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C’River students launch entrepreneurship clubs, compete for N1m prize

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C’River students launch entrepreneurship clubs, compete for N1m prize

Senior secondary school students in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State are showing renewed interest in entrepreneurship following the launch of the People First Entrepreneurship Clubs and Competitions. The initiative, introduced by the state government through the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), is designed to build entrepreneurial skills and business creativity among young people.

Students from thirty government schools across the district took part in a masterclass where they shared innovative business ideas and discussed ways to turn their creativity into sustainable ventures. The program aims to help students understand how small businesses can grow into larger enterprises, a step that could support job creation and economic development in the state.

Many of the students praised the initiative and urged the government to expand it to all senatorial districts. Egbegwu Great-Favor from Agbo Comprehensive Secondary School, Egbori, said the entrepreneurship clubs should be replicated statewide so more students can gain valuable hands-on experience in business development.

Efem Gift Alaga from Community Secondary School, Itigidi, shared, “Entrepreneurship is about creating jobs and bridging the gap of unemployment.” She explained that the training inspired her to be more deliberate in helping her mother manage her local tabletop business. Agbor Favor Lifa from Yalankum Community Secondary School described it as his “first time learning about entrepreneurship” and thanked the state government for the opportunity.

The masterclass was led by Nissi Ibiang, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Clients’ Services at MEDA, who encouraged students to focus on action rather than just ideas. She urged them to identify problems within their communities and develop business solutions, noting that true entrepreneurship comes from problem-solving and innovation.

Program Coordinator Enwongo-Abasi Okon explained that the pilot phase is meant to nurture young minds and promote business development. According to her, one hundred schools will compete later for prizes worth up to 1 Million Naira and other rewards.

The event was attended by major education officials from the Central Senatorial District, including Education Secretaries Ekpae Ogar (Ikom), Enyianani Odohi (Abi), Arop John (Boki), Amba Ndifon (Etung), Mmanake Ubi (Yakurr), Ekoyi Ayami (Obubra), and Coordinating Supervisory Director Caroline Okongor.

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Ekiti Gov commissions three farm dormitories for food production

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Ekiti Gov commissions three farm dormitories for food production

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has revived the Farm Settlements initiative in the state by commissioning three farm dormitories under the Renewed Hope initiative. He assured that the state government will take firm steps to stop the activities of criminals attempting to undermine his food production policy.

Governor Oyebanji, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging farming through his national policy, vowed to tackle what he described as “unscrupulous elements and criminally minded individuals” determined to sabotage his agricultural efforts and make farming unsafe in the state.

The governor spoke during the commissioning of the Farm Dormitory located at Eporo Ekiti in Emure Local Government Area on Wednesday, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration. Similar farm dormitories were also commissioned in Iyemero and Ikere Ekiti, with the goal of increasing food production and reducing the rising cost of food across the state.

Represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji said the initiative was part of efforts to revive the moribund farm settlements originally built by the administration of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. According to him, “Another 13 new farm settlements have been created to give comfort to the youth farmers in their farming areas.”

He described the Renewed Hope farm settlements as unique, saying they incorporate technology-driven agricultural planning and innovation designed to attract young people into farming. He added that the state government was partnering with private firms to ensure Ekiti contributes significantly to national food production and achieve food security.

“With this project, the rural economy can be stimulated, especially with modular irrigation provided to make all the youth farmers work all year round,” Oyebanji said. “This will help them secure their future through financial gains that can support their families.”

Speaking further, he explained that the new dormitories would provide comfort for young farmers, enabling them to focus fully on their agricultural work. “Today, the dormitories we are commissioning in Eporo, Emure, and Iyemero are built to provide convenient abode, so that the youth farmers can enjoy the comfort of the city and won’t be distracted from their main focus,” the governor said.

