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Katsina inaugurates Nigeria for Women Programme committee

The Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Malumfashi, on Friday inaugurated the State Technical Committee for the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project in Katsina State.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Katsina, Malumfashi charged members of the committee to carry out their duties with diligence, dedication, and a strong sense of accountability to ensure the success of the project across the state.

She explained that the NFWP Scale-Up is a strategic intervention designed to improve livelihoods and boost the economic empowerment of women in different communities.

According to her, “in line with the Project Implementation Manual, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, will serve as Chairman of the State Technical Committee, while the State Project Coordinator, Aisha Mohammed Yusuf, will serve as Secretary of the committee.”

Malumfashi added that membership of the committee cuts across key ministries and agencies within the state.

She said, “membership includes Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Health; Basic and Secondary Education; Commerce and Industry; Budget and Economic Planning; Agriculture; Water Resources; and Finance. Other members are representatives from the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB) and the Katsina State Enterprises and Development Agency (KASEDA).”

Responding, the Chairman of the STC and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Nura Murtala, expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him.

He pledged to give his best and ensure the successful implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project in Katsina State.

Murtala also assured that all relevant line ministries and agencies would be fully involved in the execution of project activities.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key NFWP staff, including the Head of Operations, Maryam Hussaini Kaita, Project Accountant, Project Internal Auditor, Procurement Officer, BCC Advisor, BCC Anchor, Project Secretary, and the Administrative Officer.

The Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project promotes women’s capacity, financial access, and inclusion.

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Rivers govt launches Graduate Job Fair for youth employment

The Rivers State Government has announced plans to host a Graduate Job Fair on January 22, 2026, aimed at connecting young graduates with employers offering training opportunities, internships, and immediate employment, as part of its employment and youth empowerment agenda for the year.

Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner for Employment and Empowerment Generation, Chisom Kenneth Gbali, said the job fair is designed to connect young graduates with top employers who will offer training opportunities, internships, and immediate employment across different sectors of the economy.

Dr. Gbali explained that the initiative is targeted at addressing graduate unemployment while also helping employers identify skilled and trainable talents within the state. He urged Rivers youths who are interested in participating to apply through the Ministry’s official website, www.megee.rv.gov.ng.

According to him, the programme has received the full backing and funding support of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to job creation, youth inclusion, and human capital development.

The commissioner said the Ministry is adopting the Quadruple Helix Model, which integrates government, the private sector, academia, and civil society to achieve sustainable employment outcomes and long-term economic growth in the state.

As part of this approach, Dr. Gbali disclosed that the State Government, through the Ministry, has entered into a partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, which represents over 85 major companies operating across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

He further revealed that the Ministry is rolling out capacity-building and upskilling programmes in strategic sectors such as oil and gas, marine and maritime operations, the blue economy, information and communication technology ICT, and artificial intelligence, in line with emerging global economic trends.

Dr. Gbali noted that these programmes are aimed at equipping Rivers people with relevant and competitive skills required for the modern workplace. He called on interested individuals to take advantage of the opportunity by registering, assuring the public of transparency and equal access in the selection process.

Commenting on the assessment of the 2025 economy, the commissioner stated that Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of stabilisation despite the pressures experienced by citizens in the previous year. He said macroeconomic indicators point to a gradual recovery, attributing the improvement to reforms in fiscal management and economic restructuring under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Gbali cited last year’s large yuletide crowds, reduced urban congestion, and the gradual decline in the prices of staple foods as indicators of economic recovery. He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to reforms and applauded Governor Fubara for fostering a peaceful, stable, and investor-friendly environment in Rivers State.

Describing the peace in the state as “audible to the deaf and visible to the blind”, he credited the governor’s leadership with restoring public trust in government. He also highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex as evidence of the administration’s focus on institutional renewal, good governance, improved service delivery, inclusive growth, job creation, and economic prosperity for all citizens.

Read Also: C’River Commissioner launches N600m youth entrepreneurship programme

C’River Commissioner launches N600m youth entrepreneurship programme

The Cross River State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Oden Ewa, has launched a N600 million Education and Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme aimed at transforming the lives of youths across the Cross River Central Senatorial District.

