The federal government has unveiled the registration portal for the national youth conference, also known as the youth confab.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, said the registration deadline is set for June 30. 

The conference follows the inauguration of the national planning committee by President Bola Tinubu on March 10. 

The theme of the conference is ‘Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future’.

Olawande said the conference will enable young Nigerians across the world to contribute to conversations affecting their interests and the future of the country.

He said 36,000 participants, drawn from the 360 federal constituencies, are expected to register for the conference. 

“This is more than just a conference. It is a generational turning point, a national movement and a call to action. It is a platform for us to listen, learn and lead together,” he said.

Olawande added that the event would not be “another talk-shop”, but rather a platform to generate actionable ideas through inclusive and youth-led engagement. 

“Under the visionary leadership of his excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the youth confab 2025 will be inclusive, non-partisan and youth-led,” the minister said.

He urged interested youths to visit the official portal and complete the registration process, noting that all registered participants will be able to take part in virtual consultations and submit policy recommendations through the website.

In a statement issued after the press briefing, Olubunmi Olusanya, chairman of the national planning committee, said the shortlisted applicants will be invited for the in-person component of the conference after undergoing a “rigorous” screening process.

“The youth confab is a platform established by the Nigerian government as a structured avenue for young people to contribute to national discussions and policy formulation in a way that ensures their ideas translate into action,” Olusanya said.

“The conference will brainstorm and propose workable solutions on how to tackle critical issues affecting youths, such as unemployment, political representation, education, healthcare etc.”

He added that the launch of the portal and virtual consultations marks the official commencement of the national youth confab activities.

“The national youth confab is a moment in history. It inspires hope and provides an opportunity for young people to reimagine a Nigeria that works for its youths. It’s a chance to move from protest to policy, from problems to solutions, and from challenges to progress,” he said.

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has said that internet fraudsters, popularly known as yahoo-yahoo boys, are bringing national shame to the country.

Olukoyede made this known during a media briefing on Monday at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, Yahoo-Yahoo boys have given every Nigerian the opportunity to be seen as a clean person before immigration officers around the world.

“I want Nigerians to know that we are having a crisis on our hands. If you travel abroad with your green passport and stand in the queue among so many people, you will discover that by the time you present the passport, the people (immigration officers) will look at you with some reservation. That is, if they don’t take you aside to carry out some special scrutiny. That is a national shame that some young Nigerians (yahoo-yahoo boys) have caused for us. 

“I go out to interact with my counterpart and other government agencies abroad in the course of tracing money and recovering assets. And there are things that it would be difficult for you to defend. We recently arrested groups of young men, and people no longer believe in hard work. I’m from a state where education is our pride. If you go to the secondary school that I attended, by 12 noon, the students have left school,” he said.

Expounding further on the atrocities of the fraudsters, the EFCC chairman stressed that they are involved in banditry and kidnapping when their unsuspecting victims do not cooperate.

He also noted that they were involved in laundering money for politically-exposed persons in government or out of government. 

“The most dangerous aspect of it is not just about yahoo-yahoo, some of these guys are into banditry, kidnapping. When they don’t see people to scam on time, they resort to these vices. Some of them launder money for politically exposed persons. Don’t just see them as yahoo-yahoo boys anymore; the traditional way of stealing money is not applicable anymore.

“When they (politically-exposed persons) steal money in billions, they give it to these boys, they open crypto wallets, and from there, the money goes abroad. Most of these politically exposed persons identify these boys, lodge them in the hotel, the boys open accounts for them and take the money abroad to buy cars, houses and other luxury items.

“Nigerians should look at them beyond just yahoo-yahoo. We arrested a 22-year-old; he had a turnover of over N5 billion within 18 months. We discovered that he laundered money for politically exposed people. A boy who has never worked in his life. They used them to steal government money now. They do ritual killings. They are also involved in cybercrime. You see them in hotels and in groups trying to scam people. You see secondary school students driving vehicles. Are those the people we want to hand Nigeria over to? Is that the nation we want to build?”

Recall that in May, Olukoyede said that upon his assumption in office, his agency had recovered over N365.4bn and secured 4,111 convictions in 2024.

He disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the end of a three-day Retreat for Directors with the theme “EFCC: The Journey So Far, Ensuring Professionalism and Integrity.”

Olukoyede, in a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, attributed the feat achieved to the commitment, sacrifices and dedication of staff, promising to surpass the record in 2025.

“In 2024, the commission secured 4,111 convictions and hauled monetary recovery of over N365.4billion. The EFCC’s boss appreciated the sacrifice, hard work, and discipline, and called for increased dedication to surpass the records of 2024 and greater commitment to the integrity of processes in the agency,” the statement read.

The chairman emphasised the need to uphold professionalism and integrity in the fight against corruption, adding that the EFCC’s workforce would turn out to be a critical mass of honest, highly motivated and effective team.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday rejected the Federal Government’s request to issue an arrest warrant against the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her failure to appear in court for arraignment in an alleged defamation suit.

