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HYPREP issues disclaimer on circulating N20,000 employment/placement

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HYPREP issues disclaimer on circulating N20,000 employment/placement

HYPREP has issued a public disclaimer warning Nigerians about fraudulent employment offers targeting unsuspecting individuals.

In a statement released by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP said its attention was drawn to the activities of “unscrupulous individuals who are fraudulently soliciting payments of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) from unsuspecting members of the public with the false promise of securing employment or placement opportunities at the CEER or any of its projects.”

The management stressed that “at no time has HYPREP/CEER or any of its projects authorized any person(s) to collect money for recruitment, training, or placement.”

It further stated that all genuine employment and training opportunities are advertised only through official HYPREP communication channels, urging job seekers to be cautious.

The statement warned that “any demand for payment in exchange for employment or placement is fraudulent and should be disregarded in its entirety.”

HYPREP added that neither CEER nor any of its projects will be responsible for losses incurred from dealing with such fraudsters.

The organisation called on the public to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities to curb this scam.

This notice serves to protect job seekers from online fraud, recruitment scams, and fake employment offers circulating across Nigeria.

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Niger State allocates N5bn to revive aviation mini campus at Minna airport

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Niger State allocates N5bn to revive aviation mini campus at Minna airport

Niger State Government has announced a N5 billion seed fund for the construction of classrooms and hostels to revive the aviation mini campus at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made this known when he received the management of the Nigerian College of Aviation Zaria at the airport during their visit.

Governor Bago explained that the project is aimed at reducing the cost of sending students abroad to study aviation-related courses. He said, “When this project is completed, it will cut down the travel expenses incurred in sending our children abroad for aviation studies.”

The governor, popularly known as the farmer governor, said his administration is committed to making the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna a centre for aviation and agriculture.

He appreciated the visiting team for their collaboration, noting that his government is ready to partner with relevant institutions to drive growth in education and agro-business.

Earlier, the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Zaria, Dr Danjuma Adamu Ismail, commended the Niger State Government for remodelling the airport to meet global standards. He said the College has maintained a long-standing relationship with the state government, which led to establishing a mini campus at the airport.

Dr Ismail stated, “Reviving the campus will strengthen our partnership with the state government and will have a significant impact on personnel training and expertise, particularly in agro-aviation business.”

He noted that the College of Aviation, which was established in 1964, has expanded into six schools, including flight, air traffic control, aeronautical telecommunications engineering, airport emergency training, and aircraft aviation management.

The management team from the College of Aviation was later taken round the aviation fuel depot and housing unit within the airport premises. Governor Bago disclosed that the housing unit will be demolished and replaced with a more modern facility to address the housing deficit and support the airport’s future development.

Delta civil service to sack age cheats, recover salaries

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Delta civil service to sack age cheats, recover salaries

The Delta State Government has issued a firm statement on the ongoing civil service screening exercise, warning that anyone who falsified their age or abandoned duty posts will not be retained.

The government also said funds wrongly collected by those who illegally stayed on the payroll while absent will be recovered.

Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba, the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the move is aimed at restoring order in the civil service and promoting accountability.

He explained that the government’s visit to Brazil was to attract investment partners in agriculture, ranching, renewable energy, and industrial development. According to him, “The goal is to open up more opportunities for job creation, strengthen security, and improve the standard of living of the people.”

Aniagwu also addressed the reinforced civil service dress code, clarifying that it was not a new directive but a reminder of existing rules. He noted that the civil service is a regimented institution and said, “What government insists on is simple decency and professionalism in dressing while on duty.”

He further dismissed rumours of disputes among commissioners, describing them as politically motivated distractions. “No commissioner has engaged in any form of fight. Such reports are mere fabrications by detractors who cannot fault the administration’s performance,” he said.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is focused on delivering development projects and people-centred policies.

“This administration remains people-focused and result-driven, and we will not be distracted by misinformation. Our priority is to keep improving the lives of Deltans,” Aniagwu stated, highlighting that the state is positioning itself as a hub for economic growth and sustainable investment.

