Metro
Int’l Youth Day: Gaidam Charges Youths on Continuous Engagement with Govt
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to cushioning the immediate pains of its policies that will herald a brighter future for Nigerian youths, rebuild Nigeria, and institutionalizing a just and egalitarian society where every Nigerian youth will have equal opportunity to realize their utmost potential.
He stated this, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director (Information and Public Relations Unit), Mr. Bolaji Kazeem, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), during the Nigeria Police Force Youth Summit in commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Youths Day Celebration with the theme: Enhancing the Nigeria Youth’s Value for National Security Intelligence held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre at Jabi, Abuja
The Minister whose speech, which was presented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. James Sule, highlighted some government policies like operationalizing the student loan scheme programme which gives every Nigerian youth equal opportunity to access higher education.
The statement also highlighted the government’s approval of the new minimum wage, suspension of tariffs on essential food and drugs, and its recent support for local refining of petroleum products through crude sales to indigenous refineries in Naira are laudable initiatives that will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
“The ongoing Police Reforms initiative when completed will enunciate an integrated policing paradigm that will focus attention on rural communities to support food production and also harness our solid minerals potential, to foster sustainable development and economic growth. As we mark this year’s UN International Youth Day, let me reassure you of the Ministry of Police Affairs’ commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Youths to create an enabling environment that will support the realization of your dreams and aspirations,” he said.
He further hailed the youths for continuing engagement in constructive discourse with the government to avoid actions and tendencies that will create avenues for our collective enemies to destabilize the Nigerian state.
According to him, “Youth engagement in matters of national security is not just beneficial; it is imperative. The role of our young people in identifying and addressing security challenges cannot be overstated. Young Nigerians possess unique insights, innovative ideas, and the energy required to confront the issues that face our nation. Today, we must focus on how to harness that energy and turn it into a force for good.”
Gaidam pointed out that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development and empowerment of the youth. This commitment is reflected in various initiatives aimed at fostering youth engagement, promoting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities that will enable our young people to thrive. The Minister noted.
The Minister re-echoes the Government’s position that the message of the peaceful protesters was heard by the Government loud and clear adding that the protest was hijacked by a fifth columnists to disrupt peace, compromise security, and cause wanton destruction of valuable lives and property.
He said the unfortunate incidents of the past week which, resulted in the massive looting and destruction of both public and private property, stand in stark contrast to the peaceful assembly that we advocate for in Democracy. Such actions do not reflect the values of our great nation nor the aspirations of our youth. Gaidam opined
He said, “In recent weeks, we have witnessed a surge in civic engagement among our youth. However, it is essential to remind ourselves of the responsibilities that come with this engagement. The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is rooted in a vision for a Nigeria where our youth are not only participants but leaders in the quest for national security and development. Together, we must cultivate a culture of constructive dialogue, resorting to discussions as a means to express grievances rather than taking destructive actions”.
The Minister used the epoch-making event as a wonderful opportunity to thank Nigerian youths for yielding to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s call to suspend the protest and accept dialogue which is the most viable platform for citizens/government’s engagement.
Accordingly, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased youths who lost their lives during the protests. My prayers are with their families during these difficult times. Gaidam added.
In a move to enhance the mental resilience and professional effectiveness of personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, through Rashtriya Raksha University, the pioneering National Security and Police University in India, has concluded discussions to commence strategic partnership that will lead to result oriented capacity building for Officers and Men of the Corps.
Through the first-of-its-kind collaboration, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), 1000 FRSC personnel will undergo intensive training in stress management and emotional wellbeing in August, 2025. An initiative that underscores Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed’s determination to safeguarding not only the lives of road users, but also the health and wellbeing of the Management and Staff of the Corps.
The capacity development program aims to increase awareness of occupational stress/personal stress and its impact on physical and mental health of FRSC personnel; equip staff with practical tools for stress management, promote psychological resilience, emotional regulation, as well as foster peer support and a culture of mental health awareness.
Speaking on the partnership, the Corps Marshal stated thus:
“Our personnel operate under immense pressure every day to keep Nigerian roads safe. By investing in their mental and emotional health, we are strengthening our capacity to serve the nation with professionalism, empathy, and excellence.”
“The training program will leverage the world-renowned expertise of Indian professionals in stress reduction, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence, combining modern scientific approaches with time-tested wellness practices. Participants will gain practical tools to manage stress, improve decision-making in critical situations, and promote a culture of mental health awareness within the Corps,” he added.
The programme facilitators will comprise mental health professionals including clinical psychologist,
research officers and administrative officer from the University.
It is expected that at the end of the training, both Management and Staff will exhibit an increased self-awareness of personal stress triggers, improved skills in emotion regulation and peer support, Strengthened sense of community and psychological safety
and improved capabilities to address crisis situation efficiently.
This landmark collaboration reflects the shared vision of Nigeria and India to build resilient institutions that prioritize the wellbeing of public service officers, ensuring safer roads and healthier communities across Africa’s most populous nation.
The training is set to commence later this year and will run in phases, in 4 specific locations including the FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State, FRSC Marshal Inspectorate Training School, Owo-Alero with both physical and virtual learning sessions to maximize participation and impact.
Recall that the partnership between the University and FRSC commenced sometimes in March with the training of some of the Corps personnel in Gujarat State of India.
As continuation of that partnership, 10 personnel are already finalizing arrangements for Masters Programme sometimes in August this year to study different courses among which include; information technology, cyber security, data management and traffic enforcement.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has commenced the process of transferring the regulatory oversight of electricity market in Abia State to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) via Order – NERC/2025/058 in line with Electricity Act 2023, as amended, with effect from June 25, 2025.
The NERC said that Abia State has fully complied to the provisions of section 230 (2) of the Electricity Act 2023 and had dully notified the Commission and requested the transfer of the regulatory oversight of the State electricity market to Abia State.
By this transfer order, the successor DisCo in the State, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is expected to incorporate a subsidiary to assume the responsibilities of Intra State Supply and distribution of Electricity in Abia State.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the transfer of regulatory oversight of intrastate electricity markets from NERC to ASERA is in line with the promise of Governor Alex Otti to provide reliable electricity access to unserved and underserved industries and communities in Abia State.
He further stated that it will bring several benefits to the people of Abia state such as localised State-tailored tariff structures, which will set end-user tariffs that reflect local economic conditions, encouraging fairer pricing and better cost recovery.
Also, the commissioner said that ASERA can rapidly adjust rules and incentives to suit local goals such as supporting mini-grids or renewable energy projects.
He further said that Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency located in Umuahia will be able to provide a faster local and closer oversight which reduces delays in licensing, complaints handling, and issue resolutions to bolster local service quality among other functions.
According to him, the deadline for the transfer of the regulatory obligations is December 24, 2025.
Following a video in circulation condemning the Police community over neglect regarding welfare and retirement benefits of retired police officers by a retired retired Superintendent of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The IGP, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, has tasked the NPF Pensions Limited to urgently examine the claims, identify any possible lapses, and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the concerns raised.
The Nigeria Police Force is not insensitive to the plight of its pensioners, many of whom dedicated their lives to the service and safety of our nation. The IGP views the welfare of both serving and retired officers as a priority and recognizes that timely and adequate pension administration is crucial to sustaining morale and institutional integrity. While efforts have consistently been made to improve the pension system, the IGP acknowledges the importance of constructive feedback in prompting necessary reforms.
The IGP therefore reassures all officers, both serving and retired, and their families of the Force’s commitment to improved welfare, and to building a system that honours their sacrifices. He urges stakeholders to remain calm and patient as the NPF Pensions carries out its investigations and engages relevant agencies to ensure lasting solutions.
