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FG to Begin Disbursement of Loans to Farmers/Businesses, GEEP

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FG to Begin Disbursement of Loans to Farmers/Businesses, GEEP

The Federal Government has announced that it will begin the disbursement of interest-free loans to smallholder farmers and business owners across Nigeria before the end of 2025.

The National Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Hamza Ibrahim Baba, disclosed this on Friday during an engagement with traders’ associations and other stakeholders in Kaduna State’s informal business sector.

According to Baba, the loans of up to N100,000 per beneficiary are part of the FarmerMoni scheme under GEEP, designed to support small-scale farmers in poultry, aquaculture, livestock rearing, and crop production. He explained that the initiative is meant to boost the capacity of farmers and help them access critical resources.

“This pilot phase will support farmers nationwide, small-scale business owners including Kaduna State,” he said.

“Beneficiaries will enjoy a six-month moratorium to enable them to produce before beginning repayment. The funds will help them acquire inputs such as fertilisers, livestock, veterinary drugs, and other critical tools.”

Baba noted that the programme is domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and remains a flagship initiative of the National Social Investment Programme.

He stressed that GEEP is designed to provide collateral-free, interest-free loans to micro-enterprises, petty traders, artisans, youth entrepreneurs, and farmers. The aim, he said, is to help scale up their businesses while ensuring financial inclusion for citizens at the grassroots.

He further explained that GEEP operates through three major schemes: TraderMoni, which targets youths between 18 and 45 years old engaged in petty trades; MarketMoni, which focuses on women in small-scale trading; and FarmerMoni, which is directed at rural farmers.

“These are not grants. They are loans but interest-free. The goal is to help Nigerians at the bottom of the pyramid improve their businesses, become part of the formal financial system, and eventually create jobs,” Baba said.

The programme manager added that the loans range from N5,000 to N100,000 depending on the scheme and are structured to promote sustainability through monitoring and evaluation.

He urged traders’ associations and cooperatives to cooperate with GEEP Desk Officers and field enumerators in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to guarantee that the loans reach the right beneficiaries.

“The success of this programme depends on transparency and proper targeting. We want to reach those who truly need support, not those looking to take advantage of the system,” he stated.

Baba also assured stakeholders that the Tinubu administration is committed to expanding the reach of GEEP schemes, adding that the pilot phase for farmers would serve as the foundation for a broader rollout in 2026.

He acknowledged the role played by past administrations and ministers in the development of GEEP since its inception in 2016, while also highlighting ongoing reforms to improve delivery and accountability.

He explained that GEEP works alongside other components of the National Social Investment Programme, such as the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer, and Grants for Vulnerable Groups. “These are all aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods across Nigeria,” he said.

In an interview, a beneficiary, Hauwa Musa, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, noting that the support had improved her life and enabled her to expand her business.

Another stakeholder, Mallam Umar Usman, said he had not yet benefited from the programme but was hopeful of being included in the upcoming GEEP 3.0 phase. He described the loans as a welcome development that would make a difference for farmers and business owners.

Market leaders and traders’ representatives also commended the initiative, pledging to collaborate with GEEP Desk Officers to ensure that the loans are fairly distributed and reach only those in genuine need.

They highlighted that transparent implementation would strengthen the programme and support more Nigerians to grow their businesses.

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FG Launches Sports-Education Reform, N3.5m Centres of Excellence

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FG Launches Sports-Education Reform, N3.5m Centres of Excellence

The Federal Government has launched a landmark reform to integrate sports into Nigeria’s education system. The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, announced the initiative in Abuja, stating, “Sports is Education, Education is Sports.”

Speaking at the inauguration of a 20-member National Sports–Education Review Committee, he emphasized the importance of nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels, citing Brazil and Argentina as examples.

Dr. Alausa noted that despite over 16 million Nigerian youths engaging in sports betting, the country still lacks a thriving sports economy. To address this, he unveiled plans for a Sports Development Fund to support athletes, improve sports infrastructure, and standardise curricula.

The committee will review accredited Physical and Health Education, Sports, and Sports Science programmes under the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, and NERDC. The review will focus on course content, teaching methods, and the introduction of globally relevant sports courses.

The government will establish Sports Centres of Excellence in six geopolitical zones, located at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Benin, University of Ibadan, University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.

Additional centres will be set up at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and the Federal College of Education, Okene, with ₦3.5 million allocated per centre in the 2025 budget.

Stakeholders, including Mr. Usman Ejeh, Prof. Adamu Ahmad, Dr. Ibrahim Mosimabale, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, and Mojoyin Adebajo, described the reforms as timely for developing a strong sports economy and producing world-class athletes.

