Author Archives: News All Around

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has formally charged one Mr. Sylvanus Enonche Okoh, also known as “General Kenneth Ogbogu,” before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Apo in Abuja over allegations of a brazen scheme to impersonate a deceased businessman and fraudulently obtain valuable property documents.

The case, filed in the Abuja Judicial Division of the FCT High Court Apo lists multiple counts of criminal conduct including making false statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and cheating by personation.

According to the charges, the defendant in 2022 falsely claimed to be the late Mr. Kenneth Ogbogu—a man widely known to have died and been buried—by assuming his identity and using it in official dealings.

COUNT ONE of the charge sheet alleges that Sylvanus Enonche Okoh, in an attempt to mislead anti-graft investigators, knowingly made false statements to an EFCC officer in the course of the officer’s official duties. Prosecutors claim the defendant did so with full knowledge that the statements were untrue, in a bid to obstruct or derail the investigation into his activities.

This alleged offence is said to contravene Section 39(2)(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and is punishable under Section 39(2)(b) of the same law.

COUNT TWO accuses Okoh of cheating by personation—specifically, of misrepresenting himself as “General Kenneth Ogbogu” in order to fraudulently obtain title documents for a parcel of land described as Plot No. 1, Cadastral Zone 7, Sabo Gida District, Abuja.

According to the prosecution, the defendant presented himself as the deceased businessman and used the name and style of K.E. Keneco Nigeria Limited—a company formerly owned by the late Kenneth Ogbogu—in a deliberate attempt to seize control of the property.

The charges highlight the seriousness of the alleged fraud, suggesting a calculated effort to exploit the identity of a dead man to steal valuable assets, including real estate in Abuja’s lucrative property market.

The Federal Government argues that such schemes do not only victimize grieving families but also undermine public trust in legal, financial, and land registration systems.

The case has generated public interest after civil society groups last week issued a strongly worded statement accusing Okoh of “desecrating the memory of the dead” by forging corporate records, colluding with corrupt insiders, and plunging the late Ogbogu’s elderly parents into “protracted emotional trauma.”

In their statement, the coalition described the alleged impersonation as “a grave assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and corporate governance systems,” and demanded swift and transparent prosecution of all those involved.

Meanwhile, EFCC investigators are said to have been building their case for months, examining records from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) where the defendant allegedly attempted to alter corporate and land ownership records.

Legal analysts say the case may set an important precedent about identity theft and fraud in Nigeria’s real estate and corporate sectors, where corrupt insiders have been repeatedly accused of enabling scams by forging documents and subverting due process.

However, the court granted him bail but still in the EFCC custody till bail is perfected. Nonetheless, our correspondent gathered that Mr Sylvanus Okoh is not yet set for any break soon as other victims are said to be pursuing Justice on separate matter involving him.The matter which is already scheduled to proceed before the FCT High Court in Abuja, with prosecutors pledging to present detailed evidence of how the alleged impersonation was carried out.

If convicted, Mr. Okoh faces significant prison terms under existing Nigerian anti-fraud laws.

Authorities say they hope the case will send a strong message that crimes exploiting the dead will not go unpunished.

By Mike Odeh James

Asaba, Delta State — In a resounding appeal for proactive governance, the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) has urged the Delta State Government, Stakeholders and well meaning organisations, to partner with youth-focused organizations to combat rising unemployment, drug abuse, and insecurity.

Speaking in Asaba during a youth-focused dialogue session, UYAN National Officer and Spokesperson for The Actual Voice of Truth and Advocacy Foundation” Comrade Chuba Okpuzor and The Delta State Chairman Comrade Gbenga Fajoye emphasized that empowering the youth through employment and skill development is the surest way to prevent the spread of drug trafficking, cultism, vandalism, and armed robbery.

“We are at a point where youth empowerment must become a top priority, not an afterthought,” said Comrade Gbenga Fajoye.
“The longer we leave millions of young Nigerians idle and untrained, the more we fertilize the ground for crime, drug addiction, and restiveness.”

