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Gov Namadi seeks stronger rice production partnership for Jigawa in Egypt

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Gov Namadi seeks stronger rice production partnership for Jigawa in Egypt

Governor Malam Umar Namadi is currently in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, attending the Third High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Rice Self-Sufficiency, which is taking place from October 7th to 9th, 2025, in Cairo and Sakha. The meeting is themed “Towards Rice-Based Agri-Food Systems Transformation and Delivering on Rice Self-Sufficiency through Peer-to-Peer Learning: The Case of the Arab Republic of Egypt.” It is jointly organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, AfricaRice, the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), and other key continental partners.

The high-level gathering brings together African Ministers of Agriculture, State Governors, and agricultural leaders to share practical experiences on how to achieve rice self-sufficiency and promote agricultural transformation across the continent. The event highlights Egypt’s remarkable progress in attaining rice self-sufficiency despite limited water and land resources, serving as a model for other African nations aiming for sustainable food production and agricultural innovation.

Governor Namadi is attending alongside top policymakers, agricultural experts, and private sector representatives from different African countries. Discussions focus on innovations, policy reforms, and strategic investments designed to boost food security and transform Africa’s agricultural sector. Over the three-day programme, participants will take part in ministerial sessions, technical discussions, and a field visit to Egypt’s Rice Research and Training Centre (RRTC) in Sakha.

During the visit, delegates will meet Egyptian scientists and farmers to learn about advancements in high-yield rice varieties, efficient irrigation systems, and modern post-harvest technologies. According to organisers, “Egypt’s progress provides a unique opportunity for African countries to adapt tested methods and scale up local rice production to achieve national and regional food security goals.”

Jigawa State’s participation in this important event reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to agricultural development, food self-sufficiency, and consolidating its position as one of Nigeria’s major hubs for rice production and agribusiness growth. The meeting is expected to conclude with a Ministerial Declaration outlining a continental roadmap to achieve rice self-sufficiency through research, policy coordination, and targeted investment across the rice value chain. Governor Namadi is accompanied by senior officials from the Jigawa State Ministry of Agriculture and related agencies.

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ITF SUPA sends screening messages to new batch of artisans

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ITF SUPA sends screening messages to new batch of artisans

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme has started sending screening messages to successful candidates. The text message includes details such as the applicant’s screening date, time, and venue.

This appears to be another round of screening, likely for the new batch of applicants who applied for the SUPA programme earlier this year. One of the messages sent to candidates read, “You are invited to attend the ITF SUPA screening for intending Artisans coming up on the 13th to 16th October 2025 @ ITF Calabar Office 9am daily.”

The message did not mention the documents candidates are required to bring for the screening. However, applicants may consider going along with their National Identification Number (NIN) and a recent passport photograph.

This latest development follows a recent report by Nigeriastartupact.ng which stated that ITF conducted examinations for 30,000 out of 100,000 artisans under the SUPA programme during the first round.

NDDC announces award ceremony for local postgraduate scholars

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NDDC announces award ceremony for local postgraduate scholars

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced its Maiden Edition of the Award-giving Ceremony for the Local Postgraduate Scholarship. According to the Commission, the event will take place at the Aztech Arcum Event Centre, 77 Ken Saro-Wiwa (Stadium Road), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, at 12:00 noon.

The NDDC stated, “We invite all successful candidates to join us as we celebrate the Years of Making a Difference in the Niger Delta.” The ceremony will also be streamed live on all NDDC social media handles, ensuring wider participation across the Niger Delta region.

NJFP invites youth to young innovators in employability programme

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NJFP invites youth to young innovators in employability programme

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) has announced the Young Innovators in Employability Programme Showcase scheduled for 10th October 2025, from 10:00AM to 11:30AM.

The event aims to provide insights into career paths in tech, the creative industry, and the green economy. According to the organisers, “the session is designed to help young Nigerians explore new employment opportunities and develop relevant digital and creative skills.” The NJFP Young Innovators in Employability Programme Showcase will also feature discussions on sustainable jobs and innovation-driven growth.

