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Lagos Reaffirms Plan to Build World-Class Gemstone, Jewellery Industry

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Lagos Reaffirms Plan to Build World-Class Gemstone, Jewellery Industry

The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to building a world-class gemstone and jewellery industry driven by innovation and sustainability. This was highlighted at the 2025 Gemstone and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition held at the Oriental Hotel from November 26th to 28th. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Engr Abiola Olowu, represented by Geologist Oluremi Williams, explained that Lagos aims to align with the conference theme, “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa.”

He noted that while Lagos is known globally for commerce, creativity, and technology, it is now shifting attention to its untapped natural resources. According to him, these resources include clay, silica sand, bitumen, gravel, and crude oil recently discovered in the State. He stressed that harnessing these minerals responsibly will help diversify the economy, saying, “Rarely do people associate Lagos with the deep, earth-borne treasures within our reach. Today, we are here to change that narrative.”

Olowu outlined Lagos’ long-term plan to create a fully integrated gemstone and jewellery ecosystem. The vision is to position Lagos as a continental hub for exploration, cutting, polishing, grading, certification, design innovation, and access to global markets. He also disclosed that the government is advancing a three-point agenda focused on creating a conducive policy environment, building essential infrastructure and fostering strategic partnerships.

He reassured stakeholders of government support across the value chain including miners, jewellers, and artisans. “Your government sees you. We are committed to providing the tools, training, and platforms you need to compete on the global stage,” he stated. Olowu further emphasised that Lagos’ greatest wealth goes beyond minerals in the soil.

He said the true value lies in the creativity, craftsmanship, and resilience of the people, adding, “The energy of Lagos is not just in our power plants; it is in the vibrant spirit of our people. Our mineral wealth is not just in the ground; it is in the brilliance of your craft and the genius of your designs. Let us tap these minerals. Let us harness this energy. Let us unlock this wealth.”

The GGCE 2025 continues to position Lagos and Nigeria at the forefront of sustainable gold, gemstone, and jewellery development in Africa. The event attracted key dignitaries including His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, who served as Royal Father of the Day.

Others present were the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Dele Alake, represented by Engr Farouk Yabo, and Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Adviser to the President on SDGs, represented by Mr Bala Yunusa. Also in attendance were the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada-Ambrose, top government officials, industry leaders, master jewellers, geologists, artisans, investors, and members of the international gemstone community.

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Lagos launches Youth in Creativity 1.0 to empower young innovators

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Lagos launches Youth in Creativity 1.0 to empower young innovators

Hundreds of students, industry professionals, and government officials converged on Yaba College of Technology over the weekend as the Lagos State Government partnered with the Black History and Lifestyle Awards to launch Youth in Creativity 1.0, an empowerment and mentorship programme designed to equip young Lagosians with skills and opportunities to thrive in Nigeria’s growing creative economy.

The programme, organised by entrepreneur Folashade Balogun under the Black History and Lifestyle Awards platform, featured hands-on workshops, panel sessions, mentorship clinics, and empowerment giveaways targeted at helping participants build sustainable careers across fashion, digital content, beauty, technology, and entrepreneurship.

With creativity now recognised as one of the most valuable global skills, spanning media, design, tech, fashion, and storytelling, the organisers noted that the initiative offered young people a platform to explore, develop, and express their abilities in meaningful ways.

In her keynote address, Ms Balogun stressed that creativity is no longer a side hustle but a major driver of the modern economy. She urged young people to pursue their dreams with confidence, saying, “When young people are given access, guidance, and support, they can build careers, start businesses, tell their stories, and shape the future of their communities, one idea, one skill, and one young mind at a time.”

She added that Youth in Creativity 1.0 was built not just to motivate but to provide the networks, knowledge, and mentorship needed to enable young talents to thrive. “Creativity is a tool for transformation. Through this programme, we aim to make it possible for young Lagosians to pursue their passions, grow their skills, and contribute to shaping a brighter, more innovative future,” she said.

Lagos State Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, encouraged participants to embrace due process, start small, and recognise that their future rests in their own hands. Representing the governor, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, applauded the organisers for prioritising young people and advised students to uphold integrity and apply the lessons gained from the event.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting programmes that advance youth development, social progress, and gender equality.

