Home Blog Page 191

FG to Complete YEIDEP Onboarding of Remaining 8 Million Beneficiaries

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG to Complete YEIDEP Onboarding of Remaining 8 Million Beneficiaries

The Federal Government has said it will complete the onboarding of the remaining 8 million beneficiaries under the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) within the first quarter of 2026, a move expected to bring the total number of beneficiaries in the programme’s first phase to 20 million.

The disclosure was made during a recent stakeholders’ engagement where officials of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development outlined timelines for the programme and emphasised that the completion of onboarding remains a priority ahead of full-scale implementation activities scheduled for 2026. The meeting brought together government partners and programme coordinators to review progress already recorded across the country nationwide efforts.

Speaking on the timeline, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said “the remaining eight million beneficiaries would be onboarded within the first quarter of 2026, completing the first phase.” He explained that the phased structure of YEIDEP was designed to ensure that implementation is orderly, transparent, and properly monitored across participating institutions. He added that the programme would be implemented carefully to avoid gaps and duplication during execution at national and subnational levels across all regions of the country.

Olawande also noted that significant groundwork had already been done, stating that “the past year had been deliberately devoted to planning, stakeholder coordination, and beneficiary onboarding, noting that effective preparation was critical to successful execution.” According to him, the focus on preparation is meant to strengthen delivery and reduce errors as the programme scales. He said the approach supports accountability and proper tracking of beneficiaries nationwide at every stage process.

The programme further noted that “2026 implementation phase is expected to mark a transition from planning to impact delivery,” indicating that completing onboarding early in the year is central to meeting programme objectives and ensuring that beneficiaries are fully captured before subsequent stages commence across participating sectors and regions nationwide.

Earlier, YEIDEP Coordinator-General, Kennedy Iyere, said the programme “has completed its planning and system-development phase and is now positioned for large-scale rollout aimed at delivering measurable outcomes for young Nigerians,” reinforcing confidence in meeting the Q1 onboarding timeline as scheduled nationally.

Advertisement

WAACSP to Launch Virtual Assistant Resource Portal in Q1 2026

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
WAACSP to Launch Virtual Assistant Resource Portal in Q1 2026

The West Africa Association of Customer Service Professionals, WAACSP, has announced plans to commence a Virtual Assistant resource portal in the first quarter of 2026 to support the virtual assistance industry.

The Head of Administration of WAACSP, Christian Anozie, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the initiative is designed to create an accessible, trusted and scalable marketplace for Virtual Assistants and organisations seeking their services.

According to Anozie, the portal will provide access to training resources, professional profiling, listing, engagement and hiring of Virtual Assistants.

The statement reads: “The WAACSP VA Portal is structured as an open and inclusive platform, welcoming Virtual Assistants from diverse training backgrounds. To build confidence and trust for engaging organisations, the portal will incorporate a verification system, clearly identifying Virtual Assistants who meet WAACSP professional standards.

“Virtual Assistants trained by other institutions will also have the opportunity to become WAACSP-verified by taking the WAACSP certification test, without necessarily undergoing the full training programme.

“This approach balances wide participation with credible quality assurance, enabling organisations to make informed engagement decisions while allowing Virtual Assistants to align with recognised professional benchmarks.

“By Q4 2026, the WAACSP VA Portal is projected to showcase over 5,000 Virtual Assistants, supporting full-time, contract, hourly, and part-time engagements. While strongly positioned for the international market, the platform will also address Africa’s virtual assistance needs, providing African entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses with a reliable channel to engage professional Virtual Assistants.”

On the technical framework and delivery partners, the statement adds: “20four7VA (USA) will provide advisory support and industry insight in the global Virtual Assistant ecosystem. EmployMe E-Learning will support the learning, certification, and employability infrastructure aligned with WAACSP standards.

“TechDave is responsible for the design, development, deployment, and ongoing management of the WAACSP VA Portal, ensuring performance, scalability, data security, and reliability.”

Nasarawa Govt Pushes Youth Empowerment Through Mineral Development

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Nasarawa Govt Pushes Youth Empowerment Through Mineral Development

The Nasarawa State Government has called on citizens and stakeholders to promote youth engagement and economic empowerment through the sustainable development of the state’s mineral resources. The call was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Labaran Magaji, during the 5th Galle Cultural Day celebration held in Galle, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Magaji said the state is richly endowed with mineral resources that, if properly harnessed, could create jobs for young people and improve livelihoods across communities. He stressed that regulated and responsible exploitation of these resources would help boost economic growth while reducing youth unemployment in the state.

Represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Matters, Hon. Abdullahi Loko, the SSG said youth-focused policies around mineral development would contribute to long-term stability. He noted that engaging youths productively would also help address social challenges linked to joblessness.

He commended the Galle community for organising the annual cultural festival, describing it as an important platform for sustaining Eggon cultural heritage among the younger generation. According to him, cultural events like the Galle Cultural Day help transmit values, history, and identity to youths in a changing society.

Magaji called on the people of Galle, residents of Nasarawa State, and Nigerians at large to preserve and promote their cultural traditions. He said culture remains a strong tool for unity, peace, and national development when properly upheld and respected.

In his remarks, the President of the Eggon Cultural Development Association, Mr Mandy Abuluya, praised the Galle community for sustaining the Galle Cultural Day over the years. He said the celebration promotes unity, peace, and harmony among the Eggon people and other ethnic groups living in the area.

Abuluya urged members of the Eggon nation to continue embracing peaceful coexistence. “I want to use this medium to call on the Eggon nation and all others to embrace love, unity, and peace for the overall development of the state,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Barrister Ibn, said the cultural day had strengthened unity of purpose and togetherness among the Eggon people. He thanked the organisers for the award presented to him, adding that the recognition would motivate him to do more in serving his people.

The Chairman of the ECDA, Galle Branch, Mr Umar Abdullahi Galle, described Galle as a community that is globally recognised for promoting unity and cultural diversity. He said the 2025 celebration was unique, with the theme, “Harnessing Galle Hill’s Mineral Wealth: Preserving Culture, Promoting Peace and Powering Development.”

Umar explained that the Galle Cultural Day provides a platform for celebrating shared values and communal bonds. “Our ability to sustain this event for five consecutive years reflects the successes recorded in cultural revitalisation and community cohesion,” he said.

Delivering a lecture, the guest speaker, Dr Allu Augustine Umbugadu of the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, Faculty of Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, highlighted opportunities in the mineral wealth of the Galle Hills beyond direct mining.

Speaking on “Youth Engagement and Economic Empowerment through Mineral Resources Development in the Galle Hills,” Umbugadu said mining had played a key role in Nigeria’s economic history, especially in the North Central region. He added that value addition, entrepreneurship, and allied services could empower youths and support sustainable development.

Voice of Nigeria reports that highlights of the event included award presentations, fundraising activities, cultural displays, and goodwill messages from stakeholders.

Tinubu/Dikko Disburses ₦30,000 to 1400 Businesses in Katsina

Nigeria Startup News
-
0
Tinubu/Dikko Disburses ₦30,000 to 1400 Businesses in Katsina

Tinubu/Dikko Assured 2027 has disbursed ₦30,000 each to 1,040 people engaged in small-scale businesses across the 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State, as part of efforts to support business growth and economic stability at the grassroots level.

The political support group also provided financial assistance of ₦30,000 each to 360 business owners selected from 12 agencies within the Daura Zone, expanding the reach of the empowerment initiative within the state.

The programme was officially launched on January 4, 2026, at Daura Motel in Daura town, where beneficiaries and stakeholders gathered for the commencement of the support scheme.

Speaking at the event, the leader of the group, Alhaji Umar Ahmad Zayyad, said the initiative aligns with the organization’s mission to support people, particularly small business owners, women, and youths, in improving their living standards and contributing meaningfully to economic development.

According to him, each beneficiary was carefully selected to receive ₦30,000 aimed at strengthening livelihoods, encouraging self-reliance, and helping micro-businesses remain active within their communities.

“The initiative was designed to complement government efforts aimed at reducing poverty and improving the economic wellbeing of citizens, particularly at the grassroots level,” Zayyad said.

He explained that beneficiaries were drawn from the three Senatorial zones of the state to ensure fairness, inclusion, and balanced representation across communities.

“This empowerment programme is not just about politics, it is about improving lives and supporting small businesses that form the backbone of our local economy,” he added.

Zayyad further stated that the organization is using the programme to support government efforts targeted at assisting small businesses as a practical approach to reducing unemployment within communities.

He noted that the association would ensure the assistance reaches all parts of the state, in line with the development agenda of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, particularly in improving welfare and promoting inclusive growth.

In his remarks, Khalil Ibrahim Aminu said Dr. Ahmad, who is an indigene of Katsina State and currently holds a position in Abuja, is among individuals making positive contributions to society through initiatives that directly support the people.

