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Independent Reporters Network IR, Area 8, Central Business District, Abuja (2026)

12/08/2026

YOUTH, LEADERSHIP AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA: THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE IS NOW

A Special International Youth Day 2026 Message by the National Convener, South South Progressive Youth Movement (SSPYM)
August 12, 2026

As young people across Nigeria, Africa, and the world commemorate International Youth Day 2026, I extend warm greetings, solidarity, and best wishes to every young person who continues to dream, struggle, create, serve, and contribute to the development of society.

On behalf of the South South Progressive Youth Movement (SSPYM), I celebrate the resilience, creativity, courage, and enormous potential of Nigerian youth, particularly the young people of the South-South region.

This occasion, however, must be more than a celebration. It must become a moment of reflection, responsibility, and renewed commitment to the future we desire.

THE FUTURE WILL NOT BUILD ITSELF
Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development by leaving its youthful population on the sidelines. A nation whose population is predominantly young must deliberately create opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, education, innovation, community development, and nation building.

For too long, many young Nigerians have expressed frustration with politics and governance while remaining distant from the very structures through which decisions affecting their lives are made.

We must change this mindset.
You cannot effectively change a system you refuse to understand. You cannot influence decisions you are absent from. And you cannot completely determine the direction of a nation if you refuse to participate in shaping its future.
Therefore, SSPYM challenges Nigerian youth to move beyond criticism from the sidelines and embrace constructive participation.

Join political parties. Contest elections. Volunteer in civic initiatives. Develop policy ideas. Build businesses. Acquire knowledge. Monitor government programmes. Demand accountability. Engage institutions. Organize your communities.

But above all, participate with character, competence, patriotism, and a genuine commitment to service.

POLITICS MUST BECOME A PLATFORM FOR IDEAS
Our message to young people is not a call to worship politicians or blindly defend governments.

Rather, it is a call to understand that politics is one of the most powerful instruments through which society determines its priorities and allocates public resources.

Young Nigerians must therefore enter politics not merely to obtain appointments or personal benefits, but to bring ideas to the table and transform the quality of leadership.

We need a generation of young leaders who understand public policy, economics, technology, education, agriculture, security, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and the realities of ordinary citizens.
We need leaders who can sit in positions of authority without forgetting the communities from which they came.

Leadership must be about service, not entitlement; responsibility, not privilege; and impact, not applause.

SPECIAL FELICITATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE
On this significant occasion, I specially felicitate His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his administration's continued emphasis on development, empowerment, and opportunities for young people under the ARISE Agenda.

As a movement committed to empowerment and development, we recognize the importance of policies and programmes that seek to expand opportunities for young people through employment, entrepreneurship, agriculture, skills development, and other areas of economic participation.

We encourage the Akwa Ibom State Government to sustain and deepen this commitment, because when young people are empowered with knowledge, skills, capital, mentorship, and opportunity, the entire society benefits.

We equally call for stronger youth-focused investments in education, STEM, digital technology, technical and vocational education, innovation, creative industries, entrepreneurship, and emerging areas of the global economy.

The young people of Akwa Ibom must not only be prepared to participate in Nigeria's future; they must be equipped to compete successfully in a rapidly changing global economy.

SPECIAL FELICITATIONS TO THE NYCN LEADERSHIP
I also extend special felicitations to Comrade Emmanuel Ekong, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Akwa Ibom State, for his commitment to youth mobilization, representation, and advocacy.

The youth movement in Nigeria requires purposeful leadership capable of building bridges among young people, government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.

We must continue to strengthen platforms that give young Nigerians a meaningful voice in matters affecting their future.

OUR MESSAGE TO GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
The enormous youth population of Nigeria should not be viewed merely as a demographic challenge. It should be recognized as Nigeria's greatest development asset.

We therefore call on the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Governments, private-sector organizations, development partners, financial institutions, and civil society organizations to expand investment in youth development.

Young people need more than motivational speeches.
They need accessible education, affordable financing, skills acquisition, mentorship, employment opportunities, technology, infrastructure, markets, and an enabling environment for enterprise.

A young entrepreneur who has the skill but cannot access capital remains constrained. A graduate who has qualifications but cannot find meaningful employment becomes frustrated. A talented innovator without infrastructure struggles to scale.

Therefore, youth development must move from rhetoric to measurable investment and outcomes.

A MESSAGE TO THE NIGERIAN YOUTH
To every young Nigerian reading this message:
Do not allow frustration to destroy your vision.
Do not allow political disagreement to become hatred.

Do not allow hardship to convince you that your future is hopeless.
Do not surrender your destiny to social-media outrage.

