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15000 farmers trained under NNPC smart agriculture initiative

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15000 farmers trained under NNPC smart agriculture initiative

No fewer than 15,000 farmers have benefitted from the Smart Agriculture Initiative of the NNPC Foundation aimed at improving agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria. The beneficiaries received intensive training under the NNPC Ltd/Gte Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme.

Emanuella Arukwe, managing director of the NNPC Foundation, stated this during the closing of the training exercise held on Saturday in Kaktungo, Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State. She described the programme as “a national journey toward resilience, food security, and economic empowerment.”

Represented by Bala T. David, executive director of programme development at NNPC Foundation, Ms Arukwe explained that the initiative exposed over 2,000 beneficiaries to climate-smart agriculture under the Gombe Cluster, which comprises Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States. She said the exercise targeted about 4,000 farmers in the North-East and 15,000 across the country, with a focus on improving agricultural productivity and boosting market access.

“What began as a bold intervention to strengthen rural livelihoods has evolved into a nationwide movement that embodies hope, resilience, and sustainability,” she said.

She noted that the programme was designed not just for short-term relief but for long-term transformation, equipping farmers with practical knowledge in climate-smart agriculture, market access, post-harvest handling, and agribusiness competitiveness. She highlighted the inclusive nature of the training, which ensured over 35 per cent participation by women and youth. The training also focused on packaging and climate adaptation strategies to support farmers in responding to environmental changes.

“In terms of health, safety, and security. We are proud to report zero lost-time injuries across all phases and zero security incidents during implementation. This was made possible through close collaboration with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, local authorities, and security agencies. Ensuring safety and peace remained our highest priority at each training centre,” she added.

Barnabas Malle, Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives in Gombe State, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step toward transforming the agricultural sector under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya. He said the ministry is working with development partners to train over 5,000 women and youths in modern agricultural practices for sustainable development.

Some of the beneficiaries, Habila Bitrus and Serah Yakubu, expressed their appreciation, noting that they had acquired valuable skills to practice climate-smart agriculture in response to the impact of global warming.

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Gov Otu distributes 108 tractors to boost Cross River agriculture

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Gov Otu distributes 108 tractors to boost Cross River agriculture

Cross River State’s agricultural sector received a significant boost on Friday as Governor Bassey Otu officially launched the distribution of subsidised mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives across the state. The event, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development headquarters in Calabar, marked a major milestone in the implementation of the People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda aimed at modernising farming, improving food production, and supporting economic growth.

Governor Otu explained that the initiative was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and was designed to address the high cost of land preparation, which he noted accounts for over 70 percent of cultivation expenses. “When we assumed office, we made a firm commitment to make agriculture the backbone of our development strategy,” he said. “This programme directly addresses the challenge of land preparation to boost productivity and reduce labour.”

He announced that 108 mini tractors were being distributed in the first phase of the programme, with a target of reaching 324 tractors over a three-year period. The tractors are being allocated through a cooperative model that encourages shared ownership and improves access to agricultural mechanisation at the grassroots level. “This intervention ensures that our farmers can farm more, earn more, and feed more,” the governor stated. He also highlighted how the programme complements other agricultural development projects, including cassava seed multiplication, maize and soybean production in partnership with Flour Mills Plc, and a pilot sorghum farming initiative with Champion Breweries.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson A. Ebokpo, described the launch as “a big leap in agricultural transformation.” He explained that each mini tractor comes fully equipped with a plough, ridger, harrow, planter, and trailer bucket. He added that all units are registered, insured, and fitted with tracking devices to ensure proper monitoring. Ebokpo emphasised that beneficiaries have undergone training to guarantee sustainability and praised the First Lady, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for promoting the inclusion of women farmers in the programme.

Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Member representing Boki I constituency commended the initiative, describing it as unprecedented. He called Governor Otu “God-sent to liberate farmers” and urged beneficiaries to “utilise this opportunity to fulfil the governor’s dream to feed the world.”

Mr. Femi Odeleye, CEO of Bespoke Concepts Ltd, the company supplying the tractors, praised the programme as “the planting of seeds for a new agricultural revolution.” He assured that the company would provide technical support, operator training, and spare parts. He also revealed plans to establish a tractor assembly plant in Calabar that would create more than 2,000 jobs, contributing to local economic development and enhancing agricultural mechanisation.

Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cross River Chapter, Rev. Ojikpong Nyiam Bisong, compared Governor Otu’s vision to that of Dr. Michael Okpara of the old Eastern Region. He stated that “no other governor in Nigeria is doing what you are doing for farmers today.”

Leader of Women in Agriculture, Comrade Philomena Bassey Eyo, expressed appreciation to the governor and First Lady for their support of women farmers. “Your Excellency, we thank you and our dear mother of the state for empowering women in agriculture. Today, with these tractors, we have moved from subsistence to mechanised farming,” she said. She pledged continued support for the governor’s agricultural vision, stating that women were fully mobilised to sustain the gains of the initiative through 2027 and beyond.

The event was attended by traditional rulers, women farmers, and private sector partners, underscoring the state’s growing commitment to agricultural development, job creation, and food security.

Delta commissioner backs 500 youth empowerment

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Delta commissioner backs 500 youth empowerment

The Delta State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Renewal, Engr. Micheal Ifeanyi Anoka, FNSE, has declared his support for the Real-Time Skills Empowerment project of the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), Delta State Chapter. He made this known during a courtesy visit by the Executives of the Congress to his office, where he described the project as a practical step to address youth unemployment in the state.

The empowerment scheme was recently unveiled at the State Secretariat, Asaba. It is designed to train 500 youths across Delta State in different vocational and technical skills. According to the state chairman of the Congress, Comrade Wiska Monday, “The empowerment initiative was conceived to give young people marketable skills that can sustain them in today’s competitive economy.”

He explained that the project is being run in partnership with the Delta State Technical and Vocational Education Board. The programme will last six months for intensive hands-on training and another six months for industrial attachment. The selected youths will receive training in areas such as fashion design, hairdressing, makeup, barbering, electrical installation, catering, welding, event management, decoration, building, tiling, interlocking, and plumbing.

Comrade Wiska added that beyond training, the initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among young people. In recognition of his commitment to youth development and job creation, Engr. Micheal Anoka was conferred with the title of Patron of the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress. He praised the organisers for their foresight and assured that his ministry would continue to support projects that empower Delta youths.

Gov Uzodinma empowers 50000 Imo youth through skillup digital training

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Gov Uzodinma empowers 50000 Imo youth through skillup digital training

The Imo State Government has marked a major achievement in its youth empowerment and digital development plan as 50,000 young people have now been fully trained under the SkillUp Imo Project. This milestone highlights the government’s growing investment in digital skills, innovation, and technology to build a stronger economy for the state.

At the 3rd Cohort Graduation Ceremony held in Owerri, 10,000 youths successfully completed intensive training in key areas such as app development, data analytics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, digital marketing, cloud computing, Internet of Things, gamification, phone and computer repairs, and other relevant digital skills. This brings the total number of trained youths under the initiative to 50,000.

The SkillUp Imo Project is part of the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (iDEA 2022–2026) and is focused on positioning technology as the main engine for economic growth in the state. The project’s goal of training 50,000 young people in digital competencies has been fully achieved, setting the stage for a more inclusive and technology-driven economy. Digital economy, fintech, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI training, and youth empowerment reflect the core focus of the initiative.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, who was present at the event, expressed admiration for the project and Governor Hope Uzodinma’s vision. He said, “I am dazed. I am impressed. I am happy. You have renewed the hope of young people — no wonder your name is Hope.”

Governor Uzodinma described the programme as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to digital transformation and youth development. “Our shared resolve is to place Imo at the forefront of the global digital economy. The future of Imo depends on our youth. I am proud to add another 10,000 to the 40,000 already trained, making it 50,000,” he said.

He praised the President’s reforms that have boosted revenue to states, allowing for greater investment in infrastructure. “We are building an Imo where broadband will be like road networks everywhere,” he added.

The event also featured the unveiling of ImoApp, a homegrown digital innovation developed by young Imolites, showcasing the growing tech talent in the state. The next step is the Digital City, Nigeria’s first AI City, which aims to further strengthen Imo’s position in the digital economy.

Circulating forest guard recruitment claim targets job seekers

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Circulating forest guard recruitment claim targets job seekers

A viral claim has been spreading on social media, especially on Facebook, alleging that the Federal Government has started a Forest Guard recruitment under a graduates job replacement program. The claim is fake advert linked to Forest Guards of Nigeria.

