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FG begins distribution of food relief to 42,000 residents in Yobe

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FG begins distribution of food relief to 42,000 residents in Yobe

The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of food and relief materials to about 42,000 vulnerable residents across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State under the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention Programme.

The initiative, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is designed to reduce hunger, improve nutrition and support poor households facing economic hardship, particularly during the Ramadan period.

The programme targets some of the most vulnerable groups in society, including internally displaced persons, women-led households, malnourished children, elderly citizens and persons living with disabilities.

At the official flag-off ceremony held at the Government House in Damaturu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, described the intervention as a strategic effort to address rising humanitarian challenges across the country.

According to him, several communities have been severely affected by prolonged conflict and climate-related disruptions that have weakened food production and reduced household incomes.

Sununu explained that the programme was carefully structured to provide immediate nutritional support while helping vulnerable families cope with the economic strain currently affecting many households.

“The combined impact of prolonged conflict and climate change has worsened poverty, increased food insecurity and heightened vulnerability, particularly among women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities,” he said.

He noted that the distribution includes essential food items packaged into food baskets and nutrition support packages meant to stabilise vulnerable households and help them meet their basic dietary needs.

Items being distributed under the programme include rice, beans, millet, maize, assorted grains, palm oil, cooking oil, tomatoes, seasoning cubes and salt.

Officials stated that the intervention forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen social protection systems and support communities struggling with food insecurity.

Sununu emphasised that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to providing support to vulnerable citizens during difficult periods.

“This intervention is part of a broader national strategy focused on strengthening social protection mechanisms, enhancing community resilience and supporting the transition from emergency assistance to sustainable livelihoods,” he stated.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, also noted that the programme is part of a wider humanitarian response covering several northern states affected by insecurity and economic vulnerability.

He explained that the ministry has put in place strong coordination and accountability systems to ensure the transparent distribution of the food items across all the targeted communities.

Olusanya further stated that monitoring structures and feedback channels have been established to ensure the intervention reaches the intended beneficiaries.

He added that the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local institutions to guarantee fairness and proper oversight throughout the distribution process.

The intervention is also being implemented alongside the Yobe State Government’s Ramadan palliative programme aimed at cushioning the impact of economic hardship on residents during the holy month.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and improving food security across the state.

“Providing food to vulnerable citizens is not merely an act of charity; it is a responsibility and an investment in a better future,” Buni said.

He noted that the federal intervention complements ongoing state-level support programmes designed to assist disadvantaged households across all 17 local government areas of Yobe State.

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FG launches digital system to verify academic records, stop fake degrees

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FG launches digital system to verify academic records, stop fake degrees

The Federal Government is developing a national digital platform that will store, verify, and authenticate academic records across Nigeria’s education system in a major move aimed at stopping fake degrees and strengthening trust in certificates issued by Nigerian institutions.

The platform, known as the Nigeria Education Repository and Data Bank (NERD), is designed to create a centralized digital infrastructure where academic records from universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education can be securely stored and verified in real time.

Officials say the system is part of a broader reform agenda to modernize the management of academic credentials, improve data integrity, and ensure that qualifications obtained in Nigeria can be easily verified by employers, institutions, and government agencies.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building a reliable national system for academic record management.

According to him, data-driven governance is central to the government’s approach to reforming critical sectors, including education.

“I have this quote right in my office that I read every day. Data is the lifeblood of effective governance,” Alausa said during a national capacity-building programme organised to support the implementation of the new system.

“It enables us to understand the challenges we face, so that we can design and implement effective solutions, as well as monitor and evaluate our progress.”

He stressed that without reliable data systems, governments cannot effectively plan or implement policies.

“Without data, we are flying blind. And that is not what this government is about,” he said.

The NERD platform is expected to digitise and standardise academic credentials nationwide, creating a unified system that links institutions and government agencies involved in education regulation and credential verification.

Under the system, each academic qualification obtained from an accredited Nigerian institution will have a verifiable digital record that can be accessed through authorised channels.

The platform will also assign a National Credential Number to academic awards issued in Nigeria, creating a unique digital footprint for each certificate.

