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Dangote Group Set for 2025 Kano Trade Fair with Over 1,000 Exhibitors

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Dangote Group Set for 2025 Kano Trade Fair with Over 1,000 Exhibitors

Dangote Group has confirmed its full participation in the 2025 Kano International Trade Fair, which will run from November 22 to December 6 and is expected to host over 1,000 exhibitors from within and outside Nigeria. The Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the company is not only sponsoring the fair but will also be actively present throughout the event.

Chiejina described Kano as a major base for the company’s operations, explaining that the city plays a key role in regional and continental commerce. He said, “Kano is central to our overall businesses, and it is the hub of commerce, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa.” According to him, Kano also hosts one of the large-scale rice mills currently being developed by the Group.

He added that the company is developing other rice milling plants in Jigawa, Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto States, with a combined milling capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per year. Chiejina noted that this investment supports the government’s efforts toward achieving national food security.

As part of its activities at the fair, he said the Group’s subsidiaries will set up dedicated help desks to allow visitors engage directly with the company on business opportunities. Chiejina also revealed that the company will unveil new sugar pack sizes of 100 gram and 25 kilogram during its Special Day at the fair, explaining that this responds to changing market needs.

He noted that the theme for the 2025 fair, Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth, aligns with the company’s long-term plans for sustainable development in Nigeria. The Senior Adviser, Special Project and Strategic Relations to the Dangote Group President, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, said, “Through our sponsorship of Kano Trade Fair, we seek to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises with opportunities to showcase their products, connect with potential partners, and access new markets, ultimately strengthening the nation’s economic growth.”

President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, Ambassador Hassan Usman Darma, said, “We are expecting around 100 organizations, and over 1,000 exhibitors from Nigeria and abroad.”

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Digital Skills Training Reaches Women and Youths Across 10 Northern States

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Digital Skills Training Reaches Women and Youths Across 10 Northern States

Some women and youths across 10 northern states of Nigeria have taken part in a digital skills training programme organised by the Niger Delta Initiative in collaboration with Women Our Voice Our Votes. The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Initiative, Dr Akpoguma Okuoimose, disclosed this during a two-day engagement with journalists while highlighting progress recorded in the participating states.

Dr Okuoimose said the Niger Delta Initiative, working with STEM Africa and WOVOV Venture, officially kicked off a digital skills training programme designed to equip young women with relevant technological competencies. She explained that the initiative was created to help participants access future opportunities in the digital economy by building their capacity in practical and emerging tech areas.

She reaffirmed her commitment to expanding access to quality digital education for young women, noting that providing them with hands-on technical skills is vital for creating an inclusive and economically stronger society. According to her, improving the digital readiness of young women contributes directly to building resilience and supporting long-term growth across communities.

During Day 2 of the training activities in Kaduna State, Dr Okuoimose reported an impressive turnout of young women who gathered at approved training centres to deepen their knowledge of essential technology tools. She said the participants, who were in high spirits, took part in hands-on sessions led by experienced trainers across different centres.

She explained that the programme, which is a joint initiative of the Niger Delta Initiative, STEM Africa, and WOVOV Venture, continued to provide participants with foundational digital literacy needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven environment. She maintained her unwavering commitment to ensuring inclusive and accessible digital education in northern Nigeria.

The organisation also launched its digital skills training sessions in several centres across Gombe State, where young women began their learning journey with enthusiasm. Dr Okuoimose noted that these participants would gain essential technological skills that could position them for opportunities within the fast-growing digital sector.

She added that her dedication to widening digital access for young women is not just tied to a single project. According to her, “it is a transformative mission.” She stressed that empowering women with in-demand tech skills promotes inclusivity and strengthens the economic foundation of communities across the country.

The initiative also expanded into Kebbi State, where multiple training centres came alive as participants started their introduction to technology. Dr Okuoimose said the learners were being equipped with tools and competencies that would help define their place in the emerging digital economy. She stated, “Expanding digital access for young women which is my unwavering vision is not just a programme goal but a transformative mission that equips young women with real, applicable tech skills to help foster a more inclusive society and strengthen the economic fabrics of communities across the country.”

FIRS Backs ACJ Essay Contest After 10,000 Entries, ₦10m Prize Pool

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FIRS Backs ACJ Essay Contest After 10,000 Entries, ₦10m Prize Pool

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has announced its support for the Abuja City Journal’s National Essay Competition, confirming sponsorship for the third edition of the rapidly expanding contest. The agency said the partnership aligns with its focus on education, youth development and activities that encourage young Nigerians to think critically.

This year’s edition has drawn more than 10,000 entries from across the country, marking one of the highest participation levels since the competition began. From this large pool, twenty-five finalists have been selected to compete at the grand finale scheduled for 26 November in Abuja.

Organisers said cash prizes of ₦5 million, ₦3 million and ₦2 million have been reserved for the top three winners. They explained that the awards are meant to “reward academic excellence and motivate brilliant young Nigerians to sharpen their analytical and writing skills.”