The post, which is riddled with typos and poorly written sentences, claims that “the Federal Government of Nigeria is carrying out a necessary major to curb unemployment challenge across the public at various organisations of the country through a job replacement exercise at a Forest Guards of Nigeria.” It further urges graduates to apply by sending their CV and application letter to an email address, hr.fgn.consult@gmail.com, for replacement slots.

The advert lists the job title as “Graduates Job Replacement Exercise 2025/2026 at a Forest Guards of Nigeria,” with an application closing date of 28th November 2025. It includes a note stating, “You must not apply for this role if you are an employee of any of the Federal Government organization and avoid submission of more than one application for the year ending 2025.”

The eligibility section specifies that applicants should possess at least ND, NCE, First Degree, or HND, with NYSC Discharge Certificate or Exemption letter for higher qualifications. Other conditions include being a Nigerian citizen, trustworthy, willing to dedicate oneself to the assignment, having basic computer skills, and being between 18 and 35 years old.

For the online registration, the post lists several required documents such as a recent passport photograph, a functional mobile number, a valid email address, birth certificate or age declaration, NIN, and a valid means of identification, which could be a National ID card, Voter’s card, International passport, or Driver’s license.

The fake claim tries to appear official by including specific details about eligibility and closing dates, which has caused many job seekers to believe it is real. Members of the public, particularly those interested in the Forest Guard of Nigeria job, are advised to ignore the circulating advert as it’s not from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

This circulating claim is not connected to any legitimate federal recruitment portal, and applicants are warned to avoid sharing personal information or sending applications to the listed email.

Attached below is a copy of the circulating false advert:

104000 Katsina girls benefit from cash transfer, 3500 TVET slots secured

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104000 Katsina girls benefit from cash transfer, 3500 TVET slots secured

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a future where every girl in Katsina can learn, lead, and thrive.

This year’s celebration, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” focuses on the courage and leadership of girls who continue to show resilience in the face of conflict, displacement, and economic hardship. It also calls on governments and communities to strengthen support for girls’ education, leadership, and protection.

Governor Radda said that empowering the girl child is a central focus of his administration’s human capital development agenda, describing girls as “the heart of progress and resilience in every society.”

“When a girl is educated and empowered, an entire family, and indeed a whole community, rises with her. Our goal is to build a Katsina where every girl can learn without fear, live with dignity, and lead with confidence,” he stated.

“As a father and an educator, I hold a deep belief that every girl deserves the chance to dream freely, learn safely, and lead boldly. Our administration will continue to work to make this a reality,” Governor Radda affirmed.

Under his leadership, Katsina State has recorded significant achievements through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, a partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Education. A total of 75 new secondary schools, including 45 junior and 30 senior, have been constructed. Over 150 existing schools have also been renovated and upgraded with modern classrooms, science laboratories, water systems, and toilets to improve learning environments.

More than 104,000 girls in 255 public secondary schools have benefited from Conditional Cash Transfers to help families keep their daughters in school. The state’s Back-to-School Campaigns have brought over 42,000 girls back to classrooms, including many who had been out of school for several years.

Fifteen pilot schools have received millions in Mega Grants for infrastructure upgrades, including ICT laboratories, libraries, and digital learning tools. Teachers across the state have undergone comprehensive training on gender inclusion, classroom safety, and modern teaching practices. To address distance challenges, the government introduced bicycle and transport stipends for girls in remote communities, ensuring that no girl is denied education because of where she lives.

In collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, the administration has established Safe Spaces and Mentorship Clubs in Katsina, Batagarawa, Mani, and Daura. These centres provide secure environments for vulnerable girls to learn life skills and rebuild confidence. Over 955 out-of-school girls in Katsina, Kaita, Baure, and Funtua have been trained in tailoring, catering, ICT, and crafts. An additional 1,395 girls have re-enrolled in formal education through community sensitisation campaigns.

To support girls’ health and dignity, the government distributed 1,200 sanitary kits to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism. Scholarships and mobility aids were provided to indigent and physically challenged female students to improve access to education.

Governor Radda has also transformed Skills Acquisition Centres in Katsina, Kaita, Funtua, and Baure into fully equipped training hubs. In 2023, 455 girls graduated from these centres, and in 2024, 500 graduated. By 2025, five new centres have been established in Dutsi, Charanchi, Mani, Kurfi, and Matazu. The administration anticipates graduating 1,000 girls from all centres by December. Graduates receive empowerment kits, sewing machines, and start-up funds to support entrepreneurship. A modern Home Economics Laboratory has been established at the Girls’ Skills Centre to improve practical learning.