The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, as the commissioner began a wide-reaching youth engagement tour across the six local government areas in the senatorial district. The programme, sponsored by the Oden Ewa Foundation, will see N100 million allocated to each local government area to support education and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Speaking during the engagements, Oden Ewa said the tour was designed to strengthen the relationship between youths and government while creating real economic opportunities that can improve their livelihoods. He said, “Our focus is on service and impact, not symbolism. This administration is committed to empowering young people to succeed.”

The youth connectivity tour commenced in Boki Local Government Area, where Oden Ewa was met with a massive turnout of enthusiastic youths. He commended them for their political awareness and active participation in governance. As part of the New Year celebrations, he distributed 550,000 bags of rice and N15 million to support the community.

The commissioner also visited Etung and Ikom local government areas, where he received a warm and colourful reception from youths. In Etung, he donated N10 million alongside 550,000 bags of rice, while Ikom youths received N11 million and an equal number of rice bags to mark the New Year.

The announcement of the education and entrepreneurship grant sparked widespread jubilation among youths across the senatorial district. Many described the initiative as unprecedented and the first of its kind in the history of Cross River Central Senatorial District.

Oden Ewa has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to impactful leadership by identifying youth talents, encouraging creativity, and providing support structures that enable young people to thrive economically and socially.

Over 50,000 candidates qualified for Bauchi govt recruitment

The Bauchi State Government has announced that over 50,000 out of about 200,000 applicants were qualified for the recent job vacancies in the state.

The State Head of Civil Service, Barrister Mohammed Sani Umar, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in his office. He explained that the shortlisted candidates would proceed to their respective Local Government Areas for verification.

“Those who are qualified will have the opportunity to print their slip, and we have already instructed the 20 Local Government Chairmen to provide a desk officer through whom every qualified candidate will submit their qualification slip. This is to ensure that the recruitment achieves the objectives of going into the ward level as directed by Governor Bala Mohammed, that every ward should have a candidate for this employment,” he said.

Barrister Umar stated that the state government plans to employ 5,666 personnel, while data of the remaining qualified candidates would be kept in a database for future employment and other empowerment programmes at both state and federal levels.

He also warned members of the public to avoid fraudsters who demand money for employment, stressing that appointment letters would only be issued through the qualified candidates’ dashboards.

“The process has taken time in order to ensure transparency and accuracy in the employment processes,” he noted.

Barrister Mohammed Sani Umar commended Governor Bala Mohammed for approving the employment of 5,669 personnel into the state service.

The Head of Service further cautioned that any officer found engaging in sharp practices during the recruitment process would be dealt with accordingly.

ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative to launch in Akwa Ibom

The ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative is set to be launched in Akwa Ibom State, with members of the group meeting Governor Umo Eno at the Hilltop Mansion, Uyo, ahead of the formal unveiling. The socio-political group disclosed that before the grand launch, it would visit the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and embark on local government tours across the state.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has said that the state must continue on the path of peace and development as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. The governor made this known on Friday, January 9, 2025, while receiving members of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Uyo.

Governor Eno commended the initiators of the group for turning their idea into reality and praised the composition of the initiative as a true reflection of a united Akwa Ibom. He said the collaboration and inclusiveness within the group represent the unity that will continue to drive the state’s progress and the success of the ARISE Agenda.

“This group reflects unity of the Akwa Ibom Spirit, and I believe this group will enhance a seamless election for President Tinubu, GCFR, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, myself and other candidates of the Party,” he said. “As history beckons towards the general elections, we must ensure that all groups have the endorsement of the party. We must continue on the trajectory of peace and development. You cannot sacrifice one for the other. Without peace, there can be no development.”

The governor also used the opportunity to urge Akwa Ibom residents to take part in the ongoing e-registration of voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and mobilise for massive participation during the elections. “I want to use this opportunity to charge the people of Akwa Ibom State to participate in the ongoing e-registration of voters by INEC and mobilise effectively for massive victory at the polls,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the President General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, FNSE, said the group is made up of people with shared values who have united to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okoko described President Tinubu’s administration as one that has provided Akwa Ibom State with stronger federal integration, citing the leadership role of Senator Akpabio as a major boost to the state’s political relevance. “President Bola Tinubu’s administration has given Akwa Ibom State the best integration with the Federal Government. Today, we have a sitting and performing Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is doing well, promoting the interest of Akwa Ibom State and fostering the unity and growth that abounds as the first son of the soil to attain that office,” he said.

