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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.”

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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.

Akwa Ibom extends iLoveAkwaIbom video challenge deadline

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Akwa Ibom extends iLoveAkwaIbom video challenge deadline

The Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board has announced an extension for the submission of one-minute videos for the #ILOVEAKWAIBOM Social Media Challenge. According to the board, the new deadline is now November 10th, 2025.

The extension, the board explained, aims to give more individuals the opportunity to participate and showcase their creativity. “This extension is aimed at giving more individuals the opportunity to participate in the #iLoveAkwaIbom challenge and creatively express their love for Akwa Ibom’s rich culture, traditions, cuisine, and people,” the statement read.

Citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom are encouraged to upload their entry videos on social media using the hashtag #iLoveAkwaIbom for a chance to win exciting prizes. The campaign promotes tourism, creativity, and cultural awareness across Akwa Ibom State.

NELFUND says ASUU strike will not affect student loan

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NELFUND says ASUU strike will not affect student loan

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reassured Nigerians that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will not affect its operations or the ongoing student loan process.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, The Morning Brief, on Tuesday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the institution remains confident that the current negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU, led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, will produce fair and positive outcomes.

“As you are aware, the strike has only just commenced, and I know that under the excellent leadership of the Honourable Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the negotiations will continue to move forward,” Sawyerr said.

Over the weekend, NELFUND approved the final reopening of its student loan application platform. This decision aims to allow tertiary institutions that have not yet completed their student verification exercises to do so.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday by the Director of Strategic Communications of the Fund, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the loan portal would be open from 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, to 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14.

Oluwatuyi explained that the extension was to ensure that all eligible students were captured and verified by their institutions as part of the ongoing 2024/2025 NELFUND student loan application process.

Sawyerr stated that NELFUND remains confident that the Ministry of Education’s plans will be fair and equitable. He also emphasized that the agency’s operations would not be affected by the industrial action.

“The ministry’s plans will seek to be fair and equitable and will derive the right results,” he said. “This development will not impact our operations because what the Federal Government has done with NELFUND is to put a scheme in place that addresses, in many ways, some of the issues in education.”

Sawyerr added that the fund’s operations are designed to continue regardless of temporary disruptions. “I don’t think this should be jeopardised at all,” he noted. “Even though the funding that NELFUND is providing is for students, the rest of the ‘pie,’ if you like, is also being addressed by the excellent leadership of Dr. Tunji Alausa. So I would not want to preempt those discussions, those negotiations, those positions.”

He stressed that NELFUND does not want students to suffer as a result of the strike and that the agency is carefully monitoring the situation before making further statements.

“The reality of it is that we don’t want to see students affected negatively in any way,” Sawyerr said. “Having said that, we need to be very close to the discussions and look closely at how this unfolds for us to begin to make pronouncements as to what will be affected by NELFUND.”

Sawyerr also explained that the fund is taking direction from the Ministry of Education as negotiations continue. “We are seeking guidance from the Honourable Minister, who is our leader in this regard, and I will take guidance from him as to the way this should move forward,” he said. “As of today, it will not affect upkeep, but the negotiations are ongoing, and we must be responsive to that.”

He reaffirmed that NELFUND’s focus is to complement other government efforts to ensure that education remains functional and effective in Nigeria. “I don’t want to make any pronouncements till I hear from the Honourable Minister, who will provide guidance because this is all part of the package to ensure education must work in Nigeria,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has dismissed the Federal Government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ directive, insisting that it will not be intimidated by threats.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, stated this on Monday while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He said the union remains united and committed to its demands, despite government pressure.

“We don’t respond to threats, and nobody can threaten us,” Piwuna said. He added that all academic bodies, including the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), are in full support of the ongoing strike.

Nigeriastartupact.ng previously reported that on Monday, the Federal Government issued a directive to universities to enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy on lecturers participating in the strike. The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13 and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

The circular expressed the government’s dissatisfaction with ASUU’s decision to embark on a nationwide strike despite ongoing discussions and appeals for dialogue.

“In line with extant provisions of labour laws, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the letter partly read.

Gombe Governor approves over 100 percent scholarship increase

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Gombe Governor approves over 100 percent scholarship increase

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved an over 100 percent increase in the scholarship allowance for students across all categories in Gombe State, reaffirming his administration’s strong commitment to education, inclusivity, and youth empowerment.

The approval fulfills the governor’s earlier assurance during his media chat on July 21, 2025, where he promised a significant increment and timely payment of scholarships. The development reflects his vision to make education the foundation of Gombe State’s development agenda and his dedication to good governance.

Since assuming office, the Inuwa-led administration has declared a state of emergency on education, implementing bold reforms and strategic investments aimed at revamping the sector. His policies are driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a sincere desire to fulfill his promises of lifting Gombe State to greater heights of progress and sustainable development.

