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FMYD Seeks More Funding, Infrastructure Upgrade for NYSC, CLTC

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FMYD Seeks More Funding, Infrastructure Upgrade for NYSC, CLTC

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, has called for increased funding, upgraded infrastructure, and stronger strategic partnerships to further improve the operations of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC).

Dr. Keshinro made the call during separate courtesy visits to the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, and the Director-General of CLTC, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, at their respective headquarters.

Describing the NYSC as a cornerstone of national unity and youth development, the Permanent Secretary reflected on her service year and said the Scheme has continued to shape generations of young Nigerians through discipline, exposure, and cultural integration. According to her, “The NYSC remains one of the most effective platforms for fostering national cohesion and exposing our youths to the richness of Nigeria’s diversity.”

She commended the leadership and staff of the NYSC for their dedication and resilience, while also acknowledging key challenges facing the Scheme. These include increasing corps enrolment, inadequate staffing levels, and growing pressure on orientation camp facilities and accommodation. Dr. Keshinro called for stronger involvement of state and local governments in supporting the welfare of corps members and emphasized the need for upgrades to camp infrastructure. She further stressed that “strategic collaboration with the private sector and international development partners will significantly enhance NYSC operations and youth empowerment outcomes.”

Speaking on the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Dr. Keshinro highlighted the Centre’s strategic role in nation-building, ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and skills development among young Nigerians. She described the CLTC as a vital platform for grooming disciplined, value-driven, and skilled youths who can contribute meaningfully to national development.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, described the Scheme as one of Nigeria’s enduring nation-building institutions, established in 1973 to promote national unity, integration, and patriotic service. He noted that from an inaugural batch of 2,634 corps members, the NYSC now mobilizes up to 400,000 corps members annually, reaching virtually every Nigerian family and reaffirming its relevance five decades after establishment.

Brigadier General Nafiu acknowledged challenges such as manpower shortages, security concerns, and funding constraints, adding that innovative initiatives are being explored to complement available resources. He expressed confidence that with enhanced funding and collaboration, the NYSC would continue to remain a cornerstone of youth development, national cohesion, and service.

Similarly, the Director-General of CLTC, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, expressed optimism about collaboration with the Ministry, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to partnership and alignment on ongoing and future programmes aimed at strengthening leadership development nationwide impact efforts.

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Plateau Civil Service to Begin Needs-Based Recruitment Soon

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Plateau Civil Service to Begin Needs-Based Recruitment Soon

The Plateau State Civil Service Commission has announced plans to begin a needs-based recruitment process aimed at addressing manpower gaps across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state.

The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Paul Samani, disclosed this while reflecting on his first year in office, noting that staff shortages have affected effective service delivery in several MDAs.

Professor Samani said the current staff strength of the Plateau civil service has not been fully determined, but early assessments show clear gaps caused by retirements, deaths, resignations, and migration to better opportunities.

He said the commission has directed all MDAs to formally document and submit their manpower needs to enable accurate assessment and proper planning for recruitment.

According to him, the information being collated will form the basis for advising the state government on recruitment decisions that are strictly driven by actual needs.

“This time, recruitment will not be for political purposes. It will be deliberate and based on the specific needs of the state,” the CSC chairman stated.

He stressed that emphasis will be placed on the quality and competence of individuals to be recruited, rather than sheer numbers.

Professor Samani added that Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is concerned about the calibre of personnel entering the civil service and has insisted on professionalism and merit.

He disclosed that the commission expects to be ready by the first quarter of next year to make concrete recommendations to the government on purposeful recruitment.

The CSC chairman reiterated that strengthening the workforce is part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the civil service for efficiency and improved service delivery.

He assured civil servants and the public that the commission remains committed to building a professional, ethical, and functional civil service for Plateau State.

The process is expected to support term institutional stability.

