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Reports claim Senate to revisit NPower unpaid stipend issue

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Reports claim Senate to revisit NPower unpaid stipend issue

Circulating information suggests that the Nigerian Senate may be set to revisit the NPower unpaid stipend issue under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

The source of this development has been linked to Comrade Bashir Usman Gobir, who has been sharing updates regarding the matter.

However, as there is no official confirmation by the Nigerian Senate yet, expectant beneficiaries are urged to treat the information as unverified while waiting for formal communication from the federal government.

This report comes only a few days after NPower beneficiaries held a meeting with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday, August 25, 2025, to deliberate on the delays. According to Gobir, “The Nigerian Senate is set to hold another discussion on issues relating to the NPower programme, following the long-standing delays in payment of allowances owed by the government.”

He further explained that in July, under the leadership of the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, the Senate had intervened by organizing a meeting that brought together government officials, the legal team representing the complainants, and the affected beneficiaries.

Gobir revealed, “During the meeting, it was confirmed that the federal government owes NPower beneficiaries over ₦81 billion, and it was promised that the payment would be included in the 2025 national budget.”

Although this update is generating reactions, there has been a lot of circulating and sometimes repetitive information about the NPower issue. Beneficiaries are therefore urged to remain hopeful and continue to wait for official updates from the federal government, particularly from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which oversees the programme.

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FG Launches Test Rocket in Lagos, Ignited from USA

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FG Launches Test Rocket in Lagos, Ignited from USA

Nigeria’s space ambitions took a major leap forward as the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), through its Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion (CSTP), successfully launched a test flight rocket codenamed CSTP-R5/25 at the Epe lagoon in Lagos State.

The rocket, fully designed and built by CSTP engineers, demonstrated the country’s growing capacity in solid propellant technology and marked a historic milestone in indigenous rocketry development.

The Director of CSTP, Engr. (Dr.) Olusegun Sholiyi, said the breakthrough was possible due to the visionary leadership of NASRDA’s Director General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju. He explained that the DG remotely ignited the rocket from the United States, an action he described as proof of “the global reach of Nigeria’s advancing technology.”

CSTP also introduced an innovation by designing a customized boat to act as a launch pad, which made the operation smooth and successful. This approach was praised as an important step in improving Nigeria’s space technology.

Following this achievement, NASRDA confirmed that preparations are already in place for a larger rocket launch from the Atlantic Ocean.

The planned launch is expected to further boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global space research, solid propellant technology, and rocket engineering.

Top officials, including Directors Dr. Abayomi Alaga and Dr. Felix Ale, hailed the successful launch as a historic stride for the country. They described it as a moment that strengthens NASRDA’s position as a beacon of innovation, national pride, and scientific excellence.

Sokoto approves N394m livestock training for youths

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Sokoto approves N394m livestock training for youths

Sokoto State Executive Council, led by Governor Ahmad Aliyu, has approved major projects in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and contract management during its 9th regular meeting. The decisions were announced at a press briefing held in the Council Chamber, where commissioners gave details of the resolutions.

A key highlight of the meeting was the approval for the demarcation of a 300-hectare Livestock Services Centre in Huchi, Wamakko. The centre will provide veterinary services and training for young people in animal husbandry. The project, awarded at a cost of ₦394,775,325.00, is scheduled for completion within four months. Officials explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen agriculture, boost food security, and provide employment opportunities in the livestock sector.

“The Livestock Services Centre will serve as a hub for veterinary care and practical training in animal husbandry. It is an important investment in agriculture and youth development,” a council statement noted.

In addition to the livestock training project, the council also reviewed issues concerning abandoned contracts at the Sokoto Central Market, which was affected by a fire in 2021. Contracts with 36 companies initially awarded for the renovation have now been terminated.

The Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nasiru Muhammad Binji, explained that fewer than six contractors are owed money, while over 30 firms remain indebted to the government.

He said, “The Sokoto Investment Company has been directed to settle payments for owed contractors, recover funds from defaulting firms, and initiate criminal proceedings against those who fail to refund public money.”

He added that new contracts would be awarded to credible contractors to ensure the timely completion of the market project. The council emphasized strict adherence to timelines and declared zero tolerance for delays or breaches in contract agreements.

Tinubu to Inaugurate Renewed Hope City Housing Project Soon

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Tinubu to Inaugurate Renewed Hope City Housing Project Soon

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, has announced that President Bola Tinubu will in the coming weeks inaugurate the Renewed Hope City Project in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

Dangiwa made this known on Thursday after inspecting industrial areas within the Lekki Free Trade Zone and Lagos Free Trade Zone. He said the inspection was part of plans to build a Building Materials Manufacturer Hub within the trade zone.

He described the housing project as one of the flagship 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 the minister, the Ibeju Lekki project is already at 80 per cent completion, 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.

