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First Lady directs well-wishers to fund National Library instead of gifts

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First Lady directs well-wishers to fund National Library instead of gifts

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced that she will dedicate her upcoming 65th birthday to the completion of the National Library project.

Speaking ahead of the occasion, which falls on Sunday, September 21, 2025, she expressed her gratitude for life and explained her decision. “By the special grace of God. I will be turning 65 years old on the 21st, September 2025. And this happens to be a Sunday. This is why I have decided to dedicate the day to God for All His blessings in my life and having a quiet birthday.”

She appealed to well-wishers to support the cause instead of sending physical gifts. “I wish to appeal to those who would like to send a birthday card, Cakes, flowers, Greetings in the newspapers or gifts, should please send the funds to the designated account for a special project close to my heart among many others. The completion of the National Library. This will be the best birthday present I could receive.”

According to her, the initiative will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Education under the Oluremi at 65 Education Fund. The designated account is domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, number 1310314977. She added, “My Love For Education, has informed my decision to dedicate my birthday to this worthy cause. Thank you for joining me in this building project. God bless you.”

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FG agro-logistics initiative to create jobs, empower rural communities

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FG agro-logistics initiative to create jobs, empower rural communities

Tola Odeyemi, Postmaster-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Postal Service, unveiled the NIPOST Agro-Logistics Initiative, NAILI, describing it as a groundbreaking intervention aimed at transforming agricultural logistics and advancing food security in Nigeria.

According to her, the initiative demonstrates NIPOST’s commitment to leveraging its nationwide logistics network to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda, empower rural communities, and build sustainable partnerships across key sectors of the economy.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector has long struggled with the devastating challenge of post-harvest losses. Research indicates that more than 40 percent of farm produce is lost annually due to poor logistics, inadequate storage, and weak distribution infrastructure. These challenges reduce farmers’ incomes, threaten national food security, and limit the sector’s overall contribution to the economy.

In response, NIPOST developed the Agro-Logistics Initiative NAILI to reposition agriculture as a driver of sustainable economic growth by ensuring farm produce is efficiently moved from rural production hubs to markets and consumers nationwide.

The objectives of NAILI are clear:
i. Reduce post-harvest losses through improved logistics and timely transportation.
ii. Strengthen national food security by ensuring availability and accessibility of farm produce.
iii. Create jobs and empower rural communities through expanded agricultural value chains.
iv. Foster partnerships between government, farmers, development agencies, and the private sector for a coordinated response to food insecurity.

The official launch of NAILI was performed by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, alongside Tola Odeyemi. The event was hosted at the Office of the National Security Adviser with the participation of key stakeholders, development partners, and relevant government agencies.

In his remarks, the Minister emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing innovation and institutional infrastructure for national development. He highlighted NIPOST’s strategic role in strengthening agricultural value chains through its extensive logistics coverage.

Tola Odeyemi said during her address that NAILI is more than a logistics programme. She explained, “It is a national commitment to ensuring what Nigerian farmers grow reach the people, nourish communities, and reduce wastage.”

The launch brought together government agencies, security institutions, farmers’ associations, and private sector players, showing the collaborative nature of the programme. The Office of the National Security Adviser pledged its support, acknowledging the link between food security, national stability, and economic growth.

Odeyemi stressed that by anchoring NAILI on partnerships, NIPOST has created an inclusive platform where multiple actors across the agricultural value chain can work together toward sustainable solutions.

By integrating technology, infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration, the NAILI initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian farmers, strengthen local economies through job creation, and position NIPOST as a strategic player in national development beyond traditional postal services.

The Postmaster-General expressed her gratitude for the guidance and support of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. She noted, “I am deeply grateful for the supervisory guidance, steadfast belief, and immense contributions of the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, whose support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”

She also acknowledged the contributions of several partners, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN, Anthony Atuche, Managing Director of the Nigeria Commodity Exchange, and Dr. Kabir Yusuf, National Coordinator of the Special Agricultural Processing Zones at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. Others recognised were Abisoye, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Interswitch Group, and Nomba Headquarters.

Odeyemi said their support and belief in NAILI reaffirm the idea that food security is a shared responsibility. She stated, “Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.”

The launch of the NIPOST Agro-Logistics Initiative is described as a timely step toward safeguarding Nigeria’s food future. The programme reflects NIPOST’s transformation agenda and aligns with President Tinubu’s national priorities on innovation, sustainability, and security.

With the collective will of stakeholders, NAILI is positioned to ensure that no harvest is lost and no family goes hungry.

