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NFSS deputy commander denies fake recruitment post

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NFSS deputy commander denies fake recruitment post

The Deputy Commander General of the Intelligence Department, Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. John C. Metchie, has issued a strong warning to the public regarding a fake recruitment advertisement circulating on Facebook. The post, shared through the page @allnigeriansecuritynews, falsely claims that the NFSS is recruiting 30,000 personnel and uses Dr. Metchie’s photograph to mislead unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a public notice and disclaimer released by Dr. Metchie, he stated clearly that the publication is “false and misleading,” stressing that “the NFSS is not conducting any recruitment at this time.” He further described the use of his name and image in the viral post as “unauthorized and fraudulent.”

The statement advised members of the public to “ignore, report, and avoid any engagement with this fake announcement.” Dr. Metchie warned Nigerians not to submit applications, make payments, or share personal information with anyone associated with the post, noting that such actions could lead to identity theft or financial loss.

He emphasized that all official NFSS communications are issued only through “verified official channels and not via random social media pages.”

Dr. Metchie concluded by dissociating himself from the fraudulent publication and warned those behind it to “desist immediately or face legal consequences.”

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Cross River Gov urges youths to apply for Navy and Army recruitment

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Cross River Gov urges youths to apply for Navy and Army recruitment

The Cross River State Government has called on all eligible and qualified indigenes to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment exercises into the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army to serve the nation with pride and dedication.

According to an official statement, the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Batch 38 Recruitment Exercise began on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, and will run until 31st October 2025. Interested applicants are to complete their online registration free of charge through the official portal www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng. The recruitment examination is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 29th November 2025, at various designated centres across the country.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army 90 Regular Recruits Intake online registration commenced on 29th September 2025 and will close on 14th November 2025. The process is also free of charge through the official portal https://recruitment.army.mil.ng. Successful applicants from Cross River State are expected to undergo screening at Eburutu Barracks in Calabar, which has been designated as the state recruitment centre.

His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, encouraged young people in the state to take these recruitment opportunities seriously. He said, “I urge all qualified Cross Riverians to seize this noble opportunity to build a career in service to our great nation. Let us uphold our proud heritage of discipline and valour while contributing meaningfully to national security and development.”

Bayelsa Gov seeks fair recruitment for indigenes into federal agencies

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Bayelsa Gov seeks fair recruitment for indigenes into federal agencies

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Nigerian Immigration Service and other federal agencies to review their recruitment policies to reflect fairness, justice, and equity in line with the principles of federalism.

Governor Diri made this appeal on Monday when the Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Zone G, Mrs Abolupe Oladoyin Bewaji, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Yenagoa. The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed concern that the current federal recruitment structure does not favour Bayelsa State due to its smaller number of local government areas.

He pointed out that recruitment into federal agencies is often based on the number of local government areas in each state, which places Bayelsa at a disadvantage because it has only eight local government areas, the fewest in the country.

According to him, “We are being short-changed because most of the time recruitment at the federal level is done based on the number of local government areas in the states. So if you are giving ten employment slots to each local government, there are states that will get more than 400 or 300 slots, while Bayelsa will have only 80 because it has only eight local government areas. So where is the fairness?”

Describing the policy as unjust and undemocratic, Governor Diri emphasized that Bayelsa, as one of the nation’s foremost oil and gas producing states, deserves fairer consideration in employment allocations. He urged the federal government to urgently address the imbalance to ensure the state has a sense of belonging in national employment exercises.

He also called on the Nigerian Immigration Service to establish a passport printing centre in Bayelsa to save residents from the stress and cost of traveling to other states for passport processing.

The Governor said, “We want you to urgently address the issue of printing passports outside our state. We want the production of passports to be done here to reduce the manhour and other costs. Bayelsa should not continue to be left out in the national system of passport issuance.”

Governor Diri commended the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller General of Immigration for the ongoing innovations and reforms being implemented in the service, particularly in the issuance of visas, passports, and diplomatic reciprocity.

He said, “First of all, I like to commend the Minister of Interior as well as the Comptroller General of Immigration for the innovations and reforms which we are now seeing, especially in the area of issuing of visas and passports and diplomatic reciprocity.”

The Governor, however, noted the need for more attention to be given to the country’s waterways, which he said serve as alternative entry routes into Nigeria.

“Clearly, we can see that you are doing fairly well on the land. But I think you need to do much more on the waterways because a lot of people are also coming into the country through the waterways,” he added.

Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to support the Immigration Service in ensuring effective service delivery within the state. “As a state, we are willing and ready to collaborate with you to carry out effective services in the state. We will be happy to support you provide the marine unit of immigration,” he stated.

He also appealed for a concessionary arrangement in future recruitment exercises by federal agencies to accommodate the peculiar situation of Bayelsa State. “That is why I’m appealing for some kind of concession. Bayelsa should be given additional slots whenever you carry out your recruitment exercises,” the Governor stressed.

Earlier in her remarks, the Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Zone G Headquarters, Mrs Abolupe Oladoyin Bewaji, said her visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government that would be mutually beneficial.

She described Bayelsa as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economy that deserves special attention from the Immigration Service. “Bayelsa State is a significant contributor to the economy of Nigeria that deserves special attention. The Immigration Service will continue to maintain professionalism and patriotism in our partnership with the state,” she said.

Mrs Bewaji commended the Bayelsa State Government for its continuous support to security agencies and identified border security, community engagement, and the smooth issuance of passports and visas as key areas for collaboration between the NIS and the state.

She was accompanied on the visit by senior officers from Zone G, including the Bayelsa State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Festus Atteh. Zone G of the Nigerian Immigration Service covers Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Enugu, and Anambra States.

GrowthGia opens ₦1 million business grant II

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GrowthGia opens ₦1 million business grant II

GrowthGia Technologies has officially opened applications for the GrowthGia Business Grant II, a funding program designed to support entrepreneurs building sustainable and scalable businesses in Nigeria. The initiative provides ₦1,000,000 each to five outstanding business owners selected from across various sectors.

According to GrowthGia Technologies, “the GrowthGia Business Grant II aims to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs with financial support and visibility to scale their businesses.” The program seeks to identify business owners with strong potential for growth and sustainability, while promoting innovation across key industries such as fashion, agriculture, food, retail, creative arts, and services.

Applications for the grant are currently open and will close on December 7, 2025. The initiative is fully digital, allowing entrepreneurs across Nigeria to participate virtually through GrowthGia’s platforms. Eligible applicants must be Nigerian business owners with CAC-registered enterprises, maintain an active social media presence, and demonstrate proof of scalability.

GrowthGia also stated that “only members of the GrowthGia Instagram community will be considered for this edition.” Applicants are required to submit a two-minute live video pitch alongside a pitch document prepared using the official template.

The selection process will take place in three stages: application filtering for eligibility, shortlisting of qualified candidates, and a final selection round where five winners will be chosen based on scalability, business impact, and growth potential.

Each of the five winning businesses will receive ₦1,000,000 in funding, as well as digital visibility within GrowthGia’s ecosystem. The winners will also gain networking and exposure opportunities designed to help them expand operations and improve sustainability.

GrowthGia explained that “this initiative is not just a grant; it is a commitment to helping entrepreneurs grow.” The program runs from October to December 2025, with winners announced after the application deadline.

Interested applicants can apply by visiting GrowthGia’s official Link.

UNDP announces NJFP 2.0 application date

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UNDP announces NJFP 2.0 application date

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced the launch of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, a new and improved version of the national youth empowerment initiative designed to connect high-potential Nigerian graduates with meaningful work experiences. The upgraded programme, funded by the European Union, is described as “a stronger, smarter version” that aims to build young Nigerians’ employability and professional skills while driving socio-economic development.

According to the UNDP, NJFP 2.0 is created to help graduates kickstart their careers, gain valuable real-world experience, and make a lasting impact in their chosen fields. “We’re excited to unveil NJFP 2.0, a stronger, smarter version of the programme designed to connect high-potential Nigerian graduates with real-world work opportunities across the country,” the agency stated.

Applications for NJFP 2.0 will officially open on 22nd October 2025 at 5:00 PM (WAT). Interested graduates are advised to get ready to apply and ensure all documents are prepared before the application portal goes live.

The programme is open to Nigerian citizens who are fresh graduates from any discipline, holding either a bachelor’s degree or HND certificate, and who graduated not earlier than 2022. Eligible applicants must have obtained at least a Second-Class Lower (2.2) for a bachelor’s degree or an Upper Credit for HND holders. Applicants must be 30 years old or younger, unemployed, and must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or possess a valid exemption certificate.

