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Abia Shortlists 24,023 for CBT, Targets 4,000 Teacher Jobs

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Abia Shortlists 24,023 for CBT, Targets 4,000 Teacher Jobs

The Abia State Government has announced plans to shortlist 24,023 applicants for a Computer-Based Test in the second batch of its teacher recruitment exercise, as it moves to employ 4,000 new teachers across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

In a statement released by the Head of Information at Government House, Umuahia, Divine Nwankwo, the commissioner said the second batch of the recruitment exercise is progressing well.

“At the last count, about 36,415 applications were received, while 24,023 applicants were actually shortlisted for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

“The date for the CBT will be announced in due course,” the statement read.

The statement recalled that last year the state government employed 5,394 teachers, while the target for the second batch is 4,000 teachers.

It also disclosed that the Education Management and Information System is being deployed to integrate education data across primary and secondary schools in the state. According to the statement, EMIS will support efficient school management, data-driven planning, and measurable outcomes.

“Last year, the state government employed 5,394 teachers, while the target for the second batch of recruitment of teachers is 4,000 teachers.

“And the system will support the efficient management of schools, data-driven development, planning and measurable outcomes in schools,” Kanu noted.

The statement further highlighted the resumption of the mass literacy and non-formal education programme for adults for the 2025–2026 academic session in all 17 Local Government Areas. It stated that a sensitisation campaign is ongoing to increase enrolment, targeting school dropouts, traders, artisans, and other adults.

On sports, the Abia State contingent to the recently concluded National Basic Education Schools Sports Games emerged the best in athletics and overall performance, winning eight gold medals and other accolades.

“The performance of the Abia state contingent is an eloquent testimony to the success of the youth development programmes of this administration, particularly in the field of school sports,” Kanu stated.

The statement added that the governor has promised to host the team at a later date.

It also praised ongoing reforms in the education sector, noting that Abia has consistently emerged as the best-performing state in NECO examinations over the past three years.

“Abia State, for the past three years, has consistently emerged as the best-performing state in NECO exams.

“This record signifies the massive impact of the transformation and reform agenda of His Excellency in the education sector,” the statement read.

On infrastructure, the statement said the Ministry of Works is engaged in direct labour projects across 48 locations. Completed projects include maintenance of 14.8 kilometres of Alayi–Ugwueke Road in Bende LGA, 1.1 kilometres of Awomukwu–Umusokoro Road in Ikwuano LGA, 900 metres of Umusokoro Road in Ikwuano, and 9.1 kilometres of Umunkpeyi–Umuru–Okokiri Road in Isialangwa South LGA. Three new projects have also been added to the ministry’s maintenance basket.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, said EMIS will monitor pupils’ progress, including tracking movement between schools, whether private or public.

The statement reiterated that the date for the CBT in the second batch of teacher recruitment is yet to be fixed, assuring that the government will announce it once it is determined.

The press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

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FG Empowers 31 Farmers’ Groups with Modern Inputs in Kebbi

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FG Empowers 31 Farmers’ Groups with Modern Inputs in Kebbi

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has empowered 31 farmers’ groups with modern farming inputs to boost food production and strengthen national food security.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during the distribution of farm inputs to farmers’ groups in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was represented at the event by the Director of Cooperatives in the ministry, Dr Mohammed Bashir Abdulkadir.

Kyari said the initiative forms part of the ministry’s mandate to provide continuous support to farmers in order to enhance agricultural productivity across the country.

He noted that smallholder farmers account for about 95 percent of the farming population and remain the backbone of food production in Nigeria.

According to him, sustained support through the provision of modern farm inputs will boost farmers’ morale and encourage bumper harvests, ensuring food availability for local consumption and export.

The State Coordinator of the ministry in Kebbi State, Dr Ari Mohammed Abdulrazak, said 31 farmers’ unions benefited from the intervention. He explained that the beneficiaries included women, youths and persons with special needs.

He stated that the initiative was designed to promote inclusive participation in agriculture and to support year-round farming activities.

Speaking at the event, the Secretaries of AFAN and KADAGE Women Farmers Associations, Bello Kalgo and Hajiya Fatima Abubakar, commended the Federal Government for the timely support. They said the intervention would encourage farmers to return to their farms after losses suffered in previous seasons.