ACJ Chief Executive and Publisher, Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, said the platform was established to promote “integrity, discipline and intellectual excellence” among young people. He noted that the large number of submissions received this year shows the “determination, curiosity and creativity” that continue to define Nigerian youth.

The finale will feature comedian Kenny Blaq as host, a move organisers say will help create a lively atmosphere as the finalists defend their essays before a judging panel made up of experts from academia, the media and the creative industries. They explained that his presence is intended to make the experience more engaging and memorable for both participants and the audience.

Beyond the award ceremony, the event has been structured as a wider platform for talent development. Finalists will have opportunities to connect with editors, writers and professional mentors who may offer long-term guidance. Organisers describe this year’s edition as the most competitive so far, highlighting its rising national relevance and influence in Nigeria’s intellectual and creative space.

NELFUND Disburses Over N786m Student Loan in Ogun State

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NELFUND Disburses Over N786m Student Loan in Ogun State

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has recorded a major milestone in Ogun State following a sensitization programme that led to significant awareness and confirmed disbursements for thousands of students across the state. The outreach was held at the Crownbirth Event Center in Ijebu-Ife, facilitated by Otunba Femi Adewumi and hosted by Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, Executive Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government. Community leaders, parents, guardians, students, and educational stakeholders attended the session aimed at improving access to the NELFUND student loan scheme.

During the event, participants received detailed guidance on how to apply for and benefit from the Federal Government loan designed to remove financial obstacles that prevent many young Nigerians from furthering their education. Reflecting on the purpose of the programme, Otunba Femi Adewumi stated, “Our goal was simple to ensure that no student in our communities is left behind because of financial barriers. I am proud of the impact this sensitization has achieved, and I commend NELFUND for delivering real opportunities to our young people.”

Following the successful engagement, NELFUND confirmed that institutions in Ogun State have acknowledged a combined total of over ₦786 million already disbursed for the 2024/2025 academic session. Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Omu-Ajose, received ₦40,572,500 for students across two batches. Olabisi Onabanjo University confirmed ₦718,585,000 for 3,473 students. Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic received ₦26,944,000 covering 87 students in Batch 1 and 18 students in Batch 2.

Speaking on the impact of these disbursements and the community-driven outreach, NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, praised the cooperation displayed by local stakeholders. He said, “Our mission is to democratize access to higher education for every Nigerian student, regardless of financial background. The support from community leaders such as Otunba Femi Adewumi and Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde shows what is possible when government institutions and local stakeholders work together.”

He also noted that the Fund plans to expand similar sensitization efforts across all six geopolitical zones to ensure more students are aware of the opportunities available. NELFUND acknowledged the vital role played by Otunba Femi Adewumi in the Ijebu-Ife programme, adding that more outreach activities and institutional visits are scheduled nationwide to support eligible students.

Nigeria Army Denies Circulating COAS Claim on Mandatory Recruitment

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Nigeria Army Denies Circulating COAS Claim on Mandatory Recruitment

The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral claim circulating on social media on mandatory recruitment into the army, describing it as Fake News. The false message had quoted the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as saying that if Nigerian youths refused to join the army, recruitment would be made mandatory for citizens aged 18 and above. The claim also alleged that the 10,000 recruits taken last year were missing and that application forms would be issued to all youths by January. The Army has confirmed that none of these statements are true.

What is true is that the Chief of Army Staff recently announced a new recruitment plan aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army amid rising security challenges. The announcement was made on Wednesday during his operational visit to the 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna, where he addressed officers ranging from second lieutenant to brigadier general.

Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the Army is planning to recruit 12,000 soldiers within six months to boost its manpower. He added that this number could increase to 24,000 personnel if they operate two training streams across the new facilities. He said, “The area of responsibility is vast, and security challenges are dynamic. To meet these threats effectively, we need boots on the ground. In six months, we aim to train 12,000 soldiers from three new training facilities. If we operate two streams, we can produce up to 24,000 soldiers ready for deployment.”

He also stated that the goal is to ensure every recruit graduates with the capacity to join active operations immediately after training.

Meanwhile, the Senate has called for the immediate recruitment of 100,000 additional military personnel across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force.

NJFP Directs Host Organisations to Switch to New 2.0 Portal

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NJFP Directs Host Organisations to Switch to New 2.0 Portal

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme has informed host organisations to move to the new NJFP 2.0 Host Organisation Portal to remain active in the programme. In an official message titled “Dear Esteemed Host Organisation,” the NJFP Team expressed appreciation for the continuous support and partnership from organisations that have helped mentor and develop Fellows.

The team stated that the commitment of hosts has been instrumental to the programme’s progress.

According to the message, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme 2.0 was officially launched on 22 October 2025 by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. The team explained that this new phase comes with an improved structure aimed at expanding inclusion, strengthening deployment, and enhancing overall programme implementation.

The NJFP also announced the introduction of a new digital portal that will now serve as the main platform for all host-related activities. The team said the portal will manage registration, onboarding, verification, and general programme operations. Host organisations were informed that to remain active under NJFP 2.0, they are required to visit the new platform, update their organisation’s details, and upload all necessary documents.