The Ministry pledged sustained funding, partnerships, and ongoing reforms to ensure graduates are academically sound, physically fit, and globally competitive.

WTO $50m WEIDE Fund to Support 146 Women in Digital Trade

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WTO $50m WEIDE Fund to Support 146 Women in Digital Trade

146 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria are set to benefit from a $50 million grant as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) launched the first phase of its Women Exporters in Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund in Abuja.

The initiative aims to break barriers for women-led businesses in digital trade and enhance their participation in global markets.

The launch event was attended by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, alongside WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Senator Tinubu described the initiative as “laudable” and in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on diversifying the economy and empowering women-led enterprises.

“This programme addresses long-standing barriers such as limited access to finance, networks, and digital infrastructure that have hindered women from reaching their full economic potential,” she stated.

She commended the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) for creating a platform that fosters inclusive trade and enables Nigerian women entrepreneurs to take their innovations beyond the nation’s borders.

According to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, the first phase of the fund will provide targeted support for selected women entrepreneurs. Sixteen “booster track” participants will receive $30,000 each and 18 months of technical assistance, while 130 other beneficiaries will get $5,000 each along with 12 months of dedicated business support.

She explained that the WEIDE Fund is designed to improve access to finance, boost competitiveness, and connect women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to international markets.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, noted that the initiative sends “a global declaration that women are equal partners in the digital marketplace, not mere spectators.” She emphasized Nigeria’s position as a pilot country, highlighting its commitment and potential for growth in digital trade.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, pledged to remove bureaucratic hurdles in the export process for women entrepreneurs. “We will fast-track export processes and open the gates for Nigerian women to access global markets with their products,” he assured.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, also delivered goodwill messages, commending the collaboration and expressing optimism about its long-term impact.

Funded by the FIFA World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund, the Government of Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, the WEIDE Fund was initially launched in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The aim is to close critical gaps in digital trade access and ensure women benefit from the growing online economy.

Following a competitive selection process that attracted 600 applications, Nigeria’s participation in the first funding cycle underscores its role as a key player in Africa’s digital trade development. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) was selected as a partner for the programme to further enhance its reach and effectiveness.

The WEIDE Fund represents a significant investment in women’s economic empowerment, creating a pathway for Nigerian entrepreneurs to expand their market presence, adopt new digital tools, and scale their businesses to compete globally.

With targeted grants and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to foster sustainable growth and position Nigeria as a hub for women-led digital enterprises.

Wema Bank Begins Sending YEIDEP Account Number to Applicants

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Wema Bank Begins Sending YEIDEP Account Number to Applicants

August 15, 2025 – YEIDEP (Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme) applicants are reacting to new developments as Wema Bank has started sending account numbers to participants of the Programme.

Many applicants are already receiving SMS messages from the bank stating, “Congrats! Your YEIDEP application is complete, and your Wema account (number) is active. Stay tuned for more info.”

Screenshots of the messages have quickly spread across social media, especially Facebook, as more people confirm receiving them.

This comes after a long silence from YEIDEP, which last promised fund disbursement to Batch A beneficiaries between July 1 and July 31, 2025. A later circular claimed disbursements would take place from October 20 to 30, 2025, but there has been no official comment from YEIDEP or the federal government on its authenticity.

Despite the lack of confirmation at this time, the recent activity from Wema Bank is giving applicants renewed hope that the programme might resume soon. According to the most recent circular, which many considered unofficial, collation of beneficiaries’ account details may run from September 1 to 10, 2025, followed by engagement with beneficiaries from September 11 to October 11, 2025.

The YEIDEP programme is aimed at empowering young Nigerians through economic opportunities, and any sign of progress draws public attention. However, the continued silence from official channels and the federal government leaves many candidates uncertain about the schedule for actual disbursements.

At the moment, only Wema Bank is sending YEIDEP messages. Other partner banks are expected to start sending theirs soon.

In the meantime, applicants have been urged to stay vigilant and avoid sending money to anyone claiming to be a YEIDEP representative, as no such payments are required for participation in the programme.

Below is the viral SMS:

Bayelsa IEVT, NDU to Boost Vocational Training in Niger Delta

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Bayelsa IEVT, NDU to Boost Vocational Training in Niger Delta

August 15, 2025 – The Bayelsa State Institute of Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training (IEVT) has taken a significant step towards boosting skills development and employment opportunities in the Niger Delta region.

The institute’s management team recently paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, to discuss collaboration in key areas of entrepreneurship training and vocational education.