Applicants are required to provide a notarized degree certificate, NYSC certificate, CV, NIN slip, and BVN. The selection process will involve completing an online application form, a computer-based aptitude test, a psychometric assessment, and a short video submission answering the question, “What makes you the ideal NJFP Fellow?” Videos longer than 60 seconds or exceeding 10MB will be disqualified.

The UNDP encouraged young Nigerians to “stay tuned, set reminders, and get their documents ready,” adding that NJFP 2.0 will serve as a vital platform for youth employment and career growth in Nigeria.

FG unveils Nigerian farmers soil health scheme

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FG unveils Nigerian farmers soil health scheme

The Federal Government has unveiled the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) to enhance farmers’ understanding of soil management for improved productivity, quality produce, and higher income.

Speaking at the unveiling on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the scheme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security. He explained that the NFSHS is designed to promote sustainable land use, climate-smart agriculture, and regenerative farming practices.

Abdullahi said the initiative would revolutionise how farmers manage soil health by providing real-time insights into soil conditions to help them boost yields, cut costs, and adopt smarter farming methods. “The objectives include assessing soil health status, ensuring proper fertiliser use, promoting regenerative farming, enhancing food security, and enabling data-driven insights,” he said.

According to him, the benefits of the scheme include higher crop yields, better produce quality, sustainable land use, efficient input utilisation, and informed policy decisions. “The NFSHS provides information on what nutrients the soil has, what it lacks, and how to treat it right,” he added.

The minister explained that the initiative goes beyond science, as it empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge to succeed. “When a farmer understands their soil, they can plan better, harvest better, and pass on healthier land to their children. When we care for the soil, the soil cares for us. And when farmers are informed, they can thrive,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the launch was “the beginning of a new season, one where every Nigerian farmer cultivates with knowledge, power, and peace of mind for a renewed hope.”

Nigeria joins Commonwealth’s $2tn trade initiative

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Nigeria joins Commonwealth’s $2tn trade initiative

Nigeria has joined 55 other Commonwealth nations in a renewed global effort to unlock a projected two trillion dollars intra-Commonwealth trade market by 2030. The initiative aims to strengthen economic resilience, promote sustainable growth, and lift millions of people out of poverty.

The agreement was a major outcome of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting held on the sidelines of the ongoing World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., United States.

A statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, and posted on the ministry’s official X handle on Tuesday, confirmed that Nigeria’s delegation, led by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s trade and development agenda.

Uzoka-Anite stated that Nigeria was fully committed to working with other member nations to expand trade opportunities, deepen investment flows, and accelerate progress toward poverty reduction and job creation.

“With collective action and determination, the Commonwealth nations are set to achieve a brighter economic future, driving growth, prosperity, and improved livelihoods for millions across the Commonwealth,” the statement quoted Uzoka-Anite as saying.

According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, trade among member nations is, on average, 21 percent cheaper than trade with non-members. This is due to shared languages, legal frameworks, and institutional similarities that help reduce transaction costs and make economic partnerships more efficient. The Secretariat added that intra-Commonwealth trade could grow to two trillion dollars by 2030 if the bloc continues to invest in trade facilitation, connectivity, and innovation.

The Commonwealth, an association of 56 countries mostly made up of former British colonies, represents a population of over 2.5 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product exceeding 13 trillion dollars.

In June, during the Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Windhoek, Namibia, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey reaffirmed that the organisation’s primary goal remained the expansion of intra-Commonwealth trade to two trillion dollars by 2030. She emphasised that this would be achieved through enhanced cooperation in investment, digital trade, and sustainable finance.

Experts believe Nigeria’s involvement in the latest initiative could help attract more foreign investment and create new export opportunities for local industries. They also noted that this aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda and its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Addressing the session virtually, Botchwey described the current global economic period as “one of the most testing in modern economic history,” noting that rising debt levels, limited development finance, and increasing climate-related costs were major concerns for member nations.

“Growth is slowing. Debt vulnerabilities are rising. Development finance is tightening just when the climate crisis demands more of our resources. But if the storm is real, so too is the opportunity,” Botchwey said.

She called for the Commonwealth to harness what she referred to as the “Commonwealth Advantage”, which combines historical ties, institutional similarities, and strong trade linkages to enhance cooperation and economic resilience among member nations.

The Secretary-General also announced that 2026 would be designated the “Commonwealth Year of Resilient, Innovative, and Sustainable Debt,” marking 40 years of the bloc’s Debt Management Programme. This programme introduced innovative financial instruments such as blue bonds, catastrophe bonds, and the Commonwealth Meridian debt management system, which is currently in use in 41 countries.