He disclosed that the empowerment programme would continue across the state, explaining that after concluding the Daura phase, the group would return to Katsina metropolis to extend the assistance to more beneficiaries.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Katsina State in Daura on Sunday, a member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, expressed appreciation for the support provided by Tinubu/Dikko Assured 2027 and commended the group’s leadership for supporting residents.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Katsina State, Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa, described the initiative as a welcome development and a source of pride to the party.

He said the ₦30,000 support would provide timely relief to beneficiaries and called on other party members, especially those in public office, to emulate the gesture by assisting people within their communities.

Raven Bank launches free campus internet for 400,000 Nigerian students

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Raven Bank launches free campus internet for 400,000 Nigerian students

The Chief Executive Officer of Raven Bank, Uchenna Nnodim, has said the bank has begun the empowerment of 400,000 students across universities in Nigeria, with the aim of boosting academic excellence and helping young people contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic space.

Nnodim stated this on Friday during the maiden launch of Raven Feather Internet at Ignatius Ajuru University, Rumolumeli, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where students and staff of the institution witnessed the unveiling of the initiative.

According to him, Raven is a digital bank that leverages technology to personalise financial tools that are fast, secure, and reliable for users across different categories.

He explained that the newly launched project is a free wifi service designed specifically for Nigerian students, adding that it will grant them daily access to the internet to support research, academic work, and the development of other knowledge-based skills.

Nnodim said, “The intention of launching this project is because we believe that the opportunities that come from the internet are endless. As a student, we believe that for you to differentiate yourself in the 21st century, you need access to the internet. I was a student some time ago and I know how difficult it was to have access to the internet, not to even fund other things I was doing back then.”

He further noted that access to the internet played a major role in his own academic and personal development, stressing that the same opportunity should be available to students across the country.

“So, I needed the internet to do that. We believe that access to the internet is very crucial for academic success. This programme is specifically targeted to have a high-level impact in the lives of Nigerian students,” he stated.

The CEO explained that the project is aimed at giving 400,000 Nigerian students free daily access to the internet, starting from the current launch location and expanding to other universities in the country.

“It is aimed to give 400,000 Nigerian students access to free internet on daily bases. This is the maiden launch and just in one location. We tend to extend it to other universities. The essence is to ensure that students have access to the internet for their academic pursuit, for research, and to enable them to have access to any knowledge they have interest in,” Nnodim said.

He reasoned that out of Nigeria’s estimated 200 million population, empowering 400,000 students with tools that enhance knowledge through free and fast internet would result in a more educated and productive population.

According to him, this level of empowerment would create significant value in the economic space and raise hope among citizens.

“When you have people that are educated and empowered, they will become technocrats, industry leaders, medicals, and scientists. They will be updated with information, and that indicates a green light for the future of our country,” he said.

Nnodim also described Raven Bank as one of the fastest-growing digital banks, noting that it offers personalised features such as savings, payments with ease, POS services, and other digital banking solutions.

He added that the Raven Feather Internet is integrated as an extra feature within the Raven App, targeted at the bank’s core audience.

“The project today is an extra feature within the Raven App within our target audience. If you have the app, tapping on it will just give you high-speed internet that is very fast and unlimited. You can use 100 GB in a day,” he said.

Some students of Ignatius Ajuru University who witnessed the project launch and have started using the app described it as a welcome development.

Friday Daniel, who works in the ICT unit of the institution, commended the Raven Bank team for what he described as a bold step, saying the service had already proven useful.

“I work in the ICT unit of the school. I have used the app on different occasions. The app is good. At least for the past few days now the ICT network has been disturbing, but the Raven network has come to the rescue and a backup for the school WiFi,” he stated.

Also speaking, a 200-level Accounting student, Eyo Blessing, said the network was smooth and efficient, praising the initiative.

“I downloaded the app on my way to the meeting and it has been working perfectly fine and smooth, no issues. I commend them and they should keep it up,” she said.

FG Expands Women-Focused Programmes Under Renewed Hope Agenda

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG Expands Women-Focused Programmes Under Renewed Hope Agenda

The Federal Government has expanded women-focused economic and social programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning women as key drivers of Nigeria’s development rather than beneficiaries of welfare, a policy direction championed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to link women’s participation directly to growth, stability and national productivity.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, policies targeting women have expanded beyond social welfare to structured economic, environmental and security frameworks designed to integrate women more fully into national productivity.

Women account for 49.43 per cent of Nigeria’s population, a demographic position government officials say validates women’s participation as critical to national growth and development.

