Home Blog Page 51

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.

Advertisement

NITDA advances National Sovereign Cloud Initiative with New Cloud Frameworks

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
NITDA advances National Sovereign Cloud Initiative with New Cloud Frameworks

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is advancing Nigeria’s digital sovereignty agenda through the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative (NSCI), convening a stakeholder engagement to align the nation’s cloud ecosystem with national security, economic development, and digital transformation priorities.

The engagement was organised to socialise, validate, and consolidate stakeholder inputs on the national frameworks developed under the NSCI. It is also aimed at ensuring broad alignment as Nigeria transitions from policy design to implementation of a sovereign, secure, and nationally governed cloud ecosystem.

Speaking at the Socialisation Workshop organised by the Agency, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria’s digital future depends on a decisive shift to cloud-based infrastructure. He noted that fragmented server rooms and isolated systems are no longer suitable in an era defined by massive data volumes, interconnectivity, and digitally delivered public and private services.

He explained that beyond cloud adoption, the broader objective is digital sovereignty. According to him, this involves protecting critical national systems from disruption, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that Nigeria retains strategic and economic value from its digital infrastructure.

The Director General stressed that the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative is not protectionist but deliberately collaborative. He said it is positioning Nigeria as a leading digital and data hub in Africa through strategic hyperscaler partnerships, strong private sector participation, and government-enabled incentives that encourage long-term investment and local capacity development.

He added that this approach aligns with the priority areas of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in strengthening national security and accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

The National Sovereign Cloud Initiative has produced three key national instruments for stakeholder validation and adoption: the National Cloud-First Guidelines, the National Cloud Technical Guidelines, and the National Cloud Investment Strategy. Together, these documents define what must be done, how it must be done, and how Nigeria’s cloud ecosystem will scale sustainably.

The journey began in 2019 with the issuance of the National Cloud Computing Policy, which catalysed cloud adoption across government institutions. Between 2019 and 2024, cloud usage expanded significantly, enabled by global hyperscalers alongside a growing base of indigenous providers. By 2024, stakeholders agreed that adoption alone was insufficient, and that governance, structure, and sovereignty were required to underpin sustainable growth.

In November 2024, NITDA convened a national workshop bringing together government institutions, indigenous providers, hyperscalers, regulators, and cybersecurity experts around a balanced sovereign cloud vision. This was followed in 2025 by the establishment of a Technical Working Group, which undertook extensive policy, technical, and investment deliberations.

By mid-2025, the outputs of this work were consolidated into the three foundational national instruments now being presented to stakeholders. With robust plenary discussions forming a central part of the engagement, contributions shared during the session will inform final refinements and implementation priorities of the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, as Nigeria strengthens a secure, trusted, resilient, and investment-ready cloud ecosystem anchored in national interest.

FG unveils automotive training centre, trains youths on PMS and CNG repairs

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG unveils automotive training centre, trains youths on PMS and CNG repairs

The federal government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), on Thursday unveiled its Automotive Training Centre in Potiskum, Yobe State, and concluded a five-day intensive mechatronics training programme focused on the repair and maintenance of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles and motorcycles. The programme was organised in collaboration with Simba Group Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, described the facility as “a symbol of hope and self-reliance,” noting that it is designed to equip young people with industry-relevant skills required to compete in a rapidly evolving global automotive ecosystem. He emphasized the strategic importance of the automotive industry as a catalyst for industrialization and economic diversification, in line with the NAIDP’s targets of increased local vehicle production, higher local content, electric vehicle adoption, and the creation of up to one million jobs.

In his remarks, the NADDC Board Chairman, His Eminence Emma Eneukwu, reiterated that the initiative reflects NADDC’s pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for the automotive industry through strong collaboration among government, industry, and academia. He added that the NADDC Governing Board remains committed to maintaining global standards through continuous equipment upgrades, curriculum alignment with international best practices, and industry-driven training outcomes.

