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AOT Lagos 7.0 Launches Career Pavilion for Nigerians

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AOT Lagos 7.0 Launches Career Pavilion for Nigerians

Art of Technology Lagos AOT Lagos 7.0 has announced the launch of its Career Pavilion, a new hub created to equip young Nigerians with the skills, guidance, and opportunities they need to compete in today’s fast-changing digital economy. The organisers said the initiative reflects Lagos State’s continued commitment to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem and strengthening the talent pipeline that will shape the future of work.

With Nigeria experiencing a rising demand for digitally skilled professionals, the Career Pavilion aims to serve as a practical link between talent and real job opportunities. According to the organisers, it offers a structured pathway for students, graduates, job seekers, and early-career professionals to explore emerging roles, gain in-demand skills, and connect directly with employers driving the country’s innovation landscape.

The Pavilion will deliver what it describes as an end-to-end career-building experience. It includes mentorship sessions where participants will receive personalised guidance from industry leaders, HR executives, and experienced professionals who will share insights on career development and workplace readiness. The event also features networking corridors for direct engagement with recruiters, founders, and hiring managers looking for new talent.

Skills training and certifications will be offered through hands-on workshops and specialised tracks in high-demand digital and soft-skill areas. There will also be career advisory clinics, including CV reviews, interview coaching, portfolio checks, and structured planning support. Organisers added that talent matching platforms will provide access to internships, entry-level roles, and employment pipelines.

Key features include career insights breakouts where experts unpack emerging tech roles and changing workforce trends, as well as a talent matching forum designed to connect job-ready participants with employers involved in Nigeria’s digital transformation. Professional certification tracks will help participants build credibility and long-term mobility, while mentorship clinics will offer one-on-one support for decision-making and upskilling.

The organisers said the expected impact includes increased awareness of future-ready roles, stronger alignment between talent and industry needs, better understanding of career pathways in Nigeria’s innovation space, and improved skills and confidence for those seeking upward mobility.

AOT Lagos invited interested participants to register, saying, “Join us at AOT Lagos 7.0 and take the next step toward a future powered by innovation and opportunity.” Registration details are available at aotlagos.com/career-pavilion.

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Kuda launches Get more campaign to expand customer rewards

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Kuda launches Get more campaign to expand customer rewards

Kuda has introduced its new Get more campaign, aimed at encouraging Nigerians to switch to financial services that offer better value and meaningful rewards. The bank said this marks the next phase of its growth, moving from simply making banking easier to helping customers gain more access, benefits, and incentives through everyday use of its services.

With the Get more rollout, Kuda is expanding its commitment to offer more than convenience. A key part of this shift is the highest tier of its loyalty program, called Kuda Premium. This tier rewards users for carrying out transactions and keeping an active balance.

Customers on Kuda Premium receive cashback, exclusive discounts from partner brands, early access to upcoming features, and priority customer support, along with other benefits that encourage continuous engagement.

Kuda’s growing impact in Nigeria’s finance sector is reflected in its numbers. In the first quarter of 2025, the bank processed more than 300 million transactions valued at ₦14.3 trillion across both its retail and business banking services. Its customer base has also expanded to more than 7 million users in 2025.

Speaking on the new campaign, Musty Mustapha, the Managing Director of Kuda Microfinance Bank, said, “When Kuda launched, we set out to prove that banking could be simpler, smarter, and entirely digital. Now, we’re moving into a phase in which Kuda makes life richer. We’re giving our customers several reasons to expect more from their bank and actually get it.”

Since its launch in 2019, Kuda has maintained a strong reputation for innovation in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. As one of Africa’s early digital banks, it replaced queues with clicks and removed hidden fees with transparent services. The Get more campaign continues that journey by turning the banking app into a platform that actively rewards loyalty.

Borno Government Partners IBUAM to Train Indigent Youths

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Borno Government Partners IBUAM to Train Indigent Youths

The Isaac Balami Foundation has announced the outcome of a recent strategic meeting between the Borno State Government and the leadership of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, IBUAM. The meeting, which took place during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri, has produced a major partnership aimed at sponsoring indigent youths from the state for degree programmes at the institution.

According to officials, this marks a significant step in their shared goal of using education to reduce poverty and promote national development.

During the visit, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum made it clear that the selection process for the beneficiaries must focus strictly on vulnerable youths who have the academic potential to excel but lack financial resources to pursue aviation-related studies.

The Governor warned against any political influence in the process and said, “I don’t want anyone close to the governor, the deputy governor, or the commissioner to be selected. Purely on merit!” This directive reflects the values of the Isaac Balami Foundation, which has consistently emphasized fairness and support for disadvantaged young people.

