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Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Development Of Nigerian Children

Published

2 weeks ago

November 21, 2025

By Gloria Ikibah

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to nurturing and empowering children across the country.

The President stated this during the unveiling of a new book titled: “The Power of a Teenager: 50 Ways to Inspire Change”, authored by Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman House Public Accounts Committee and Founder of the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV).

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Dr Ibrahim Olarewaju, the President praised Salam for his steadfast work in promoting youth development and shaping future leaders.

He urged all attendees to make a personal commitment to shaping the minds of young Nigerians, as he emphasised that while Salam funded the initiative personally, the greater task lies in mentoring and guiding the nation’s youth.

“You may not fully understand the impact of what you are receiving now, but tomorrow you will see what. Hon. Bamidele Salam has done in your lives,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also noted that the book launch underscored the remarkable potential of Nigerian children.

He was represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Dr Kingsley Uzoma, who commended Rep. Salam for advancing initiatives that reflect the administration’s commitment to empowering young people.

“This initiative speaks directly to the leaders of tomorrow,” he added, commending both the organisation and the children participating in the programme.

Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila also lauded the writer’s efforts.

He praised Rep. Salam for consistently producing the book annually, calling it a testament to leadership and commitment.

“Nigerian children are the future of this nation. Even though they are young, we are looking to them to take this country to where it should be.

“Leadership may be inborn or thrust upon you, but there must be someone to guide you. That is what this book is doing—it provides the guidance our young people need, I urge children to read and internalise its lessons”, he stated.

The author, Rep. Bamidele Salam, recounted the origins of CALDEV, which he established in 2015 to address a gap in Nigeria’s education system.

He explained that, unlike in many other countries, leadership development is not fully integrated into the school curriculum.

“Unlike in other countries, he said, leadership training is rarely embedded in the curriculum. Through CALDEV and its flagship National Children’s Leadership Conference, children gain practical exposure to leadership, public speaking, and community service.

“Many past participants have gone on to start NGOs, run radio programmes, and lead campaigns addressing early marriage, child labour, and other social issues.

“This year, about 400 children are participating, and the impact has been phenomenal”, he said.

He urged state governments to replicate the initiative at the state level to provide young people across Nigeria with intensive leadership training.

Highlighting the large participation from Borno State, Salam said that properly trained and nurtured children could become agents of change, promoting peace, tolerance, education, and societal development.

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, applauded Rep. Salam for his dedication to youth development through the newly launched book.

Chinda expressed pride that a member of the House is actively shaping the future of Nigerian children, and noted that the legacy of leaders and thinkers, is remembered not for wealth but for wisdom and the knowledge they left behind.

“As members of the House of Representatives, we hold our heads high today that one of us is doing this. We are very, very proud, and we pray that this inspiration should flow through every other member of the House.

“When we see initiatives like this, these are the things worthy of celebration,” he said.

Member of the House from Borno State, Rep. Zainab Gimba, said: ”We have come because we are celebrating not just a book today when they had an imagination behind it. I actually commend for shining a compassionate and bright lights of our teenagers.

“He has given our young people a voice that others will also step on the same foot, so that our teenagers will be empowered, not in this generation, but in future generations to come.”

News

Ekiti PDP Primary: Court adjourns suit against Oluyede’s victory to Dec 8

Published

13 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

ADMIN

The Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has adjourned the case instituted against the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Wole Oluyede till December 8, 2025, for further hearing.

Oluyede had emerged winner of the gubernatorial primary election conducted on November 8, 2025, by the Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo-led electoral committee.

Oluyede got 279 votes to defeat Funsho Ayeni and Mrs Funmi Ogun.

In the suit numbered FHC/AD/CS/29/2025, Ayeni is challenging Oluyede’s victory in the primary election

During the hearing on Friday, Kola Kolade, SAN, led other lawyers to represent Ayeni while Ola Olanipekun, SAN, and Barrister Owoseni Ajayi represented Oluyede.

The Osun State Legal Adviser of the party, Barrister Ola Alonge held brief for the PDP.

After listening to submissions by the parties, Justice Babs Ikuewumi declared that he would ensure speedy hearing of the case.

The judge adjourned the matter to December 8, 2025 for further hearing.

News

PHOTOS: FCT Minister, Wike, inspects ongoing construction of Interchange Bridge, Road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi with Gwarinpa today

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

ADMIN

The Minister of FCT today inspected ongoing construction of Interchange Bridge, Road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi with Gwarinpa today

The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike today, Friday inspected ongoing construction of Interchange Bridge, Road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi with Gwarinpa.

The project is titled; Full scope development of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with Two Interchange Bridges at N16/RRII and N16/RIII intersections.

The portion from RRI to Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way) within Katampe District was developed and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to mark 2nd year Anniversary of his Administration.

The portion from N20 to RRII is being developed under Jahi District Infrastructure Project, leaving the undeveloped portion from RRIII to Arterial Road N40 to link the road that leads to the Renewed Hope Estate in Karsana Districts.

The portion of this Arterial Road N16 under reference traverses the Gwarimpa Housing Estate and this segment of the road when developed will provide access to the Gwarimpa Housing Estate located within Bunkoro and Wupa Districts as well as Sector Center E which is the hub of commercial and social activities comprising group of four districts namely; Gwarimpa II – C03, Kafe – C05, Wupa – C15 and Bunkoro – C18 Districts in Phase III of the Federal Capital City.

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News

“Why I dumped PDP for APC “- Rivers Speaker, Amaewhule

Published

3 hours ago

December 5, 2025

ADMIN

The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule, on Friday gave reasons why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, told the lawmakers on Friday.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for some programmes embarked upon by his administration that have benefited Nigerians, especially Rivers people.

According to the Speaker, his defection would enable him to partner with President Tinubu for the overall good of the Rivers people.

Amaewhule said, “Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members that your Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.

“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress.”

Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.

Others who dumped the PDP were the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).

Also included were Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).

Since returning to civil rule in 1999, the PDP has maintained a tight grip on the oil-rich Rivers state, until the protracted crisis rocked the state, which pitched the lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The crisis led to the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by forces allegedly loyal to Fubara as well as the attempted moves to impeach the governor by the lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Worried by the development, President Bola Tinubu waded in to douse the tensions and declared a state of emergency on March 18.

The emergency declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the lawmakers.

At the expiration of the exercise, he reinstated Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers on September 17.