Minister stresses youths’ critical role in reporting threats and using technology to support national security drive

Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian youths across the country to take a leading role in tackling insecurity, saying that the efforts of security agencies alone are not enough to restore peace and stability. Musa made the call during a public event on Tuesday, highlighting the urgent need for active youth involvement at the community level.

The minister, addressing young Nigerians from various states, emphasised that the nation’s youth population remains its greatest asset and must be fully mobilised against rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality affecting different regions. He noted that insecurity continues to threaten national development and disrupt livelihoods.

Musa stated that young people are well positioned within their communities to identify suspicious activities and share relevant information with security authorities. “Security is not just for the military or police. Every citizen, especially our youths, has a part to play,” he said.

He urged Nigerian youths to embrace patriotism and civic responsibility by supporting security efforts through vigilance, innovation, and positive use of technology. According to Musa, “We need our young people to use technology wisely—report threats early and prevent criminals from exploiting social networks.”

The minister further explained that empowering youths through education, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities would help address root causes of insecurity such as unemployment and vulnerability to recruitment by criminal groups. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving security but stressed that lasting peace requires collaboration between citizens and authorities.

Musa’s comments come as Nigeria grapples with persistent security challenges across several states, prompting renewed debate over community-led approaches. He concluded by calling on young Nigerians nationwide to rise above divisions and contribute actively towards building safer communities.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/christopher-musa-challenges-nigerian-youths-to-lead-fight-against-insecurity-2026061116455602486

Analysts warn that persistent increases in staple food costs could worsen inflation trends across Nigeria and other developing economies

S&P Global has identified rising food prices as a major contributor to escalating inflation in emerging markets, with Nigeria among the countries likely to be affected. The warning was issued on Thursday, 11 June, as analysts examined recent trends in consumer prices and their impact on economic stability.

According to S&P Global, the surge in food costs is putting additional pressure on inflation rates, especially in countries where a significant portion of household income goes towards basic groceries. While the report covers several developing economies, it highlights the heightened risk for nations like Nigeria, where food inflation has already outpaced general inflation figures this year.

The development comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with high prices for essential items such as rice, beans, and cooking oil. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported that annual inflation reached 33.7 percent in April, with food inflation climbing even higher. Economic experts have linked these trends to disruptions in global supply chains and local production challenges.

S&P Global analysts noted that unless governments implement effective policy responses, continued spikes in food prices could undermine monetary tightening measures already underway in many emerging markets. “Food inflation remains a critical concern for policymakers,” the report stated, stressing the importance of targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.

With the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raising interest rates multiple times this year to curb inflationary pressures, stakeholders are now calling for more direct support for agriculture and food supply chains. The report suggests that coordinated fiscal and monetary policies will be necessary to prevent further erosion of purchasing power among Nigerians.

As economic conditions remain fragile, S&P Global advised authorities across emerging markets to closely monitor food price developments and prioritise policies that ensure affordable access to staple goods.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/886910-sp-global-flags-food-prices-as-potential-driver-of-inflation-across-emerging-markets.html

Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala says platform will connect over 1,000 subscribers to real-time leadership insights and opportunities

VFD Group has introduced a new WhatsApp channel, VFD Connect, aimed at bringing stakeholders and the general public closer to the inner workings of its diverse business ecosystem. The initiative was officially launched in Lagos on Tuesday, as part of the company’s strategy to increase transparency and provide direct updates to customers, investors, entrepreneurs, and employees.

The platform allows subscribers to receive timely information on business milestones, product launches, industry trends, leadership perspectives, and events across VFD Group’s portfolio—which spans financial services, technology, real estate, hospitality, investments, and retail technology. According to the company, the move is in response to growing demand for context and clarity around corporate decisions and opportunities within Nigeria’s fast-evolving economy.

Speaking at the launch event, Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala explained that VFD Connect was developed after identifying a shift in audience preferences. “We realised that people don’t just want announcements anymore. They want context. They want to understand the stories behind the milestones, the thinking behind the decisions, and the opportunities emerging across the ecosystem,” Okpala said.

Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Adaure Achumba noted that WhatsApp was chosen due to its widespread adoption among Nigerians. “People already live on WhatsApp. Rather than asking audiences to come somewhere new, why not meet them where they already are?” Achumba stated during a media interaction.

Currently boasting over 1,000 followers since its inception, VFD Connect seeks to become a trusted destination for business intelligence and leadership commentary. The company believes this approach will bridge gaps between fragmented information sources by providing a single space for updates directly from VFD Group. While traditional social media platforms remain important for visibility, VFD says WhatsApp offers immediacy and reliability free from algorithmic interference.

Industry analysts say this reflects a broader trend as Nigerian companies seek more direct communication channels amid increasing competition for attention online. For investors and professionals seeking insight into Nigeria’s business environment—especially in Lagos as the country’s commercial nerve centre—the channel offers access to real-time updates that may impact decision-making.

The group says interested members of the public can join by scanning a barcode or following the official VFD WhatsApp Channel with notifications enabled.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/beyond-the-headlines-why-vfd-wants-to-bring-you-closer-to-the-story-2026061116203541222