Through the Digital Katsina Initiative, hundreds of girls have been trained in ICT, coding, and digital safety. The Katsina Girls Coding and Robotics Club, launched in partnership with Arewa Tech Fest, is nurturing a new generation of innovators. The administration has also partnered with SMEDAN, ITF, and KASEDA to expand opportunities for women in agro-processing, crafts, and fashion design, supporting more girls and women to participate in the state’s growing MSME sector.

The Radda administration has established the NASIHA Sexual Assault Referral Centre, a world-class facility that provides free medical, legal, and psychosocial support to survivors of gender-based violence. Gender-Based Violence Response Desks have been created in all Local Government Area secretariats and police divisions. Ongoing awareness campaigns continue to discourage early marriage, street hawking, and child labour.

In partnership with UNICEF, the State Government developed an Alternative Care Policy for Vulnerable Children and enacted new education protection laws prohibiting street hawking during school hours.

Governor Radda further expanded the Nigeria for Women Project from three pilot Local Government Areas to all 34 LGAs, supported by counterpart funding. Through this programme, over 5,000 Women Affinity Groups have been established to offer entrepreneurship training, financial literacy, and seed grants to women and adolescent girls, boosting household income and community productivity.

The state also secured 3,500 Federal TVET training slots through the Governor’s advocacy, prioritising girls from low-income households. In just two and a half years, substantial funding has been invested in education across Katsina State, including classroom construction, teacher recruitment, and the rehabilitation of science and technical institutions.

A new Girls Science and Islamic Studies Secondary School has been established in Zango through a public-private partnership. The Governor has pledged to construct access roads and drainage systems around the school to ensure student safety. Additional boreholes, toilets, and hostels have been built to improve hygiene and learning conditions.

The government introduced a data-tracking system to monitor girl-child education indicators and recruited more female teachers to serve as mentors in rural communities.

To promote leadership and participation among girls, the state launched the Katsina Girl-Child Ambassadors Network, the Girls in Leadership Debates, and the Annual Girls’ Conference. These initiatives encourage young girls to speak confidently and contribute to community development.

At the grassroots level, Ward Women Development Committees are collaborating with traditional and religious leaders to promote education, discourage early marriage, and support school enrollment.

Currently, more than 100,000 girls have directly benefited from Governor Radda’s education, empowerment, and cash transfer programmes, with thousands more gaining digital and vocational skills. Katsina now ranks among Nigeria’s top-performing AGILE states, earning national recognition for progress in gender inclusion and girl-child education.

Governor Radda called on parents, community leaders, civil society groups, and development partners to work together to create a safer and more promising future for every girl in Katsina State.

“Today, as we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, I salute every girl in Katsina and beyond. You are the change you lead, and your voice will continue to shape the brighter future we are building together,” he concluded.

Clement Isong opens applications for South-South regional LCOY 2025

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Clement Isong opens applications for South-South regional LCOY 2025

The Call for Applications for the South-South Regional Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) 2025 has officially opened. The Clement Isong Foundation (CIF), with support from ActionAid Nigeria and in collaboration with the National Organizing Committee of LCOY Nigeria and YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, is inviting applications for participation.

According to the organizers, the regional conference aims to “amplify local youth voices on climate action” and ensure that perspectives from the South-South region shape the national youth statement ahead of COP30 in Brazil. The event will take place on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The organizers explained that the format will be hybrid, with physical participation for applicants within Akwa Ibom. The conference targets young climate advocates aged between 18 and 35 years from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States who are passionate about climate action, justice, and innovation.

Interested participants can apply through https://tinyurl.com/SSRLCOYcon before Sunday, 19th October 2025.

Nigeria Customs debunks fake 2025 shortlist list circulating online

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Nigeria Customs debunks fake 2025 shortlist list circulating online

A viral social media post currently making rounds online has claimed to provide a breakdown of the number of candidates shortlisted per state for the final stage of the 2025 Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recruitment exercise for the Superintendent Cadre. The post has gained attention among applicants and the general public, sparking confusion about the authenticity of the information shared.