Commendation and Constructive Critique

While acknowledging strides made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, alongside other organisations domiciled within the state, in job creation and infrastructural development, UYAN leaders insisted that a deeper collaboration is needed between the government and grassroots organizations to ensure equitable access to opportunities.

“We commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the ongoing infrastructural projects and his visible commitment to development, as well as The MD Tantita Security Services Ltd High Chief Keston Pondi, ” said Comrade Chuba Okpuzor.
“However, youth empowerment is a grassroots issue that requires a decentralized approach. The state must partner with credible organizations like UYAN to reach distant but deserving communities.”

Comrade Okpuzor further explained that while government/public private led initiatives have created jobs in some sectors, many young people, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, remain excluded due to limited access to information, poor connectivity, or political isolation.

“Though the governor and other stakeholders have done a great job in reducing unemployment in the state,” he said, “there is still a need to spread these efforts across all senatorial zones by leveraging credible youth-based associations.”

The Drug Abuse Epidemic: A Social Time Bomb

UYAN emphasized the link between unemployment and drug abuse, describing it as a vicious cycle that continues to claim the mental and physical health of Nigerian youth.

“When youths are jobless, they lose hope. When they lose hope, they turn to hard substances, and from there, many fall into criminal networks,” said Fajoye.
“This is not just a health issue — it’s a national security threat.”

The association also expressed concern over the surge in drug trafficking activities in parts of Delta State, noting that many youths involved in these illegal trades are driven by economic desperation.

“We must understand that the poor are not the architects of drug trade — they are victims,” Okpuzor said. “Without intervention, our youths will continue to be exploited by criminal syndicates.”

UYAN’s Proposed Solutions: Skills, Not Slogans

The officials outlined practical, community-based solutions, urging the Delta State Government, stakeholders and well meaning Nigerians, to support vocational training programs and invest in agricultural-based entrepreneurship for youth.

“We are willing and ready to collaborate with state and federal lawmakers — senators and members of the House of Representatives and credible organisations— to roll out skill acquisition programs in fisheries, poultry, snail farming, carpentry, welding, and more,” Okpuzor said.

He explained that skill-based development programs, if well funded and supervised, could offer a sustainable path out of poverty for thousands of unemployed youths across the state.

“We don’t need handouts. What we need is a platform to train, produce, and contribute to the economy,” Fajoye added.
“With the right tools, our youth can become employers of labor, not liabilities.”

Call for Unified Action Across Institutions

UYAN called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, and educational institutions to support the government’s efforts by creating safe, moral, and developmental spaces for youth.

“The fight against insecurity, drug abuse, and unemployment cannot be left to the government and a few organisations alone,” said Okpuzor.
“Civil society, schools, and families must all work in synergy.”

They also urged the Delta State Ministry of Youth Development to create a robust directory of credible youth-based organizations in the state, as a way of formalizing partnerships and ensuring accountability.

UYAN’s message is clear: empowering the youth is not merely an economic policy — it is a security strategy and a moral obligation. In a state blessed with resources and human capital, the cost of inaction is far too high.

“This is the time to act,” Fajoye concluded.
“If we empower the youth today, we will not have to battle the criminals of tomorrow.”

The ball, they say, is now in the court of Governor Oborevwori, stakeholders, multi-nationals and the Delta State leadership to rise to the occasion, bridge the gap, and make youth development a central pillar of peace and progress.

By Mike Odeh James

Abuja, Nigeria – Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, a prominent youth advocate and national officer of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Spokesperson for “The Actual Voice of Truth Advocacy Foundation” has raised the alarm over a growing mental health emergency affecting Nigerian youths. Speaking on Monday, Okpuzor described the escalating number of drug-related mental health cases as a national emergency requiring immediate attention from all sectors of society.

Psychiatric Centers Overwhelmed

According to Okpuzor, Nigeria’s already overstretched psychiatric hospitals are under severe strain. These facilities are increasingly populated by young Nigerians battling drug-induced mental illnesses.

