Alh. Hon Babalola Ahmed Ákanji

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

Today, we launched the National Youth Data Bank, an important step toward a more inclusive, opportunity-driven future for young Nigerians. The platform will bring together information on young people’s skills, education, employment, businesses, needs and aspirations, helping us make better decisions and connect young Nigerians to opportunities in jobs, training, entrepreneurship, digital programmes and more.

No young Nigerian should be overlooked because of where they live. With accurate, secure and responsibly managed data, we can better match talent with opportunity and turn aspirations into progress. I call on young Nigerians to participate and provide accurate information, and for the private sector, development partners, institutions and youth organisations to support this initiative. Our goal is not just to collect data, but to use it to improve lives and build a stronger future for Nigeria.

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

APPLAUSE FOR NORA AWOLOWO AND DAMILOLA OSIKOYA ON GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

I warmly congratulate Nora Awolowo of Rixel Studios and Damilola Osikoya of Switch Visuals Productions on their remarkable achievement of setting a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening with Black Market in Lagos.

This historic feat is another powerful demonstration of the creativity, ambition and growing global influence of Nigeria’s creative industry. I am particularly delighted by the accomplishment of 27-year-old Nora Awolowo, whose journey represents the enormous possibilities before young Nigerians when talent is matched with courage, discipline and opportunity. At just 27, she has helped deliver an achievement that has placed Nigerian creativity firmly on the global stage.

Equally commendable is Damilola Osikoya, whose entrepreneurial and production experience contributed to the successful execution of an event of such extraordinary scale. Their collaboration reminds us that young talent flourishes even more when it is strengthened by experience, partnership and an ecosystem that gives good ideas the opportunity to succeed.

Nigeria’s creative economy is increasingly becoming a powerful platform for employment, entrepreneurship and global recognition for our young people. At the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, we will continue to champion opportunities that enable young Nigerians to turn their creativity and skills into sustainable livelihoods, successful enterprises and accomplishments that make our nation proud.

I congratulate Nora, Damilola and everyone who contributed to the success of Black Market. May this achievement inspire more young Nigerians to dream beyond limitations, pursue excellence and confidently take their talents to the world.

Congratulations, Nora and Damilola. Nigeria celebrates you.

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

Today, I joined the leadership and members of the Joint Union Negotiating Council of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in celebrating the 2026 Union Week. It was an opportunity to appreciate the dedication of our staff and remind ourselves that, despite our different responsibilities, we share one common purpose: to serve Nigerian youth and to serve them well.

I believe the relationship between management and staff must always be built on dialogue, mutual respect and understanding. Our unions should not only come together when there are challenges; they should be partners in building a Ministry where people are respected, good work is encouraged and everyone has the opportunity to give their best.

I congratulate the leadership and members of the Joint Union Negotiating Council and wish everyone a successful and memorable Union Week celebration.

#YouthDevelopment #UnionWeek2026 #Teamwork #OneTeam

[Titilope Gbadamosi, PhD @titilopegb]

This afternoon in New York, at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, I’ll be speaking on the topic: “Advancing the Bujumbura Outcomes: Youth, Peace and Security in Africa” on the occasion of the International Day of Peace.

This is a High-Level Side Event organized by the Government of the Republic of Burundi and co-sponsored by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Cameroon and Ghana.

The Bujumbura Outcomes provide an important framework for advancing youth, peace and security across Africa. I look forward to hearing the impact stories and experiences from other African countries, and to sharing perspectives on how we can continue to strengthen youth participation in building peaceful and inclusive societies.

[Titilope Gbadamosi, PhD @titilopegb]

THE NEXT GENERATION MUST HELP SHAPE THE NIGERIA THEY WILL INHERIT

Today, I joined the Honorable Minister for Youth Development; Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Youth Development; Dr Maryan Keshinro and other stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for the press conference announcing the 2026 National Youth Confab.

The Confab, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” is designed to take youth engagement beyond conversations in Abuja.

With planned consultations across all 360 Federal Constituencies, the six geopolitical zones and the diaspora, young Nigerians will have the opportunity to identify challenges, propose solutions and contribute to policy recommendations.

With my work centering on youth initiatives, I look forward to seeing this process translate youth voices into actionable recommendations and, ultimately, into programmes and policies that respond to the realities of young Nigerians.

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

Today, I declared open the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Orientation Course Workshop and launched the NYSC Staff E-Training Portal in Abuja. The timely theme, “Reimagining the NYSC Orientation Course: Building Resilient, Responsible and Service-Oriented Corps Members for a Changing World,” reflects the need to continually adapt the Scheme to Nigeria’s realities and aspirations.