The Emir of Argungu, represented by the Majidadi, Alhaji Samaila Yakubu, praised the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Agriculture for initiating the programme. He described it as timely and capable of boosting agricultural production.

He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs to improve their livelihoods and contribute to food production and security in Kebbi State and across Nigeria. The exercise is themed “Inputs Distribution for All-Year-Round Farming.”

Monica Cash Processes N500bn in Three Years of Operations

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Monica Cash Processes N500bn in Three Years of Operations

Monica Cash has marked a major milestone, completing three continuous years of operations and processing more than N500 billion in total transactions.

Since its launch, the platform has built a strong reputation for reliability and fast execution, especially in cryptocurrency conversions and everyday payment services. The company said the achievement reflects steady growth and consistent service in Nigeria’s fast-paced fintech space.

Rather than focus on short-term hype, Monica Cash concentrated on building strong infrastructure and dependable systems. According to the company, this approach has helped it earn lasting trust from users who rely on the app to convert Bitcoin and other digital assets to naira without unnecessary delays or downtime.

The total transaction volume, now exceeding half a trillion naira, highlights continued customer confidence. The company noted that users keep returning because the platform delivers a consistent, secure, and efficient experience, which remains critical in Nigeria’s competitive crypto ecosystem.

In addition to crypto conversion, Monica Cash has expanded its services to include airtime and bill payments, digital gift cards, and instant bank transfers. The company said this broader offering positions it as a full-service finance app designed to meet both digital asset and everyday financial needs.

COLE’ctive Initiative launches COLE2Lead across 23 LGAs in Rivers State

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COLE’ctive Initiative launches COLE2Lead across 23 LGAs in Rivers State

The COLE’ctive Initiative has unveiled COLE2Lead to groom a new generation of ethical, competent, and service-driven leaders across Rivers State ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

The initiative is designed as a policy and leadership accelerator aimed at closing the gap between political ambition and effective governance through structured civic education and policy literacy. Organisers said the programme seeks to prepare emerging leaders with the knowledge and tools required to function effectively in public office and civic spaces.

COLE2Lead will operate across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas, targeting 31,900 emerging leaders drawn from communities, professional groups, youth networks, and civic platforms. According to the organisers, the initiative is intentionally inclusive, extending leadership opportunities beyond individuals with traditional access to political power.

Inspired by the leadership philosophy of Tonye Patrick Cole, the programme redefines leadership as a discipline rooted in service, ethics, and public accountability. “Leadership should never be accidental,” Cole said. “COLE2Lead is about preparing people to lead with clarity, competence, and a deep sense of responsibility to the public.”

The organisers disclosed that the programme will establish 23 virtual learning hubs and deliver governance and policy training across 319 wards in Rivers State. Participants, including members of civic movements such as FREE2RUN Rivers, will take part in workshops, mentoring sessions, and practical engagements designed to strengthen ethical decision-making and public-service orientation.

A programme representative explained that COLE2Lead aims to demystify governance by equipping participants with practical tools to understand policy processes and lead with credibility at different levels of public life. Governance stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing leadership accelerators focused on ethics and competence as essential for restoring public trust and ensuring sustainable political renewal across the state.

Dangote signs $400m deal to expand refinery to 1.4m barrels per day

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Dangote signs $400m deal to expand refinery to 1.4m barrels per day

Dangote Group has signed a $400 million construction equipment agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

The expansion is expected to position the refinery as the largest in the world. Under the agreement, the Group will acquire a wide range of advanced construction equipment to support ongoing and upcoming projects across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture and large-scale infrastructure development.

The newly acquired equipment will complement existing assets already deployed for the refinery expansion, which is projected to be completed within three years.

Beyond refining, the expansion programme will significantly increase production capacity across several business lines. Polypropylene production will rise from 900,000 metric tonnes per annum to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum. Urea capacity in Nigeria will be tripled from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum, in addition to the existing 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity in Ethiopia. This move will strengthen the Group’s position as the largest urea producer globally.