Botchwey further revealed plans to establish a Resource Mobilisation Directorate aimed at attracting new funding from both traditional and non-traditional sources. The directorate will focus on financing digital education, skills development, and infrastructure projects across Commonwealth member states.

She urged governments within the Commonwealth to support the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation and to make early financial contributions to meet their commitments. According to her, increased institutional funding is vital for sustaining the bloc’s ongoing reform and resilience efforts.

“Our task is not merely to manage debt. It is to build a global financial architecture that is inclusive, responsive, and structured for shared prosperity,” Botchwey said.

She encouraged finance ministers to take advantage of the unity within the Commonwealth to drive economic transformation. “Let us turn our solidarity into prosperity,” she stated. “If we stand together, we can turn today’s headwinds into tomorrow’s pathways of growth and opportunity for every Commonwealth nation.”

Noella Foundation launches empowerment programs for Seyi Tinubu

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Noella Foundation launches empowerment programs for Seyi Tinubu

The Noella Foundation has announced a series of nationwide initiatives in celebration of its co-founder, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, marking his 40th birthday. Supported by friends and well-wishers, the initiatives aim to create lasting social impact across health, entrepreneurship, and education in Nigeria.

In a statement released by the Foundation, it said the activities were carefully designed to reflect the spirit of goodwill and collective service while addressing key areas of national development. According to the statement, the initiatives include health insurance coverage for 1,000 beneficiaries, donation of essential medication to sickle cell patients through partnerships with Crimson Bow and Genotype Foundation, and the distribution of 200 laptops to public schools across the country.

A representative of the Noella Foundation described the upcoming projects as a “celebration of purpose that extends beyond personal milestones into meaningful impact.” The representative added, “Marking Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday through initiatives that empower communities and support vulnerable groups reflects the values he embodies; empathy, service, shared responsibility, and collective responsibility. This celebration is powered by friends and well-wishers who have come together under the Noella Foundation to make a difference when and where it matters most.”

The Foundation explained that the healthcare initiative would provide free medical insurance for 1,000 Nigerians, giving priority to pregnant women and individuals living with sickle cell disorder. It also noted that essential medications would be distributed through two established non-governmental organisations to ensure that support reaches those in need efficiently and transparently.

On education, the Foundation stated that 200 state-of-the-art laptops would be distributed to public junior and senior secondary schools. This effort, it said, is aimed at improving digital literacy, enhancing learning outcomes, and preparing students to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global economy.

In addition to the laptop donation, the Foundation will organise a capacity-building digital training programme for 40 young Nigerians in specialised areas such as software engineering, data analytics, cloud computing, and product design. This, according to the Foundation, is part of its effort to equip young people with relevant skills for the modern job market and the tech-driven economy.

The entrepreneurship pillar of the programme will see the distribution of 40 SME Empowerment Kiosks across different regions of the country. The Foundation said this initiative is meant to support small business owners, promote entrepreneurship, and stimulate local economic growth.

“Through these acts of service, the Foundation reinforces its long-standing focus on empowering youth, supporting vulnerable populations, and fostering equitable access to education and healthcare. This milestone is a reminder that leadership is best measured by the lives we touch,” the Foundation stated.

Shell approves $2bn gas investment under Tinubu’s Reforms

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Shell approves $2bn gas investment under Tinubu’s Reforms

Shell has announced a $2 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for the shallow offshore HI Field in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 144, marking another major milestone in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The Federal Government described this as a significant boost under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Global Investment Confidence plan.

The announcement was made in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, through his X account (formerly Twitter). According to the State House release, “The new Non-Associated Gas (NAG) development project will deliver approximately 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) from 2028, equivalent to almost a third of the requirements of Nigeria LNG Limited’s Train 7 project.”

The Federal Government explained that the announcement brings total upstream investment commitments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to over $8 billion since President Tinubu took office in 2023. This achievement, the statement added, highlights the administration’s success in implementing reforms that have renewed investor confidence in the nation’s energy industry.

The HI Field project marks Nigeria’s third major oil and gas FID in the last 18 months, following the Ubeta Non-Associated Gas project and the Bonga North deepwater project. The Federal Government noted that these milestones demonstrate the country’s growing potential in harnessing its natural gas resources for both domestic and export purposes. It also stated that the Ubeta and HI gas projects together can supply up to 15 percent of the total feedgas requirements for Nigeria LNG’s Trains 1 to 7.