The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, stated that the newly commissioned centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, is part of NADDC’s nationwide network of 23 Automotive Training Centres established to promote skills development, youth employment, and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

He noted that the project aligns with the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) 2023 and supports the Federal Government’s drive for local manufacturing, job creation, and cleaner energy through CNG vehicle adoption under the Presidential CNG Initiative.

The training programme successfully equipped youths and auto-technicians drawn from across Yobe State with both practical and theoretical skills to service modern PMS- and CNG-powered vehicles, positioning the Potiskum centre as a critical hub for human capacity development in the North-East. NADDC acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Yobe State Government under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni, and other key stakeholders, while reaffirming its commitment to building a globally competitive and sustainable Nigerian automotive industry.

The commissioning of the Automotive Training Centre in Potiskum represents a major launchpad for youth empowerment, skills development, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s automotive sector, while advancing the nation’s broader industrialization and sustainable development goals.

NYC, Foundation to train 10,000 Nigerians in Agribusiness and ICT

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
NYC, Foundation to train 10,000 Nigerians in Agribusiness and ICT

The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) and the Nehemiah Foundation, an NGO, have entered into a partnership aimed at empowering no fewer than 10,000 Nigerian women and youths with agribusiness and other practical skills.

The agreement was signed on Friday in Abuja by Engr. Jethro Annum, President of NYC, and Mr Emmanuel Nehemiah, Executive Director of the Nehemiah Foundation.

Speaking at the event, Annum described the occasion as the beginning of a milestone of great importance to the youth structure across the globe, starting with Nigeria as the focal point.

According to him, youths cut across every scheme of life, including graduates and non-graduates, and across every purpose.

“We see this partnership between the NYC and the Nehemiah Foundation as more than just a signing of an agreement.

“It is the unveiling of a structured result driven initiative designed to empower 10,000 youths and women across Nigeria through investment in agribusiness, ICT, technical skills and entrepreneurship.

“It also entails the cooperative society that will be formed across the 774 local governments of Nigeria.

“We are creating a pathway for sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.

“This initiative is built on transparency, accountability and measurable impact; it reflects our shared belief that youth empowerment must move beyond promises to practical implementation; to Nigerian youths across the country, this partnership is for you,” he said.

Annum added that the initiative represents a commitment to skills, opportunity and structured support that would enable beneficiaries to become job creators, innovators and nation builders. He noted that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

On his part, Nehemiah said the partnership was informed by the desire to set up a team that would help the President achieve his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Looking at the spread of NYC across every ward, every local government, and every state of Nigeria, we feel it is a good platform.

“A total economic revolution in Nigeria can be achieved through the country’s youth and women.

“The entire initiative focuses on mobilising young people and raising a skilled, trained workforce in every location across all states.”

“We will raise them, train them as organised trainers, who will now be used also to train trainees.’’

Nehemiah explained that the scheme ensures each beneficiary can train five others, creating a multiplier effect.

He said the training would target specific skills, particularly agribusiness, IT, production of small-scale industrial equipment, carpentry and other skills development.

“But in the end of it all, this is supposed to be a system that will be coordinated through a platform of cooperative society, social enterprise network, and business development service scheme,’’ he said.

He added that the programme would begin with 10,000 trainees at the onset.

SUSTAIN to select Nigerians in STEM for Jobs in Germany and Ireland

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
SUSTAIN to select Nigerians in STEM for Jobs in Germany and Ireland

SUSTAIN has launched a new skilled labour mobility programme aimed at connecting young Nigerian professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with career opportunities in Europe.

The initiative is implemented by Seefar and co-funded by the European Union through ICMPD’s Migration Partnership Facility (MPF). It is designed to strengthen talent and knowledge exchange between Nigeria, Germany, and Ireland.

Under the framework of the project, up to 240 participants will be selected and matched with STEM jobs in Germany and Ireland. Selected participants will receive comprehensive preparatory training to ensure a smooth transition and proper integration into their new work environments. The training package includes soft skills development, cultural orientation, and career guidance to help them perform effectively in their roles.

Registrations are now open, and eligible applicants can apply directly through the SUSTAIN website at www.sustaineu.org.