During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor of NDU, Prof. Allen Ageh, welcomed the delegation and praised the institute’s proactive approach to building strategic partnerships.

“Such collaborations align with the university’s vision of expanding practical, career-oriented learning,” he said. Prof. Ageh also stressed the importance of integrating vocational training into higher education, especially in a region with rich human capital but still battling unemployment challenges.

Earlier in the visit, the Rector of IEVT, Dr. Zuobomudor Edwin Agbana, outlined possible areas of mutual interest between the two institutions. He highlighted vocational education, entrepreneurship development, skill acquisition, and community empowerment as vital areas for cooperation.

“Our mission is to empower youths with entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” Dr. Agbana stated. He explained that a partnership with NDU could create opportunities for joint research projects, professional training, and capacity-building programs.

In response, Prof. Ageh assured the IEVT delegation of NDU’s readiness to pursue the collaboration. He revealed plans to set up a joint technical committee tasked with drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the partnership.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with both institutions expressing confidence that the collaboration would deliver long-term benefits.

They agreed that the initiative would not only enhance student and staff development but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic growth of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.

Bayelsa Govt, PEBEC to Begin MSME Ease of Doing Business Survey

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Bayelsa Govt, PEBEC to Begin MSME Ease of Doing Business Survey

August 15, 2025 – The Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), in partnership with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has announced plans to conduct a survey on the Ease of Doing Business in Bayelsa State.

The exercise will focus on Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) and aims to gather vital insights to improve the state’s business environment.

According to BIPA, the survey is an important step towards understanding the current business climate for MSMEs. The data collected will contribute to the Subnational Ease of Doing Business Index, which plays a role in shaping policies that enhance business growth and investment opportunities.

Speaking on the exercise, Director General of BIPA, Patience Abah, said, “The insights gained in this survey will guide both Federal and State government interventions towards creating a more enabling business environment for MSMEs.”

The survey will officially begin on Monday, 18th August, 2025. Business owners across Bayelsa State are encouraged to cooperate fully with the designated officials to ensure smooth operations.

“The participation of all business owners is essential and appreciated,” Abah added. The government hopes this effort will lead to better policies that promote entrepreneurship, business financing, and sustainable economic development in Bayelsa State.

Kano-ACReSAL in Lokoja to Finalise 11 Catchment Plans

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Kano-ACReSAL in Lokoja to Finalise 11 Catchment Plans

Kano-ACReSAL is taking part in the Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) mission currently underway in Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi State.

The mission is part of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project, aimed at improving environmental management and sustainability across Nigeria.

According to the project team, ACReSAL is working to complete the development of the remaining 11 strategic catchments, which include Gurara-Gbako, Sarkin-Powa-Kaduna, Okwa-Mada, Lokoja-Niger, and Aloma-Ebonyi.

These are part of the 20 catchments the project plans to develop within its lifespan. So far, nine Strategic Catchment Management Plans have been successfully completed.

To meet its target, the project has mobilised stakeholders from across the catchments, including traditional institutions and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The engagement seeks to ensure that all parties share visions and experiences in creating a plan that benefits every stakeholder.

A project representative explained, “Our aim is to ensure the judicious and effective utilisation of the natural environment for long-term sustainability.”

The Kano State delegation includes members of the State Project Management Unit, representatives from key MDAs, and traditional leaders. Among them is the District Head of Gwale, Alhaji Yahaya Inuwa Abbas, the Dan Galadiman Kano, who is actively contributing to discussions. Officials from the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources are also part of the team, bringing technical expertise to the mission.

The SCMP mission in Lokoja is expected to provide strategies that will guide the management and preservation of vital water and land resources across the identified catchments.

FG, NWAPDI to Empower Women and Youth Farmers

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FG, NWAPDI to Empower Women and Youth Farmers

The Federal Government has partnered with the Nigeria Women in Agriculture Progressive Development Initiative (NWAPDI) to equip smallholder farmers with modern tools to succeed in a technology-driven marketplace.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this at the official unveiling of the Sovereign AgroTrade System (SAS) and summit held on Thursday in Abuja.

The Sovereign AgroTrade System is a digital and physical trade infrastructure designed to connect Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth, directly to national and international markets. The summit was themed “Building Wealth from the Soil-Digitally and Inclusively.”

Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy, Mr Mohammed Jobdi, Abdullahi described the initiative as a landmark contribution to the country’s agricultural transformation. “I am proud to stand here as we witness the official birth of the Sovereign AgroTrade System (SAS), a digital ecosystem created by NWAPDI to transform agriculture from subsistence to significance,” he said.