He disclosed that about 5,000 youths have been employed through the initiative, which has also boosted the rural economy. “We are not unaware of the activities of the unscrupulous elements who wanted to sabotage our efforts. I am assuring you that I will work with security agencies to secure all the farm settlements, so that you can work and live here without any harassment or fear of being kidnapped,” he added.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, explained that the farm dormitory at Eporo Ekiti can accommodate about 200 farmers. He added that the facility is equipped with solar power lights and generating sets to provide a steady electricity supply, ensuring comfort for the youth farmers.

Boluwade revealed that about 300 hectares of land have been allocated to youth farmers in Eporo Ekiti, which has significantly reduced the cases of kidnapping and banditry that were once common in the area. To further support the agricultural transformation, the Commissioner announced plans to establish an Agric Transformation Centre worth over N20 million at Emure-Eporo axis.

According to him, the centre will include modern facilities for poultry, pet houses, and other farming activities aimed at boosting production and adding value to the state’s agricultural economy. He urged young farmers to make the best use of the opportunity provided by the government, noting that achieving food security in Ekiti remains a top priority of the current administration.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of YSJ Farms, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Joluwe, revealed that youth farmers under the firm’s supervision had recorded remarkable profits. “Between 2024 and now, our youth farmers made a profit margin of N800 million, and efforts are on to increase it to N1 billion before the end of the 2025 farming season,” she said.

Mrs. Joluwe praised Governor Oyebanji for his leadership and commitment to promoting commercial farming and youth employment in the state. She stated that the firm made a profit of N138 million in 2024 while operating in only three local government areas. “We have now expanded to 13 local governments, and our profit margin has grown to N800 million. We are confident that before the end of this year, we will close above N1 billion in profit,” she explained.

She added that the partnership between the state government and YSJ Farms has transformed food production in Ekiti State, making it one of the few states with the lowest food inflation rate in Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. “Today’s occasion is more than just the commissioning of a building; it is a celebration of vision, leadership, and partnership — the kind that transforms communities, empowers young people, and builds a better tomorrow,” she said.

Mrs. Joluwe, however, expressed concern over security challenges affecting young farmers, urging the governor to strengthen protection around farm settlements. “While we commend the ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture, we must not overlook some of the challenges faced by our young farmers. Insecurity has made many of them hesitant to return to their farms. We appeal to His Excellency to address these concerns swiftly, so that the youth farmers can continue their noble work with confidence, safety, and pride,” she said.

The Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, also commended the governor for his innovative steps toward revitalizing the agricultural sector in the state. He described the initiative as “a masterstroke that will revamp the sector and restore the confidence of farmers.”

“Before now, nobody could come to this axis because of the fear of kidnappers. You have succeeded in turning a dangerous zone into a zone of success,” the monarch stated. “All of you should go and get your voter cards. We will return votes that had never been witnessed in Emure Ekiti since 1999. We are grateful that you have restored orderliness here.”

A representative of the youth farmers, Mr. Olanrewaju Saliu, expressed appreciation to the governor for the various projects executed in the Eporo-Emure area, including cluster farming, the establishment of a health centre, and the renovation of schools. He assured that the youth farmers would reciprocate the government’s gesture in the next election.

Saliu also commended the governor for ensuring security around the farm areas, noting that the establishment of a military post near the dormitory and farming sites had boosted farmers’ confidence. “The governor has been fair to Eporo-Emure through several developmental projects. The siting of a military post close to our farms will change the face of farming in the state and turn Ekiti into a food basket of Nigeria,” he said.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has continued to emphasize food security, youth employment, and economic growth through strategic agricultural investment. The revived farm settlements and newly built dormitories under the Renewed Hope initiative are expected to create more employment opportunities, reduce rural-urban migration, and strengthen the state’s contribution to national food supply.

The commissioning of these farm dormitories in Eporo, Emure, Iyemero, and Ikere marks another milestone in Ekiti State’s effort to modernize agriculture, improve rural livelihoods, and achieve food self-sufficiency, while ensuring that farming becomes a profitable and secure venture for the younger generation.

