Archives 2025

RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
16 August 2025

Talks stall on Ukraine war, but U.S. president claims progress toward a lasting settlement

A Summit of High Stakes and Higher Expectations

The highly anticipated summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, concluded on Friday without the ceasefire that many observers had hoped for. Instead, Trump declared that he and his counterparts—including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—had agreed a broader peace settlement would be preferable to a temporary truce.

BBC reported that while the meeting had been carefully choreographed, from Putin’s red-carpet arrival to the roar of a B-2 bomber overhead, it ended with little concrete progress.

“It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement,” Trump said afterward on his Truth Social platform. “Ceasefires often do not hold up.”

The Choreography of Power

Putin’s arrival in Alaska underscored the summit’s dramatic staging. He disembarked to a ceremonial welcome from Trump, cameras flashing as the pair posed before stepping into the presidential limousine, nicknamed The Beast. Yet, according to BBC’s political correspondent, the pageantry quickly gave way to an anticlimactic outcome.

The Kremlin had suggested discussions could last up to seven hours, but less than three hours later both leaders re-emerged. A short joint statement followed, but no questions were allowed, and the planned working lunch was quietly scrapped.

Putin’s Position Unmoved

During his remarks, Putin repeated familiar demands: Ukraine should forfeit its NATO aspirations and withdraw from four contested territories—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. This stance, unchanged since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion three years ago, leaves little room for compromise.

Trump largely stayed silent as Putin spoke for nearly eight minutes. The Russian leader urged Ukrainians and Europeans not to “throw a wrench” into what he described as a fragile peace process.

Zelensky Holds His Ground

On his flight back to Washington, Trump spoke at length with President Zelensky, who later announced he would travel to the White House on Monday. In his own statement, Zelensky backed Trump’s call for a trilateral summit but warned against any deal struck without Kyiv’s direct involvement.

“All issues important to Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine’s participation,” he said, adding that territorial concessions were “off the table.” He also pressed for tougher sanctions if Moscow attempts to “evade an honest end to the war.”

Trump Balances Optimism With Ambiguity

Despite no breakthrough, Trump struck an optimistic note. He praised his “fantastic relationship” with Putin but acknowledged that “one very significant sticking point” remained unresolved—though he did not specify what it was.

On Fox News later, Trump repeated that the talks went “very well” and suggested progress might come “in two or three weeks.” Asked about earlier threats of severe tariffs on Russia’s trade partners, he said, “We don’t have to think about it today.”

Europe Watches, Outcome Unclear

BBC noted that NATO allies were drawn into discussions by phone, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. While European leaders welcomed signs of U.S. engagement, they remain cautious about Trump’s unpredictable diplomacy.

For now, Ukrainians can take solace that no deal was struck ceding territory to Moscow. Yet, Putin’s unyielding rhetoric and Trump’s ambiguity leave the war’s future uncertain.

Looking Ahead

Zelensky’s visit to Washington on Monday is now seen as the next critical step. The White House has billed it as an opportunity to explore “guarantees for Ukraine’s long-term security,” something both Kyiv and European partners have demanded.

For now, the Alaska summit will be remembered as a turning point that has floated a future peace deal.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
15 August 2025

Nigeria’s inflation rate slid to 21.88 percent in July 2025, offering a faint glimmer of relief to an economy long battered by rising costs. The figure, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Friday, represents a modest dip from June’s 22.22 percent — the fourth time this year the headline inflation rate has inched downward.

While the numerical drop signals a technical slowdown in the pace of price increases, the reality on the streets paints a more complicated picture. For many Nigerians, particularly at the market stalls and food shops, life is still as expensive as ever.

According to the NBS report, July’s headline inflation rate was 0.34 percentage points lower than June’s, and a dramatic 11.52 percentage points below the 33.40 percent recorded in July 2024. Economists attribute part of this sharp year-on-year decline to the statistical “base effect” — comparing today’s prices to last year’s extreme highs.

However, a closer look reveals a more stubborn trend: on a month-to-month basis, inflation actually accelerated. July’s monthly inflation stood at 1.99 percent, up from 1.68 percent in June. In other words, prices continued to rise in July — just at a slightly slower annual pace.

Food Inflation Climb to 22.74%

Perhaps most telling is the performance of food inflation, the metric that hits households hardest. Year-on-year, food prices climbed 22.74 percent in July, up from 21.97 percent in June. While this is a steep drop from the staggering 39.53 percent recorded in July last year, the cost of essentials remains burdensome.