Instead, build yourself.
Acquire knowledge.
Develop skills.
Build relationships.
Start something.
Read widely.
Understand government.
Understand economics.
Understand politics.
Serve your community.
Create value.

And prepare yourself for leadership.
You may not change Nigeria overnight, but you can change your community. You may not occupy political office today, but you can begin preparing for public service today.
The Nigeria of tomorrow is being shaped by what we do today.

THE SOUTH-SOUTH MUST NOT BE LEFT BEHIND
For the South-South region, our responsibility is even greater.
Our region possesses enormous human and natural resources, yet the true wealth of the South-South is not only beneath the soil or in the waters—it is within the minds of our young people.

SSPYM remains committed to building a generation of young people who will champion empowerment, development, responsible leadership, civic participation, entrepreneurship, unity, and sustainable progress across the six states of the South-South region.

We believe that our region can produce leaders who will influence Nigeria positively and compete confidently on the global stage.

OUR COMMITMENT
The South South Progressive Youth Movement (SSPYM) will continue to advocate for a politics of ideas, a culture of service, responsible citizenship, and inclusive development.

Our vision is not simply to produce young politicians.

Our vision is to produce young people with the capacity, character, competence, courage, and conscience to lead.

Because the future of Nigeria cannot be secured by complaining about the failures of yesterday.

It will be secured by preparing responsible citizens and leaders for tomorrow.

FINAL CHARGE
To the Nigerian youth, I say:
Do not be defined by hate. Be defined by purpose.

Do not merely complain about leadership—prepare to lead.

Do not only demand opportunities—prepare yourself to create them.

Do not wait for Nigeria to become perfect before you serve her.

Join politics. Build businesses. Serve your communities. Acquire knowledge. Defend democracy. Demand accountability. Promote unity. And become part of the solution.
The transformation of Nigeria requires the collective courage and commitment of her citizens.

The future is not somewhere ahead of us. The future is being created by what we do today.
Happy International Youth Day 2026 to the resilient, ambitious, and determined young people of Nigeria and the world.

The Future is Youth.
The Future is Now.
The Future Demands Our Participation.

Signed,
Okuku (Apostle) Nelson Joseph Hensley
National Convener
South South Progressive Youth Movement (SSPYM)
“One Region. One Voice. One Progressive Future.”

11/08/2026

INDEPENDENT REPORTERS NETWORK (IRN DESK)
REGIONAL | NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT | GOVERNANCE REPORT

SSDC MD/CEO USORO AKPANBIO LEADS BOARD, MANAGEMENT IN ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROCUREMENT COMPLIANCE WORKSHOP
ICPC, EFCC, BPP and BPSR Chiefs Strengthen Commission’s Governance Framework Ahead of South-South Projects Rollout

ABUJA, Nigeria | August 11, 2026 — The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has led the Commission’s Board and Management through a strategic capacity-building workshop focused on accountability, public procurement compliance, financial management, institutional governance and ethical leadership.

The two-day engagement in Abuja comes at a critical stage in the Commission’s institutional development, as the SSDC prepares to translate its statutory mandate into tangible development interventions across the six states of Nigeria’s South-South region.

The workshop brought together senior officials from key regulatory and governance institutions, reflecting the Commission’s determination to establish strong internal controls and transparent systems before embarking on large-scale project implementation.

ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES: PREVENTION MUST COME BEFORE CRISIS
Opening the Day Two session, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), emphasized the importance of building preventive mechanisms capable of identifying and addressing institutional vulnerabilities before they become avenues for corruption.

He urged the Commission to institutionalize systems review, transparency, accountability and internal control mechanisms, stressing that sustainable public institutions must be designed to resist corruption rather than merely respond to it after the damage has occurred.

Also speaking, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), highlighted the importance of financial intelligence, asset declaration, financial discipline and rigorous procurement oversight.

He emphasized that public confidence is built when institutions can demonstrate that public resources are protected, properly accounted for and deployed strictly for the purposes for which they were appropriated.

BPP PUSHES FOR STRONG PROCUREMENT ARCHITECTURE
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, provided detailed guidance on compliance with Nigeria’s public procurement framework, particularly the requirements of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

He called for the establishment and activation of a functional Tenders Board and Procurement Unit within the Commission, noting that transparent and competitive procurement processes would be essential to ensuring value for money and preventing leakages in the ex*****on of SSDC projects.

The emphasis is particularly significant given the scale of infrastructure and human-capital projects expected from the Commission. The SSDC has previously stated that procurement will be anchored on transparency, competitiveness and established legal guidelines.

