Home Blog Page 50

Over 66,000 Students Apply for NELFund After Deadline Extension

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Over 66,000 Students Apply for NELFund After Deadline Extension

No fewer than 66,691 students have applied for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) across universities in Nigeria since February 1, according to data obtained from the agency’s portal.

The increase followed the extension of the 2025/2026 application deadline from January 31 to February 27. The agency had earlier announced that the deadline was extended to allow more students enough time to complete and submit their applications.

Akintunde Sawyerr, managing director of NELFund, said the decision was driven by inclusivity and the need to ensure that every qualified student has equal access to the loan scheme.

“This extension reflects our commitment to inclusivity and access. We understand that some applicants may require additional time to complete their submissions, and this decision ensures that every eligible Nigerian student has a fair opportunity to benefit from the Fund,” he said.

As of January 31, when the initial deadline ended, total applications stood at 1,532,552. Over the next 12 days, the figure rose to 1,599,243, showing an increase of 66,691 new applications.

During the same period, the Fund disbursed about N9.3 billion to students, raising total disbursement from N175 billion on February 1 to N184 billion as of Thursday. The funds covered institutional fees and upkeep allowances.

According to Sawyerr, about 1.5 million students across 265 institutions have so far received disbursements from NELFund.

Recently, concerns emerged after reports that some final-year students were barred from examinations despite claims that their tuition fees had been paid through the Fund.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television, Sawyerr said NELFund was actively engaging institutions such as the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) to address verification and disbursement delays. He stressed that student welfare remains the agency’s top priority.

He explained that while NELFund is committed to swift disbursement, government funding requires strict institutional processes to prevent misappropriation. On verification delays, Sawyerr added that institutions must confirm beneficiary lists before funds are released.

Advertisement

Edo, DHL to train 100 Small SMEs on international trade

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Edo, DHL to train 100 Small SMEs on international trade

The Edo State Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment (MBTI) has entered into a strategic export-focused partnership with DHL to train at least 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State on international trade at the forthcoming DHL GoTrade SME Forum.

The initiative is aimed at equipping SMEs with practical knowledge on export logistics, packaging standards, customs documentation, and market access strategies. It is also expected to support the goals of decent work and economic growth in the state.

The Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Hon. Omoh Anabor, disclosed this while receiving the Benin City Station Managers of DHL, Mr. John Mokwunye and Mr. Nuhu Omokide, who visited the ministry to discuss modalities for collaboration.

Hon. Anabor said the proposal aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s five-point SHINE Agenda and the state government’s commitment to strengthening small businesses and expanding economic opportunities. He assured that the ministry would facilitate the mobilisation of credible and duly registered SMEs from its database to participate in the training programme.

He added that the partnership would expose Edo entrepreneurs to global markets, stimulate job creation, boost foreign exchange inflows, and drive sustainable economic growth in the state. The Commissioner also stressed the need to maintain competitive logistics costs to ensure that Edo-made products remain viable in international markets.

Speaking earlier, the Station Manager of DHL’s Open Athletic Circle, Benin City, Mr. John Mokwunye, said the one-day DHL GoTrade SME Forum, scheduled for February 24, 2026, would equip participants with the technical expertise required to navigate international trade procedures.

He observed that many Edo-based producers of leather footwear, garments, cosmetics, agricultural produce, and artworks have strong export potential but lack the knowledge needed to scale globally.

Mokwunye further disclosed that DHL has introduced discounted e-commerce tariffs ranging from 45 to 60 per cent to make exports more competitive. He added that the company is willing to subsidise logistics rates for selected beneficiaries after the training to ensure sustainability.

He revealed that DHL teams from South Africa and Ghana would collaborate with the Nigerian office to ensure the success of the programme. Mokwunye also recalled that similar programmes were organised across nine states in partnership with GIZ, with significant impact recorded among participating SMEs.

Benue launches 23,000 youth digital skills training programme

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Benue launches 23,000 youth digital skills training programme

The Benue State Government has officially launched the 23,000 youth digital skills training programme, marking a major step in its drive to build a digitally skilled workforce and position the state strongly in the global digital economy.

The digital empowerment initiative is being implemented through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) in collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy and in partnership with AfDIC. The flag-off ceremony highlighted the administration’s commitment to digital transformation, youth empowerment and inclusive economic development across the state.

