News
NYCN Launches Tinubu CARES, Empowers Traders as Nigeria Marks 65th Independence
…Rolls out entrepreneurship fund to boost small businesses
…..Distributes modern machines worth millions to artisans and traders
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Wednesday celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a blend of patriotic reflection and practical empowerment, unveiling the Tinubu CARES Initiative and the NYCN Entrepreneurship Development Fund as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in national development.
The event, held in Abuja, began with an address by NYCN President, Comrade (Amb.) Solomon Adodo, who paid tribute to the sacrifices that won Nigeria’s independence while urging young people to embrace their role in the country’s economic transformation. He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had placed the youth at the centre of Nigeria’s future, stressing that the time had come for Nigerian youths to match government’s confidence in them with action, innovation, and enterprise.
Adodo declared that the launch of the Tinubu CARES Initiative symbolised the President’s genuine concern for young Nigerians, not only in policy but in practical interventions that would improve livelihoods. He explained that alongside the initiative, the Entrepreneurship Development Fund was being introduced to give young business owners zero-interest financing, enabling them to translate ideas into thriving ventures. According to him, “From markets to garages, from streets to communities, we will carry this hope directly to the people.”
To demonstrate this commitment, the Youth Council left the ceremonial ground and proceeded to the Area 1 Market in Abuja, where it engaged directly with traders and artisans. Weeks earlier, the Council had consulted with the market community to understand their most urgent needs. On Independence Day, those promises materialised as traders received state-of-the-art equipment, including modern shoemaking machines, industrial tailoring machines, and other business tools, with some items valued at over ₦600,000 each.
The market empowerment exercise sparked jubilation, with beneficiaries describing the intervention as life-changing. A shoemaker who received one of the machines said it would allow him to take on more apprentices and increase his daily production. A female tailor, almost in tears, described the support as “the kind of empowerment that goes straight to the people, not to political godfathers.” Market leaders also hailed the Youth Council, noting that the initiative would raise productivity, improve household incomes, and inspire more young people to embrace vocational skills.
Adodo, who personally handed over some of the equipment, reiterated that the interventions were part of a larger plan to ensure that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the country’s development drive. He also used the opportunity to commend President Tinubu for placing young people at the centre of his administration’s agenda, while acknowledging the National Assembly for creating legislative frameworks such as the establishment of Regional Development Commissions, which ensure no community or region is neglected.
The Independence Day activities concluded with a colourful youth rally, where young Nigerians pledged unity, hard work, and commitment to building a nation where talent thrives and opportunities abound. For many at the event, the combination of patriotic reflection and direct empowerment made this year’s Independence celebration especially meaningful, as it highlighted how national promises could be translated into visible impact at the grassroots.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
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