Since 2024, President Tinubu has issued targeted directives to drive reforms within the energy sector. These directives, coordinated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, have introduced fiscal incentives, regulatory clarity, simplified operating processes, and reduced contracting costs. The reforms have also shortened approval timelines to encourage faster project delivery and attract sustainable foreign investment.

President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Arowolo, said the investment marks a major turning point for Nigeria’s gas development agenda. Arowolo stated, “With the Ubeta FID and now the HI FID, we have secured the gas supply needed to make NLNG Train 7 not just possible, but transformative. These projects will significantly strengthen the reliability of Nigeria’s LNG exports to global markets while expanding LPG supply for domestic use, reducing imports, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and advancing clean cooking access for millions of Nigerian households. And this is only the beginning; more FIDs are on the horizon, proving that with the right policies in place, investment and impact follow.”

He added that the administration’s strategic direction in the oil and gas sector is focused on creating jobs, increasing gas availability for industrial use, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.

Shell’s Upstream President, Peter Costello, also confirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy growth. Costello said, “Following recent investment decisions related to the Bonga deep-water development, today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector, with a focus on Deepwater and Integrated Gas. This Upstream project will help Shell grow our leading Integrated Gas portfolio, while supporting Nigeria’s plans to become a more significant player in the global LNG market.”

He further explained that the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project will increase the nation’s LNG production capacity by 8 million metric tonnes annually, representing about 35 percent of current output. According to Costello, this expansion will reinforce Nigeria’s role in the global gas supply chain, boost domestic gas supply, promote job creation, stimulate small and medium enterprises, and drive economic growth in host communities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. “This major FID announcement by Shell, their second in one year, is a clear validation of our wide-ranging reform efforts and a signal to the world that Nigeria is fully open for business and investment,” President Tinubu stated.

Fringe Voices holds mentorship clinic for Bayelsa women

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Fringe Voices holds mentorship clinic for Bayelsa women

Fringe Voices Development Foundation (Fringe Voices) in partnership with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund has organized a mentorship and coaching clinic for students and young women in Bayelsa State. The event took place last Friday at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa, and attracted students from tertiary institutions and other young women across the state. The programme focused on career exploration, financial literacy, communication skills, leadership, and personal branding.

The clinic featured key speakers including the member representing Yenagoa Constituency One in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief (Mrs) Ayibnegiyefa Egba; Dr Oyintonyo Michael-Olomu, senior lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke; Tariere Egbegi, State Lead, Nigeria Bar Association Women Forum; and Mrs Bogofanyo Inengibo, Programme Director, FACE Initiative.

In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of Fringe Voices Development Foundation, Tare Maureen Amananaghan, said the mentorship and coaching clinic is part of the organisation’s continuous campaign to strengthen institutions, promote women’s rights, and end violence against women and girls in Nigeria. She explained that the project was designed to empower young women for leadership and improve their participation in politics and governance.

“The project seeks to empower young women for leadership and improve their political participation. It also focuses on overcoming barriers to women’s involvement in politics and governance and strengthening the underrepresented groups in our society,” Amananaghan said.

She added that the initiative also aims to enhance the impact of women-led and women-focused organisations in addressing gender-based violence through mentorship and capacity building. “Additionally, it is geared towards equipping our young women with the skills and knowledge to engage in policy influencing, advocacy, and decision-making processes. And to empower young women through mentorship and capacity building to become effective leaders in their communities, advocate for gender equality, and contribute to the prevention and response to gender-based violence,” she stated.

Speaking during the session, Dr Oyintonyo Michael-Olomu described the programme as timely, especially in an era where many young people are struggling to identify their purpose. “Being young shows threat and it’s better you catch your vision. For those of us that are young, we should focus on the vision, stay true to it, and build all the capacity that will make us great in that direction,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Bogofanyo Inengibo, Programme Director, FACE Initiative, highlighted the increasing challenges faced by young women in today’s society due to stereotypes and declining moral values. She noted that mentorship remains crucial in shaping the mindset of young women toward personal growth and productivity.

“It is obvious that young girls still need a lot of support and mentorship in directing their thoughts line to areas that would benefit them and enhance their productivity in future. I want to advise young ladies to put their focus in building themselves and capacity. They can hook up to somebody who they admire and is doing great in their field and allow themselves to be mentored,” she advised.

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