President Tinubu has described investment in women as a strategic pathway to sustainable national development, with the 2025 Federal Budget reflecting this approach through increased allocations for women-led enterprises, agriculture, climate action and social protection.

Speaking on the policy direction, the President said, “The 2025 budget’s unprecedented allocation for women’s enterprise is not merely expenditure, it is strategic investment in our nation’s most valuable asset, generating returns through inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.”

In 2025, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Programme for Women, Children and Families to strengthen social and economic inclusion.

One of the flagship initiatives is the Women Agro Value Expansion Programme (WAVE), implemented by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to strengthen women’s participation in agriculture, enterprise development and digital skills.

According to the Ministry, WAVE has provided digital and enterprise skills training to more than 50,000 women, approved ₦12 billion in credit facilities, and expanded access to social protection schemes across several states.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the programme reflects the government’s intention to integrate women more fully into national productivity.

According to the Minister, “Nigeria’s agricultural transformation will rise or fall on the shoulders of women. When women are empowered, they rise with extraordinary impact, lifting households, strengthening communities, and securing our nation’s food future.”

Also advancing this agenda is the PowerHer 774 initiative, which aims to provide affordable energy access to three million women across all 774 local government areas.

Complementing these efforts is the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), which targets the empowerment of over four million women through access to finance, skills development and institutional support.

Progress under the programme includes the formation of more than 22,000 Women Affinity Groups and support for over 458,000 women with savings and access to financial services.

Beyond economic participation, the Federal Government has reinforced women’s roles in peace and security governance with the launch of Nigeria’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2025–2030) in Abuja in December 2025.

The plan was inaugurated by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on behalf of the Federal Government, with participation from ministries, security agencies, development partners and civil society groups.

The action plan strengthens women’s participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, protection, crisis response and post-conflict recovery.

Oluremi Tinubu said women’s economic participation strengthens education outcomes, healthcare access and community stability.

In the energy and environmental space, the Federal Government has identified cooking energy as a critical intervention linking women’s welfare, public health and climate action.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the transition from firewood and biomass to cooking solutions is essential to reducing health risks faced by women and girls, while addressing deforestation.

As part of this effort, the Ministry inaugurated a National Steering Committee on Clean Cooking Energy for Women to support adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and other cooking technologies.

Women are also being integrated into climate action initiatives. The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said Nigerian women are increasingly shaping climate solutions.

Through the National Green Women Platform and land restoration programmes under the Great Green Wall, women are participating in environmental sustainability efforts.

As part of its inclusive empowerment agenda, the Federal Government launched the Women in Mobility Programme at Eagle Square, Abuja, in partnership with the Credit Corporation of Nigeria.

The programme commenced with 1,000 pioneer beneficiaries and is expected to scale to 10,000 women by the first quarter of 2026.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the initiative provides structured credit for women to participate in ride-hailing, delivery services and mobile trading.

International development partners have acknowledged Nigeria’s approach. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, described the framework as one that “delivers measurable societal and economic returns.”

Similarly, World Trade Organisation Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said women-focused grants have enabled thousands of female entrepreneurs to scale operations and contribute to exports.

Check: Nigerian Air Force Shortlisted Candidates for DSSC 34/2025

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Check: Nigerian Air Force Shortlisted Candidates for DSSC 34/2025

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the list of shortlisted candidates for Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 34/2025. The list of shortlisted candidates for the DSSC 34 Selection Interview has been uploaded on the NAF recruitment portal.

Successful candidates are hereby invited to attend the DSSC 34 Enlistment Interview, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, from 12 January to 8 February 2026.

Candidates will be interviewed in batches, strictly in accordance with the schedule published on the NAF recruitment website.

All invited candidates are strongly advised to carefully read and strictly comply with all instructions provided on the portal. Candidates must report as scheduled for their respective batches, as failure to adhere to the stated guidelines may lead to disqualification.

All applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the information available on the portal, including guidance for prospective officers and airmen, as well as details of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service.

How to check:

To check Nigerian Air Force list of shortlisted candidates, applicants should visit https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/updates.

Wema Bank FGN-ALAT Skillnovation Programme For MSMEs

Nigeria Startup News
-
0
Wema Bank FGN-ALAT Skillnovation Programme For MSMEs

Wema Bank’s digital bank, ALAT, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has opened applications for the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, a nationwide digital empowerment initiative targeted at Nigerian youth and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The programme is designed to equip participants with practical digital and business skills required to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.

Wema Bank’s digital bank, ALAT, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has opened applications for the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, a nationwide digital empowerment initiative targeted at Nigerian youth and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The programme is designed to equip participants with practical digital and business skills required to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.