Edo Civil Service Conducts CBT for 400 Shortlisted Candidates

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Edo Civil Service Conducts CBT for 400 Shortlisted Candidates

The Edo State Civil Service Commission on Thursday conducted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 400 shortlisted candidates seeking employment as Agricultural and Environmental Officers, in a recruitment exercise described as a clear demonstration of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to practical governance.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Sam Oko-Ose, mni, addressed journalists at the CBT centre in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and said the exercise was part of the governor’s earlier promise to open up employment opportunities for qualified Edo citizens. He noted that the recruitment process was driven strictly by merit.

Oko-Ose said, “Today, we are conducting a computer-based test for applicants for the vacant positions of Community Development Officers and Agricultural Officers.” He added, “When recruited, these officers will work in two ministries—the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Agriculture.”

According to him, more than 3,000 applicants initially applied for the positions, but only 400-plus candidates were shortlisted after a rigorous screening process. He explained that the drop in numbers was due to many applicants failing to meet the stated requirements.

He said, “The reason the number is that low is because most of those who applied are not eligible. They didn’t meet the requirements.” He added, “For example, when we asked for degree holders, HND holders also applied. Those with third-class degrees were excluded, and some records were not relevant to the positions advertised. There is no way we can appoint a medical doctor as an agricultural officer. That is why the number dropped to 400-plus who are sitting for this exam today.”

Oko-Ose noted that the commission operates in line with an established scheme of service and stressed that the CBT is only one stage in the recruitment process. He said, “The successful candidates in this test will come and face the commission for an oral interview. We will examine their credentials and ask them questions, and that will be the final stage.”

Reassuring candidates of fairness, the chairman emphasized the integrity and experience of the commission members. He stated, “I will assure every candidate that the commission, the Governor has made me head of today, is made up of people of integrity.”

He said, “I was a permanent secretary, and my sister to my left was also a permanent secretary. The same goes for others here. We have our reputation to protect.” He added, “More importantly, we know that Mr. Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, is a man of integrity. We cannot afford to disappoint him.”

Oko-Ose also said, “We are indigenes of Edo State, how can we fail our people? We can’t. The people of Edo State have confidence in us. Our duty is to join hands with Mr. Governor to move Edo State forward.” He stressed that, “It is only qualified persons that will be employed. Merit—No compromise. It is not negotiable. We stick strictly to the principle of merit.”

Two candidates who participated in the CBT, Omoregbe A. Rosemary and Aituayuwa Hawkins, commended the transparency of the exercise and expressed optimism about contributing to the Edo State civil service if employed.

The CBT exercise is seen as a follow-up to Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to strengthen the Edo State civil service through fresh recruitment.

FG Urges BUA Foods to Fast-Track LASUCO Sugar Refinery in Kwara

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FG Urges BUA Foods to Fast-Track LASUCO Sugar Refinery in Kwara

The Federal Government has urged BUA Foods to fast-track the completion of its LASUCO sugar refinery in Kwara State as part of efforts to meet Nigeria’s self-sufficiency targets in sugar production.

The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, made the call while commencing inspections of sugar projects nationwide, beginning with the Lafiagi Sugar Company in Kwara State.

According to a statement issued by the ministry on Thursday, the visits align with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to relevant officials to accelerate Nigeria’s attainment of self-sufficiency in sugar production.

During the visit, the Minister conducted a comprehensive tour of LASUCO’s integrated sugar complex, which includes the sugar mill, ethanol plant, power infrastructure, irrigation systems, and over 700 hectares of existing sugarcane cultivation.

The project is designed as a 10,000-tonne cane-per-day sugar mill, with the capacity to produce up to 220,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar annually when fully operational.

While commending the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin, Enoh said the level of motivation and monitoring provided to Backwards Integration Programme operators has been impactful.

He noted that the scale of infrastructure, volume of investment, and level of project advancement at LASUCO reflect commitment to the objectives of the Backwards Integration Programme.

Despite acknowledging the progress recorded by BUA at the site, the Minister emphasised that President Tinubu has mandated a “decisive move” from planning to production.

Enoh also acknowledged developments at the Lafiagi facility but stressed “the urgent need for accelerated sugarcane development to match factory capacity,” adding that farm expansion remains critical to achieving full operational readiness.