Officials say this will make it significantly harder for individuals to present forged or unverifiable qualifications.

The system will also host a National Credential Revocation Service, which will allow authorities to withdraw or invalidate academic credentials that are found to have been obtained fraudulently.

In addition, the platform will include a National Student Clearinghouse, designed to facilitate verification of student records and academic history across institutions.

Another component of the repository will be a federated national database of academic theses and abstracts, enabling universities and research institutions to digitally preserve and access scholarly work produced in Nigeria.

The system will also support a national academic publication and indexing database, helping to document research output from Nigerian institutions.

According to the government, the goal is to create a comprehensive digital archive of academic knowledge produced in Nigeria while ensuring that academic qualifications remain credible and verifiable.

Alausa described the platform as strategic national infrastructure that will strengthen transparency and accountability within the education system.

He explained that when an academic certificate is issued, it represents more than just a document.

“Education is a covenant between the State and its citizens,” the minister said.

“When a certificate is issued, it is not merely paper; it is a national guarantee that due process was followed and standards were upheld.”

He noted that the strength of that guarantee depends heavily on the integrity of academic record systems.

“That guarantee is only as strong as the integrity of our record-keeping systems,” he said.

The move comes after years of concerns about certificate fraud and the proliferation of questionable degrees obtained from unaccredited institutions both within and outside Nigeria.

Investigations in recent years revealed that some Nigerians had obtained degrees from institutions operating without accreditation in neighbouring countries, particularly in parts of West Africa.

Some of those institutions reportedly issued academic certificates within extremely short periods, raising questions about the legitimacy of the qualifications.

Alausa said the Federal Government had already taken decisive action against such practices.

“Before President Tinubu came into government, there was a whistleblower who reported about Nigerians going to the Republic of Benin to study,” he said.

“Some people were getting PhD certificates in just six months, universities that never existed, universities in one-room apartments, giving certificates.”

According to him, the government conducted investigations following the reports and took corrective measures.

“But today, I can report to you that we moved quickly as a government. Based on the President’s directive, we conducted full investigations,” he said.

“That has been put to a complete stop. And all of those people that got those illegal certificates have all been thrown out of our civil service, public service.”

Officials say the new digital repository is intended to prevent similar incidents in the future by ensuring that academic credentials can be verified quickly and accurately.

The system will enable employers, institutions, and regulatory bodies to confirm the authenticity of certificates issued by Nigerian schools.

Beyond verification, the platform is also expected to improve documentation and preservation of Nigeria’s academic output.

Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Education Repository and Data Bank, Engineer Tunji Ariyomo, said the country has historically struggled with weak systems for preserving academic knowledge.

He noted that many research outputs and academic records have been lost over time because they were not properly documented or archived.

“What does that say about us in Nigeria and about Africa?” Ariyomo asked.

“Our knowledge is not able to climb on the shoulders of previous knowledge. So there is a gap.”

According to him, countries that preserve and validate knowledge over time are the ones that lead global development.

“Nations that have preserved knowledge over a long period of time, and where that knowledge can be validated, are the ones leading the world,” he said.

The NERD platform is therefore designed not only as a verification system but also as a long-term knowledge repository.

Government officials believe that preserving academic records digitally will help Nigerian researchers build on existing work and strengthen the country’s participation in the global knowledge economy.

Within the first four months of enforcement, the platform has already recorded significant progress.

According to the Ministry of Education, nearly 100,000 digital student submissions have been preserved on the system.

More than 250 tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education, have been onboarded to enable real-time credential verification.

The system currently has over 133,000 students and more than 6,800 lecturers enrolled.

To support the operation of the repository nationwide, more than 655 focal persons have been designated across institutions.

The rollout has also generated new employment opportunities.

Officials say over 1,000 digital service centres have been established in partnership with Nigeria Digital Entrepreneurs, creating more than 3,000 jobs within four months.

The government says the repository will also play an important role in improving coordination among regulatory agencies within the education sector.

Institutions and agencies such as the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, the Industrial Training Fund, and TETFund will rely on the system for verification and compliance monitoring.

The repository will also be integrated into processes related to the National Youth Service Corps.