FG empowers 250 Edo women, youths on production, start-up capital

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FG empowers 250 Edo women, youths on production, start-up capital

There was excitement in Owan-West Local Government Area of Edo State as the Federal Government empowered 250 women and youths with entrepreneurial skills and start-up capital to boost self-reliance and local production.

The three-day intensive training, held at the Uhonmora Civic Centre, was organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in collaboration with GGF Nigeria Limited. The programme focused on the production of disinfectants, bleaching agents, and odour control items. It combined both theoretical and practical sessions to give participants hands-on experience in small business development and manufacturing.

Addressing participants, the lead consultant of the programme, Magbagbeola Abass Adebayo, explained that the empowerment initiative was designed to promote self-employment and reduce poverty through skill acquisition and business support. He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the start-up funds to establish small-scale businesses in their communities.

“The rationale behind this initiative is to equip you with sustainable skills and provide the seed capital to help you start immediately. Please ensure you put the funds to productive use and avoid wasteful spending,” Adebayo advised.

Also speaking, one of the facilitators, Mrs. Aisha Oladipo, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve their living conditions and support their families. She said, “Empowerment begins with the right mindset. What you’ve learned here can transform not just your life, but your entire community if applied diligently.”

The Vice President of Uhonmora Ora Progressives Union Worldwide, Mrs. Evangelina Agbai, commended the Federal Government and the programme organizers for bringing a life-changing initiative to Owan-West. She urged participants to remain disciplined and focused in using their skills and start-up capital to build sustainable enterprises.

“This is a golden opportunity. I urge all beneficiaries to take this seriously and ensure that the start-up capital is used for the purpose it was meant for building a business and empowering others,” she stated.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the empowerment scheme, pledging to make good use of both the training and the capital to improve their livelihoods.

The closing ceremony featured product demonstrations, certificate presentations, and distribution of items produced during the practical sessions. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to enhance local production, reduce unemployment, and promote entrepreneurship among women and youths across Nigeria.

Adamawa hospital Board begin appointment letter collection

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Adamawa hospital Board begin appointment letter collection

Adamawa State has announced the collection of appointment letters for newly recruited medical professionals under the Hospital Services Management Board, Yola. The notification follows the approval of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, who approved the recruitment of qualified medical professionals to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.

According to the management, “all successful candidates are hereby notified to visit the official recruitment portal at https://hsmb-adamawa.ng/shortlist to print their Notification of Offer of Appointment.” Candidates are advised to proceed to the Hospital Services Management Board Headquarters, Yola, for collection of appointment letters and documentation starting from October 30, 2025.

Applicants are required to come along with their notification of appointment slip for verification and processing.

PLASMIDA trains Plateau youths on digital learning

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PLASMIDA trains Plateau youths on digital learning

The Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) continues to strengthen its efforts in building a skilled and empowered workforce across Plateau State. On Day 2 of the ongoing Employability Skills Training, the focus shifted to Digital Learning through the ATINGI Platform, giving participants access to self-paced online education aimed at improving employability, confidence, and professional growth.

During the session, participants were guided on how to explore, enroll, and complete online courses that enhance personal and career development. Many trainees expressed excitement after successfully completing their first digital courses.

The Director General of PLASMIDA, Hon. Bomkam Wuyep, described the initiative as “a major step toward preparing Plateau’s youth for the digital economy,” emphasizing that it aligns with the 4th Policy Thrust of His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State — Human Capacity Development and Education.

Through the ATINGI platform and other digital tools, PLASMIDA continues to promote skill acquisition, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in Plateau State.

Lagos health service conducts cbt exams for medical job applicants

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Lagos health service conducts cbt exams for medical job applicants

Applicants who applied online to the Lagos State Health Service Commission (HSC) and met all requirements, including possessing the necessary documents, were invited for a Computer-Based Test (CBT) examination as part of the Commission’s recruitment process. The exercise underscores the importance the Lagos State Government places on creating employment opportunities for its growing youth population.