He further stated that the group stands firm behind the re-election of the president, the Senate president, and the governor. “Akwa Ibom State stands with President Bola Tinubu for his second term, we stand with Senator Godswill Akpabio, not just for his re-election, but to return as Senate President in 2027, and support Gov. Umo Eno to consolidate on his impressive leadership service beyond 2027. The APC will win all 26 seats in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, 10 House of Representatives seats and three Senatorial seats,” the President General added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Sir Victor Antai, said that the unity fostered by Governor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio has reshaped the political environment in the state. “I am impressed with the calibre of persons at this gathering. It is the beginning of a new history, and in 2027, we shall give every candidate of the APC in Akwa Ibom State the utmost support for victory,” he said.

The State Party Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntuekpo, assured that the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative would have a role in the campaign structure of the party. He commended the group for coming together under a shared vision to strengthen unity and political coordination. “This group will have a place in the campaign structure of the APC as we look forward to when campaigns shall start, and we will work in synergy to carry everyone along the paths of victory,” Ntuekpo said.

Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo Kierian serves as the International Coordinator of the group. Other members of the Board of Trustees include Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, Sir Monday Uko, Prof. Eno Ibanga, Chief Saviour Enyiekere, and Prince Enobong Uwah, who is the Secretary General of the Board.

Coordinators across the senatorial districts include Mrs. Eunice Thomas, Rt. Hon. Eric Akpan, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno, and Hon. Anthony Luke. Mkpisong Frank Archibong serves as the Organising Secretary, Dr. Glory Edet is the Woman Leader, while Hon. Aniekan Umanah is the Director of Media and Publicity.

The group announced its plan to meet with the Senate President and conduct local government tours before the official launch of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative in Akwa Ibom State.

New Horizons launches N50m Almajiri-to-Tech empowerment scheme

New Horizons Nigeria has launched the first phase of its N50 million Almajiri-to-Tech empowerment programme aimed at removing Almajiri children from the streets and equipping them with practical, income-generating technology skills. The initiative will be implemented in two batches, and successful participants will receive market placement and designated locations to operate as certified technicians.

The launch marked a major step in addressing unemployment and national security concerns through education and empowerment. The programme, tagged ‘Almajiris-to-Tech’, is a 90-day intensive training scheme designed to transform Almajiri youths into certified computer and electronics technicians. It is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and will begin on January 19, 2026, at the New Horizons Training Centre in Abuja.

Speaking at the launch, Tim Akano, Managing Director of New Horizons Nigeria, said the project seeks to correct long-standing societal neglect. He stated that “the continued presence of Almajiri children on the streets reflects broader societal neglect rather than the failure of the children themselves.” Akano explained that addressing the issue requires a mix of empowerment, reorientation, and non-kinetic interventions rather than the use of force.

According to him, participants will receive hands-on training in the repair and maintenance of laptops, desktops, mobile phones, televisions, projectors, radios, fans, inverters, and other electronic devices. He added that the programme will also promote environmentally sustainable practices, including the reuse of scrap laptop batteries to produce rechargeable fans, uninterruptible power supply systems, and inverter batteries.

The first week of the programme will focus on mindset re-orientation, with sessions facilitated by a psychologist and an Islamic cleric. These sessions will be delivered in Hausa and will cover topics such as good citizenship, patriotism, discipline, hard work, and peaceful coexistence. The goal is to help participants adopt a new outlook on life and move away from street begging and violence.

The empowerment scheme will run in two batches, with ten training slots allocated to the People Expertise and Excellence Foundation (PEEF), a non-governmental organisation focused on human capital development. Another ten slots have been assigned to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), a long-time advocate for youth empowerment.

Senator Adeola has previously facilitated the training of over 5,000 youths through New Horizons Nigeria. The current allocation extends his interventions to Northern Nigeria, creating more opportunities for young people to gain technical and entrepreneurial skills.

At the end of the 90-day training, participants will receive market placement assistance and be provided with locations to operate as certified New Horizons Computer Technicians. The best graduating participant will be given full funding and a complete set of business tools to start independent practice immediately. New Horizons will also provide essential technical tools throughout the training to support hands-on learning.

