General
Half of Youths in Nigeria, Others Planning to Migrate to US, Europe—Report
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
If steps are not quickly taken by African leaders, in the next three years, the continent may lose nearly half of its population between the ages of 18 and 24.
One of the biggest concerns African youth face today is instability, with 75 per cent worried about the political volatility in the continent, rising to 91 per cent in Kenya and 89 per cent in Mozambique, both of which are battling terrorist insurgencies, according to the African Youth Survey released this week.
It was stated that at least half of Africa’s youth have had their lives impacted by terror, insurgency or conflict, with 15 per cent of them having either been approached to be recruited by a terrorist organisation or know someone who has been. In Mozambique, this figure rises to 25 per cent.
Many have lost faith in their leaders. Only 40 per cent of African youth believe their governments are doing enough to the country the crisis in their countries. In Ethiopia, this drops to 20 per cent and to 16 per cent in Nigeria.
In the report, it was revealed that youths planning to migrate want to source greener pastures in South Africa, the United States and Europe. If they do move, half of them will do it permanently as they don’t intend to return home.
There are many reasons for this; education, and wanderlust, but the biggest is simply the quest for a better life that they believe is unavailable in their own countries.
The African Youth Survey was conceptualised and underwritten by the South African-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation. The survey is a unique and ground-breaking research tool that tests the sentiment of the current cohort of Africans aged between 18 and 24 every two years.
Launched in 2019 with fieldwork in 14 countries, this was extended to 16 countries when researchers returned in 2021, this time to Angola, Congo Brazzaville, DRC, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia. Researchers conducted 300 face-to-face interviews in each country, divided into three distinct geographical areas and further split into five distinct locations in each area.
Foundation chairman Ivor Ichikowitz says he is heartened by the responses in the second edition of this initiative: “The survey tells us much. It warns us, but it is also a source of great hope. In a continent that is wracked by violence, internal and external, there is a very clear sign that the next generation of people who will lead this continent is neither disempowered by nor ignorant of the hazards their countries and their continent face.
“On the contrary, these are highly motivated, highly informed and deeply committed citizens determined to ensure they have a chance at a life that was perhaps denied their parents.”
General
Oyo Rehabilitates Agbowo Road, Three Others
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Four major roads are being rehabilitated by the Oyo State government to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance mobility.
The chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Mr Busoye Ogunlade, in a statement in Ibadan last Friday, said the roads should be completed in less than eight weeks.
The roads include Bashorun Oluwo-nla road, Agbowo road, Eleyele-Water road, and Zion plaza-Olusoji road.
“Work has commenced on some of these roads, as we speak. However, repairs on other roads will commence soon,” Mr Ogunlade said, advising commuters to follow temporary traffic diversions and cooperate with the ongoing construction efforts.
The OYSROMA chief said the ongoing rehabilitation was based on fund availability and the economic viability of those roads, noting that the move is in line with the commitment of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to make the state more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has given us the mandate to rehabilitate roads across the State, and we have mobilized Engineers, through direct labour to these sites,” he said, adding that to make the exercise have the desired impact on the people, the agency has gone across all zones and picked critical roads that need rehabilitation across the state.
“This is borne out of the complaints we received during zonal town hall meetings from residents of the state. Our Engineers have swung into action and have taken measurements of critical roads,” he said.
General
UNILAG Honours AXA Mansard Chairman Kola Adesina With Doctoral Degree
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The chairman of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mr Kola Adesina, has been bestowed with an honourary doctorate degree by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The prestigious higher institution of learning said the degree was given to the prominent Nigerian businessman because of his exceptional contributions as a “globally renowned entrepreneur with extensive experience spanning academia, finance, trade, diplomacy, and the energy sector.”
The conferment ceremony at UNILAG’s main auditorium last week was graced by dignitaries from various sectors, including academia, finance, and industry, who gathered to honour Mr Adesina’s remarkable achievements and contributions.
The chief executive of AXA Mansard, Mr Kunle Ahmed, lauded Mr Adesina’s virtues and emphasised that the honorary degree is a testament to his exemplary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Mr Adesina’s visionary approach has been pivotal in driving our company’s success and positively influencing our ambition to transition from a payer to a partner.
“We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition,” Mr Ahmed remarked.
Also, the Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard, Ms Rashidat Adebisi, congratulated her chairman on the recognition, noting that it underscores Mr Adesina’s significant impact in Nigeria and Africa’s growth and development.
“As a business, we have greatly benefited from Mr Adesina’s vast expertise and wealth of experience. His outstanding leadership and dedication to our nation’s progress are truly remarkable.
“We are immensely proud to be associated with him and celebrate this milestone. We believe this honour will inspire Mr Adesina to continue being a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape,” she stated.
General
20,000 Nigerian Armed Forces Personnel to Receive Consumer Credit
By Adedapo Adesanya
As part of initiatives to celebrate the just concluded Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (Credicorp) has kicked off a consumer credit fund for personnel of the armed forces in a partnership with Fewchore Finance.
The scheme aims to benefit 20,000 armed forces personnel in its first phase.
This fund – kicking off with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day – advances President Bola Tinubu’s vision to extend consumer credit access to over 50 per cent of working Nigerians by 2030.
This demonstrates a specific commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian soldiers who protect and serve the nation.
Via affordable consumer credit, members of the Armed Forces can now acquire life-enhancing household assets and meet immediate financial challenges – and at even better terms for locally manufactured goods.
According to a press release, the programme aims to ease their financial burden, boost morale, and enhance the well-being of their families, most of whom they leave for the battlegrounds.
President Tinubu has long championed the welfare of uniformed personnel, and this initiative reflects his commitment to creating meaningful support systems.
“This programme shows Mr. President’s commitment to supporting those who protect and serve our nation,” said Mr Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/CEO of Credicorp. “By making credit accessible to armed forces personnel, we not only honor their service but also advance the President’s goal of using consumer credit for much better lives.”
On his part, the chief executive of Fewchore Finance, Mr Sunkanmi Balogun, added, “We are proud to support the courageous men and women of the armed forces. At Fewchore Finance, we have a long-standing relationship with the Armes Forces and remain committed to creating solutions that address real needs.”
The initiative, starting with a first phase targeting 20,000 beneficiaries, will involve all branches of the armed forces.
Phased implementation will ensure equitable access, coordinated with the respective Accounts and Budget departments of the forces.
The programme launched at the last Armed Forces Remembrance Day carries deep symbolic meaning, showcasing the nation’s gratitude and dedication to the brave men and women who protect its peace and security.
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