FG supports robotics STEM training for sustainable skilled economy

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FG supports robotics STEM training for sustainable skilled economy

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in collaboration with three nongovernmental organizations has concluded a 16-week STEM training on robotics for selected secondary schools across four states in the Niger Delta region.

The training was aimed at encouraging students to explore concepts in physics, mathematics, and computer science in a more practical and engaging way.

At the grand finale held last weekend in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Ozolua Grammar School, Ologbo, Edo State, emerged as the overall winner of the programme. Iwere Secondary School, Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State took second place, while Nana Model College, Warri in Warri South Local Government Area finished in third position.

The programme, themed “Robotics for a Sustainable and Inclusive Skilled Economy,” was sponsored by NCDMB in partnership with Contego Servo, Odyssey Educational Foundation, and Phoenixgirls Tech Foundation.

Participating schools included Community Secondary School, Kalio-Ama Okrika, and Community Secondary School, Rumuoro Ogbakiri Emuoha in Rivers State; Ozolua Grammar School, Ologbo, and Ajoki Secondary School, Ajoki, both in Edo State; Okotie Eboh Grammar School, Sapele, Iwere College, Koko, and Nana Model College, Warri in Delta State. From Bayelsa State, CSS Okutukutu/Etegwe and Epie National High School, Kpansia, were part of the training.

Speaking at the grand finale, Mr. Weyinmi Ebiyon, an official of NCDMB, explained that the training was initiated to boost the quality of education in Nigeria. “On behalf of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board I thank the board that has put this together. Let’s us put into use the knowledge acquired from here,” he said.

Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Schools, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, also praised the initiative and promised government support. “We commend NCDMB and the consultants for this training. The state government will key into the programme to elevate the knowledge of students in STEM robotic education,” she stated.

Chief Executive Officer of Phoenixgirls Tech Foundation and consultant to NCDMB, Dr. Elizabeth Jumoke Eterigho, described the four-month programme as transformative for the students and teachers. She said, “Robotics is more than just a tool for learning; it is a gateway to understanding the world around us. Through robotics, students can explore complex concepts in physics, mathematics, and computer science in a tangible and engaging manner.”

She explained that robotics education encourages creativity and innovation. “Over the past four months, we have embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery, innovation, and empowerment. Teachers and students from various secondary schools have come together not only to learn the fundamentals of robotics, programming, and applied STEM, but also to envision a future where knowledge translates into skills, and skills translate into solutions,” she said.

Dr. Eterigho further highlighted the impact of the programme on inclusivity and workforce readiness. “The projects and prototypes they will showcase today are not just exercises in robotics; they are expressions of creativity, teamwork, and determination that reflect the power of STEM education in shaping lives and societies. The programme has shown that when given the opportunity, our young people can dream, design, and deliver solutions that matter. It’s been about inclusivity. We have witnessed how both boys and girls can thrive equally when given the right opportunities, and how teachers can be transformed into facilitators of innovation rather than mere transmitters of knowledge.”

She added that the training demonstrated the role of robotics and STEM education in building an economy that values skills and sustainability. “Together, we are laying the foundation for an economy that values skills, sustainability, and inclusiveness. This is what the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has done, the sole sponsor of this programme,” she said.

Commending the students, teachers, and partners, Dr. Eterigho described them as the true drivers of change. “As we close this phase of learning, let us open a new chapter of application. Let us go back to our schools, our classrooms, and our communities with the conviction that STEM is not just a subject — it is a tool for solving real problems and building a sustainable future,” she said.

The closing ceremony also featured an exhibition of student-led innovations, including fire alarms, a firefighting machine, and a smart traffic light system designed to protect traffic officers and reduce road congestion. These projects were showcased as practical examples of how STEM and robotics education can provide real-world solutions.

The NCDMB emphasized that the programme was part of its broader efforts to strengthen local capacity in technology and encourage Nigerian students to acquire future-ready skills. The collaboration with Contego Servo, Odyssey Educational Foundation, and Phoenixgirls Tech Foundation, according to officials, was also a way of ensuring long-term partnerships that could expand STEM learning opportunities in the country.

The training initiative also attracted attention for its emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring that both boys and girls participated equally and had opportunities to showcase their talents. Officials at the event said the success of the programme demonstrated the importance of investing in STEM fields, particularly robotics, to create opportunities for young people in the Niger Delta and beyond.

The 16-week training is expected to serve as a model for future educational projects focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and stakeholders expressed optimism that the knowledge gained by the students would contribute to the development of Nigeria’s skilled workforce.