Nigeriastartupact.ng earlier reported that the claim stated the Nigeria Customs Service Superintendent Cadre List has a total of 1,785 candidates shortlisted for the final stage of the Computer-Based Test (CBT). However, the Service has clarified that this information did not originate from the Nigeria Customs Service or any of its authorised communication platforms.

In a statement released, the NCS said, “The publication did not originate from the Nigeria Customs Service or any of its authorised communication channels.” The Service urged the public, especially applicants in the ongoing recruitment process, to disregard the circulating post in its entirety.

For clarity, the Nigeria Customs Service explained that the recruitment process began officially on December 27, 2024, through an open advertisement. During that phase, the Service received a total of 573,523 applications across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. Following a detailed documentary screening, 286,697 candidates were shortlisted and invited to participate in the first phase of the Computer-Based Test, which was conducted in batches to ensure fairness and efficiency.

The Service further noted that while candidates from all cadres participated in the initial CBT, only those under the Superintendent Cadre who met the required standards were invited to proceed to the second phase of the test. This upcoming stage will hold across designated centres within the six geopolitical zones and will align with candidates’ states of origin.

According to the NCS, this approach reflects the Service’s “commitment to transparency, merit, and inclusiveness in its recruitment process.” It also emphasized that all official updates are communicated directly to shortlisted applicants through the NCS Recruitment Update Portal at updates.customs.gov.ng.

The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to a free, fair, and credible recruitment exercise, stating that it remains consistent with global best practices and the principle of Federal Character.

Applicants and the public were advised to rely solely on verified NCS communication channels for authentic information. “We urge everyone to refrain from sharing or acting on unverified reports capable of causing misinformation or exploitation,” the statement added.

Earlier, the viral claim listed the number of shortlisted candidates per state as follows: Abia – 28, Adamawa – 23, Akwa Ibom – 29, Anambra – 28, Bauchi – 21, Bayelsa – 36, Benue – 20, Borno – 38, Cross River – 28, Delta – 28, Ebonyi – 20, Edo – 29, Ekiti – 93, Enugu – 28, Gombe – 16, Imo – 13, Jigawa – 18, Kaduna – 28, Kano – 31, Katsina – 20, Kebbi – 13, Kogi – 78, Kwara – 173, Lagos – 207, Nasarawa – 28, Niger – 25, Ogun – 145, Ondo – 132, Osun – 127, Oyo – 108, Plateau – 29, Rivers – 27, Sokoto – 28, Taraba – 17, Yobe – 9, Zamfara – 16, and FCT (Abuja) – 48.

Adamawa civil service nears final stage of 5000 recruitment exercise

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Adamawa civil service nears final stage of 5000 recruitment exercise

Adamawa State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced that it is at the final stage of recruiting 5,000 indigenes into the state workforce. The Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Musa Kaibo, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen in Yola, stating that the recruitment exercise has reached its last lap after the successful completion of interviews for over 888,000 candidates who passed the Computer-Based Test stage from 960,000 applicants.

Barrister Kaibo assured that the entire process remains credible, transparent, and based on merit. He emphasized that “no applicant will be asked to pay money at any stage of the recruitment,” warning candidates to be careful of impostors and report any attempt of extortion to the authorities.

The Commission also announced plans to conduct a mop-up interview for degree and diploma holders who missed the earlier session due to various reasons. According to the chairman, the Commission is fully committed to ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are recruited to strengthen the state civil service and improve public service delivery.

The Adamawa State Government’s recruitment drive aims to reduce unemployment and fill manpower gaps across ministries, departments, and agencies. This large-scale employment initiative reflects the government’s effort to create job opportunities, promote transparency in recruitment, and boost economic growth in Adamawa State.

NDE RHEI 2 trainees to receive stipends after training session

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NDE RHEI 2 trainees to receive stipends after training session

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), under the leadership of His Excellency Hon. Silas Ali Agara, has expressed optimism that all beneficiaries under the Second Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI 2) will receive their stipends at the end of the training session.

According to the Management of the Implementation Committee, the approved payment schedule has been officially revised to ensure that every participant receives their dues in a structured and guaranteed manner.

The NDE acknowledged the anticipation among trainees regarding the payments and extended appreciation for their patience and understanding during the process.

“We urge all trainees to remain calm, attentive, and focused throughout the exercise in order to acquire the necessary skills for sustainable self-reliance,” the Directorate stated.

This development reinforces the federal government’s commitment to youth empowerment and employment creation across Nigeria.

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