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Zamfara Startups Invited to Apply for Ericsson Connect NextGen Hackathon

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Zamfara Startups Invited to Apply for Ericsson Connect NextGen Hackathon

Start-ups and innovators in Zamfara State have been invited to apply for the Ericsson Connect NextGen Hackathon, a national innovation initiative anchored by Ericsson, the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Tech Revolution Africa.

The Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA) announced the call and urged technology-driven entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity. According to the agency, the hackathon is designed to unlock technology-driven solutions to pressing social and economic challenges across the country.

ZITDA strongly encouraged participation from innovators working in software development, agriculture and AgriTech, telecommunications, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), clean tech and sustainable solutions, as well as data, cloud, digital platforms and other tech sectors.

While the hackathon is nationally anchored, ZITDA stated that it stands ready to support Zamfara-based participants by providing mentorship and innovation advisory, technical guidance and ecosystem support, and linkages to relevant public-sector use cases.

“This is an opportunity for Zamfara innovators to showcase their solutions on a national stage, gain exposure, and accelerate their growth, with the backing of a supportive local institution,” the agency said.

It added, “If you are innovating in Zamfara, this call is for you. Apply, participate, and seize the opportunity.”

Applications are open at https://ericssonhackathon.techrevolutionafrica.org/application/.

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ZITDA Extends Zamfara TVET Teachers Recruitment Portal

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ZITDA Extends Zamfara TVET Teachers Recruitment Portal

The Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency ZITDA, on behalf of the Teachers Recruitment Committee, has announced an extension of the Technical & Vocational Education (TVET) teachers recruitment portal after what it described as a careful review and recommendations by the committee.

According to the statement, approval has been granted to keep the TVET portal open from Monday, 16th February 2026 to Friday, 20th February 2026 by 11:59 PM.

The agency explained that “this extension is granted to provide additional opportunity for applicants who were unable to complete or submit their applications earlier.”

ZITDA urged all interested and qualified applicants across Zamfara State to take advantage of the extension and ensure they submit their applications before the new deadline.

FMBN Expands Affordable Housing Access for NIALS Staff

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FMBN Expands Affordable Housing Access for NIALS Staff

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Shehu Usman Osidi, FCIB, FICA, FCNA, has reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing for staff of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS).

Osidi gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NIALS, Prof. Abdulqadir Ibrahim Abikan, to the Bank’s management on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Welcoming the delegation, Osidi congratulated Prof. Abikan on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended NIALS for its role in advancing legal research, governance and policy development in Nigeria. He stressed that collaboration between institutions remains important for improving housing finance delivery and supporting national development goals.

“At FMBN, we regard safe, decent and affordable housing as a cornerstone of workers’ welfare,” Osidi stated. He explained that the Bank’s mandate under the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme is aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for Nigerian workers, especially civil servants and public sector employees.

Highlighting the impact of NIALS’ participation in the NHF Scheme, Osidi disclosed that 67 staff members of the Institute have already benefited from the Home Renovation Loan (HRL), while 25 others are currently awaiting disbursement. According to him, the figures reflect the Bank’s steady support for the housing needs of the Institute’s workforce through accessible and affordable financing solutions.

The FMBN Chief Executive also listed other mortgage products available to contributors. These include individual NHF mortgage loans and cooperative housing development loans. He further mentioned forward-looking initiatives such as the NHF Diaspora Mortgage Loan, Non-Interest Mortgage options, and Rent Assistance schemes designed to meet changing housing needs.

In his remarks, Prof. Abikan appreciated the partnership and pledged the Institute’s support for the Bank’s programmes, particularly in training and capacity development for staff.

He also welcomed collaboration to expand access to affordable housing using alternative, globally accepted financing models, describing it as a step toward strengthening staff welfare and advancing Nigeria’s housing agenda.

Umo Eno cites Supreme Court judgments to dismiss oil wells transfer claims

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Umo Eno cites Supreme Court judgments to dismiss oil wells transfer claims

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reassured residents that there is no cause for alarm over reports alleging the transfer of oil wells, stressing that no propaganda or sentiments can overturn two valid Supreme Court judgments affirming the state’s ownership of the oil wells, including the reported 76.

The governor spoke to Government House Correspondents on his arrival on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Victor Attah International Airport. He expressed strong confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the President places high premium on the rule of law in administering the country.

“There are two Supreme Court judgments that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells. We are not sharing maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroun, and the Nigerian Supreme Court has said so twice to establish this fact,” he explained.