He reaffirmed, “The FG’s commitment to sustained engagement with serious investors, traditional institutions, and host communities, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to energise the sugar industry, conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, and deepen value chains.”

Ministry of Works launches 1GOV ECMS to drive digital governance

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Ministry of Works launches 1GOV ECMS to drive digital governance

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has launched the 1GOV Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) to enhance digital governance and improve service delivery across the ministry.

The launch, held on Thursday in Abuja, marks the ministry’s transition from paper-based operations to a smart, integrated and technology-driven work environment.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the deployment of the ECMS aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and supports the Federal Government’s drive toward digital governance.

Utsev said the system would improve data management, streamline workflows and strengthen transparency and accountability across the ministry.

According to him, the ECMS will enhance productivity, preserve institutional memory and reduce operational costs in the ministry.

Launching the platform, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, described the initiative as a major step in public sector reform.

She said the ministry’s mandate affects Nigerians through water supply, sanitation, irrigation, river basin development and climate resilience programmes.

Walson-Jack said the 1GOV ECMS enables secure digital records management, automated workflows, electronic approvals and real-time collaboration across MDAs.

She added that the deployment aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 and the directive for full digitalisation by December 2025.

“Effective governance cannot afford delays caused by manual bottlenecks or avoidable inefficiencies,” she said.

She directed that all official correspondence in the ministry must henceforth be processed through approved digital registry channels.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Emanso Umobong, said the system would eliminate workflow inefficiencies and improve service delivery.

She urged staff to fully adopt the platform and engage in continuous capacity building.

The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Ltd., represented by Mr Akintayo Ayodele-Bamisaye, described the launch as a milestone toward a paperless public service.

Mr Ayodeji Bakare of Galaxy Backbone said digitisation would strengthen government information management and digital sovereignty.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr Adeyinka Adenopo urged staff to maximise the benefits of the ECMS.

The event was attended by the Assistant to the President, Mr Alfred Abah.

Dangote Ibese Awards N15.7m Scholarship to 120 Students in Ogun

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Dangote Ibese Awards N15.7m Scholarship to 120 Students in Ogun

Dangote Cement PLC, Ibese Plant, has announced a N15.7 million scholarship for 120 students in its host community, Ibese, in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun. The scholarship will cater to 100 undergraduates and 20 others drawn from secondary and primary school levels across the 17 host communities. The company made the announcement on Wednesday during its annual Community Day celebration held in Ibese.

Reeling out the Social Investment Scorecard, Mr Demola Ojolowo, Head of Social Performance, Dangote Cement, said the company had executed 13 developmental projects, with 10 ongoing projects expected to be completed before the end of the year. He listed the initiatives to include skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, women empowerment schemes, farmer support programmes, and health empowerment sensitisation across the host communities.

Ojolowo also mentioned the construction of public infrastructure and the installation of solar infrastructure inverter systems among other interventions. According to him, the social investment scorecard reflects steady progress and service delivery in empowerment, education, health, and infrastructure projects within the company’s area of operation.

“As a responsible corporate organisation in mining and manufacturing, we commit under the Community Development Agreement to complement government developmental efforts through delivery of social and economic benefits to our community stakeholders,” Ojolowo said. “We remain committed to enhancing project efficiency, ensuring sustainability, and fostering strong partnerships with communities and government stakeholders as we enter the next phase of our community development efforts,” he added.

In his address, the Plant Director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, noted that the occasion reflects the company’s deliberate and continuous effort to broaden its stakeholder engagement and deepen community participation. Subbaraidu, who was represented by the Chief General Manager, Maintenance, Hemant Dave, said the Community Day has become a strategic feature for reviewing the company’s social stewardship.

He explained that the platform provides a comprehensive account of corporate social investments made during the year. “It is the Dangote way, a commitment that goes beyond producing quality cement to embracing care, inclusion, and partnership with the people around us,” he said.

Subbaraidu appreciated the support received from the Ogun State Government, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, commended the Dangote Group for its steady support and commitment to community development initiatives in the area.