The FG-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme is structured to strengthen Nigeria’s digital workforce and support small businesses through relevant, in-demand skills. The initiative focuses on building digital capacity, improving employability, and enabling MSMEs to adopt technology for growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability across different sectors of the economy.

Available Learning Tracks

The programme offers tailored learning tracks to meet different participant needs. Applicants can choose between an employment-focused route designed for jobseekers and professionals, or an SME-focused route created for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to scale operations using digital tools and strategies.

Benefits of the Programme

Participants will undergo a blended learning experience that combines virtual training sessions with hands-on physical learning at modern digital hubs located across Nigeria.

The training approach is practical and application-driven. Participants will gain access to digital and business skills training delivered by experienced facilitators.
Mentorship from industry professionals
Networking opportunities with peers and business leaders
Exposure to internship opportunities and increased visibility for entrepreneurs
MSMEs may also gain access to funding and growth opportunities made available through the programme

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:
• Nigerian youth
• jobseekers
• working professionals
• MSME owners
• aspiring entrepreneurs

Applicants are required to complete the application form with accurate details and select their preferred learning track.

How to apply:

Interested applicants can apply online through the official FG-ALAT portal Here.

CSFRRDF Recruitment for Field and Program

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
CSFRRDF Recruitment for Field and Program

The Climate-Smart Farming & Rural Resilience Development Foundation (CSFRRDF) has opened recruitment for passionate professionals and volunteers to strengthen its project implementation team ahead of Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and pre-deployment activities in Benue State, Nigeria. This recruitment supports the foundation’s preparation for field operations focused on building strong, community-driven climate solutions.

CSFRRDF works with smallholder farmers, women, youth, and local institutions to co-design and implement climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming practices, youth innovation initiatives, and community-led solutions that strengthen resilience to climate shocks and economic vulnerability. As part of this mission, the foundation is commencing field pre-deployment activities in Benue State as a foundation for piloting Climate-Smart Farmer Hubs and scaling these models across Africa.

Location Nigeria (Field roles based in Benue State)

Upon successful fundraising and grant mobilization, selected roles will transition into remunerated positions, offering long-term opportunities for committed team members.

OPEN POSITIONS
Program Implementation Lead
Finance & Administration Officer
Youth Innovation & Training Coordinator
Community Engagement & Local Liaison Coordinator
Communications, Compliance & Partnerships Officer
Monitoring, Evaluation, Data & WASH Integration Officer
Agriculture & Food Security Technical Advisor

FIELD-BASED ROLES (Benue State Only)
Field Volunteers
Enumerators
Interns (Programs, MEL, WASH)

Who can apply

Applicants may include undergraduates, recent graduates, and professionals with a Bachelor’s degree, while a Master’s degree in a related field is an added advantage. Candidates should have a minimum of 1–10 years of experience depending on the role applied for, with demonstrated experience in rural field operations and donor-funded projects. Experience managing youth groups and partnerships is required, while exposure to agriculture, climate, or humanitarian contexts is an advantage. Applicants should be willing to learn, adaptable, organized, capable of basic research and documentation, and committed to professional conduct and ethics.

ENGAGEMENT TYPE Volunteer-based roles, with remuneration beginning upon receipt of project funding. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV (maximum three pages), a cover letter outlining suitability for the role, and two professional references.
Subject Line: Application – Title of Job Role
Applications should be sent to careers.csfrrdf@gmail.com

Anambra State Internal Revenue Service Recruitment

Nigeria Startup News
-
0
Anambra State Internal Revenue Service Recruitment

The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) has opened recruitment portal to engage talented graduates and experienced professionals to fill critical positions within the Service. This is part of its institutional reform to reposition the human and organisational capabilities of the Service. Candidates who possess the required qualifications, experience, and skills are invited to apply and join the Service on this exciting and challenging journey.

The eligibility requirements and job specifications are as below:

General Requirements:

  1. Candidates must meet the minimum academic and professional qualifications specified for each role.
  2. Candidates should be computer literate, possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and demonstrate the ability to work effectively in teams.

Note:

  1. All applications must be submitted on or before 10 January 2026.
  2. Candidates can only apply for one position. Multiple applications will result in disqualification.
  3. The AIRS do not require candidates to make any payments to any person or organisation in connection with this recruitment.

How to apply

Interested candidates can apply using this link:
https://anambrastate.gov.ng/anambra-state-internal-revenue-service-airs-job-vacancies/

1...190191192...682Page 191 of 682