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Unemployment Forcing More Young Nigerians Abroad – Expert

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The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), yesterday said that unemployment was a major reason why more young Nigerians are desperately seeking opportunities abroad.
The Institute’s Head of Research, Dr Ayo Yusuff, also told newsmen in Lagos that Nigerian youths were increasingly becoming restless because of unemployment and under-employment.
Yusuff said that Nigeria was blessed with a vibrant youth population that the government had yet to efficiently and effectively harness.
“Nigeria is lucky to have a very vibrant youth population. We have a very high percentage of youths in this country, and this ought to be an advantage for this country.
“The problem is that our government has not been able to manage this advantage very well.
“We currently have low rate of employment in this country, and wages are not even commensurate with the economic demands of people. So, where our young men and women see their hopes will be raised, they go there.
“They are restless because they have energy that pushes them to be gainfully employed in other countries because we are not tapping their energy,’’ he said.
Yusuff said that vocational education had been neglected in Nigeria, adding that it was imperative for various levels of government to urgently begin to encourage more young Nigerians in vocational studies.
The institute’s head of research said there was a lot for Nigeria to learn from countries like China where young men and women had taken to different vocations.
“We must understand that the things we currently buy in Nigeria are made by young Chinese that have taken to different vocations.” he said.

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Fubara Hart Emerges Overall Winner At Python Golf Club Kitty

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The Python Golf Club Port Harcourt witnessed a colourful gathering of eminent personalities and club members as it marked its latest kitty event alongside the 70th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Osagwe-Ogo.
At the event, Amaopusenibo Kingsley Fubara Hart, a retired civil servant and ally of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, emerged as the overall winner of the prestigious golf kitty, earning multiple laurels for his performance.
The ceremony, which held at the club’s course along Port Harcourt–Aba Road, behind Treasure Park, attracted dignitaries, senior professionals, and members of high social standing, underscoring the club’s reputation as a gathering point for elite sports and networking activities in the state.
Speaking after his victory, Hart expressed joy over his performance and appreciation for the recognition accorded him by the club members.
He said his success was the result of consistent participation and commitment to the club’s daily activities, adding that the Python Golf Club functions as a close-knit community where members share both sporting and social bonds.
He also described the club as a platform that promotes discipline, fitness, and fellowship among its members, urging others to remain dedicated in order to achieve similar success.
According to him, celebrating a milestone such as a 70th birthday in good health is a blessing that should be appreciated, adding that life itself is an act of grace.
The event also featured tributes to Chief Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, whose 70th birthday formed part of the celebration. He was widely described by members as a respected elder statesman and a pillar of support to the club’s growth and development.
The chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr) Ikenna Okafor thanked God for the life of the celebrant, describing him as a father figure and highly valued member of the club community.
He noted that the large turnout of members and guests was a reflection of the esteem in which Chief Osagwe-Ogo is held, both within and outside the club.
In his response, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God for attaining the age of 70 in good health, while appreciating members of the club for honouring him.
He pledged continued commitment to contributing positively to humanity and to the development of the club, assuring that he would continue to live up to expectations.
The event featured highlights including a birthday cake cutting ceremony and the presentation of awards to distinguished and deserving members of the club.

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2027 Polls: Rivers PFN Calls For Stronger Christian Political Engagement

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The Rivers State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called for stronger Christian political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to strengthen Christian participation in the country’s democratic process.
The State Chairman of the Fellowship, Rev (Dr) Minaibi Dagogo Jack, made the call during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, where he emphasised that the group would critically assess political parties and candidates before guiding its members on voting decisions.
According to him, the PFN intends to engage political actors directly and take a collective position on candidates deemed to represent good governance and moral leadership.
“We will critically look at the candidates, have time to discuss with them, and we shall decide as leaders on who to direct our members to vote for,” he said.
Rev. Jack stressed that the Christian community must become more actively involved in politics to ensure the emergence of what he described as righteous and accountable governance in Nigeria.
He argued that continued political apathy among Christians has allowed what he termed “bad leadership” to dominate the country’s political space.
June 12 Democracy Day Criticism
Commenting on the recent June 12 Democracy Day celebration, the PFN chairman said the occasion has lost its meaning for many Nigerians due to worsening insecurity and governance challenges.
He said June 12, which symbolizes political freedom and democratic struggle, no longer reflects the realities on the ground.
“June 12 ordinarily should represent political freedom, freedom for the oppressed, and freedom for Nigerians as a people. But from a close look at political activities, particularly in Rivers State, the essence of June 12 has been defeated,” he said.
He also decried what he described as the collapse of internal democracy within political parties, alleging increasing interference and manipulation of opposition party structures.
“We are in a situation where internal democracy is no longer practised… a situation where opposition political parties will produce two, three, four candidates representing one party. This is not democracy; it is confusion,” he added.
Rev. Jack further disclosed that the PFN had concluded a three-day seminar aimed at sensitizsing youths against electoral violence and redirecting them toward productive engagement in business and nation-building.
He said the programme also focused on Nigeria’s political climate and the role of the church in promoting peaceful elections.
He also commended security agencies for recent rescue operations involving abducted children, while urging the federal government to improve the welfare and equipment of security operatives, including the adoption of modern surveillance tools such as drones.
He called for strong legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure state police institutions remain professional and independent of political interference.
“State police is good but must come with proper legislation so that governors will not take advantage of it,” he said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward the rescue of abducted school children and other victims held by criminal groups, stressing that security remains central to democratic stability in Nigeria.

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KELGA Ward Four Endorses Tinubu, Chinda As Political Support Gathers Momentum In Elele

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Ward Four in Elele Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has announced its endorsement of the candidature of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the presidency and Kingsley Chinda for Governor in the forthcoming general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-aligned Rainbow Coalition.
The endorsement was made during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened by the leader of the Rainbow Coalition in the ward, Hon. Amadi Jacob. The gathering brought together political leaders and stakeholders who expressed unanimous support for the candidates.
Hon Jacob, a former Supervisory Councillor, expressed appreciation for what he described as the Rivers State Governor’s alignment with the advice of President Tinubu in supporting the state’s APC governorship structure. He noted that the development reflects growing political harmony within the party and its allied coalition.
He further stated that Ward Four would mobilise what he described as “organic support” for the endorsed candidates, adding that strategies would be put in place to ensure their victory at the polls. According to him, Elele remains a strong voting bloc within Ikwerre LGA and would play a decisive role in delivering electoral success for the coalition.
While acknowledging the presence of opposition candidates, Hon. Amadi maintained that the ward would work closely with all relevant stakeholders to secure a “landslide victory” for all Rainbow Coalition candidates. He also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the primaries, describing the selected candidates as capable and electable.
In his remarks, the Renewed Hope Coordinator in the area, Victor Okah, pledged the ward’s full support for Hon. Amadi Jacob’s leadership, stressing that his guidance would be instrumental in achieving electoral success. He commended Amadi’s leadership style, describing it as consistent and widely accepted among party stakeholders.
Another community leader, Hon. Chikwuka Eleonu, also expressed confidence in Amadi’s leadership, noting that he has remained steadfast and committed to the political direction of the ward.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitments by stakeholders of Ward Four Elele to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections, with leaders insisting that the ward would play a leading role in delivering victory for the Rainbow Coalition candidates.

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