BOARD OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, addressed the distinction between the responsibilities of the Board and Management.

He stressed the importance of clearly defined institutional roles, with the Board providing appropriate policy oversight while Management remains responsible for the day-to-day administration and ex*****on of approved policies and programmes.

The clarification is crucial for a new development institution such as the SSDC, where institutional discipline, accountability and clearly established reporting structures will be central to effective service delivery.

TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT AND FISCAL DISCIPLINE
Representing the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Emmanuel Shagaya, Director of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), underscored the importance of full compliance with government financial management procedures.

He emphasized the role of the TSA framework in strengthening fiscal discipline, improving transparency and minimizing opportunities for financial leakages.

The message was clear: development must be matched by financial responsibility.
For a Commission entrusted with public resources for regional transformation, every naira must ultimately be traceable to a legitimate public purpose and measurable development outcome.

ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AS THE FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The President of the Society for Corporate Governance, Dr. Muhammed K. Ahmed, further challenged the Commission to place ethical leadership, risk management and performance measurement at the heart of its institutional culture.

He emphasized that effective governance goes beyond compliance with rules; it requires leadership that understands the connection between integrity, institutional reputation, public confidence and sustainable performance.

AKPANBIO: GOVERNANCE MUST COME BEFORE PROJECT DELIVERY
Responding to the presentations, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, MD/CEO of the SSDC, expressed appreciation to the resource persons and participating institutions for their contributions.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building an institution founded on transparency, accountability, professionalism, ethical leadership and strict regulatory compliance.

Akpabio’s position reflects the broader direction of the SSDC’s emerging institutional framework: that the Commission must first establish credible systems before deploying public resources on projects across the region.
The Commission’s leadership has previously emphasized strategic partnerships, sound policy engagement and transparent implementation as essential to building the economic backbone of the South-South.

BUILDING THE INSTITUTION BEFORE BUILDING THE PROJECTS
The significance of the workshop extends beyond the technical sessions.
For the South-South region, the SSDC represents a new institutional opportunity to address long-standing infrastructure deficits, human-capital challenges, environmental concerns and economic development gaps. But the success of that mandate will ultimately depend not only on the volume of projects delivered, but also on how transparently, efficiently and sustainably those projects are conceived and executed.

The Commission therefore faces a dual responsibility: to deliver development and, at the same time, build an institution worthy of managing the resources entrusted to it.
That is why accountability, procurement compliance, financial discipline and ethical leadership must remain at the centre of the SSDC’s operating philosophy.

A NEW STANDARD FOR SOUTH-SOUTH DEVELOPMENT
As the Commission moves toward the implementation of projects across the region, the outcome of this governance initiative could become an important benchmark for the quality of public-sector institutions established to drive regional development.
The central message emerging from the workshop is unmistakable:
Development without accountability is unsustainable.

Resources without transparency invite abuse.
And leadership without integrity cannot produce lasting transformation.
For the SSDC, the task ahead is therefore not simply to execute projects, but to build confidence, strengthen institutions and deliver measurable development to the people of the South-South.

“STRONG GOVERNANCE. ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.”
One Commission. One Vision. One Commitment to the South-South.

— IRN DESK
Independent Reporters Network
Reporting Truth. Tracking Development. Demanding Accountability.

Follow our official News Channels for more updates @ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbA3zT63WHTSlmFVsU0c

10/08/2026

Pastor Umo Eno Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my ultimate project come 2027. No shaking 🫨

DEAR YOUTH, JOIN POLITICS: HATE DOES NOT CHANGE A NATIONBy Okuku Nelson Joseph Hensley( Email sspym26@gmail.com or royal...

10/08/2026

DEAR YOUTH, JOIN POLITICS: HATE DOES NOT CHANGE A NATION

By Okuku Nelson Joseph Hensley
( Email [email protected] or [email protected] or call+2347066007446)
Public Commentator & Development Enthusiast, Editor-in-Chief , Independent Reporters Network IRN DESK, Founder South South Progressive Youth Movement SSPYM & Director General,
African Youth Center for Economic Development (AYCED), FCT Abuja

Dear Nigerian Youth,
There is something I believe we must begin to discuss with greater honesty and maturity.

You cannot effectively change a system you refuse to understand. You cannot influence a political process you refuse to participate in. And you cannot shape a future from which you have deliberately excluded yourself.

I know many young Nigerians are angry—and perhaps rightly so.We have watched governments struggle. We have seen opportunities disappear. We have experienced unemployment, rising living costs, insecurity, poor infrastructure and institutions that often appear distant from the realities of ordinary citizens.