According to the minister, compliance with the NERD system will become a prerequisite for participation in or exemption from the NYSC scheme.

“It is important to clarify that while NERD compliance is now a prerequisite for participation in, or exemption from, the National Youth Service Corps, enforcement extends far beyond NYSC,” Alausa said.

He explained that institutions must comply with the digital repository system to access services provided by major education agencies.

“Agencies such as TETFund, the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the Industrial Training Fund, as well as all accredited tertiary institutions, are mandated to ensure compliance as a condition for accessing their services,” he said.

Officials say this framework is intended to ensure widespread adoption of the system across the entire tertiary education sector.

The government also plans to encourage academic excellence through the repository by introducing a new national award scheme.

The NERD Annual National Laureate Prize and Awards Programme will recognise outstanding academic research produced by Nigerian students.

The awards will cover undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral theses, with prizes ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million.

Alausa said the inaugural edition of the awards is expected to take place in November.

The initiative is also aligned with the government’s broader policy of promoting locally developed technology solutions.

Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Education intends to prioritise digital platforms built by Nigerian developers.

“I challenge myself that the only platform that we deploy from the Federal Ministry of Education will be a platform built by Nigerians in this country,” he said.

He praised the NERD team for accelerating the development of the repository and emphasized the long-term significance of preserving national data.

“What you are doing today is putting our country on the path of sustainability, 100 years from now, 1,000 years from now,” he said.

“Countries that preserve their data can layer on and cascade that information.”

He added that nations that fail to preserve their knowledge infrastructure struggle to achieve lasting development.

“If you do not have that as a nation, then you do not have a nation. There is no development,” the minister said.

NSE urges engineers to deploy tech to help Government tackle insecurity

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NSE urges engineers to deploy tech to help Government tackle insecurity

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on engineers across the country to deploy innovation, technology and smart engineering solutions to help the government tackle Nigeria’s insecurity and broader development challenges.

The appeal was made by the President of the NSE, Ali Rabiu, during a webinar organised to commemorate the World Engineering Day 2026.

Rabiu stressed that engineers must go beyond traditional construction and technical roles and begin applying modern engineering tools, systems thinking and digital technologies to address national security and economic stability.

According to him, the country’s security situation continues to affect economic growth, investment and development, making it necessary for engineers to contribute practical solutions through innovation.

He explained that “smart engineering” involves the application of advanced technologies and innovative design approaches to develop systems and infrastructure that are efficient, sustainable and interconnected.

“As we engage in discussions aligned with this theme, we must also explore how engineering can help government deliver practical solutions to the lingering insecurity challenges facing our country,” Rabiu said.

He noted that insecurity has far-reaching consequences on Nigeria’s economic performance, investor confidence and national development.

“Nigeria’s position in global investment rankings and ease-of-doing-business metrics is significantly influenced by safety conditions and regulatory predictability,” he said.

Rabiu warned that if the country fails to urgently address safety and security gaps, the consequences will continue to affect economic indicators and national growth.

“Without urgent intervention, safety deficits will continue to undermine GDP growth, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), job creation, infrastructure sustainability and public trust in governance,” he added.

The NSE president said engineers are critical stakeholders in nation-building and must play a central role in designing solutions that strengthen security systems, infrastructure resilience and economic stability.

“Engineers, as critical stakeholders in nation-building, have a vital role to play in addressing these challenges and strengthening the foundation for economic growth and stability,” Rabiu stated.

He also encouraged young engineers to actively participate in innovation and problem-solving initiatives that can help reposition Nigeria’s engineering sector globally.

“I am particularly pleased that our Young Engineers are well represented at this event. It is my desire that we continue to strengthen their capacity, as they are the hope of the future of our Society and country,” he said.

Rabiu added that the NSE will continue to support initiatives that build technical competence, strengthen professionalism and promote good governance within the engineering sector.

He also commended UNESCO and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) for sustaining the global platform that promotes engineering collaboration and innovation.

The keynote speaker at the event, Hilary Owamah, also emphasised the importance of smart engineering in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.