Governor Eno urged the people of the state to remain calm, emphasizing that “there is no cause for alarm. The people on the other side may cook up any story they want; raise propaganda, but this propaganda has no effect in the face of the two Supreme Court decisions establishing our ownership of the oil wells. This is not about sentiments.”

Reaffirming his faith in due process, the governor stated, “I believe in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; I believe that the rule of law will be respected; I believe that we cannot throw away Supreme Court decisions twice on this particular matter.”

He stressed that the matter is one of established facts, not emotions. “If we were to talk about sentiments, then Cross River State should equally contest the allocation of many Ibibio-speaking villages of Itu LGA in Akwa Ibom State to Cross River State. Why are they coming up now to whip up sentiments when irrefutable facts on the oil wells have already been established?” he queried.

It would be recalled that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has officially refuted reports alleging that the oil wells were ceded to Cross River State, describing such claims as false and misleading.

Corroborating the Commission’s rebuttal, Governor Eno reiterated, “Facts are sacrosanct, and you cannot push them under the carpet with sentiments. Let our people remain calm because our President is a man who respects the rule of law.”

After addressing the issue, the governor proceeded from the airport to inspect the ongoing construction of the Airport Hospital ahead of the April target for commencement of international flights. He also made a stop at the Dakkada Luxury Estate to assess the level of work and ensure compliance with agreed specifications.

FG, UN urge private sector investment for 3.5 million Nigerians

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FG, UN urge private sector investment for 3.5 million Nigerians

The Federal Government and the United Nations have called on the private sector to create jobs and investment opportunities for more than 3.5 million displaced Nigerians.

The call was made in Lagos at a two-day conference themed “Securing Futures: Market-Based Solutions to Internal Displacement,” convened in collaboration with UK International Development and Tropical General Investment Group.

Participants agreed that while humanitarian assistance has saved lives, displacement must not become a permanent condition. They stressed that building functional markets, revitalising local economies and expanding employment opportunities are key to helping displaced Nigerians rebuild their lives with dignity.

Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the country’s displacement crisis as both a national emergency and part of a wider global challenge.

“Displacement is not only about movement. It is about losses such as loss of home, routine, and dignity. But it is also about resilience,” he said.

According to Fall, millions of people across the Northeast, Northwest, North Central and Middle Belt regions have fled violence and instability. Although more than 2.6 million people have returned to their communities, many are still unable to fully recover.

He noted that women and girls carry a heavier burden, facing disrupted education and limited access to livelihoods, while many young men struggle to secure stable employment.

Fall said it was time to move beyond aid dependency and focus on long-term economic inclusion.

“These Nigerians are not victims. They are entrepreneurs, farmers, students and leaders. Investment in displaced communities is not charity. It is smart economics. It is an investment in stability,” he said.

He urged businesses to see opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and post-harvest processing, renewable energy, irrigation, financial inclusion and digital innovation. He added that Nigeria’s growing fintech and agribusiness sectors offer clear pathways for integrating displaced persons into value chains at scale.

Representing the Vice-President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, retired General Cristobal Gwabimusa described economic inclusion as a strategic national priority. He warned that Nigeria cannot afford to leave millions of capable citizens economically excluded.

He said unlocking their productivity is not only a moral obligation but also an economic necessity, stressing that sustainable peace cannot be built on relief alone.

Gwabimusa cited the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, private sector-led growth and climate resilience. He said security gains must be reinforced by sustained investment in fragile regions.

While acknowledging that humanitarian interventions have saved lives, he said long-term stability requires livelihoods, skills development and productive assets. When displaced persons earn sustainable incomes, he explained, they become producers, customers and contributors to national development.

“Investing in these communities is not corporate social responsibility; it is smart business that strengthens supply chains, expands markets and builds national cohesion,” he said.

Cynthia Rowe of the British High Commission said the private sector also stands to benefit from new markets and untapped talent. She highlighted the role of development partners in de-risking investments through guarantees, blended finance and support for small enterprises.

“There are returns in every direction you look. This builds communities, regions and the whole of Nigeria,” she said.

Participants stressed that the conference must lead to concrete commitments, pilot projects and structured public-private partnerships capable of delivering measurable results. For millions of displaced Nigerians still living in camps or host communities, they said the stakes remain high, noting that most seek opportunities for work, education, healthcare and the chance to rebuild their futures rather than handouts.