The presiding judge, Justice Muhammed Umar, delivered this ruling after the federal government’s counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that the charge had been served on her lawyer earlier that morning in the courtroom.

Justice Umar stated that, as the senator had not previously been served with the charge or a hearing notice, it was inconceivable for her to have appeared in court.

On this basis, he refused the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.

The Federal Government’s counsel, however, argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan should have been aware of her arraignment since her legal counsel had been served.

The judge, in response, dismissed this argument, stating that serving the charge on her legal counsel was not sufficient to presume the senator’s awareness of the arraignment.

Following the court’s ruling, the prosecution applied for substituted service of the charge through her counsel, Johnson Usman. 

The application was granted and the court subsequently scheduled her arraignment for June 30.

The charge was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government.

In the criminal charge which names Senator Akpoti-Uduagahn as the sole defendant, the FG accused her of making defamatory statements during a live television broadcast.

The charge, which names Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as the nominal complainants, alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Bello of conspiring with Akpabio to orchestrate her assassination outside Abuja and framing it as a mob or local attack.

According to the Federal Government, these allegations were made during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.

The FG argues that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly or recklessly made these imputations, fully aware that they could harm the reputation of the individuals involved.

She is alleged to have said, “Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks? He then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi. What is important to me is to stay alive, because dead men tell no tales. Who is going to get justice for me?”

The charge also cites her statements during the programme, “That you, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on or about the 3rd day of April 2025, during the same Politics Today programme on Channels Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, made the following imputation concerning Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State.

“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night, to eliminate me. When he met with him, he then emphasised that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.’
You knew or had reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State.”

The senator is also accused of making defamatory statements about Senate President Akpabio during a telephone conversation with Sandra C. Duru in Abuja on 27 March 2025.

The alleged statement reads, “That girl that was killed, what’s her name, umm Imoren Iniubong, her organs were actually used for the wife, because the wife was really ill… when they killed the girl, and her organs were used for the wife.”

The Federal Government contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan knew or ought to have known that this claim would harm the reputation of Akpabio.

Also, the Senate President, Bello, and four others have been listed as witnesses for the trial.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s leadership selection, urging citizens to prioritise competence, capacity, character, and compassion when choosing leaders.

In a statement on Monday via X titled “What Cannot Be Hidden in Leadership,” Obi said leadership is either succeeding or failing, and the results are always visible.

“There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion. Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do,” he said.

He reiterated his long-held position that tribal and religious considerations in leadership choices have severely harmed the country.

“We must move away from voting based on tribe and religion, and begin to vote for people with competence, capacity, character, and compassion, because we have all seen, painfully, what leadership without these qualities has done to our country.”

Obi emphasised that competence is vital for understanding and solving Nigeria’s complex challenges, while capacity ensures the stamina and mental strength needed to lead effectively.

“Leadership must be rooted in character and integrity because without integrity, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over,” he added. “But perhaps most importantly, we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored.”

Citing recent tragedies, Obi condemned the federal government’s apparent lack of response.

“Recently, we witnessed severe flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives, with many still missing. Yet, not even a single presidential visit,” he said. “Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians, innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers were massacred in Benue State. Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning.”

Contrasting this with international examples, Obi said, “In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours. In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility.”

“That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life,” he said. “But here in Nigeria, we have normalised leadership without empathy, without accountability, and without a human face.”

He concluded by stating that Nigeria needs more than just a president.

“Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader, a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue,” he said.

Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior, has expressed confidence that his team will win this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

According to the Brazilian, the new Club World Cup expanded format is the only title that the Los Blancos have never won before.

According to him, Xabi Alonso’s side are eager to win it because people never forget the first one.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s first Club World Cup tie with Al-Hilal on Wednesday, Vinicius said as quoted by Madrid Xtra: “We are eager to win this first Club World Cup because people never forget the first one.

“It’s the only title Real Madrid doesn’t have. We are going for it,” he stated.

Real Madrid are in Group H of the Club World Cup, taking place in the USA.

The Spanish LaLiga giants will also face Pachuca and RB Salzburg in the group stage

The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested 14 people after a peaceful protest in Makurdi turned violent on Sunday.

According to the police, some hoodlums hijacked the protest and set a truck on fire, burning the driver alive.

The incident happened in Apir, a community on the outskirts of Makurdi.

This was made known in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Command, SP Catherine Udeme Edet, and shared with journalists on Sunday.

“While the right to peaceful protest is respected and protected, it is important that such actions remain lawful and non-violent,” the statement read.

The protest started at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, where some youths gathered to express their anger over recent killings in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, and the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. John Ode, visited the protest ground to calm the situation.

“Unfortunately, the crowd refused to listen and the protest was hijacked by violent people who even attempted to attack the Deputy Governor,” the police said.

“Officers quickly stepped in and used non-lethal methods such as smoke and water to disperse the crowd and safely evacuate the deputy governor.

“The police confirmed that no one was injured during this operation.”