Speaking on the theme “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalisation,” Owamah said the future of national development depends on how effectively engineering integrates technology, sustainability and data-driven systems.

“The fundamental question before us is: can we engineer growth without engineering collapse? The answer lies in smart engineering,” he said.

According to him, smart engineering combines engineering science, digital intelligence and sustainability principles to design systems that can predict, adapt and optimise performance.

“Smart engineering represents the intelligent integration of engineering science, digital intelligence, data-driven systems and sustainability principles. It is engineering that predicts, adapts and optimises,” he explained.

Owamah said Nigeria already possesses strong engineering capacity but requires better integration, scale and sustainability to maximise its potential.

He noted that smart engineering solutions can help address several national challenges, including environmental degradation, energy inefficiency and weak infrastructure monitoring systems.

According to him, the approach enables engineers to design flood-resilient infrastructure, optimise energy use, monitor water systems in real time and detect structural failures before disasters occur.

“We must move from ‘build and repair’ to ‘predict and prevent.’ The future engineer must be as comfortable with data as with concrete as well as developing local engineering solutions,” he said.

Owamah also urged universities and professional bodies to prioritise digital competence and innovation in engineering education so that future engineers can effectively support national development.

FG distributes farming inputs to farmers in Lagos

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FG distributes farming inputs to farmers in Lagos

The Federal Government has distributed farming inputs including improved seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals to farmers’ cooperatives in Lagos State to help smallholder farmers increase food production.

The distribution exercise was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security during a flag-off event held in Agege, Lagos, where representatives of 68 farmers’ cooperatives received the agricultural inputs.

Officials said the intervention is designed to support farmers with essential resources needed to boost productivity, reduce production costs, and strengthen food security across the country.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the distribution of the farming inputs is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to support agricultural production nationwide.

“This event is not merely ceremonial; it is strategic, deliberate, and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Kyari said.

He explained that the intervention is aimed at ensuring farmers have the tools and resources required to improve crop yields and expand food production.

“Today’s distribution of critical farm inputs — improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and other essential materials — is part of the Federal Government’s broader intervention programme aimed at reducing production costs, boosting yields, and improving the livelihoods of farmers,” he stated.

According to the minister, empowering farmers remains a key step toward addressing food insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural system.

“We recognise that farmers are the backbone of our food system. Without empowering them, food security will remain an aspiration rather than a reality,” he said.

The government noted that providing quality inputs directly to farmers’ cooperatives helps ensure that smallholder farmers receive support that can significantly impact their productivity.

Kyari added that the intervention also forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains across the country.

He pointed out that Lagos State plays an important role in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape despite being largely known as a commercial and consumption hub.

“Beyond being a major consumption hub, Lagos is increasingly becoming a model for urban agriculture, aquaculture, poultry, vegetable production, and agribusiness innovation,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in strengthening agricultural development and improving food supply.

“The collaboration between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government demonstrates the power of synergy in achieving shared goals,” he said.

Kyari stressed that the distribution of inputs must be accompanied by responsible use and proper monitoring to ensure the programme delivers measurable results.

“Inputs alone are not enough. We must ensure proper and transparent distribution and effective utilisation of the inputs by genuine farmers,” he said.

He added that farmers should adopt improved farming practices to maximise the benefits of the intervention.

“We therefore call on beneficiaries today to use these inputs judiciously and responsibly. Let them translate into increased output, improved incomes, and greater food availability for our people,” Kyari said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, welcomed the Federal Government’s support and described the initiative as a timely intervention for farmers in the state.

“This initiative is a very commendable intervention in our support of our farmers, with the provision of inputs such as improved seeds, fertilisers, mechanisation equipment and other essential materials that are required to boost agricultural productivity in the state,” Audu said.

He explained that access to such resources will help farmers increase their output while reducing the cost of production.

“The provision of these inputs to farmers in the state will significantly reduce production cost, improve yields and ultimately enhance food availability for our growing population here in Lagos State,” he said.

Audu also emphasised the role of agriculture in supporting economic growth, job creation, and sustainable food systems.

“At a time when food security has become a major priority for governments across the nation, this kind of support is not only timely, but very impactful,” he said.