The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Ibraheem Abdul, highlighted the institution’s role in nurturing innovators and creative entrepreneurs. He noted that the partnership demonstrated the importance of linking education with practical industry exposure to help students grow professionally.

At the event, participants took part in practical sessions covering fashion, beauty, digital content creation, tech, and entrepreneurship. Empowerment giveaways, including phones, beauty kits, hair styling tools, and sewing machines, were distributed to help young creatives turn their ideas into viable ventures. Organisers explained that these tools were chosen to enable students to begin monetising their skills immediately and contribute to the growth of Lagos’ creative sector.

Youth in Creativity 1.0 demonstrates the growing alignment between education, government, and the creative industry, with a shared focus on youth development, innovation, and skills-based empowerment.

Stakeholders expressed optimism about the programme’s impact, noting that it is expected to become an annual initiative, expanding opportunities for young talents while supporting pathways for success locally and internationally.

Adegbonmire Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment holds December 8

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Adegbonmire Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment holds December 8

Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire will on Monday, December 8, 2025, hold another empowerment programme for residents of Ondo Central Senatorial District. The event, scheduled for 10am at the Dome on Igbatoro Road in Akure, is tagged Adegbonmire Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme.

According to organisers, hundreds of beneficiaries are expected to receive work tools and equipment. Items listed for distribution include motor vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, generators, deep freezers, sewing machines, dryers and other business support materials.

Speaking on a radio programme, Adegbonmire said the initiative was designed to “truly lift and sustain households,” adding that it would focus on people who need support to strengthen their livelihoods.

Since assuming office, the senator has carried out different community projects across the district. Records show that he has sponsored motions and bills in the Senate, while outside legislative work he has funded development projects and welfare assistance.

Interventions credited to him include payment of school fees for students, donation of laptops and learning materials, and construction or renovation of classrooms, libraries and laboratories in several schools.

Some health centres in the district have also received equipment and upgrades under his programmes. In addition, communities previously facing electricity challenges have benefited through transformer donations, repairs and completion of abandoned electrification projects.

Ahead of Monday’s event, organisers say preparations are in top gear and beneficiary lists have been compiled. Residents in the district have continued to react to the announcement, with many describing the programme as timely.

The Dome venue is expected to host a large turnout as beneficiaries gather to collect their items. The programme is one of several empowerment activities rolled out by the senator since he assumed office.

Circuits Africa Launches Lifelong Support Fund for Film Veterans

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Circuits Africa Launches Lifelong Support Fund for Film Veterans

Circuits Africa, a premium virtual cinema and content distribution platform, has introduced a Film Veterans Dignity Fund to support ageing actors and filmmakers who are no longer active in the industry. The initiative was announced in Lagos during a roundtable session with journalists, where the Chief Operating Officer of Circuits Africa, Mrs Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, explained the purpose behind the programme.

She said the fund, officially launched in January 2025, was created to honour and care for pioneers of the Nigerian film industry whose work shaped the sector and strengthened its global recognition. According to her, beneficiaries of the fund receive monthly stipends for life as well as a full health insurance cover. Eligibility is currently set at 70 years and above to ensure those most in need are reached.

“In January, we registered respected industry veterans such as Pete Edochie, Pa Lere Paimo and Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow,” she said. “They are already receiving monthly payments and have been fully enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance scheme with NEM Health Insurance.”

Bibowei-Osuobeni added that more filmmakers who meet the age requirement will be included as the programme grows. She stressed that the scheme responds to the challenging realities faced by many senior actors who struggle financially after years of service.

She noted that several entertainers who once inspired Nigerians end up without income in retirement, sometimes turning to public appeals to meet basic needs or cover medical bills.

She explained that Circuits Africa has committed 10 per cent of its revenue to sustain the initiative. This step, she said, is part of the company’s long-term plan to give back to the entertainment community. “Several veterans who once entertained and inspired Nigerians end up without a steady income in retirement, sometimes resorting to public appeals for support to meet basic needs and medical expenses,” she said, highlighting the gaps the fund aims to fill.

She noted that the organisation believes film pioneers deserve dignity and comfort in their later years rather than hardship after decades of contribution to nation-building. Bibowei-Osuobeni reaffirmed Circuits Africa’s dedication to social impact, stating that the company’s vision extends beyond content distribution to uplifting stakeholders in the creative industry.

