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Lagos Govt to hold 2025 Job Fair to boost youth employment

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Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has announced that the Year 2025 Job Fair will hold on Thursday, 11th September, 2025, at the Blue Roof, Lagos State Television, Ikeja. The event, themed “Your Career, Your Way: Explore Endless Possibilities,” is aimed at connecting thousands of young people with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Job Fair has become one of the State’s flagship initiatives for tackling youth unemployment by bringing together job seekers, young professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and top employers across different sectors of the economy.

In a statement, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to creating jobs, nurturing talent, and promoting entrepreneurship in line with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. According to him, the agenda’s focus on Education, Technology, and building a 21st Century Economy makes the Job Fair a vital tool for career growth.

The Commissioner disclosed that this year’s edition will feature on-the-spot job interviews and recruitment by leading organisations, one-on-one career consultations with professionals, and a high-level panel session with business leaders and thought experts. He explained that the sessions will explore strategies for navigating today’s competitive job market. He added that participants will also take part in breakout workshops on résumé writing, interview coaching, digital product creation, and entrepreneurship training.

Ajigbotafe noted that the impact of previous editions has been significant, recalling that the 2024 Job Fair recorded over 3,000 participants, with many securing employment opportunities. “The 2025 edition will build on these successes by bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, equipping young people with digital skills, career-readiness, and access to employment networks,” he stated.

He stressed that the Fair also strengthens partnerships between government, the private sector, and multinational organisations, reinforcing Lagos as Nigeria’s hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

The Permanent Secretary, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, encouraged job seekers, graduates, and professionals to register for the event, assuring that the Ministry has made adequate preparations to deliver a successful and impactful Job Fair.

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Kwara Govt launches AI training to empower teachers

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Kwara State Government has launched a one-day training programme on Artificial Intelligence in pedagogy for selected public senior secondary school teachers across the state. The training, themed “Empowering the 21st Century Educator,” was held today at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development Resource Centre, Tanke, Ilorin.

Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the initiative as a turning point in the state’s education reform agenda. “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey to transform education in Kwara State and prepare our students and teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world,” he said.

Dr. Olohungbebe urged teachers to embrace their role as “architects of transformation,” stressing that Artificial Intelligence integration goes beyond technical skills and requires re-imagining methods of knowledge delivery. He added, “Let today be the beginning of a new chapter, one where Kwara classrooms become hubs of innovation, inclusion and inspiration.”

The Commissioner acknowledged the support of the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noting that the administration’s investment in education has created an enabling environment for innovations such as AI integration in teaching. He explained that the government’s policies in digital learning and educational technology are geared towards improving the future of students in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, applauded the Governor’s commitment to revamping education and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained for the benefit of students statewide. She emphasised that integrating Artificial Intelligence in teaching would help strengthen digital literacy, improve classroom performance, and promote inclusive education across Kwara State.

The lead trainer, Mrs. Fadimu Benedicta Toyosi, described the workshop as a “golden opportunity” for teachers to adapt to the realities of digital learning. She commended the Ministry for spearheading efforts to modernise classroom practice and align with global trends in education technology.

Participants expressed appreciation to the Ministry and called for decentralisation of the AI training so that more teachers across the state can benefit. The event was attended by the management of the Ministry, including Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Abduraheem Abiodun Rufai, and Director, Human Capital Development, Oludare Olawumi Victoria.

NUPENG accuses Dangote, Dantata of anti-union CNG distribution

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September 5, 2025 – The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has condemned what it described as unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional anti-union practices allegedly carried out by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata.

According to the union, oil and gas stakeholders were shocked when on June 14, 2025, they heard Dangote’s declaration to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, later increased to 10,000, for the nationwide distribution of petroleum and diesel products. The distribution, scheduled to commence on August 15, 2025, was announced to be at no logistics cost to petrol stations and industrial setups.

In a statement, NUPENG explained that instead of embarking on protests, it sought clarification from Dangote regarding the decision. Following this, Dangote directed his cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata, who owns MRS Energy, to meet with the union leaders on June 23, 2025.

“At the meeting of 23rd June 2025, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata declared that he and Alhaji Aliko Dangote had resolved to have monopolistic control, not only of crude oil refining, but also distribution of the products. The planned importation of 10,000 CNG trucks is part of the plan for nationwide distribution,” NUPENG stated.

The union alleged that Dantata further informed them in “a brutally cold and crude manner” that drivers recruited for the trucks would not be allowed to join existing unions. Instead, a new union would be created exclusively for them.