Speaking at the event through the Commissioner for ICT and Digital Economy, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to expand access to digital knowledge and technology for young people in Benue.

He commended Cisco Networking Academy for partnering with the state and praised BDIC for driving the implementation of the programme.

“This opportunity is one we have long worked towards. Since coming on board, expanding access to digital knowledge and technology has remained a top priority. We are determined to ensure that Benue youths are not left behind in the global digital revolution,” the Commissioner said.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with the Head of Service and BDIC, is implementing a large-scale digital training programme for 40,000 civil servants.

He revealed that 10,000 civil servants across ministries and MDAs have already been trained, with the initiative now extended to local government levels.

According to him, all digital capacity-building programmes under the administration are offered free of charge as part of the government’s strategy to build capacity, create opportunities and empower citizens.

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BDIC, Hon. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, described the partnership with Cisco Networking Academy as a strategic move that will give Benue youths global relevance.

He noted that Cisco Networking Academy operates in over 130 countries and that certificates obtained through the platform are globally recognised and can open doors to international opportunities.

Terwase urged participants to remain committed throughout the training period, stressing that BDIC would also provide internship opportunities to participants after completing the programme.

He further announced the introduction of the “Talent Bank” initiative, designed to connect digitally skilled youths in Benue to employment opportunities.

Under the initiative, BDIC will also provide workspace facilities, including internet access and working tools, for participants who lack conducive working environments after job placement.

Highlighting BDIC’s achievements in strengthening the state’s digital ecosystem, Terwase disclosed that over 16 Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been connected with active fibre network infrastructure.

He also revealed that BDIC has entered into a contract manufacturing partnership with ITS to produce BDIC-branded computers and has partnered with Novus Microfinance Bank to enable civil servants acquire computers through flexible payment plans.

In addition, he said BDIC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, has developed the Benue Educated Artisans Marketplace, a digital platform that allows residents to access verified local artisans across the state.

“These achievements are possible because the Governor has provided the enabling environment and resources necessary to drive digital innovation in Benue State,” he said.

Also speaking, the representative of Cisco Networking Academy, Mr Imo Akpan, commended the Benue State Government for prioritising digital skills development and investing in future workforce readiness.

“Technology has transformed every aspect of our lives. To thrive in today’s digital world, we must acquire the right skills. That is the essence of this training,” he said.

Akpan explained that the programme aligns with global workforce development standards and supports the state government’s digital economy agenda.

Participants at the ceremony expressed appreciation to the state government and BDIC for facilitating the partnership, describing the programme as a life-changing opportunity that would improve their digital competence and employability.

The launch of the 23,000 Benue Youth Free Digital Skills Training Programme is seen as a major step in the state’s broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at building a future-ready workforce capable of competing in the global digital economy.

Osun, ICDA Launch N100m Revolving Loan for Ijesa SMEs

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Osun, ICDA Launch N100m Revolving Loan for Ijesa SMEs

The Osun State Government, through the Ministry of Cooperative and Employment, is set to provide a revolving loan for Small and Medium Scale business entrepreneurs in Ijesha land to fast-track economic growth. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA).

The Chairman of ICDA and Asiwaju of Ijesa land, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, disclosed this in Ibokun, the headquarters of Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, during a training programme on the Ijesa Development Fund with the theme “Community Needs Identification and Appraisal for Ijesa Development Fund (IDF).”

Fasuyi revealed that ICDA had already paid its counterpart fund of N68 million, while the Owa Obokun supported the funding with N32 million, bringing the total to N100 million. He added that the state government’s contribution would be announced as soon as it is made.

He explained that the Ijesa Development Fund was established by the Ijesa Community Development Assembly, an indigenous Non-Governmental Organisation, to identify and implement socio-economic projects for the people of Ijesa land and promote sustainable development.

According to him, the objective of the initiative is to capture over 99.5 percent of Ijesa people whose names were omitted from the Ijesa Development register.

Fasuyi highlighted some achievements already recorded, including the newly constructed ultramodern Owa Obokun’s palace, the Ijesa land Geriatric hospital, a three-year full scholarship for 250 underprivileged Ijesa students to attend the Federal School of Science and Technology Ilesa, and 100 others who study yearly at Lenventis Foundation Agricultural School, Ilesa.

