Home Blog Page 515

President Tinubu Opens Youth Leadership Conference in Abuja

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
President Tinubu Opens Youth Leadership Conference in Abuja

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, on Thursday represented His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, at the Opening Ceremony of the Strategic Youth Leadership Conference held at the National Defence College, Abuja.

The Conference, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the National Defence College, brought together young leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders under the theme “Youth and Leadership: Building a Foundation for Sustainable Strategic Leadership.”

In his address, President Tinubu emphasised the critical role of young people in shaping the future of Nigeria, noting that with over seventy percent of the nation’s population being youth, the destiny of the country rests in their hands. He highlighted that the energy, resilience, and creativity of the youth are Nigeria’s greatest assets, but also warned that “energy without direction and potential without preparation could lead to frustration.” He said the Conference provides a timely platform to instil values of ethical, innovative, and sustainable leadership.

The President explained that youth development remains a central pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He listed a range of strategic programmes aimed at equipping young Nigerians with skills, opportunities, and leadership platforms across multiple sectors. Among them is the Nigerian Youth Academy, designed to empower millions with digital and vocational skills. He also highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, which seeks to position Nigeria as a global hub for advanced digital skills, and the Digital Literacy for All initiative, targeting seventy percent national literacy by 2027.

Other initiatives mentioned by the President include employment and enterprise schemes to generate millions of jobs, the Nigeria Health Fellowship, agricultural empowerment programmes, creative industry residencies, climate resilience corps, eco-friendly transport projects, and youth enterprise loan facilities. These, he said, form part of the administration’s broader strategy for job creation, economic growth, and digital transformation.

Charging participants at the event, President Tinubu urged them to seize the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and form strong networks that will influence the future of the country. “Let your ideas, connections, and passion fuel the journey towards a greater Nigeria,” he said, adding that true leadership is measured by impact and must begin within immediate communities.

He also called on policymakers, educators, community leaders, and development partners to work together in creating enabling environments that support mentorship, inclusive governance, quality education, and economic empowerment for Nigerian youth.

Declaring the Conference open, President Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a Nigeria where every young person has the opportunity to lead and contribute meaningfully to national development. He reminded participants that “the Nigeria we desire tomorrow depends on the leadership we build today.”

Advertisement

Reps Member Empowers 150 Constituents in Imo State with cash, others

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Reps Member Empowers 150 Constituents in Imo State with cash, others

Rt. Hon. Emeka Chinedu, the member representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, has empowered more than 150 constituents through a poverty alleviation programme aimed at transforming livelihoods and supporting small businesses.

The empowerment exercise took place at Oboama/Umunama Ward in Ezinihitte, Mbaise Local Government Area. The lawmaker explained that the programme was designed to demonstrate his commitment to the welfare and progress of his people.

Speaking during the event, Chinedu said the initiative was targeted at lifting many households. He stated, “This empowerment is to transform lives. Each recipient received a table, chair, umbrella, POS machine, and a cash grant of N200,000.”

The distribution was carried out by the Moniepoint team using a transparent raffle draw system. According to him, the raffle method was chosen to ensure fairness, equity, and the elimination of bias in the process.

Staple food items such as rice, garri, salt, and spaghetti were shared directly without a raffle draw. This was done to allow more people in the community to benefit from the programme.

Chinedu, who had been previously nicknamed Mr. Project for his constituency developments, is now being referred to as Mr. Empowerment because of his commitment to improving living standards. He announced that the initiative would be extended to all 24 wards in his constituency.

According to him, the programme is part of his campaign promises in his second term to provide both financial and material support to the people. He stressed inclusivity, saying, “Whether APC, PDP, ADC, Labour, or APGA, everyone contributed, and would benefit. That is why we introduced a raffle draw, a method that has proven effective elsewhere.”

Beyond the empowerment, the lawmaker revealed that several constituents have already secured federal job placements in key agencies. More opportunities, he said, are coming in the Civil Defence Corps, Correctional Service, Fire Service, Immigration Service, and the National Directorate of Employment.

He assured that the list of beneficiaries would soon be made public.