According to him, the Lagos State Government continues to invest in agricultural development and welcomes partnerships that strengthen the sector.

“Agriculture for us remains a key support for economic growth, job creation and sustainable food systems,” Audu said.

He added that the federal intervention complements the state’s existing agricultural programmes and initiatives.

“The support of the Federal Government to agriculture and food security complements the efforts of Lagos State systems in advancing food security,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Wasiu Bawa-Allah, commended the Federal Government for extending the programme to farmers in Lagos State.

He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens across the country benefit from national resources.

“The essence of federal character is to make sure that every Nigerian benefits from the resources of the Federal Government,” Bawa-Allah said.

He encouraged the farmers to make effective use of the distributed inputs to increase their agricultural productivity.

“We urge the recipient farmers to put to judicious use the inputs so they can contribute to the growth of Nigeria in terms of economy, food security and increased productivity of agriculture in Lagos State and the nation,” he said.

CcHUB, Mastercard EdTech Fellowship cohort 4 with free $100,000

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CcHUB, Mastercard EdTech Fellowship cohort 4 with free $100,000

Applications are now open for Cohort 4 of CcHUB’s EdTech Fellowship, a programme designed to support innovative education technology startups in Nigeria. The initiative, delivered by Co-creation HUB (CcHUB) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, will provide $100,000 in equity-free funding to selected startups developing solutions that expand access to education and improve learning outcomes for underserved learners.

CcHUB is committed to advancing Africa’s economic prosperity by encouraging the use of social capital and technology to solve pressing challenges. Founded in 2010 as Nigeria’s first innovation centre, the organization has grown to become the largest technology innovation centre in Africa, supporting startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the continent.

The Mastercard Foundation, a registered Canadian charity and one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, works with visionary partners to expand access to education and financial inclusion. Its mission focuses on enabling young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to secure dignified and fulfilling work.

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is an incubation programme that supports promising African EdTech companies. Through the fellowship, selected startups will take part in a 12-month structured incubation programme that provides mentorship, technical assistance, access to ecosystem partners, and $100,000 in equity-free funding. The programme is designed to help startups refine their solutions, strengthen implementation readiness, and prepare for long-term growth.

Cohort 4 will focus on solutions that support learners living with disabilities, refugees and displaced persons (RDPs), and underserved or rural communities. The programme also prioritizes innovations that empower young girls and women, as well as education data systems that improve decision-making and align with real learning environments.

Participating startups will receive support in key areas such as product development, distribution, funding access, and talent development.

The fellowship is open to Nigerian EdTech startups that expand access to quality education, enhance teacher effectiveness, foster learner engagement through innovation, and create scalable solutions that improve learning outcomes.

Applications are open from 27 February 2026 to 10 April 2026. Interested applicants can apply by visiting: https://form.typeform.com/to/x0DHDTGb?typeform-source.

Katsina disburses ₦27.85m grants to entrepreneurs under NG-CARES

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Katsina disburses ₦27.85m grants to entrepreneurs under NG-CARES

The Katsina State Government has disbursed a total of ₦27.85 million in February 2026 as Nano Grants to support 557 small-scale entrepreneurs across 361 wards in the state under the NG-CARES Programme.

The disbursement was carried out through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) under Result Area 3 of the NG-CARES Programme, with each beneficiary receiving ₦50,000 to support and stabilize their small businesses.

According to the state government, the initiative is designed to strengthen grassroots economic activity by providing direct financial support to nano and small-scale entrepreneurs who form the backbone of local economies.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda emphasized that the programme is part of his administration’s broader strategy to expand opportunities for small businesses and stimulate economic growth across communities.

“Our goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs at the grassroots level receive the support they need to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” the governor stated.

KASEDA officials also noted that women and youths formed the majority of beneficiaries, accounting for about 60 percent of those who received the nano grants under the programme.

Ekiti State Shortlisted for ATASP-II Agricultural Programme

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Ekiti State Shortlisted for ATASP-II Agricultural Programme

Ekiti State has been shortlisted to participate in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase Two (ATASP-II) following Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s expression of interest in the programme, a development expected to support agricultural expansion and create thousands of jobs across the state.

