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FCCPC National Young Contest Consumer 2025 Application

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FCCPC National Young Contest Consumer 2025 Application

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has opened entries for the 9th Edition of its National Young Consumer Contest for 2025. According to the announcement, the contest invites senior secondary school students across accredited schools in Nigeria to take part in an essay and debate challenge.

The topic for this year is presented as a question: “Is a just transition to sustainable lifestyles a choice or a necessity for Nigerian consumers?”

The FCCPC stated that the competition will feature a written essay category and an oral debate for shortlisted finalists at its headquarters. It explained that essays will be judged on clarity, originality, and relevance, adding that “multiple entry is not allowed.” Submissions must be in Microsoft format and not exceed 350 words.

The deadline for entries is Monday, 19th January 2026, and participants are expected to log in and submit through www.nycc2025.online.

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Apply for NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0 with ₦100 million funding

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Apply for NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0 with ₦100 million funding

The Nigerian Youth Academy has announced that the application for NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0 is now open. The organisers said the programme is scouting 100 of Nigeria’s most innovative tech startups for mentorship, funding, enterprise support and national visibility.

According to the announcement, the initiative is powered by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and FIRS, and delivered by Sapphital Ltd. It stated that ₦100,000,000 is available for Nigerian tech startups and is open to youth tech founders in the country.

The requirements include being between ages 18 and 35, living in Nigeria, having at least two co-founders, a completed NiYA community profile, a course completion certificate and a pitch deck.

Interested tech startups can apply at niya.gov.ng/niyastartup.

Apply for D’banj Nigerian Youth Positively Driven (NYPD) N250k grant

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Apply for D’banj Nigerian Youth Positively Driven (NYPD) N250k grant

Global entertainer and tech entrepreneur Oladapo Oyebanjo, widely known as D’banj, has secured a partnership with the United Nations to launch the Nigerian Youth Positively Driven initiative, also known as NYPD. Applications for the programme are now open to young people across the country. This development comes months after Afreximbank acquired an equity stake in his C.R.E.A.M. Platform, marking another milestone in his growing involvement in technology and entrepreneurship.

The initiative was introduced during the UN@80 event in Abuja, where the Creative Alliance for Peace was also unveiled. The NYPD project is designed as a national call inviting Nigerians to document and celebrate positive actions happening in their communities. Through the NYPD portal, individuals featured in uploaded videos can win a grant, while uploaders also receive a N250,000 grant. According to organisers, rewards will be issued weekly as part of a broader campaign to highlight and support those making a positive impact across the country.

After the C.R.E.A.M. Platform rewards participants, winning entries are transferred to the Creative Alliance for Peace for further amplification. D’banj has continued to use the platform to show his ambition and drive for success both in entertainment and in business. He explained that the NYPD initiative aims to shift national focus toward progress, innovation, and individuals leading change.

Speaking on the project, he said, “When you talk about the creative industry, we all know that today, content is the biggest export that we have as a nation. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough strong alliances or platforms where the youths can effectively access support.” He added, “Africa is the most creative continent, and we have barely scratched the surface, at only 20%. I think it’s essential to come together to have that voice. We’re moving, and the movement is called Nigerian Youths Positively Driven. With it, we have created an alliance, and now we need youths who are positively driven to join it.”

The NYPD portal is now open for entries from across Nigeria at https://nypd.creamplatform.com.

Google Launches Free Gemini Pro Plan for Nigerian Students

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Google Launches Free Gemini Pro Plan for Nigerian Students

Google has announced a new offer that gives students in Nigeria free access to the Gemini Pro Plan for one year. The company shared that the package includes full use of its most accurate model, Gemini 3 Pro, along with unlimited image uploads, advanced image generation tools, customised quizzes and learning features such as NotebookLM. Students who activate the offer will also receive 2 TB of cloud storage. According to Google, the offer must be redeemed by December 9, 2025.

Google stated, “The Google One Student Offer provides you with subscription benefits at no charge for the duration of the promoted 12 month period from the day you redeem the Offer.” The company added that the Google One Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy continue to apply throughout the free subscription period. The offer is set up to support students using Google’s growing set of AI tools for learning, research and creative work.

To qualify, students must be at least 18 years old and residents of Nigeria or other eligible countries. They must verify their student status through SheerID when asked, and they need a personal Google Account. A Google Payments account with a valid payment method is required for verification, although the subscription itself is free during the offer period. Eligible applicants must also subscribe to Google AI Pro through the Google Play Store.

Google explained that the offer is not open to users who already have an active Google One subscription at a higher tier than the one provided. It also excludes enterprise purchasers, users on discounted Pixel bundles, those with subscriptions through family sharing or third-party services like Google Fi, and anyone using a supervised Google Account.

The company advised students to cancel before the end of the free year if they do not want to be charged the regular subscription price afterward. Google said, “If you cancel your subscription during the Offer Period, your membership may remain active until the end of the Offer Period.” Students can apply through the official link at one.google.com/ai-student.

