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OCCEN engages North West Youth On Democratic Process  And Participation 

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6 years ago

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By Ozimi Abdul

In the bid to entrench democratic tenets for effective and wholesome participations amongst the youths of the North West region, Organisation for Community Civic Engagement Organisation (OCCEN) organised a 3-day workshop capacity building where youths from different states of the region are engaged, enlightened and educated about democratic process with the view of passing the knowledge of whatever they learnt during their 3 days engagement to other youths of their individual societies.

According to Mallam Abdulrazak Alkali who is organiser of the workshop said the major objectives of the workshop are to train the youth to understand the generality of what democracy entails and also to provide a mechanism that would empower them to hold those elected to represent them accountable for their actions and inactions.

On his expectations from the participants of the workshop after their 3-day engagement, Abdulrazak exuded the confidence that after the training, they would have increase in knowledge to understand how democracy works, human rights and constitution, while also expecting that the knowledge they learnt to be passed to other youths in their various states.
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“Our expectations are that after the training they would have increased knowledge of the understanding of democracy, rule of law and the rest, so that if they return to their individual states they can do some step-down trainings for those who are not privileged to be here whether because of financial constraint, or other reasons in the same areas and topics, in order to have expanded knowledge amongst young people about the concept of democracy “.

 

Speaking during the workshop, The Director, Centre for Research and Documentation, Professor Muhammad Habu ruled that there are 3 major challenges confronting the Nigerian fledgling democracy since its return in 1999, which he described as” epileptic” considering its weak democratic institutions, the limit in which democracy can elicit good governance, while also adding that the challenges can not be pegged on these three alone as there are other gamut factors putting spanner in the wheel of the development of the country’s democratic process.

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He stressed that for democracy to grow in the country, the government must be responsive and responsible.

“Democracy is a process and as a process it is normal to envisage challenges. But it is also good to remind ourselves that in some countries, they have gone too far to make their institutions of government very strong, unlike these countries, ours are very weak, and the extents which democracy can elicit good governance in Nigeria are very limited, insecurity is another issue “.

He continued,” Democracy has not engendered good governance in my opinion, by good governance, the government must be responsive and responsible, so since 1999, our democracy has been crawling as a troubling one and has never engendered good governance “, he submitted.

Professor Habu regretted that the country is ranked the capita of poverty in the world in spite of the country’s boast for enormous natural resources, which according to him is “disgusting”, with lack of quality health sector, insecurity, lack of infrastructural development and so many other indices that can be used to measure the development of the democracy of any democratic nation or otherwise.

On the role of the youth in effecting positive changes, the political science professor was unapologetically opmistic by emphatically stating that the “raw resources” of the youth need to be tapped, by catching them young, training them on the workings of democracy in participating actively against all odds so that they can have their imprints in rekindling true democracy in Nigeria ; emphasing that the civil societies particularly the youth sector have prominent roles to play.

He said the opportunity to discuss the pending “Not Too Young To Run” bill and the challenges.
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“The raw resources of the youth need to be tapped, catch them young if you like by training, impart in them about the workings of democracy ; and to participate actively against all odds so that the youth would have their imprints in rekindling the country’s dwindling fortune of true democracy. Also, the civil societies especially the youth sector have prominent roles to play in educating the youth so that they can become leaders of tomorrow “, he hoped.

He concluded by advising the stakeholders to come in and never to botch on their responsibilities, noting that it would be in the collective interest of the stakeholders to converge and discuss the issues that affect the growth of democracy in the country, and also frown at some undemocratic tendencies.

He however warned that while the youth have the right to protest or frown at any government’s policies, that there are limitations to such right as it must be within the purview of law.

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NFF Appoints Eguavoen as Interim Head Coach of Super Falcons

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4 hours ago

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September 9, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Augustine Eguavoen has been appointed the interim head coach of the Super Falcons.

The former Super Eagles head coach will lead the Falcons for their 2028 Olympic Games double-legged qualifier against Comoros in October.

Eguavoen will be assisted by Christopher Danjuma, head coach of Nasarawa Amazons, alongside a supporting cast that includes Ayisat Yusuf, a former Super Falcons defender; Olatunji Baruwa, former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer.

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The Falcons will kick off their Olympic qualifying campaign in the second round against Comoros, with both legs taking place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13.

Nigeria had received a bye into the second round as one of the top-ranked teams, while Comoros qualified after a 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan.

Falcons must navigate four rounds of two-legged knockout ties to secure of Africa’s two slots for the women’s football event at the Olympics. A win over Comoros will advance the team to the third round in early 2027 to face either DR Congo or Morocco.

Eguavoen will be handling women’s football team for the first time in his managerial career.

His appointment comes a few weeks after Justine Madugu was sacked as Falcons’ head coach alongside his technical crew.

The dismal follows the Falcons failure to qualify for the 2027 women’s World Cup.

The first time the team will miss the World Cup since its inception in 1991.

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Dependable political ally’ — Tinubu celebrates Abdulmumin Jibrin at 50

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7 hours ago

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September 9, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Abdulmumin Jibrin, the member representing the Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency in the house of representatives, on his 50th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu described Jibrin as a dependable political ally and commended his intellectual rigour, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to public service.

The president praised Jibrin’s pursuit of knowledge, noting that his academic background at the University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, SBS Swiss Business School in Switzerland, Bayero University, Kano, and other institutions has shaped his approach to leadership and public service.

Jibrin holds two PhDs in international relations and economics, as well as an MBA from Bayero University. He also attended executive education programmes at Harvard Business School, Oxford and London Business Schools, and INSEAD in France.

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Tinubu also acknowledged Jibrin’s record in public service, including his leadership of the house committees on finance, appropriations, land transport, foreign affairs, and housing and habitat.

According to the president, the lawmaker has contributed to debates and policies on public finance, fiscal policy, infrastructure and housing.

Jibrin also served as executive director at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

“Abdulmumin Jibrin represents a generation of Nigerians whose pursuit of knowledge, enterprise, and public service has been driven by a desire to make a difference,” the president said

His journey from scholarship and business into national politics reflects intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to Nigeria.
“At 50, he has much to celebrate, but I am confident that his most consequential contributions to our nation are still ahead.”

The president wished Jibrin renewed strength, good health, wisdom and fulfilment as he marked the milestone.

He also urged him to continue using his experience and knowledge to mentor younger Nigerians, strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to the development of Kano state and Nigeria.

Jibrin rejoined the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2025 after he was expelled from the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).

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Ibrahim Little Condemns Attack on Journalists, Calls for Government Commitment to Ending Thuggery

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19 hours ago

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September 8, 2026

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The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin Little, has condemned the recent attack on journalists covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday

Little, in a statement signed by his Executive Assistant, Adnan Mukhtar, described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable, calling on security agencies to demonstrate greater commitment to ending political thuggery in the state.

“Politicians are guilty of recruiting and using thugs during political rallies, and I believe this is absolutely wrong. Such actions contribute to the destruction of the future of our young people by exposing them to immoral and criminal activities.

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“It is important that we tell ourselves the truth. A government that claims to be fighting thuggery, phone snatching and drug abuse should not be seen sponsoring or encouraging thugs to attend political rallies. This is unfortunate, unacceptable and uncalled for.

“Political rallies should be platforms for presenting ideas, engaging citizens and seeking their support, rather than breeding grounds for violence and criminality.”

Little extended his sympathy to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the affected journalists and all other victims of the incident.

He assured the people of Kano that, if elected, his administration would have zero tolerance for political thuggery and other forms of violence, stressing that his government would prioritise the protection of lives and property and create an environment where journalists and citizens can carry out their legitimate activities without fear.

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