Kaduna, Kuwait Fund deepen partnership to expand education, others

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Kaduna, Kuwait Fund deepen partnership to expand education, others

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has met with the Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Dr. Waleed Al-Bahar, in Kuwait City to review progress on the State’s Reaching Out-of-School Children programme and explore new development partnerships. The governor led a Kaduna delegation to the Fund’s headquarters and thanked Kuwait for its continued support, describing the initiative as a “transformative lifeline” for children previously excluded from education.

The $62.8 million programme is funded by Kuwait Fund, Islamic Development Bank, Global Partnership for Education, Education Above All and Save the Children International. It targets more than 100,000 out-of-school children and aims to benefit over 1.2 million learners across all 23 local government areas in Kaduna State. Senator Sani highlighted milestones such as the identification and mapping of 79,275 out-of-school children across 14 LGAs, and enrollment of 13,756 learners which surpassed the Year One target of 10,000. He noted that 1,300 teachers have been trained, and more than 35,000 learning kits distributed to support pupils.

He explained that rehabilitation work is ongoing in 170 schools while 102 new school structures are under construction. According to him, Kaduna State is “fully prepared to accelerate implementation once the next phase of disbursements is released.” The governor added that “every additional week gained in implementation brings more children into safe, modern and quality learning environments,” stressing the urgency of continued support.

Beyond education, the discussion expanded into new cooperation areas including plans to upgrade and solarise between 255 and 500 Primary Healthcare Centres. Other proposals covered rural roads, electrification, water and sanitation systems as well as agricultural modernisation through mechanisation, irrigation, processing hubs, and youth and women agribusiness programmes. Dr. Waleed Al-Bahar commended Kaduna’s reform-driven governance and transparency, noting that Kaduna remains the first Nigerian state to benefit from Kuwait Fund financing. He welcomed the fresh proposals for possible funding and expressed readiness to continue collaboration.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Thamer Alfailakawi, Director of Operations; Khaled Salah Al-Marzouq, Project Coordinator for West Africa; and Rawya Alawadhi, Project Engineer. Both sides ended the session with a renewed commitment to fast-track ongoing projects and expand cooperation across multiple sectors to “improve the lives of millions of Kaduna residents.”

U.S. Consulate Partners Anambra on Digital Economy Growth

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U.S. Consulate Partners Anambra on Digital Economy Growth

The United States Consulate has announced its plan to partner with Anambra State through the Solution Innovation District (SID) to drive growth in digital economy and innovation. The Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, Julie McKay, made this known during an engagement session at the SID office in Awka. The event brought together the U.S. delegation and innovators in the state who shared their needs and challenges in the digital sector.

Speaking at the session, McKay explained that their visit was aimed at exploring ways to make both the United States and Nigeria more prosperous through digital economy cooperation.

She stated that the United States is ready to work with Anambra State by providing training and support that will help develop local talent. According to her, “We are here as part of efforts to find ways to make the U.S. and Nigeria more prosperous in the digital economy.”

The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms. Chinwe Okoli, expressed confidence that the partnership would deepen the state’s digital economy agenda.

She highlighted the governor’s target of turning Anambra into Nigeria’s creative capital through large-scale youth training in digital skills. Okoli said the collaboration would accelerate the work already being done in the ecosystem.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha-Mba, and Professor Kingsley Nwaozor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University commended the U.S. government for choosing to support Anambra. They expressed optimism that the partnership would be robust and beneficial to young innovators and institutions.

This development follows the U.S. Consulate’s launch of a 6-week Digital Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in March 2025 for 500 Nigerian youths in Lagos and Enugu. The programme focused on product design, AI skills, and startup growth, reflecting Washington’s wider push to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation capacity and improve tech-driven employability among young people.

Senator Karimi Confirms 4671 Students in 2025 Kogi Bursary Screening

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Senator Karimi Confirms 4671 Students in 2025 Kogi Bursary Screening

Senator Sunday Karimi’s office has shared an update on the ongoing 2025 Bursary Scheme for students from Kogi State. According to the Steve Karimi Foundation, progress has been made in the verification process to confirm the eligibility of applicants. The statement issued on December 5, 2025 explained that the scheme is aligned with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The office noted that Distinguished Senator Karimi directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to verify the admission status of all applicants to ensure that only genuinely admitted students benefit from the bursary. The report received from JAMB revealed major findings from the screening process.