The N50 million funding for the programme will cover feeding, logistics, training materials, branded clothing, and working tools. New Horizons explained that the empowerment model builds on its previous experience with large-scale interventions, such as the Amnesty Programme under former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and World Bank-supported youth empowerment initiatives.

A practical competition will be held at the end of the programme, where participants will be divided into teams to build and brand personal computers. Graduates will also be registered on a dedicated technical portal for post-training support and mentorship.

New Horizons revealed that the second phase of the Almajiri-to-Tech empowerment programme is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. The company called on government agencies, NGOs, and development partners to collaborate in expanding the programme’s reach and impact.

“It is part of New Horizons’ practical contribution to the actualisation of the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, because as they say, ‘Devil finds work for idle hands’, therefore fixing the Almajiris problems is central to Nigeria’s overall national stability,” Akano stated.

Canada to Hire 32000 workers for 2026 Census at $31 per hour

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Statistics Canada has announced plans to hire about 32,000 temporary workers ahead of the May 2026 Census, with pay reaching up to $31.32 (N46,000) per hour. The national statistics agency disclosed this as part of its preparations for the upcoming census, scheduled to take place in May 2026.

According to the agency, the jobs will be available across all provinces and territories, with hourly rates depending on the role. The positions include both supervisory and non-supervisory roles, and work schedules will vary by assignment and location. Most of the duties involve direct, in-person engagement with households rather than office-based tasks, with much of the data collection expected to occur during evenings and weekends.

Statistics Canada explained that the information gathered from the census “is used to produce an accurate statistical picture of Canada,” which supports important decisions in areas such as healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and other public services.

Several field-based roles will be available, including Crew leaders, Crew leader assistants, Field operations supervisor assistants, Collection support unit operators, and Enumerators. The majority of openings are for enumerators and crew leaders, making these the roles most applicants will likely be matched with during the hiring process.

Enumerators will be responsible for collecting census data by visiting households, following up on non-responses, and interacting directly with residents. They typically work 20 to 40 hours per week from May to July 2026. Crew leaders will supervise enumerators, coordinate field operations, monitor progress, and manage administrative responsibilities. These positions require around 40 hours per week and run from March to July 2026, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Statistics Canada stated that “Enumerators earn $25.87 per hour while Crew leaders earn $31.32 per hour.” In addition to wages, employees may claim authorized work-related expenses based on their assignments.

Because census work involves traveling within local communities, employees may also be eligible for additional compensation. “These can include mileage and parking costs where driving is required to complete work assignments. Employees are compensated for kilometres driven, helping to reduce out-of-pocket transportation expenses associated with door-to-door visits,” the agency noted.

To be hired, applicants must complete several stages, including an initial screening, reference checks, interviews for crew leader positions, and security screening. Statistics Canada added that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Applications must be submitted online through the Census jobs portal. The recruitment window runs from November 4, 2025, to July 31, 2026, with hiring continuing throughout the period. The agency advised that timelines may vary by location, and applying early may improve an applicant’s chance of being matched with a role.

FG launches Integrated Farming and Housing Estates in Niger State

The Federal Government has launched a plan to develop integrated farming and housing estates in Niger State following the signing of a strategic agreement with the Niger State Government.

The partnership, anchored by the Federal Ministry of Finance, represents a shift in housing and agricultural policy, linking home ownership directly to productive activity, income generation, and private capital mobilisation rather than conventional salary-based mortgage systems.

The initiative is described as a new economic model designed to unlock rural capital, expand affordable housing supply, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.

At the signing ceremony, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which prioritises green growth, asset creation, and job-led development. The Minister of Finance said the agreement sends a strong signal to investors about policy alignment between the federal and subnational governments.

“This is about creating bankable projects that combine housing, agriculture, and infrastructure in a way that delivers economic returns and social impact,” she said.

Under the framework, tagged Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities (SIPC), housing development will be co-located with agricultural clusters, processing facilities, renewable energy infrastructure, and structured off-take arrangements, creating what is described as productivity-backed housing.

Unlike traditional real estate schemes driven by speculation, the programme ties housing affordability to farm income, enabling rural households to qualify for home ownership through agricultural productivity and value-chain participation.

Niger State, which has committed more than 100,000 hectares of land, will serve as the pilot. The governor of the state, Mohammed Bago, said the project would help formalise rural settlements, improve land-use efficiency, and reduce rural–urban migration that has placed pressure on urban infrastructure and housing markets.

