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FG, FAO, EBRD Begin December Mission to Boost Agricultural Investment

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FG, FAO, EBRD Begin December Mission to Boost Agricultural Investment

Nigeria has deepened its collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization Investment Centre and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as both institutions begin a December mission aimed at accelerating agricultural investment across the country. The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari CON, received the delegation led by Alessandro Marini, FAO Chief for the Investment Centre in West and Central Africa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Minister praised what he described as one of the fastest follow-ups the Ministry has seen, noting that the mission comes barely five weeks after their last engagement in Rome during the 2025 World Food Forum. He said, This level of commitment reflects the seriousness with which you approach the work ahead. This visit marks the third high-level engagement between Nigeria and the FAO Investment Centre since discussions began at the 2024 World Food Forum and includes first-time visits by FAO Programme Officer Tofiq Braimah and Program Specialist Basheer Jaafaru Ishaq.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s shared stance with FAO and EBRD, the Minister stressed that private sector participation remains the engine of agricultural growth while government continues to create the enabling environment through supportive policies. He highlighted FAO’s engagements with Nigerian value chain actors, including Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, who maintains investments in agritourism, fertiliser blending, poultry, crop production, and livestock.

The Minister said the visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s directive to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems and move the country toward food sovereignty. He described Nigeria as one of the most promising agricultural markets, referencing the World Bank’s projection that the nation’s population could reach 400 million by 2050. He said, The urgency is clear. He also acknowledged the FAO Investment Centre’s expanding footprint, including the recent opening of a new office in Lagos.

The meeting created room for the visiting team to engage with directors, technical departments, and private sector partners across Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem. Also present was the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, which was set up to support innovative agricultural financing.

The Minister encouraged the delegation to explore Nigeria’s diverse production sites during future visits to better understand the depth and scale of agricultural activity. The session ended with contributions from ministry officials and private sector stakeholders as Nigeria positions itself for expanded investment and partnership opportunities.

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Claim: CDCFIB Postpones Screening Portal for Shortlisted Candidates

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Claim: CDCFIB Postpones Screening Portal for Shortlisted Candidates

A claim is circulating online, especially on Facebook, that the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has postponed its recruitment portal activities. However, the CDcFib has not released this announcement on its X or Facebook pages, at least for now.

In the circulating public announcement shared, the Board stated that the opening of the portal for shortlisted candidates to attend physical screening and document verification has been postponed.

The portal was earlier planned to open on 1st December 2025, but according to the notice, it will now open “as soon as possible.”

Shortlisted candidates are advised to keep checking the official recruitment portal, recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, for updates on the new date. The statement added that the CDCFIB “apologizes for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the interest of applicants in the recruitment exercise.”

It also noted that further announcements will be made on the official portal and social media handles. The circulating notice was e-signed by A M Jibril, Maj Gen (Rtd), Secretary to the Board, dated 1st December 2025.

Update:

The CDCFIB recruitment team has just confirmed that the postponement is true.

FG backs plan to introduce Schoolnet’s KYAN smart class in schools

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FG backs plan to introduce Schoolnet’s KYAN smart class in schools

The federal government has received a new proposal that could transform classrooms across the country, as Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima welcomed an offer from Schoolnet India Ltd and Learnet Skills Ltd to introduce their KYAN smart class solutions to Nigerian schools. The companies are seeking a partnership with the Nigerian government and private sector organisations to deploy the technology nationwide.

The Vice President said the project aims to improve learning outcomes by bringing digital tools, interactive smart boards, and modern content into primary and secondary schools. According to him, the plan will be more effective if it is adapted with Nigerian local content and designed to meet the needs of different communities.

Speaking on Monday during a meeting with a delegation led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Schoolnet India Ltd and Learnet Skills Ltd, Mr RCM Reddy, Senator Shettima described the KYAN smart class solution as a strong and reliable system. He explained that the technology has already proven its strength in tough environments. He said, “The beauty of KYAN is that it is a very rugged machine. You can use one card to teach 70 students. If you are to buy a tablet per student, the highest you will target are higher institutions or senior secondary school.”