UNDP Nigeria, Mastercard select youth innovators for YAI stage gating Phase

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UNDP Nigeria, Mastercard select youth innovators for YAI stage gating Phase

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced the youth-led innovations selected for the Stage Gating Phase of the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, describing it as a major step toward unlocking inclusive, grassroots-driven innovation in Nigeria.

Following a competitive, multi-stage process, a total of 1,385 young innovators participated and were trained in innovation bootcamps across seven Nigerian states.

These bootcamps provided a platform for refining ideas, building technical skills, and promoting community-driven innovation.

Out of this number, 210 innovators have now been selected for the Stage Gating Phase of the programme, representing some of Nigeria’s most promising problem-solvers committed to transforming their communities through bold and scalable solutions.

The selected innovations cover Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kwara, and Lagos, with each state focusing on specific development sectors such as education, healthcare, commerce, tourism, creative economy, and financial inclusion.

The programme begins with pipeline activation and bootcamps and now moves to the Stage Gating Phase. This phase will provide four months of intensive incubation, offering innovators access to expert mentors, technical support, market opportunities, peer learning, and financial support to test, refine, and scale their innovations within local ecosystems.

“At the Mastercard Foundation, we believe young people are the key to transforming Africa’s future,” said Rosy Fynn, Country Director, Mastercard Foundation Nigeria.

“The Young Africa Innovates Programme was designed with the understanding that innovation is not the preserve of a few. It exists everywhere from big cities to remote rural communities and often, it is those who live closest to the problem who are best positioned to solve it. These selected innovators have demonstrated not just the creativity, but the courage and resilience it takes to design solutions that serve others. They are redefining what it means to lead, to serve and to build in Africa today. We are honored to walk alongside them as they bring their ideas to life.”

The Stage Gating Phase, which runs from August to December 2025, will deliver a curated curriculum that includes one-on-one mentoring, collaborative workshops, peer learning circles, and state-level showcases.

Innovators will also receive guidance in business development, product design, MVP creation, and market testing, helping them grow their ideas and shape inclusive innovation ecosystems within their states and sectors.

The selection process followed a transparent approach, starting with assessments by bootcamp facilitators across the seven states. This was followed by an in-depth technical review by the UNDP team, and the final list was independently validated by State Steering Committees that included local ecosystem actors, government representatives, and development partners.

“This announcement is more than a milestone; it’s a signal to the world that Nigeria’s youth are not waiting for change, they are building it,” said Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria.

“What makes the Young Africa Innovates Programme so powerful is its commitment to reach atypical innovators, those who are often excluded from the mainstream innovation ecosystem due to geography, gender, socio-economic status, or education level. With support from Mastercard Foundation, we have co-designed a model that doesn’t just identify talent, it nurtures it in context.

These selected innovators are crafting bold solutions, driven by lived experience and community connection. They represent a new generation of builders whose work will shape the future of development across the continent.”

This next phase provides an opportunity for young Nigerian innovators to expand their impact while allowing UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation to explore new models for inclusion, incubation, and innovation at scale. These young participants now have the tools, networks, and vision to create a more inclusive and opportunity-rich Nigeria.

Katsina State Govt to empower repentant bandits

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Katsina State Govt to empower repentant bandits

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has announced new measures aimed at strengthening security and supporting victims of banditry in the state.

Speaking on Monday through a statement signed by Bala Zango, commissioner for information and culture, and Maiwada Dammallam, director-general media to the governor, Mr Radda said the government will provide industrial tools to repentant bandits as part of its social reintegration programme.

He said the government will also build 152 houses and provide business support packages for displaced households in Jibia Local Government Area.

“The state government is planning to provide 152 IDP homes in Jibia for displaced families, plus business support packages, cattle and industrial tools for repentant individuals preventing violence relapse,” the governor stated during a high-level consultation meeting held on Sunday in Katsina to discuss security, governance and development.

The governor reiterated that security remains the top priority in his development agenda, alongside education, agriculture, healthcare, micro, small and medium enterprise support, and revenue generation. He acknowledged criticisms of government policies but emphasised openness to constructive feedback.

Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal-Jobe, who also featured in the statement, disclosed that the state government had created 35,903 jobs under its Building Your Future Policy.

