President Tinubu urges Nigerian youth to remain in the country and contribute to its development
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
President Bola Tinubu appealed to Nigerian youth to stay in the country and help build its future, emphasizing that great nations are built by those who solve problems rather than abandon them. In his Democracy Day address, his fourth since taking office in May 2023, he encouraged young people to "build here, code here, work here, and vote here." This appeal comes amidst ongoing emigration trends, known as "japa," where many young, skilled Nigerians, especially in technology, healthcare, and academia, move abroad for better economic opportunities. Tinubu stated that Nigeria's democratic dividends must translate into tangible economic benefits for its citizens, particularly the youth, noting that "democracy must be felt in the pocket." He highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the deployment of 10,000 tractors over five years by the National Agricultural Development Fund, and the certification of over 1,000 SMEs for export as efforts to expand domestic opportunities. He concluded by stating that the current generation has a historical responsibility to secure prosperity, just as previous generations secured independence and democracy.
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Bernadette Chirac, widow of former president Jacques Chirac, will be laid to rest in a funeral in Paris on Friday, June 12. She passed away on June 5 at the age of 93. The ceremony will take place at 2:30 pm 1230 GMT at the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica, a significant location for the Chirac family, as it is near where Bernadette and Jacques Chirac were married, and where their eldest daughter Laurence's funeral was held in 2016. The funeral is expected to be attended by prominent figures including current French first lady Brigitte Macron, former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, and Sarkozy's wife Carla Bruni. Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin will represent the French government. Part of the basilica, which has a capacity of 650, will be accessible to the public, with the mass broadcast to those outside. Bernadette Chirac had her own political career, serving as an elected councillor for Correze and a member of the municipal council of Sarran. Correze will honor her on Sunday, with councillors carrying her coffin into the Basilica. She will be buried in the family plot at Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris.
The modern football transfer market has seen clubs spend over £100 million for top talent, but even significant offers are not always enough to secure players. Al Hilal's reported £259 million bid for Kylian Mbappe in 2023 tops the list of rejected transfers, with Mbappe declining the move to Real Madrid a year later. In 2006, former Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated Inter Milan attempted to trigger a €250 million release clause for Lionel Messi, which Barcelona rejected. Real Madrid's £171.7 million offer for Mbappe was rejected by Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Liverpool rejected a £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah in 2023 and a £119 million bid from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho in 2017. Manchester City's £100 million offer for Kaká from AC Milan in 2009 was also rejected, as was their £100 million bid for Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021. Newcastle United initially rejected Liverpool’s £110 million bid for Alexander Isak before agreeing to a £125 million transfer. Barcelona's attempt to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, involving over £120 million plus players, also failed. Most recently, Atletico Madrid rejected Real Madrid's reported £129 million offer for Julian Alvarez in 2026. These instances highlight that clubs often prioritize a player's sporting value over financial rewards, even with record-breaking offers.
Must ReadPresident Bola Tinubu stated that the collapse of grassroots governance significantly contributed to Nigeria's insecurity, emphasizing the importance of effective local government administration for national development. In his June 12 Democracy Day address, Tinubu noted that his administration has pursued financial autonomy for the country's 774 local government councils to ensure democracy benefits citizens at the grassroots level. He explained that a fundamental challenge to national advancement has been ineffective local government administration, and the current insecurity is partly a result of this breakdown. Tinubu added that the Renewed Hope Agenda aims to ensure all Nigerians benefit from governance, regardless of location or social status. He urged Nigerians to remain united, reject division, and work towards building a more prosperous and inclusive nation, where justice, liberty, and opportunity are abundant.