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Lagos disburses ₦12.5m grants to 50 women-focused NGOs

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Lagos disburses ₦12.5m grants to 50 women-focused NGOs

Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), led by the Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, has disbursed financial grants worth ₦12.5 million to 50 female-focused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) registered with the Ministry. The initiative aims to recognise their continuous efforts in promoting women’s empowerment, skills acquisition, and social welfare across Lagos State.

The event took place at the WAPA Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, with representatives of registered female-focused NGOs, Directors of the Ministry, and other stakeholders in attendance. The gathering reflected the State Government’s dedication to building strong partnerships with NGOs that work to enhance the welfare of women and vulnerable groups.

In her remarks, the Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to support credible organisations that share the vision of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in uplifting women and reducing poverty through empowerment and inclusion. She explained that the Grant-in-Aid initiative is a crucial part of WAPA’s ongoing plan to foster collaboration between the government and the non-governmental sector for sustainable social impact.

According to her, “The Lagos State Government recognizes the invaluable role NGOs play in complementing our efforts to improve the lives of women and families. Today’s grant is not just financial support; it is an investment in your dedication, compassion, and service to humanity.”

The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, praised the beneficiaries for their unwavering dedication to community service. She urged them to continue implementing impactful programmes that improve the socio-economic wellbeing of women and young girls, stating that development can only thrive through collaboration and compassion.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Folayemisi Adu, Executive Director of Hope Builders Skills Development and Acquisition Foundation, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, and the entire WAPA team for their continued support of grassroots NGOs. She assured that the grants would be effectively used to sustain initiatives that empower women and strengthen communities.

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Enugu schedules verification for community healthcare applicants

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Enugu schedules verification for community healthcare applicants

Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ENSPHCDA) has announced the verification exercise for applicants of the Community-Based Healthcare Workers program. The exercise will take place from 23rd to 25th October 2025 at the ENSPHCDA Office.

According to the agency, all shortlisted candidates are required to check their emails for their assigned verification dates. Applicants are advised to arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before their scheduled time. The agency stated that candidates must come in person and strictly follow all given instructions.

“All applicants are expected to appear in person for verification with a properly arranged and labelled file containing their required documents,” the agency said.

The checklist includes a passport photograph affixed on the file, a printed copy of the notification letter, the downloaded application form, a government-issued identification such as NIN or voter’s card, and a certificate of origin showing the ward and LGA. Candidates must also present relevant academic certificates such as JCHEW or SSCE/NECO/GCE, a letter of attestation of residence from their ward head, and a signed commitment to serve form.

The verification schedule released by ENSPHCDA shows that on 23rd October 2025, verification will hold for applicants from Enugu South at 9:00–9:30 am, Enugu North at 9:30–10:30 am, Aninri at 10:30–11:00 am, Isi Uzo at 11:00–12:00 noon, Nkanu East at 12:00–12:30 pm, Nkanu West at 12:30–1:00 pm, and Enugu East at 1:00–2:00 pm.

On 24th October, the schedule covers Nsukka (9:00–11:00 am), Igbo-Eze South (11:00–12:00 noon), Uzo-Uwani (12:00–1:00 pm), and Igbo-Eze North (1:00–2:00 pm).

The final day, 25th October, will feature applicants from Udi (9:00–10:00 am), Ezeagu (10:00–10:30 am), Oji River (10:30–11:00 am), Udenu (11:00–12:00 pm), Igbo Etiti (12:00–1:00 pm), and Awgu (1:00–2:00 pm).

SMEDAN opens N20 million Pitch Competition

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SMEDAN opens N20 million Pitch Competition

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has officially opened applications for the SMEDAN Pitch Competition – National MSME Conference Edition. According to the agency, the initiative offers a total of ₦20 million in grants to five outstanding entrepreneurs across the country.

“This year, we will be awarding a total of ₦20 million in grants to five outstanding entrepreneurs,” SMEDAN stated, describing the competition as “one unforgettable opportunity” for small business owners. The event aims to support innovation, resilience, and prosperity among Nigerian entrepreneurs, providing visibility and financial backing for promising ventures.

The agency explained that shortlisted participants will enjoy an all-expense-paid trip to Lagos State, where ten businesses will pitch live during the National MSME Conference. “This is your chance to pitch your business to a national audience that includes some of Nigeria’s most innovative minds,” SMEDAN said.