He said, “The sustainable development of Ijesa land is the responsibility of all Ijesas in the noble mission to rebuild, restore, and reposition Ijesa land. The Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) has embraced a progressive and inclusive framework to honour every act of generosity, no matter the size or scope.

“No finger is too small, no hand is too big, but every contribution counts towards Ijesa development through a participatory and inclusive ICDA initiative, Ijesa Development Fund.”

The IDF Accountant, Mr Akin Olatunbosun, explained that one of the criteria for accessing the Ijesa co-op loan is the National Identification Number. He warned participants that the revolving loan “is not a national cake.”

Guest Lecturer, Professor Niyi Okunlola, spoke on Community Needs Identification. He noted that there is a significant gap between needs and wants, stressing that community needs must take precedence over wants.

He cited an example of a man who required funding to purchase farm implements but instead used the loan to marry a new wife. He said such a situation would not have occurred if the loan had been structured to meet the actual need for farm implements rather than giving out cash.

Professor Okunlola identified an all-inclusive participatory approach to Needs Identification and Appraisal as the catalyst for sustainable development.

The Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) is described as an all-encompassing, participatory, demand-driven, and sustainable Development Model developed by ICDA to identify and drive socio-economic projects by the people, for the people, uplifting every ward and complementing government efforts across Ijesa land.

Greenlabs Cohort 2 Awards Funding to 3 Food Innovation Startups

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Greenlabs Cohort 2 Awards Funding to 3 Food Innovation Startups

The Greenlabs Incubation Programme on Friday unveiled breakthrough solutions at its Cohort 2 “Powering Food Systems” Demo Day, marking a major step in advancing youth-driven innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The initiative, powered by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) in partnership with Jacobs Ladder Africa (JLA), is positioning young innovators at the forefront of efforts to rebuild fragile food value chains, reduce post-harvest losses and deploy renewable energy across Nigeria’s agricultural systems.

Launched on January 22, 2026, the Greenlabs Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge attracted applications from across the country. After an intensive mentor-guided innovation sprint and a multi-stage screening process, 16 innovators showcased their solutions at the Demo Day. Geocycle, Leovia Farms, Ecobag Mart, Agricool Logistics and Dry Heat Solutions emerged as the five finalists.

In a decisive outcome reflecting the programme’s focus on scalability and real-world impact, Geocycle, Ecobag Mart and Leovia Farms secured top honours and pre-seed funding. The funding will support prototype development, business registration, market validation and early market entry.

All finalists will now proceed into a structured nine-month incubation programme designed to transform early-stage ideas into sustainable green enterprises through expert mentorship, enterprise training and access to critical growth resources.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu Fatai said innovation is no longer optional but central to Africa’s food future.

“Today’s innovators are rewriting tomorrow’s food economy. This initiative moves beyond sustainability rhetoric to equipping young Africans with the tools to build it,” he said.

He pointed to Africa’s long-standing contradiction of vast agricultural potential existing alongside food shortages, climate stress and weak value chains. He stressed that modern food security now lies at the intersection of energy, technology, finance, climate policy and innovation.

Government backing for sustainable agriculture was further reinforced by Lagos State’s ongoing initiatives, including the Lagos Agrithon, Agri-Innovation Summit, Food for Lagos Programme, Agri-Premiership Programme and the Lagos Agricultural Scholars Programme, all aimed at boosting production, youth participation and climate-smart farming.

Environmental authorities also signalled support for circular-economy approaches such as waste-to-energy solutions, indicating growing institutional alignment around green transformation.

Executive Director of CADEF, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, described the Demo Day as a bridge between invention and enterprise.

“This is where ideas become businesses. Beyond pitching, we are building founders who can create jobs, scale responsibly and sustain impact,” she said, adding that the incubation framework embeds financial discipline, integrity, business lifecycle knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset development.

Chief Innovation Officer at Jacobs Ladder Africa, Karen Chelang’at, said the challenge pushed innovators to tackle practical food-system failures with renewable-energy solutions capable of reducing losses, improving yields and strengthening value chains in areas such as poultry and aquaculture.

“Funding is only the beginning. The real success will be market-ready businesses that create jobs and deliver measurable community impact,” she said.