However, things worsened later in Apir where another group of hoodlums blocked a road, stopped a moving truck, and set it on fire.

The driver, who is yet to be identified, was trapped inside and burnt to death.

The police said, “The command has so far arrested 14 suspects in connection with these incidents. They will be prosecuted accordingly. Investigations are ongoing to arrest other suspects and those who planned the attack.”

The police also advised the public to always remain peaceful when expressing grievances and not allow criminals to take advantage of such gatherings

Hull City are on the verge of signing Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi, DAILY POST reports.

Ajayi is a free agent after leaving Sky Bet Championship side, West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies failed to renew his contract, putting an end to his six-year association with the club.

The centre-back-back battled with persistent hamstring injury last season, and was limited to 15 appearances for the Baggies.

Hull City are keen to add an experienced centre-back to their defence, according to Hull Daily Mail, and believed Ajayi would be a good addition.

Ajayi appeared in 177 games for Albion, and registered 13 goals and three assists

In the face of fresh violence that has left several communities in Benue State shattered, the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, stepped into the heart of the crisis on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

General Gara visited Yelwata Village, Tse-Mtwenem, Daudu, and Iye Village—areas recently rocked by brutal attacks.

According to a statement released by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS Headquarters, the visit was part of the military’s broader response to the escalating tension in the region.

During his meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents, General Gara called the recent attacks “barbaric and unacceptable,” and made it clear that the military would go after the perpetrators without hesitation.

“Today, I stand not just as a Commander, but as a fellow Nigerian who understands your pain and suffering. The Nigerian security establishment is with you. We are not here to observe; we are here to act. We will pursue the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and ensure they face justice,” he stated.

He also expressed deep condolences to families mourning their loved ones and praised the dedication of troops working tirelessly under harsh conditions to protect lives.

General Gara explained that OPWS has ramped up intelligence gathering and deployed more personnel to key flashpoints.

But he stressed that military action alone won’t solve the problem, as collaboration from locals is critical.

He urged residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information that could help prevent future attacks and bring criminals to justice.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Iorkyaa Emmanuel welcomed the military’s presence and described General Gara’s visit as a turning point for many villagers who have lived in fear.

He said the community is ready to support the military fully and called for a consistent security presence, especially in remote areas that are o

Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Prince Ned Nwoko, has assured leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that the creation of Anioma State is effectively a done deal.

Speaking on Saturday at Idumuje-Ugboko, his country home in Aniocha Local Government Area, Nwoko revealed that all necessary steps had been taken in the Senate, adding that 75 senators are in support of the state’s creation.

”We are on course. The technical committee will be inaugurated in Asaba, to help me to work towards actualising the creation of Anioma state.

”If you were at Agbor during APC stakeholders gathering, you heard when the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Umar Ganduje said the creation of Anioma State is a done deal.

”We have moved from the committee stage of the process to public hearing coming up in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Thereafter, we will come back to the Senate for third reading of the bill for the creation of Anioma State,” the senator assured.

Supporting the statement, APC chieftain Chief Emma Ejiofor called for unity and commitment among stakeholders in pursuit of Anioma State’s creation. He warned that any member of the Delta State House of Assembly from the senatorial district who fails to support the cause would face recall by constituents.

Also speaking, Hon Nicholas Ossai, a former member of the House of Representatives, reiterated the feasibility of the proposed state.

“We must support Senator Ned Nwoko to achieve this feat because when we have our state, we will have more local government areas created, and many other benefits in the new state. Anioma State should be supported by everybody.”

Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei, emphasised the need for reconciliation among aggrieved members of the party to ensure unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We are not having a party to divide us. We are having a party to unify and unite everybody. We must unite the party, particularly in Delta North,” Ochei stated

The lawmaker representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, on Sunday, rose to the defence of President Bola Tinubu, saying he wasn’t the first leader to secure a loan in the country’s history.

Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor, further emphasised that borrowing for capital projects such as infrastructure is a healthy global practice.

According to him, every past president from former President Olusegun Obasanjo to General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) had at one point approached the international community for loans and aid.

He made the clarification when he was featured as a guest on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.

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His concerns come barely one month after the President sought the National Assembly’s approval to secure external loans of $21.5 million and ¥15 billion, along with a grant of €65 million, as part of his government’s proposed 2025–2026 external borrowing plan.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on May 27.

The letter also included a summary of the funding breakdown, but the content was not made public.

Oshiomhole, however, insisted that there was nothing wrong with the National Assembly approving such loans since every country needs them for developmental projects.

He said, “Once the purpose of borrowing is clear and acceptable, it is patriotic to approve of it. Because this is not the first president to borrow. I would challenge you to name any Nigerian president, from Olusegun Obasanjo to Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, though I’m not too sure about that because he didn’t live enough.

“But Jonathan and Buhari did borrow. Even America is borrowing. The current bill in the United States is going to push US deficit to about31 to $36trn.

“You name the country that doesn’t borrow. For me, borrowing for the right purpose like infrastructure is very healthy.”