He listed teacher recruitment, ward head appointments, and engagement of community watch members, vigilantes, hunters, and religious leaders as some of the strategies adopted to drive peacebuilding initiatives.

Mr Lawal-Jobe revealed that the Katsina State Urban Renewal project across Daura, Funtua, and Katsina Senatorial Districts consumed N74.9 billion.

He said major infrastructure projects included the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass construction, eight other dualisation roads in Katsina town, reconstruction of roads in Daura and Funtua, and completion of rural roads.

He added that 160 new classrooms had been built, 258 rehabilitated, 18,000 teachers trained, three model schools established, and 152 schools upgraded under the AGILE project. He further said exam fees were fully paid, and N6.18 billion scholarships were awarded to 174,451 students, including overseas sponsorships.

The deputy governor also highlighted agricultural support, including the annual distribution of 400,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser, procurement of 400 tractors, provision of 4,000 irrigation pumps, and the launch of the Goat Rearing Initiative to empower women and herders.

On workers’ welfare, he confirmed the payment of N24 billion in gratuities, wage awards, Ramadan packages, civil service reforms, and large-scale food distributions.

He added that 260 ward-level primary health centres had been built or upgraded, general hospitals renovated, dialysis and diagnostic centres established, and a pharmaceutical production unit created.

He said N14.6 billion was invested in water projects, major dams completed, irrigation schemes expanded, and hand pumps converted to solar-powered boreholes. He noted that the energy sector recorded ₦3.84 billion worth of solar mini-grid projects, 74km of solar streetlight installations, power line restoration, and transformer upgrades.

Commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, attributed rising banditry to greed, envy, natural resource conflicts linked to climate change, and long-standing social injustices.

He explained that banditry spread from five LGAs between 2011 and 2015 to 25 LGAs after the collapse of the previous amnesty programme. He clarified that the peace agreements in DanMusa, Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa LGAs were entirely community-driven.

Kogi–China partnership begins with agricultural training for lecturers

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Kogi–China partnership begins with agricultural training for lecturers

Kogi State has taken a major step in its partnership agreement with the government of Hunan Province, China, with the successful completion of a three-week agricultural training programme for lecturers under the Lecturers/Students Exchange Programme.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while receiving the first batch of participants in Lokoja, said the programme marks the first visible dividends of the Kogi–Hunan partnership, which focuses on agriculture, mining, industrialisation and aims to deliver significant social and economic development across different sectors of the state’s economy.

He said the training held at Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha City, focused on Heavy Metal Control and Prevention in Paddy Fields and was a direct outcome of his official visit to Hunan Province earlier this year under the mutual economic cooperation agreement with the People’s Republic of China.

“This initiative has equipped our lecturers with cutting-edge knowledge and innovative strategies to manage heavy metal contamination in rice cultivation, which is highly relevant to Kogi State’s agricultural landscape. It is the beginning of many more exchange programmes to be facilitated by the state government,” Governor Ododo stated.

He reaffirmed that his administration is committed to using the Kogi–Hunan partnership to unlock the state’s vast agricultural and mineral potential, attract agritech investment, foster industrial growth and support sustainable development.

In their separate remarks, Dr. Ajayi Joshua and Mr. Sadiq Fatihu of the Faculty of Agriculture, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), said the training was an eye-opener.

Dr. Joshua said the programme broadened their understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and opened new research avenues and collaboration opportunities with Hunan Agricultural University.

Mr. Fatihu added that the training has given them the capacity to adapt new technologies to local needs, creating opportunities in agritech, sustainable farming and food safety while laying the groundwork for policy-driven improvements in agriculture and environmental management.

Both lecturers pledged to put the knowledge gained into practical use to improve food safety, public health, and make Kogi State a leader in sustainable agriculture.

The exchange programme is part of the China–Africa Economic and Trade Promotion (CAETP) and Sister-City collaboration agreement and is expected to lead to more research opportunities, agritech development and additional training programmes between Kogi State institutions and universities in Hunan Province.