Eligibility is open to all Nigerian entrepreneurs, regardless of state of residence. Applicants are to visit smedan.gov.ng/msmeconference/ and complete the online form by submitting a one to two-minute video introducing their business, highlighting its products or services, and explaining how it reflects this year’s theme, “Building a Future of Innovation, Resilience, and Prosperity.”

Participants must also follow and tag @smedangov on social media and use the hashtags #SMEDANPitchCompetition, #SMEDANGov, #MSMEConference25, and #GROWNigerian. The deadline for submissions is October 28, 2025. SMEDAN emphasized that registration for the pitch competition is free.

News update (October 28, 2025):

The latest news is that the application deadline for SMEDAN pitch competition has been extended to 1st November 2025. The extension is to give interested applicants more time to pitch their business and stand a chance to win from the ₦20 million prize fund.

Girls scholarship beneficiaries Praise Yahaya as Gombe distributes atm cards

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Girls scholarship beneficiaries Praise Yahaya as Gombe distributes atm cards

Beneficiaries of the Girls Scholarship initiative in Gombe State have praised Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his continuous support towards improving girl child education in the state. This follows the ongoing distribution of ATM cards to female students under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.

The Gombe State Commissioner of Education, Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari, who also serves as the Chairperson of the AGILE Project Steering Committee, visited several schools to monitor the exercise. The scholarship program is designed to support 12,101 female students under the first cohort of the AGILE Project initiative.

Addressing beneficiaries and their caregivers, Prof Maigari said the support will further motivate adolescent girls to stay in school and complete their secondary education. “Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is always concerned to the flight of the younger generation who are our future leaders, particularly the Adolescent Girls,” she stated.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator of the AGILE Project in Gombe State, Dr Amina Haruna Abdul, explained that the ongoing distribution exercise followed the recent flag-off of the scheme by the Gombe State Government and will cover all public school beneficiaries.

The monitoring team also included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Donor Partners, Dr Ishiyaku Ibrahim Babayo, and the Director of School Services, Yusuf Muhammad.

Members of the School-Based Management Committees (SBMC), principals, and students expressed their gratitude, describing the initiative as the first of its kind in the history of the state. They said the scholarship program will go a long way in reducing financial barriers and empowering young girls to achieve their academic dreams.

Circulating memo claims NPower stipend payment will begin

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Circulating memo claims NPower stipend payment will begin

A fake internal memo is currently trending online, especially on Facebook, claiming to be from the N-Power programme. The document falsely notifies NPower beneficiaries that stipends will commence immediately upon the release of funds by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The fake document, titled “INTERNAL MEMORANDUM,” is addressed “To: All Departmental Directors / Programme Coordinators (NSIP)” and claims to be from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, dated 22/10/2025.

It carries the subject “COMMENCEMENT OF N-POWER PAYMENT UPON 2025 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION” and contains several noticeable errors and inconsistencies.

Part of the fake memo reads, “Following the recent approval and anticipated implementation of the 2025 Federal Budget, the Ministry wishes to notify all relevant departments and programme coordinators under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) that preparatory activities ror of ротлаганини of N-Power stipends will cominence immediately upon the release of funds by the Federal Ministry of Finance.”

It further states, “In line with the renewed directive of the Honourable Minister, all records, verified beneficiary data, and payment schedules must be updated and validated to ensure a smooth and transparent payment process. Departments are to liaise with the NSIP Accounts Unit and the Directorate of Finance and Administration to confirm readiness before disbursement begins.”

The document concludes by advising, “Beneficiaries are therefore advised to remain patient as all necessary administrative and financial processes are being finalazived. All concerned officers are expected to treat this memo with utmost urgency and ensure compliance.”

NPower stipend hopefuls are urged to take note that the above memo is not from the Federal Government.

Attached below is a copy of the fake memo in circulation:

Benue TSB orders compulsory licensing for all teachers

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Benue TSB orders compulsory licensing for all teachers

Benue State Teaching Service Board has issued a new directive for all teachers in the state to undergo compulsory licensing under the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. In a circular dated October 22, 2025, and referenced BN/TSB/GEN/35, the notice was addressed to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Makurdi.

According to the letter, the Executive Secretary of the Teaching Service Board, Hon. Bem Tseen, has instructed that “all professional teachers already with TRCN Certificate, both in classroom and administrative positions within the Teaching Service Board, in Benue State, should urgently fill the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria forms for category of license.”