He explained that the Lagos scheme, when fully completed, would deliver 2,000 housing units. Dangiwa added that the project underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit through affordable housing and real estate development.

Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Dr Muhammad Abdul, also spoke on the project. He said the houses are designed to be affordable and accessible to workers and cooperative societies.

Abdul explained that beneficiaries are expected to make a 10 per cent initial payment, while the balance would be spread across their years of service. He added that interest rates are pegged between six and nine per cent, making them among the lowest in the housing finance market.

He disclosed that some housing units have already been handed over, with prices ranging from N3 million to N50 million, depending on type and design. “This model ensures that no worker pays beyond one-third of their income for housing, in line with international labour standards,” Abdul said.

Dangiwa reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope Cities initiative would be replicated nationwide to provide decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.

FG NADF pursues Brazil Trade Agreements, Credit Guarantees for Agriculture

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FG NADF pursues Brazil Trade Agreements, Credit Guarantees for Agriculture

The Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund is seeking trade agreements and credit guarantees with Brazil to expand agricultural cooperation and create more opportunities for Nigerian farmers. This was discussed during a panel on financing at President Tinubu’s recent state visit to Brazil.

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, stressed the need for structured partnerships to unlock opportunities. He said this is particularly important for small and medium-scale enterprises in agriculture.

“Nigeria and Brazil share the right conditions for a fruitful partnership,” Ibrahim stated, highlighting the potential benefits of stronger bilateral trade relations.

He outlined the Fund’s focus on four key pillars. The top priority is financing agricultural infrastructure, including storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and irrigation systems to support year-round farming.

According to him, these investments will help strengthen food security and raise productivity across the sector.

The NADF plans to deploy assets through debt, equity, and grants. It will operate as a wholesale lender to financial institutions.

Ibrahim added that the approach will expand agricultural credit access, improve financing options, and open new channels for international agribusiness investment.

BSUTH launches MOAUM and JOSTUM sports competition with cash prizes

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BSUTH launches MOAUM and JOSTUM sports competition with cash prizes

BSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, has announced a sports competition for students of MOAUM and JOSTUM. The event will run from September 2nd to 29th, 2025, and is part of activities leading up to the Second International Health Investment Summit and Exhibition. It also marks celebrations for his Golden Jubilee.

The competition will feature football, volleyball, badminton, basketball, and a debate and quiz contest. Cash prizes will range from One Hundred Thousand Naira to Five Hundred Thousand Naira. Winners will also receive jerseys and trophies.

Organizers confirmed that the grand finale will take place on September 29th at the BSUTH cafeteria.

Dr. Hwande has also introduced an essay writing contest and a scholarship scheme. Twenty undergraduate students each from MOAUM and JOSTUM will benefit from the scholarship program.

He explained that the initiative is designed to build a culture of excellence and give students more opportunities for growth.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, will serve as the Chief Host of the event.

Students from both institutions welcomed the development, calling it “a unifying platform that will not only showcase youth talent but also promote healthcare and medical tourism in Benue State.”

Attached below is the schedule of activities:

Nasarawa AGILE mentors to implement Safe Space programme in 100 schools

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Nasarawa AGILE mentors to implement Safe Space programme in 100 schools

Nasarawa State AGILE Project has trained 300 mentors, counselors, and community counselors to implement the Safe Space Programme in 100 selected public secondary schools. The five-day training focused on equipping participants with knowledge and skills to guide adolescents, especially girls, in building confidence, resilience, and life skills for a brighter future.

The State Project Coordinator, Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Isoga, represented by the Communication Officer, Mallam Nuhu Murtala, gave an overview of the AGILE project, its structure, and its benefits to schools, communities, and the state.

She explained that the Life Skills and Safe Space Programme is a key component of the project, helping adolescent girls transition into adulthood. She urged participants to pay attention to facilitators, ask questions, and actively join group sessions and assessments to fully grasp the knowledge before passing it to students.

Isoga commended the Society for Family Health, the lead consultant for implementing the programme, for their technical expertise and support in achieving the life skills objectives.

The National Project Coordinating Unit representative, Mrs. Grace Johnson, said her visit was to provide technical support for the Safe Space Programme in the state. She praised facilitators, mentors, and counselors for their commitment and visited five training centers.

Johnson also interacted with mentors on setting up Safe Space cohorts with at least 25 adolescents per class. She advised them to handle all Safe Space issues with confidentiality and humility.

She urged mentors to relate to students at their level rather than act as boss to them. “Mentors should always put the interest of the students first and guide them with patience,” she said.

Kano celebrates women entrepreneurs at DSE Cohort 3 graduation

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Kano celebrates women entrepreneurs at DSE Cohort 3 graduation

Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, Director-General and CEO of the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), yesterday joined the Graduation Ceremony of the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) Cohort 3, which was held under the Women-Led Organization Program in Kano.

