President Tinubu explains approval of NYSC reforms for youth empowerment
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
President Bola Tinubu has clarified that his administration's approval of recent National Youth Service Corps reforms aims to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and prepare them for national development. These reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, are part of his promise to create meaningful opportunities for young people. Tinubu stated that while the NYSC has fostered national unity for over five decades, current realities necessitate a new approach, recognizing youth as the nation's engine. The orientation program will now extend to six weeks, focusing on civic responsibility, leadership, career readiness, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, and specialized training aligned with participants' academic backgrounds and career aspirations. Corps members will receive training in various sectors, including agriculture, health, education, and technology. The reforms also prioritize safety through risk-based deployment, favoring indigenes, residents, and graduates from institutions within or near security-challenged states. The call-up process will be technology-driven, matching assignments with skills. Governance changes include a civilian Director-General supported by three Executive Directors, one of whom will be a military or paramilitary officer overseeing security services. Orientation camps will be assessed under a national grading framework, and the Passing-Out Parade will become a Graduation Ceremony, signifying corps members
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
China has reiterated its dedication to enhancing its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, promising deeper collaboration in governance, economic development, and strategic engagement. This commitment was announced by China鈥檚 Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja, as the Communist Party of China CPC celebrated its 105th anniversary. Ambassador Yu highlighted the CPC's role in China's economic transformation and social stability, attributing the country's progress to the Party's leadership since its founding in 1921. He noted that China is now pursuing high-quality development, strengthening industrial capacity, and achieving scientific and technological breakthroughs. The ambassador emphasized that the CPC's leadership has been fundamental to China's success in revolution, reform, and development, offering a modernization path tailored to China's national realities. He identified independence and self-reliance, a people-centered development philosophy, continuous self-reform, and theoretical innovation as key pillars of China's progress. Yu also pointed to the CPC's focus on people's welfare, citing the eradication of absolute poverty and the establishment of extensive social security and healthcare systems. He mentioned China's contributions to global governance through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative. Reflecting on bilateral relations, Yu stated that China and Nigeria have maintained a strong partnership for 55 years since establishing diplomatic t
FC Barcelona announced on Wednesday that Danish defender Andreas Christensen has extended his contract with the club until June 30, 2028. The 30-year-old center-back, who joined Barcelona from Chelsea, played a key role in the team's La Liga triumph in his debut 2022 season. Spanish reports indicate that Christensen accepted a significant pay cut to remain at the club. He has made 98 appearances for Barcelona, contributing to three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey.
Japan's new business manager visa rules, introduced in late 2025 by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, are causing concern among foreign residents and small business owners. Budhathoki Samjhana, a Nepalese national who owns a restaurant in Tokyo, faces potential expulsion because she may not meet the new requirements, including an increased capital requirement from 5 million yen to 30 million yen. Indian restaurant owner Manish Kumar, who has lived in Japan for three decades, has already been informed his business manager visa will not be renewed. These stricter regulations come amid growing opposition to immigration, despite Japan's aging population and labor shortages. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has advocated for tighter regulations on foreign nationals, and the government recently increased visa fees for some tourists and tripled a departure tax for all travelers. While business manager visa holders have a three-year grace period, many fear they will not be able to comply. The justice ministry announced a "zero illegal foreign residents" plan last May, and the "Japanese-first" Sanseito party, which describes immigration as a "silent invasion," saw a rise in popularity in last year's upper house election. Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi stated in April that there are no plans to review the rules, though his ministry intends to respond based on individual circumstances. Over 67,800 people have signed a petition calling for the suspension of the new rules.