The Acting Director, DPRSC, Ame Onah, who signed the circular on behalf of the Executive Secretary, stated that all filled forms must be submitted to Room 44 at the TSB Headquarters, Makurdi, on or before October 31, 2025. The letter emphasized punctuality and cooperation, saying, “We count on your punctuality and active engagement to make this a success.”

Attached below is the License Form to be filled and submitted:

Over 1,500 Gombe students verified in ongoing scholarship screening

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Over 1,500 Gombe students verified in ongoing scholarship screening

Over 1,500 students have been verified across various centers in Gombe State as the Scholarship Board commenced its screening and physical verification exercise. The process follows the approval by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, for more than a 100 percent increase in scholarship allowances for Gombe State students nationwide.

Despite the ongoing two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the verification officially began on Monday, 20th October 2025, showing the state government’s dedication to supporting students and promoting educational development.

The exercise is taking place simultaneously at the Scholarship Board premises, Gombe State University, and the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe. According to officials, over 1,500 students have already been successfully verified and screened across the designated centers.

Some students who participated in the exercise expressed their gratitude to the State Government, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the State Scholarship Board for their continued support. “We appreciate the Governor for this thoughtful gesture,” one of the students said. Another student added, “We hope the disbursement follows immediately after the screening so we can focus more on our studies.”

The verification exercise is expected to continue until every eligible student is verified and cleared to receive their scholarship allowances.

FG, University of Uyo to train youths under NASAP artisans programme

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FG, University of Uyo to train youths under NASAP artisans programme

The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to train and provide job opportunities for Nigerian youths through the National Artisans Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP). The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, disclosed this when he received a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development led by its Director, Ambassador Ernest Essien.

Ata stated that the Ministry is ready to collaborate with the Centre to equip Nigerians with relevant skills and resources needed to bridge the labour gap across the country. He said, “We are going to continue to interact with you so that we work on areas of common grounds. The Ministry will assist you as we factor your needs into our 2026 budget so that we can provide all the necessary assistance and support to carry out this project.”

The Minister commended the Centre for its comprehensive skills development and acquisition programmes, describing them as being in line with the Ministry’s NASAP initiative, which aims to produce skilled workers for the nation’s labour market. According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to empowering young Nigerians by giving them access to training, digital certification, and employment opportunities in key sectors such as construction, housing, and infrastructure development.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said the Centre’s youth empowerment and training initiatives align with NASAP’s goal of supporting the Ministry’s broader mandate of providing affordable housing and promoting infrastructural growth nationwide. He emphasized that both parties would identify a common platform to collaborate and advance youth employment, skill acquisition, and job creation in Nigeria.

Earlier, Ambassador Ernest Essien, the Director of the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development, said the delegation’s visit was aimed at seeking a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on skill acquisition and job creation, especially in Akwa Ibom State.

He commended the Federal Government for supporting Nigerians from various backgrounds through capacity-building and technical training that enhance their employability and competitiveness in the labour market. Essien noted that the Ministry’s focus on mass housing and infrastructural development requires a strong base of skilled manpower to achieve its goals.

“The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is focusing on housing and infrastructural expansion and needs skilled and reliable workforce towards its national projects, and that is where we are coming in,” Essien said. “We are proposing to come in to create that skilled workforce through tertiary artisan students. This is to ensure that graduates are certified and ready to contribute to the Ministry’s goal.”

He further added, “We appreciate and commend the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for initiating to train and digitally certify and integrate ten thousand construction artisans annually with job opportunities over a three-year period.”

$450m Stellar Steel plant to begin operations in Ogun by 2026

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$450m Stellar Steel plant to begin operations in Ogun by 2026

A new $450 million steel-producing company, Stellar Steel Company Limited, is set to commence operations in Ogun State by the middle of 2026. The investment, from Stellar Steel Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Galaxy Group and RSIN Group based in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, is designed to produce hot-rolled coil steel, iron steel doors, and gas cylinders, a development projected to cut Nigeria’s steel import costs significantly.

During a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Vice Chairman of RSIN Group, Mr. You Xiaotan, confirmed that the project was progressing on schedule and would be completed next year.

“Stellar Company Limited is the biggest investment for our whole group in Nigeria. We are here to give an update to His Excellency that our project is going very smoothly. We have already finished all the levelling and foundation work, so everything is under schedule. The total investment for this project is $450 million, and we will finish the project and commence operations next year,” Mr. Xiaotan said.

