By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to create more economic opportunities for Nigerian youths through agriculture and small-scale businesses if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the commitment in Kaduna during a political gathering organised by the NDC, where he appeared alongside his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to discuss their plans for the country.

The former Anambra State governor said his proposed administration would focus on moving Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to one centred on production, investment and job creation.

According to him, government borrowing under his administration would be directed towards productive investments rather than funding consumption.

Obi said providing young Nigerians with meaningful economic opportunities would be a major part of his approach to tackling unemployment and other social challenges.

He explained that his administration would encourage youths to return to farming while also supporting those interested in establishing small businesses.

Obi also linked youth unemployment to the country’s drug-related challenges, arguing that greater access to employment and productive activities could help reduce vulnerability among young people.

On drug trafficking, the NDC candidate proposed tougher punishment for people involved in importing and distributing illegal drugs. He said his administration would seek stronger legal measures, including life imprisonment for serious drug offences.

Obi further compared Nigeria’s youth population with that of Indonesia, arguing that greater youth participation in productive economic activities could contribute to national development.

He said his broader economic plan would be built around investment, production and employment, rather than continued borrowing for consumption.

The NDC candidate said an administration focused on these areas would seek to provide young Nigerians with opportunities to become economically productive while contributing to the growth of the country’s economy.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to commence the process of establishing the Rivers State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (RISOPADEC) and constitute its governing board.

The council said the commission would provide a dedicated institutional framework for addressing the developmental and environmental challenges confronting oil-producing and riverine communities across the state.

Speaking through its National Spokesman, Victor Ibaningo, the IYC said communities affected by oil and gas exploration should have a structured mechanism through which development interventions could be planned, implemented and monitored.

The council’s position comes against the backdrop of Rivers State’s earnings from the 13 per cent derivation allocation. According to data analysed by TheCable, the state received about N114.06 billion in derivation revenue between January and May 2025.

The IYC argued that the receipt of derivation funds should translate into tangible improvements in communities where oil and gas resources are produced, particularly in areas facing environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure.

It referenced Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the derivation principle, while also pointing to the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission as an example of a state-level mechanism for supporting oil-producing communities.

The council also drew attention to the gas-seepage crisis in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area, describing it as one of the challenges that underline the need for sustained institutional intervention in affected communities.

The IYC said RISOPADEC should focus on areas such as environmental remediation, healthcare, education, potable water, infrastructure, youth empowerment and sustainable livelihood programmes.

It further urged the governor to ensure that representatives of affected communities are meaningfully involved in determining development priorities and that funds allocated for oil-producing areas are transparently tracked.

According to the council, establishing the commission would provide a permanent structure for coordinating development initiatives and addressing longstanding concerns in Rivers State’s oil-producing communities.

The IYC therefore appealed to Governor Fubara to begin the required legislative and administrative processes for the establishment of RISOPADEC and ensure that its governing board reflects the interests of the affected communities.

The council maintained that its demand was aimed at promoting accountability, equity and sustainable development, rather than confrontation, and urged the state government to make the initiative part of its lasting legacy for riverine and oil-producing communities.

By Rukevwe Odeh

As global leaders converge on New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria is advocating a move away from continued reliance on humanitarian assistance towards the development of stronger national systems capable of addressing poverty, improving protection and building long-term resilience.

The country’s position places greater emphasis on sustainable solutions that strengthen domestic institutions and enable vulnerable communities to withstand economic and social challenges, rather than depending primarily on recurring emergency interventions.

Nigeria is expected to use the high-level gathering to highlight the importance of coordinated international support for efforts aimed at reducing poverty, strengthening social protection mechanisms and promoting resilience across affected communities.