Interested participants are encouraged to register through bit.ly/NJFP-Showcase to attend the information session.

Fidelity Bank awaits FG order to begin YEIDEP disbursement

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Fidelity Bank awaits FG order to begin YEIDEP disbursement

Fidelity Bank has replied to a message stating that it is awaiting orders from the Federal Government to begin the disbursement and activation of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP).

In response to an inquiry about updates for YEIDEP, the bank said, “At this stage, we are currently awaiting the official announcement and next steps from the Federal Government regarding the disbursement and activation of the associated programs. Once the directive is issued, all account holders will promptly be communicated with regarding any necessary actions or updates.”

This indicates that Fidelity Bank and other YEIDEP partner banks are waiting for federal approval to commence fund disbursement. According to the YEIDEP schedule in circulation, the programme is still in the “engagement with beneficiaries” stage, which is expected to end on October 11, 2025.

The most recent engagement was held in Ibadan about a week ago, with Fidelity Bank in attendance. During the event, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, Coordinator-General of YEIDEP, described the initiative as “the biggest government-backed youth empowerment intervention in the history of Nigeria.” Before that, a convention was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Nigeriastartupact.ng earlier reported that YEIDEP’s Implementation Stakeholders Retreat took place on September 3. It appears the programme is now rounding off its engagement phase, after which all verified beneficiaries are expected to receive payments.

If the circulating circular above is correct, disbursement for Batch A beneficiaries, totalling 8,000 candidates, should begin between October 20 and 30, 2025. However, this timeline remains unconfirmed as the programme management has not officially acknowledged the document.

Meanwhile, candidates are advised to keep their account details secure and continue monitoring official channels for verified updates.

Attached below is screenshot of Fidelity Bank’s response:

Nigeria Customs schedules cbt exam for inspectorate, customs assistant cadres

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Nigeria Customs schedules cbt exam for inspectorate, customs assistant cadres

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the main online recruitment examination for all shortlisted Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadre applicants will hold on Thursday, 9th October 2025.

According to the NCS, “Candidates have been grouped into three batches (A, B and C) and are to log in with their NIN via updates.customs.gov.ng to check their Batch, Date, and Time of the examination.” The Service added that strict compliance with the assigned Batch and Time is mandatory, stressing that failure to adhere may lead to disqualification.

The NCS further cautioned applicants against the use of calculators, mobile phones, or any other electronic devices during the online recruitment examination. It warned that such actions could result in disqualification.

Candidates were also advised to avoid multiple log-ins or switching browser windows, as these could affect their participation in the exercise. The Service clarified that “only Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadre applicants are to take part in this stage of the examination.” Applicants under the Superintendent Cadre were reminded that they are not to participate at this stage.

News update (October 9, 2025):

The main recruitment exam holds today in 3 batches: Batch A – 11:00 AM, Batch B – 2:00 PM, and Batch C – 5:00 PM.

AfDB to lend Nigeria $500 million for economic reforms

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AfDB to lend Nigeria $500 million for economic reforms

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is set to lend Nigeria $500 million this year as part of a $1 billion budget support programme aimed at strengthening the country’s economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu.

A Reuters report obtained by Nigeriastartupact.ng quoted an executive of the bank confirming that the loan will support Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal and macroeconomic reforms introduced since President Tinubu assumed office.

Bode Oyetunde, who represents Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe on the AfDB board, said the loan could be approved before the end of the year. “We have been working strongly to support Nigeria’s very bold and aggressive macroeconomic reforms under President Tinubu. Given all these reforms, it was important to support Nigeria,” Oyetunde said during the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.