Elemide, however, expressed reservations about the indiscriminate parking by the company’s truck drivers on major roads, urging the management to urgently address the situation to improve safety. The Aboro of Ibese land, Oba Rotimi Mulero, thanked the Dangote Cement Plant for creating job opportunities for members of the host community.

Mulero, however, urged the company to place deserving community members in more suitable job descriptions in line with their qualifications. Speaking on behalf of the women group, Mrs Sherifat Akintunde expressed gratitude to the Dangote Cement Plant for empowering women with milling machines.

According to her, women in the area had previously struggled to grind their farm produce to earn a living. The highlight of the event was the presentation of laptops and other gadgets to beneficiaries of the Dangote ICT empowerment programme in the community.

2026/2027 TotalEnergies/NNPC International Masters Scholarship for Nigerians

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2026/2027 TotalEnergies/NNPC International Masters Scholarship for Nigerians

TotalEnergies, in partnership with NNPC Limited, has announced the call for applications for the 2026/2027 NNPC Limited/TotalEnergies International Masters Degree Scholarship for young Nigerians.

The scholarship scheme is open to suitably qualified candidates seeking master’s degree programmes in Management Science, Engineering and Geosciences related to oil and gas at universities in France. It added that application to a public university “can be an added advantage,” while the award is full board.

TotalEnergies and NNPC Limited annually identify and sponsor Nigerian scholars through the programme, working with corporate partners to support studies in France.

TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets fuels, natural gas, and electricity. The company operates in more than 130 countries and is “committed to energy that is more affordable, more reliable, and cleaner, in compliance with the highest safety and environmental standards.”

Eligibility requirements state that applicants must have obtained a university degree with a minimum of second class upper not earlier than five years ago and must have completed the mandatory NYSC scheme.

There are no past questions for this scholarship. The shortlisting exam questions always bear a different format each year as the sponsors are looking for only the brightest students who can deliver results in the spur of the moment.

Only applications submitted via the scholarship website would be considered.

The advert closes on January 31, 2026, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Interested applicants should visit csr-ngscholarship.totalenergies.com and apply for Masters scholarship in France.

Ogun approves career advancement for graduate primary school teachers

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Ogun approves career advancement for graduate primary school teachers

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, has approved the career advancement of Graduate Primary School Teachers under the Tutor Cadre from Grade Level 16 to Grade Level 17.

The approval was disclosed in a statement signed by the State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, who said the decision was taken to address stagnation at the peak of the cadre and boost motivation among teachers.

According to Onasanya, the move is expected to enhance service delivery across the primary education system. “The decision aims to address stagnation at the peak of the cadre and enhance motivation,” he said.

He added that the governor also approved a consolidated salary structure for Head-Teacher General, noting that the decision effectively upgrades their status within the system.

“This move reinforces the state’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and supporting its workforce,” the Head of Service stated.

Onasanya further explained that the policy decision on career elongation followed a review of existing career progression frameworks and was designed to improve learning outcomes in public schools.

He said the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, has been directed to implement the policy immediately to ensure timely compliance across the state.

The development, according to him, aligns with the ISEYA pillar of the administration, reaffirming Ogun State’s role as the education hub of the country.

He said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration remains focused on implementing progressive policies to enhance educational development, while urging teachers to remain committed to efficient service delivery.

FG Moves to Scale Up Youth Agripreneurship Through LIFE-ND

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FG Moves to Scale Up Youth Agripreneurship Through LIFE-ND

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has said that scaling up youth agripreneurship is inevitable in Nigeria’s drive to transform its agrifood systems, stressing that innovation, technology, funding support and entrepreneurship are critical to food security, economic growth and a resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Kyari made this known at the High-Level Event on Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship in Nigeria for Food Systems Transformation through the FGN/NDDC/IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, Project, held in Abuja on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

He said young agripreneurs, driven by creativity and determination, are already leading change across the agrifood value chain, from precision agriculture and AI-powered farm tools to soilless farming, financing and payment platforms, digital marketplaces and agro-processing.

