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

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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.”

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500 Ogoni post-graduates to benefit from FG HYPREP scholarship

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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.

TIC Katsina, NDE to Empower Entrepreneurs and Create Jobs

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TIC Katsina, NDE to Empower Entrepreneurs and Create Jobs

August 27, 2025 – The Management Staff of the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) Katsina visited the Office of the State Co-ordinator, National Directorate of Employment (NDE). The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the partnership between the two Federal Government sister agencies. The meeting began with a prayer and was followed by introductions from both sides.

The Centre Manager of TIC Katsina presented an overview of the Centre’s activities. He explained that TIC provides support from pre-incubation to post-incubation services. He stressed that while both TIC and NDE are committed to empowering people, TIC’s role is focused on transforming research into viable businesses.

According to him, “Our key areas include Renewable Energy, Fintech, Food Processing, Chemical Processing, Welding and Fabrication of Agro-Allied Machines, Agri-Tech and Waste-to-Wealth projects.” He assured NDE of TIC’s readiness to support any of their upcoming programs.

Responding, the State Co-ordinator, Haj. Halima Isah Ingawa, described the visit as timely and significant. She noted, “The relationship between TIC and NDE has been long standing even before my tenure. Some TIC entrepreneurs have already served as resource persons in our trainings.”

She further explained that NDE has several programs lined up before the end of the year, making the collaboration even more important at this time. She also promised to brief her Head Office on the discussions to ensure more impactful deliberations and necessary follow up actions.

In closing, the Centre Manager pledged to forward detailed information on the activities of TIC entrepreneurs to NDE. He said, “This will help the Directorate identify areas where both agencies can effectively collaborate for the growth of Katsina State and Nigeria at large.”

The meeting ended on a hopeful note with both parties looking forward to stronger collaboration in advancing innovation, youth employment, and sustainable economic development.

FG reaffirms Renewed Hope youth development, skill acquisition

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FG reaffirms Renewed Hope youth development, skill acquisition

Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has said that youth empowerment remains a central part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the Strategic Youth Leadership Conference held in Abuja, Olawande represented the President at the event jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the National Defence College.

The conference brought together key national leaders and young representatives from across the country. Dignitaries present included the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, and the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal, alongside other notable figures. The gathering focused on charting a new course for leadership and national development.

Addressing the youth on behalf of President Tinubu, Comrade Olawande stated, “Youth development remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria’s future is not a distant dream but a present reality in the hands, hearts, and minds of our young people.”

He further explained that the administration is committed to creating skill acquisition opportunities, digital economy training, and entrepreneurship support to prepare young Nigerians for leadership roles.

The Minister highlighted that while the conference is distinct from the upcoming Youth Confab, its importance lies in prioritising leadership as the foundation for every national goal. “The uniqueness of today’s event is in the fact that leadership is central to everything else we are trying to achieve for the country in the Renewed Hope administration,” he said.

He added that the focus is not just on discussions but on actionable strategies that will empower youths to drive economic growth, innovation, and good governance. “Together, as youth, we can shape a future where our energy, creativity, and resilience would drive national development and transformation,” Olawande said.

FULafia, Organization to Revitalize Sugarcane Industry

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FULafia, Organization to Revitalize Sugarcane Industry

The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), in collaboration with the Sugarcane Technologists’ Society of Nigeria (STSN), has hosted the second international annual conference of the society, with a call for the revitalisation of the sugarcane industry for national development.

The three-day conference took place at the Faculty of Agriculture Lecture Hall, Permanent Site Campus of the University.

The theme of the conference was “Renewed Hope of Boosting Sugarcane Value Chains from Farm to Factory for Sustainable Industrial Development.”

Declaring the event open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Aleruchi Chuku, said the University was delighted to host a gathering of scholars, industry players and development partners who are committed to repositioning Nigeria’s sugarcane sector.

Professor Abdul Rahman explained that sugarcane production holds vast potential for employment, food security, energy production and bioeconomic growth. He added that “the establishment of the Dangote Sugarcane Research Centre in FULafia is a step towards strengthening research, technology transfer and innovation in line with the national sugar master plan.”

