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NGF To Exploit ICT For Job Creation
Rising from a two-day retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital at the weekend ,the Nigerian Governors’ Forum(NGF) has disclosed plans to exploit the huge potential in the Information and Technology (ICT) to tackle the rising youth unemployment in the country.
In an 11-point communique read by the Chairman of the body and Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi at the end of the retreat in Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, the forum also resolved to focus on good governance and service delivery as their tenure elapses.
As a way of using ICT to curb unemployment, it would said, “make provisions support all infrastructure necessary for speedy internet connections, including broadband, so that our youths in particular and other Nigerians can participate massively in the wealth to be made from the knowledge-based economy.”
The body hinted of plans to establish an independent office to make objective recommendations on the retirement benefits of governors, arguing that reward for leadership should be anchored on legacy exhibited in projects and service to the people.
It emphasized the need on making primary healthcare centres accessible to patients by putting in place a system which makes them utilize the health facilities closest to them, while identifying preventive healthcare as a sure path for better health for the citizens.
The body was of the opinion that one sure way of engendering job creation was to place emphasis on infrastructure provision and adequate power supply.
Frowning at the surging interest rates, the forum submitted that it will use its position on the National Economic Council, “ to press for low interest rates and enforcement of import policies and collection of custom duties. ”
The governors were of the view that high interest rates was encouraging unemployment and raising poverty, stressing that low interest rates and other policies will drive poverty reduction.
Earlier in his opening address, Governor Amaechi said the retreat had become imperative considering the current national challenge of corruption and security.
He said, “ what we do as governors even in our last years may mar or make our administration”
Since most of the governors were on the last lap of their tenure, the Rivers State governor observed that the retreat will help in providing road map for most of them to transit peacefully, stating that attention will be given to agriculture, education and other national development challenges.
He advocated for a free and fair elections and recognition of minority right in the country.
Amaechi used the retreat to call on governor to jettison all forms of division and unite for the development of the country, while lauding the secretariat for hard work to sustain the forum.
The retreat, which had 12 governors and one deputy governor in attendance, broke into sessions with papers presented on “Transitioning Out -Life After Office: Perspectives and Challenges,” “Overview of the Unemployment in Nigeria.” and Overview of the Current State of the Health Sector at the Sub-National Level”.
Former President of Liberia, Prof Amos Sawyer delivered a keynote address, “Transitioning Out: Making the Most of Life After Office”, said governors must see public service as an assignment and not entitlement.
He added, “We must be mindful that as an assignment, public service is of time-bound duration. We enter, we serve and we exit”.
As holders of public office, he counseled them to build upon the good things that were done by their predecessors and to leave footprints for their successors to follow.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
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Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.