Organisers maintained that government action alone cannot solve Nigeria’s food and climate challenges, stressing that cross-sector partnerships and youth-led enterprise will be critical in building resilient and sustainable food systems.

Nigerian Army COAS Literary Competitions 2026 Opens for Students

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Nigerian Army COAS Literary Competitions 2026 Opens for Students

The Nigerian Army is organising the third edition of the COAS Literary Competitions 2026 with the theme “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army.” The competition is open to applicants in primary and secondary schools, as well as undergraduates in Nigeria. The submission window runs from Monday, 11 August 2025, to Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

The competition is designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression among young Nigerians. It also provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on the role of the Nigerian Army as a people-focused institution.

There are three main categories in the COAS Literary Competitions: COAS Essay Competition, COAS Art Competition, and COAS Poetry Competition. These categories are open to applicants aged 5–11 years (primary school), 12–17 years (secondary school), and all ages for undergraduate students.

For the COAS Essay Competition, topics must be coined from the theme, “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army.” Essays submitted by primary and secondary school students must not exceed 2,000 words. Essays from tertiary institution students must be between 3,000 and 5,000 words. All essays must reflect the original thoughts of the writer.

For the COAS Art Competition, artworks must relate clearly to the theme. Only paintings and drawings are accepted. Each artwork must be accompanied by a short caption. Submissions must be original and must not have been previously published. Entries are to be photographed or scanned and uploaded on or before 31 March 2026.

For the COAS Poetry Competition, all poems must be original and written in English. Poems may belong to any genre but must relate to the competition theme. Each poem must not exceed 200 words.

Winners in all three categories will receive certificates and cash prizes. In the primary school category (ages 5–11), first prize is N500,000, second prize is N250,000, and third prize is N100,000. In the secondary school category (ages 12–17), first prize is N700,000, second prize is N350,000, and third prize is N150,000. For undergraduates, first prize is N1,000,000, second prize is N500,000, and third prize is N250,000. These prize amounts apply to the Essay, Art, and Poetry competitions.

The closing date for submission of entries is Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Cash prizes and certificates will be presented to winners at a specially organised event. All winners will be informed of the date and venue for the presentation ceremony.

Applicants must complete the application forms online. The forms must then be printed, duly endorsed and stamped by the Head of School, scanned, and uploaded. There will be two levels of assessment. The first stage involves shortlisting successful candidates. The second stage will be a virtual interaction with a panel of assessors before the final selection of winners.

At any stage of the screening process, any entry found not to be original will be disqualified from the competition. All submitted entries may be published in NA journals and periodicals.

Dangote Salt Rewards 50 Customers with Trucks and Cash

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Dangote Salt Rewards 50 Customers with Trucks and Cash

Gift items worth millions of Naira were given out to customers by NASCON Allied Industries Plc, also known as Dangote Salt, at its 2025 Customers Dinner and Awards Night held in Abuja on Thursday.

The company rewarded 50 outstanding customers with trucks and cash credits in recognition of their loyalty and performance. The event brought together key stakeholders, distributors, and partners who have supported the brand over the years.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ali Balarabe, received a 20-ton truck and cash credit. He expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that it reflects the company’s strong commitment to excellence. Mr Balarabe also pledged to sustain his loyalty and continued support, promising to remain a steadfast and devoted customer in the years ahead.

Other customers who received truckload awards and cash credits included Mr Ibrahim Achida, Muabsa Integrated Services, Fanisau Enterprises, Idris Saleh Nigeria Limited, Sani Adamu Trader, and GIA Global Concept, among others.

The President of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, thanked consumers for their loyalty and commended the company’s board, management, and staff for their dedication and professionalism.

“Recognising customers is not just good relationship management – it is good business. It sends a clear message to our people that customer service is truly one of our core values.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in brand equity, supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and digital capabilities. But these investments only create value when they are aligned with customer realities. Your continued engagement and feedback remain critical,” he said.

The Chairman of NASCON Allied Industries, Mr Olakunle Alake, said, “As a quoted company, we are accountable to shareholders, regulators and the investing public. But the confidence of the market is ultimately rooted in the performance, and market performance depends on customers who believe in our brands.”