According to the minister, “they are leading with innovation and a shared commitment to sustainable development and are ready to transform agrifood systems, create dignified livelihoods and drive inclusive economic growth in our dear Nation, Nigeria.”

Kyari said the Federal Government has shown that youth-focused agripreneurship works when policy direction is clear and partnerships are strong. “Through strategic investments and strengthened partnerships with civil society, the private sector and development partners, we have already demonstrated proof of concept,” he stated.

He added that, “we have piloted youth-led agripreneurship models, expanded agro-processing and agribusiness incubation and leveraged digital tools to connect farmers to markets and finance, showing what is achievable when policy aligns with purpose.”

The minister outlined measures to scale up youth agripreneurship nationwide, including unlocking land for young farmers, expanding access to inclusive finance and credit guarantees, accelerating business support through mentorship, and strengthening market systems using digital platforms.

He further emphasized the need to reinforce support pillars, including a land access and tenure assistance programme prioritising youth eligibility and transparency, and an innovative financing mechanism with blended finance options, simplified access for youth-led agribusinesses, and clear timelines for decisions.

Other pillars include expanded business development services such as mentorship networks, virtual incubation and market linkages, and a digital platform enabling youth agripreneurs to showcase products, reach buyers and access real-time market intelligence.

Kyari also stressed the importance of “a practical and proactive climate adaptation and risk management framework integrated into all youth-led programmes, with training on sustainable farming, post-harvest handling and value-added processes, and a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning system that tracks progress by age, gender, region and value chain, and shares lessons learned publicly.”

He noted that “the FGN/NDDC/IFAD assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta is a testament and strong evidence that showcases this concept and strategy.”

The minister called on all stakeholders to support the effort, urging “government ministries and agencies, financial institutions, development partners, the private sector, academia, farmers’ organisations and, most importantly, young agripreneurs to join hands.”

He appealed for alignment of interests, saying, “let us align our incentives so that risk-taking is rewarded and success is shared. Let us build ecosystems where collaboration eclipses competition and where every young agripreneur has a fair chance to contribute to our national prosperity.”

Kyari thanked development partners and collaborators, stating, “your trust and collaboration give us confidence that scaling-up youth agripreneurship is not only possible but inevitable.”

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the objective of the event aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of repositioning agriculture as a viable, wealth-creating and competitive sector capable of reducing unemployment, deepening value addition and contributing to national prosperity.

Ogunbiyi said, “we envision an agricultural landscape where young agripreneurs emerge not merely as participants, but as innovators, employers and industry leaders across processing, logistics, technology and value chain development.”

He described LIFE-ND as unique because of its incubation model, which nurtures young agripreneurs through skills development and hands-on vocational training, structured mentorship by established agribusinesses, access to digital tools and modern technologies, market linkages and value chain integration.

During his vote of thanks, the National Project Coordinator, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, said the LIFE-ND Project has shown that “with the right model, Nigeria can convert its youthful population from job seekers to agripreneurial wealth creators capable of transforming the nation’s food system.”

Sanni added that “with sustained commitment, expanded partnerships and the scaling strategies presented, LIFE-ND will evolve into a national model for agricultural prosperity, food security and economic resilience.”

He revealed that through the LIFE-ND Project, over 23,751 direct jobs have been created within rural communities, while household incomes increased by an average of 50 percent among beneficiaries, contributing to poverty reduction and stronger community resilience.

FG Reopens All 47 Federal Unity Secondary Schools Nationwide

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FG Reopens All 47 Federal Unity Secondary Schools Nationwide

The Federal Government has reopened all the previously closed 47 Federal Unity Secondary Schools and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education across the country. The reopening followed the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools earlier this month.

With the enhanced measures in place, academic activities have fully resumed across the Unity Colleges. Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations.

The Federal Ministry of Education assured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority. The Government is working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.

“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment,” the Ministry said.

The administration said it places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth. It added that preventing disruption to the academic calendar remains a key focus.

The Ministry noted that the safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges reflect the Government’s resolve to keep learning on track and sustain uninterrupted education nationwide across all regions, despite current security and operational challenges nationwide reported.

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