Production capacity for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) will increase to 400,000 metric tonnes per annum, positioning the Group as the largest producer in Africa and boosting supply to the detergent and cleaning agents manufacturing industry. The broader expansion programme also includes additional base oil production capacity.

In a statement, the Group described the agreement as a strategic investment aimed at deepening its construction footprint and accelerating its ambition to build a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.

“The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects. With this investment, we are positioning ourselves to become the number one construction company in the world,” the statement said.

Dangote Group is currently accelerating expansion and regional market development as it advances toward its long-term vision of building a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.

Sterling HoldCo Fully Recapitalises Sterling Bank and AltBank

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Sterling HoldCo Fully Recapitalises Sterling Bank and AltBank

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has confirmed that its core banking subsidiaries, The Alternative Bank (AltBank) and Sterling Bank, are fully recapitalised in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) revised minimum capital requirements, following final regulatory approvals received in January 2026.

The company disclosed that its capital-raising programme was substantially completed between December 2024 and October 2025, placing the Group well ahead of the 2026 industry deadline set by the CBN.

In December 2024, Sterling HoldCo completed a N75 billion private placement, raising N73.86 billion in net proceeds. According to the Group, N68.8 billion of the proceeds was allocated to Sterling Bank, while N5 billion was injected into The Alternative Bank to strengthen the capital base of both institutions.

The exercise was followed by a N28.79 billion rights issue, which recorded an oversubscription of N10.29 billion. After receiving regulatory approvals in May 2025, the company allotted N26.639 billion under the rights issue, while the oversubscription was restructured into a private placement. This restructuring enabled AltBank to meet the capital requirement for non-interest banks with national licences.

In October 2025, Sterling HoldCo further reinforced its capital position through an N88 billion public offer, which also recorded an oversubscription. The company stated that the CBN has cleared the full amount of N96.69 billion for recognition as additional capital. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also approved the allotment of 13,812,239,000 shares.

In total, the Group injected N153 billion into Sterling Bank and The Alternative Bank, bringing both institutions into full compliance with the revised capital requirements.

Speaking on the development, Group Chief Executive Officer, Yemi Odubiyi, said the recapitalisation strengthens the Group’s capacity to support economic activities while maintaining financial resilience.

“This exercise goes beyond regulatory compliance. It positions us to expand credit responsibly, accelerate innovation and provide sustained support to businesses and households, while maintaining the discipline required in a challenging operating environment,” he said.

Odubiyi added that fully capitalising both Sterling Bank and The Alternative Bank reinforces the Group’s dual-bank structure and strengthens its ability to serve both conventional and non-interest banking segments.

“Our structure enables efficient deployment of capital across complementary markets and positions us to respond with agility to evolving customer needs,” he said, noting that strong investor participation reflects confidence in the Group’s governance and long-term strategy.

Plateau Trains 120 Youths on CNG Conversion and Safety

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Plateau Trains 120 Youths on CNG Conversion and Safety

The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Thermolinks Limited, has inaugurated a five-day training programme on Compressed Natural Gas conversion, safety and maintenance for 120 youths in the state.

The programme was declared open on Monday at the Federal Secretariat in Jos by the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang. She said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s National Gas Expansion Programme, which is designed to promote cleaner, safer and more affordable energy options across the country.

Piyo emphasised that the training reflects the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and environmental sustainability. She stated, “Youth development remains a top priority of our administration.

“This training goes beyond gas conversion; it equips our young people with practical, market-driven skills that open doors to entrepreneurship and active participation in Nigeria’s evolving energy economy.”

She commended the NCDMB for extending the programme to non-oil-producing states like Plateau, describing the move as a clear demonstration of national inclusion and commitment to indigenous capacity building.

The Project Director of Thermolinks Ltd., Mr Tonye Briggs, revealed that Plateau is the fifth state to benefit from the programme. He praised what he described as exceptional support from the Plateau State Government compared to other states.

Briggs explained that the training is highly practical, combining classroom-based theoretical sessions with real-time vehicle conversions. “Each participant will receive a starter toolkit and two certificates, one backed by the Federal Government and another by the programme partners. Their names will also be uploaded to a national database of certified CNG technicians,” Briggs stated.