“It’s perplexing how some, even those with education, remain oblivious to the gravity of this issue,” Okpuzor lamented.
“Despite overwhelming evidence, there’s a tendency to trivialise it, yet our underfunded psychiatric centers admit more mentally distressed young Nigerians every single day.”

He pointed out that a disturbing number of these youths are unemployed and left vulnerable to economic hardship and social disconnect orchestrated by social neglect.

A Syndicate-Driven Crisis

Okpuzor was quick to dismiss the idea that drug addiction is merely an individual failing. Instead, he described a vast and sophisticated drug trafficking network that exploits Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.

“Drug trafficking is not orchestrated by the poor, the middle class, or the downtrodden, but tragically, they become its victims,” he said.
“These illicit substances infiltrate our communities through powerful networks, and are consumed by youths in a state of confusion and despair. This makes them incredibly vulnerable.”

He stressed that the root of the problem lies in deliberate targeting by criminal syndicates who prey on jobless and disillusioned youths, using drugs as a weapon of destruction.

Call for Deeper Investigations

While commending the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for recent drug seizures and arrests, Okpuzor urged the agency to dig deeper and go beyond surface-level enforcement.

“We commend the NDLEA’s dedication,” he acknowledged.
“But we implore them to delve deeper. Drug trafficking is a sophisticated operation involving highly placed individuals. The poor are merely the consumers, not the architects of this trade.”

He called for intelligence-driven, top-down investigations that expose and dismantle the high-level networks profiting from the addiction and destruction of Nigerian youths.

Responsibility of Institutions and Leaders

Okpuzor called on youth organizations, religious institutions, and the media to respond with urgency and a sense of responsibility. He warned that any effort to politicize or downplay the issue would amount to national sabotage.

“Any effort to downplay the significance of this issue, is a disservice to our collective well-being and national integrity,” he said.
“This is not a moment for inaction. It’s a time to lead, to advocate, and to demand protection for the future generation.”

He stressed that Nigerian youths cannot afford silence from those entrusted with their protection and empowerment.

A Call to Conscience

As drug abuse continues to wreak havoc on young lives, the call by Comrade Chuba Okpuzor represents a critical appeal to conscience—and a reminder that behind every mental breakdown is a system that failed to intervene.

Unless Nigeria acts boldly and collectively, the nation risks losing an entire generation to drugs, mental illnesses and institutional neglect.

As preparations intensify ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, the Northern APC Grassroots Advocacy and Mobilisation Forum has thrown its weight behind Professor Kailani Muhammad as its preferred candidate for the position of National Chairman.

Speaking at a press conference, the Forum—comprising members from the 19 northern states—described Professor Muhammad as a loyal party stalwart, seasoned grassroots mobilizer, and a symbol of unwavering commitment to the APC and its legacy parties.

According to the Forum’s Chairman, Professor Muhammad was a pioneer member of the All People’s Party (APP), which evolved into the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), later merged into the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and ultimately contributed to the formation of the APC.

“He has never wavered in his loyalty,” the Forum leader stated. “Among all aspirants, Professor Kailani stands out for his depth of experience and enduring commitment to the party. His leadership during the 2023 general elections, particularly as the National Chairman of the APC Support Groups, was instrumental in securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The Forum further highlighted Professor Muhammad’s wide national appeal despite having never held any elective or appointive public office. They described him as “result-oriented and deeply rooted in the grassroots,” with a vast network of supporters and political allies across the 36 states of the federation.

“He possesses the vision, capacity, and charisma needed to unite the party, galvanize nationwide support, and lead the APC to another resounding victory in 2027,” the Forum declared.

The group urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to seriously consider Professor Muhammad’s candidacy, citing his steadfast loyalty, grassroots influence, and strategic mobilization strength as unmatched among contenders.