The inclusion of Ekiti in the second phase of the initiative was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, who said the update was communicated through an official letter dated February 27, 2026 and signed by the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

According to Olatunbosun, the selection reflects growing recognition of Ekiti State’s commitment to agricultural development and its readiness to participate in large-scale programmes aimed at transforming the sector.

“Ekiti State has been shortlisted to participate in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase Two (ATASP-II) following Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s expression of interest in the programme,” Olatunbosun said in the statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti.

He explained that ATASP-II is a major agricultural development initiative designed to drive productivity, improve food and nutrition security, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities in participating states.

The programme, which is funded by the African Development Bank in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, is also structured to strengthen rural economies by improving access to markets, expanding financial services for farmers, and enhancing rural infrastructure that supports agricultural production.

Olatunbosun noted that the Oyebanji administration has consistently positioned agriculture as a key driver of economic development, describing the governor’s expression of interest in ATASP-II as part of a broader strategy to attract investment and expand opportunities in the agricultural sector.

According to him, “Governor Biodun Oyebanji is focused on transforming agriculture in Ekiti State into a modern, business-driven sector that boosts food security, creates jobs, and drives economic growth.”

He added that the administration views agriculture not only as a traditional occupation but also as a viable economic engine capable of generating employment for young people and strengthening rural livelihoods.

The commissioner also emphasized that the state government remains committed to leveraging partnerships with federal institutions and international development organisations to accelerate agricultural transformation.

“Ekiti State remains determined to leverage federal partnerships and international development support to deepen agricultural transformation and improve livelihoods across the state,” he stated.

Olatunbosun further recalled that Ekiti State had earlier been selected to participate in Phase Two of the Nigeria Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, another major initiative backed by the African Development Bank and the Federal Government.

He explained that the SAPZ project is designed to strengthen agricultural value chains by promoting industrial processing of key crops such as cocoa, cassava, and palm oil.

“The SAPZ project is expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and attract significant private sector investment,” he said.

He also referenced the impact of the first phase of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme (ATASP-I), which focused on improving agricultural productivity at the smallholder farmer level through irrigation development, rural road construction, improved access to farm inputs, and strengthening farmer cooperatives.

While ATASP-I concentrated on boosting food production and increasing farmers’ incomes at the grassroots level, complementary initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are designed to build processing capacity and expand value addition across different stages of the agricultural value chain.

Edo SSEB to launch Monday Okpebholo education talent hunt competition

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Edo SSEB to launch Monday Okpebholo education talent hunt competition

The Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB) will on Friday, March 6, 2026, officially flag off the maiden edition of the Senator Monday Okpebholo Education Talent Hunt Competition (Season One), an initiative aimed at identifying and rewarding academically outstanding secondary school students across the state.

The competition, which will involve SS3 students in public secondary schools across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State, is designed to spotlight excellence in Science, Social Science, and Arts while encouraging stronger academic performance ahead of external examinations.

Executive Chairman of SSEB, Dr. Rita Otibho Erewele, described the programme as a major step toward strengthening academic culture in the state.

“This competition is designed to unlock the hidden academic potentials of our students and reward excellence. It also serves as motivation for students to intensify their preparations as they approach their external examinations,” she said.

According to the Board, shortlisted students will participate in a scholarship examination that will determine the most outstanding candidates across the three academic categories.

The best-performing students will receive fully funded scholarships to attend state-owned tertiary institutions, including Ambrose Alli University, Edo State Polytechnic, and the Edo State College of Education.

Dr. Erewele noted that the initiative reflects the education-focused vision of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is strongly committed to promoting quality education and creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents. This programme is one of the ways the government is investing in the future of Edo State,” she stated.

The talent hunt competition is themed “Unlocking Potentials, Building a Better Edo,” a slogan the Board says highlights the government’s commitment to nurturing intellectual development and strengthening reading culture among students in public schools across the state.