He noted that his focus is on improving learning at the primary and secondary levels, recalling how KYAN was used to teach students in Borno State when he served as Governor. He added, “I am more interested in your package for primary schools and secondary schools like you did in Borno. In Borno you even did for tertiary institutions but now, tertiary can be replaced with TBET.”

Senator Shettima encouraged the team to work with Nigerian officials to create a localized version of the learning package. He said it is important to ensure that the content fits the Nigerian school system. He added, “So, you can package it well so that we can have a domesticated version. Honestly speaking, the Indian version of English is different from our own. Maybe you can use AI to customize it to our own local curriculum.”

The Vice President also mentioned the smart school initiatives in Edo and Enugu states, noting that both states have made strong investments in digital learning. He said that combining such local innovations with the KYAN smart class solution could create a unified model that would benefit schools across Nigeria.

Earlier, Mr Reddy said the company is inspired by the Nigerian government’s commitment to modernize the education system. He explained that their solution offers an all-in-one setup known as “a school in a box,” also called Kyan. According to him, “It has an integrated projector and a high-end computer. It converts any wall into a smart board and has a camera. It comes preloaded with digital content for grades 1 to 10.”

He added that the technology uses AI in areas where internet connectivity is available, and where it is not, all materials come preloaded, ensuring no community is left out. He said the innovation will greatly support teachers and improve their classroom performance, noting its earlier deployment in Borno State.

Mr Reddy assured that the company will work closely with Nigerian officials to build a solution that matches the needs of both urban and remote communities, especially schools without internet access. He said, “We are very committed to developing a solution customized for Nigeria. If used properly, with the entire ecosystem in place in a holistic manner, an average teacher will become a good teacher. A good teacher will become a very good teacher. A very good teacher can become a star teacher.”

Apply for Precious Selong Educational Grant 2025

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Apply for Precious Selong Educational Grant 2025

Precious Selong Educational Grant 2025 has officially opened its application process for students across Akwa Ibom State. The initiative is sponsored by Rt. Hon. (Mrs) Precious Selong, Member representing Urueoffong/Oruko State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. According to the information released, the programme was created to support financially-challenged undergraduate students and give them access to educational assistance that can ease their academic journey.

The Precious Selong grant aims to empower students who genuinely need help. They noted that selected students will receive financial support which may cover tuition fees, textbooks and study materials, research support, and in some cases, accommodation support depending on the final award category.

To qualify, applicants must be students of an accredited tertiary institution such as a university, college of education, or polytechnic. They must also be indigenes of Akwa Ibom State and have a verifiable student status, including documents like a student ID card, admission letter, or course registration. The grant also requires proof of financial need, and both freshers and returning students are encouraged to apply.

Students are to fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents, review their information, and then submit.

The closing date for applications is December 7th, 2025.

Interested applicants should visit the official form link via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAVnKWmgmDhp0h56G-vBkXvuosiuUojWEsqN_A9X94j09Obg/viewform. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

24,202 Senior Officers Promoted Across Paramilitary Agencies

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24,202 Senior Officers Promoted Across Paramilitary Agencies

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has approved the promotion of 24,202 senior officers across the four paramilitary agencies under its supervision. The Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Board, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on Monday in Abuja. He was represented by the Board’s Secretary, Abdulmalik Jubril.

According to the minister, the newly elevated personnel make up the second batch of senior officers promoted in 2025. The affected agencies are the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. A breakdown of the numbers shows that 11,426 officers were promoted in the Correctional Service, 4,336 in the Immigration Service, 2,581 in the Fire Service, and 5,859 in the Civil Defence Corps.

He said, “From the 24,202 promoted officers: NCoS recorded 11,426; NIS, 4,336; FFS, 2,581; while 5,859 were elevated in NSCDC.” He added that the promotions were based on national spread, good records, ratification, performance, and available vacancies. He explained that the purpose of the exercise is to boost the morale of personnel so they can deliver better service in their respective agencies.

The minister noted that promotions had been stagnant in past years but explained that the current administration is focused on improving the welfare of security personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against insecurity. He said, “In the recent past, promotion had been stagnant, but this administration is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of personnel to tackle the insecurity bedevilling the country. Among the several incentives introduced in the ministry, this is particularly worthy of note.”