Month-to-month, food inflation was pegged at 3.12 percent, marginally below June’s 3.25 percent. The bureau credited this slight easing to falling prices of staples such as vegetable oil, beans, local rice, maize flour, guinea corn, wheat flour, and millet. Yet, the annual average food inflation rate still sits at a hefty 26.97 percent, underscoring the persistent pressure on household budgets.

The Usual Suspects Driving Prices

Beyond the kitchen, the NBS identified food and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants and accommodation services, and transportation as the biggest contributors to overall price growth. With fuel costs, service charges, and transport fares still climbing, the ripple effects on everyday living remain unavoidable.

What This Means for Nigerians

While policymakers might hail the headline drop as a sign of progress, many Nigerians will not feel it in their pockets any time soon. Disinflation — the slowing of price increases — does not translate into falling prices, and for most families, the arithmetic remains grim.

For now, the numbers may look better on paper, but at the market stall, the same weary question echoes: “Why does everything still cost more?”

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
14 August 2025

The serene atmosphere of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, was pierced by grief on Thursday following the shocking death of a young medical student whose dreams were abruptly extinguished.

Ajibola Ibitayo, a part-two student of the Faculty of Dentistry, was found lifeless at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State, after what authorities have described as a case of suicide. According to official sources, the 21-year-old injected himself following the release of semester examination results that indicated he would have to repeat his academic year — for the second consecutive time.

University spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident in a sombre statement, noting that Ibitayo, who had been repeating Part Two, reportedly took the drastic step after learning that his efforts had not yielded the results he had hoped for.

“This is a colossal loss, not just to his family but to the entire OAU community,” Olarewaju lamented. “He was a bright student from a respectable background. His father, a medical doctor, and his family are devastated beyond words.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, while addressing the tragedy, called for a cultural shift in how failure is perceived among young people. “Academic setbacks are not the end of life’s journey,” he stressed. “They can be redirections towards new opportunities and eventual success. We must teach resilience, self-worth, and the courage to face tomorrow, even after today’s disappointments.”

The Dentistry Students’ Association, through its president, Adebayo Idris, described Ajibola’s passing as “a painful reminder of the silent struggles” that many students endure. “This is not merely the loss of a classmate,” Idris said, “but the extinguishing of a bright mind whose potential will never be realised. It underscores the urgency of prioritising mental health just as much as physical well-being.”

Counsellors and mental health advocates have since urged students to speak out and seek help when overwhelmed, emphasising that no examination result should ever determine the worth of a life.

As OAU’s campus lowers its flags and its community gathers in hushed sorrow, Ajibola’s death sends a chilling message far beyond Ile-Ife — a plea for empathy, early intervention, and a reminder that behind every transcript lies a human soul, often fighting unseen battles.

For Ajibola Ibitayo, the pages of an unfinished story have closed far too soon, leaving behind a silence that speaks volumes.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
14 August 2025

Abuja — World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has given President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms an emphatic nod of approval, hailing his administration’s push to stabilise Nigeria’s volatile economy as a necessary first step toward sustainable growth.

Speaking to journalists after a high-profile meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Okonjo-Iweala — a former Nigerian finance minister and globally respected economist — declared that “you cannot really improve an economy unless it’s stable,” adding that Tinubu and his team “have worked hard to stabilise the economy, and he deserves credit for that.”

Her visit, however, was not purely an economic appraisal. She came to share what she described as “joyful news” — the launch of a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women in the fast-growing digital export economy.

The Women Exporters Fund for the Digital Economy, jointly managed by the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva, is designed to help women entrepreneurs weather the economic storm while building thriving, job-creating businesses.

Nigeria emerged as one of only four countries worldwide selected for the programme after a competitive global process. Out of a staggering 67,000 Nigerian applicants, 146 women secured coveted places in the scheme. Among them, 16 high-achieving entrepreneurs have been placed in the elite “booster track” — a category for those already running viable businesses but ready to scale up. These women will receive 18 months of tailored technical guidance, business coaching, and access to new markets.

A further 100 women will each be granted $5,000 in direct funding, paired with 12 months of mentorship and support to launch, expand, or strengthen their enterprises. Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that such targeted investment would not only lift individual households but also inject vitality into Nigeria’s broader economic landscape.

“This is about putting money not only in the pockets of households but in the nation’s pocket,” she explained, noting that women-led businesses have a proven multiplier effect on communities and national growth.

She lauded the First Lady’s active support, along with the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, for championing the initiative locally.

Turning to broader economic strategy, Okonjo-Iweala cautioned that stability must be matched with measures to ensure ordinary Nigerians are not left behind. “What is needed next is growth,” she said pointedly. “We need to build social safety nets so that those feeling the pinch of reforms can weather the hardship. That’s how we create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.”