For Dr. Isaac Balami, the Founder of the Foundation, this partnership carries personal meaning. He shared that years ago, a scholarship from the Borno State Government made it possible for him to pursue his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer. He noted that the new collaboration represents a full-circle moment for him, as he is now able to contribute to the development of young people from the same state that once supported him.

As part of the agreement, Dr. Balami announced that the university will offer free specialized training to 54 indigenes of Borno State. The plan is to select two youths from each of the 27 Local Government Areas. The training will focus on developing skills in Aircraft Planners and Technicians, a move aimed at addressing the technical skills gap in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Dr. Balami added that the collaboration extends beyond offering degrees. He explained that the students will gain practical exposure by spending their holidays in the hangar, where they will work on aircraft engines, landing gears, and other components. This hands-on experience is designed to equip them with the competence to work unsupervised anywhere in the world after graduation.

The Isaac Balami Foundation stated that it will continue to support brilliant youths from low-income backgrounds and expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for his leadership in making the initiative possible.

UNESCO, UAPP Partner to Empower 2 Million Nigerians by 2030

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UNESCO, UAPP Partner to Empower 2 Million Nigerians by 2030

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation, Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF) has announced an expanded collaboration with the United Kingdom-based University Application Portal, UAPP, aimed at empowering two million Nigerian youths by 2030. The joint statement released on Friday in Abuja explained that the initiative is anchored on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a focus on advancing SDG 4, which supports inclusive and equitable quality education, and SDG 8, which promotes sustained and inclusive economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all.

The Chief Executive Officer of UAPP, Mr. Md Shamim, described the partnership with UNESCO REF as a major step toward advancing global development goals. He said the programme is designed to empower young people with digital skills and opportunities that match the fast-changing global economy. “By 2030, we will have empowered over two million Nigerian youths with the skills, tools, and confidence to participate fully in the digital economy,” he said. He added that as a global student recruitment and education access platform, UAPP remains committed to opening doors for young people worldwide. “Together with UNESCO REF, we are delighted to be building inclusive routes to education and decent work, ensuring that no young person is left behind,” he stated.

Shamim explained that Nigeria’s large youth population, with over 70 per cent under the age of 30, presents both a challenge and an opportunity that the programme intends to address. UAPP, which works with over 200 universities globally and has supported more than 9,000 successful student placements, plans to expand educational access and digital learning opportunities across continents through the partnership.

The collaboration aims to promote equitable access to quality education through digital platforms, support lifelong learning, and create entrepreneurial pathways for young people. It also seeks to improve access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods through skills development and career support, ensuring that young Nigerians are prepared for the transition into a digital and knowledge-driven economy.

The statement highlighted key programme components, including digital inclusion, which will provide free access to UAPP’s advanced CRM and learning systems. This access will enable participants to engage in education and career counselling at scale, expanding opportunities for skill acquisition and guidance.

President of UNESCO REF, Prince Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, noting that it reflects the transformative impact of partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He said the partnership will strengthen national and continental ambitions for inclusive growth. “By combining global technology with local impact, we are creating a scalable model for inclusive education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. This initiative will contribute directly to SDG 4 and SDG 8, while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the 2030 Agenda,” he said.

According to the framework guiding the partnership, there will be capacity-building programmes for entrepreneurship, with training modules and mentorship aimed at helping participants establish education-focused enterprises and digital businesses. Global knowledge exchange will also be promoted to support cross-border learning and innovation.

The partnership will operate under the UNESCO REF New Partnership Development for Education and Youth (NEPAD_EY) framework, which was created to ensure sustainability and coherence. The implementation will follow the Strategic Intervention Programme – ALPHA (SIP-ALPHA) framework, which emphasizes accountability, operational integrity, and alignment with international standards.

The statement further noted that the initiative aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, which envisions an inclusive and empowered Africa driven by skills and innovation. At the national level, it supports Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding opportunities for young people to gain education, secure decent work, and build sustainable livelihoods.

Tinubu Approves National Tax Policy Implementation Committee

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Tinubu Approves National Tax Policy Implementation Committee

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, NTPIC, as announced on Friday in a State House press release shared by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President. The committee will be chaired by Mr Joseph Tegbe and is designed to drive the administration’s major tax reforms aimed at meeting Nigeria’s economic goals. According to the release, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will supervise the work of the committee.

The report explained that the NTPIC will carry out wide consultations across both public and private sectors to gather broad input for the implementation of the new tax policies. Tegbe, who leads the committee, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, FCA, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, FCIT. He brings more than 35 years of experience, including his time as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa.

Mrs Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, has been appointed Secretary of the Committee. Other members listed include Ismaeel Ahmed, Rukaiya El Rufai, and several additional experts drawn from finance, tax administration, law, civil society, and the private sector.

