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WACT APM Terminals graduates 600 from WACTpreneur programme

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WACT– APM Terminals Nigeria has graduated an additional 600 beneficiaries from the fourth and fifth cohorts of its WACTpreneur programme, strengthening its commitment to sustainable community development and inclusive economic growth across its host communities.

The graduation ceremony brought together programme beneficiaries, community leaders from the host communities of Onne and Ogu, implementation partners, and representatives of to mark the successful completion of six months of intensive entrepreneurship training and mentorship.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Managing Director, the Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and perseverance throughout the programme. She encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to grow their enterprises and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.

“Today, we are celebrating more than the graduation of 600 beneficiaries; we are celebrating determination, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit within our host communities. Through the WACTpreneur programme, participants have been equipped with practical skills to build sustainable businesses that can positively impact their families and communities,” Obienyem said.

The WACTpreneur programme is designed to strengthen small businesses through hands-on training in key business areas such as merchandising, customer relations, record keeping, supply chain management, credit sales, sources of finance, integrity in business, and cash flow management. The initiative focuses on building practical capacity that can support long-term business growth.

“We are confident that the skills acquired through this programme will enable our graduates to create jobs, expand their businesses, and serve as role models for entrepreneurship within their communities. We acknowledge Dufy Global Enterprise for their role in delivering the training and mentorship,” Obienyem added.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Dufy Global Enterprise, Victor Akubor, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to the WACTpreneur programme and its objectives.

“Our collaboration with WACT reflects a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge that drives long-term success. We are proud of the progress made by the beneficiaries and look forward to seeing their businesses thrive,” Akubor said.

Community leaders from Onne and Ogu communities commended WACT for its sustained investment in people-focused development initiatives. According to the Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee, Godfrey Maate, the programme represents a major milestone for the community.

“This is not just an occasion but an epoch-making one. WACT has consistently demonstrated genuine commitment to our community, not only through infrastructure projects but by empowering our people with skills that promote self-reliance and economic growth,” Maate said.

Similarly, a leader from the Ogu community described the programme as impactful. “The WACTPRENEUR Programme has provided real opportunities for our people to improve their livelihoods. We appreciate WACT for its continued engagement and support for community development,” said the Chairman, Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs.

During the event, WACT also highlighted other ongoing initiatives in its host communities, including scholarships for 141 beneficiaries, paint production and painting skills training for 40 youths with the renovation of 10 classrooms and teachers’ quarters, agricultural training under the Strategies for Food Security programme, and the empowerment of over 3,500 girls and 250 women through eco-friendly sanitary pad and reusable diaper production training.

Additional projects include the continuous maintenance of a 10kVA solar energy system at two model Primary Health Care Centres, construction of a driveway to the health care centre in Onne, establishment of a plastic recycling centre in Onne, and the ongoing construction of 713 meters of drainage in the community.

Speaking on WACT’s broader commitment, the Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term focus on sustainable impact. “At WACT, our approach to community development is centered on empowerment and sustainability. Programmes like WACTPRENEUR are designed to equip people with skills that create lasting value, strengthen local economies, and improve quality of life in our host communities,” Okwuofu said.

He added that WACT plans to launch the sixth cohort of WACTPRENEUR by February 2026, continue its scholarship programme, maintain the solar energy systems at the Primary Health Care Centres, and develop a master plan for community projects in its host communities.

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Kogi Trains 130 Non-Formal Education Facilitators Under AGILE Project

The Kogi State Ministry of Education, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, has trained 130 facilitators drawn from non-formal education centres across the three senatorial districts of the state to strengthen the delivery of second-chance and alternative education programmes.

The training is aimed at improving access, quality and equity in education delivery for adolescents and young people excluded from the formal school system.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the State Project Coordinator, Ahmed Tijani Oricha, described the training as a strategic intervention aimed at expanding inclusive learning opportunities. He noted that non-formal education remains critical to reaching out-of-school adolescents and young people, adding that trained facilitators are central to education delivery.

According to Oricha, “this training is designed to equip facilitators with the skills and mindset to deliver quality learning in non-formal settings. Your professionalism and commitment will directly influence learning outcomes and the success of the Second Chance Education programme.”

