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FG to Introduce Global Excellence Model, AI Diploma in TVET

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FG to Introduce Global Excellence Model, AI Diploma in TVET

The federal government is set to introduce the Global Excellence Model for Skills Training as part of efforts to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training across Nigeria. Under the new plan, TVET institutions nationwide will be assessed across seven dimensions of excellence and will also collaborate on the development and implementation of a two-year technical diploma in AI applications across institutions in the country.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja after receiving the High Commissioner of Singapore, Mr. Lim Sim Seng. The meeting followed his visit to Singapore in 2025 to deepen bilateral collaboration on technical and vocational education.

“Following my visit to Singapore last year (2025), I was pleased to receive the High Commissioner of Singapore, Mr. Lim Sim Seng, in my office in Abuja to advance the next steps of our bilateral collaboration on technical and vocational education,” he said.

According to the minister, Singapore’s ITEES will support capacity development across Nigeria’s technical institutions. This will include leadership training for 40 heads of institutions, a Train-the-Trainer programme focused on assessment methodology and pedagogy, and the introduction of the Global Excellence Model for Skills Training.

“Additionally, we will collaborate on the development and implementation of a two-year technical diploma in AI applications across institutions in the country,” he added.

Dr Alausa described Singapore as “a global use case in building a skills-driven economy” and said Nigeria looks forward to finalising the agreement to position its formal TVET education as the best in Africa.

Earlier in November 2025, the minister had shared updates from his official engagements in Singapore, where he met with Singapore’s Minister of Education, Mr. Desmond Lee. He said the discussions “reaffirmed the strong ties between our countries and our shared commitment to strengthening TVET.”

He explained that part of his visit included a tour of the Institute of Technical Education and sessions with ITE Education Services to review their existing Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria’s National Board for Technical Education. Proposed areas of collaboration include quality assurance support, strengthening GEMSET, a new three-year AI Applications Programme, leadership development, and more train-the-trainer opportunities.

Dr Alausa also spoke about Nigeria’s Free Education Initiative across Federal Technical Colleges and selected state colleges, stating that the government is “fully covering tuition and essential amenities to expand access to quality, skills-based education.”

He revealed that the next phase will focus on connecting applicants to jobs and supporting those ready to start small businesses.

Meanwhile, some TVET beneficiaries are yet to receive their N22,500 monthly stipend from November 2025 to date. The delay in disbursement has raised concerns, with some observers saying it fades away the good deeds of the programmes. The Minister has been called upon to look into these challenges as a concerned fellow.

The federal government has also introduced biometric verification following allegations of fraud and trainees ghosting the programme in collaboration with trainers. Authorities have promised to penalize any trainee or trainer found guilty as efforts continue to strengthen accountability within the TVET system.

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NITDA, TrustSTAMP Hold Talks on Biometric Identity Tech

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NITDA, TrustSTAMP Hold Talks on Biometric Identity Tech

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, has held a strategic engagement with TrustSTAMP, a NASDAQ-listed global technology company specialising in privacy, digital identity and trust services, to explore possible collaboration within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

During the meeting, representatives of TrustSTAMP, including Senior Advisor Jean-Claude Gallea, Vice President Jonathan Pasha, and other associates, presented the company’s solutions and approach. They emphasised the firm’s adaptive, partnership-oriented model and its existing footprint in Nigeria through collaboration with a major telecommunications provider on SIM swap prevention and fraud detection.

The company highlighted its core biometric tokenisation technology, describing it as a one-way, privacy-preserving transformation that allows secure and verifiable identity authentication without storing raw biometric data. According to the representatives, the system creates “a robust trust layer resistant to fraud, duplication, and future quantum threats,” while also functioning effectively in offline and low-spec device environments.

TrustSTAMP further outlined several use cases for its technology, including digital identity verification, zero-knowledge proofs, tokenisation of real-world assets such as minerals and property, fraud reduction, and inclusion of participants in the informal economy. The firm noted that its solutions have been deployed with Mastercard’s Community Pass, major U.S. banks, and the governments of the United States and Mexico, and that it complies with GDPR, SOC 2, and global data ethics standards.

Inuwa welcomed the presentation, stating that it aligns with NITDA’s cybersecurity and digital trust pillar. He, however, sought clarification on TrustSTAMP’s business model, whether the solution is open or proprietary, its relationship with national digital identity systems managed by NIMC, and how it can support private-sector-led market creation without encouraging market dominance.

Both parties agreed to continue with further technical discussions involving NITDA specialists, while NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to providing an enabling policy environment for secure, investment-friendly digital infrastructure rather than endorsing specific vendors.