As the convention draws near, the endorsement of Professor Kailani by a broad coalition of northern APC members signals a strong northern consensus and a possible turning point in the party’s internal dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Sarah Odoh

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has faulted recent comments made by former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

In a strongly worded statement released by its Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, the group described the comments from the two political figures as “misguided, misleading, and a thinly veiled attempt to blame a credible institution for their political failures.”

Suleiman said, “The remarks made by Amaechi and El-Rufai reflect a gross misunderstanding of the responsibilities of INEC and an irresponsible attempt to discredit a body that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to free and fair electoral processes.”

According to NAN, the assertion by Amaechi that INEC is deliberately obstructing the registration of new political parties is not only baseless but smacks of desperation by politicians who have lost touch with the grassroots and are struggling to maintain relevance in the country’s evolving political landscape.

The group emphasized that INEC’s role is governed by clear legal and administrative frameworks, noting that all political associations seeking registration must meet constitutional and regulatory requirements — including providing a verifiable party address and details of its national officers.

“These requirements,” Suleiman explained, “are not designed to frustrate political groups but to ensure that parties are genuinely grounded in democratic principles and not just paper coalitions created to serve personal ambitions.”

NAN added that rather than accusing INEC of bias, political leaders should focus on fulfilling these basic criteria and mobilizing grassroots support if they hope to be taken seriously.

The organization also expressed concern over a recent remark by El-Rufai, who cast doubt on INEC’s impartiality, claiming the commission was unlikely to register ADA. NAN described such statements as “reckless and damaging to the credibility of democratic institutions.”

“It is particularly worrisome that a former governor who once championed the independence of INEC would now turn around to undermine it with careless allegations,” Suleiman said.

NAN urged political stakeholders to engage INEC with decorum and maturity, stressing that public trust in electoral institutions is crucial for the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.

The statement continued: “Casting aspersions on INEC’s integrity without evidence erodes public confidence and promotes a narrative of political victimhood that is neither accurate nor helpful. Opposition groups must realize that their problems lie not with INEC, but with their inability to connect meaningfully with the electorate.”

The NAN concluded by calling on El-Rufai, Amaechi, and others in the ADA coalition to “engage in genuine political organizing, develop people-focused manifestos, and desist from scapegoating national institutions for their internal weaknesses.”

According to NAN, true political relevance is earned by engaging citizens, not by forming elite alliances or launching unfounded attacks on regulatory bodies.

“INEC is not the problem,” the group said. “If anything, the political class must rise to the challenge of building credible alternatives that resonate with the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.”

ENDS

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has faulted statements made by former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and former Governor of Kaduna State to.the.effect that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The forum in a statement issued by it’s President General Yerima Shettima said, he find it imperative to clarify the position of the AYCF concerning the allegations against INEC’s purported frustration of opposition political parties, particularly in light of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

“Firstly, it is essential to recognize that the electoral process in Nigeria is governed by established procedures that are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. The assertion made by Amaechi that INEC is intentionally obstructing the efforts of opposition parties is not only unfounded but also reflects a misunderstanding of the electoral framework that governs party registration”.

Shettima posited that INEC’s requirements, which include the submission of office addresses and the identification of party officers, are standard protocols that must be adhered to by all political entities seeking registration, adding that it is critical that all parties, including the ADA, comply with such guidelines to maintain the integrity of our democratic processes.

“The AYCF finds it disheartening that, in their frustration, Amaechi and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai have resorted to making sensational claims rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand.

“The ADA’s challenges in meeting INEC’s requirements should not be attributed to any alleged bias or conspiracy on the part of the commission. Instead, it is a reflection of the need for all political parties to engage in diligent preparation and adherence to the rules that govern our electoral landscape.

“Moreover, it is apparent that the ADA’s formation is driven by a sense of urgency and desperation, particularly as the political climate shifts in anticipation of the 2027 elections. The AYCF acknowledges the right of any group to seek political representation; however, we must also emphasize that the legitimacy of such efforts hinges upon their compliance with the legal framework set forth by INEC”.

The forum also emphasised that the notion that INEC should compromise its standards to accommodate the ADA is not only impractical but also undermines the principles of democracy that we strive to uphold.