The two-day capacity-building exercise was held under AGILE Sub-Component 2.2C on Second Chance and Alternative Education, in partnership with the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID). The sessions focused on improving facilitators’ understanding of post-literacy manuals, harmonising instructional methods, and promoting participatory learning.

Also speaking, the Component Lead, Mariam Bello, said the training was structured to ensure uniformity and consistency in content delivery across non-formal education centres. She explained that participants were taken through sessions on lesson sequencing and integrated teaching approaches.

Bello said, “adopting participatory methods will help facilitators create inclusive learning environments that reflect learners’ realities while advancing AGILE’s goals of improved literacy, numeracy and life skills acquisition.”

In her remarks, the Executive Director of PIBCID, Rachael Akande, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting capacity development initiatives that enhance teaching quality within the non-formal education sector.

The training featured technical sessions in English Language, Mathematics, Civic Literacy and Basic Science, facilitated by resource persons and reinforced through discussions.

Participants described the programme as timely, pledging to apply the skills acquired to improve learning outcomes across non-formal education centres in Kogi.

Akwa Ibom LGA Distributes 6,620 Bags of Rice to 160 Villages

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Oruk Anam Local Government Area witnessed a large-scale Christmas outreach following the distribution of 6,620 bags of rice across 160 gazetted villages, an exercise that drew widespread commendation for Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as residents and stakeholders praised the gesture and reaffirmed support for his administration ahead of 2027.

Speaking at the distribution event, the Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sunday Festus, said the initiative reflected leadership that places priority on grassroots welfare and direct support to communities during festive periods.

He disclosed that the 6,620 bags of rice received from the state government were evenly shared among the LGA’s 160 gazetted villages, noting that structured allocations were adopted to ensure fairness, transparency, and broad coverage across all benefiting areas.

The Chairman further announced that the local government complemented the Governor’s intervention with additional support, including 1,000 supplementary bags of rice distributed to ungazetted villages, N5 million in cash assistance, and one cow presented to traditional rulers within the local government area.

He added that stakeholders across Oruk Anam also mobilized resources to strengthen the outreach and expand its reach to more households during the Christmas season.

“Leadership must be felt at the grassroots. Christmas is a season of love, and this intervention shows that Governor Umo Eno understands the needs of the people and remains committed to inclusive governance,” Elder Festus said.

Figures released showed stakeholders raised over N2 million cash and 1,060 rice bags, with Dr. Ekem John donating N2 million plus N500,000, while Hon. Sampson Idiong added 500 bags and N500,000 cash to support outreach.

Council Distributes Rice, Cash, Cows and Food Items in A’ Ibom

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Christmas meeting activities in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area featured large-scale distribution of food items and cash to residents as part of the 2025 festive season. The exercise followed the delivery of 2,260 bags of rice to the council from Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D.

Governor Eno distributed 40 bags of rice to each of the 49 gazetted villages in Nsit Ibom as part of his Christmas outreach across the state. The Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Otobong Aaron, expanded the gesture by adding another 40 bags each to the 49 villages.

He also included the Traditional Rulers Council, party structure, youths, women, female youths, and persons living with disabilities in the distribution. Hon. Aaron further donated three cows, ₦12 million, tomatoes, cartons of Maggi, and 2,000 tubers of yam to support the initiative.

The distribution was carried out on Friday, December 20, 2025, at the Nsit Ibom Local Council Secretariat. In her remarks, Deaconess Otobong Aaron welcomed guests and thanked the Executive Governor for his commitment to the development and welfare of the area.

She described Christmas as a season that promotes unity, compassion, and sharing among families and communities. Rt. Hon. Otobong Aaron praised Governor Eno’s people-centred leadership, saying the outreach reflected a clear focus on grassroots governance.

“The Governor’s long-standing pledge to govern from the grassroots to the top is being practically demonstrated through such interventions,” she said.

Stakeholders at the event included the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Eric Akpan, SUBEB Chairman, Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, and Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh. They commended the governor’s gesture and made additional contributions to support the Christmas meeting.

The event recorded peaceful conduct with cooperation from village heads, party stalwarts, former council chairmen, youths, women, and residents of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. The initiative brought relief and festive cheer to communities as preparations for Christmas celebrations continued across the local government area in the area statewide.