Chinedu has become the first legislator in the constituency to carry out life-transforming projects across all 24 wards. These include solar-powered streetlights, electric transformers, classroom blocks, health centres, town halls, erosion control works, and skills acquisition centres.

Through targeted skills acquisition programmes, many constituents have been trained and equipped with starter packs to build sustainable livelihoods.

His advocacy has also been notable in defending the rights of Ahiazu residents, particularly in situations involving alleged threats from security agents.

The lawmaker has facilitated access to financial support such as N500,000 loans through NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, N-Power opportunities, N30,000 stipends under the Federal Government’s 774 LGA Special Public Works Programme, and COVID-19 intervention funds.

In earlier empowerment phases, he distributed motorbikes, vehicles, grinding machines, sewing machines, household appliances, and cash support worth millions of naira.

Beneficiaries at the latest event expressed deep appreciation. Many danced, sang, and offered prayers for the lawmaker, describing the empowerment as “a lifeline” and “an answer to long-standing prayers.”

FG discloses plan for NELFUND loan repayment

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG discloses plan for NELFUND loan repayment

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, yesterday explained that students who benefit from the scheme are expected to begin repayment two years after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

He clarified that repayment will only start if beneficiaries secure employment within that period.

“If a student or a loanee has graduated, two years after they complete their NYSC, there is some obligation for them to start paying the loan back if they have a job. It makes sense in the value chain that we should assist in that process of helping people get jobs,” he said while speaking on Arise Television.

Sawyerr disclosed that NELFUND does not directly create jobs but will provide a platform to link beneficiaries to opportunities.

“We don’t create jobs. What we can do is connect people with jobs. So one of the things that we intend to do is to set up a portal, attract vacancies and jobs into that portal, connect them with students who have loans so that they get jobs and they can pay the loan back. It’s in their interest and the interest of NELFUND to make this connection. And it’s a very small investment for us to make, given the potential value that it brings back to the students,” he added.

The NELFUND boss stressed that no form of connection or influence is needed to access the loan. According to him, “no student needs any connection to benefit from the programme, bar the normal verification carried out in the process of application.”

Providing data on the scheme, he said that as of yesterday morning, 724,000 students had applied for the loan, while 449,000 have been confirmed as beneficiaries. “A beneficiary is somebody whose fees have been paid and in some cases have had their fees and the upkeep provided to them. So 449,000 people are in that category. Talking further around the numbers, the 449,000 beneficiaries are from 218 institutions. Tertiary institutions at federal or state government level, N47 billion paid to those institutions on behalf of these 449,000. It’s impossible to apply twice. And finally, the upkeep, we have paid N38 billion,” Sawyerr explained.

On repayment arrangements, he stressed that measures are in place to trace beneficiaries and ensure compliance.

“The President was very careful with this. He didn’t want students to be penalized for taking a loan to go and get an education. So the obligation to pay the loan back is on the employer. When an employer employs, they go to a database to identify whether the person they’re employing has a loan with the NELFUND or not. If they have a loan with the NELFUND, the employer is obliged to deduct 10 per cent with the permission of the consent of the employee. 10 per cent of those fees, of their salary or their wages, depending on whether they’re doing weekly work or monthly work, can then be remitted to the NELFUND account. But the obligation is on the employer, not on the student. Unless, of course, the student or the loanee, rather, is self-employed, in which case they have an obligation to pay that 10 per cent,” he said.

He also addressed issues of duplicate payments, saying that where students pay fees even after NELFUND has already disbursed funds to their institutions, such money must be refunded.

“The institutions have been making great strides to refund some of this money to students. Some are slower than others. It’s also important to recognise that there’s a cost to returning funds. So some of them have returned funds short of what was actually paid to them because there’s a charge. These are administrative issues. They’re not a big deal. They’re administrative issues which, over time, will be smoothed over. NELFUND is working very closely with the institutions and with the students to smooth these over. These are things that we must experience. We must go through them. There are teething problems,” he added.