From a financing perspective, the project adopts a blended model that combines public land assets with private investment, reducing direct fiscal exposure while ensuring commercial viability.

Key institutions involved include MOFI, Family Homes Funds, the Federal Housing Authority, and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), alongside World Bank–supported programmes.

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Dr Armstrong Takang, said the structure allows the government to focus on policy coordination and oversight while leveraging private sector efficiency in construction, agro-processing, energy, and logistics.

On his part, the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Yusuf, confirmed that renewable energy, particularly solar mini-grids, will be deployed across the estates to lower production costs, power processing facilities, and improve project bankability.

Previous interventions, the agency noted, have cut energy costs for agro-processors by over 80 per cent compared with diesel-powered operations.

“Economically, the programme is expected to generate significant employment across construction, agriculture, processing, and allied services. Estimates suggest each housing unit could support up to 12 direct jobs, with broader multiplier effects across cement, steel, transport, agro-inputs, and local services,” he explained.

Beyond job creation, the initiative is expected to deepen rural financial inclusion, expand internally generated revenue for states, and attract long-term institutional investors, including pension funds and agribusiness financiers.

Implementation is expected to commence immediately, with Niger State positioned as a scalable template for replication across other states as Nigeria seeks to address housing deficits, food security pressures, and inclusive growth challenges simultaneously.

Ekiti Government Begins Training for Palm Oil Farmers

The Ekiti State Government has commenced a training programme for smallholder palm oil farmers as part of efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly production practices across the state.

The initiative was unveiled during a three-day training programme for farmers in Ado-Ekiti, where the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, said the government was committed to strengthening the palm oil value chain through structured support.

Boluwade reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to support palm oil production through policies and legal frameworks that encourage the planting of palm trees and the expansion of processing capacity across Ekiti. He described sustainable palm oil production as critical to boosting food security, creating jobs, and driving economic growth in the state.

According to him, “sustainable palm oil production remains a major pathway for improving livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations.”

The training programme was sponsored by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and organised in collaboration with the Ekiti Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative and Propcom+ UK International Development. The programme had the theme “Enhancing Stakeholders’ Knowledge on RSPO Standards to Facilitate Responsible Production, Environmental Safeguards, Sustainable Land Use Planning, and Supply Chain Traceability in Ekiti State.”

Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha, stressed the importance of adopting farming practices that protect the environment while improving productivity.

The leader of the Propcom+ team, Mr. Abib Ibrahim, also urged farmers to embrace sustainable approaches, noting that the training would expose participants to partnership opportunities with national and international development agencies.

In his remarks, the State Chairman of the National Palm Production Association, Mr. Adebabo Oluwagbemigun, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and capable of increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.

Resource persons at the programme trained participants on improved techniques and partnership models aimed at strengthening palm oil production in Ekiti State and beyond. The programme attracted farmers statewide.

Gov Zulum Disburses N1bn to SMEs in 5 Borno LGAs

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Thursday disbursed N1 billion to Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Borno South Senatorial District.

Speaking at the event in Biu LGA, Zulum said the funds were meant to support entrepreneurs and strengthen business sustainability in rural areas. The beneficiaries were selected from Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, and Kwaya-Kusar council areas.

According to him, the direct injection of capital into the SME sector is “essential for driving grassroots development and fostering self-reliance in the post-insurgency recovery phase.”

In addition to the disbursement, the governor announced the immediate employment of 200 young individuals from Biu, explaining that the initiative aims to reduce youth restiveness and promote social stability within the community.

Zulum also inaugurated a fully remodelled Second Chance School in Biu for vulnerable girls and women. He said the facility was designed to help adult women who missed formal education or dropped out of school due to various challenges.

“The school’s curriculum will focus on comprehensive skills acquisition, digital knowledge, and basic literacy and numeracy training,” he said.

During his visit to Biu Specialist Hospital, the governor commended volunteer health workers and announced their immediate and automatic employment, recognizing their commitment to healthcare delivery in the state.

Zulum also inspected the 100-unit teachers’ housing estate under construction in Biu, noting that the project was meant to motivate and retain qualified teachers in public schools.

The governor further directed the immediate rehabilitation of the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu to enhance local infrastructure and development.