FG to launch 2026 MSME Census after $200m disbursed to 115,000 businesses

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FG to launch 2026 MSME Census after $200m disbursed to 115,000 businesses

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has announced plans to launch a National MSME Census in 2026 to strengthen its database of operators, improve targeting of incentives, and deepen access to finance. This follows the disbursement of $200m in funding and support to more than 115,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and exporters in 2025.

According to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Outlook 2026, the MSME Census is part of efforts to boost small business financing, strengthen data integrity, and accelerate industrial planning. The government said the census would replace estimates with verifiable data and provide a reliable backbone for industrial planning, targeted incentives, and measurable impact.

The ministry disclosed that in 2025, $200m was disbursed to MSMEs and exporters through the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank. “In 2025, $200m was disbursed to MSMEs and exporters through the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank. In addition, more than 115,000 MSMEs received grants, loans, and trade finance through initiatives of BOI, NEXIM, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council,” it read.

The National MSME Census has been identified as Priority 1 for 2026 under a broader reform agenda anchored on disciplined implementation, sub-national delivery, and closer integration of trade, investment, and industrial policy.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said 2025 marked a turning point in Nigeria’s trade and industrial trajectory. She said, “As we reflect on 2025, we recognise it as an inflection point in Nigeria’s trade, investment, and industrial journey, marked by deliberate execution, renewed confidence, and a Nigeria First approach to building a credible export economy.”

She added, “Guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, the ministry focused on delivery by strengthening facilitation, coordination, and outcomes.”

Oduwole revealed that total capital importation reached approximately $21bn in the first 10 months of 2025, up from $12.3bn in 2024 and $3.9bn in 2023. “Investment outcomes reflected this execution focus. Total capital importation reached approximately $21bn in the first ten months of 2025,” she stated.

She explained that the ministry curated a pipeline of over $5bn in bankable projects, conducted more than 150 bilateral and investor engagements, convened five deal rooms and sector roundtables, and tracked over $50bn in signed commitments from presidential engagements, with about 25 per cent progressing towards implementation. She also said the ministry resolved around 50 investor bottlenecks to accelerate project execution timelines.

On trade performance, Oduwole disclosed that Nigeria recorded total trade of N113.03tn in Q1–Q3 2025, with exports valued at N66.16tn, up by over 11 per cent year-on-year, sustaining a positive trade balance. “In Q1–Q3 2025, Nigeria recorded total trade of N113.03tn, with exports of N66.16tn, up by over 11 per cent year on year, sustaining a positive trade balance,” she said.

She attributed the gains to the gazetting of Nigeria’s AfCFTA tariff schedule, the launch of an air cargo corridor to East and Southern Africa, and targeted support to over 100 MSMEs for export certification and market readiness.

According to her, non-oil exports exceeded $6bn, representing an 11 per cent year-on-year increase. She added that freight costs dropped by about 50 per cent, while export processing times were reduced to under 24 hours.

Oduwole noted that economic diversification accelerated under Priority 7 of the President’s Eight-Point Agenda, with the repositioning of the Nigeria Commodity Exchange delivering over 500 per cent growth in traded volumes and a 111 per cent increase in traded value in 2025.

She further stated that Nigeria ratified the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, secured appointment as AfCFTA Digital Trade Co-Champion, launched the National Intellectual Property Policy, and won hosting rights for CANEX 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027.

Looking ahead, the minister said the ministry would anchor its 2026 strategy on four reinforcing pillars: unlocking global and regional demand through trade facilitation; strengthening the domestic supply of exports; mobilising investment through policy coherence and execution; and leveraging data, digital infrastructure, and strategic communications.

Beyond the MSME census, the ministry listed women-led businesses and long-term finance as Priority 4 for 2026. The plan proposes dedicated financing frameworks for women-led industrial and MSME enterprises to address access to patient capital and integrate them into priority value chains.

The Minister of State for Industry, Mr John Enoh, said lessons from 2025 reinforced the urgency of strengthening MSME data and execution frameworks. “Data gaps undermine good intentions. The absence of reliable MSME data constrained planning, targeting, and evaluation, reinforcing the urgency of a national MSME census,” Enoh said.

He added that policy without proper execution architecture would not deliver results. “Sector plans without ownership, sequencing, and monitoring do not translate into outcomes,” he stated.