The release noted that President Tinubu stressed the importance of effective implementation of the Tax Acts, calling it a key part of the country’s economic transformation plans. He said the reforms are essential for improving public finance management while still protecting the expectations of investors and productive industries. The President stated, “These new Tax Acts reflect our administration’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses. The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee will ensure coherent, effective, and well-aligned implementation across all levels of government.”

According to the announcement, the NTPIC’s mandate includes wide national engagement with the private sector, professional associations, subnational governments, and the general public through awareness programmes to ensure proper understanding and execution of the new tax laws. The committee is also expected to promote strong inter-agency coordination by aligning the activities of revenue and regulatory bodies, harmonising existing frameworks with the new tax statutes, and ensuring unified reporting throughout the transition.

Tegbe expressed the committee’s readiness to begin work, saying, “We understand the strategic importance of these Tax Acts. Our committee will work closely with all stakeholders to support the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in ensuring seamless implementation and building public trust in the tax system.”

Mr Wale Edun also commented on the establishment of the committee. He said, “With the establishment of this Committee, Mr President has not only set the direction but also provided the authority and support required to reset not just the tax system but the entire fiscal policy framework of Government, to deliver significant economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

The NTPIC is expected to improve revenue mobilisation, reduce leakages, and strengthen accountability as part of the government’s broader goals for fiscal sustainability and national development.

Google Announces N3bn AI Skills and Digital Safety Investment in Nigeria

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Google Announces N3bn AI Skills and Digital Safety Investment in Nigeria

Google has announced a N3 billion commitment to support advanced AI skills development and digital safety programs across Nigeria. The announcement was made in Abuja and is part of Google’s wider effort to back the Federal Government’s National AI Strategy and the goal of creating one million digital jobs. According to research by Public First, Nigeria could unlock up to 15 billion dollars in economic value from AI by 2030 if the right structures and skills are in place. Google said the combined approach of AI skilling and digital safety is aimed at helping the country reach this potential.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, welcomed the development, noting that it fits into Nigeria’s long-term vision for technology growth. He said: “Artificial Intelligence sits at the heart of Nigeria’s desire to raise the level of productivity in our economy as well as our ambition to compete globally in technology and innovation. I welcome this important and timely investment from Google and its foundation, which reflects the power of meaningful private-sector partnership in nurturing our talent, strengthening our digital infrastructure, and advancing our national AI priorities.” He added that the move will support the implementation of the National AI Strategy and help position Nigerian innovators “at the forefront of the global AI revolution.”

Google.org said the N3 billion fund will be directed to five expert organisations working in AI talent development and digital safety. Among them is FATE Foundation, working with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, AIMS, to introduce an advanced AI curriculum into universities. The African Technology Forum, ATF, will also launch an innovation challenge that takes developers from learning to building useful products. Junior Achievement, JA, Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome curriculum for young people, while the CyberSafe Foundation will increase its efforts to strengthen cybersecurity readiness in public institutions.

Executive Director of FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi, said the partnership is a major step toward preparing African youth for future opportunities. She said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences on the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, with support from Google.org. This initiative responds directly to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.” She explained that the partnership supports FATE Foundation’s mission to drive innovation and sustainable economic growth, “ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future.”

Director for West Africa at Google, Olumide Balogun, said the move reflects Google’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria’s digital sector. He said: “Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria’s digital journey, and this N3 billion commitment is the next chapter in that story. This is an investment in people, aimed at empowering them with advanced AI skills and ensuring a safe digital space to operate. We are honoured to continue our collaboration in support of the Ministry’s efforts to help build a future where the promise of AI creates opportunity for everyone.”

Google added that the new fund builds on earlier investments, such as the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint programme, a N1.2 billion partnership with Mind the Gap. That initiative trained 20,991 Nigerians, including 5,217 women, in AI and tech skills, and helped 3,576 participants secure jobs, internships, or start their own businesses.

Check Tech4Dev Paid Internship Program Shortlist for Assessment Stage

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Check Tech4Dev Paid Internship Program Shortlist for Assessment Stage

Tech4Dev has released a new update on the Tech4Dev Paid Internship Program cohort 2.0, confirming that the screening of all applications is now complete.

All applicants who successfully made it to the next stage, the Assessment Stage, have been contacted via email. The assessment is scheduled to open from Friday (November 28) by 12 PM and will close at exactly 11:59 PM on Sunday, 30th November, and Tech4Dev noted that there will be no extension, so applicants should finish within the stated time. The update added that anyone who received an email has progressed to the next stage.

Tech4Dev also stated that those who did not get an email were not selected for this phase, and because of the large number of applications, no rejection emails will be sent today.