Anambra Gov to empower 8,300 youths with N3.5bn at 1Youth2Skills Plus

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Anambra Gov to empower 8,300 youths with N3.5bn at 1Youth2Skills Plus

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is set to launch another major youth empowerment initiative as the second batch of the 1Youth2Skills Plus programme prepares for graduation.

The programme, which focuses on entrepreneurship and vocational training, will see thousands of beneficiaries receive financial support to start and grow their businesses.

In a statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, confirmed that no fewer than 8,300 young people successfully completed the intensive training.

He revealed that they will be empowered with a total financing package worth ₦3.5 billion during the graduation ceremony. The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Awka, where Governor Soludo will personally present the support packages.

He is also expected to unveil additional initiatives designed to produce a new generation of millionaires and innovative entrepreneurs across the state.

Commissioner Agha Mba recalled that more than 5,000 youths benefited from the first batch of the programme, which provided over ₦2 billion in seed funding, mentorship, and cooperative support. He explained that the state government is scaling up the initiative to reach more young people and strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity.

“This second batch will not just receive financial empowerment, but also intense mentorship, cooperative partnerships, and other strategic support mechanisms to help them thrive. Mr. Governor is determined to build the next set of millionaires in Anambra State,” he said.

Describing Governor Soludo as a youth-friendly leader, the Commissioner said the programme aims to make Anambra a hub for innovation, productivity, and prosperity. He encouraged beneficiaries to view the support as an opportunity to innovate, grow their businesses, and create jobs for others in the state.

The ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries, stakeholders, and families of the beneficiaries. Success stories from the first batch will also be showcased, with highlights of thriving businesses established in agriculture, ICT, fashion, crafts, services, and other sectors.

Hon. Agha Mba expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for sustaining what he called a revolutionary investment in the future of Anambra youths, stressing that the state remains on track to become a smart and prosperous homeland driven by young people.

FG, IFAD-VCDP push for farm policies in Benue to support women

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FG, IFAD-VCDP push for farm policies in Benue to support women

The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Programme, FG/IFAD-VCDP, has called for the institutionalisation of key interventions including the Gender Action Learning System, GALS, Commodity Alliance Forum, CAF, and Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture, NSA, into the Benue State Agricultural Development Policy.

The National Programme Coordinator of FG/IFAD-VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, made the call during a Policy Dialogue Meeting on VCDP interventions in Benue State, held over the weekend in Makurdi. Dr. Aliyu, who was represented by the Knowledge Management and Communications Advisor, Vera Onyeaka-Oyilo, said policy support was required to sustain the impact of the programme.

She stated that GALS, CAF, and NSA had played key roles in the success of VCDP in the state but warned that GALS remains limited as it is “confined to donor supported projects thereby limited, unsustainable and unable to achieve state wide transformation.”

She urged that GALS be integrated into “State Agricultural and Gender Policies” and scaled up through a multi-sectoral approach to cover health, education, community development, cooperative development, rural finance, and youth empowerment programmes.

According to her, this would guarantee inclusive growth, social impact, and strengthened household welfare.

Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that through CAF, “Benue VCDP has contributed 99,452 metric tons of rice worth N13.527billion through private partnership arrangement and 87,237 metric tons of cassava worth N3.925billion to Benue as well as Nigeria’s food security and economy.”

She noted that CAF still lacked a formal legal and policy framework in the state’s agricultural system. She said, “When institutionalized through a state policy it will ensure long-term sustainability, enhance market linkages, strengthen public-private-producers-partnerships, and expand its benefits beyond donor-funded programmes like IFAD-VCDP.”

She also stressed the importance of mainstreaming nutrition into the state’s agricultural policies, explaining that the integration of Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture would “improves cross sector collaboration and institutional ownership.”

Earlier, the State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Dr. Emmanuel Igbaukum, explained that the meeting was convened to allow stakeholders in the cassava and rice value chains to review areas where the programme had excelled as it approaches its 2026 closure.

According to him, “the meeting would see how these areas that recorded huge successes particularly CAF, GALS and Nutrition are institutionalised and backed by policies to ensure sustainability.”