But my message to you is simple:
Do not allow your frustration with politics to become your permanent absence from politics.
POLITICS IS NOT GOING AWAY BECAUSE YOU HATE IT
Many young people say, “I don't like politics.”
But politics does not require your permission to affect your life.

Politics determines who makes laws, who controls public resources, who designs economic policies, who builds schools and hospitals, who creates employment frameworks and who decides how your community is represented.

Even if you refuse to vote, refuse to join a party or refuse to discuss politics, political decisions will still affect you.

The price of food is political.
The quality of education is political.
Infrastructure is political.
Employment policy is political.
Healthcare is political.

The future of your community is political.
Therefore, abandoning politics does not make you independent of the system. It simply means that other people will make decisions on your behalf.

THE CONTRADICTION WE MUST CONFRONT
Let us be honest.
Some of the loudest critics of politics today once benefited from the very political structures they now condemn.

Some built their careers through political appointments. Some accumulated influence through party structures. Some became wealthy through government contracts and political networks. Others spent years moving through different political alignments as power changed hands.

And this is not necessarily unique to one political party or one generation.
Political actors change alliances. Governments change. Parties evolve. Interests shift.
Yesterday's political opponent can become tomorrow's ally.

Yesterday's critic can become tomorrow's appointee.
Yesterday's political enemy can become tomorrow's political associate.
This is the reality of political power.
The lesson for young people should not be to become cynical. The lesson should be to become strategic.

WHO WILL REPRESENT YOU AFTER 2027?
This is the question I want every young Nigerian to ask.
Who will fight for your interests when you are not in the room?
Who will speak for your community?
Who will advocate for youth employment?
Who will defend educational opportunities?
Who will influence legislation?
Who will monitor public expenditure?
Who will negotiate for development projects?
Who will occupy the political structures where decisions affecting your generation are made?

If the answer is always “someone else,” then we must ask ourselves why we continue to complain about outcomes we have refused to participate in shaping.

THIS IS NOT A CALL TO WORSHIP POLITICIANS
Let me make this absolutely clear.
Joining politics does not mean surrendering your conscience.

You do not have to worship politicians.
You do not have to defend wrongdoing because someone belongs to your political party. You do not have to compromise your principles for an appointment.

You do not have to become corrupt simply because you entered politics.
Politics needs people with principles.
Nigeria needs young men and women who can enter political spaces without losing their values; people who understand that public office is a responsibility rather than a personal inheritance.

Our political system will not change simply because young people complain about it.
It will change when competent young people begin occupying the spaces where decisions are made.

BUILD YOURSELF BEFORE YOU SEEK POWER
However, I will also caution young people against entering politics solely because they are poor and desperate.

Build yourself first.
Acquire knowledge.
Develop professional skills.
Build businesses.
Learn technology.
Understand economics.
Study public policy.
Understand governance.
Build networks.
Develop financial independence as much as possible.

Why?
Because poverty makes people vulnerable to manipulation.
A young person who has no source of income can easily be given a small amount of money to defend a politician whose policies may ultimately work against his own interests.
But a knowledgeable, economically empowered and politically conscious young person is much harder to manipulate.
Build capacity before seeking influence.

FROM SOCIAL MEDIA ANGER TO POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Our generation has mastered political commentary.
We write long posts.
We create hashtags.
We criticize ministers.
We attack presidents.
We insult governors.
We debate endlessly on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, TikTok and other platforms.

But political transformation requires more than commentary.
Someone must attend the ward meeting.
Someone must understand the party constitution.
Someone must monitor the budget.
Someone must participate in public hearings.
Someone must contest elections.
Someone must become a councillor.
Someone must become a legislator.
Someone must become a governor.
Someone must become a minister.
Someone must become a policy expert.
Someone must sit at the table when decisions are being made.
Why should that person not be you?

STOP WASTING YOUR ANGER
Your anger is not useless.
Your frustration is not useless.
Your disappointment is not useless.
But anger without strategy produces nothing.
Convert your frustration into education.
Convert your anger into entrepreneurship.
Convert your disappointment into political consciousness.

Convert your criticism into public service.
Convert your social-media influence into community mobilization.
Convert your dreams into institutions.
And convert your desire for change into participation.

THE WORLD WILL NOT BUILD NIGERIA FOR US
We must also understand something uncomfortable.

Foreign governments will pursue their national interests.
International institutions will pursue their institutional interests.

Foreign investors will pursue their investments.
Other nations will protect their economies.
Nobody will love Nigeria more than Nigerians.
We may criticize the international system, foreign exploitation and the historical movement of African wealth abroad—and there are legitimate questions to ask—but we must never use external forces as an excuse for refusing to take responsibility for our own country.