Governors endorse Tinubu’s $100bn Creative Economy roadmap

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Governors endorse Tinubu’s $100bn Creative Economy roadmap

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push to grow Nigeria’s creative economy and boost job creation.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 5th meeting held on Wednesday, 27th August 2025, the Forum said it deliberated on issues affecting the country and also paid respect to the late Pa Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, father of the Governor of Kogi State. The governors observed a minute of silence and extended condolences. “We pray for the peaceful repose of his father’s soul,” the statement read.

The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The Forum also received a detailed presentation from the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who was represented by Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture. The presentation focused on a Strategic Roadmap to grow the sector’s GDP contribution to $100 billion by 2030 while creating over 3 million jobs.

According to the roadmap, key initiatives include a $200 million Creative Economy Development Fund and a $1 billion Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation.

The plan also features projects such as the Lagos Arena, Abuja Creative City, and Renewed Hope Cultural Villages designed to attract investment, expand tourism, and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural presence.

The governors commended the reforms aimed at strengthening intellectual property and pledged to partner with the federal government. “We resolved to collaborate through State Creative Economy Desks, co-created festivals, and the adoption of the Naija Season platform,” the Forum stated.

500 Youths to Benefit from Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurship Training

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
500 Youths to Benefit from Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurship Training

Akwa Ibom State government has launched a new training programme at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center, Ibom-LED, targeting 500 youths, including pioneer trainees from the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, DASAC, and female youth leaders.

This step is part of the government’s promise to empower the future through practical entrepreneurship and business opportunities.

With this latest phase, a total of 1,700 youths have now benefited from the State government’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, marking the 4th batch and creating a new milestone in youth empowerment and digital economy development.

Speaking on the initiative, the General Manager of Ibom-LED, Mr. Ime Uwah, explained that the programme is designed to equip participants with essential business skills and tools needed to thrive. “This initiative is designed to equip the selected participants with practical business skills, digital tools, and startup support to thrive in today’s economy,” he said.

He further highlighted the programme’s key areas, which include business development and financial literacy, digital skills for entrepreneurs, mentorship and networking opportunities, access to startup support, and grants. These focus areas are aimed at strengthening small businesses, supporting startups, and improving access to financial opportunities in the state.

The six weeks training is scheduled to commence on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Ibom-LED center located along IBB Avenue, Uyo. Selected participants are expected to visit the center to pick up their admission letters.

FG to Support Farmers with AgriConnect Partnerships in Ogun

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG to Support Farmers with AgriConnect Partnerships in Ogun

The federal government is exploring partnerships with local organisations to provide training and support for farmers in order to increase their production for the overall benefit of the nation’s economy.

The Head of Centre, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ogun State, Mr. Abiodun Obafemi, explained the action of the government during a sensitisation and enlightenment programme on the AgriConnect Project organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation at Ajegunle Farm Settlement in Abeokuta.

The AgriConnect Initiative was launched in the state in June by the State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The initiative was aimed at empowering farmers with digital tools to boost productivity, enhance market access, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Obafemi explained that AgriConnect was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve agriculture and rural livelihoods. He said the app was designed to provide farmers with real-time weather updates, expert advice on pest control, crop management practices, and direct market connections to eliminate middlemen and boost profits.

According to him, “The government understands that not everyone has a smartphone and can’t promise to give one to every farmer. However, the AgriConnect app is available on the Google Play Store and is designed to be user-friendly. The government is also exploring partnerships with local organisations to provide training and support for farmers in need. Why is AgriConnect important? In today’s rapidly evolving world, access to timely and accurate information is crucial. AgriConnect provides real-time weather updates, expert advice on pest control, best practices for crop management, and direct connections to markets. This means you can make informed decisions, reduce losses, and increase your income.”

Responding, farmers urged the federal government to ensure continuous upgrading of the AgriConnect app to prevent it from suffering the fate of past agricultural initiatives that were abandoned after initial excitement.

The farmers said though the AgriConnect initiative has potential to transform farming practices, its success would depend on the government’s commitment to consistent upgrades.

One of the farmers, Mr. Aderibigbe Olusegun, said: “What I believe will work is that all of us will go to the app store to download the app. But by the time we start having traffic, people won’t be able to access it again, and at the end of the day it will be abandoned. What I will tell them is to keep upgrading the app so that people can have good access to it.”