In 2024, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board promoted 20,867 senior officers across the paramilitary agencies. The exercise, which covered various ranks, was part of ongoing efforts to fix delays in career advancement and improve staff welfare.

Apply for Federal University Gashua Recruitment for Academic, Non-Teaching

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Apply for Federal University Gashua Recruitment for Academic, Non-Teaching

Federal University Gashua, Yobe State has announced an internal and external advertisement inviting suitably qualified Nigerians to apply for various teaching and non-teaching positions. In the notice signed by the Registrar, Dr. Abubakar Mamuda, FHSAC, FALG, MNIM, Mnipr, the institution stated that recruitment is officially open and applications are welcome from eligible citizens between the ages of 18 and 50. The announcement added that all senior roles require NYSC discharge or exemption certificates and ICT proficiency.

According to the university, several positions are available across the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science. Departments under the Faculty of Agriculture with vacancies include Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forestry and Wildlife Management, and Home Science and Management, with openings ranging from Professor to Graduate Assistant.

In the Faculty of Arts, the departments of English and History and International Studies are also recruiting for the same categories of academic roles. The Faculty of Education listed Science Education, Arts Education, and Library and Information Science, while the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences opened positions in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, and Criminology and Security Studies.

The Faculty of Science announced vacancies in Biochemistry, Physics, Microbiology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and the University Library, which is specifically recruiting a Senior Librarian.

The statement included detailed requirements for teaching roles. A Graduate Assistant must hold a first degree with First Class, while an Assistant Lecturer must possess a master’s degree in a relevant field. It added that evidence of scholarly publications or conference attendance is an advantage.

For Lecturer II, the requirement is a Ph.D. or a master’s degree with at least two published journal articles. Lecturer I applicants must hold a Ph.D. with at least two years of teaching experience and publications. The notice explained that a Senior Lecturer must have a Ph.D. and a minimum of five years of university teaching experience. To qualify as a Reader, the applicant must hold a Ph.D. with at least eight years of teaching and research experience and at least twenty publications. It also stated that a Professor must already be a Reader with twenty publications.

For non-teaching roles, the university listed openings in the Registry, Bursary, Health Services, and Works and Physical Planning departments. Positions include Deputy Registrar, Principal Assistant Registrar, Administrative Officer, Deputy Bursar, Chief Accountant, Senior Medical Officer, Senior Quantity Surveyor, Principal Engineer (Electrical), and Driver II. It added that full details for the non-teaching requirements are available on the University’s website.

The closing date for applications is two weeks from the date of the advertisement, and all entries should be addressed to the Registrar, Federal University Gashua, PMB 1005, Gashua, Yobe State.

To apply, applicants are expected to submit an application letter, Curriculum Vitae, and all necessary documents through the provided link. The university said all submissions must include full personal information, educational qualifications, work history, publications, awards, and contacts of three referees.

AIICO unveils new all-in-one insurance for low income Nigerians

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AIICO unveils new all-in-one insurance for low income Nigerians

AIICO Insurance Plc has unveiled a new bundled insurance product designed to reduce the long-standing financial risks faced by Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, rural families, and people working in the informal sector. The solution, called AIICO All-in-One Financial Protection, was introduced in Lagos after a countrywide engagement tour across Ibadan, Kano, and Calabar, where the company met with community members to understand their needs.

According to the company, millions of Nigerians in the informal sector such as market traders, smallholder farmers, artisans, transporters, and micro-entrepreneurs continue to face major financial shocks. A single accident, illness, or emergency can wipe out years of savings and push households into deeper hardship. Many people also lack structured retirement support, leaving them vulnerable after their active working years. The new product was created as a direct response to these challenges.

AIICO explained that the solution is supported by its international partners, LeapFrog Investments in the United Kingdom and the European Investment Bank. The All-in-One Financial Protection combines three key covers in one affordable package. These include Personal Accident Insurance, which provides compensation for accidental injury, permanent disability, or death. It also includes Hospital Encashment, offering cash benefits during hospital admission to help families manage medical bills and daily expenses. Another component is Deferred Annuity, a long-term retirement savings plan that helps low-income earners build a financial safety net.

