Stop killing yourselves for politicians – Castro Ezama cautions Cross River youths

Former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Castro Ezama, has cautioned youths in the state against engaging in violent clashes on behalf of politicians. Ezama, in a statement, lamented that toxic gossip, envy and petitions have become entrenched, especially within the political class, warning that the trend is dragging
Stop killing yourselves for politicians – Castro Ezama cautions Cross River youths

Former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Castro Ezama, has cautioned youths in the state against engaging in violent clashes on behalf of politicians.

Ezama, in a statement, lamented that toxic gossip, envy and petitions have become entrenched, especially within the political class, warning that the trend is dragging the state backwards.

“We must, as a matter of urgency, start preaching love and unity. The hatred that befell us some years back is resurfacing,” he cautioned.

Recalling a tragic incident during Ayade’s administration, Ezama said the climate of hostility once led to the killing of a former Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs, Eshu Ade Egbelo, who was murdered for supporting a candidate of his choice.

“The man was simply a Cross Riverian who went out to support the candidate of his choice and met his untimely death. We’ve lost too many because of this ‘thing’ we call politics,” he lamented.

The former students’ leader also condemned the wave of hate campaigns on social media, saying they have inflicted greater harm on society.

“We wake up daily to read attacks on politicians from different corners. They’re causing much harm to us. This must stop,” he warned.

Ezama noted that during the 2023 general elections, many individuals who campaigned against Governor Bassey Otu now occupy sensitive positions in his administration.

He described this as a demonstration of “practical love” that should be encouraged to promote unity and cohesion.

He advised youths not to be blind followers of politicians, stressing that while supporters clash violently, leaders often reconcile and continue to enjoy privileges together.

“These men you try to kill yourselves for meet and dine while you jump on rickety buses. Their children are abroad, growing up in choice areas, and one day they will be imposed on us,” he said.

“To the political class, Ezama appealed for mentorship and exemplary conduct. “At your level, you are supposed to guide us through in character and learning,” he charged.

Stop killing yourselves for politicians – Castro Ezama cautions Cross River youths

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External debt servicing slows to $2.86 billion in eight months – CBN 

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Count us out of ‘fake’ open letter to Tinubu – Plateau govt

Plateau State government has dissociated itself from an open letter purportedly written and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a group known as the Plateau United Front (PUF), and signed by one Sargwak Haruna, claiming to be the group’s president. The open letter became the source of sharp disagreement between leaders of the All
Count us out of ‘fake’ open letter to Tinubu – Plateau govt

Plateau State government has dissociated itself from an open letter purportedly written and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a group known as the Plateau United Front (PUF), and signed by one Sargwak Haruna, claiming to be the group’s president.

The open letter became the source of sharp disagreement between leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with each party blaming the other over what was believed to be a derogatory letter to the President ahead of his visit to the state for the burial of the late mother of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda Nentawe.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Dr. Gyang Bere, who made the position of the state government known in a statement, described the group as faceless and amorphous and not known to the government as it is not a registered organization.

Bere said the ‘fake open letter’ was “ill-motivated, mischievous and does not represent the views of the governor, the government, or indeed any patriotic Plateau citizen committed to peace, unity, and mutual respect.”

According to the governor’s spokesman, even from the tone, content and spirit of the letter, any layman would see that it portrays the desperation of the group sponsors which falls far below the civil and respectful manner in which Governor Mutfwang and his administration engage with the Presidency and other eminent citizens of our nation.

“It must be emphasized that Governor Mutfwang has consistently acknowledged and appreciated the remarkable interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Federal Government in seeking lasting solutions to the insecurity that has bedeviled Plateau State,” the statement said.

Bere stressed that Mutfwang has, on several forums, appreciated
President Tinubu for appointing qualified sons and daughters of Plateau into key national positions is well known and documented.

“It is public knowledge that the Governor has extended a hand of fellowship to all peace-loving Plateau citizens serving in various capacities at the federal level, urging them to prioritize peace, unity, and service above partisan considerations.

“We therefore urge the general public to disregard the malicious fabrications contained in the so-called open letter and call on security agencies to investigate and unmask the faceless authors and their sponsors, so that they can face the full wrath of the law.

“Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, together with the good and law-abiding citizens of Plateau State, looks forward to warmly welcoming His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Plateau any time he chooses,” Bere added.

Count us out of ‘fake’ open letter to Tinubu – Plateau govt

Death toll rises to 36 in Kogi boat tragedy

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that 36 people have now died in the boat accident that occurred in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State. About 80 people were on board the boat, which capsized on Tuesday while conveying passengers from Akpu and Odumomo settlements to Ilushi in Edo State.  According to
Death toll rises to 36 in Kogi boat tragedy

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that 36 people have now died in the boat accident that occurred in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State.