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Emmanuel Hala Kwon-Ndung, described the theme of the conference as timely. He said that it reflects the renewed national and global commitment to invest in the sugarcane industry.

He noted that FULafia is proud to host the second edition of the conference after the maiden edition was held in Abuja. Kwon-Ndung commended the vice-chancellor and other stakeholders for their support and urged participants to “build bridges across disciplines and foster collaboration that would strengthen Nigeria’s sugarcane value chain from cultivation to processing.”

The international conference brought together academics, researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss pathways for advancing sugarcane research, technology, and sustainable industrial development.

The event also highlighted the importance of agricultural development, investment opportunities, and renewable energy in boosting Nigeria’s economy through the sugarcane industry.

NECO Warns Against Circulating Recruitment Scam

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NECO Warns Against Circulating Recruitment Scam

August 27, 2025 – The National Examinations Council has warned Nigerians to be cautious of a fake online recruitment exercise currently circulating on the internet.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Azeez Sani, NECO’s Director of Information and Public Relations, said the council has no plans to employ new staff and described the scheme as fraudulent. He explained that the aim of those behind it is to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

Sani stated, “The attention of the National Examinations Council (NECO) has been drawn to an online publication purporting that the Council is planning to recruit new staff. The Council enjoins members of the public to disregard the publication as it has no plan to recruit new staff. The publication is the product of the imagination of fraudsters who are out to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”

This clarification comes at a time when NECO announced an opportunity for interested Computer Based Centre Operators to apply for registration. The registration is ahead of the Computer Based Examination (CBE) which will take effect from the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External. The move signals NECO’s transition from pen and paper based examination to digital testing.

Sani further assured Nigerians that, “NECO, under the able leadership of the Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, will always adhere to due process and relevant extant laws when the Federal Government approves staff recruitment.”

The council also advised citizens to be vigilant and verify any recruitment-related information only through official NECO platforms to avoid falling victim to online scams.

Ogun State holds screening exam into 45 Flagship Schools

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Ogun State holds screening exam into 45 Flagship Schools

The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced that the screening examination for admission into the 45 Flagship Schools in the state will hold on Saturday, 30th August 2025. The examination is for the 2025/2026 academic session.

In a statement released by the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, the Ministry confirmed that all arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and hitch-free process.

The statement reads: “The Screening Examination for admission into the 45 Flagship Schools in Ogun State for the 2025/2026 academic session will hold on Saturday, 30th August 2025.”

The Ministry directed principals of the flagship schools to make adequate preparations for the exercise. Candidates were also urged to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during the examination. According to the Ministry, “only candidates who completed their online registration will be allowed to sit for the examination.”

Candidates are expected to arrive by 8:00 am with their writing materials and be seated promptly. The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi A. Arigbabu, FMAN, FSTAN, assured that the Ministry has provided the necessary arrangements and wished all candidates success in the examination.

NCoS Denies Forcing Officers to Pay N350,000 for Training Certificates

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NCoS Denies Forcing Officers to Pay N350,000 for Training Certificates

August 27, 2025 – Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied recent allegations published by Sahara Reporters that prison officers were forced to pay N350,000 for training certificates and that its cooperative society was being used as a “cash cow”.

In a statement, the Service described the claims as “mis-leading and baseless, aimed at misinforming the public and undermining the integrity of the Service.”

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, training and retraining of officers remain a key part of its professional development program. It explained that no such payments of N350,000 have ever been authorized. Instead, only caution fees of N1,000 and N2,000 are collected officially.

“The welfare of staff under the President’s renewed hope agenda has been upgraded and made a top priority,” the statement noted. The Controller General has also warned against any form of illegal charges, citing directives with reference numbers NCoS.005/S.48/V/84 dated 11th December 2024 and NCoS.005/S.203/TI/37 dated 8th July 2025.