Apply for Diageo Learning for LIFE L4L 2025 Programme with Stipend

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Apply for Diageo Learning for LIFE L4L 2025 Programme with Stipend

Diageo has opened applications for the Learning for Life, L4L Nigeria 2025 programme, a business and hospitality skills initiative designed to support young people who want to build a career in the hospitality sector. According to the Diageo, the programme is targeted at individuals who may have faced barriers to education and employment but are ready to gain practical skills that can improve their livelihoods.

Diageo explained that Learning for Life aims to give equal access to resources that increase employability and help create a stronger hospitality industry that works for everyone. The initiative is delivered in partnership with educational, governmental and training organisations to support the growth of participants, the industry and Diageo itself.

For 2025, the flagship L4L programme in Nigeria will onboard and train 250 participants in several hospitality industry-standard skills.

The training areas include Hospitality Business Essentials, Communication and Team Work, Career Readiness, Bar Skills, Confidence and Assertiveness, Budgeting, Dealing with Sexual Harassment, Gender and Disability Inclusiveness, Sustainability and other related topics.

After the training phase, participants will have the chance to intern at top hospitality businesses in Lagos, with Diageo noting that a few promising individuals may receive employment offers after their internship.

Selected applicants will benefit from hands-on hospitality training delivered by industry professionals. Participants will also gain life skills, receive stipends to cover transportation during the internship phase, boost their CV with work experience and possibly secure job offers.

Eligibility is open to youths aged 18 to 27, people living in Lagos or those willing to stay in Lagos during the programme, and applicants interested in pursuing a hospitality career. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications open on 1 September 2025 and close on 21 September 2025.

Interested applicants can apply through the official link docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnRaUfkrbsh86ARkj_bst_yclaEMeiPkt7pwnAMhPvyckCCA/viewform.

Akwa Ibom Confirms International Status for VAIA and 2026 Flight Start

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Akwa Ibom Confirms International Status for VAIA and 2026 Flight Start

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has outlined the socio economic gains expected to follow the Federal Government’s recent approval granting Victor Attah International Airport, VAIA, full international status. He spoke about the development while addressing Government House Correspondents after returning from a strategic meeting in Abuja with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. The Governor confirmed that international flight operations at VAIA will fully commence no later than the first quarter of 2026.

Governor Eno said the new status will open major opportunities for the state and the region. He explained that trade will be enhanced, tourism will receive a significant boost, and more jobs will be created as economic activities increase around the airport. According to him, flights will now land directly in Uyo, making the airport busier and more attractive for travellers and investors. He stated that these developments are expected to bring benefits to the people and the entire state.

The Governor also noted that the approval positions Ibom Air for wider growth. He said the state-owned airline now stands a better chance to expand its operations and partner with international carriers that may choose Akwa Ibom as part of their routes in Nigeria. He explained that the administration has been working to build a complete aviation ecosystem and prefers to focus on results rather than long speeches.

Governor Eno added that the progress in the aviation sector shows the importance of aligning with the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration and attract key developmental projects. He mentioned that the state had pursued international status for VAIA for a long time and expressed gratitude that the efforts are now yielding results.

He was welcomed on arrival by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council, political leaders, captains of industry, and other government officials.

NCoS Empowers Akwa Ibom Inmates With Starter Packs

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NCoS Empowers Akwa Ibom Inmates With Starter Packs

The Nigerian Correctional Service has empowered five inmates in Akwa Ibom with essential starter packs to support their reintegration into society and help them build sustainable livelihoods after their release. The controller of the command, Frank Okonkwo, made this known during the presentation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Uyo. He reaffirmed NCoS’s strong commitment to rehabilitation, describing it as a core mandate of the NCoS Act, 2019.

Mr Okonkwo explained that empowering inmates remains one of the most effective ways to reduce repeat offenses and improve public safety. He noted that the command has continued to expand its vocational and skills-acquisition programmes to ensure inmates are not only trained but also equipped with the tools needed to start a new phase of life. He said, “When inmates are trained and empowered, we are not just releasing individuals back into society; we are releasing skilled, productive citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities. This is how we build a safer and better society.”

He stated that the empowerment initiative, carried out with strategic partners, highlights the service effort to strengthen rehabilitation and reform projects across the state command. He added that the command remains dedicated to transforming lives, promoting second chances, and ensuring that every empowered inmate becomes a symbol of positive change in society.

According to him, the beneficiaries were trained in hairdressing, tailoring, and barbing, and received professional starter kits that will help them begin work immediately in their chosen trades. He said that out of the five empowered inmates, two have already been discharged, while the remaining three are expected to be discharged between now and January 2026.

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