The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has called for collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to create engagement opportunities for ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme.

During a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, in Abuja on Thursday, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, said the commission’s support would strengthen the post-training empowerment scheme of the programme.

Otuaro explained that many of the beneficiaries of the PAP have completed formal education and vocational training in relevant fields, making them qualified to contribute to national growth and development.

According to him, the programme has produced a pool of skilled human resources that can be utilised for the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

He said, “We are on a mission to seek support and collaboration with government agencies like the NCC to see how some of them can be engaged so that they can contribute their quota to national development.

The whole scope of the programme centres on national and human security where the beneficiaries are trained in formal education and vocational skills, including information technology. Many persons have been trained in various professional fields.”

The PAP boss added that over 18,000 persons have been trained under the initiative and are ready to be engaged.

“These are potential human resources that should be harnessed for national development. By the design of the programme, we have the post-training, employment and empowerment component. So we have an army of human resources that will contribute to national growth when engaged. We also have persons with doctors of philosophy (PhDs) that can be easily engaged, and that is the essence of the human capacity development that we carry out,” he said.

In response, Dr Maida assured that the NCC is committed to supporting initiatives that promote human capacity development and provide equal opportunities. He noted that interventions must show value to ensure lasting impact.

Maida also stressed the importance of infrastructure security to protect digital assets and maintain nationwide digital connectivity, which is key to economic development and inclusive growth.

Newly elected President of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Comrade Annum Jethro Terhile, has pledged to partner with federal government agencies, private sector players, and international organizations to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria through empowerment and skill acquisition programmes.

Speaking shortly after his inauguration alongside the NYC executive members at the weekend in Abuja, Comrade Jethro emphasized that unemployment remains one of the major issues confronting the Nigerian youth.

He was inaugurated by the Dr. Yakubu Shendam-led Board of Trustees (BOT) following his election at the 2025 National Convention of the Congress.

In his acceptance speech, Jethro assured that under his leadership, the NYC would not only work to create jobs but also nurture job creators. According to him, “The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth. An unempowered youth is not only a minus but a danger and threat to the country.”

He stressed that his administration would prioritize collaborations with the government at all levels, reputable development partners, and the private sector to build sustainable youth empowerment programmes.

He highlighted plans that range from vocational training centers to entrepreneurship hubs, technology innovation labs, and agricultural empowerment projects, ensuring that every young Nigerian is carried along regardless of tribe or religion.

Jethro further noted that despite a slight drop in youth unemployment from 8.00 percent to 7.50 percent, a lot more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by young people, including underemployment, limited opportunities, and lack of platforms to showcase their talents.

He described this situation as “the Nigerian youth question,” which must be solved to secure the nation’s future.

He assured youths of an inclusive leadership style that would amplify their voices, value their ideas, and unleash their potential. “To the teeming Nigerian youths: this is your Congress. Your dreams, your struggles, and your aspirations will shape our journey. I promise an inclusive platform where your voices will be heard, your ideas will be valued, and your potential will be unleashed,” Jethro said.

“Together, we will work to ensure government policies align with the needs of our youth, fostering an environment where innovation, creativity and hard work are rewarded.”

He also extended an invitation to stakeholders and partners to join hands with the NYC to provide youths with the resources they need to succeed.

“To my fellow leaders, stakeholders, and partners, I extend a hand of collaboration. Let us unite in building a Nigeria where no youth is left behind, where every young person has the tools to succeed, and where our collective energy transforms challenges into opportunities,” he stated.

Earlier, Dr. Shendam charged the new NYC leadership to negotiate better deals with politicians across party lines ahead of the 2027 elections to improve the welfare and prospects of young Nigerians. He stressed that youth empowerment and access to opportunities must remain at the heart of national policies.

Other speakers at the inauguration praised the process that produced the new leadership of the NYC and encouraged the executives to remain focused on pursuing programmes that would improve the lives of young Nigerians.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Ruqaiyat Wamako, has called for renewed efforts in empowering young people with life skills and entrepreneurship training to secure their future.

