused initiatives of the Tinubu administration, including the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said has enabled hundreds of thousands of students to access tertiary education through affordable, long-term financing.

Idris also referenced other empowerment programmes such as technical and vocational training schemes, startup support initiatives, and youth-friendly credit facilities, stressing that these interventions demonstrate the government’s commitment to rewriting Nigeria’s youth narrative.

While acknowledging public scepticism borne out of past experiences, the minister urged young Nigerians to actively seek out and engage with the opportunities created by the reforms, noting that “opportunities only deliver results when they are deliberately pursued.”

He advised graduating students to embrace lifelong learning, leverage technology responsibly, build strong professional networks, and consider public service as a viable avenue for nation-building.

The minister concluded by charging the graduands to see themselves as builders of Nigeria’s future, adding that meaningful contributions to national development can begin from any level and at any stage of life.

Welcoming the Lecturer, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Prof. Farouk Adamu Kuta said the Minister was carefully chosen to deliver the convocation lecture due to his vast experience and knowledge in private and public administration over the years.