FG secures 200 hectares in Lekki Free Trade Zone for building materials hub

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FG secures 200 hectares in Lekki Free Trade Zone for building materials hub

The Federal Government has secured 200 hectares of land within the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State for a building materials hub, aimed at reducing housing production costs and boosting local manufacturing.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed this during a tour of industrial areas within the Lekki and Lagos Free Zones, noting that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the Lagos Free Zone, which forms part of the larger Lekki Free Trade Zone ecosystem and is integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, will serve as a strategic hub for construction materials and real estate development.

During the visit, the minister inspected several ongoing projects including housing estates, industries, building materials testing laboratories, the deep sea port, Alaro City, Lagos Coastal City, and other major infrastructure developments.

Dangiwa explained that establishing a building materials hub is designed to promote local content, curb rising costs of construction materials, encourage domestic production, and ensure sustainable housing delivery across the country.

He said, “This initiative is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to cut construction costs and provide affordable housing for Nigerians.”

He added that the President’s vision is to replicate similar hubs across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria to reduce reliance on imported construction inputs.

The minister, who was conducted round the projects by the Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd, Mr Adeniyi Akinlusi, commended the firm for its achievements.

He also thanked the company for allocating a strategic site for the Federal Government’s proposed Building Materials Manufacturing Hub within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

During the inspection of Alaro City, he praised the management for sustainable building efforts, saying they align with the government’s plan to close Nigeria’s housing gap through public-private partnerships.

Dangiwa said, “The building materials hub is a key agenda of the Renewed Hope programme. One hub will be built in each geopolitical zone of the country, with the Lagos hub already sited within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.”

He highlighted that intermodal transport infrastructure, including a seaport, airport, rail and road networks, would support the effectiveness of the hubs.

The minister also disclosed that an investor has already been secured for the project, which will significantly reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit by boosting local production of building materials.

According to him, the project would cut down foreign exchange spent on imports and create jobs through local manufacturing of essential construction inputs.

Interacting with businesses during the tour, he noted that their operations are driving economic growth, with residential housing and real estate developments already springing up within the zone.

“We are pleased, some houses here have already been acquired by off-takers,” he added.

Dangiwa described the 16,500-hectare Lekki Free Trade Zone as a national asset. He said, “The whole zone is Nigeria’s best-kept investment secret.”

Industry leaders within the zone showcased power plants, manufacturing sites, and new projects, while explaining their operations to the minister.

In a related development, Dangiwa announced that President Bola Tinubu will soon inaugurate the Renewed Hope City Project in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

He described the project as one of the flagship housing schemes in the South-West under the Renewed Hope Cities initiative, which is being developed across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the Ibeju Lekki project is already 80 per cent completed, with over 700 housing units ready for allocation.

“We have come and seen that the project is almost 80 per cent completed, and it is about to be commissioned by Mr. President. On that day, he will also lay the foundation for the second phase of the scheme,” Dangiwa said.

The minister explained that the Lagos scheme, when fully completed, would deliver 2,000 housing units, further underscoring the government’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit.

He stressed that the Renewed Hope Cities initiative would be replicated nationwide to provide decent and affordable housing solutions for Nigerians.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Loans and Mortgage Services at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Dr Muhammad Abdul, said the houses under the Lagos project are designed to be affordable and accessible to workers and cooperative societies.

Abdul explained that beneficiaries are required to make a 10 percent initial payment, while the balance would be spread over their years of service.

He added that the interest rates have been pegged between six and nine per cent, which he described as among the lowest in the mortgage market.

Abdul said, “This model ensures that no worker pays beyond one-third of their income for housing, in line with international labour standards.”

He noted that some units have already been handed over to beneficiaries, with prices ranging from N3 million to N50 million, depending on the type and design of the housing unit.

The minister reiterated that the Renewed Hope Cities initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to cutting construction costs, boosting local production, supporting real estate growth, and delivering affordable homes to Nigerian families.

Anambra to Pay Incentives to Health Workers

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Anambra to Pay Incentives to Health Workers

Anambra State Government has reacted to media reports suggesting that health workers in the state are living in “abject penury and squalor” and have threatened to embark on strike from September 4.

In a statement, the government acknowledged the right of unions to demand improved welfare but stressed the need to set the records straight. It reassured Ndi Anambra that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, remains committed to strengthening the health sector and ensuring the well-being of health workers.

Contrary to claims of neglect, the government highlighted key investments and reforms in the last two years. According to the statement, five brand new General Hospitals and an Ultra-Modern Trauma Centre have been constructed and fully equipped. Thousands of health professionals were also recruited and deployed across state-owned facilities, including the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital.

The administration also introduced Telemedicine to bridge manpower gaps. Officials noted that before this intervention, the last recruitment of health workers in Anambra was done a decade ago. The statement further revealed that within a few weeks, another batch of no fewer than 1,000 successful recruits will be shortlisted and deployed to various government-owned health facilities.

