From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has promised that youths in the state would be effectively engaged in formulation of policies that would better the present and future generations.The Governor gave the assurance while speaking at the 2025 International Youth Day celebration, with the Theme: Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships, held at the Lugard House, Lokoja, on Tuesday.

Ododo who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Farouk Yahaya described youths as the most vibrant citizens whose input on policy formulation and development of the state cannot be over emphasizedThe Governor admonished youths in the state to embrace skills that would add value to their living in order to contribute meaningfully to their immediate societyHe also advised youths to shun acts capable of ruining their lives, such as thurggry, cultism, kidnapping, violence and other social vicesThe Governor noted that the theme of this year’s international youth day celebration is timely and a welcome development as all facets of human endeavours, services and businesses have gone digital”There is urgent need for both the young and old generations to key into the global technology as it is the only way to cope with the present competitive world”Technology is the only tool at the moment with which our youths could use to contribute their quota to the national and global economy and enterprises”In his welcome address, the Kogi state commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing funds to his Ministry to organise this year’s international youth Day celebrationThe commissioner also praised Governor Ododo for his administration’s numerous youth empowerment programmes aimed at making them self-reliant in the absence of White Collar Jobs”Kogi is ready to establish partnership with youths in capacity building and to create a favourable environment where every young citizen will thrive in contributing to their immediate society” the commissioner disclosed.

By David Torough, Abuja

Founder of the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD), Dr. Hillary Akpua, has told the government at all levels that youth development must be treated as a matter of urgent national importance.He warned that Nigeria risks undermining its future if the needs of its young population are not met.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja to mark the United Nations International Youth Day, Akpua said Nigerian youth are the single most important asset for the country’s growth, but their potential is being stifled by poor access to quality education, high unemployment, and lack of digital infrastructure. “Without deliberate and sustained investment in our youth, we are building on a shaky foundation. The government must put in place concrete policies that guarantee education for all, create meaningful jobs, and equip our young people with the digital skills to compete globally,” he said.The GAIYD founder warned that neglecting youth issues could deepen insecurity, fuel drug abuse, and widen the gap between Nigeria and other developing nations making progress in innovation and human capital development.He pointed to recent youth-led achievements as proof of what is possible when talent meets opportunity.“From the Super Falcons clinching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title to D’Tigress securing consecutive AfroBasket championships, our sportswomen have flown the Nigerian flag high.“In technology, our young innovators are building fintech platforms that attract millions in foreign investment and are creating apps that solve problems across Africa. These victories show what is possible if the government creates the right environment,” Akpua said.He also stressed the need for government programmes that address the challenges faced by the boy child, whose needs he said are often “invisible” in policy discussions.“We cannot afford to overlook the boy child. His growth, discipline, and education are essential to family stability and national progress,” he warned.Akpua urged unity among young Nigerians, calling on them to reject drug abuse, embrace patriotism, and work together across ethnic and religious lines to build a better country. He also pushed for the creation of regular youth policy forums, where young people can directly influence decisions.Akpua, who also serves as CEO of Hillmira Group, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, development, capacity building, export, production, and general contracting, reaffirmed GAIYD’s mission of raising a generation of responsible, skilled, and visionary leaders.“An empowered youth is not just an option; it is the foundation of a great nation. The time for the government to act decisively is now,” he emphasized.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The city of Enugu, Nigeria recently became the epicenter of aviation innovation as the International Centre for Protocol and Diplomacy UK (ICPD) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), supported by Nigerian consultancy Nick Peace Ltd, hosted an Advanced Training and Capacity Building Programme.

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen by Hon. Patricia Kenneth – Divine, Director, International Centre for Protocol and Diplomacy, UK at the end of the event which was made available to our Correspondent via email. According to the statement, during his opening address while declaring the event open, the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, who was represented by Godwin Balang, Director Aerodrome and Airspace Standards enjoined participants to work towards an enviable aviation sector in Africa.”The Authority’s vision is not merely to enforce compliance but to inspire a compliance culture rooted in sound ethics, proactive governance, and adaptive leadership,” he said.Themed “Navigating Global Events, Corporate Ethics, and Ensuring Compliance and Resilience in Air Travel”, the event, held to celebrate NCAA’s 25th anniversary, marked a transformative moment for Africa’s aviation sector.The two-day programme brought together regulators, industry professionals, and global experts to tackle pressing challenges in compliance, resilience, and corporate diplomacy.Director of Corporate Services at NCAA, Dr. Aghadinazu Rebecca, delivered a compelling welcome address titled.“Aviation is constantly shaped by global events, evolving technologies and complex regulatory demands.“Through this training, we aim to deepen understanding of corporate governance, enhance compliance culture, and position Nigeria as a resilient aviation hub in Africa and beyond”, she noted.Director General of ICPD, Patricia Kenneth-Divine echoed this vision: “This is a pivotal moment for aviation in Africa. Our goal is to build bridges between nations, industries, and ideas.”The ICPD-NCAA partnership, supported by Nick Peace Ltd’s exceptional coordination, set the stage for a transformative dialogue on the future of air travel.The keynote address by the Advisory Board member of ICPD and former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Saroja Sirisena, highlighted the critical role of corporate diplomacy in fostering stakeholder trust and navigating global challenges.The programme also celebrated the transformative leadership of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), whose bold reforms have revitalized Nigeria’s aviation sector, strengthening safety, compliance, and global competitiveness.The programme covered cutting-edge topics, from global thought leaders, like. Jean-Luc Meier, Founder of SRC Strategic Relations Counselling, shared best practices in corporate diplomacy, while Helen Ejiro, Head of International Relations at the African School of Value and Leadership, highlighted AI’s role in predictive analytics and real-time monitoring.Dr. Chidi Maduka and Chidera Okonji provided insights into managing global events and crises, corporate ethics, equipping participants with tools to navigate a complex industry.Emeka Mba, CEO AFIA TV, Fmr. DG National Broadcasting Service spoke on Corporate Diplomacy, Effective Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, while Julius Lambert Nyananyo, Founder and Lead Consultant, St. Lambert Consult Ltd, Protocol Consultant, Public Relations spoke on Protocol and Compliance in Air Travel.