Enoh stressed the importance of engagement with industry players. “Industry trust is built through listening, not announcements. Engagements with manufacturers, MSMEs, and investors confirmed that credibility is built when policy reflects real constraints, not theoretical models,” he said.

He warned against fragmentation across agencies and stakeholders. “Fragmentation is the enemy of scale. Industrial progress is slowed when MDAs, states, financiers, and private actors operate in silos. Coordinated platforms like the Industrial Revolution Working Group proved essential,” he noted.

On inclusion, he said women-led enterprises must be deliberately supported. “Inclusion is an economic imperative. Women-led enterprises show strong resilience and impact but face disproportionate barriers to long-term finance, a gap that must be addressed deliberately,” Enoh said.

Other priorities outlined in the 2026 agenda include the Made-in-Nigeria National Campaign, industrial cluster development, cotton, textile, and garment value chain transformation, AI and digital industrial governance, review of privatised industries, and the Industrial Revolution Working Group Ministerial Roundtable.

Wema Bank Opens 2026 Bankers-in-Training Sales Program for Graduates

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Wema Bank Opens 2026 Bankers-in-Training Sales Program for Graduates

Wema Bank has announced that application is open for its 2026 Bankers in Training Program – Sales, a graduate trainee initiative created to groom young professionals for careers in banking and relationship management.

The Wema Bank Bankers-in-Training (Sales) Program is a specialized entry-level development initiative designed to equip participants with both foundational and advanced skills required for success in sales and client management within the banking industry. The program focuses on building strong commercial capabilities through structured training, hands-on experience, and career development support.

The training covers customer acquisition skills, product knowledge, and a deep understanding of commercial, corporate, retail and SME banking. The program adopts a regional training structure, with sessions scheduled to hold in key locations across Nigeria, including Lagos and Ibadan in the South-West, Abuja in the North, and Port Harcourt covering the South-East, Mid-West, and South-South regions.

The Bankers-in-Training Program – Sales is also positioned to develop the next generation of banking leaders. Following an intensive classroom training phase that covers banking operations, financial products, and credit analysis, successful candidates will be deployed to the field.

Upon successful completion of the classroom phase, graduate trainees are expected to execute data-driven sales strategies to acquire new-to-bank customers and grow the branch’s overall deposit and loan portfolio. They will also conduct localized market research to identify untapped business opportunities and monitor competitor offerings and industry trends.

Participants will be required to meet and exceed assigned monthly sales targets through disciplined prospecting and pipeline management. They are also expected to provide end-to-end customer support, ensuring inquiries and complaints are resolved promptly to maintain high satisfaction and retention rates.

In addition, trainees will collaborate with credit and risk teams to carry out preliminary assessments of loan applicants, ensuring documentation meets regulatory and internal standards. Accurate record-keeping of sales activities and regular progress reports to senior management and mentors will also form part of their responsibilities.

The career path progression is structured into three phases: Phase 1, Classroom Training; Phase 2, Shadowing and Field Immersion; and Phase 3, Full Deployment, which transitions successful candidates into a Relationship Manager role.

Benefits include competitive pay with attractive salary packages, comprehensive training led by experts within the banking industry, and fast-track career growth opportunities. Participants will also gain exposure to real-world banking and sales operations in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Other benefits include healthcare coverage, a year-end bonus (13th month allowance), company events, leave allowance, profit sharing, and additional rewards for dedication and hard work.

Eligible applicants must be passionate, driven, and customer-focused individuals who aspire to grow within the banking industry. Applicants must possess a minimum of a Second Class Upper degree or its equivalent in any business or social science related discipline from an accredited university. They must also have at least five credits including Mathematics and English in WAEC, NECO, or its equivalent.

Candidates must not be older than 26 years at the time of application and must have completed NYSC with a valid discharge certificate. A strong interest in sales, client management, and financial solutions is required, while 0–2 years of experience in sales and relationship management is considered an added advantage.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work in a target-driven environment. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a proactive, self-motivated attitude are also highlighted as important qualities.

The application closes on Friday, February 20, 2026. To apply, interested applicants should visit https://wemabank.seamlesshiring.com/job/view/247.

BOI, MTN launch N1bn Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund for Women

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BOI, MTN launch N1bn Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund for Women

The Bank of Industry (BOI) and the MTN Foundation are set to establish a N1bn Matching Fund under the Y’ellopreneur 3.0 programme to expand access to finance and capacity building for women-led micro enterprises across Nigeria.