“El-Rufai’s skepticism regarding INEC’s willingness to register the ADA further illustrates a growing trend among political leaders to cast doubt on the electoral process rather than engaging constructively with it. Such rhetoric can be detrimental to the democratic ethos and may inadvertently disenfranchise the very constituents these leaders claim to represent. It is crucial for political leaders to foster an environment of trust and cooperation with electoral bodies, rather than perpetuating narratives of mistrust and conspiracy.

“As AYCF, we call upon all political actors, including Amaechi and El-Rufai, to exercise restraint in their public statements and to focus on building a political culture that is rooted in respect for democratic institutions. The future of our democracy depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to work within the established frameworks to achieve their political aspirations”.

The AYCF reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process in Nigeria. We urge all political parties, including the ADA, to adhere to INEC’s guidelines and to approach the registration process with the seriousness it deserves.

ENDS

---

By Sani Daja

Abuja – A massive coalition of over 200 support groups aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come together in a bold and united call for the appointment of Professor Kailani Muhammad as the next National Chairman of the party.

The groups, including prominent platforms like the Confederation of APC Support Groups (CASG), APC Support Groups Stakeholders (ASGS), and the Tinubu-Shettima Network (TSN), have declared that Professor Kailani’s lifelong loyalty, tireless grassroots activism, and deep institutional knowledge of the APC make him the most suitable choice to lead the party.

“We humbly call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to appoint Professor Kailani Muhammad as the next National Chairman of the APC,” the statement read. “He has been a tireless advocate of party unity and cohesion since the formative years of the APC.”

Currently the Director General of CASG and Chairman of TSN, Prof. Kailani is described as the engine behind many of the APC’s most successful grassroots mobilisations, especially during the 2023 presidential election. He also previously led the Amalgamated APC Support Groups (AASG) and is credited with empowering thousands of foot soldiers who worked across Nigeria to deliver APC victories at national and sub-national levels.

The endorsing groups emphasized that Prof. Kailani’s ability to unify various factions of the party, as well as his visibility and accessibility at the grassroots level, position him uniquely to lead the APC into a new era.

“He understands the pains, struggles, and sacrifices of the foot soldiers of the party. He is accessible, inclusive, and visionary. We believe the time has come to reward loyalty and competence,” the coalition stated.

They also underscored the need for regional balance, stressing that the North-Central zone deserves a shot at the national chairmanship.

“No other candidate has the track record, the credibility, and the support base that Prof. Kailani Muhammad commands. His appointment will boost morale among the rank

By Zaidu Zaidu

Purposeful leadership has long been the missing link in Northern Nigeria’s development journey. Despite its vast human and mineral resources, the region is often seen as a drawback in the country’s quest for sustainable progress. Simply put, many perceive Northern Nigeria as a burden, a region with little to offer. This perception might have been different if the region had continued to produce visionary leaders in the mould of the Sardauna and other great northern statesmen, who not only led with purpose but also united the people across all divides.

Today, however, a new wave of leadership is beginning to challenge this narrative. Senator Uba Sani stands out among a handful of emerging leaders who are redefining what it means to govern with vision, empathy, and results. Calm, calculative, and unassuming, the former Senator representing Kaduna Central has hardly put a foot wrong since he emerged as Governor of Kaduna State. He started by putting the people first and breaking free from the human factors that so often impede growth and development. This did not come easily, but who else would take such bold steps if not Uba Sani? If he could stand up to military juntas in the past, why would he now fear diminutive men in flowing agbadas?

Governor Uba Sani’s leadership style gives life to John C. Maxwell’s saying that “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Since assuming office, he has wasted no time translating his vision into action, and he is doing so without media frenzy or fanfare. Unlike his predecessor, who employed the tactic of divide and rule, Governor Uba Sani has been able to harmonise both the northern and southern parts of Kaduna State.