Also, the Chairman of AgriConnect at the Ajegunle Farm Settlement, Mr. Johnson Sogunle, assured the farmers that the app would not disappoint the users, noting that the federal government has put necessary measures in place to ensure that the programme is not aborted halfway.

Sogunle, however, noted that the farmers are currently losing out due to the current nature of the economy, while appealing to the government to supply them with fertilisers for planting.

He said, “At present, farmers are losing out and prices are on the high side because of the state of the economy. This is affecting farmers.”

Apply: BSUTH Therapeutic Centre for Children with Special Needs Recruitment

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
Apply: BSUTH Therapeutic Centre for Children with Special Needs Recruitment

August 28, 2025 – The management of Benue State University Teaching Hospital has announced a massive recruitment exercise for Therapists at the Therapeutic Centre for Children with Special Needs.

According to an external advertisement statement signed by Tsenzughul Moses F. mnipr, Acting Head of Public Relations and Protocol, applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates.

The hospital stated that “Applicants must possess a minimum of a first degree in Learning Disabilities with a bias in Speech and Language Communication Disorders.”

Requirements:
1. Applicants must possess a minimum of a first degree in Learning Disabilities with a bias in Speech and Language Communication Disorders.
2. Minimum of three (3) years cognate experience in active practice in a recognized institution.
3. Ability to operate a Quantum Magnetic Resonance Body Image Analyzer will be an added advantage.

The closing date for submission is four weeks from the date of this publication.

How to apply:

All applications should be submitted via email to christophervandeh@gmail.com. Applications must be accompanied by relevant credentials and an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).

For further enquiries, interested applicants can call 0806 833 9411 or 0803 700 3174.

NASSCO ongoing distribution of RRR CCT ATM cards for N75,000 payment

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
NASSCO ongoing distribution of RRR CCT ATM cards for N75,000 payment

August 27, 2025 – The National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) has announced the ongoing distribution of ATM cards for beneficiaries under the Rapid Response Register (RRR) and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program managed by the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO).

This Renewed Hope conditional cash transfer initiative is currently being carried out across various states in Nigeria.

According to onsite reports, “Beneficiaries who have received notifications for card collection are advised to visit their designated collection centers promptly to collect their ATM cards.”

The program is aimed at easing access to social welfare funds and ensuring that beneficiaries receive direct financial support.

Reports confirm that each verified beneficiary will accept a one-off payment of 75,000 naira. Beneficiaries are required to present their registered phone number, National Identification Card, and BVN details for proper verification before card activation.

In Gombe Local Government Area, the NCTO teams have commenced distribution at Jekadafari Darazawa Quarters. The exercise is scheduled for Friday, 29 August 2025.

“On-going distribution and activation of CCT-HoPE-RRR beneficiaries ATM cards is being carried out, and all eligible persons are encouraged to participate,” an official noted.

All beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed as NCTO teams continue to circulate information and update NIN and BVN records for many existing participants in the program across local government areas in Nigeria.

FG WAVE to empower 10m women in agriculture training, financing

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
FG WAVE to empower 10m women in agriculture training, financing

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, has launched a new initiative to empower 10 million Nigerian women in the agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day National Capacity-Building Workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the programme as “a turning point in Nigeria’s journey towards gender equity in agriculture.”

The training, which runs from August 27 to 29, 2025, is organised in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. It features practical sessions on greenhouse farming, homestead gardening, post-harvest storage, financial literacy, and agribusiness development.

Highlighting the challenges faced by women in agriculture, the Minister noted that while women make up 70 percent of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce and contribute 80 percent of total output, they earn 30 percent less and only 10 percent own farmland or have access to agricultural financing. “This exclusion may not always be deliberate, but it is real—and it ends now,” she said.

At the centre of this effort is the Women Agro Value Expansion Initiative, also known as WAVE. It is a flagship programme designed to provide women with skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive as entrepreneurs and innovators within Nigeria’s food systems.

“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, women are no longer passive beneficiaries. They are recognized as primary drivers of national transformation,” the Minister declared.

The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Assistant Secretary-General, Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in advancing women’s empowerment and food security across the Muslim world.