The message added that the previous ArcGIS portal will soon be fully decommissioned, and all activities will be handled through the new system. The NJFP Team encouraged organisations to complete the transition early to prevent any disruption or removal from the programme.

Reps Member Distributes ₦1bn Empowerment Support in Bauchi State

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Reps Member Distributes ₦1bn Empowerment Support in Bauchi State

The member representing Alkaleri–Kirfi constituency in the House of Representatives, Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf, has distributed empowerment items and financial support worth ₦1 billion to residents of the constituency. The flag-off event, held in Bauchi, brought together beneficiaries from different communities who described the gesture as timely and impactful.

Speaking at the event, Yusuf said the initiative was created to improve the economic wellbeing of his constituents and give them tools that would help them become self-reliant. He explained that the items were carefully selected to support different livelihood needs. The items distributed included 20 commercial vehicles, 150 motorcycles, 100 sewing machines, 200 water pump machines for irrigation farming, and 100 wheelchairs for persons with disabilities. He also provided ₦200 million in cash support to further assist beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries were drawn from APC ward and local government officials, stakeholders from Alkaleri and Kirfi, youths and women groups, the elderly, persons with special needs, and long-time supporters of the lawmaker. Yusuf urged all recipients to use the items responsibly for the economic growth of the constituency, the state, and the country. He also appealed to those who were not captured in this phase to remain patient, saying more programmes were on the way.

APC chairman in the state, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan Tilde, praised the effort and said it was the sixth empowerment programme he had seen within Yusuf’s two-year legislative service. Party leaders from Alkaleri and Kirfi, Alhaji Adamu Umar Gokaru and Yakubu Yakubu Kirfi, also commended Yusuf, noting that no past lawmaker had delivered such achievements. Beneficiaries like Alhaji Iliya Natsira, Hajiya Lami, and Dan Malikin Bara thanked the lawmaker and pledged continued support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Lagos Chairman Marks 100 Days with Empowerment Programmes

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Lagos Chairman Marks 100 Days with Empowerment Programmes

Chairman of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area in Lagos, Prince Idris Balogun, has marked his first 100 days in office with a series of empowerment programmes for residents. The event drew thousands of people dressed in colourful aso-ebi, and many residents received work tools and starter packs, including sewing machines, hair dryers, tablets, makeup kit boxes and welding items.

Balogun also announced an ongoing cash transfer initiative that gives N100,000 each to 500 residents. He explained that the support is meant to help them invest in small businesses that can improve their income.

Reflecting on his first 100 days, he said: “It is not about occupying an office, but about uplifting the people.” He grouped his achievements into Education, Infrastructure and Environment, Governance and Public Service Delivery, and Social Welfare and Community Support.

In Education, he said his administration has distributed 3,000 GCE forms to pupils, along with plans to provide tutorial classes to help them prepare. He added that exercise books, school uniforms and school bags have also been shared across schools.

On Infrastructure, he announced the completion of PHIDEL College Street road, Prince Tunde Balogun/Abeokuta Street, Market/Jemi Alade Street and Olisa Street. He noted that work is ongoing on Omoboriowo Street.

World Bank Plans New Irrigation Investment in Gombe

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World Bank Plans New Irrigation Investment in Gombe

The World Bank has announced plans to invest in Gombe State’s irrigation system to boost food security, improve water management, and strengthen climate resilience. The commitment was confirmed on Thursday by Chakib Jenane, the regional director for Sustainable Development for Western and Central Africa, during a visit to Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau.

Jenane said the decision followed the Bank’s positive assessment of Gombe’s development efforts. “We are impressed by what we have seen here. Your achievements encourage us to do more,” he said. He led a team reviewing ongoing World Bank projects in the state and confirmed that the new support would be channelled through the SPIN project.

He explained that SPIN would expand irrigation facilities across the state. “This operation will directly support farmers and improve water use,” he said. Jenane added that discussions had also begun on a future programme focused on agriculture, with particular interest in agribusiness. He noted that observing progress in person would help the Bank “move forward and achieve more results together”.

The delegation examined the implementation of SURWASH, L-PRES, and ACReSAL. Jenane said the tour provided an opportunity to “see concretely on the ground what has been achieved” and helped the team understand community needs while identifying areas that require deeper support.

Deputy Governor Jatau praised the Bank’s contributions to environmental protection. “Your interventions have saved vital infrastructure from erosion,” he said. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the partnership, saying it would help close infrastructure gaps and improve livelihoods.

The SPIN project, valued at $500 million and supported by the World Bank, aims to deliver large multi-purpose infrastructure for irrigation and hydropower generation across Nigeria.

FG to Flag Off of Skill-Aid Printing Training for Youths

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FG to Flag Off of Skill-Aid Printing Training for Youths

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), in collaboration with University Press Ltd, has announced the official flag off of the Skill-Aid Initiative Program to empower youths in printing operations and management.

The event is scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10.00am at Best in Print Academy, No 5, Leaf Road, NTC Complex, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The initiative will equip young Nigerians with practical skills in modern printing technologies, production systems, and management processes, adding that the collaboration shows the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting employability and national productivity. They described the program as timely for youth development.

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