From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

A coalition of youth organizations under the umbrella of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Abdullahi A. Sule and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, for their commitment to youth development and inclusive governance.

The resolution was made during a Youth Stakeholders’ Engagement organized in commemoration of the 2025 National Youth Day Celebration in Lafia. The event, chaired by Prof. Abdulkareem Kana, SAN, National Deputy Secretary General of the All Progressives Congress (APC), brought together youth leaders, government officials, and policymakers to deliberate on the role of young people in nation-building.

Speaking during the event yesterday , the Chairman of NYCN, Nasarawa State Chapter, Comrade Ja’afar Muhammad Loko, said the engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the state government and youths towards achieving sustainable development.

“Governor Sule has demonstrated genuine commitment to youth empowerment through policies that promote education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. We are proud of his leadership and the example he sets for others,” Loko stated.

He added that the recognition also extended to Hon. Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim for her outstanding performance as Minister of Women Affairs, describing her as “a beacon of hope and an inspiration to young women in Nasarawa and across the nation.”

“As the first young female Minister from Nasarawa State, Hon. Imaan has continued to raise the bar in public service, particularly in advancing gender inclusion and youth participation in governance,” he added.

Delivering a paper titled “Youth Empowerment for Nation Building,” the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, Rt. Hon. Shuaibu Sani, urged young people to take advantage of opportunities created by government initiatives to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“The future of this country rests on the shoulders of its youths. We must equip ourselves with the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to drive innovation and good governance,” Sani emphasized.

However, Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Usman Iskilu Saleh who was one of the panelists spoke extensively on access to healthcare as well as employment of thousands of youth the agency while commending the efforts of governor Abdullahi sule on his resolve to ensure health care services to the people of Nasarawa state.

The event also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries including the Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Oyanki; Director-General of NASIDA, Barr. Ibrahim Abdullahi; and the Director-General of the Market Bureau, Prince Ahmed Ubangari, who all commended the initiative as timely and impactful.

At the end of the interactive session, the coalition of youth leaders representing over 28 organizations reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership of Governor Sule and Minister Imaan, pledging continued collaboration with government towards building a more prosperous and inclusive Nasarawa State.t

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched a manhunt for one Mr. Alabi Uche Sylvanus, accused of violently assaulting his spouse in Abuja, inflicting injuries described as life-threatening.

The victim, whose identity was not disclosed, was rushed to a hospital in the Gudu District where she underwent emergency surgery. NAPTIP operatives were said to have been present throughout the procedure to monitor her condition and secure necessary evidence.

Following the attack, a NAPTIP Rapid Response team proceeded to the suspect’s residence in Jabi to effect an arrest. However, the operatives were allegedly prevented from gaining access by a retired military officer identified as General Azi (rtd), who reportedly insisted the case was a “private family matter.” The agency claims the officer subsequently facilitated the suspect’s escape to an undisclosed location.

In reaction, NAPTIP has raised an inter-agency alert and notified the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, and relevant military authorities to track and apprehend the suspect. The suspect’s international passport has also been flagged to prevent any attempt to leave the country.

The Head of NAPTIP’s Rapid Response Unit, Dr. Emeh Magnus, confirmed that a report has been filed with the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff over the alleged obstruction by the retired officer.

NAPTIP reiterated that domestic violence is a criminal offense under Nigerian law and warned that all parties involved in aiding the suspect will also be investigated.

We remain committed to ensuring justice for victims of domestic violence. This case will be pursued to its lawful conclusion,” the agency stated.

However, the victim is reported to be in stable condition and under close medical observation.

President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”

Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.

Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”

According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.

While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.

“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”

Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”

He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.

Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”

“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.

The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”

He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.

Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.

During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.

“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.

In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”

The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”

He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.

“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”

Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.

“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.