Speaking during the launch, AIICO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Babatunde Fajemirokun, restated the company’s commitment to improving insurance penetration and supporting financial inclusion across the country. He said, “We have adopted a grassroots strategy, conducting enlightenment campaigns in Ibadan, Kano, and Calabar, and our interactions with these communities have provided valuable insights into their challenges and aspirations. The AIICO All-in-One Financial Protection is our promise of support to Nigeria’s smallholder farmers and informal workforce, ensuring that illness, accident, or emergency does not erode years of hard work. This innovation brings security and peace of mind to the hard-working individuals who form the backbone of our economy.”

Fajemirokun added, “As a company with a history spanning over 60 years, our mission continues to be about creating solutions that enable Nigerians to thrive. This product is a reflection of that commitment: simple, accessible, and designed for everyday people who deserve peace of mind.”

Also speaking at the unveiling, Executive Director, Technical, Mr Adewale Kadri, expressed appreciation to the traditional leaders, farmers, associations, and value-chain groups who supported the engagement tours. He stated, “We are deeply appreciative of the traditional leaders, community heads, farmer groups, and value-chain players who received us across Ibadan, Kano, and Calabar. Their encouragement, insights, and enthusiasm reaffirmed that this product is timely and truly needed.”

Kadri added that the solution is relevant to a wide range of Nigerians. He explained, “The All-in-One Financial Protection is not just for farmers; it is suitable for nearly everyone, regardless of social or economic standing. It provides meaningful coverage that shields families from financial shocks while also supporting long-term financial stability.”

He further highlighted the company’s reputation for reliability. According to him, “Our industry leadership is built on trust, strengthened by consistent claims payment over the decades. This legacy drives us every day to innovate and design products that reflect the real needs of Nigerians. We are committed to ensuring that financial protection is not a privilege but something accessible to all.”

AIICO said it has structured the premiums to be affordable for low-income earners. Annual rates start from N800 for Personal Accident and N5,000 for Hospital Encashment. Contributions for the Deferred Annuity plan are flexible and depend on factors such as the customer’s age, selected annuity level, gender, and the preferred date for the retirement payout to begin.

The company expects the product to help close Nigeria’s protection gap and boost insurance adoption, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where insurance penetration remains low. By combining three essential covers into one package with pricing that matches the realities of low-income earners, the solution is positioned to reach millions of families across the country.

Jigawa Announces Recruitment of 810 Graduates for J-TEACH Batch B

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Jigawa Announces Recruitment of 810 Graduates for J-TEACH Batch B

The Jigawa State Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, under the leadership of the Commissioner, Professor Isa Yusuf Chamo, has issued a notice to all indigenes of the state who have completed their Degree studies in various fields, including B.Sc, B.Sc Ed, B.A and B.A Ed.

According to the Ministry, the Jigawa State Government has approved the recruitment of 810 graduates into the J-TEACH Batch B programme, where successful applicants will be deployed to teach in secondary schools across the state. The Ministry explained that this move is aimed at addressing the shortage of teachers and improving the quality of education at the senior secondary level.

The announcement added that interested applicants should prepare ahead, as the application link will be released soon. It also stated that all applicants must ensure they have their NYSC Certificate or Exemption Certificate to qualify for the programme.

“This is an opportunity for youths in the state who are seeking teaching jobs and wish to contribute to the educational development of Jigawa,” the notice said.

Announcer:
Wasilu Umar Ringim
Public Relations Officer (PRO)

INTELS Empowers 62 Women Through 2025 WEPSS Training

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INTELS Empowers 62 Women Through 2025 WEPSS Training

INTELS Nigeria Limited has strengthened its commitment to women’s economic empowerment with the graduation of 62 trainees from its 2025 Women Empowerment Project Scheme Synergy (WEPSS). The ceremony took place at the Rosa Volpi Women Development Centre located within the Federal Lighter Terminal at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State.

WEPSS was launched in 2013 as part of INTELS’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and was designed to train 5,000 women in tailoring and fashion design over a 20-year period. The scheme was expanded in 2017, reaching more women within the company’s host communities. Over the years, the programme has provided thousands of women, many from low-income backgrounds, with skills, confidence and resources to build viable businesses, improve household income and support local economic growth.

