August 19, 2025 – FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed that youth empowerment stands as a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She made this statement on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.

Mahmoud explained that the present administration placed young people at the forefront of national growth, recognising their role as the driving force of Nigeria’s future. She noted that the government was focused on equipping youths with the right tools to succeed in the current digital and competitive global economy.

“Through skills development, entrepreneurship support, digital innovation, and job creation initiatives, the government aims to equip Nigerian youths to thrive in a competitive global economy. The goal is to empower young people as job creators rather than just job seekers, thereby reducing unemployment, fostering innovation, and strengthening socio-economic development,” she said.

The minister added that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, would continue to provide strong support for the objectives of the NYSC.

She highlighted the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that ensures corps members can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Mahmoud praised the NYSC management for delivering a successful orientation course, stressing that the scheme’s vision for youth development and national integration was critical for strengthening unity. She called on corps members to embrace values of discipline, patriotism, unity, and service as they begin their service year.

She urged participants to contribute positively to their host communities, reminding them that the NYSC represented more than an assignment. “The NYSC is not just a call to duty but also an opportunity to promote peace, development, and national unity,” she said.

In her advice to corps members, Mahmoud encouraged them to remain security-conscious, respect the cultures of their host communities, and conduct themselves in a manner that brings honour to the scheme and the nation.

Also addressing the gathering, the FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr Samson Ateli, described the NYSC as a valuable national asset. He said the programme played a vital role in fostering peaceful coexistence and national development through the mobilisation and deployment of corps members across different sectors.

Ateli further urged corps members to accept their postings in good faith and avoid seeking rejections. “I also encourage you to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and register for the post-camp SAED training,” he added.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of N10 billion to clear outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting held in Asaba with the Chairman of the Bureau of State Pensions, Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Anthony Osanekwu.

The meeting focused on the welfare of retirees, including the settlement of backlogs and challenges faced under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Mr Oborevwori noted that his administration had so far paid over N36 billion to service pensions in the state. He explained that N1.4 billion was being released every month to cover pensions since he assumed office.

According to him, the state has not defaulted in its monthly pension payments, but the arrears that existed before his administration required urgent attention.

The governor said, “Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state. It is only just that they receive what is due to them, and under my watch, their welfare will remain a top priority.’’

He also announced the setting up of an oversight team that will monitor the implementation of the N10 billion release.

He stressed that transparency and accountability would be upheld to ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries. He added that the decision reflected his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of senior citizens who had worked for the progress of the state.

In his reaction, Mr Ogidi-Gbegbaje described the governor’s decision as a “pleasant surprise,” noting that the approval would bring huge relief to retirees. He said the Bureau of State Pensions would ensure that the funds are strictly used for pension payments, with the system programmed to promote accountability.

Mr Osanekwu, who also spoke at the meeting, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the approval as an unexpected and generous move.

He said, “You took us unaware; what we were expecting was far less than the N10 billion you just approved. I am elated and I know that when pensioners across the state hear this news, they will be very happy.’’

August 19, 2025 – The Federal Government has announced plans to unveil the RenewHER initiative as part of ongoing efforts to prioritise women’s health and strengthen their role in national development.

The new programme is aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in healthcare delivery for women while also tackling economic inequities that have limited their progress for decades.

Experts have consistently warned that poor access to quality healthcare, combined with financial exclusion, continues to place Nigerian women at a disadvantage.

In response to this, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health issued a statement on Tuesday describing the RenewHER initiative as a comprehensive response to these challenges.

Speaking on the development, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, said the programme would adopt a dual approach that focuses on reducing inequalities and ensuring women are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustainable national growth.

According to her, the initiative will not only expand access to maternal and reproductive health services but will also create more opportunities for women to participate actively in the economy.

She announced that the RenewHER Launch Gala & Awards Night will take place at the Statehouse Banquet Hall in Abuja. Dr. Steinacker further explained that RenewHER, which stands for Health, Equity, and Reform, is a data-driven, tech-enabled, and financially intelligent strategy designed to transform women’s health across Nigeria.

“The initiative will serve as the country’s central coordinating platform for women’s health, bringing together public, private, and civil society partners to co-invest in scalable and community-driven solutions,” she said.

“RenewHER is more than an initiative. It is a national call to action to redefine the future of women’s health and economic equity in Nigeria.”

She added that the programme is designed to deliver measurable health outcomes while also creating economic opportunities for women through behaviour-led financial reward systems, digital wallets, access to microgrants, skills training, and support for women-led health innovations.

The statement also revealed that guests at the Gala will witness the unveiling of the Women’s Health Nigeria Digital Media & Communications Hub, described as a powerful national platform for health advocacy, public health education, and storytelling.

In addition, the premiere edition of the Women’s Health Nigeria Magazine will be introduced as a signature publication dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and complementing national health efforts.

The magazine will focus on six priority areas including maternal, newborn and child health, sexual and reproductive health, adolescent health and menstrual equity, nutrition and preventive care, healthcare workforce and access, as well as community coalition building.

“With the Women’s Health Nigeria Hub and Magazine, we are building a movement that will transform policy, empower communities, and inspire the next generation of health champions,” Dr. Steinacker added.

The RenewHER initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, and the Women in Healthcare Network.