Special commendation was given to the Mutual Commitment Company, a key private sector partner in the WAVE Consortium, for its consistent support.

Participants welcomed the initiative with optimism. Mrs. Dinatu Adiza Sani, a farmer from Abuja Municipal Area Council, said: “I have been farming ginger and groundnuts for years, but I only sold them raw. This workshop is teaching me how to process, package, and earn more.”

Chairman of WAVE, Mr. Shittu Kabir, described the programme as a game-changer that would help women adopt modern farming techniques and build sustainable agricultural value chains.

As Nigeria marks 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action and the creation of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Minister urged women to embrace the opportunities. “The policies are being reformed, the support systems are growing—but the real transformation lies in your hands,” she said.

She concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring women are not only included in agriculture but also positioned as leaders and innovators. “Your success is Nigeria’s success.”

500 Ogoni post-graduates to benefit from FG HYPREP scholarship

Paulinus Sunday
-
0
500 Ogoni post-graduates to benefit from FG HYPREP scholarship

August 27, 2025 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising human capacity development through education in Ogoniland, as 500 postgraduate students from the region are set to benefit from the 2025 Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Scholarship Grant.

Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, made this known in Port Harcourt during a sensitisation workshop for the commencement of the 2025 scholarship programme. He emphasised that the selection process will be conducted with fairness, merit, and accountability at its core.

Professor Zabbey urged the prospective beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, ensuring that the scholarship supports their research work and enhances their careers. He noted that the scheme is not a gift but a reward for hard work.

“You must run the race to earn it, as this scholarship grant is an investment in the brilliance, research, and aspirations of Ogoni youths. It is designed to promote excellence, support researches, and recognise merit,” he said.

Reiterating HYPREP’s continuous commitment to young people, the Project Coordinator maintained that the future of Ogoni lies in their hands. He explained that the scholarship programme, alongside other interventions, is part of efforts to restore livelihoods, build capacity, and implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme Report on Ogoniland.

He described the youths as the major beneficiaries of HYPREP’s programmes and encouraged them to uphold the values of peace, education, and unity, which are essential for the region’s lasting development.

Professor Zabbey also called on the Ogoni community, including postgraduate students, to create a conducive environment both offline and online that would help HYPREP achieve its goals.

“In line with our civic responsibility, we must embrace collaboration and constructive engagement so that the Ogoni Cleanup and all its attendant benefits can reach every corner of Ogoniland, from the seafood market in Kaa, Khana Local Government Area, to the lush green farmlands of Korokoro in Tai Local Government Area, from the streets of Akpajo in Eleme Local Government Area, to the fisherfolk in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area. We must act to promote common good,” he said.

The Project Coordinator further stressed the importance of following due process, noting that as a Federal Government project, HYPREP is committed to existing rules and regulations.

“All beneficiaries and stakeholders need to understand that processes and procedures form the backbone of HYPREP’s operations. We urge everyone to approach these processes with seriousness and patience. I would like to discourage the culture of negative comments, especially when there are perceived delays in processes. Instead, I encourage you to direct your questions through the established channels for public engagement. The Project Coordination Office remains open for enquiries, and we are always ready to guide all stakeholders,” Professor Zabbey stated.

Delivering a keynote address at the workshop, Dr Sorbarikor Lebura, Reader of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at the Department of Business Administration, Rivers State University, advised beneficiaries to view the scholarship as a seed to be invested wisely in their academic pursuits.

Also speaking, Mr Edward Baa, Managing Director of Pa-Ed Multilinks Consulting, outlined the eligibility criteria for the grant. He disclosed that the application portal will be accessible via the HYPREP website (www.hyprep.gov.ng) from Friday, 29th August 2025, at 6:00 PM (GMT), and will close on 12th September 2025 at the same time.

The sensitisation workshop was attended by postgraduate students across the four local government areas of Ogoni. Others present included AIG Emmanuel Effiom (Rtd.), Chief Security Officer of HYPREP, Mrs Josephine Nzidee, Head of Sustainable Livelihood, and Engineer Ekiyokenegha Didi Clark, Project Support Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company/JV.

1...514515516...676Page 515 of 676