Her remarks underscore a delicate truth: reforms, however necessary, risk eroding public patience without tangible improvements in livelihoods. Okonjo-Iweala’s message to the President was clear — pair stability with inclusive growth, and Nigeria’s economic narrative could shift decisively.

For now, her public endorsement is a boost to Tinubu’s reform credentials, signalling that the global economic community is not only watching Nigeria’s path forward — it is cautiously optimistic.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
14 August 2025

In the turbulent theatre of Rivers State politics, Nyesom Wike has once again proven himself a master tactician, pulling the strings with precision to reclaim the grassroots machinery that fuels political dominance.

On Wednesday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers governor stood at the heart of a spectacle — the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign in Port Harcourt. The air was thick with loyalty. Party chairperson Aeron Chukwuemeke and suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, both Wike loyalists, showered effusive praise on the man they openly hailed as “leader” and “father” of the party in the state. Flanked by 26 lawmakers loyal to Wike, Amaewhule’s words underscored a political reality few now contest: the minister has consolidated his hold on both the PDP and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), whose state chairman, Tony Okocha, is firmly in his camp.

Conspicuously absent from the day’s choreography was Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists. Their presence was reduced to a backdrop image — symbolic, yet politically telling.

Wike and Fubara’s relationship has long since collapsed into a bitter feud, splintering the legislature into rival camps and sparking a political crisis that no presidential intervention has managed to tame. The Supreme Court’s intervention earlier this year — voiding local elections conducted under Fubara, reinstating pro-Wike lawmakers, and freezing state allocations until a budget is presented to the “legitimate” assembly — shifted momentum decisively in Wike’s favour.

Once restored, the pro-Wike assembly wasted no time issuing an impeachment notice to the governor, deepening the stalemate. A pipeline explosion in the state only heightened tensions, and by March, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending both Fubara and the legislature. The president installed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator, a controversial move that drew criticism from legal and civic groups.

Ibas swiftly dissolved Fubara-era boards and commissions, installing new ones. Among them was a reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, which moved with striking speed to fix August 30 for local elections — less than two months away.

Despite legal challenges and public protests over holding polls under emergency rule, the electoral process surged ahead. Primaries produced an unmistakable pattern: Wike’s loyalists emerged as flag-bearers not only for the PDP but also for the APC.

With both major parties’ grassroots candidates now drawn from his stable, Wike’s grip on Rivers politics appears unshakable — a dual-party dominance rare in Nigeria’s fiercely competitive political landscape.

For Governor Fubara, the symbolism is stark: the very base that fuels political survival in Rivers — the councillors, chairpersons, and ward mobilisers — is now firmly in his rival’s camp. For Wike, it is the art of political consolidation writ large, a calculated return to the commanding heights of his home state’s politics, executed with timing, loyalty, and an eye on the levers that matter most.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
13 August 2025

In a dramatic turn of events that has seized public attention, the Federal Government has moved decisively to douse two raging tempests in Nigeria’s aviation sector — ordering the release of detained Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and slashing the flight ban imposed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM 1.

The announcement came on Wednesday from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, following high-level consultations with aviation stakeholders and a careful review of the incidents that had sparked national debate.

Emmanson’s case stemmed from a heated confrontation aboard an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo on August 10, 2025, when she allegedly refused to turn off her mobile phone during take-off preparations. Matters escalated when she struck a flight attendant, leading to her forcible removal from the aircraft, subsequent arrest, and incarceration at Kirikiri Prison. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) responded with a lifetime flying ban, citing its zero-tolerance stance on violence.

Keyamo revealed that Emmanson displayed “genuine remorse” during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer — a key factor in the airline’s decision to withdraw its complaint. The AON also agreed to lift the lifetime ban, with formal release procedures now underway. “This is not an endorsement of misconduct,” Keyamo stressed, “but an acknowledgement that contrition deserves a second chance.”

The minister’s peace-making extended to the case of KWAM 1, whose August 5, 2025 altercation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, had made headlines. The Fuji legend was accused of refusing to surrender a prohibited flask — allegedly containing alcohol — before boarding a ValueJet flight. Witnesses claimed he poured its contents on crew and security staff, then proceeded onto the tarmac, disrupting aircraft movements.

Initially, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) handed him a one-year ban and lodged a criminal complaint. But on Wednesday, Keyamo announced a reduced penalty of just one month, coupled with an innovative resolution: FAAN will enlist KWAM 1 as an ambassador for airport security awareness, transforming the incident into a platform for positive advocacy.

The leniency also extends to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, both suspended over the same incident. Their licenses will be restored after serving the same one-month ban and completing a professional reappraisal programme.