Following the meeting, NUPENG and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) said they made efforts to engage relevant authorities to ensure global best practices were followed, but these efforts yielded no results.

“To our utmost shock, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata’s MRS commenced the recruitment of drivers for the imported CNG Trucks on Friday, 29th August 2025. The drivers being recruited are being forced to sign an undertaking not to belong to any existing union in the oil and gas industry,” the statement read.

The union accused the businessmen of trying to create wealth by depriving workers of their rights. “To us, amassing wealth on the basis of enslavement, depriving workers of a union and voice amounts to creating filthy wealth. NUPENG will not stand idly by while these billionaires seek to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of workers, including tanker drivers,” it said.

NUPENG recalled that it supported Dangote Refinery during its construction and commissioning, expecting that the project would create jobs, build local capacity, and improve the lives of Nigerians. The union, however, expressed disappointment at what it described as betrayal.

“This is not philanthropy, it is economic sabotage! This is not a gift—it is a trap! This is not progress—it is a death knell for working masses, small and medium scale investors, their dependants, official institutions, extant labour laws and inclusive economic growth and development!” the union declared.

It emphasized that the transition to cleaner and sustainable energy must be fair and inclusive, accusing Dangote and Dantata of pursuing unfair and unjust practices.

The union called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority to exercise its powers under Section 32(u) and (aa) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to prevent abuse of dominant positions and restrictive business practices.

It further cited Nigeria’s ratification of the International Labour Organisation Convention No. 87 of 1948 on freedom of association and protection of the right to organise. The union reminded that Section 254C(2) of the Nigerian Constitution gives ratified ILO conventions constitutional backing, while Section 40 guarantees workers’ rights to union membership.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata should not be allowed to enslave Nigerian workers. They should be made to be lawful business persons and not lawless individuals and business outfits. Nigeria is a country of laws, not a lawless society,” the statement noted.

NUPENG also referenced Section 9(6) of the Labour Act, which prevents penalties against workers for joining trade unions. It called on the federal government and its agencies to intervene.

“By this statement, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agencies, including well-meaning segments of the Nigerian society, to call the two trillionaire businessmen to order. They should be told to obey the laws of Nigeria. If they persist in their anti-union tyrannical attitudes, NUPENG is set and ready to mobilize its forces to fight within the framework of the law,” the statement read.

The union disclosed that from Monday, September 8, 2025, members of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch would begin seeking alternative employment, as Dangote and Dantata had already resolved to replace them. It urged Nigerians to bear with any inconveniences caused by the struggle.

“We plead with the general public to bear any inconveniences our struggle against this tyranny and indecency may cause; IT IS A STRUGGLE THAT MUST BE WAGED!!!!”

The statement also called on other industrial unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and international labour federations to prepare for solidarity actions.

“Workers are no slaves! To resist existence of unions is to prevent collective bargaining with a view to imposing terms and conditions of work unilaterally. To resist unionism is to seek to enslave! Respect for labour rights, including observance of the right of freedom of association cannot be waived. The working class will not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed!” NUPENG warned.

The union concluded by affirming its readiness to mobilize and resist any attempt to undermine jobs in the oil and gas sector, stressing, “NUPENG stands ready to mobilise and resist any attempt to destroy jobs and undermine our industry!”

Apply: 19th Abuja International Trade Fair AITF Free Fashion Runway

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Abuja International Trade Fair have announced a call for entries into the 19th AITF Free Fashion Runway. Registration is now open, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your mark on the runway.

In a statement, they asked, “Are you ready to showcase your creativity on one of Africa’s largest platforms? The 20th Abuja International Trade Fair is bringing back its iconic Fashion Runway, and we’re inviting innovative designers to step into the spotlight.”

The main event will take place on October 4, 2025, at Km 8 Abuja Trade and Convention Centre, beside ShopRite Lugbe, Abuja.

Registration is ongoing, and the application deadline is September 25, 2025.

How to apply:

Application forms are available at https://rebrand.ly/fashion_designers.

Over 80 Nigerians graduate from YSEC 2025 youth entrepreneurship programme

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More than 80 young Nigerians have graduated from the latest cohort of the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge (YSEC) 2025, a programme funded by the British Council in collaboration with King’s Trust International, an organisation established by King Charles III.