Out of the 9,044 valid applications reviewed after removing multiple entries, only 4,671 applicants were confirmed to have genuine admissions verified by JAMB. The breakdown of the report shows that 4671 were duly admitted, 149 applicants were confirmed not admitted, while 4,224 applicants were found to have submitted invalid registration numbers.

The statement added that “only 4,671 were duly admitted and are confirmed eligible for the Bursary Scheme by JAMB, the Nation’s Tertiary Educational Institutions Admission Regulatory Body.” With this confirmation, the Technical Committee for the 2025 bursary has begun further screening of the eligible applicants.

The committee is working to ensure fair distribution across all 21 Local Government Areas in Kogi State and to shortlist the promised 3000 qualified beneficiaries. The foundation appreciated applicants for their patience and reaffirmed Senator Karimi’s dedication to supporting education.

“We appreciate your patience and wish to restate Distinguished Senator Karimi Sunday Steve’s commitment to quality education for all,” the statement read. It also noted that a letter from JAMB confirming the submission of the eligibility report was attached to the update following the senator’s request for admission verification.

The announcement was signed by Olutoyese Ibitoye, Legal Adviser for the Sunday Karimi Foundation, who extended assurances of esteemed regards on behalf of the organisation.

FG invites stakeholders to launch of N50m Student Venture Capital Grant

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FG invites stakeholders to launch of N50m Student Venture Capital Grant

The Federal Ministry of Education has officially invited stakeholders, student innovators, partners, and media professionals to attend the public launch of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), a national programme described as a major investment in student-led innovation and entrepreneurship across Nigeria.

According to the Ministry, the Federal Government has opened the application portal for the N50 million Student Venture Capital Grant, which has been tagged as a transformative national programme designed to discover and fund high-impact innovations led by students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Announcing the initiative, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, FAMedS, CON, stated that the programme is “designed to identify the next groundbreaking innovation emerging from Nigerian campuses.” The S-VCG will offer equity-free funding, incubation, mentorship, and access to world-class innovation resources to student founders working on scalable ideas.

The official public launch is scheduled for 8th December 2025 at the TETFund Auditorium in Abuja. The Ministry said the S-VCG aims to support high-impact ventures connected to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM), while deepening innovation culture across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The core goals include providing up to N50 million in non-refundable equity-free funding to selected innovators, strengthening student entrepreneurship through structured incubation and mentorship, and promoting Nigeria’s shift towards a knowledge-driven economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Every applicant is expected to receive a one-year Google Gemini Pro licence alongside other digital learning tools, a step aimed at improving access to technology and productivity resources.

The Ministry described the initiative as a flagship effort by the Federal Government to stimulate innovation-driven growth and develop a globally competitive youth workforce. The programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCRF belief that “the youth are the heartbeat of the nation.”

Its national impact, according to officials, includes strengthening Nigeria’s innovation pipeline in higher institutions, helping early-stage innovators convert their ideas into market-ready enterprises, and positioning the country as a future hub for deep tech solutions, entrepreneurship, and startup growth. Stakeholders are expected to engage further on these outcomes at the launch event.

The Ministry also confirmed that all interested attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time and confirm their participation through a provided online form.

“You are cordially invited to the official unveiling of this landmark initiative,” the statement noted while sharing the event details.

The launch will take place on 8th December 2025 at 10:00 AM at the TETFund Auditorium. Innovators, policymakers, partners, and media representatives are encouraged to register via the link shared by the Ministry. The Ministry stated that it looks forward to hosting guests as it formally unveils what it describes as the nation’s Next Moonshot Initiative.

Apply for NBTI NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026

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Apply for NBTI NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has opened applications for the NGIC NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026. The programme, tagged “NEXTGEN 2026 — Inspiring Innovation. Driving Change. Shaping the Future,” is designed to support visionary thinkers shaping Nigeria’s technological landscape.

Organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation under the leadership of Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, in partnership with UKALD, a UK-based consultancy firm, the initiative is positioned as Nigeria’s leading innovation platform. It connects entrepreneurs, researchers, and young talents with global investors, governments, and development partners to grow breakthrough ideas and technologies.