The examination, which covered all categories of vacancies advertised over three weeks, took place within the premises of JKK along Ikorodu Road, Lagos. Scores of applicants, including nursing mothers and pregnant women, arrived early for the one-day assessment aimed at selecting qualified candidates for various medical positions.

Officials from the Career Management Department, alongside representatives from other concerned departments and units, were present to verify certificates, letters of invitation, and other identification documents to ensure transparency and prevent discrepancies.

Speaking during the event, the new Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Cecilia Abimbola Mabogunje, encouraged candidates to remain focused and give their best. She said, “I look forward to working with some of you,” while advising them to avoid any actions that could jeopardize their chances of success. Dr. Mabogunje further stated that only applicants who performed excellently in the CBT would be shortlisted for the oral interview phase, adding that final selection would be based strictly on merit.

The Permanent Secretary also toured the examination venue, visiting different floors to assess the process and monitor applicants as they participated in the test. She engaged officials from JKK and the Director of Career Management, asking pertinent questions to better understand the flow of the exercise.

Dr. Mabogunje, who is overseeing her first recruitment exercise as Permanent Secretary, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, organization, and general conduct of the candidates and officials during the event.

The Director of Career Management, Mrs. Funke Ojo, explained that the recruitment exercise is a yearly programme approved by Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu under the Global Employment System. She noted that the Commission ensures the entire process remains transparent and hitch-free.

Vacancies advertised include positions for consultants in various specialties, senior registrars, medical officers, dental officers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists, radiographers, nursing officers, and dental therapists. Other roles include pharmacy technicians, medical lab technicians, medical house officers, and interns in several medical disciplines.

NDE plans skill Centre in Kogi after DPU visit

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NDE plans skill Centre in Kogi after DPU visit

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is moving to support community empowerment in Dekina, Kogi State, through a new skill acquisition initiative. The Dekina Progressive Union (DPU), led by Mallam Abubakar Abdulaziz, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the NDE, His Excellency Silas Ali Agara, to discuss plans to convert their facility into a skill development centre.

The proposed centre will provide vocational training in areas such as clothing design, weaving, hair dressing, barbing, electrical work, carpentry, welding, and cosmetology. This effort is aimed at helping residents of Dekina gain employable skills that can improve their livelihoods and contribute to the growth of Kogi State’s economy.

During the meeting, the NDE Director General encouraged the team to liaise with the Director of the Small Scale Enterprise Department, Hajia Shettima Amina-Lewa, to learn about the necessary protocols and procedures to meet NDE standards. He added that with the 2026 budget still under consideration, “there’s an opportunity for the centre to be included in the upcoming training programmes if it meets the required standards.”

FG urges South East businesses to use ECOWAS trade scheme

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FG urges South East businesses to use ECOWAS trade scheme

The Federal Government has called on the business community in the South East to take advantage of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) to enhance international trade and boost regional economic growth.

The ETLS, established in 1979, remains one of ECOWAS’s major trade instruments designed to promote regional integration and facilitate duty-free access for goods produced within the West African region. The scheme aims to encourage free movement of goods and services across member states, strengthen intra-regional trade, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their market reach.

Speaking in Enugu on Tuesday during a one-day workshop on modalities for participation in the ETLS, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, emphasized the importance of the initiative for regional growth. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ECOWAS National Unit in collaboration with the Enugu State Government.

Ojukwu described the programme as a timely initiative aimed at deepening regional integration through trade and empowering small businesses. “This initiative is timely, as it speaks directly to the urgent task before us, which is to deepen regional integration, expand cross-border trade, and empower our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to enable them to take their rightful place in the vast West African market,” she said.

She further noted that SMEs remain the “engine room” of the Nigerian economy, generating employment, driving innovation, and promoting inclusive prosperity. According to her, strengthening small businesses is not just a national priority but also a regional necessity that aligns with Africa’s broader economic ambitions.