Keyamo used the moment to highlight a shared responsibility between passengers and airline staff. “No party in these disputes is entirely without blame,” he remarked. “We must all embrace civility and accountability if we are to keep our skies safe and our airports calm.”

To prevent future flare-ups, the ministry will convene a retreat next week for aviation and security agencies to sharpen skills in de-escalating conflicts. Airlines will also review the behaviour of frontline staff towards travellers.

“These acts of clemency draw a line under two turbulent episodes,” Keyamo concluded, “but they reaffirm that safety and respect remain the non-negotiable cornerstones of our aviation sector.”

For now, the storms have passed — and Nigeria’s skies may once again promise smoother journeys.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
12 August 2025

In a dramatic illustration of Nigeria’s tightening job market, an astonishing 1,911,141 Nigerians have thrown their hats into the ring for the 2025 recruitment drive by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). With just 30,000 positions on offer, the figures translate to a brutal selection rate of barely 1.57%, setting the stage for one of the fiercest job contests in the nation’s history.

The application portal, which finally shut down late Monday night, had endured weeks of turbulence. Originally scheduled to open on June 26, the exercise stumbled at the starting line when repeated portal crashes forced postponements — first to July 14, then to July 21. Technical breakdowns, coupled with a surge of early applicants, meant the closing date had to be extended from August 4 to August 11.

When the dust settled, the numbers told a story that was as staggering as it was sobering. Kogi State emerged as the epicentre of the recruitment stampede with 116,162 applicants, narrowly ahead of Kaduna (114,536) and Benue (110,565). Kano (89,355) and Niger (79,504) rounded out the top five states, collectively accounting for an eye-watering 510,174 hopefuls.

At the other end of the spectrum, Bayelsa recorded the smallest number of entries — 11,669 — followed by Lagos (14,215), Rivers (22,207), Ebonyi (23,601), and Delta (27,956). Combined, these five states mustered fewer than 100,000 applications — less than a fifth of Kogi’s figure alone.

The stakes are particularly high because the vacancies span four major paramilitary agencies: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Immigration Service. With no more than a few hundred to a thousand slots per state, insiders warn that even highly qualified candidates will face daunting odds.

The CDCFIB, in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressed appreciation to applicants while outlining the next steps:

“Recruitment Applications Closed! We thank all applicants for their interest and commitment to serving with honour, integrity, and national pride. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly with further instructions. Please monitor your email and text messages over the coming weeks.”

For many, the process has been more than just a career pursuit — it has been a shot at stability in a volatile economy. “This is not just about wearing a uniform,” said Musa Adamu, a graduate applicant from Kaduna. “It’s about securing a livelihood when every other door seems closed.”

Economists point to the overwhelming response as a stark reflection of Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate, with millions of qualified graduates chasing limited public-sector jobs for the promise of steady pay, pension security, and social prestige.

With the screening phase now on the horizon, tension is building. The closing of the portal has ended one chapter, but for the 1.9 million contenders, the real battle — the fight for a badge, a salary, and a future — is only just beginning.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
11 August 2025

Miami’s golden coastline shimmered brighter than ever on Sunday as Afrobeat icon David “Davido” Adeleke and his long-time sweetheart Chioma Rowland sealed their love in a breathtaking ceremony that fused oceanfront glamour with the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria.

Nicknamed CHIVIDO 2025, the wedding drew a constellation of political giants, business moguls, and entertainment royalty — a guest list so star-studded it could have been scripted for a Hollywood blockbuster.

At the center of the power circle stood Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man, whose understated cream agbada quietly radiated gravitas. His daughter Fatima Dangote added a touch of refined elegance, her poise turning as many heads as her couture ensemble.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki mingled effortlessly, offering warm smiles and handshakes, while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke — the groom’s exuberant uncle — embodied the joyous spirit of family pride. From ministers to music producers, the elite spectrum of Nigerian society seemed to converge on the sandy shores.

Yet for all the political weight and billionaire presence, the evening belonged to love and heritage. Guests arrived in bespoke aso ebi fabrics awash in shimmering tones, alongside runway-worthy gowns and sharply tailored suits. It was a parade of culture and couture, each outfit telling a story of roots and respect for tradition.

The ceremony itself unfolded like a symphony — the gentle hum of the Atlantic breeze, the solemn exchange of vows, and the vibrant pulse of Yoruba customs woven seamlessly into the day’s grandeur. Chioma’s gown, a masterwork of intricate beading and graceful lines, contrasted perfectly with Davido’s regal attire, both exuding a sense of destiny fulfilled.