Emeka Anene, SUSTAIN Manager in Abuja, said the programme is structured to create lasting impact in Nigeria.

“SUSTAIN gives talented Nigerian STEM professionals a unique opportunity to gain valuable international experience in Europe, while ensuring their skills ultimately benefit Nigeria. Through this initiative, we are not only opening doors for young Nigerian STEM professionals but also driving long-term knowledge transfer and economic growth back home,” he said.

Mr. Oleg Chirita, Head of Global Initiatives and Deputy Head of ICMPD Brussels Mission, explained that the programme also addresses labour market needs in Europe.

“ICMPD is committed to building partnerships that create opportunities for young professionals while addressing real labour market needs in Europe. Programmes like SUSTAIN show how global talent mobility can deliver mutual benefits for all – empowering individuals, strengthening economies, and deepening cooperation between regions,” he said.

Peter Iroagbalachi, a Nigerian STEM candidate shortlisted for SUSTAIN, described the opportunity as a major career milestone.

“Being shortlisted for SUSTAIN is an exciting opportunity to deepen my expertise in science, technology, and innovation. If selected, I will use the experience in Europe to promote technology-driven solutions for inclusive growth in Nigeria and Africa, and inspire other young professionals to pursue global opportunities,” he said.

The programme responds to Europe’s growing demand for STEM expertise, where nearly half of businesses face difficulties recruiting people with the STEM skills they need. The European Commission estimates that the EU requires an additional two million science and engineering professionals.

By linking Nigerian talent with European employers, SUSTAIN aims to create a triple-win partnership. Europe gains skilled professionals who can support innovation and growth, Nigeria benefits from knowledge transfer, remittances, and stronger trade connections, while participants gain global exposure and experience.

SUSTAIN is implemented by Seefar, a social enterprise that has worked on migration and reintegration in Nigeria for over 10 years for the European Union, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Germany. Co-funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), the programme promotes sustainable economic growth and mutually beneficial talent partnerships between the EU and Nigeria.

To apply, interested candidates can fill in the registration form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerBteyYhRhxZ_tGUuIM06SI5b7FINwjs3cjuqbTrZwsx1wdg/viewform to confirm eligibility. Applicants must be residents of Nigeria, aged 18-34, and have at least two years of relevant work experience in STEM fields.

FG Distributes Free Farm Inputs to Farmers in Six States

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG Distributes Free Farm Inputs to Farmers in Six States

The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers across Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kebbi and Ogun states in a move aimed at boosting food production and strengthening national food security.

Speaking at the flag-off in Kaduna State, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that the programme underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable food security and easing the cost-of-living pressures on Nigerians.

The Minister, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr. Gukas Kizito Dankat, described food security as a critical national and global priority, as reflected in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He said the current administration has introduced wide-ranging economic reforms, emergency responses and targeted interventions to address challenges affecting food production and availability.

Recalling the declaration of a state of emergency on food security in July 2023, the Minister said the administration has demonstrated strong political will to transform the agricultural sector by placing food security at the top of its agenda.

He added that since assuming office in August 2023, the Ministry has realigned existing programmes and rolled out new initiatives to address farmers’ challenges and ensure that food remains available, accessible and affordable.

According to him, the Ministry is working closely with state governments, non-governmental organisations and the private sector to foster synergy in tackling issues related to food security, economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

“As part of short-term support measures, the Ministry is distributing essential farm inputs and equipment at no cost to farmers through a transparent and accountable process,” he said, adding that the initiative is designed to enhance productivity and support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.

Earlier, the Kaduna State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Anto Ambi Ogah, said the programme is part of the Federal Government’s policy to support smallholder farmers, cooperative societies and small and medium enterprises.

He urged farmers’ groups and stakeholders to work collectively towards achieving food security, especially in the face of climate change challenges affecting global food systems.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Nuhu Aminu Numbu, alongside the Chairman of Farmers with Special Needs, Alhaji Abdullahi Jugnu, commended the Ministry for the intervention and assured that the inputs would be equitably distributed to members and effectively utilised.