As a youth development organisation, our goal is for corps members to leave the NYSC with more than a certificate of national service. They should leave with better skills, improved employability, clearer career opportunities and the confidence to create value for themselves and others.

Achieving this goal requires investing in the NYSC personnel responsible for supporting and developing corps members. The Staff E-Training Portal will help build a more knowledgeable and responsive workforce as we continue to reshape the NYSC to meet the aspirations of young participants and prepare them for a changing world.

[Titilope Gbadamosi, PhD @titilopegb]

Join me tomorrow on Lagelu 96.7FM as I speak on the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and why we must support and vote for all APC candidates in Oyo State.

Let’s have the conversation on the Renewed Hope Agenda, its impact on Nigerians, and the road ahead.

📻 Tune in and join us.

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

Today, I visited the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to appreciate the Nigeria Police Force for its commitment to the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk and, importantly, for helping us provide timely support to young Nigerians who need assistance.

We also explored how we can do more together, particularly around youth engagement, crime prevention, and ensuring greater security for young people as we approach the elections.

[EFCC Nigeria @officialEFCC]

EFCC Arraigns Brookfield Group Holdings CEO, Olatunji Adebola, for Alleged N990m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, arraigned the Chief Executive Officer,  CEO, of Brookfield Group Holdings, Olatunji Oluwaseun Adebola,( a.k.a Whitelion) before Justice C. Ngozi of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, for an alleged N990,000,000 (Nine Hundred and Ninety Million Naira) fraud.
Adebola, alongside his company, Brookfield Mining Limited, was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and dishonest misappropriation of funds to the tune of N990 million.
His arraignment followed a petition dated April 6, 2026, filed by a petitioner through a legal counsel, BB Dan Habu & Co. Solicitors, alleging that the defendants obtained the funds from its client under the guise of facilitating a foreign exchange transaction worth $750,000 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars).

During the proceedings on Thursday, the defendant pleaded “ not guilty” to the charges preferred against him.

Following his plea,  prosecution counsel, Oluwakemi Yemi-Makinde, prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendant in a correctional facility.  The defence counsel, however, informed the court of a pending application for bail on behalf of the defendant.

Ruling on the application, Justice Ngozi ordered the defendant to produce two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant on Grade Level 15, while the other must be a civil servant who owns a landed property in Abuja.

Justice Ngozi, thereafter, adjourned the case till September 15, 2026.

[Titilope Gbadamosi, PhD @titilopegb]

Apply before 12 midnight. Your future will thank you.

[Titilope Gbadamosi, PhD @titilopegb]

Dear Nigerian Youth, this opportunity is closing by midnight today. Register and apply to secure your funding.

Secure up to ₦5,000,000 in grant funding for your startup.

Open to early-stage founders.

Visit
https://t.co/nvbgxRkYGl
to apply.

Thank you.

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

Today, I visited the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), where I received insights into some of the Agency’s ongoing projects and the deliberate efforts to deepen the participation of young Nigerians in its programmes. I was particularly pleased with discussions around expanding skills development opportunities for young people, including the possibility of exposing corps members under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to relevant technical and future-focused skills.

The engagement was another reminder of the opportunities that can be unlocked when our institutions consciously factor Nigeria’s youthful population into their programmes. With young people constituting the majority of our population, we must continue to create pathways that connect them to technology, innovation, practical skills and emerging sectors of the economy.

I also met with representatives of Junior Chamber International (JCI), with discussions centred on youth leadership, capacity development and opportunities for greater youth participation in national development. Across both engagements, the message was clear: our young people have the talent and energy; we must continue to build the platforms that give them the skills, exposure and opportunities to thrive.

[APC Nigeria @OfficialAPCNg]

ABUJA, FCT

AUGUST 25, 2026

PRESS STATEMENT

APC REOPENS MEMBERSHIP ELECTRONIC-REGISTRATION

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) announces the reopening of the Party’s Membership Electronic-Registration Exercise across the country on Monday, August 31, 2026.

We invite all Party stakeholders, supporters and members, old and new, to participate in the APC Membership Electronic-Registration Exercise. The exercise will be conducted in all wards nationwide. Existing members are expected to validate their membership, while new and intending members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family.

Registrants must be 18 years or older and possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).

The E-Registration Exercise is designed to digitise the Party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of membership records, enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions, promote internal democracy, and strengthen the Party’s commitment to democratic innovation in Nigeria.

Signed:

Felix Morka, CON
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

On my arrival in office today, I took some time to engage with staff of the Ministry, participated in the Ministry’s Sports Club election, and visited some of our Directors in their respective offices.