Before he came on board, Kaduna was a hotbed for bandits and terrorists, a place where, to borrow the words of Thomas Hobbes, life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” But through dialogue and a non-kinetic approach, he has helped restore a measure of peace, especially in troubled axes like Birnin Gwari. While pockets of attacks still occur, the frequency has reduced significantly, showing that security is not only about force, but also about trust and community engagement.

In terms of infrastructure, Governor Uba Sani has made meaningful strides despite inheriting a huge debt running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Roads like the Kachia-Kafanchan link and rural feeder roads in Giwa and Soba have been rehabilitated, reconnecting communities and boosting local economies in ways that touch people’s daily lives.

When the time came to organise the North West Stakeholders Forum, many doubted it could hold without descending into chaos, especially considering how the North East Stakeholders Forum had gone. But Governor Uba Sani proved the doubters wrong by spearheading one of the most seamless and productive forums in recent times. His success mirrors the Igbo proverb that “When an elder is in the house, the she-goat does not suffer parturition on its tether.” Though Governor Uba Sani is still young, he has succeeded where some elders have failed.

When predictions of chaos at the North West Stakeholders Forum did not come to pass, critics shifted their doubts to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to commission landmark projects like the rebuilt Sabon Gari Market. They said the President could not visit Kaduna without crisis, especially considering this is the state where his strongest and bitterest critic governed for eight years. Yet again, Uba Sani silenced them. Talk of a leader who knows his onions.

In the area of appointments, Governor Uba Sani has shown that he understands the time-tested Nigerian cliché that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. His cabinet includes young, qualified professionals alongside experienced hands, with clear attention to gender balance.

In all this, one thing stands out: Governor Uba Sani’s quiet revolution in Kaduna is not just transforming a state, it is rewriting the story of Northern Nigeria. By proving that with vision, courage, and sincerity, purposeful governance is indeed possible, he reminds us that the North still has leaders who know the way, go the way, and show the way.

It is now up to the people to demand and support such leadership elsewhere, for only then can the North truly rediscover the greatness it once gave Nigeria and Africa.

Zaidu Zaidu is a public affairs analyst. He can be reached via: Zaiduzaidu@gmail.com

By Mike Odeh James

As the nation grapples with rising concerns over drug abuse, cultism, and illegal oil bunkering, two youth leaders from Delta State have made a passionate appeal to young people across the region to reject these destructive vices. The call comes on the heels of a widely publicized drug-related arrest recently confirmed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following earlier reports by youth advocates and journalists.

Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, the National Political Adviser of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN), and Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Delta State Chairman of UYAN, are urging youths in the Niger Delta to “choose the path of dignity, purpose, and productivity” instead of being lured into criminal networks or illicit trades that not only endanger their futures but undermine the development of the entire region.

Speaking during a press briefing in Warri, the duo emphasized that recent events have shown how deep-rooted criminality and impunity can be challenged through responsible activism and fearless reporting — but more importantly, through mass reorientation of the youth population.

“We’ve just come out of a trying period where our credibility was attacked for exposing a drug-related case involving a high-profile family,” said Comrade Okpuzor. “Now that the NDLEA has confirmed that our report was true, we’re using this momentum to refocus the conversation on prevention and youth empowerment. It’s not enough to just expose wrongdoing — we must also build systems and values that steer young people away from these paths.”

Comrade Fajoye echoed this sentiment, warning that drug trafficking, cultism, and oil bunkering are not just criminal offenses but “cancers that continue to eat away at the soul of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.”

“These vices offer quick rewards but leave behind a trail of destruction,” he said. “The arrest of a prominent figure’s relative should serve as a wake-up call — that no one is untouchable and that the law will catch up with those involved in such acts. But more importantly, it should prompt our young brothers and sisters to ask: Is it worth it?”

A Call for Government Partnership

Beyond the warnings and condemnation, both leaders are calling on the Delta State Government to actively partner with youth-focused organizations such as UYAN to develop comprehensive training programs aimed at equipping young people with skills for self-employment.

They stressed that many of the youths drawn into criminal activities are not inherently bad but are victims of systemic neglect, unemployment, and lack of opportunity.