Items distributed include power tillers, herbicides, liquid fertilisers, knapsack sprayers and water pumps to cooperative groups, commodity associations, farmers with special needs and internally displaced persons.

NBC launches 2026 Youth Empowered programme at UNILAG

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
NBC launches 2026 Youth Empowered programme at UNILAG

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., a leading consumer packaged goods company and a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has announced the commencement of the 2026 edition of its flagship Youth Empowered (YE) programme. The first training session for the year was held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on February 2, 2026.

Targeted at young people between the ages of 16 and 35, the Youth Empowered initiative reinforces NBC’s long-term commitment to human capital development in Nigeria. Since its launch in 2017, the programme has impacted more than 70,000 young Nigerians, equipping participants with practical skills, confidence, and exposure needed to succeed in today’s dynamic workplace and entrepreneurial environment.

The 2026 edition is being delivered in collaboration with Fate Foundation as the implementing partner, with funding support from The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation. NBC expressed appreciation to both partners for their continued collaboration, noting that the programme’s growing reach and impact are made possible through shared expertise, resources, and a collective commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

Speaking about her experience at the University of Lagos training, Waliat Adedogun, a participant who received a cash grant through the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition to support her small business, said: “Youth Empowered gave me more than training, it gave me clarity and confidence. Winning the grant means I can finally take my business idea from a dream into something real. I now feel prepared to build, grow, and create opportunities not just for myself, but for others too.”

NBC reaffirmed that empowering young people remains critical to Nigeria’s social and economic progress. The Youth Empowered programme was designed to bridge the gap between education and employability by providing hands-on learning, real-world insights, and access to career-shaping opportunities.

In 2025, the initiative recorded some of its most tangible outcomes. Ten beneficiaries were selected for six-month paid internships across NBC locations in Lagos, Ibadan, Asejire, and Challawa, where they gained direct industry exposure. Additionally, three outstanding participants received sponsorship for an all-expenses-paid intensive culinary training programme and were awarded ₦1 million each to support the launch of their businesses.

Building on this foundation, the 2026 rollout will expand to more tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). This follows a successful 2025 tour that reached seven cities across the country, including Makurdi, Jos, Benin, Kaduna, Asaba, Akure, and Port Harcourt.

Participants in the 2026 programme will receive training across key modules designed to support personal, professional, and business growth. These modules include Business Life Skills, Adaptability and Resilience, Financial Literacy, Customer Service and Communication, Sales and Negotiation Skills, and Workplace Ethics. The sessions will also feature breakout workshops on Business Planning, Project Management, and Time Management.

A key highlight of the programme is the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition, where participants can present their business ideas for a chance to win funding support. In addition to skills development, NBC’s People and Culture team will be present throughout the programme to identify outstanding talent for future opportunities within the organisation, strengthening the connection between learning, employment, and long-term career growth.

About #YouthEmpowered

#YouthEmpowered is a youth development initiative by the Coca-Cola HBC Group, the parent company of Nigerian Bottling Company. The programme is committed to equipping young individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to address one of the most pressing challenges, employability. Through workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programmes, #YouthEmpowered empowers young people to unlock their potential and build sustainable careers with confidence and strong professional networks.

Since 2017, the programme has trained over one million young people across 15 markets, surpassing its original goal.

About the Nigerian Bottling Company

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd is part of Coca-Cola HBC, a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola HBC operates across 29 countries, working with customers to serve about 750 million consumers. Its portfolio spans sparkling, adult sparkling, juice, water, sport, energy, ready-to-drink tea, coffee, and premium spirits categories.

NBC manufactures, markets, and distributes brands including Carbonated Soft Drinks such as Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes and Limca; Still Drinks such as the Five Alive range and Eva water; and partners with other beverage businesses to sell Monster and Predator energy drinks as well as premium spirit brands. More information can be found at https://ng.coca-colahellenic.com/.