Both BOI and MTN said the fund would operate as a pilot to reach women running viable businesses who remain excluded from formal credit due to collateral and documentation requirements.

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) ceremony held recently in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, said the initiative goes beyond the continuation of an existing collaboration and targets women at the base of the economic pyramid.

Olusi said the intervention focuses on women who operate viable businesses but remain excluded from structured finance. He said, “Across Nigeria, women sustain a large share of micro-businesses in the markets and communities, while processing and providing services that support household income and local economic activity.”

He added that despite their contributions, many women cannot access affordable capital because traditional lending models demand documentation, collateral, and financial histories that do not reflect how their businesses operate.

The BOI CEO noted that the partnership aims to bridge that financing gap through a model tailored to women entrepreneurs who need funding the most.

He said, “This partnership is designed to specifically bridge that gap. The programme is structured as a pilot to test, learn and refine the model that works for women entrepreneurs who need financing the most, while building a framework that can be sustainably expanded over time.”

Olusi explained that beyond credit provision, the programme embeds capacity building, business development support, and mentorship. He disclosed that the partners plan to train about 1,000 women entrepreneurs in record-keeping, growth management, and competitiveness.

He stressed that expanding opportunities at the microenterprise level strengthens productivity, stabilises income, and contributes to broader economic resilience.

“BOI remains committed to working closely with MTN Foundation and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of this programme,” he said. “Our focus will be on transparency, on sustainability and measuring outcomes so the programme delivers real value and provides a model that can be replicated under other programmes.”

On her part, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said the renewed partnership builds on earlier pilot phases that helped both institutions refine their approach and scale impact in women-led businesses.

Sanya said the new phase seeks to deliver faster and more measurable outcomes for women-owned enterprises. She explained that the foundation aims to build capacity for 30,000 female-led businesses by 2030, up from nearly 6,000 reached so far, while unlocking access to capital for 10,000 women-owned enterprises through the renewed partnership with BOI.

Sanya stated, “This partnership will deepen support for women entrepreneurs, improve business survival rates, and attract additional partners to scale funding for the segment.”

She added that the initiative would combine training, mentorship, and financing and serve as a blueprint for broader public–private cooperation in unlocking new pools of capital for enterprise development and inclusive growth in Nigeria.

Startbench Hub Opens Climate Startup Pre-Incubation Programme

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Startbench Hub Opens Climate Startup Pre-Incubation Programme

Applications are now open for the Climate Startup Pre-Incubation Programme designed to support early-stage founders developing climate solutions in Northwest Nigeria. The programme invites visionary entrepreneurs who are ready to transform climate challenges into scalable business opportunities that drive sustainable growth and impact.

Organised by Startbench Hub under its Climate Free Change initiative, the pre-incubation programme aims to reposition innovative ideas and help them thrive in today’s green economy. It focuses on equipping founders with the tools, structure, and guidance needed to build viable climate-tech ventures.

Participants will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry experts, access to a collaborative workspace, and relevant technology resources. The programme also offers support in validating business models and developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). In addition, selected founders will benefit from networking opportunities with investors and members of the global green ecosystem.

Eligibility is open to early-stage founders who are based in or actively serving Northwest Nigeria. This includes applicants from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto States.

The application deadline is 27 February 2026.

To apply, interested applicants should visit https://climate.startbench.com.ng and complete the application process.

DBN Opens 8th MSME Engagement for North-West Entrepreneurs

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DBN Opens 8th MSME Engagement for North-West Entrepreneurs

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has opened the Expression of Interest form for the 8th Edition of the DBN MSME Engagement in North-West Nigeria. The programme is funded by DBN and delivered in the region by Brand Locus Limited in collaboration with SMEDAN. It is a capacity building program designed to support entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are ready to strengthen their operations and unlock new growth opportunities.

The engagement offers participants access to a N100 million grant pool and other funding opportunities. It also provides practical, expert-led capacity-building sessions aimed at improving business knowledge and management skills. Participants will benefit from business development support, advisory services, and exposure to cash prizes, incentives, and additional growth programmes. In addition, selected entrepreneurs will become part of a network of forward-thinking business owners focused on driving impact and sustainable growth.

Applicants should note that submission of the Expression of Interest form does not automatically guarantee funding or selection. Shortlisted participants will be contacted with further details regarding programme activities, training sessions, and available opportunities.

To apply, interested applicants should visit https://forms.gle/MjeSYWthgm7sz7Zn8 and complete the form.

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