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Kogi Deputy Speaker, advocates For Youth Participation In Leadership, Decision Taking
The Deputy Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Ahmed Mohammed has advocated for a narrative change in Nigeria where Youths should be given opportunity to participate in leadership and decision taking of their immediate society. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Hon Ahmed Mohammed also urged youths across the country to see themselves as future leaders who should strive to shun thuggery, violence, cultism and other forms of social vices and embrace meaningful ventures that could make them self-sustaining.
The Deputy Speaker gave the admonition over the weekend, while speaking at a Youth Forum organised by the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative to further mark this year’s International Youth Day Celebration in the North Central Zone of Nigeria held in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.
The Programme with the Theme: “Youth Engagement Through Building and Strengthening of Democratic Institution” was put in place in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria and Youth Employment and Social Support Operation(YESSO).
The Deputy Speaker hinted that the focus of the present administration in Kogi state has been on how to make youths productive by providing them with opportunities that would make them self-reliant.
“We have put in place skills acquisition programmes for the Youths. We have involved the youths in governance of the state through appointments into various positions. Our focus has been on how to see that the youths stands tall in all ramifications
” Security challenges in Kogi have been at a low level as a result of government attention on youth empowerment
“A lot of empowerment programmes have been carried out by the present administration to ensure that youths were effectively engaged to better their life” Hon Ahmed Mohammed disclosed.
The Senior Special Assistant on Security in charge of Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Onoja Ignatius who also spoke at the event, challenged Nigerian Youths to embark on meaningful ventures that could enable them become responsible citizens to qualify in leadership roles.
“Youths should be placed on the top to enable them use their God given talents to champion the progress of their father land. There is need for a narrative change not only to involve the elderly in leadership but extend such opportunity to the youths as well” the SSA advised.
He therefore, appealed to youths across the country not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to carry out dirty jobs such as killings and perpetrating evils in the society.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi in her contribution through online, called on government at all levels to encourage girl child education and participation in governance like their male counterparts.
“Government should endeavor at all times to embark on intensive sensitization of citizens to embrace extending equal opportunities to both male and female folks in every activity” Ene Obi appeals.
She however, urged Nigerian youths to always imbibe hard work and honesty in every aspect of their life describing positive attitude as the only way out to achieve greatness and worthy living.
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Organ Harvest for Motorcycles: Onu Egume Warns Youths, Orders Investigation Egume, Kogi State
By Usman Aliyu
The Onu Egume/Okura District Head, HRH Ochimana Simon Anu, has raised the alarm over alleged kidney sales among youths in Egume community, reportedly to raise money for the purchase of motorcycles and other material possessions.
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The traditional ruler issued the warning at the Onu Egume Palace, describing the alleged practice as dangerous and unacceptable. He urged youths to reject the pursuit of quick wealth at the expense of their health and future.
According to a statement signed by Momoh Idris Ospaca, Media Custodian, Anu, Onu Egume Palace, the monarch also warned individuals allegedly operating as agents for kidney buyers within his domain to leave the community or face consequences.
To address the allegations, the Onu Egume has directed the establishment of a security committee to investigate the matter, particularly cases involving youths and underage persons who suddenly acquire expensive motorcycles.
The committee is expected to examine the sources of funds used by such individuals to purchase TVS and Hajue Rubber motorcycles reportedly costing between ₦1 million and ₦2 million, and determine whether any criminal or exploitative activities are involved.
The monarch expressed concern over what he described as the increasing desire among some youths to acquire material wealth without engaging in legitimate hard work.
He urged young people to pursue lawful means of livelihood, develop skills and plan for their future rather than engage in activities that could permanently damage their health.
The royal father further warned that anyone found to be involved in the alleged practice would face sanctions in accordance with the traditional laws and customs of the community.
He appealed to parents, community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could endanger young people.
The Onu Egume stressed that health and human life must take priority over material possessions, warning youths not to be carried away by the apparent wealth of others or the attraction of quick money.
The traditional ruler reaffirmed his strong condemnation of alleged kidney-selling activities in Egume and directed that any such transactions should stop with immediate effect.
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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New Product
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Lagos, Nigeria — July 2026 — MeCure Industries Plc closed the first half of 2026 on a strong note, marked by the affirmation of its national scale issuer ratings by GCR Ratings, the award of Halal certification, and the launch of two new products.
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GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
In June 2026, MeCure further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Fluconazole Capsules and EBU Suspension. Fluconazole Capsules add to the company’s antifungal offering, while EBU Suspension, an ibuprofen oral suspension, strengthens MeCure’s paediatric and family care range. The launches reflect the company’s continued focus on affordable, locally manufactured medicines across key therapeutic needs.
As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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NewsAugust 26, 2026Organ Harvest for Motorcycles: Onu Egume Warns Youths, Orders Investigation Egume, Kogi StateNewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border