The graduation event held in Abuja brought together government officials, representatives of the British Council in Nigeria, King’s Trust International, and the coordinators of the initiative, Octoville Development Company.

YSEC is designed to strengthen youth entrepreneurship across Nigeria, giving young people between the ages of 18 and 35 the opportunity to develop their business ideas through training, mentorship, and grant support.

The 2025 edition also featured a pitch competition where participants showcased their ventures before a panel of judges. At the end of the competition, eight winners each received N300,000 seed funding to grow or scale their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Director of Programmes at the British Council, Chikodi Onyemerela, explained that the initiative began in Nigeria three years ago to support the aspirations of young people and provide opportunities for alternative but sustainable livelihoods.

According to him, “the initiative helps provide skills for young people across five states in Nigeria, including Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, Kano State as well as Enugu, with the intention of enabling them to start their own businesses and acquire sustainable entrepreneurial skills.”

Onyemerela added that the programme also impacts those who may not be entrepreneurship-minded by equipping them with employability skills. He stressed that this contributes to the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

For participants who choose the entrepreneurial path, Onyemerela said they are trained to improve existing products and services, create new ones, and build innovative solutions that are unique to Nigeria.

Chief Executive of Octoville Development Company, Nelson Okwonna, also highlighted the uniqueness of the programme. He noted that YSEC focuses on young Nigerians who are already committed to national development and have taken steps to start their own businesses.

“We are looking for people who are already willing, interested and capable. And we are now working with them to make that happen,” Okwonna said.

He explained that in addition to training, selected beneficiaries also receive grants to start their ventures.

The Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth Development on Gender Matters, Kehinde Awujoola, commended the programme and emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment. She said the Bola Tinubu administration is focused on working with the private sector to create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

According to her, “the minister has been operating an open-door policy system, to bring in organisations like Octoville, bring them to the table, and see how they can collaborate, co-create, and see how we can help the Nigerian youth.”

In her remarks, Country Director of King’s Trust International, Damilola Sotiminu, urged the graduates to remain resilient despite challenges.

She encouraged them to maximize the knowledge, mentorship, and resources they had received through the programme.

Check: 2025/2026 Ogun screening test results and cut off marks

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5th September 2025 – Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced that the 2025/2026 Screening Test Results are now available. In a statement addressed to parents and guardians, the ministry confirmed the release of the results and the cut off marks for admission.

According to the announcement, a total of 19,479 candidates applied for the screening test. The ministry stated, “Please be informed that the Result of 2025 Screening Test Examination/School Cut Off Marks is released.” The general cutoff mark is 30, although it differs depending on the school.

Parents and candidates can check the performance and admission status of learners on the official result portal via https://ogsera.ogunstate.gov.ng/admission-cutt-off-info/38.

To access the result and print the admission letter, parents are advised to log in using the Learner Identification Number (LIN) and default password of 12345678 or a parent account.

Ogun TESCOM sets screening date for OgunTEACh candidates

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Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has announced that candidates who scored 40 and above in the 2025 OgunTEACh test and received official notification as well as a short message from the Commission will undergo screening on Monday, September 8, 2025.

This was disclosed in a release signed by the Chairman of TESCOM, Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu. According to him, “the screening would take place at the Commission’s Conference room, Block A, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.”

The statement explained that only applicants whose subjects of specialisation have been prescribed on the OGSERA Portal will be considered for the process. It further directed all invited candidates to come with their original credentials, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate where applicable, and a valid means of identification such as the National Identity Number (NIN).

The release emphasized that strict compliance would be followed during the exercise. It also urged members of the public to rely only on official information from the Commission to avoid misinformation.

Apostle Sanyaolu noted that the process is designed to ensure transparency and fairness in Ogun State’s teacher recruitment exercise.

NGO warns 80m Nigerian youths unemployed, 1,500 schools shut

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Plan International Nigeria has raised alarm over the growing crisis facing young people in the country, warning that nearly 80 million Nigerian youths remain unemployed while insecurity has forced the closure of more than 1,500 schools in the past two years.

The organisation disclosed this in a new document titled “State of the Nigerian Youth Report 2025,” presented in Abuja by its Advocacy and Youth Programme Officer, Jonathan Abakpa. The report, produced in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria and with input from policy and advocacy experts, was unveiled during the Nigerian youth dialogue held in commemoration of International Youth Day and organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament.