In his inclusive approach, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has reviewed and expanded the list of scholarship beneficiaries to include students pursuing PhD, MSc, PGD, BSc, HND, NCE, ND, and Certificate programmes. This move ensures that students at every academic level benefit from the government’s commitment to quality education.

In addition, the governor approved an increment in allowances for persons with disabilities, shortly after the establishment of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. He noted that this initiative was designed to give people with disabilities “a gentle nudge” to encourage their active participation in education and development.

It will be recalled that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had earlier cleared all backlog scholarship allowances owed to students in previous years. This action demonstrated his administration’s readiness to strengthen student welfare and ensure that learners pursue their academic goals without unnecessary financial challenges. His consistent focus on education reform and inclusiveness highlights a transparent and people-centered governance style.

Meanwhile, the Gombe State Scholarship Board has announced that verification and screening exercises for all eligible students will begin soon, with specific dates and procedures to be released in due course.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s latest approval once again underscores his unwavering commitment to building a progressive, inclusive, and education-driven Gombe State where students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Unverified TVET training rules circulate online

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Unverified TVET training rules circulate online

Federal Ministry of Education (FME) ground rules for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme have surfaced online, sparking discussions among trainees and education stakeholders. The circulating document outlines several guidelines covering attendance, trainee conduct, assignments, professional commitment, and discipline. However, there is currently no official confirmation from the federal government regarding the authenticity of these rules.

According to a previous report by Nigeriastartupact.ng, the only officially recognized rule under the FME TVET programme is that every trainee must maintain at least 65% attendance throughout the training period. This requirement is necessary to qualify for the monthly stipend provided under the federal initiative.

The unverified document, however, claims that “Every participant is expected to comply with the following rules. Violation may lead to fines, suspension of allowance, or withdrawal from the program.”

Under the section on Attendance and Punctuality, the document lists that lateness of 15 minutes after class starts attracts a ₦1,000 fine, while absence for one full day could lead to withheld allowance or even withdrawal. It also states that missing a session of two hours carries a ₦5,000 fine and a compulsory retake, adding that trainees must maintain at least 65% attendance monthly to receive their allowance and certification.

For Conduct During Training, it states that “phones must be kept silent,” and using them during class attracts a ₦1,000 fine. Distraction or disrespect could lead to a ₦2,000 fine or suspension, while verbal abuse or fighting would result in immediate expulsion. It also mentions that any case of theft or sexual harassment would lead to expulsion and a report to the authorities.

On Assignments and Projects, the document specifies that all work must be submitted on time and that copied or plagiarized work would not be accepted. It further claims that all fines collected “shall be donated to charity or orphanages.”

These rules appear false because the federal government would never ask for money from trainees as penalties. Any TVET centre found imposing fines should be reported to the Federal Ministry of Education for prosecution.

Attached below is a copy of the rules:

Borno lawmaker launches ₦22.5m postgraduate scholarship

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Borno lawmaker launches ₦22.5m postgraduate scholarship

The Member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Engr. Satomi Ahmad, FNSE, has officially launched a Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme aimed at supporting 200 indigenes of Jere Local Government Area pursuing Master’s (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) degrees.

The scholarship programme, unveiled during a special ceremony attended by students, community leaders, academic stakeholders, and constituents, is designed to ease the financial burden of tuition, research, and other academic-related expenses for postgraduate students.

As part of the first phase of the initiative, each Master’s (MSc) student received a grant of ₦100,000, while each Doctorate (PhD) student received a grant of ₦150,000. A total of ₦22.5 million naira was disbursed directly to beneficiaries in this maiden edition of the programme.

Speaking at the flag-off event, Engr. Satomi emphasized the importance of education as a driver for development and innovation in the country. He said education remains a powerful tool for societal transformation and human capital development. “This scholarship programme is my way of giving back to the people of Jere. I strongly believe that education is the foundation for progress, and I am committed to supporting our young scholars to achieve their dreams,” he stated.

The lawmaker further assured that the scholarship would be sustained as an annual intervention. “This is not a one-time event. I intend to continue this support for postgraduate students every year throughout my tenure and even beyond,” Engr. Satomi added.

The Education Secretary of Jere Local Government, Dr. Mala Kulloma, commended the initiative, describing Engr. Satomi as a consistent supporter of education since he assumed office. He noted that the programme would greatly encourage academic excellence and motivate other leaders to invest in education.

One of the beneficiaries, Ali Galadima, a PhD student in Geography at the University of Maiduguri, expressed gratitude on behalf of the recipients. “We are truly grateful to Hon. Satomi for this generous support. It will go a long way in helping us focus on our academic goals without the constant worry of financial constraints,” he said.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of cash awards to some beneficiaries, while others received their scholarships through direct bank transfers, with many confirming payment alerts at the venue.

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