The meeting reflects Nigeria’s openness to strategic private-sector partnerships aimed at strengthening digital trust, advancing financial inclusion, and unlocking new revenue opportunities for citizens.

HYPREP Trains 100 Ogoni Youths in Seafaring

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HYPREP Trains 100 Ogoni Youths in Seafaring

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has said its sustainable livelihood initiative, which recently trained 100 Ogoni youths in Seafaring, aligns with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy objectives, particularly in skills development and job creation within the maritime industry.

Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, made this known on Tuesday at Charkin Maritime Academy during the Close-out Ceremony for the trainees. He stated that by equipping Ogoni youths with globally relevant seafaring skills, the Project is creating alternative income opportunities and discouraging activities such as oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other practices that threaten the environment’s integrity and productivity.

Commending the trainees for completing the programme, Prof Zabbey urged them to make good use of the knowledge and certificates they acquired. “These skills and your achievements should not end here, rather, they should serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and our dear country,” he said.

He further encouraged them to explore opportunities within the maritime sector. “We look forward to hearing how each of you will use the knowledge and certificates you have gained to explore the maritime industry and improve your well being,” he enjoined.

The Project Coordinator stressed that the various milestone achievements recorded by HYPREP are in response to calls for restoration in Ogoniland. According to him, “today, environmental and livelihood restoration are gradually unfolding before your eyes, bringing renewed hope. We continue to lay brick upon brick, building pillars of Ogoni development…”

Prof Zabbey reiterated the Project’s confidence in Ogoni youths, describing them as drivers of unity, peace, and progress. He noted that they have shown remarkable resilience and commitment to peace in the region and assured them of the Project’s continued support for their aspirations.

He maintained that every step taken by HYPREP, including livelihood interventions such as the seafaring training, forms the foundation for lasting peace and progress in Ogoniland. He also appreciated the collective support, understanding, and cooperation of the people of the area.

According to him, “Together, we must continue to walk as one united family, surmounting all challenges, and building the Ogoni we desire. We must commit to peace and contribute our share to the Federal Government’s restoration efforts in Ogoni.”

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mercy Chujor Olungwe expressed appreciation to HYPREP for the opportunity to undergo training at Charkin Maritime Academy, which she described as a foremost institution for such programmes.

The event was attended by the Director, Technical Services of the Project, Professor Damiani-Paul Aguiyi; Heads of Unit; Engr Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, Renaissance Africa Energy Company/JV Representative in HYPREP; representatives of Charkin Maritime Academy; and the training facilitator, among others.

With the latest batch of 100 trained in Seafaring, the number of Ogoni youths empowered in high-demand skill sets by HYPREP has now risen to 230. The Project had earlier trained 100 youths in Creative Arts and another 30 in Aviation.

HYPREP also disclosed that Mechatronics and Phase 2 of the Aviation trainings are currently ongoing, while nine additional high-demand skills programmes will commence soon. These include Full-Stack Development, Cybersecurity, GIS and Remote Sensing, Commercial Diving/Underwater Welding, Mud Logging, Rope Access, Industrial Welding and Metal Fabrication, Solar Panel/CCTV Installation, and Agric-skill Enhancement.

The Project said these initiatives further demonstrate its commitment to human capacity development in Ogoni, in line with its sustainable livelihood mandate as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme Report on Ogoni Environment.

Lagos Inaugurates Renewed Hope Ambassadors Across 20 LGAs

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Lagos Inaugurates Renewed Hope Ambassadors Across 20 LGAs

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, with the Conference 57 Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, in attendance. The ceremony, held in Ikeja, Lagos, focused on promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the grassroots level.

The event underscored the state’s commitment to aligning with national initiatives aimed at strengthening community engagement, effective policy implementation, and mobilization ahead of future electoral cycles. Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the Director General and Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, who was also appointed as the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Lagos State, played a prominent role in the proceedings.

The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, was among the distinguished attendees, reflecting local leadership’s involvement in the initiative. During the inauguration, vehicles were formally presented to the ambassadors to support their activities across the 20 LGAs.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of the ambassadors in connecting government policies with residents at the grassroots. He said the initiative would help “bridge the gap between government policies and the people,” ensuring that federal and state programmes deliver tangible benefits at the local level.

According to organisers, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative is designed to strengthen coordination, enhance community mobilization, and advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including poverty alleviation, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.

