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.
Leading health and wellness company, Healthgarde International, celebrated its fifth anniversary and 2025 convention in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday, February 15 with a splash of awards – products, cash and luxury packages – given to its sales heroes, all dressed in purple.
Speaking to newsmen at the convention, Healthgarde CEO, Mrs. Nneka Nwarueze, explained how the company was able to pull through the sudden economic challenges of 2024.
“We’ve come a long way since we started five years ago,” Nwarueze said. “We’ve learned to adapt to the changing business environment, and we’re particularly proud of our team members who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment to our values. We are very happy to celebrate all of them today, especially our top achievers.”
The Healthgarde convention featured a purple affair awards ceremony to recognize outstanding performers across various categories. Mariam Oboh emerged Business Leader of the Year and Star of Africa, which came with double home use gadgets plus N500,000 cash prize, while Judith Amaogo came second, and Bolanle Aina third.
Other winners were:
– Entrepreneur of The Year 2024: Cynthia Enete
– Rising Star of the Year 2024: Maryann Obi
– Social Media Star 2024: Eniola Emmanuel
– Staff of the Year 2024: Godwin Tosu
– Depot of the Year, 2024: Enugu Depot
– Performer Per Depot 2024: Judith Amaogo, Adeniyi Jones; Cynthia Enete, Ojota; and Chinamunwa Anumba, Port Harcourt.
– Top 3 Fast Start Recruiters of 2024: Benita Okonkwo, Ifeoma Idoko, and Judith Amaogo
– Top 3 Team Builders of 2024: Bolanle Aina, Judith Amaogo, and Mariam Oboh
– Top 3 Recruiters of 2024: Ifeoma Idoko, Judith Amaogo, and Mariam Oboh
– Top 3 Group Sales Volume (GSV): Maryanne Obi, Judith Amaogo, and Ebere Obodozie
– Top 3 Personal Sales Volume (PSV): Benita Okonkwo, Bolanle Aina, and Maryanne Obi
The event also featured a motivational talk by Pastor Ambrose Okwugha, who encouraged the entire sales-force to strive for success, and never give up; no matter despite the challenges they may face.
When asked about the challenges facing the company, Mrs. Nwarueze cited the unfriendly business environment, high cost of living, inflation, reduced purchasing power, and intense competition.
“Despite these challenges, we’re committed to providing quality products and services to our customers. We’re also investing in local manufacturing to reduce our dependence on imported raw materials,” she said.
The 2025 convention marked a significant milestone for Healthgarde International, and it witnessed an outpouring of consultants’ testimonies of how the multilevel wellness marketing business changed their lives and fortunes.
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has applauded the Sokoto State government for its sustained support and solidarity with the FRSC in the state, saying the goodwill will spur the staff towards greater service delivery.
He stated this, according to a statement signed by the Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), at the Sokoto State Sector Command of the FRSC on Wednesday, while addressing the combined parade of staff of the Sokoto Zonal Command, Sector Command, Special Marshals and members of the Road Safety Club as part of his familiarization tour to the state.
The Corps Marshal specially noted the cordial relationship between FRSC and the state government, describing it as examplery. He further noted that the massive road construction and rehabilitation being undertaken by the state government has reduced incidences of route violation by drivers and consequent reduction in the rates of road traffic crashes in the state. “The donation of a patrol vehicle to the Sector Command by the state government and other promises of support made by the Governor point to the commitment of a state Governor that’s committed to supporting the FRSC in its efforts to reduce the menace of road traffic crashes in the country,” he stated.
The Corps Marshal expressed appreciation to the staff for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice which manifested in the successes recorded during the 2024 end of year special patrol. He restated the commitment of his Management to addressing issues of staff welfare, capacity development and regular promotion exercise, saying Management will continue to reward excellence and punish indiscipline.
Corps Marshal Shehu who tasked the staff on hardwork and quality service delivery, recalled his early days as a young officer in the state, stressing the need for everyone to build good legacy and embrace due process through diligence. He warned against indiscipline either on the road or in the office, saying everyone must take accountability very seriously. “Every staff must realize that there’s accountability in all that they do and work hard to excel in order to justify the trust invested by government and people of Nigeria,” the Corps Marshal added.
On the Federal Government’s support for safer road environment in the country, the Corps Marshal appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing logistics support for the FRSC which he said has enhanced the success rate of the Corps and promised not to leave any stone unturned in his determination to reinvigorate the Corps for improved service delivery.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also thanked the critical stakeholders in the state and the media for standing firm with the Corps in creating public awareness on issues of road safety. He however expressed dismay at the rate of overloading and mix loading among some drivers in the state, saying the practice has been responsible for the avoidable loss of lives in road traffic crashes in the state.
While stressing the need for members of the public to join hands with the Corps in the ongoing campaign against tanker crashes and scooping of fuel whenever a tanker crash occurred, the Corps Marshal expressed sadness over the actions of people who run to scoop fuel at crash scenes knowing that petroleum products are inflammable. He called on all the stakeholders to rise to the occasion in the efforts to create public awareness on the matter.
As part of the Corps Marshal’s activities in the state, he addressed stakeholders and members of the media where he harped on the shared nature of road traffic management and called on everyone to get involved.
The two days visit to Sokoto state continued on Thursday with the visit to the State Governor and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III
Nestlé Nigeria has launched a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to enhancing the local dairy industry through the Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP, inaugurated in 2021. The NLDP is structured around three pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities. It is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and delivered in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale.
Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm is designed to build on the success of the NLDP by serving as a practical model for implementing best dairy practices. It will showcase how to enhance the productivity of local cattle breeds from an average yield of 1 liter per cow per day to potentially over 10 liters through effective breeding programs. The farm also aims to showcase the practical application of best dairy practices to maintain herd health, nutrition, and hydration to transform local dairy production.
At the launch event, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria said, “Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over ₦1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore and Kachia grazing reserve. We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this program have experienced a substantial increase in their household income which rose from ₦70,000 in 2021 to ₦250,000 in 2024. This growth is attributed to increased productivity driven by improved dairy practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the communities.”
Daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 liters in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 liters per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, aggregating over 1 million liters of raw milk to date. This success benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.
Also commenting on the demonstration farm, Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations said, “We are excited about the opportunities ahead. Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm is not merely a project, it catalyzes the positive change we are dedicated to through sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, animal welfare, and the well-being of our communities. We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others in the industry. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community.”
In his address, the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha said, “The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestlé’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s backward integration goals and aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development. By introducing modern farming practices, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products, this project will not only boost our domestic dairy supply but also reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening our economy. In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive.”
The community members expressed their excitement with the location of the farm. Sulaiman Ahmed said on behalf of the Apex Union Leaders, “We are delighted that in addition to raising awareness about dairy farming, the demo farm will bring many benefits to our community. It presents us with the opportunity to access crossbreeds and serves as a training site for adopting modern dairy farming practices, particularly in feeding methodologies. The farm will also create more visibility for our community by attracting visitors and potential business partners.”
Nestlé Dairy Development Farm situated on 4 hectares within the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve is equipped with cattle sheds, a calf pen, maternity and sick bay. It also has a holding area and dip-tank, an automated milking system, and a hay barn. The farm has adopted sustainable practices including the use of solar power, and the establishment of a biogas system for waste management. It will serve as a training facility not just for the farmers within the NLDP project, but also for a wider range of stakeholders, including practitioners, academia and pastoralists.
This initiative is part of Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy, which works with stakeholders and partners to create value for society while growing its business.