On the issue of the cooperative society, the Service clarified that it functions as a welfare support system for retired and deceased personnel. It added that officers who are dismissed from service receive their full entitlements upon disengagement. “Presently, all payments of entitlement to beneficiaries are up to date,” the statement confirmed.

The Service also highlighted that the cooperative operates a Microfinance Bank that offers financial assistance to officers. In addition, it manages COCOS Hotel along Airport Road in Abuja.

The hotel, it explained, provides employment opportunities for youths and offers resort services for travelers during transit. The initiative has attracted commendations from Nigerians for its role in supporting both staff and the wider community.

The Nigerian Correctional Service further advised journalists to verify reports before publication. “Reporters are advised to confirm sources of their information regarding the Nigerian Correctional Service via the Complaint Response Desk email complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng before going to press,” it stated.

The Service stressed that its focus remains on staff development, welfare, and transparency in line with government reforms, and dismissed the recent publication as unfounded.

Akwa Ibom Free Food Programme Reaches Esit Eket LGA Beneficiaries

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Akwa Ibom Free Food Programme Reaches Esit Eket LGA Beneficiaries

August 27, 2025 – Thousands of indigenes of Esit Eket Local Government Area, including people with disabilities, are currently receiving massive food aid in continuation of the third phase of the Free Food Distribution Exercise under Governor Umo Eno’s Food Security Programme.

The beneficiaries, drawn from all the 11 wards of the LGA, gathered at the Council Headquarters in Uquo to receive food supplies that include bags of rice and beans. The initiative, according to officials, is aimed at tackling hunger, food insecurity, and providing support to vulnerable households.

Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, explained that the distribution is targeted at easing the burden of families struggling with economic hardship.

“The primary goal of this exercise is to provide immediate relief to vulnerable individuals and families who are facing challenges of food insecurity,” she stated.

The Food Security Programme, initiated by Governor Umo Eno, is being facilitated through his Personal Assistants in the 368 wards across the state. These assistants collect vouchers from the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency for onward redistribution to vulnerable persons captured in the social register.

The Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner was joined by the General Manager of Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, alongside other members of the Ministry and the Agency, to oversee the smooth process of the distribution.

Present at the Council Headquarters to receive the team and maintain orderliness were the Chairperson of Esit Eket LGA, Hon. Uduak Ikot, the Member representing Esit Eket in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Engr. Udobia Friday, the Vice Chairman of Esit Eket LGA, Hon. Etang Nkanga, Councillors, and Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor.

Beneficiaries who spoke during the exercise commended the Governor for what they described as compassionate and timely intervention.

“This is a sign of true leadership. Governor Umo Eno has shown that he cares for the poor and vulnerable, and we are grateful for this,” a beneficiary remarked, while others described the programme as worthy of emulation.

AI will not replace Nigerians but drive $1tr economy – FG

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AI will not replace Nigerians but drive $1tr economy – FG

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence in driving Nigeria’s economic growth. He made this known while delivering the keynote address at the Third Edition of the Annual Economic Confidential Lecture and PRNigeria Book Presentation held in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme “Agenda for a Digital Global Economy,” Inuwa traced the journey of human development from the industrial revolution to the present era of artificial intelligence. He explained that AI should not be seen as a replacement for humans but as a tool to empower them.

According to him, “Artificial intelligence is not meant to replace humans but to empower them, enhancing productivity in academia, agriculture, and business.”

Inuwa linked this vision to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the relevance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight priority areas. He shared details of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), built on eight pillars that are designed to advance Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted that AI adoption would play a critical role in achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

“Embracing AI is central to achieving the $1 trillion economy benchmark. This technology holds the power to transform our economy and position Nigeria as Africa’s leader in the AI revolution,” he said.

The event also featured the unveiling of three new books written by five authors. The titles include Renewed Hope in Central Banking, Healing Nigeria: Diplomacy and Digital Defence, and Diplomacy and Digital Innovation.

In recognition of his role in promoting digital transformation in Nigeria, PRNigeria presented Kashifu Inuwa with an Award of Excellence, naming him CEO of the Year 2025.

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