During the State Executive Council meeting held on August 18, 2025, Governor Soludo approved the implementation of the Enhanced Entry Point for Nursing Officer Cadre. This means the entry grade level for Nursing Officers into the State Civil Service will now be Grade Level 10. The government described this as “a great relief” for Nursing Officers who have agitated for nearly 20 years.

In addition, the council approved Performance-Based Incentives for health workers. With this system, workers will receive additional pay based on performance aside from their regular salary. The governor also embarked on what was described as unprecedented investments in health infrastructure, with facilities being upgraded and healthcare access expanded across both rural and urban communities.

The government emphasized that several welfare-enhancing measures have been put in place, including training, capacity development, and plans to harmonize salaries in line with prevailing economic realities. It stressed that it is not insensitive to the genuine concerns of health workers but rejected claims that the state has abandoned them to poverty.

“It is misleading to suggest that the state has abandoned them to poverty or that their situation is worse than in neighbouring states,” the statement said.

According to the government, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has been in constant dialogue with union leaders, and discussions on salary adjustments and other welfare issues are ongoing.

Governor Soludo was also described as a leader who has consistently prioritized health under his Solution Agenda. It was stated that his administration is the first since the creation of Anambra State to recruit no fewer than 2,000 health workers within a single tenure.

“We therefore urge health workers and their unions to embrace constructive engagement rather than strike actions, which will only hurt innocent patients and undermine the very goals we all share,” the statement added.

The government concluded by assuring that it remains open to dialogue and expressed confidence that lasting solutions would be achieved through cooperation.

Tinubu approves 250,000 new jobs

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Tinubu approves 250,000 new jobs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to equitable development across all regions of the country. In a statement, Tinubu emphasized that his projects are national assets aimed at serving every citizen.

“Dear Nigerians, I swore an oath to serve all Nigerians, not a section. That oath guides every bridge, road, rail, power, and health project we deliver,” he said.

Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, Tinubu pointed to the Lagos–Calabar Highway in the South, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway in the North, the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail in the East, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano expressway in the Centre. According to him, these initiatives are not regional achievements but vital national investments.

He also disclosed that health centres are being rehabilitated nationwide while light rail projects in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Ogun have received approval. He noted that 250,000 jobs are being created, and power is being restored to Kaduna through the revived 255MW power plant.

Tinubu further mentioned the reconnection of communities through bridges in Onitsha and Bonny, the expansion of oil exploration in Bauchi and Gombe, and the advancement of the AKK pipeline which has already crossed the Niger.

“Every farmer who needs a road, every trader who needs power, every child who needs a school, every patient who needs care… this is who we are building for,” Tinubu explained.

He described these efforts as the “equity of Renewed Hope,” affirming that no Nigerian will be treated as second class and no region will be left behind.

“Together we will rise as one nation, one people, and one destiny,” he declared.

Nigeria, Colombia to Cooperate for Economic and Social Empowerment

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Nigeria, Colombia to Cooperate for Economic and Social Empowerment

Nigeria and Colombia have moved closer to deepening their diplomatic and economic ties following the official visit of the Colombian Vice President, Mrs. Francia Márquez, to Abuja. Mrs. Márquez, accompanied by her spouse, Mr. Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, arrived in Nigeria on Saturday for a three-day working visit aimed at fostering stronger bilateral cooperation.

Speaking during a gala dinner held in her honour on Sunday night at the Presidential Villa, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, described the visit as historic and a gateway to a new chapter in the relationship between both nations. He noted that Mrs. Márquez’s presence marked a new dawn in political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

According to Shettima, “This is why this historic visit and tomorrow’s engagements will be the gateway to a new chapter. More than ever, Nigeria is inspired to plant the seeds of trust, water them with dialogue, and nurture them into fruits of prosperity that our children and grandchildren shall one day harvest.”

The Vice President emphasized that Nigeria and Colombia share a bond that goes beyond geography, stressing that the countries have been partners for over 51 years. “We are bound not only by the ties of diplomacy but also by the deeper call of shared humanity. We have watched each other across oceans, we have spoken through third countries, and yet our hearts have always known that the distance between us is only geography,” he said.

Shettima further conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people, affirming that the bilateral engagements were anchored on shared destinies. He later raised a toast to stronger relations, praying that the “historic visit would yield the fruits earnestly desired by both countries.”

On her part, the Colombian Vice President, Mrs. Márquez, described her visit to Nigeria as strategic and historic, while underlining the values and heritage shared between Colombia and Nigeria. She explained that as a woman of African descent, her mission was to strengthen ties in areas including social justice, peace, tourism, health, education, culture, and trade.

