General News
Discussions At TGN-YES 2017 To Focus on ‘Think Innovation’
By peter oluka
The Generation Next Youth Empowerment Summit (TGN-YES) 2017 theme focuses on “Think Innovation”, as the organizers say the platform seeks to identify the talent power-passion, inborn in the youth spread across the country.
With participants drawn mostly from the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), “Think Innovation” was carefully chosen to x-ray how young people can succeed against tough circumstances and igniting them towards crossing barriers, breaking new frontiers and daring to achieve outstanding heights in their various endeavours, personally and for nation’s development.
The generation next youth empowerment summit (TGN-YES) is an initiative of Elbativeni foundation, a social enterprise arm of Elbativeni Impressions and Consults.
Speaking on the choice of the theme, Founder, Elbativeni Foundation, Destiny Obiakoeze, identified youthful exorbitance and inactivity as some of the major problems plaguing the world today. “In Nigeria, an average youth only considers him/her self a liability to their parent / guardian and the society (Government) generally.
She said, although much has been said and done on youth development as regards innovation and creativity in entrepreneurship and Information and communication technology (ICT), however, TGN-YES was intended to build capacity for the youths in Nigeria and indeed Africa, who are living in a contemporary and challenging time, as integral to engendering their development and upward advancement, for a better Nigeria.
“Elbativeni Foundation and Elbativeni Impressions and Consults, see the need to play its part in harnessing and utilizing resources available to ensure that the gaps that exist in the lives of youths are bridged. The project is targeted at addressing their specific needs, and creating the desired impact of change, in the lives and endeavours of the target group (youth).
“The foundation over the years has been doing much as regards youths and how they can be instruments of change and drivers of development in their immediate communities and the country in general”.
Obiakoeze said that prominent personalities and seasoned entrepreneurs have agreed to speak that the Summit scheduled to hold on October 28, 2017 at the IBI center, Discovery Mall off, opposite Ecobank, off Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II – Abuja.
“The vision is specifically to Inform, reform, sensitize and empower the youths on basic philosophies of life that are crucial and strategic to achieving outstanding successes in their various endeavours in the Nigeria of today.
“The numbers of youths from the country’s population that are displaced, unemployed and sometimes dim-minded continue to grow exponentially, over the years. Meanwhile, just a little nudge or push with deliberations, advocacy and strong ideas for relevance and impact, can be the much needed antidote, to help set them on the right track, toward living a more productive and accomplishing life in the society.
“The TGN YES 2017with the theme ‘Think Innovation’ seeks to combine passion and business acumen to develop several solutions that are needed now especially at a time where the nation is considering diversification as an alternative to total dependency on Petroleum resources”.
Obiakoeze who doubles as Head, Strategy; Elbativeni Impressions and Consult, disclosed some of the opportunities at the summit as include: Ten (10) Start Up Business will win FREE Business Support services at the Summit during our on-site raffle; 20 Ladies will be selected from participants to attend free six months ICT training from February 2018 to July 2018 and soft loans available to participants and free Summit shirts to be won by raffle.
“More opportunities will continue to unveil and will each be revealed at the summit. For marketing support, branding and sponsorship opportunities: get involved- take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities and leverage on our laudable project, she said.
The TGNYES was first organized in 2010 in Kaduna State, with the Theme “Empowering your Uniqueness”. The event drew youths from different parts of Kaduna and was graced by sensational speakers including Dr. David Osei from Ghana.
“In May 2016, the second edition was convened at Abuja with the Theme “Limitless Possibilities” which was graced by notable young entrepreneurs from near and far.
“The Foundation is organizing the 2017 edition of the TGNYES which promises to be bigger and better,” Obiakoeze added.
Federal government has temporarily suspended the controversial annual dues imposed on public interest enterprises by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) after fierce opposition from businesses.
Jumoke Oduwole, minister, Industry, Trade, and Investment, announced the decision during a Ministerial Consultative Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The move follows mounting pressure from private sector groups, including the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who slammed the Financial Reporting Council (Amendment) Act 2023 for burdening companies with excessive fees.
The Act mandates cumulative annual charges for non-listed entities and imposes a harsh 10% monthly penalty on unpaid dues, compounding until full payment, a provision that sparked widespread backlash.
At the meeting, major industry players like NECA, MAN, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce (NACCIMA), oil producers, and telecom operators warned that the fees would cripple businesses already struggling in a tough economy.
Oduwole clarified the suspension, stating, “The government has decided to direct the Financial Reporting Council to pause in the implementation of the new annual dues. You know that I am a lawyer, and a suspension request by the organised private sector would be in contravention of legislation duly passed by the National Assembly. A pause is an administrative process simply to review, in line with what we discussed today.”
She assured stakeholders that the halt would last no longer than 60 days, with a technical working group—including FRC officials and private sector representatives—set up to reassess the policy.
“We are a listening administration. The private sector has requested a range from three months to an indefinite suspension. We are not going to do that. So, at the most, 60 days is in my estimate. We are going to set up a technical working group comprised of the FRC and the organised private sector who have formally written in, and this will be reviewed,” Oduwole emphasized.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it is intensifying efforts to standardise locally manufactured products, including Made-in-Aba brands, in order to enhance both local and international acceptance.
Aharanwa Chuks, Director of Region (South East), SON, communicated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Chuks said through the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), SON ensured that all Nigerian-made products conformed to the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
According to him, MANCAP involves direct engagement with manufacturers to certify that their products meet established quality benchmarks.
“This process includes inspecting production facilities, sampling products and testing them against NIS requirements.
“Successful compliance results in the issuance of the MANCAP certification, signifying adherence to quality standards.
“In Aba, SON has been proactive in educating manufacturers about standardization.’’
The director said SON also conducted stakeholder interactions; gathering manufacturers from various sectors to provide guidance on producing goods that met both local and international standards.
“For instance, leather manufacturers in Aba have been sensitized on standardization practices to enhance the global competitiveness of their products.
“Manufacturers are encouraged to collaborate with SON to obtain MANCAP certification, ensuring their products are not only marketable within Nigeria but also competitive internationally.
“This initiative aims to boost consumer confidence and promote the acceptance of Made-in-Aba products globally,” Chuks said.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has busted a Ponzi Scheme Academy and arrested 133 suspects in Abuja.
They were arrested at the Compensation Layout in Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, following actionable intelligence on the existence of the Academy.
The Academy, named Q University (a.k.a Q-Net) is in the business of recruiting gullible young Nigerians who are trained to recruit more gullible citizens into the scheme with the promise of getting unrealistic profit returns.
The suspects are enrolled into a training codenamed: “Special Training for New Generation Billionaire” and brainwashed to believe that they would graduate into the league of billionaires.
They got into the training by obtaining a form the promoters called “Independent Representative Application Form” with promotional slogans such as: “I’m a Champion” “I’m Unstoppable”, “I’m Infinity”, among others.
The EFCC carried out the operation in collaboration with officers and men of 176 Guards Battalion, Nigerian Army.
Items recovered from the suspects include phones, computers and other electronic gadgets.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
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