According to Abakpa, the findings reveal that about one million children are currently out of school due to insecurity. He described the situation as troubling in a country where more than 60 per cent of the population is below the age of 30. “With more than 200 million people and one of the largest youth populations in the world, Nigeria should be a powerhouse of innovation and growth,” he said.

He warned that unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure have left many young Nigerians without opportunities. “Unless urgent action is taken, the country risks losing its greatest asset,” Abakpa added.

The report further disclosed that each year about 1.7 million graduates leave Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions, but jobs remain difficult to find. It also highlighted how rising violence has disrupted rural communities, leading to the loss of more than 77,000 lives in tribal conflicts over the past five years and displacing around 2.6 million people, mostly from farming areas.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has urged youths to embrace available government initiatives designed to support them. Speaking to over 24,000 young Nigerians at the Arise Congress 2.0, themed “The Emergence of Champions,” and held at the Baptist International Convention Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Dare described youths as the “champions of Tinubu’s administration.”

He pointed to several government-backed programmes aimed at youth empowerment, including the NELFUND tuition loans and stipends, the renewed hope conditional cash transfer scheme, and ongoing food security and poverty alleviation interventions. “My message is not political but an appeal for youths to embrace available opportunities and transform their communities positively,” he said.

Dare, who also chairs the Youth and Student Ministries Advisory Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, stressed the importance of character, discipline, determination, and self-motivation for personal and national growth.

The four-day congress, which runs from September 3 to 6, 2025, also had in attendance the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Adelani Akanji, among other leaders.

FG to train 2,000 Nigerian youths in electric vehicle skills

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The Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum, Tony Nwulu, has announced that 2,000 Nigerian youths will benefit from free training in electric vehicle maintenance and manufacturing under a new partnership programme with CAWIN Mobility Limited.

The initiative, which was unveiled in Abuja, is part of a wider project focused on empowering young people with technical skills that will prepare Nigeria for the growing adoption of renewable energy and green transportation.

Nwulu described the project as a historic milestone that would position Nigerian youths at the forefront of the global transition to sustainable mobility.

“One of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be who services electric vehicles when they develop faults. Through this partnership, we are equipping 2,000 Nigerian youths with the skills to fill that critical gap,” he said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between YIPF and CAWIN Mobility.

He explained that as electric vehicles gradually make their way into the Nigerian automobile market, it was important to ensure the country was not left behind in terms of technical expertise and manpower.

According to him, the training programme, which commences on the 20th of this month, is designed to prepare young Nigerians to take advantage of fast-emerging opportunities in renewable energy and the green transportation sector.

“This project is open to all Nigerian youths across the country. If you are interested in electric vehicle repairs, simply visit our website, fill out the form, and you will be contacted. The programme is completely free. You are not paying one kobo to be trained,” he explained.

He added that the training would target 1,000 engineering students and another 1,000 mechanics from different parts of the country.

Nwulu said the rise of electric vehicles in Nigeria made it urgent to build local technical capacity for repairs and maintenance.

“Today, if you drive past 20 vehicles, you are likely to see at least one electric vehicle. Like every other car, it will require servicing at some point, and the critical question is: who will fix it when it develops faults?” he asked.

He stressed that the partnership with CAWIN Mobility was not just about selling electric cars but also about ensuring there is manpower to support their use.

“After-sales support and servicing are very important to everyone who buys these vehicles. This programme ensures that the technical skills are available locally so that EVs do not end up abandoned after a few years. With this training, we are preparing Nigerian youths to lead Africa in this innovation,” Nwulu said.

The partnership also introduced the Lawmakers Car Acquisition Scheme, which will give federal lawmakers access to both electric and conventional vehicles at affordable prices, with flexible payment plans and after-sales services included.

Nwulu explained that the scheme was designed to ease the challenges lawmakers face in carrying out their duties while also promoting cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable mobility, and national development. It is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets purpose,” he said.

The YIPF Director General commended CAWIN Mobility for supporting an initiative that combines youth development with green energy advocacy. He also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and members of the media who witnessed the launch.

“With this partnership, we are driving a future where our youths are empowered, our lawmakers are equipped, and our nation is positioned as a leader in the green revolution,” he said.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala, said the training would equip young Nigerians with the technical skills needed to prepare for the global shift towards sustainable mobility.

“The world is moving into the electric era, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. Through this programme, we are ensuring that when electric vehicles arrive in the Nigerian market, we will already have a prepared workforce and infrastructure to maintain and service them,” he explained.