Ikono Distributes 40 Bags of Rice, N5m to 150 Villages in A’ Ibom

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The Executive Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Otobong Essien, and the Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD), have received rice for distribution to all villages in Ikono as part of the Christmas welfare support approved by the Akwa Ibom State Government. Each village is to receive 40 bags of 25kg rice, with about 150 villages captured for the exercise. The Governor also approved N5 million to support the event.

Speaking during the Governor’s Christmas meeting held at the Council Secretariat, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, the Council ChairLady, Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien, commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for what she described as another demonstration of his people-first leadership and commitment to the welfare of citizens.

“Governor Umo Bassey Eno has done so well for the welfare of our people, and this is across the entire state,” Essien said, explaining that the distribution in Ikono was peaceful and well-coordinated. She stated that her administration was complementing the Governor’s effort by providing logistics to ensure a smooth and hitch-free distribution exercise.

“Today has been successful, no fight, no chaos. Everything is done in order,” she said. “My administration is supporting by providing transportation for everyone, so everybody is sure of transportation.”

Essien further revealed that the N5 million approved by the Governor would help ensure the event was efficiently managed and that participants could return home safely after the distribution.

Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD) praised Governor Eno for what he called an unprecedented level of support to the people of Ikono. “I want to thank the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for his magnanimity to the people of Ikono,” Ukpong-Udo said. “This has not happened like this before. We used to have it in the past, but this one is huge, 40 bags per village.”

Both leaders urged the people to receive the items peacefully and in unity, reaffirming their commitment to the Governor’s welfare-driven programmes across Ikono and the entire state.

Akwa Ibom Disburses ₦250m to Widows of Military, Paramilitary Officers

The Akwa Ibom State Government has fulfilled its pledge to widows of fallen military and paramilitary personnel with the disbursement of ₦250 million, reaffirming its commitment to social protection, inclusive governance, and support for vulnerable groups across the state.

The empowerment programme, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, was held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Women Development Centre along IBB Way, Uyo. The funds were approved and donated by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, and were channelled through the ministry for direct disbursement to verified beneficiaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudo, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to recognise the sacrifices of fallen officers and to support their widows towards economic stability and self-reliance. She said the intervention reflected Governor Eno’s compassionate leadership and his commitment to the welfare of widows and other vulnerable groups.

According to the Commissioner, the disbursement was not only the fulfilment of a promise but also a reassurance that the state government stands with the widows, values the sacrifices of their spouses, and remains committed to supporting their journey towards economic independence and improved livelihoods.

She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the annual Remembrance Day in honour of fallen heroes and praised Governor Eno for prioritising women’s empowerment as a key pillar of the ARISE Agenda of the state government.

The programme witnessed the disbursement of ₦150 million to military widows and ₦100 million to paramilitary widows across Akwa Ibom State. A major highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to the Military Widows Association and the Paramilitary Widows Association by the Honourable Commissioner.

Setting the tone for the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare informed participants that beneficiaries were already receiving credit alerts during the programme. She appreciated the governor for his magnanimity and explained that beneficiaries were carefully identified and verified. She urged the widows to utilise the funds judiciously to improve their businesses and family wellbeing.

In her remarks, the State Chairperson of the Military Widows Association, Comrade Grace John Aniema, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the intervention as the first empowerment initiative of its kind for military widows in Akwa Ibom State.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and the State Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Edumoh Ekerendu. They described the gesture as a noble demonstration of appreciation to the families of fallen heroes and an affirmation that their sacrifices were not in vain.

The ceremony also featured prayers for fallen heroes led by the Comptroller of Immigration, Akwa Ibom State Command, CIS A.G. Odika, as well as a welcome song by the military widows. A military widow, Comrade Enobong Udo Davis from Eket, and Mrs Theresa Tom, a paramilitary widow who spoke on behalf of beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the state government, noting that the financial support would help strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods. Representatives of various military and paramilitary agencies, including members of paramilitary women associations, were also in attendance at the event.

FG Calls for Patronage of NYSC Commercial Products

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The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Isma’il Keshinro, has urged Nigerians and institutions to patronize commercial products of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including bottled water, bread, and poultry, among others.