SMEDAN Awards ₦20 Million to Winners of National Pitch Competition

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SMEDAN Awards ₦20 Million to Winners of National Pitch Competition

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) announced a major highlight from this year’s conference, describing the Pitch Competition as “one of the most inspiring and life-changing moments,” created to showcase the innovation and resilience of small business owners across the country.

According to the agency, over 700 entrepreneurs applied, but only 10 finalists reached the main stage, where they presented creative solutions and business ideas aimed at shaping the future of the Nigerian economy.

After a round of engaging presentations, five entrepreneurs emerged winners with a total prize reward of ₦20 million. Zannytecture received the grand prize of ₦10 million, while ABS Sparkles secured the second-place prize of ₦5 million. Bach Eats Africa earned ₦3 million for third place, and Mercy Sweet Foods along with Helenz Footwear were awarded ₦1 million each.

SMEDAN stated that the initiative reflects its commitment to expanding and elevating small businesses, which it described as “the true backbone of Nigeria’s economy.” The agency also congratulated the winners and praised every entrepreneur who participated, saying they “dared to show up, pitch, and dream big.”

Apply for 2026 Internet Society Youth Ambassador Program

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Apply for 2026 Internet Society Youth Ambassador Program

The Internet Society has announced that applications are now open for its Youth Ambassador Program 2026, giving young people the chance to take part in a year-long opportunity aimed at shaping the future of Internet governance. The organisation said the initiative is designed for individuals who want to make an impact in their communities and contribute to policies that protect the Internet. According to the announcement, the program equips selected participants with training, mentorship, and access to key global Internet events.

The Internet Society explained that each year, fifteen young people are chosen for the program. It stated that the Youth Ambassador Program 2026 helps the next generation of leaders collaborate and innovate for a better world. The organisation noted that the program offers several benefits, including the chance to join what it described as a network of knowledgeable Internet leaders. It said this network continues to develop skills, support the mission of the Internet Society, and advocate for a secure and trustworthy Internet.

The announcement added that successful applicants will deepen their understanding of Internet governance through online training. They will also broaden skills in advocacy, communication, project management, and leadership. The organisation stated that participants will attend an important Internet event selected for them based on their profile and location. It also highlighted mentorship from key Internet experts and the opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders around the world. The statement said participants gain skills and connections that help them create more impact in their communities.

Applications are open to individuals between 18 and 30 years old. The Internet Society stated that applicants must have strong English reading, writing, and speaking skills, and should be comfortable with public communication. They must also have continuous Internet access and the necessary equipment throughout the program. The organisation added that applicants must commit at least four hours a week during the 12-month duration and be available for weekly meetings held between 11h and 16h UTC. A valid passport is required for travel, and past participants of previous ambassador or fellowship programs are not eligible.

The selection process has two phases. The first phase is an online application reviewed by a committee made up of staff, alumni, and chapter and group leaders. The committee evaluates candidates based on alignment with the Internet Society’s mission and their work in promoting an open and secure Internet. The highest scoring applicants move to the second phase, which is an online course on Internet governance. Participants are divided into three classes, each supported by a tutor. The announcement stated that the top fifteen students will be selected as Youth Ambassadors.

Online applications opened on 18 November 2025 and will close on 2 December 2025. Interested applicants can submit their forms through the provided Link.

Ignore claims FG to convert CDCFIB applicants to military personnel

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Ignore claims FG to convert CDCFIB applicants to military personnel

There is a circulating claim that the federal government will convert all CDCFIB candidates to military personnel. The message being shared reads, “Federal Government announces that all CDCFIB applicants will be converted to military personnel.” This claim started spreading shortly after the CDCFIB CBT examination, which ended on Wednesday November 19, 2025.

This information is completely false. Neither the CDCFIB recruitment team nor any agency within the Nigerian military has released any statement confirming such a move. CDCFIB means Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, and it supervises paramilitary agencies, not the armed forces.

The agencies under CDCFIB are the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Fire Service. These are different from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. When the Nigerian military opens recruitment, the portals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force are always announced separately for interested applicants. At the moment, the Nigerian Army is considering recruiting between 12,000 and 24,000 personnel, while the Navy already has its own recruitment process running.

What CDCFIB candidates should focus on now is the result of the CBT exam, which will be released in the coming days. For now, keep following Nigeria Startup News for verified updates on the next stage. Disregard any information that does not come from official channels.

23,000 Ogun Residents Receive Renewed Hope Cash Transfer Cards

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23,000 Ogun Residents Receive Renewed Hope Cash Transfer Cards

The ongoing distribution of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer cards has reached more than 23,000 residents across the 20 local government areas in Ogun State, marking another step in efforts to support economic recovery and reduce poverty. The exercise has continued in different councils, with officials monitoring the process to ensure that beneficiaries receive their ATM-loaded cards without difficulty.

During the monitoring exercise at Ikenne Local Government, the Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Olufunmilayo Efuwape, described the programme as one of the major initiatives designed to ease hardship in the country. She noted that 754 cards were available for distribution in Ikenne and urged residents to make responsible use of the funds. According to her, beneficiaries should “think out of the box and make judicious use of the money” while avoiding unnecessary spending. She encouraged those yet to receive their cards to remain hopeful as long as their names appear in the Social Register.