“The ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme is not just a technical instrument, it is a strategic pillar of West Africa’s integration agenda. As the oldest operational trade policy of ECOWAS, it underpins the free movement of goods and services, complements the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, and anticipates the broader framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Ojukwu stated.

She added that the ETLS represents both a gateway and a test case for Africa’s economic renaissance. “For Nigeria, as the largest economy in the region, leadership in this process is not optional, it is expected. Yet, the true measure of success lies not in Abuja or Lagos alone, but in how effectively local entrepreneurs, our traders, manufacturers, and innovators, are enabled to compete and thrive regionally. This workshop, therefore, is about democratizing opportunity, equipping SMEs with the knowledge, skills, and networks to transcend local boundaries and embrace the wider West African market,” she explained.

The minister lamented that despite the benefits of the scheme, participation remains low, as many stakeholders, including SMEs, traders, and public sector players, are still unaware of the ETLS’s potential advantages, eligibility criteria, and implementation process. She stressed that greater sensitization and collaboration are needed to ensure that local producers can benefit fully from duty-free export opportunities across the region.

“The objective of the ETLS Sensitization Programme in the South East is to promote understanding of the ETLS and to engage targeted stakeholders on how best to leverage the scheme,” she said.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and financial institutions to support local industries to ensure they can compete effectively within the ECOWAS subregion.

Mbah expressed concern over the challenges faced by small-scale industries in accessing financial assistance, noting that financial institutions such as the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Bank of Industry, and Bank of Agriculture often require collateral that many entrepreneurs cannot provide.

He said, “Many small-scale industries are not growing because they find it difficult to get financial assistance since financial institutions demand collateral before granting loans.”

Mbah called for the removal of trade barriers and financial bottlenecks that hinder growth, such as high-interest rates and stringent loan requirements. He stressed that true trade liberalization would only be achieved when local businesses are supported to expand and compete across borders.

He also lamented the decline in industrial performance in recent years, recalling a time when local industries flourished. “In the past, companies were doing well, trade was blossoming as Peugeot was producing in Kaduna, shoes were made in Aba, and ANAMMCO and other companies were thriving. But now, all seem to have nosedived,” he regretted.

The workshop concluded with calls for increased awareness, access to financing, and stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to maximize the benefits of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional trade.

Check: CDCFIB 2025 shortlisted candidates list

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Check: CDCFIB 2025 shortlisted candidates list

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has announced the release of the list of shortlisted candidates for the 2025 recruitment exercise.

In a public statement from the Office of the Secretary, the Board stated that all candidates who applied for recruitment into the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) should visit its official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng starting from Thursday, 30th October 2025.

According to the notice, candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process and confirm their centres for the Computer Based Test (CBT).

The statement added that shortlisted applicants should “take note of the venue, date as well as time scheduled for the CBT.”

“All applicants are enjoined to take note of the Board’s portal address highlighted above to avoid being scammed,” it read.

CDCFIB further clarified that it “will not send emails or SMS to applicants. Visit our portal, and once shortlisted, update your profile to print your examination slip.”

Attached below is a copy of the notification.

PAP reaffirms scholarship is free, warns against making payments

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PAP reaffirms scholarship is free, warns against making payments

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has issued a public notice reminding Nigerians, especially people from the Niger Delta region, that its scholarship scheme is completely free. The agency emphasized that applicants for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are not required to make any form of payment.

In a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, the PAP stated, “The Presidential Amnesty Programme wishes to reiterate that its scholarship scheme is free of charge.” The management explained that the scholarship process does not involve any payment of money or any exchange for placement in institutions.

According to the notice, the clarification became necessary after several complaints reached the Office of the Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, concerning fraudulent individuals and some PAP stakeholders allegedly demanding money from parents and guardians with fake promises of admission.

“We have warned against this fraudulent act before now. No applicant, parent or guardian should pay money to anybody for the PAP scholarship programme. If you pay money to anybody, you do so at your own risk,” the statement added.

The PAP further warned that it will take strong legal and disciplinary actions against anyone found involved in such fraudulent activities.

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