The event celebrated outstanding female entrepreneurs who successfully completed a one-month intensive training in digital transformation. Participants gained practical skills in digital marketing, branding, content creation, customer engagement, and the use of productivity tools.

Speaking at the event, Muzakkari said, “I had the honor of presenting certificates to participants, recognizing their hard work and dedication.” He noted that the success of the program highlights the role of technology in building sustainable businesses and boosting inclusive economic growth.

According to him, KASITDA is proud to support initiatives such as the DSE program, which was implemented by Spider Technologies Limited and supported by GIZ/DTC. He emphasized that such efforts empower women-led businesses and create opportunities for innovation in Kano State.

Muzakkari added, “This milestone further reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing digital literacy skills and the broader digital transformation of Kano State, in line with the vision of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Digital Transformation Governor.”

FG urges student empowerment, Niger Delta youth development

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FG urges student empowerment, Niger Delta youth development

Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, today received in audience several organizations working in health and humanitarian sectors, alongside youth-led associations seeking collaborations to strengthen their capacity to serve young people and their members.

In a statement, Olawande said, “Our shared ideals were reflected in the forward-looking conversations that we had,” noting that the discussions centered on improving youth development, humanitarian action, and health support systems in Nigeria.

Addressing the Association for Students’ Social Welfare Nigeria, the Minister pointed to the Student Loan Fund as a major commitment of government toward students’ welfare.

He encouraged the association to work closely with government to “sensitize their members on all youth-focused interventions of the Government, and continue to collaborate for greater impact.”

Olawande also commended the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation for what he described as “an impressive effort” in protecting the health of children and young adults battling cancer. He pledged ongoing support for the foundation to enhance its work and impact in the fight against childhood cancer in Nigeria.

For the Pan African Humanitarian Leadership Award delegation, the Minister praised their contribution to promoting humanitarian values. He said their activities would “inspire and encourage more individuals and organisations to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity,” stressing the importance of stronger humanitarian leadership.

The Minister also met with the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leaders Foundation, where discussions focused on peace, unity, and youth empowerment in the Niger Delta. According to him, “It is important to build bridges of unity, advance peace, and empower the youth of the Niger Delta to contribute meaningfully to national development.”

He assured the group of the Ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that foster inclusiveness, skills development, and positive youth engagement across the region.

Bauchi Govt urges youth innovation at Children in Tech Project

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Bauchi Govt urges youth innovation at Children in Tech Project

Hon. Mohammed Atiku Isah, the Special Adviser on Youth and Entrepreneurship to the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, has praised the achievements of young participants at the closing ceremony of a two-day digital skills program in Bauchi.

The program, organized by American Space Bauchi in collaboration with Co-Innovate to Impact Hub and MicroBlocks, focused on empowering children with practical knowledge in technology and coding. The event, held on August 28, 2025, featured the “Children in Tech” project, which introduced young learners to innovation and problem-solving skills.

Delivering his remarks as Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Isah expressed joy at the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the participants. “First, let me say how excited I am to be here with you all today. When I walked into this room and saw the energy, the smiles, and the amazing projects you’ve been working on, I felt truly proud. Each of you has shown that you are not just the leaders of tomorrow—you are already innovators today,” he stated.

He described the “Children in Tech” initiative as a timely and commendable step toward preparing young people for the future. According to him, “By providing a platform for them to explore, create, and innovate, we are not only shaping their future but also the future of our society.”

Over the course of the program, participants were taught how to transform ideas into real projects through coding and interactive tools. Hon. Isah highlighted the importance of such learning, noting, “Over the past two days, you’ve learned how to take an idea, write some blocks of code, and actually bring it to life, whether it’s making lights dance, creating messages, or building interactive projects. That is the power of technology: it allows us to turn imagination into reality. And you have just taken your first steps into that world.”

He emphasized that the lessons extended beyond technical skills. “What you learned here is not just about computers or LEDs. It’s about problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. These are the real skills that will help you succeed in life, no matter what career you choose,” he explained.

Encouraging the participants, Hon. Isah urged them to stay curious and continue experimenting. “Never stop being curious. Never stop asking ‘why’ and ‘what if.’ And most importantly, never stop believing that you can create something that makes the world better,” he advised.

He further commended the facilitators and partners for their role in driving innovation. “To the organizers, Co-Innovate to Impact Hub, the facilitators, and our partners at the American Space and MicroBlocks, I want to say a big thank you. What you are doing here is not just teaching coding, you are planting seeds of innovation that will grow into something much bigger for Bauchi State, for Nigeria, and for the world,” he said.

In his closing remarks, he encouraged the children to see themselves as future leaders in the digital space. “To the participants, I want you to go home today with one promise to yourself: keep building, keep experimenting, and keep dreaming. You may not realize it now, but in this very room, we may have future inventors, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs who will change the way we live. Congratulations to you all, and I can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you,” he concluded.

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