She made this known during the closing ceremony of the Empowering Future Community Dialogue organised by Pathfinder International with support from Organon under the Empowering Futures Project. The initiative targets adolescents and young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years, both in and out of school.

Dr Wamako said young people are leaders of today and tomorrow, stressing the need to equip them with practical skills beyond classroom knowledge.

She explained that entrepreneurship remains key to addressing unemployment, noting that young Nigerians should learn to create opportunities for themselves instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.

According to her, promoting locally made products, including food and sanitary items, is vital in reducing dependence on foreign goods and in tackling malnutrition in communities.

She also urged parents, especially mothers, to engage their children in productive activities and closely monitor their use of mobile phones, warning that exposure to harmful online content poses serious risks to youth development.

Earlier, the Regional Portfolio Director of Pathfinder International, Dr Amina Dorayi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to adolescent health and community development in Nigeria. She commended the partnership with the FCT Primary Health Care Board, saying it has consistently demonstrated leadership in improving healthcare delivery and protecting lives.

“We have worked with the FCT Primary Health Care Board not only on this intervention but on many other projects, and they have shown the willingness to improve healthcare delivery, prevent ill health, and protect the lives of our people,” Dr Dorayi said.

She expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community elders, and parents for their support in opening doors for youth engagement and collaboration.

Describing young people as the future of Nigeria and Africa, she urged communities and families to continue supporting adolescents in building life skills and becoming responsible citizens.

The Pathfinder portfolio director further noted that the organisation, which has operated in Nigeria for nearly six decades, will continue to support government and communities in areas such as maternal, newborn and child health, HIV/AIDS reduction, and adolescent wellbeing.

According to her, the Empowering Futures initiative, supported by Organon, is aimed at strengthening community systems while equipping young people with knowledge and skills to thrive. She also called for sustainability of the programme at community level, noting that Pathfinder International will continue to provide technical support and monitor progress.

Dr Dorayi added that the goal is to see young beneficiaries surpass the achievements of the present generation in service to their communities and the nation within the next decade.

In their goodwill remarks, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Aiyemo Theresa, and the Gwarimpa Community District Head, Alhaji Umar Bayero, commended Pathfinder International for the initiative.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to adolescent health in the Federal Capital Territory through effective collaboration.

The Empowering Futures Project focuses on addressing the health and social needs of adolescents through dialogue, mentorship, and community-driven solutions.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering women with the resources they need to contribute to national development. This was disclosed by the wife of the Governor of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, during the distribution of small business recapitalization grants to 500 women traders across the state.

It was a day of hope and progress for the beneficiaries in Kogi State, who received grants under the Renewed Hope Initiative Women’s Economic Development Program. The intervention is part of a wider agenda to support women-led enterprises, enhance household income, and promote inclusive growth across communities.

Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo explained that the program, supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is a deliberate effort to strengthen women’s businesses and help them thrive in a competitive economy. “This economic empowerment program is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our women, who wake up each day determined to provide for their families. Let me emphasize that this is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed,” she said.

Officials further stressed that the Renewed Hope Initiative is working in partnership with solution-driven organizations to ensure that women across Nigeria benefit from sustainable economic empowerment.

Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to Kogi State Government, highlighted the impact of the grants, saying, “When you use this money to train your children, your children will take you to America. Your children will take you to London. They will take you to Canada. It is the fulfillment of a dream, a dream we all share, to see women uplifted, families empowered, and communities transformed.”

For many beneficiaries, the financial support represents more than just business capital. It offers the chance to expand their trade, improve their standard of living, and contribute to community development.

One trader expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is new in our district, and for that reason, we will never forget your generation to generation. They recognize the grassroots so that our business can stand. So I’m so excited.”

With the distribution of these business grants, hundreds of women traders in Kogi State are now positioned to strengthen their enterprises, boost the local economy, and create ripple effects that will benefit families and future generations.