He highlighted the increasing demand for CNG technicians nationwide, noting that over 70 per cent of newly introduced heavy-duty trucks across the country now run on CNG, with thousands more deployed in recent times.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, described the initiative as a novel and timely innovation for Plateau State. He disclosed that the government is working on partnerships to establish a CNG conversion centre in Jos.

Jatau appealed for accelerated federal support to provide CNG refilling infrastructure, stressing that access to gas supply remains a major challenge.

The General Manager of the Plateau State Energy Services Corporation, Engr. Ponzing Gamde, said the programme offers dual benefits to the state. “This programme is a major gain for Plateau State. It promotes clean energy, reduces environmental degradation and equips our youths with skills they can turn into a sustainable occupation.

“It is both an empowerment initiative and an environmental intervention,” Gamde said.

FG Plans BOI Loans for 26,000 IDEAS TVET Trainees

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FG Plans BOI Loans for 26,000 IDEAS TVET Trainees

The Federal Government has disclosed plans to provide soft loans from the Bank of Industry (BOI) to about 26,000 trainees under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) TVET initiative, as part of efforts to reduce youth unemployment and promote self-reliance.

The IDEAS Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project is a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training system and equipping young people with practical, employable skills.

The National Project Coordinator for the IDEAS project, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, made this known on Friday during a visit to Wavecrest College in Surulere, Lagos. Officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and representatives of the World Bank interacted with trainees undergoing Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the institution.

Ogwu explained that the ministry is seeking partnership with the BOI to secure soft loans for trainees after graduation, enabling them to scale up their businesses.

“At the end of the programme, the federal ministry intends to give the trainees starter packs. We are training them not to roam the streets in search of government jobs but to become self-reliant,” she said.

“The ministry is also liaising with the Bank of Industry to get them soft loans with which they can do something meaningful.”

She urged the trainees to take the programme seriously, describing it as a major investment by the government.

“If the Federal Government can take loans to train Nigerians, then the trainees must take it seriously because it will earn them a living. The essence is to reduce youth unemployment,” she said.

Ogwu revealed that the current batch comprises about 26,000 trainees. She added that a previous cohort had 14,000 participants, while the pilot phase trained 1,050 individuals.

According to her, the six-month programme for the current batch began on January 12, 2026, while Batch One commenced on October 12. She disclosed that another cohort of about 30,000 trainees is expected by the end of March.

She stressed that the IDEAS project of the Federal Ministry of Education was specifically designed to reduce unemployment by equipping youths with practical skills that can translate into income-generating opportunities.

According to her, the Federal Government is prioritising skills acquisition as a strategy to tackle unemployment and take young people off the streets.

She again urged beneficiaries to remain committed to their training to ensure they can earn a living independently at the end of the programme.

“The Federal Government has budgeted substantial funds for TVET. There is also additional support from the World Bank to promote TVET education in Nigeria,” she added.

Ogwu explained that training service providers under the project engage external tutors to support trainees as the programme progresses, ensuring that participants receive both technical and practical exposure.

“We have over 400 centres currently running under this project. In addition to that, the Ministry of Education is also running TVET centres, bringing the total to over 3,000 centres nationwide. Many Nigerian youths have been writing and appreciating the Minister of Education for initiating this programme,” she said.

Also speaking during the visit, Scherezad Latif, Practice Manager for Education for West and Central Africa at the World Bank, described Nigeria as one of the institution’s largest education programmes.

She said the visit was aimed at reviewing the minister’s TVET initiative as well as the World Bank-supported IDEAS project.

“We are proud to be part of the government’s programme and to see the results achieved, particularly here at Wavecrest College,” she said.

Latif described Wavecrest College as a model in hospitality training and expressed satisfaction with the level of motivation and clarity of purpose shown by the trainees.

“With what we have seen, we are impressed with the students’ motivation and their clear vision of why they are here and what they hope to achieve,” she said.

The Deputy Provost of Wavecrest College and NSQ Project Coordinator for the institution said the goal of the training is to equip participants with employable skills in the hospitality industry while linking them to job opportunities.

“We are combining training with employment prospects. By the end of the programme, participants would have acquired the necessary technical and hospitality skills to secure jobs,” she said.