He explained that Nigeria initially requested $1.5 billion, but the AfDB could only provide $1 billion spread over two years. “They asked us for $1.5 billion. We are able to do $1 billion over two years. Last year, we provided $500 million in budget support. This year, we are looking to do another $500 million, subject to board approval,” he said.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has embarked on major policy changes since May 2023. The Tinubu administration has removed fuel subsidies, unified foreign exchange rates, and introduced tax reforms to stabilise public finances and attract foreign investment.

Oyetunde also noted that the African Development Bank is focusing on fiscal and power sector reforms as part of its financial support programme for Nigeria. The initiative is expected to enhance economic stability, promote infrastructure growth, and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s reform-driven economy.

BOI partners Bumpa to support youth SMEs with digital tools

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BOI partners Bumpa to support youth SMEs with digital tools

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has announced a new partnership with Bumpa to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs and small business owners with digital tools to help them grow and manage their businesses effectively.

According to BOI, the initiative called the BOI x Bumpa Partnership was designed to “empower youth SMEs with the digital tools they need to grow smarter, faster, and stronger.” The programme aims to support small and medium enterprises by making essential business tools more accessible to help them scale with confidence in the digital economy.

The partnership will give selected youth-led SMEs six months of free access to Bumpa’s business management tools. These tools will allow users to sell smarter, create websites, accept online and offline payments, manage sales, track performance, handle inventory, and manage staff efficiently.

Bumpa and BOI said the goal is to help small businesses digitise their operations and take advantage of online opportunities for growth. “We’re excited to announce the BOI x Bumpa Partnership created to empower youth SMEs with the digital tools they need to grow smarter, faster, and stronger,” the statement read.

Interested applicants can apply through bit.ly/boibumpa, although the organisers noted that submitting an application does not guarantee automatic selection.

PAWECA begins final registration for skills training in Adamawa

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PAWECA begins final registration for skills training in Adamawa

The registration for the Adamawa Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) Technical and Skills Acquisition Training has begun across the 10 designated training centers in the state. During the process, officials collect personal details and bank account information of trainees for the payment of monthly stipends to participants undergoing the program.

According to officials, “this registration marks the fifth and final stage of the entire process.” Interested persons cannot access the form without completing the earlier four steps which include submission of names at the LGA Secretariat, documentation at the same office, need assessment at the LGA, and collection of admission letters after the shortlist at the preferred training center.

The exercise aims to empower youth and support job creation across Adamawa State.

Gov Otu partners NCAT to establish South-South aviation training centre

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Gov Otu partners NCAT to establish South-South aviation training centre

Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has expressed deep excitement over a new partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) to establish the South-South Aviation Training Centre. The governor described the development as a major step toward realizing the state’s aviation and economic goals.

Speaking on the initiative, Governor Otu said the training centre represents a strong move toward building local capacity in aviation. He explained that it aligns perfectly with the state’s recent acquisition of two modern CRJ-1000 aircraft, which were procured to boost air connectivity and commerce across the region. According to him, “The synergy between the new aviation training centre and our aircraft acquisition is critical. It ensures we have well-trained pilots and technical staff, which will help us maximize safety, efficiency, and the economic value of our air assets.”

Governor Otu further emphasized that the project fits into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) policy. He noted that the new centre would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to expand bilateral air agreements and increase regional air traffic. “This initiative will help position Cross River as a key aviation hub in the South-South and across Nigeria,” he said.

He praised the efforts of Amb. Awatt Caleb, whose leadership played a major role in securing and advancing the partnership. The governor said the project is not just about infrastructure but also about creating opportunities for youth empowerment and job creation. “We are building a foundation for skills development, innovation, and sustainable growth,” he added.

Governor Otu also appreciated NCAT’s commitment to sponsor his exploratory visit to Zaria, including the offer of a chartered flight, describing it as “a practical demonstration of institutional support.” The visit, he explained, would help the state study aviation training models and apply the best practices suited to Cross River’s unique environment.

He called on stakeholders, investors, and residents to support the project, saying it represents a shared vision for progress, education, and long-term economic development.

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