She also pledged that Colombia would leverage its influence in South America to boost trade relations between Africa and her region, while ensuring closer diplomatic cooperation between Bogotá and Abuja. In her remarks, she expressed her country’s condolences over the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The visit is aimed at improving ties between the two countries in the areas of social justice, peace, tourism, health, culture, education, among others,” Mrs. Márquez stated.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, highlighted that the dinner was held to celebrate the Colombian Vice President’s symbolic homecoming and to rekindle the longstanding friendship between both nations.

According to Hadejia, both countries share unique values and potentials that, if fully harnessed, would positively impact several sectors of their economies. He explained that the dinner also created an avenue to showcase and celebrate the richness of the cultures of Nigeria and Colombia, while emphasizing that their diplomacy is not limited to policies alone but extends to cultural exchange through arts, music, and cuisine.

“The gala dinner was a celebration of friendship and partnership between both countries, and an opportunity to explore the richness of our shared cultures,” he said.

The gala was attended by Nigerian ministers, top government officials, and members of the Colombian delegation.

At the heart of the engagements is a push to deepen political cooperation, expand economic ventures, and foster people-to-people exchanges that will benefit both Nigerians and Colombians in the years to come.

Katsina Gov empowers women with goat rearing scheme, Ramadan support

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Katsina Gov empowers women with goat rearing scheme, Ramadan support

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to women empowerment during a meeting with the Coalition of Women Initiative Program at Government House, Katsina.

He highlighted ongoing projects designed to tackle poverty and boost small businesses, including the Goat Rearing Scheme which supports 10 women per ward, the Ramadan Support Program, and the upcoming Nigeria for Women Affinity Project.

Speaking at the event, Governor Radda stated, “Empowering women means empowering families and society,” adding that his government will ensure fairness and inclusiveness in all women-focused initiatives. He stressed that the various programs are tailored to reduce poverty while creating opportunities for women to actively participate in economic development.

The delegation, led by Hajiya Binta Husaini Dangani, expressed their sympathy over the recent banditry attack and the accident involving the Governor. They pledged their loyalty and called for 50% representation of women in government activities.

FG vows continued support for teachers, education initiatives

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FG vows continued support for teachers, education initiatives

The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating teachers and building stronger partnerships to uplift the education sector during the 11th Maltina Teacher of the Year Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described teachers as the “cornerstone of national development” and stressed that recognising their work must remain a national priority. She praised the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative for rewarding teachers and providing infrastructural support to schools, noting that such efforts directly improve learning outcomes.

“The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that reward quality teaching. Education is a shared responsibility, and this competition proves that celebrating teachers can inspire systemic change,” Professor Ahmad stated.

The Minister also urged the organisers, the Nigerian Breweries Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, to share more digital promotional materials to encourage wider participation, particularly in Unity Colleges. She further encouraged the expansion of award categories to reflect the diverse contributions of teachers across the country.

Stakeholders present at the meeting included the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and Nigerian Breweries Plc. They commended the initiative for boosting teacher morale, reshaping public perception of the profession, and sustaining a decade of impact under the theme, “A Decade of Producing Shining Stars.”

Now in its 11th year, the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition has remained one of Nigeria’s most impactful platforms for celebrating educators while reinforcing the teaching profession as central to national development.

FG, NGO to empower students with N500,000 scholarships

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FG, NGO to empower students with N500,000 scholarships

The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, has urged the National Education Awards Programmes (NEAP), a non-governmental organisation focused on youth empowerment, to create a structured framework that will guide collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.

She made the appeal during a courtesy visit by NEAP in Abuja, describing the organisation’s initiative as timely and commendable. “I need a clear framework of the NGO to have a roadmap and picture of how we can support. We are always ready to listen and adopt a collaborative approach,” she stated.

Speaking further on the Ministry’s position, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant, Professor Ali Idris, assured that the Ministry remains open to meaningful partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “The door is open for synergy that reflects national values,” he emphasized.

Earlier in his remarks, NEAP Chairman, Engr. Anslem Ijebor, presented the organisation’s flagship programme known as “Catch Them Young.” The initiative rewards academic excellence by offering scholarships of ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 to outstanding students in the National Examinations Council (NECO), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

He further explained that NEAP is committed to reviving reading culture among young people, promoting girl-child education, and discouraging harmful practices among the youth.

Both the Ministry and NEAP expressed readiness to build a transparent and clearly defined roadmap for cooperation that will strengthen education reforms and create wider opportunities for Nigerian students.

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