The primary responsibility for rebuilding Nigeria belongs to Nigerians.
And the Nigerian youth cannot permanently remain spectators.

MY COUNSEL TO THE NIGERIAN YOUTH
If I may speak to you as a fellow Youth, here is my counsel:

First, fight to change your own life.
Acquire skills. Build capacity. Become economically productive. Develop yourself.

Second, fight to change your community.
Volunteer. Serve. Organize. Educate people. Support development initiatives.
Third, understand politics.

Study the Constitution. Understand government. Understand budgets. Understand political parties and electoral processes.
Fourth, participate.

Join a political party if that is your chosen path. Engage civil society. Monitor government. Contest elections. Support credible candidates.

Fifth, protect your principles.
Never allow political ambition to destroy your integrity.

Sixth, think beyond one election cycle.
Politics is not only about 2027. Nation building is a generational project.

HATE DOES NOT CHANGE A NATION
My dear young people, hate does not change nations.
Insults do not build institutions.
Complaints do not construct roads.
Trending hashtags do not create sustainable industries.

Political bitterness does not educate children.
Participation does. Leadership does. Strategy does. Competence does. Power responsibly exercised does.

If you want Nigeria to change, prepare yourself to become part of the change.
Do not merely ask, “What has Nigeria done for me?”

Begin asking:
“What kind of Nigeria am I preparing to help build?”
That is where responsible citizenship begins.

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO SHOW UP
Nigeria's future will not be decided only by the politicians currently occupying office.
It will ultimately be shaped by the generation that decides whether to remain spectators or become participants.

Therefore, I challenge every Nigerian youth:
Do not waste your anger. Convert it into strategy.

Do not run away from politics. Understand it.
Do not surrender your future to people who are willing to show up while you remain absent.

Build yourself today.
Build your capacity.
Build your economic independence.
Build your political consciousness.
And when the opportunity comes, show up prepared to lead.
Because the Nigeria we desire will not be built by hatred.

It will be built by courageous, competent, principled and determined Nigerians who are willing to take responsibility.
Focus on what gives you food today.
Prepare yourself to take responsibility tomorrow.

And, by FAITH IN GOD ALONE, let us build the Nigeria we deserve.
I rest my case.

10/08/2026

Happy birthday to Princess Promise. We wish you all the blessings that new age brings. Enjoy your day to the fullest and prosper in all your work.

10/08/2026

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU HAILS QUINTESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVANT, FORMER KADUNA GOVERNOR AHMED MAKARFI, AT 70

President Bola Tinubu sends warm felicitations to Senator Ahmed Muhammed Makarfi, prominent politician and former governor of Kaduna State, on his 70th birthday on August 8, 2026.

The President describes him as a quintessential public servant and statesman whose life has been defined by integrity and exemplary leadership.

President Tinubu calls Senator Makarfi a perfect gentleman and an accountant of high repute whose contributions to governance and national development have earned him admiration across political divides.

Noting that throughout his illustrious career as Commissioner for Finance in Kaduna State, Governor, Senator of the Federal Republic, and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the President says Senator Makarfi demonstrated uncommon commitment to democratic ideals, prudent management of public resources, and pursuit of policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

President Tinubu commends the elder statesman for his civility in politics, calm disposition, and unwavering belief in dialogue and national cohesion, noting that these qualities are enduring virtues worthy of emulation by younger generations of leaders.

The President remarks: "As you mark this significant milestone, I join your well-wishers in thanking Almighty Allah for your life of service and accomplishment. Your contributions to Kaduna State and our nation remain an enduring testament to purposeful leadership."

President Tinubu prays that Almighty Allah will grant Senator Makarfi many more years in good health, strength, wisdom, and peace as he continues to offer his wealth of experience in the service of Nigeria and humanity.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 7, 2026

10/08/2026

🚨BREAKING: Bill Gates' mosquito production facility in Medellin, Colombia, produces a full 40 million mosquitoes per week, and these mosquitoes are released into nature by drones.

BILL GATES-FUNDED MOSQUITO PROJECT IN COLOMBIA: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA — A mosquito-control project in Colombia that received financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has attracted widespread attention, with questions circulating about why millions of mosquitoes were deliberately bred and released into communities.

The project was carried out by the World Mosquito Program, an international nonprofit initiative for the production of and chikungunya.

A large mosquito-breeding facility was established in Medellín, Colombia, where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were bred carrying a bacterium known as Wolbachia.

The mosquitoes were therefore released into selected communities so they could reproduce with existing mosquito populations and spread Wolbachia through future generations.

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