Dr. Keshinro made the call during a familiarization visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, where she led some management staff of the Ministry. She expressed her readiness to seek partnerships with international organizations to support the Scheme in achieving greater results.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for increased funding, additional staff, and better infrastructure to strengthen the NYSC’s operations and improve service delivery. She also praised the successive management teams of the Scheme for their efforts in mentoring Corps Members on leadership and providing entrepreneurial training that has produced many successful Corps entrepreneurs.

Dr. Keshinro, who completed her national service in Abia State in 1997, highlighted the vital role of Corps Members in promoting national unity and integration. She stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the impact of the Scheme, noting that NYSC’s commercial ventures deserved more public and institutional support.

“I am proud of you for what you are doing. Thank you for working as a family. We are working for Nigeria and I look forward to a robust working relationship with you,” she said.

In his remarks, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, congratulated Dr. Keshinro on her appointment and expressed appreciation for her visit. He revealed that the Scheme currently mobilizes about 400,000 Corps Members, with a projected figure of 650,000 expected from Nigerian Corps Producing Institutions alone starting from 2026.

Nafiu assured the Permanent Secretary of the Management’s continuous commitment to improving the welfare and security of Staff and Corps Members.

9 FG Empowerment Programmes to Apply for in 2026

As 2026 approaches, many Nigerians are already looking ahead to federal government programmes that offer skills training, structured opportunities, and practical empowerment rather than empty promises. Under the Renewed Hope agenda, several initiatives are designed to help young people learn, earn, and build sustainable livelihoods. Participants also get paid, either monthly stipend or a one-time payment, and also given free starter packs.

Below are nine key FG programmes expected to be open for applications in 2026, based on how they currently operate.

1. Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP)

YEIDEP, formerly Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP) focuses on enterprise support and economic inclusion. It is implemented in batches, and YEIDEP batch B portal is open via yeidep.org. Applicants will receive one time payment ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000, depending on their business category and assessment outcome.

The programme targets Nigerian youths between 18 and 35 years old, who have a business idea or a small existing venture and are willing to undergo basic training or mentoring before disbursement.

2. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Federal Ministry of Education (FME) TVET is the federal government’s flagship skills pathway for trades and technical careers. Participants are trained in areas such as electrical work, mechanics, ICT, construction, and other vocational skills. Trainees currently receive ₦22,500 monthly as a stipend, while accredited training centres are paid monthly N45,000 per trainee. TVET is open to Nigerians willing to commit to hands on learning, and attendance is required to qualify for stipends. Applicant must be under 35 years to apply on tvet.education.gov.ng for batch 2 in 2026.

3. National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

The National Directorate of Employment runs multiple training and resettlement schemes for unemployed Nigerians under Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI). These include vocational skills development, entrepreneurship training, and community based programmes. Stipends under NDE vary by scheme and duration, but recent FG payments range from ₦10,000 to ₦35,000. NDE phase 3 programme is expected open in 2026 to youths, school leavers, artisans, women, and graduates seeking practical skills and self reliance. NDE RHEI application uses nderegistrationportal.ng.

4. Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP)

The NJFP is a structured 12 month fellowship that places young graduates in paid work environments. Fellows currently receive ₦150,000 monthly throughout the programme. NJFP targets unemployed Nigerian graduates aged 30 or below, who have completed NYSC and meet minimum academic requirements. It is designed to improve employability through real work experience rather than classroom training. Interested applicants apply via njfp.ng.

5. 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT)

The 3MTT is a large scale digital skills programme aimed at building Nigeria’s tech workforce. Participants are trained in software development, data, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and related fields. There is no fixed monthly cash stipend, but training is free and sometimes supported with learning resources or device partnerships. Eligibility is broad, focusing on Nigerians interested in digital careers, with selection done in cohorts.

6. ITF Skill Up Artisans Programme (SUPA)

Industrial Training Fund’s SUPA focuses on upgrading the skills of artisans across different trades. Recent cohorts have received stipends of ₦35,000 during training. Beyond stipends, participants benefit from structured practical training and certification. SUPA is open to existing and aspiring artisans who register through the official portal at supa.itf.gov.ng.

7. Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI)

Often called Waste to Wealth initiative, CEYEI trains youths in recycling, waste management, and green enterprise. While there is no fixed national stipend publicly stated, participants gain skills and access to support that can lead to eco friendly businesses. It targets young Nigerians interested in sustainability and climate related opportunities.

8. Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF)

CEDF is a Federal Government initiative approved to support Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, including film, music, fashion, digital content, gaming, publishing, and related sectors. CEDF operates in phases, and Phase 3 is expected to be opened to SMEs and MSMEs in the creative space. Support is project based and may include grants, equity, or structured financing, depending on scale. There is no fixed stipend.

Applications are submitted during announced calls through the official portal at cedf.gov.ng, with funding amounts determined per project.

9. National Talent Export Programme (NATEP)

The National Talent Export Programme is a Federal Government programme designed to prepare Nigerians for global service export and remote work opportunities. The aim is to create one million direct export-linked jobs by 2030. It focuses on training, certification, and positioning Nigerian talent for international markets in sectors such as technology, digital services, creative services, and outsourcing. NATEP is not a grant, loan, or stipend programme. Its value lies in skills development and access to export pathways.

Training duration varies by sector and partner institution. Applications are cohort based and announced periodically, with programme application provided through natep.gov.ng.

These programmes show that 2026 applications will likely favour skills, structure, and real participation over quick cash. For applicants, understanding what each programme truly offers is key to choosing the right path.

Enugu Opens YouthCred Registration for FG Loan Programme

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Enugu State has commenced registration for the YouthCred Initiative, a flagship consumer credit programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at expanding access to affordable and responsible credit for young Nigerians.

The programme is being implemented through CrediCorp, Nigeria’s national consumer credit institution, and aligns with the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to make fair, collateral-free credit accessible to working Nigerians, particularly youths.

In Enugu State, the initiative is being rolled out under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and is coordinated by the Enugu SME Center/Office of Digital Economy, also known as the Enugu MSME and Startup Agency, as part of the state’s strategy to drive productivity, income growth and financial inclusion.

Announcing the commencement of registration, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs and Director-General of the Enugu SME Center, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, said the programme is designed to empower young people with the tools they need to work, earn and live better.

“We are pleased to announce that registration has officially commenced for the YouthCred Initiative in Enugu State, a flagship consumer credit program of the Federal Government of Nigeria, implemented through CrediCorp, Nigeria’s national consumer credit institution,” Chilo-Offiah said.

He explained that YouthCred supports access to essential work tools and professional equipment, digital devices such as phones, laptops and tablets, solar and power solutions, mobility and transport needs, as well as other essential household and life needs.

According to him, the initiative is structured to remove traditional barriers to credit access, especially the demand for collateral and exposure to exploitative lending practices.

“YouthCred is designed to help young people work better, earn better, and live better, by providing access to structured, collateral-free credit that strengthens productivity and quality of life while building a healthy repayment and credit culture,” he stated.

Chilo-Offiah added that the programme reflects the Enugu State Government’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of its workforce through innovation-driven and youth-focused interventions.

“If you are employed and ready to take the next step toward financial stability and increased productivity, this is an opportunity worth taking advantage of,” he said.

Eligible youths in Enugu State have been encouraged to register for the programme online.

KASEDA Updates MSMEs Portal for Online Business Registration

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The (KASEDA) has announced an update to its official MSMEs Registration Portal, aimed at improving access to business registration and verification services across the state.

In a notice released on Saturday, the agency said, “We are pleased to announce that the KASEDA MSMEs Registration Portal has been successfully updated to serve you better.”

According to the agency, business owners across Katsina State can now register their businesses online, verify certificate authenticity, check registration status, and access their dashboards without physical visits.

The updated portal allows users to register their businesses, verify certificates using unique certificate numbers, and download official certificates instantly in PDF format. KASEDA noted that the process is fast and secure, with no waiting period after successful registration.

“The certificate issued through the portal is an official KASEDA document and is recognized across Katsina State government offices,” the agency stated. It added that each certificate can be verified online by anyone using the verification tool.

KASEDA explained that the certificate is required for new businesses starting operations in Katsina State, including small shops, technology startups, and farming cooperatives. Existing enterprises seeking formal recognition can also use the certificate when applying for loans, government contracts, or partnerships.

The agency further disclosed that many state entrepreneurship programmes, grants, and training opportunities require proof of business registration. “This update makes access easier for all business owners,” the agency said. Business owners are advised to complete registration through the official portal at www.kasedacertificate.ng across Katsina State today.