He also revealed that more companies from Fujian Province are being encouraged to invest in Ogun State, noting the region’s rapidly expanding industrial economy and supportive government policies.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun highlighted that Ogun State recently formalized a sister-state agreement with Shandong Province in China, a collaboration expected to attract more strategic industrial partnerships and foreign investments.

The governor pledged ongoing support to ensure investors experience seamless business operations through simplified approval processes and the prompt issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

“When the likes of you come here, it validates that we have done all that is needed to attract investors. Your presence translates to prosperity for our people because you create jobs and increase our Gross Domestic Product,” Governor Abiodun said.

“Thank you for coming to validate that Ogun State remains the industrial capital of Nigeria. We will continue to provide the necessary support and incentives to ensure your smooth operation,” he added.

Governor Abiodun further assured Stellar Steel of his administration’s commitment to facilitating waivers, tariffs, and reliefs through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to aid the company’s establishment and production timeline.

The arrival of Stellar Steel Company Limited reinforces Ogun State’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading destination for industrial growth and manufacturing investments.

FG unveils BHCPF guideline 2.0, approves N32.9bn disbursement

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FG unveils BHCPF guideline 2.0, approves N32.9bn disbursement

The Federal Government has officially launched the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Guideline 2.0 to improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and promote performance-based financing in Nigeria’s health system. The launch was announced during the 3rd Quarter 2025 Ministerial Oversight Committee Meeting of the Federal Ministry of Health on the BHCPF in Abuja.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the updated guideline will guide the disbursement of ₦32.9 billion to states and health facilities across the country before the end of October. He noted that this reform aims to ensure that every naira released through the BHCPF is effectively tracked and used to deliver better health services for Nigerians.

“The BHCPF Guideline 2.0 is designed to ensure that health resources are effectively used to deliver better services to Nigerians,” Professor Pate said. “We launched the BHCPF Guideline 2.0, which institutionalises performance-based financing and accountability and will guide the disbursement of ₦32.9bn to states and facilities before the end of October.”

He stated that the government remains committed to ensuring efficient use of public and partner funds in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for transparency and accountability in governance.

“In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s charge for transparency, accountability, and efficient use of public and partner resources, the Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee for the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative met today to review collective progress in strengthening Nigeria’s health system,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), launched in 2023, has aligned federal, state, and partner investments around one shared goal of delivering better health for Nigerians. He revealed that the initiative, operating through a Sector-Wide Approach, has achieved remarkable progress under its four pillars—governance, efficiency, value-chain optimisation, and health security.

“In the first two quarters of 2025, over 80 million visits were recorded at primary health facilities, four times more than in 2023,” he said. “More than 21 million Nigerians are covered under health insurance, over 11,000 pregnant women have received emergency care, 15,000 benefited from obstetric treatment, and more than 500,000 are enrolled in covered maternal care.”

According to him, data from facilities show a 12 percent drop in maternal mortality, while preventive health outcomes have improved nationwide. He said the integrated measles, rubella, polio, and neglected tropical disease campaign targeting 106 million children has achieved 92 percent coverage for measles and rubella, with strong results for polio and NTD interventions, especially in the northern states.

“These gains reflect the determination of governments, partners, and frontline health workers to extend essential services to every community,” he said.

Professor Pate further explained that the number of supported facilities will increase from 8,800 to 13,000, with a pathway to reach 17,000 through the HOPE Programme. Facility allocations have also been raised from ₦300,750 to between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 per quarter.

He added that evidence shows BHCPF-supported facilities perform better in immunisation, skilled birth attendance, and general service utilisation compared to others. To ensure transparency, he disclosed that a Joint Task Force (JTF) with ICP Nigeria has been activated to monitor fund usage at both facility and community levels.

“Data accuracy and integrity remain central to reform. Instances of overreporting of maternal and child deaths are being addressed through improved verification systems, digital reporting, and integration of NINs into health records,” he explained.

The Minister said the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has continued to grow, serving over 11,000 emergency patients in the last quarter and disbursing ₦470 million for care in 150 local government areas. Nigerians can currently dial 112 in 30 states, with nationwide coverage expected by December 2025.

To confirm ongoing improvements, Professor Pate said a Mini-Demographic and Health Survey will be conducted in 2026 to provide independent data on maternal and child health outcomes.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria’s health sector is redefining accountable governance, anchored on results, driven by integrity and inclusion, and turning reforms into real improvements in people’s lives,” he said.

He also issued a “Red Letter,” calling on every Nigerian to protect the health of the nation and support transparency in public health financing.

News report updated on October 23, 2025.

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