According to him, SAS includes tools such as AgriXchange Marketplace, NWAPDI Grow, AgriCert, and FarmAssure, representing modern agricultural innovation.

“Through this ecosystem, we are equipping smallholder farmers with the tools to thrive not just to survive in a modern, technology-driven marketplace. Today, we are not just unveiling a platform. We are launching a movement. A movement designed by Nigerians, for Nigerians, particularly our women and youth,” he added.

Abdullahi noted that rural farmers, especially women and youth, have for too long been at the mercy of middlemen, disconnected from global markets, and lacking access to financial systems that could enhance their productivity.

He stated that SAS changes this reality by enabling farmers to access microloans, cooperative financing, savings platforms, and mobile payments through their phones.

“This is financial inclusion redefined, bringing banking to the bush, and banking on our people’s success,” he said.

The minister praised NWAPDI for its vision and determination. “You are not only solving problems, but you are also setting new national standards, reflecting the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda of empowering people, building inclusive prosperity, and restoring dignity through hard work, innovation, and purpose.

The Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for this system to thrive, scaling its impact, and integrating its data and insights into our broader national agricultural strategy,” he stated.

Earlier, NWAPDI’s National Coordinator, Omolara Svensson, explained that the initiative is designed to move farmers from subsistence to prosperity. She said SAS is more than technology but a promise that farmers will no longer be subject to middlemen and unstable markets.

“This is how we keep our youth on the land, not because they have no other option, but because agriculture now offers dignity, opportunity, and a future worth staying for,” she said.

Svensson described SAS as a bridge connecting farms to markets, farmers to finance, and communities to global opportunities. “It is a tool for wealth creation, food security, and national pride,” she noted.

She urged women farmers, young agrientrepreneurs, and community leaders to embrace the initiative.

“Use it, let it lift you from where you are to where you dream to be because when women farmers rise, nations are fed, economies are strengthened, and communities are transformed,” she added.

Mr Dion Croom, President of Norcom, LLC, and Lead Consortium Partner, said the AgroTrade System was developed to empower women and youth in agriculture while promoting food security and sustainable farming practices.

Gombe ACReSAL, NAWIA to Boost Women’s Agricultural Empowerment

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Gombe ACReSAL, NAWIA to Boost Women’s Agricultural Empowerment

The Gombe State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), Gombe State chapter, to strengthen women’s empowerment through agriculture.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by NAWIA’s state coordinator, Amina Mohammed Umar, and her executive team, the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, said the collaboration will focus on climate-smart agriculture and inclusive development.

“Partnering with NAWIA is imperative, as their objectives resonate with our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and community resilience,” he said.

Dr. Jauro commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for creating an enabling environment for women’s advancement in agriculture. He noted that members of NAWIA have already been enrolled in precision agriculture programs under the ACReSAL Federal Project Management Unit.

He also pledged that the project will provide fishponds, greenhouses, and improved seeds to boost productivity and income for women farmers in the state.

In her remarks, Amina Mohammed Umar revealed that NAWIA has registered over 30,000 women free of charge. She explained that the association is already involved in backyard farming and is expanding its focus to include fertilizer production, tree planting, and nutrition awareness.

She emphasized that the collaboration with ACReSAL will increase opportunities for women in agriculture and help them gain access to resources, modern farming techniques, and agribusiness opportunities.

The partnership aims to enhance food security, promote economic empowerment for women, and improve resilience against climate change impacts in Gombe State. It is expected to create a stronger platform for rural women to contribute to agricultural development while benefiting from government and donor-supported initiatives.

With this development, stakeholders believe that women farmers in Gombe will be better positioned to access agricultural funding, training, and modern farming equipment to improve yields and livelihoods.

Apply: EdoJobs Wig Revamping, Wig Ventilation and Microblading

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Apply: EdoJobs Wig Revamping, Wig Ventilation and Microblading

August 15, 2025 – EdoJobs, in partnership with Life Builders Empowerment Organisation, has announced a three-day free training on wig revamping, wig ventilation, and microblading in Oredo Local Government Area.

The training will take place at Edo Innovation Hub, 59 ICE Road, Off Wire Road, Benin, starting Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

According to the organisers, only 50 slots are available for participants. “This is an opportunity to learn high-demand beauty skills and grow your business in the beauty industry,” the statement read.

The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Skills Development Agency, is powering the programme as part of its youth empowerment initiative. Special appreciation was extended to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, for his consistent support for skills development.

How to apply:

Interested persons are urged to register by completing the online application form Here.

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