INTELS Managing Director, Mr Pasquale Fiore, described the initiative as a key part of the company’s community partnership model. Speaking at the event, he restated INTELS’ dedication to equipping women in and around its host communities with the tools needed for financial independence. “We firmly believe that when women thrive, communities thrive,” he said.

Fiore explained that WEPSS aims to create long-term prosperity rather than simply offer training. He noted that the programme was enhanced in 2022 to include fully equipped shop facilities for the best graduates. “Our vision for WEPSS has always been to do more than train; we want to create opportunities for lasting prosperity. That is why, in 2022, we enhanced the programme by awarding fully equipped shop facilities to the best graduates. It is a way of saying that excellence, hard work and commitment will always be recognised.”

He stated that he was encouraged by the success stories emerging from earlier beneficiaries. “Many of our alumnae have now established flourishing businesses, some employing others and expanding beyond their initial expectations. Seeing their shops open, seeing them support their families, and seeing the confidence they now carry is testimony to what targeted empowerment can achieve,” he said.

Fiore praised the resilience of the trainees and confirmed that the top 15 graduates of the 2025 class would receive starter kits to help them begin their businesses.

WEPSS Project Coordinator, Nancy Freeborn, highlighted the wider social impact of the scheme. She said the programme has transformed the lives of many women in Rivers State, helping them become contributors to family welfare and community development instead of dependants. Freeborn expressed appreciation to INTELS’ management for sustaining the initiative for more than a decade. She noted the company’s consistent investment in skills, innovation and industry relevance through additions such as the Train-the-Trainer Scheme and partnerships with the Fashion Experience Festival and Private Broadway Shows. These platforms give students exposure to broader creative and commercial opportunities in the fashion industry.

At the ceremony, the 2025 best graduating trainee, Saraphina Jacob, received N2 million and a starter kit that included an industrial sewing machine and a steam iron. In her note of appreciation on behalf of the 2025 graduating beneficiaries, she thanked INTELS for “opening a door that many young women only dream of” and promised to use the opportunity to build a sustainable fashion business that would “make the company and the community proud.”

The 2024 best graduating trainee, Obarijima Lewa, received the keys to a fully furnished and equipped shop to support the launch of her fashion design career. She expressed gratitude, saying the support had transformed her life and given her a platform beyond her imagination. Another beneficiary added, “INTELS has shown us that our dreams are valid, and I will work hard to justify this generous investment in my future.”

Other outstanding graduates also received starter kits to support their entrepreneurial journeys. The event attracted stakeholders from the Oil and Gas Free Zone, government representatives and community leaders.

Beyond WEPSS, INTELS continues to contribute to national development through its community initiatives, including infrastructure projects, scholarships, health programmes and vocational training schemes. With over four decades of operations, INTELS has established itself as a global reference point for oil and gas logistics in Africa, backed by world-class infrastructure, innovation and a strong culture of corporate responsibility.

NDE, Search for Common Ground Seal MoU for Job Creation

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NDE, Search for Common Ground Seal MoU for Job Creation

The National Directorate of Employment has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Search for Common Ground to improve job creation and skills development across Nigeria. The Director-General of NDE, H.E Silas Ali Agara, received the delegation during a courtesy visit led by the Team Lead of Search for Common Ground, Mr. Quattana About Kanno. The meeting focused on strengthening their partnership, especially in supporting youth across the Niger Delta region.

The Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr. Edmund Onwuliri, welcomed the team and said he is hopeful that the collaboration will bring positive change. He explained that the partnership is expected to expand opportunities for Nigerians who need practical skills to grow. During the visit, Mr. Kanno praised NDE for its long-standing work, saying that the organisation remains the go-to institution for job creation and skills development. He added that Search for Common Ground values NDE’s expertise and experience.

The MoU is designed to equip young people with relevant skills that will make them valuable assets for national development. The Director-General of NDE expressed his excitement about the new collaboration and highlighted the agency’s 35 years of training youths across the country. The event ended with both parties exchanging plaques to mark the beginning of what they described as a promising partnership, with the DG noting that the doors remain open for more collaborations in the future.

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