For me, leadership is not only about giving direction; it is also about listening, understanding the people you work with and building the relationships required to deliver results. The progress we continue to make at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is a product of the collective efforts of our dedicated staff across departments and units.

I remain committed to maintaining an open and cordial working relationship with the entire team as we continue to strengthen the Ministry and expand meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians.

[Aderinsola Abiola @RinsolaAbiola]

I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Secretary of the Youth Mobilisation Directorate of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council. I sincerely thank Mr. President for the confidence and inclusion.

I look forward to working closely with our leaders, colleagues, stakeholders, and the teeming young people across the country to build a strong, united and effective mobilisation effort towards a successful campaign.

The task ahead is significant, and I am committed to giving it my very best. Together, we will deliver. So help us God.

[Titilope Gbadamosi, PhD @titilopegb]

📍Okada, Edo State NYSC Orientation Camp

Edo State has today become the sixth and final zone to host the CNG Retrofitting Training Programme, completing a rollout that began in the FCT and moved through Lagos, Kano, Adamawa and Enugu.

I was present in Edo State for the flag-off, underscoring the programme's alignment with the administration's monitoring and delivery framework, as every state covered has been tracked for tangible outcomes.

With Edo State’s flag-off, the programme reaches its full target of 300 beneficiaries across the six geopolitical zones, 50 per zone, representing the first cohort of what is envisioned as a sustained national pipeline of CNG-certified technicians, engineers and conversion specialists.

This cohort-based model reflects a broader philosophy driving the programme: that youth empowerment is most effective when tied directly to real, localized economic opportunity.

As Nigeria's clean energy transition accelerates, this fully rolled-out, six-zone framework offers a blueprint for how the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to convert national policy into localized, employable opportunity for young Nigerians.

I sincerely appreciate the Edo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Fasina Adedotun Julius and my brother, Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu who is the APC candidate for Oredo Federal constituency.

[Alh. Hon Babalola Ahmed Ákanji @HON_BAA]

Father of Democracy in Nigeria @officialasiwajubat

[Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_]

I am pleased to announce that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), is partnering with Cascador to launch the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, a new initiative that will prepare young Nigerian entrepreneurs for investment and provide up to ₦5 million each in non-dilutive funding to top-performing young founders.

This partnership is the direct outcome of our engagements with Cascador, including the follow-up meeting I hosted on 29 April, where we explored how their experience supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs could align with our broader youth development agenda. What began as a conversation around the table has now become a practical opportunity for young Nigerians.

Under the pilot programme, selected early-stage youth founders will undergo an intensive four-week programme covering business fundamentals, investment readiness, pitch preparation and one-on-one mentorship. At the end, the top-performing founders will each receive up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding from Cascador, alongside an Enterprise Resource Planning solution to help them structure, manage and scale their businesses.

This is very important to me because our engagements as a Ministry must ultimately translate into opportunities that young Nigerians can see, access and benefit from. Meetings are necessary, but the real measure of engagement is what comes out of them. When we sit with the private sector, development partners and investors, our objective is not the meeting itself; it is to build relationships that can unlock opportunities for Nigerian youth.

This partnership also advances the philosophy behind NiYA. We do not want to stop at training. We want to build a stronger bridge from learning to enterprise, from ideas to investment readiness, and from potential to sustainable businesses. Importantly, this pilot recognises that talented young Nigerians should not be excluded simply because they are still at an early stage or do not yet have the financial history and networks that traditionally open doors to capital.

Twenty founders may be the starting point, but the bigger objective is to develop a model that can be tested, strengthened and expanded. We want an ecosystem where a young Nigerian's opportunity to succeed is increasingly determined by the strength of the idea, readiness to learn and ability to execute; not simply by background or connections.

Applications open Wednesday, 19 August 2026, through https://t.co/Ud361OcQJG.

[Titilope Gbadamosi, PhD @titilopegb]

Following the successful commencement of the CNG Retrofitting Training Programme in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, I was in Kano State NYSC Orientation Camp today to monitor the progress of the training where 50 corp members drawn from Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics and Electrical Engineering backgrounds are being trained.

I am quite impressed by the dedication and commitment of the NYSC staff and the trainees.

This initiative is no doubt a step in the right direction.

I am grateful to NYSC Kano State Coordinator; Hajia Abdukareem Halima Abubakar and all the state directors for their warm reception.

[TheCable @thecableng]

“We miss our father, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. He was a beloved father and a great leader” — Tinubu to Tijaniyya leaders from Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal after condolence visit