Connect with us

News

African Youths Key to Agenda 2063 – Deputy Speaker

Published

on

By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized the crucial role African youths play in realizing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa.
In a virtual keynote at the 2024 Arise Nigeria Youth Summit, held at the National Assembly in Abuja to mark African Youth Day, Kalu noted that Nigerian youth, in particular, have the capacity to lead this transformation.
He commented young people in the continent as “the heartbeat of Africa’s future—the innovators, leaders, and change-makers.”
His address focused on “Harnessing the Power of Africa’s Youth: Driving Innovation, Leadership, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
Kalu acknowledged the resilience and creativity of Africa’s youth, despite challenges like unemployment, insecurity, and inequality.
“Africa needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership. Let us commit to building a continent where every young African can thrive, where unity transcends division, and our collective dreams become reality.
“Africa’s future is in your hands—be bold, be visionary, and continue to rise. Together, we will shape the Africa we want”, he said.
He further urged African nations, including Nigeria, to prioritize education, entrepreneurship, and good governance to empower youth. “The road to 2063 is long and challenging, but with determination, innovation, and collaboration, Africa’s youth will be the driving force behind a brighter, more prosperous continent. The future is yours to build.”
Chairing the event, Hon. Martins Esin lawmaker from Akwa Ibom State, urged young Africans to amplify their voices, directing their energy towards a brighter future for the continent.
He said: “Our youth are the driving force, capable of leading Africa to new heights,” while, encouraging the use of technology for connection and growth, and advised positive engagement on social media for societal development.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, echoed this commitment, assuring that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is creating avenues for youth not only to participate but to lead. Represented by Ambassador Akoshile Muktar, Olawande described youths as agents of change who should actively work together for a better future.
Joy Akut, Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Youth and Women Affairs, called the event a rallying call for youth potential, describing Nigerian youth as “a gold mine of untapped talent, intelligence, and ambition.” She emphasized the importance of programs like the Apprenticeship Scheme Bill, sponsored by Kalu, to bridge skill gaps and equip young Nigerians with practical career skills.
“Our youth are the heartbeat of our economy, the innovators, creators, and community-builders,” Akut stated. “Nigeria’s greatest resource is our people, especially our youth—they are our strength, our hope, and our pride.”
Goodwill messages from representatives of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the International Republican Institute (IRI) highlighted support for youth empowerment. The event also included the unveiling of a new book, *Listening to Your Inner Mentor*, by Hon. Karu Simon.
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Celebrity boxing: Speed Darlington wants rematch after losing to Portable

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nigerian singer Speed Darlington is calling for a rematch against Portable after losing to him in a celebrity boxing match.

Speed Darlington was knocked out in the second round, and he’s unhappy about the outcome.

In a video, he claimed Portable didn’t deserve the win and the prize money, saying he had plans to use the money to build a swimming pool for his community in Imo State.

Advertisement

Portable, I want a rematch. E dey pain me say you dey carry all that money dey go. E dey break my heart.

” I want a rematch. It’s so unfair. You have up to two experience before me and you fight. I never enter ring before. I did not come from poverty,” he said.

“You don’t deserve that money. E dey pain me. I want to build swimming pool for my villagers. I need a rematch, Portable”, he said.

According to Speed Darlington, Portable had an unfair advantage due to his experience, accusing him of using supernatural means to win the fight.

Advertisement

He also claimed he suffered a shoulder injury during the match despite not feeling tired.

Speed Darlington, who wants a rematch, said he needs 30 days to prepare better

Continue Reading

News

Israel’s remote controlled bulldozers breaking ground in Gaza war

Published

on

By

At first glance, there is nothing unusual about the bulky bulldozer turning up soil at a testing site in central Israel, but as it pulled closer it became clear: the driver’s cabin is eerily empty.

This is the Robdozer, a fortified engineering vehicle manned remotely, and in this case operated from a military expo halfway across the globe in Alabama.

Army engineers and military experts say that the Robdozer — the robotic version of Caterpillar’s D9 bulldozer — is the future of automated combat.

The Israeli military has used D9 for years to carry out frontline tasks like trowelling roads for advancing troops, removing rubble and flattening terrain.

Advertisement

But since war in Gaza broke out in October 2023 and later in Lebanon, the Israeli military has increasingly deployed this robotic version in a bid to enhance its field operations and reduce the risks to its troops.

“The idea is to eliminate the person from the cockpit of the dozer,” said Rani, whose team at the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries developed the Robdozer.

An unmanned D9 bulldozer digs up a field during a demonstration to the press at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) quarters near Tel Aviv on March 26, 2025. Israel’s increasing use of advanced technology on the battlefield, from air defence systems to a broad range of AI-driven intelligence tools, has been well-documented but also criticised for inaccuracies, lack of human oversight and potential violations of international law. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)

During the Gaza war, the military has increasingly opted for the unmanned version, which can carry out a full range of tasks “even better than a human”, said Rani, using his first name only for security reasons.

Advertisement

While such vehicles and other systems are currently operated by humans, future versions could be autonomous, raising ethical and legal concerns over the unchartered future of warfare being shaped by the Israeli military in the Gaza war.

‘Changing the paradigm’
Israel’s increasing use of advanced technology on the battlefield, from air defence systems to a broad range of AI-driven intelligence tools, has been well-documented but also criticised for inaccuracies, lack of human oversight and potential violations of international law.

Analysts say the growing Israeli deployment of the Robdozer reflects broader global trends towards automation in heavy combat vehicles, like remote-controlled personnel carriers that operate much like drones.

An Israeli military official, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, told AFP that the army has been using “robotic tools for over a decade, but in very small numbers. Now it is being used in large-scale warfare”.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

70-hour Chess Marathon: Onakoya reportedly breaks record set by Norwegians

Published

on

By

Nigerian chess sensation and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has broken the chess marathon record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, set by two Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, in June 2024.

Onakoya and his chess partner, Shawn Martinez, are currently aiming to complete a 70-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York.

The marathon, a four-day non-stop gameplay, started on April 17.

In a post shared on X shortly after surpassing the current record, he expressed fulfillment and called for action to educate and create opportunities for street children in Nigeria.

Advertisement

For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD with my brother,” he wrote.

Although the official confirmation from Guinness World Records is still being awaited, Nigerians and chess lovers from different parts of the world have congratulated the chess master on his latest achievement.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News