Nigeria Secures Permanent Seat on African Central Bank Board

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Nigeria Secures Permanent Seat on African Central Bank Board

During the just-concluded 39th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, Nigeria recorded major diplomatic and institutional gains, strengthening its leadership role in advancing Africa’s economic integration, peace, security, and democratic governance.

A key highlight of the session was the Council’s agreement to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank. The development is seen as a landmark step that underscores Nigeria’s strategic position in shaping Africa’s financial architecture. The decision also extends Nigeria’s representation to the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, which serves as the precursor to the establishment of the African Central Bank.

These developments affirm Nigeria’s technical capacity, economic importance, and commitment to advancing Africa’s monetary integration agenda.

In the area of peace and security, the session witnessed the successful election of candidates collectively agreed upon by the Economic Community of West African States to the Peace and Security Council. The outcome reflects strong cohesion, cooperation, and unity among ECOWAS Member States, as well as the region’s shared commitment to promoting stability and collective security across the continent.

Furthermore, Nigeria demonstrated leadership in strengthening democratic governance across Africa by organising a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy. The event attracted ministers, senior government officials, and delegates from the West African region, across the continent, and from the international community. The panel facilitated constructive dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, fostering inclusive governance, and enhancing collaborative regional approaches to sustaining democratic values.

Nigeria’s engagements and outcomes at the 39th Executive Session of the Executive Council reaffirm the country’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the African Union, particularly in promoting economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democratic governance across the continent.

The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to working with Member States and regional bodies to advance Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development.

FG launches Nigeria Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) fund programme

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG launches Nigeria Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) fund programme

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially launched the Nigeria Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) Fund Programme, a two-year initiative aimed at assessing the economic risks and opportunities linked to the country’s evolving energy landscape and developing policy options that support economic diversification and long-term structural transformation beyond oil and gas.

The national launch event took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel and brought together senior government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and civil society organisations. The gathering highlighted a coordinated effort to prepare Nigeria for a future shaped by global energy transition trends.

According to organisers, the programme is designed to strengthen the analytical foundations for policymaking, encourage coordinated policy dialogue, and translate evidence into actionable recommendations. These recommendations will align with Nigeria’s climate and development priorities, including the delivery of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), described the initiative as a strategic shift rather than a withdrawal from the energy sector.

“Nigeria’s journey beyond oil is not a retreat from our status as an energy powerhouse, but an evolution into a green energy giant. Our collaboration with BOGA reinforces our commitment to the 1.5°C pathway while prioritizing a development trajectory that is fair, funded, and focused on the prosperity of our people,” she said.

The event also featured a goodwill message from Sian Bradley, Head of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) Secretariat. She reaffirmed BOGA’s commitment to supporting countries at an early stage of planning for a just, orderly, and equitable transition away from oil and gas.

Bradley commended Nigeria’s recognition of economic challenges and the need for bold diversification pathways as outlined in its third NDC. She noted that the programme would support Nigeria’s first steps toward implementation, alongside broader efforts to advance decarbonisation, methane reduction, and upstream emissions cuts.

Through scenario analysis, transition risk assessments, evaluation of green development pathways, and structured stakeholder engagement, the programme will examine the potential impacts of global energy shifts across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain. It will also identify viable economic alternatives and develop targeted policy recommendations to support workers and communities that may be affected by structural changes.

Speaking on behalf of APRI, Africa Policy Research Institute, the programme’s lead implementing partner, Dr Olumide Abimbola, Executive Director of APRI, explained the expected outcomes.

“This initiative will help Nigeria develop a clearer, shared understanding of what a changing global energy landscape could mean for Nigeria – our revenues, our jobs, our industries, and our communities – and what practical options are available to strengthen resilience. It will also help us identify credible pathways for economic diversification beyond oil and gas, and the kinds of policies and enabling conditions needed to unlock new opportunities and drive competitiveness,” he said.

On behalf of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Director General of SPP, said Nigeria must approach the transition strategically.