FG Opens YEIDEP Batch B Recruitment March 9

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FG Opens YEIDEP Batch B Recruitment March 9

The Federal Government has announced the opening of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) Batch B recruitment portal for beneficiaries nationwide on Monday, March 9, 2026, as part of efforts to empower up to 20 million Nigerian youths with a N500,000 startup grant.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Thursday by the Coordinator-General of the programme, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, who urged eligible Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 50 to take part in the recruitment exercise.

According to the statement, the initiative is designed to provide financial support and structured empowerment opportunities to young Nigerians, with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship and reducing the risks associated with widespread youth unemployment across the country.

The programme organisers explained that YEIDEP seeks to stimulate economic participation among youths by providing startup capital alongside support mechanisms that encourage self-employment and sustainable business development.

Iyere noted that the initiative forms part of broader national efforts to address the growing challenges linked to youth poverty, unemployment and vulnerability to social instability.

“YEIDEP aims to empower 20 million youths with startup capital as a way of promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among young people, which is the surest means of generating mass employment for youths,” he said.

He added that expanding economic opportunities for young Nigerians remains critical to tackling the underlying social pressures caused by unemployment and economic exclusion.

“YEIDEP’s core mandate is to tackle Nigeria’s chronic youth unemployment, youth poverty and youth hopelessness, and also their imposed threats of youth radicalization, socio-political instability, national insecurity and economic unproductivity,” Iyere stated.

The organisers explained that the Batch B recruitment process will follow a different registration approach compared to the earlier Batch A phase.

Unlike the first phase, which relied largely on online registration and digital data capture, applicants in Batch B will be required to visit designated partner banks physically to open a YEIDEP bank account as part of the official registration process.

The statement emphasised that opening a YEIDEP bank account is the only recognised method of becoming a verified participant in the programme and a potential beneficiary of the empowerment grant.

Participants were also reminded that the registration process is completely free and that applicants should report any attempt by bank officials or intermediaries to demand payment during the process.

The recruitment exercise will take place nationwide, with the exception of Kano State, where the process will be handled separately by the state government through a newly established Kano State YEIDEP Steering Committee under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Programme officials also clarified that individuals who successfully registered during the Batch A recruitment phase and already possess confirmed YEIDEP bank accounts will not be eligible to participate in the new recruitment process.

However, applicants who registered during Batch A but did not receive confirmed YEIDEP bank accounts have been encouraged to take part in the Batch B exercise.

The statement further warned applicants against submitting multiple registrations, stressing that anyone found engaging in duplicate applications would be automatically disqualified from the programme.

“We also strictly want to warn against double or multiple registration, as anyone found guilty of such shall be disqualified automatically,” Iyere cautioned.

Authorised partner banks for the recruitment exercise include Fidelity Bank, Keystone Bank, Alpha Morgan Bank, Wema Bank, Union Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Ecobank and Lotus Bank.

ITF to clear training reimbursement payments owed to employers

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ITF to clear training reimbursement payments owed to employers

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has announced plans to address outstanding training reimbursement payments owed to employers who trained their staff under its programmes.

This was disclosed during the 12th Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum hosted by the ITF Lekki Area Office on February 12, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, where employers, HR leaders, learning and development professionals, and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss skills development and workforce productivity.

Speaking at the event, the Area Manager of the Lekki Area Office, Kemi Abayeh, acknowledged concerns raised by employers regarding delays in training reimbursement and assured stakeholders that the issue is already receiving attention.

She said, “We appreciate the feedback from employers and stakeholders. Efforts are underway to address outstanding reimbursements, and we remain committed to improving service delivery and strengthening collaboration with industry.”

Several stakeholders at the forum emphasized the importance of timely reimbursement, noting that many organizations invest heavily in staff training under ITF programmes with the expectation that approved claims will be processed promptly.

Chairman of the occasion and MD/CEO of Computer Warehouse Group, Adewale Adeyipo, also highlighted the growing importance of workforce development in today’s competitive economy.

According to him, “Organizations are increasingly seeing learning as an investment rather than an expense. When training is aligned with industry needs, it strengthens productivity and long-term competitiveness.”

Stakeholders also used the forum to commend the quality and impact of ITF training programmes while calling for continued improvements in collaboration between the Fund and employers who contribute to the scheme.

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