When the sun dipped into the horizon, fireworks painted the Miami night, while Afrobeat rhythms kept the dance floor alive until the small hours. Conversations flowed between titans of industry and rising stars, a rare mingling of Nigeria’s old guard and its next generation.

In the end, CHIVIDO 2025 was more than a wedding — it was a cultural spectacle, a living tableau of love crowned by legacy. It reminded all present, and millions watching online, that while fame may command attention and wealth may open doors, it is love — celebrated in the embrace of family, tradition, and community — that truly reigns supreme.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
10 August 2025

In a rare, emphatic response to growing murmurs within his congregation, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has dismissed any notion that he will step aside from leading the church under external pressure, insisting that only divine direction will determine the timing of his succession.

Speaking during a leaders’ meeting, Kumuyi addressed what he described as an unusual fixation on the question of his successor. “I’m wondering why this young man is emphasising successor, successor. Are they tired of me? Are you tired of me?” he asked, his tone both reflective and firm.

The veteran preacher made it clear that neither church members, ministry leaders, nor even family could dictate his leadership decisions. “Anyone trying to control me, I will not take it — not even from my wife,” he declared. “I have been preaching before I married my first wife, and before I married my second after my first passed away. I stand where I stand with conviction, and nobody will put me under.”

He pointed to biblical precedents where God, not men, appointed successors to spiritual leaders, emphasising that the same principle applies to his ministry. While acknowledging that a successor will indeed emerge one day, Kumuyi stressed that it will happen in God’s time and not through human agitation.

Visibly pained by suggestions that his presence has overstayed its welcome, the 83-year-old clergyman rejected attempts to limit his preaching schedule, duration, or content. “I don’t generally sleep until 2 a.m., sometimes 2:30 a.m., digging into the Word and preparing to give my best to the church. Yet there are some who want to restrict where I preach, how I preach, and how long I preach. I will not take that.”

He urged members — from ushers to choir members to security personnel — not to undermine his convictions. “Don’t try to kill my conviction. You will not succeed. It will only make me resist you more and still teach the truth,” he warned.

Kumuyi reminded the congregation of the privilege of having an active leader at his age, noting that the real issue should be supporting the ministry’s mission, not preempting its transition. “When the time comes, God will choose a man after His own heart. Don’t try to drive me away — even though you cannot.”

Concluding with a note of resolve, Kumuyi called on the church to “unlearn unproductive habits” and focus on eternal rewards rather than internal politics. His message was unmistakable: the pulpit is not a place for human power games, and the calling he carries will remain until the One who gave it decides otherwise.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
10 August 2025

In a rallying call to Nigeria’s young generation, the Federal Government has pledged a decisive strategy to transform the country’s vast youth population into a dynamic engine for national growth. Speaking at the 2025 Employability Fair hosted by Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande underscored the urgency of matching academic training with real-world skills to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

“Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the productive force of today,” Olawande declared in his keynote address. “Nigeria’s prosperity hinges on our ability to equip this generation not only with academic qualifications but with the skills, mindset, and networks to become innovators, employers, and problem solvers.”

The minister outlined the Federal Government’s focus on strategic initiatives in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and job readiness, insisting that youth empowerment policies are being recalibrated to meet the needs of a changing global workforce. “The energy of our youth must be channelled into value creation. This is the currency of 21st-century progress,” he said.

Commending Caleb University for its proactive approach, Olawande described the Employability Fair as a model of academia-industry synergy. “Institutions like Caleb University are building bridges over the chasm between classroom learning and workplace demands. This is how we dismantle the unemployment crisis,” he added.

The second edition of the fair gathered over 100 leading organisations from banking, technology, manufacturing, education, and development sectors. Executives, recruiters, and HR specialists engaged directly with students through mentorship sessions, CV clinics, on-the-spot job interviews, and internship placements — turning the campus into a live recruitment hub.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olalekan Asikhia reaffirmed the university’s mission to produce graduates who can excel anywhere in the world. “At Caleb University, we are committed to nurturing global citizens — employable, entrepreneurial, and impactful,” he said.

Asikhia also shared ten workplace habits that, in his view, separate high achievers from the crowd. Among them: resilience in adversity, empathy in teamwork, mastery of time, a growth-oriented mindset, and fluency in digital tools. He urged students to value consistent routines, deliberate task prioritisation, and the constant pursuit of excellence. “You cannot meaningfully impact others until you have been transformed yourself,” he reminded them.

The event’s atmosphere blended inspiration with opportunity — a space where young Nigerians were not only encouraged to dream big but were given the tools and connections to make those dreams tangible. If the government’s promises and the private sector’s engagement converge, the vision shared at Caleb University could signal a turning point in how Nigeria mobilises its most abundant resource: its youth.

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