“Nigeria’s challenge is not simply to transition away from fossil fuels, but to strategically manage the risks and opportunities of a changing global energy system. The BOGA Fund Programme is important because it anchors this transition in rigorous evidence, economic realism, and justice for workers and communities. SPP is honoured to contribute to this important endeavour alongside APRI, NCCC, BOGA, and our wider community of partners, and it is our prayer that this work will help shape Nigeria’s low-carbon sustainable development and the prosperity of our country,” he stated.

The programme is implemented by APRI in collaboration with SPP. Its development in Nigeria was led by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), which set up a cross-government working group. The group includes representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum, National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Environment, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company.

The Nigeria BOGA Fund Programme is expected to complement existing national and international efforts on climate action and emissions reduction by providing an integrated platform to support evidence-based policymaking, institutional coordination, and long-term economic resilience.

Lagos State to Expand Funding and Financial Literacy for Women

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Lagos State to Expand Funding and Financial Literacy for Women

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to improve access to funding, financial literacy, and enterprise support for women across Lagos State.

This assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of LSETF, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, and her team to the Ministry on Tuesday, 10th February 2026.

Welcoming the LSETF delegation, Hon. Dada appreciated the Executive Secretary for sustaining empowerment efforts through programmes that support entrepreneurs, artisans, and small business owners across the State. She described the renewed collaboration as strategic and long overdue, especially in advancing the economic growth of women.

The Commissioner disclosed that WAPA currently operates 19 Skills Acquisition Centres (SACs) across Lagos State, alongside the Women Development Centre. She explained that the centres run structured curricula developed by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), ensuring that trainees receive standardised and practical training.

She urged LSETF to align some of its capacity-building initiatives with the Ministry’s training framework so that students would better understand funding requirements before completing their programmes.

“We want our students to understand the requirements for accessing support before graduation. While the Ministry strives to provide start-up equipment to our graduates, it is not always possible to meet every need. LSETF can complement our efforts by engaging and supporting some of our graduates through structured funding and business support initiatives,” she stated.

Hon. Dada also highlighted WAPA’s life skills and empowerment platforms designed for vulnerable groups. These include programmes for faith-based organisations, parents of out-of-school children, wives of military personnel, retiring civil servants, among others. She encouraged LSETF to explore collaboration within these platforms to expand impact and reach more beneficiaries.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of LSETF, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, commended WAPA for its transparency, openness, and consistent dedication to women’s empowerment. She stressed the importance of creating greater visibility for LSETF programmes, particularly among women trained at WAPA centres.

Mrs. Alayande disclosed that the LSETF application portal has recently been reopened. She encouraged intending applicants to register and ensure they have the required documentation, including LASRRA ID, LIRS Tax Identification Number (TIN), National Identification Number (NIN), and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

She further proposed the introduction of structured financial literacy and bookkeeping sessions for beneficiaries and intending applicants as part of broader business development and company-building support.

According to her, improving financial literacy will strengthen loan performance, business sustainability, and market access for women entrepreneurs. She explained that when business owners understand record-keeping and financial management, they are better positioned to grow and repay loans responsibly.

The Executive Secretary also noted that LSETF has previously supported women in non-traditional trades, including female tilers. She expressed readiness to collaborate with WAPA in identifying and recommending qualified trainees for future opportunities. She referenced past “on-the-spot” loan interventions and reiterated LSETF’s commitment to ensuring that its programmes effectively benefit WAPA graduates.

Both agencies agreed to work together in organising sensitisation and financial education sessions across WAPA’s Skills Acquisition Centres. These sessions will guide potential applicants on eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, bookkeeping practices, and strategies for accessing markets.

The meeting also explored areas of partnership ahead of the forthcoming International Women’s Day celebration. Both parties committed to leveraging the platform to expand economic empowerment opportunities for women in Lagos State.

The strengthened collaboration between WAPA and LSETF reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to promote inclusive economic growth, enhance financial independence, and reduce poverty among women and vulnerable groups.

Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, Directors of the Ministry, and the Director of Programme and Coordination, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Ms. Oyindamola Egbeyemi.

1...505152...645Page 51 of 645