She explained that the training modules include catering and hospitality management, food production, food service, front office and customer service, as well as housekeeping operations.

“The idea is to prepare them to work in any hospitality outlet. They can also choose to specialise in any of the modules,” she added.

She encouraged trainees to maximise the mentorship sessions and life skills classes embedded in the National Skills Qualification framework.

“There is a combination of theory and practical sessions. We are nurturing their dreams using the curriculum provided by the government,” she said, noting that the IDEAS project is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank.

One of the trainees, Ihedioha Ifeanyichukwu of the NSQ 2026 Batch A, said he applied for the programme after seeing flyers online and was selected following a physical screening.

“I see myself working in a five-star hotel at a management level. I also see myself owning my own establishment and building it to where I want it to be,” he said.

He added that the training had broadened his understanding of the hospitality industry and given him clearer direction.

“The Federal Government has done its part; it is left for me to work hard. We have a three-month internship, and I am working towards being retained wherever I am posted and saving from my allowance to start my own business,” he said.

ICSP Opens Recruitment for State Coordinators Across Nigeria

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ICSP Opens Recruitment for State Coordinators Across Nigeria

The Institute of Cyber Security Professionals (ICSP) has announced a nationwide call for applications to appoint State Coordinators across all 36 states and the FCT. The initiative is aimed at strengthening cybersecurity awareness, capacity building, and digital resilience throughout Nigeria.

Selected coordinators will represent ICSP in their respective states and lead efforts to expand cybersecurity knowledge. Responsibilities include organizing trainings, workshops, and awareness programmes, as well as building partnerships with government institutions, schools, and private organizations. Coordinators will also mobilize members, grow the cybersecurity community, report state activities, and support national initiatives driven by the institute.

Applicants must possess a minimum of HND or BSc qualification, preferably in ICT or a related field. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong leadership and coordination skills, a passion for cybersecurity and professional development, and the ability to engage key stakeholders and institutions effectively.

Interested applicants should send their CV and a Statement of Interest to info@icspng.com with the subject line: State Coordinator Application (Your State).

Presidency Launches JusticeTechNG Demo Day with N22m Prize Pool

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Presidency Launches JusticeTechNG Demo Day with N22m Prize Pool

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology, in collaboration with Arravo, has announced plans to host the JusticeTechNG Demo Day in Abuja on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with a total prize pool of N22 million for winning teams.

The announcement was made in Lagos during a press briefing addressed by the Chief Executive Officer of Arravo, Dr Ayo Adeboye, who formally read the press release outlining the objectives and structure of the initiative. He described JusticeTechNG as “a reform-driven innovation programme designed to deliver practical, technology-enabled improvements within Nigeria’s justice system.”

According to him, the initiative connects policy leadership with technologists, legal practitioners, judicial officers and justice sector institutions to develop solutions rooted in operational realities. He noted that the Demo Day would mark the conclusion of the JusticeTechNG Hackathon and Accelerator, where selected teams will present working prototypes addressing challenges such as case management inefficiencies, procedural delays, record administration gaps and access to justice constraints.

Dr Adeboye further disclosed that the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will serve as Chairman of the Occasion. He added that prizes will be awarded to outstanding teams, with the winner receiving N10 million, the first runner-up N7 million and the second runner-up N5 million to support further development and potential institutional deployment.

Joining the briefing virtually, the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology, Fernandes Marcus Obienu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovation to strengthen justice delivery. He emphasised that JusticeTechNG aligns with broader national reform objectives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and public confidence in the justice sector.

Also lending institutional support to the programme are leading legal practitioners, including Ugochukwu Obi and Omolade Afonja, Partners at Perchstone & Grays. Both Lawyers are providing advisory and strategic input to ensure that proposed technological solutions remain legally grounded, regulatorily compliant and practically implementable within existing justice frameworks.

The organisers stated that the hybrid event will bring together senior judicial officers, regulators, Lawyers, investors and justice sector stakeholders who will serve on the review panel. Media representatives and members of the legal and innovation communities have been invited to attend the Demo Day, expected to spotlight scalable solutions capable of transforming justice administration in Nigeria.

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