Managing Director Aderemi Saka said the awards night was organised to celebrate and appreciate customers, noting that the company’s success is closely tied to their growth and prosperity.

Tonye Cole to train 319 Rivers entrepreneurs under COLE2Crea8 initiative

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Tonye Cole to train 319 Rivers entrepreneurs under COLE2Crea8 initiative

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has disclosed that no fewer than 319 entrepreneurs in Rivers State will undergo empowerment training under the COLE2Crea8 initiative for job creation.

Cole made this known in a statement on Friday, stressing that creativity should be treated as a serious economic sector. He said creativity is not a side economy, but a strong driver of jobs, identity, and opportunity.

“Creativity is not a side economy; it is a serious driver of jobs, identity, and opportunity. COLE2Crea8 connects talent to structure, markets, and growth,” he said.

He explained that at least 319 entrepreneurs would benefit from empowerment training across the state through the COLE2Crea8 initiative. The programme will operate across all 319 wards in Rivers State.

The Founder of COLE’ctive said the initiative is designed to convert creativity into jobs, enterprises, and inclusive economic opportunities. He noted that sectors such as arts, fashion, music, film, design, crafts, and digital content have been identified as both cultural assets and economic engines.

According to him, the scheme will integrate creativity into civic participation, enterprise development, and media visibility, ensuring that creative talent is organised, supported, and scaled.

“COLE2Crea8 reframes creativity as productive infrastructure rather than informal activity,” he said.

He added, “COLE2Crea8 is designed to support creators as entrepreneurs—linking skills, visibility, and markets into a coherent creative economy pipeline.

“Rather than isolating creatives, the programme builds shared platforms for collaboration and growth.

“At scale, COLE2Crea8 is structured to engage 319,000 creatives and creative entrepreneurs, establish 319 creative enterprise hubs, integrate storytelling into 319 Mobile TV and digital platforms, and support pathways from creation to monetisation and scale.

“COLE2Crea8 is about turning creativity into livelihoods. It builds bridges between talent, enterprise, and markets.”

BudgIT Opens 2026 Climate Champions Fellowship Cohort 2

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
BudgIT Opens 2026 Climate Champions Fellowship Cohort 2

Applications are now open for the 2026 BudgIT Climate Champions Fellowship cohort 2. This fellowship is designed to support fledgling organisations and emerging leaders in Nigeria with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to drive campaigns for a just energy transition and climate justice.

The climate crisis is not waiting, and neither should your idea. If you have been working on a solution that connects climate science, education, and inclusion, this is the opportunity to take it further.

The BudgIT Climate Champions Fellowship Cohort 2 is now open and set to bring together bold minds who are ready to turn smart ideas into real-world impact. Cohort 2 focuses on transforming innovative climate ideas into practical solutions. It targets individuals and small organisations operating at the intersection of climate science, education, inclusion, and advocacy.

The goal of the fellowship is to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to influence climate governance and promote accountability in Nigeria’s energy transition process.

Who should apply? Nigerians with practical climate-related ideas are encouraged to submit their applications. Fledgling organisations working on climate justice or clean energy are also welcome. The programme is open to leaders who are passionate about climate education and community impact, as well as individuals who are ready to fully participate in training sessions and project implementation.

Participants can expect structured capacity-building sessions, mentorship opportunities, expert-led discussions, and collaborative learning with other climate advocates. Fellows will also receive support to refine and implement their climate-focused solutions.

Applications are open from February 12 to February 20, 2026. Interested applicants should visit https://forms.gle/wUmQ4h5puoNge1 to apply.

NJFP 2.0: 70% of applicants from high-demand sectors, verified graduates

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
NJFP 2.0: 70% of applicants from high-demand sectors, verified graduates

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme announced that “NJFP 2.0 gives employers access to a strong, verified talent pool.” In an Employers Access Snapshot titled “NJFP Talent, at a Glance,” the programme said 70% of applicants come from high-demand sectors, while 5% represent Nigeria’s growing creative economy.

It also stated that 100% are verified Nigerian graduates, ensuring credibility and readiness for the workplace. According to the update, “This is a diverse, work-ready pipeline, prepared to deliver value from day one.”

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is funded by the European Union and supported by UNDP, strengthening employer confidence nationwide.

1...495051...645Page 50 of 645