The distribution also continued at Odogbolu Local Government, where the State Programme Manager, Mrs. Funmi Baker, explained that the process was structured in phases. She revealed that 13,000 cards had already been distributed earlier, while an additional 10,000 cards were provided for the current phase across the 20 local government areas. She added that 724 cards were available for beneficiaries in Odogbolu. According to her, the selection of beneficiaries was handled by the State Operations Coordinating Unit based on docile placement.

Mrs. Baker further highlighted the Federal Government’s expansion of the programme, stating that “President Bola Tinubu keyed into the Programme and increased the gesture from Five Thousand naira to Twenty Five Thousand naira which would be paid in tranches that would amount to Seventy Five Thousand naira per beneficiary.”

Local government chairmen also expressed their support for the initiative. Hon. Asimi Jamiu of Ikenne and Dr. Diya Babatunde of Odogbolu, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Awobutu Victor, said the intervention had boosted the socio-economic activities within their communities. They advised beneficiaries to view the funds as grants capable of expanding small businesses.

Beneficiaries from both councils, including Mr. Adewunmi Ezekiel, Mrs. Ogunfowora Titilayo, Mrs. Aregbesola Rashidat and Mrs. Kadijatat Alimi, thanked President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritising vulnerable households. They assured that they would use the support to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Apply for African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) 4th Cohort

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Apply for African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) 4th Cohort

A new call for applications has been announced for the 4th Cohort of the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace, known as AYAPs, under the Youth for Peace Africa program of the African Union Commission. According to the AU, this selection aims to boost the involvement of young people in peace and security across the continent. The Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department said the initiative continues the work started in 2018 when the Youth for Peace program was launched to promote youth participation in conflict prevention and discourage involvement in violence. The AU Peace and Security Council had earlier requested the appointment of five regional ambassadors to support peace work across Africa.

The AYAPs will work under the supervision of the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department. They are expected to drive youth advocacy and promote engagement in peace and security issues across all regions. The AU explained that the ambassadors will help advance the five priorities of the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security, which is guided by Article 17 of the AU Youth Charter and the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419 and 2535.

The application is open to African youth who have shown strong commitment to promoting sustainable peace. The AU encouraged young women, displaced persons and people with disabilities who meet the requirements to apply. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 throughout their tenure as an AYAP. They must also possess a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in peace and security, including advocacy and resource mobilization. The AU added that applicants should have experience in supporting peace processes, mediation efforts and community engagement. Strong communication and advocacy skills are also required. Fluency in any AU working language is needed, while knowledge of an additional language is considered an advantage.

The mission of the AYAPs includes advocating for youth rights, raising awareness about the AU’s Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security, and supporting member states in coordinating the Youth for Peace program. They will help push national action plans and implement youth activities across the five priority areas. The AU stated that the ambassadors may also represent the department in workshops, meetings and trainings.

The framework’s priorities focus on participation, prevention, protection, partnerships and coordination, as well as disengagement and rehabilitation. These include promoting youth involvement in decision-making, strengthening peace education, supporting displaced persons, improving cooperation among stakeholders and helping reintegrate youth disengaged from extremist groups.

Qualified candidates must submit their applications through the provided Link before 23:59 East African Time on December 15, 2025. Required documents include a CV, a short essay of not more than two pages and copies of educational certificates. The AU emphasized that all submissions must be completed by the deadline.

COUCH 2025: Minister of Innovation Calls for Collaboration

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COUCH 2025: Minister of Innovation Calls for Collaboration

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochuckwu Udeh, SAN, has emphasized that innovation grows strongest when people and institutions work together. He said this during the grand finale of the Coderina University Challenge 2025, held at the National University Commission in Abuja. According to him, innovation does not flourish in isolation but thrives where government supports ideas, academics nurture talents and young people step confidently into the future they hope to shape.

Udeh explained that the theme together we build reflects Nigeria’s ambition to become a nation driven by science, powered by technology and sustained by innovation. He added that this goal can only be achieved when every stakeholder contributes to building a shared future that improves the quality of life for Nigerians. The Minister noted that COUCH provides a platform where ideas meet opportunity, where scientific knowledge becomes practical solutions and where young innovators show that Nigeria is full of talent that needs the right structures to rise.

He stated that the country’s leadership envisions a society where science, technology and innovation become part of everyday life, where creativity is encouraged, where technology is accessible and where every young Nigerian has the tools required to turn ideas into real impact. Udeh said the Ministry is ready to partner with Coderina, the National University Commission, development agencies and industries to scale the initiative so the outcomes of COUCH are supported, incubated and integrated into national development priorities.

Dr. Udeh commended Coderina Education and Technology Foundation for its commitment to expanding digital literacy and promoting innovation across Nigeria. He said the organization’s effort continues to empower young people and strengthen national capacity.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, said the initiative is not only a competition but also a celebration of creativity, resilience and the potential of Nigerian university students. Ribadu also praised the Education Technology Foundation for ensuring that COUCH comes at no financial cost to participating universities or the Commission.

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