He pointed out that the collaboration with CAWIN Mobility was not only about introducing electric cars into Nigeria but also about creating a sustainable support system for their use.

“The future is electric, and we must train the next generation to understand and lead in this transition. This training programme specifically targets the EV market, ensuring our youths are not caught unprepared but are ready to drive innovation,” Akala said.

The lawmaker emphasized that the training, which commences this month, would be free for all participants.

“Two thousand youths will benefit from this programme without paying a kobo, and that is a historic opportunity for empowerment,” he noted.

He praised CAWIN Mobility for bringing its expertise to Nigeria and for agreeing to train Nigerian youths. He also commended his colleagues in the National Assembly for showing commitment by attending the event despite being on recess.

“This partnership is meaningful, purposeful, and designed for the future of our country. We are committed to ensuring Nigerian youths get it right,” Akala added.

Managing Director of CAWIN Mobility, Wayne Ji, said the initiative would prepare young Nigerians to play a central role in the country’s transition to green mobility.

“This ceremony is not just symbolic, it is a promise to our youth, our environment, and Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.

He explained that in China, electric vehicles drove a new wave of industrial revolution and expressed confidence that Nigeria could achieve the same transformation.

Under the partnership, Ji said 1,000 technicians would be trained to immediately serve in garages and service centers, while another 1,000 engineers would undergo advanced training in partnership with Nigerian universities, focusing on EV research, design, and manufacturing.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful population is its greatest resource.

“At CAWIN, we believe investing in young people is investing in the nation’s future. These 2,000 youths will be the backbone of Nigeria’s EV workforce, from the garage to the research lab,” Ji said.

He also highlighted the Lawmakers Car Acquisition Scheme under which Nigerian lawmakers would have access to sustainable vehicles. He said the move would “set an example for citizens and create a ripple effect that boosts confidence in electric mobility.”

Beyond training, Ji explained that CAWIN Mobility would provide a complete EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure, local assembly, supply chains, and after-sales support.

The programme, he said, is part of a broader vision to create jobs, diversify the economy, and make Nigeria a leader in West Africa’s electric vehicle revolution.

“We are laying the foundation for cleaner cities, safer transportation, and a diversified economy with new industries and jobs,” Ji said.

He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity. “To Nigerian youths: seize this opportunity. You are not just beneficiaries, you are the future owners of this industry,” he said.

Katsina NDE flags off second phase of Renewed Hope Initiative

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Katsina, 4th September 2025 – The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Katsina State Office, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) at the Education Resources Centre, Katsina.

The ceremony, which began at 11:00 a.m. and ended at 1:00 p.m., was declared open by the State Coordinator, Hajiya Halima Isa Ingawa, who represented the Director-General, His Excellency Silas Ali Agara.

The event recorded the presence of key dignitaries, including Pharm. Yusuf Nasir, Permanent Secretary, Government House Katsina State; Hon. Alhaji Yau Nowa, Special Adviser, Employment Promotion Department; Dr. Midassir Nasir, Managing Director, KASIPA; Alhaji Nasir Manzo, General Manager, Technology Incubation Centre Katsina; Special Adviser on People with Special Needs; Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Katsina State Chapter; and the leadership of Kankiya Old Girls Association.

In her welcome address, Hajiya Halima Isa Ingawa read the keynote message of the Director-General, applauding the beneficiaries for being selected and urging them to take advantage of the opportunity. She emphasized the importance of skills acquisition in addressing unemployment and economic development.

Speaking at the event, Pharm. Yusuf Nasir advised the beneficiaries to embrace vocational training and entrepreneurship, stating that “white-collar jobs are increasingly scarce.” He commended the NDE for driving an impactful programme that empowers people with practical skills for self-reliance.

Hon. Alhaji Yau Nowa described unemployment as a root cause of poverty, insecurity, and social unrest. He said, “Unemployment remains a major challenge, but with initiatives like RHEI, young people can access opportunities for financial independence.” He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined and determined throughout the program.

Dr. Midassir Nasir reaffirmed KASIPA’s commitment to partner with the NDE, pledging sustained collaboration to reduce unemployment in the state. He noted that this aligns with the vision of the state governor, His Excellency Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, who continues to prioritize youth empowerment.

Beneficiaries were reminded that thousands of applicants showed interest, but only a few were selected, making it a rare and valuable opportunity. The ceremony closed with a prayer by a representative of the Education Resources Centre and a group photograph session. Security officials and media representatives ensured a smooth and well-documented event.