The Commissioner for Agricultural and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Anchaver, represented by Permanent Secretary, Elijah Ogaagbenu, commended the programme’s achievements and pledged that the state government would continue leveraging the initiative to boost women’s livelihoods, agricultural production, and nutrition.

Stakeholders from MDAs, farmers, and private sector groups also pledged to follow up on the three strategic areas to ensure they are fully integrated and supported by policy.

FG to create 1,000 jobs for every 100 housing units

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FG to create 1,000 jobs for every 100 housing units

The Federal Government has announced that for every 100 housing units built under its Renewed Hope Agenda, at least 1,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created nationwide.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, made this known in Lagos while delivering the keynote address at the 24th Annual Conference of the African Real Estate Society (AfRES).

The event brought together policymakers, investors, developers, and scholars from across Africa and beyond to discuss opportunities in the real estate market.

Represented by the Federal Controller of Housing Lagos, Mrs. Olayiwola Funmilayo, Dangiwa emphasised that Nigeria’s housing sector is a critical driver of economic growth, contributing over nine per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employing millions.

He stated that beyond providing shelter, the sector has the potential to create jobs and promote inclusive development across the country.

Highlighting the Federal Government’s initiatives, the minister listed the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, designed to deliver 100,000 affordable housing units nationwide.

He also mentioned the recapitalisation of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the introduction of innovative financing instruments such as mortgage backed securities, diaspora housing bonds, and rent-to-own schemes to boost home ownership.

Dangiwa further revealed that land administration reforms, including the National Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme and the issuance of e-Certificates of Occupancy, aim to unlock over $300 billion in dead capital and improve investor confidence in the real estate sector.

He said, “Our cities are growing at breakneck speed. Lagos alone adds 600,000 new residents annually. This rapid urbanization creates both pressure and opportunity for housing, transport, and infrastructure. The Nigerian real estate market is worth over $56 billion and growing at double-digit rates annually. Africa as a whole has a property market projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030 if we create enabling environments.”

Earlier, Chairman of AfRES Nigeria Chapter, ESV Adediran Adetunji, described Africa’s real estate market as evolving and resilient, with untapped opportunities in housing, commercial, and hospitality projects. He added that Nigeria’s estimated 28 million housing deficit represents a massive investment opportunity.

The four-day conference themed “Shaping the Future of African Real Estate Markets: Exploring the Opportunities” continues in Lagos with panel discussions on sustainable housing, technology, and regional integration.

Esv. Victor Alonge, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, stated that “Africa’s enormous opportunities and resources, with huge potentials and conducive business environment makes it a business hub and choice destination for international investment in real estate.”

477,000 households benefit from Akwa Ibom free food programme

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477,000 households benefit from Akwa Ibom free food programme

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred leadership with a major highlight on humanitarian programmes that have reached 477,000 households through Phases One and Two of the Free Food Distribution Programme.

The Governor made this known while addressing participants at the Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, held at Obot Akara in the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, where he served as Chief Host.

Pastor Umo Eno praised the Catholic Church for its unmatched dedication to humanitarian service, describing it as the largest non-governmental investor in education, healthcare, and social support across Nigeria.

“We appreciate the Catholic Church for consistently demonstrating what it means to live out faith in action. These interventions reflect our shared mission with the Church – to care for the vulnerable, bring hope to the needy, and ensure no one is left behind,” he stated.

He applauded the host of the conference, the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Bishop Camilus Umo, for his dedication and excellence in organizing the plenary. The Governor stressed the importance of unity among the Church in Nigeria and in Akwa Ibom State, urging continued collaboration in the pursuit of the common good of humanity.

Highlighting some achievements of his administration, the Governor disclosed that 206 Compassionate Homes have already been built and handed over to widows and vulnerable citizens under the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, out of a target of 500.

He also mentioned the creation of a Ministry of Humanitarian Services and the ARISE Care for the Elderly initiative, which are aimed at reducing the burden on the less privileged.

Pastor Umo Eno assured that his administration will continue to work closely with the Catholic Church and other faith-based organizations to build a compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful society.

The plenary was attended by prominent national figures including the President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, chaired the plenary, which also had the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Bishops, and priests from across the country.

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