metro
FG to stem ‘japa’ with N110bn investment fund
FG to stem ‘japa’ with N110bn investment fund
Worried by the ‘japa’ phenomenon among Nigerian youth, the Federal Government has launched a comprehensive sensitisation programme against irregular migration, flagging a N110 billion investment fund as an incentive.
Delivering a goodwill message at the Youth Creative Conference in Abuja on “Silencing the Guns, Tomorrow is Now”, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development with the support of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at the weekend, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, pleaded with the youth to stop illegal migration to other countries as the government has put measures in place to empower them.
These measures include the ₦110 billion National Youth Investment Fund for young entrepreneurs across sectors; agricultural innovation and start-up grants to modernise farming; establishment of Youth Development Centres and Youth Villages in all 774 local government areas; and a 30 per cent youth inclusion policy in governance and decision-making processes.
According to him, the conference is a timely platform to harness the energy and creativity of Africa’s youth towards shaping a continent defined not by conflict but by opportunity and innovation.
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“The theme of this gathering resonates deeply with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Renewed hope is not rhetoric — it is a deliberate call to reignite belief that we can recover lost opportunities, confront the future with courage, and build the Africa we deserve,” he stated, emphasising that ‘silencing the guns’ is not just about disarmament but about empowering youth to use their voices, creativity, and experiences to reshape narratives that often misrepresent Africa.
“From Senegal to Sudan; from Mali to Nigeria, too many communities face uncertainty. But you, our youth, have the power to rewrite the story. You can showcase the world’s hardworking men and women who rise before dawn to fish, farm, or trade. You can project the resilience, innovation, and dignity that define Africa’s real identity,” he said.
Bagudu highlighted Tinubu’s belief that current sacrifices are necessary to build a better future for upcoming generations, mentioning ongoing efforts to help young Nigerians through initiatives in the digital economy, agriculture, housing, consumer credit, and skills development.
A key part of this vision, he announced, is the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan—a nationwide framework to map and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s 8,809 geographical wards, ensuring that young people are directly involved in creating value from their local environments.
The consequences for national development are severe, as Nigeria experiences brain drain, losing skilled and educated youth to foreign countries. To tackle these root causes, the Ministry is implementing a wide range of empowerment and intervention programmes, including the ₦110 billion National Youth Investment Fund for young entrepreneurs across sectors, agricultural innovation and start-up grants to modernise farming, establishment of Youth Development Centres and Youth Villages in all 774 local government areas, and a 30 per cent youth inclusion policy in governance and decision-making processes.
FG to stem ‘japa’ with N110bn investment fund
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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