“We need to move from condemnation to creation,” said Comrade Fajoye. “Our youths are talented, energetic, and full of ideas. What they lack is the platform and support to turn those ideas into sustainable livelihoods.”

The leaders proposed collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and the private sector to fund skill acquisition centers, create entrepreneurship hubs, and support agricultural and technology-based ventures that can absorb the growing number of jobless youths in the state.

“Let’s invest in people instead of just infrastructure. Let’s build future leaders, not future convicts,” Comrade Okpuzor added.

Rehabilitating Hope, Restoring Accountability

UYAN has already started rolling out community engagement programs in parts of Delta State to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and criminal involvement. Through town hall meetings, school sensitization campaigns, and media outreach, the group is working to rewrite the narrative that the only way to success is through shortcuts and illegality.

The group is also advocating for stronger collaborations between law enforcement and community leaders to tackle cultism and organized drug rings operating in urban and riverine areas.

“We must move away from reactive policing to proactive prevention,” Fajoye emphasized. “When communities feel ownership of the anti-drug campaign, the results are far more lasting.”

Youth Inclusion, Not Youth Abandonment

The duo concluded by reminding the public that youth involvement in nation-building must go beyond rhetoric. They called on policymakers to stop using young people as “political thugs during elections and statistics afterward.”

“Delta’s youths deserve better,” said Okpuzor. “They need to be part of the planning table, not just the receiving end of empty promises. If we don’t engage them positively, someone else — usually a criminal network — will.”

In a final message to the state’s youth, both leaders encouraged their peers to resist peer pressure, stay focused, and reach out for support whenever necessary.

“There is no shame in seeking help,” said Comrade Fajoye. “But there is great danger in silence and inaction. We are here, and we will walk with any young person who wants to change.”

As the region recovers from the shock of recent arrests and looks ahead to 2027 and beyond, these voices of conscience are becoming increasingly vital in building a society where youth are not pawns in a broken system — but pioneers of a brighter future.

---

Contact
For support or to participate in UYAN initiatives, youth and civil society stakeholders can reach out through the official channels of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN) Delta State Chapter.

A prominent women’s advocacy group in Kaduna Central Senatorial District has sharply criticized Senator Lawal Adamu for what it described as two years of non-performance, lack of constituency engagement, and failure to provide empowerment programs, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

In a statement issued to journalists today, the Women Forum for Unity and Development of Kaduna Central expressed disappointment over the senator’s alleged silence on the Senate floor and his inability to attract any meaningful development to the district since assuming office in 2023.

“It is over two years now since we elected Senator Lawal Adamu, and we have never heard his voice on the floor of the Senate,” said Hajiya Amina Suleiman, the group’s leader. “We have not seen any serious empowerment programme aimed at cushioning the effect of the current economic situation.”

The group lamented that while lawmakers in other parts of Kaduna and across the country have implemented various initiatives—such as distribution of tricycles (Keke Napep), grinding machines, motorcycles, and grants for small-scale businesses—Kaduna Central has seen no such dividends of democracy under Adamu’s leadership.

“We see other senators initiating scholarship schemes, distributing farm implements, and launching skill acquisition centers. Sadly, our representative has failed to do any of this,” Suleiman added.

The forum also criticized Adamu’s frequent absence from the senatorial district and his reported prolonged stays abroad. “He is always in Saudi Arabia instead of sitting in the Senate to raise issues concerning the progress and development of our constituency,” the statement read.

Most strikingly, the group condemned the senator’s failure to visit any of the seven local government areas within the district, stating that he appears more interested in aligning himself with the Senate leadership than in addressing the pressing needs of his constituents.

“We didn’t elect him to serve as an aide to Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the group emphasized. “Our recent review meeting at Arewa House concluded that Senator Lawal Adamu is the worst-performing representative Kaduna Central has ever had.”

Citing the ongoing economic hardship worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy, the women’s group warned that their patience is wearing out.