About 80 people were on board the boat, which capsized on Tuesday while conveying passengers from Akpu and Odumomo settlements to Ilushi in Edo State. 

According to NIWA, 40 passengers were rescued, while search and rescue efforts are still ongoing.

NIWA’s Head of Idah Station, Williams Isaac, who gave the update during NTA’s News Xtra, said most of the victims were from Onugwa and other riverine communities in Ibaji. 

Isaac explained that the passengers included women, children, and mourners returning from a burial ceremony in the area.

He further assured that NIWA is working with local divers and emergency teams to recover more victims and support the affected communities.

Death toll rises to 36 in Kogi boat tragedy

At Unveiling of Future is Now Project, Youths Seek 70% Seats in House of Reps, State Assemblies, LGs

At Unveiling of Future is Now Project, Youths Seek 70% Seats in House of Reps, State Assemblies, LGs

*Demand sacrifice from older generation

A landmark gathering of young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria convened today at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, for the unveiling of Future is Now Project. The gathering, which deliberated on Leadership and Youth Inclusion culminated in a powerful communique demanding decisive action to elevate youth participation in Nigeria’s political and governance landscape.
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, participants unanimously declared that the time for youth to claim their rightful place at the decision-making table is now. Participants emphasize that young Nigerians are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are the leaders of today, rejecting any form of delay, denial, or exclusion from political leadership.
In a bold vision for the nation’s future, a communique read by its Convener, Mr. Laolu Akande, laid out clear, ambitious targets to be achieved by the next election cycle.
These include, “At least 70% of Local Government Chairmanship seats to be held by youths under 35 years; at least 70% of State House of Assembly seats to be occupied by youths under 35 years; “at least 70% of House of Representatives seats to be contested for and won by youths under 40 years; and a minimum of 50% of executive appointments at both Federal and State levels reserved for Nigerians under 40 years.”
To realize these goals, a pledge was made to champion political inclusion by lobbying, negotiating, and mobilizing support for credible youth candidates across all political parties. Efforts will also focus on mentorship programmes, capacity building for young leaders, and forming cross-cultural alliances to ensure governance reforms favoring youth representation.

At the unveiling, homage was paid to Nigeria’s elder statesmen and stateswomen, acknowledging their foundational contributions while urging them to graciously yield space for emerging young leaders. The call was for older generations to act as mentors and guides, ensuring a smooth and sustained leadership transition.
The gathering opened with an impassioned address by the Interim Chairman of the project, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, who described the event not merely as a gathering, but as the ignition of a movement – a national commitment to dramatically increase youth leadership at all levels of governance.
Dasuki said the Future is Now Project is born of sacrifice and demands sacrifice from older generation.
“Today,” Rep Dasuki declared, “we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement, one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. The Future is not tomorrow — the Future is Now.”
In his speech, Dasuki reflected on Nigeria’s political history, noting that while young leaders had once been central to the country’s formation and early development, they have increasingly been sidelined from positions of power, despite the demographic reality that over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 35.
He cited the signing of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018 as a step forward, but stressed that persistent barriers still prevent meaningful youth participation in governance. Rep Dasuki called for a generational shift, where younger leaders not only contest elections but are supported to win and lead.
Drawing lessons from recent youth-led global protests in countries like Nepal, Rep Dasuki warned of the dangers of political exclusion and the potential unrest that can follow when large youth populations feel alienated from their governments.
“When a large demographic feels excluded from decision-making, frustration festers. We must act now, not only to empower, but to prevent disillusionment that can lead to instability,” he warned.
Key highlights of the event include the unveiling of the interim governance structure of Future Is Now project – which will undertake the preparation for a more elaborate gathering of Future is Now in the first quarter of 2026 – and the unveiling of the membership registration portal www.futureisnow.ng
Also at the unveiling were former Minister of Youth, Solomon Dalung; Hon Ibrahim Bello Haliru (the youngest member of the National Assembly); Hon. Henry Shield; Hon Salisu Yakassai and Hon David Oloto.
Ms Nicole Nwosu (Convener 1), and Ibrahim Zanna (Convener 2) made presentations at the event while goodwill messages were delivered by development partners, civil society leaders, youth and student leaders, and other partners.

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*Demand sacrifice from older generation A landmark gathering of young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria convened today at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, for the unveiling of Future is

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Canadian city, Moose Jaw unveils priority jobs for rural immigration program 

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