NextGen 2026 will focus on strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and supporting the commercialisation of local technologies. The challenge aims to “develop Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem” while aligning with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Raji explained that the programme intends to position Nigeria as a regional hub for science and technology.

The 2026 year’s edition will give attention to innovation in several key sectors. These include software and app development, advanced semi conductors, 3D animation and advanced design, artificial intelligence and robotics, future telecom such as 6G and AI integration, and safety and tracking devices. Other priority areas are green and renewable energy technologies, climate resilience and flood detection systems, as well as Women in Tech and gender-inclusive innovation.

Selected innovators will benefit from mentorship, business development support, branding exposure, and access to investors during the Boot Camp and Grand Finale. The challenge offers opportunities for innovators to refine their ideas, gain expert guidance, and possibly secure pathways to funding or incubation.

2026 NextGen challenge eligibility is open only to Nigerian citizens. Individuals may apply solo or as part of a team. Teams are allowed, with a maximum team size of 10 members. It is required that submissions present original ideas, which must not yet be fully developed or commercially launched.

Applicants must submit innovative solutions within the listed priority sectors.

Applications are open until May 28th, 2026. Selected applicants will undergo screening, mentorship, and take part in the NextGen 2026 Boot Camp and Grand Finale.

To apply for NextGen 2026, interested applicants should visit the portal https://nextgeninnovation.ng/nextgen-2026-portal.

Chevening Alumni launches SWEEAP training for women in Rivers State

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Chevening Alumni launches SWEEAP training for women in Rivers State

The Chevening Alumni Association Nigeria is set to host a gender-focused budgeting and procurement training in Rivers State to strengthen institutional capacity and boost women’s participation in public procurement. According to a statement by the Chevening Programme Officer at the British High Commission in Nigeria, Oluwafunmilayo Ladepo, the initiative is organised in partnership with DO Take Action and supported by the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Ladepo explained that the programme will feature a Train-the-Trainers Workshop, a High-Level Stakeholders Engagement Forum, and a Graduation Ceremony. She noted that these activities fall under the Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement programme, known as SWEEAP. The initiative is aimed at promoting gender-inclusive reforms while improving the technical capacity of government institutions in gender-responsive budgeting and procurement. It also seeks to empower women-owned and women-led businesses to access government contracts.

The Train-the-Trainers Workshop will hold on December 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., bringing together procurement officers, gender desk officers, and civil society representatives for intensive training. The goal is to support the integration of gender-responsive practices into government systems as part of efforts to drive inclusive development across Rivers State.

Ladepo also announced that a High-Level Stakeholders Engagement Forum with the theme “Advancing Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Affirmative Procurement for Inclusive Development in Nigeria” will take place on December 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

She said the forum will convene senior government officials, policymakers, development partners, women entrepreneurs, private sector actors, and civil society organisations to deepen policy dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and develop a roadmap for institutionalising affirmative procurement practices in the state.

The event will feature the graduation of beneficiaries who completed the SWEEAP capacity-building programme, marking their readiness to leverage public procurement opportunities and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

“The UK, through the FCDO’s Chevening Alumni Programme Fund, is proud to support the SWEEAP initiative. This project embodies our commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and fostering the policy dialogue necessary for inclusive economic growth and gender equality in Nigeria. We look forward to the tangible policy outcomes this forum will yield in Rivers State,” the statement added.

The President of the Chevening Alumni Association of Nigeria, Kester Osahenye, said the initiative highlights the importance of alumni-led interventions. “The SWEEAP initiative exemplifies how strategic alumni-led interventions can contribute meaningfully to advancing the development agenda in Nigeria. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and women-owned businesses so that gender-responsive procurement becomes a norm, not an aspiration,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of DO Take Action, Precious Ebere Chinonso, described the broader mission of the programme. “Scaling women’s economic empowerment through affirmative procurement is about breaking barriers that have kept women at the margins of public procurement for too long. We’re leveraging capacity-building, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to ensure women are not just included but prioritised in procurement systems,” she stated.

In August 2025, CAAN, working with DO Take Action, trained 600 women-owned and women-led businesses across Kano and Rivers States under the SWEEAP programme, equipping them with skills and networks to access public procurement contracts.

Also in 2025, the national push for gender-responsive procurement gained momentum as a delegation from UN Women visited the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency to deepen collaboration and advance gender-responsive procurement frameworks across Nigeria.

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