With Hon. Adewale Raheem Kazeem serving as the coordinator for Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, the ambassadors are expected to drive grassroots support, foster development, and ensure effective outreach. The structure, which operates in various states, focuses on empowering local leaders to champion reforms, engage citizens, and build momentum for national unity and advancement.

Connect NextGen Hackathon to position Nigeria as global digital hub, create jobs

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Connect NextGen Hackathon to position Nigeria as global digital hub, create jobs

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon will position Nigeria as a global supplier of digital solutions while creating jobs in the technology sector.

He explained that the four-month programme is one of the key operationalization phases of the Ericsson and the Nigerian Government’s MoU to collaborate on digitally upskilling Nigerian youths, policymakers and public sector decision makers in modern technologies. According to him, the initiative will build on Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s top hub for unicorns and global tech talent.

Speaking on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja during the launch of the initiative, the Vice President, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s job creation agenda by harnessing the country’s youth population for the digital economy.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has placed job creation at the very top of his priorities. So, this hackathon is not an isolated event; it is a continuation of a national strategy,” he said.

“The Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon is designed to deepen this reality—to make Nigeria a supplier of solutions to the world. A brilliant line of code written in Abuja can power a system in Stockholm; a solution imagined in Kano can transform a farm in Kenya,” he added.

Senator Shettima explained that the hackathon will empower young talents, startups, and university students to build transformative solutions using 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, IoT, and sustainable technologies.

“The current wave of the Industrial Revolution—powered by 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, IoT and sustainable technologies—is not a tide we can afford to watch from the shore. History is unkind to nations that choose the backseat in moments of transformation,” he said.

The Vice President observed that Nigeria’s greatest asset lies in its human capital rather than natural resources, noting that the country’s demographic dividend tilts decisively in favour of youth. He said this demographic advantage must be properly harnessed to drive economic growth and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.

On Ericsson’s role in the initiative, the Vice President said the partnership has reinforced the tech giant’s “position as a strategic enabler of Nigeria’s digital transformation goals, providing real-world applications of 5G, IoT platforms, edge computing and AI in networks.”

He noted that Ericsson’s commitment to sustainability, energy-efficient networks, and technology for good aligns with Nigeria’s national ambitions to build a modern and inclusive digital economy.

In his remarks, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the launch demonstrates that agreements, MOUs and expressions of interest would not remain on paper but would be translated into practical activities and investments running into multi-billion dollars.

He stated that the event is proof that such agreements are being operationalised through projects that will have measurable impact on the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The Minister pledged the support of the Ministry to the hackathon in various ways, including commercialisation, competition, research and invention outcomes. He said the Ministry is ready to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that innovative ideas emerging from the hackathon are supported and scaled.

Also speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, described Nigeria as a country of talent, creativity and ambition. She noted that Nigeria’s digital sector is one of the most dynamic and promising innovation ecosystems on the African continent.

She explained that the launch is a powerful illustration of what public-private collaboration can achieve in driving innovation and skills development.

“Through the Hackathon and the Educate Program, Ericsson, a private company proudly rooted in Sweden, is partnering with Nigerian institutions to equip young people, students and civil servants with the skills needed to navigate and lead in the fast-changing global economy,” she said.

“Nigeria’s partnership with Ericsson demonstrates how the Swedish private sector contributes to national development priorities by combining technological leadership with long-term commitment and strong local collaboration. We are proud that the Swedish technology and Swedish values of openness and partnership and trust contribute to Nigeria’s development ambitions,” the envoy stated.

On his part, the Country Manager of Ericsson Nigeria, Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, said the initiatives represent a concrete step in delivering on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between Ericsson and the Federal Government to boost innovation, skills development and the digital economy.

According to him, Ericsson’s over 40 years of operations in Nigeria and nearly 150 years globally have helped build trusted networks, from fixed telephony and GSM to broadband, 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

He explained that the AXN National Hackathon is designed to unlock the creativity of Nigerian youths by equipping them with world-class tools to solve real national challenges in areas such as food security, smart cities and digital inclusion.

On the AXN Educate Programme for Policymakers, Mr. Ogundele said it is tailored to enhance the digital competence of government officials, enabling evidence-based policymaking and stronger governance in the digital economy.

The Ericsson Nigeria boss reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the President Bola Tinubu administration to advance its digital transformation agenda, empower youths and policymakers, and build a digital economy that leaves no one behind.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr. Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki, said Nigeria and Sweden have sustained private sector partnership for quite some time.

He said the launch is also in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that it will not only provide training but would also offer employment opportunities to the youth.

On her part, the Special Assistant to the President on Project Support, Suhdah Ahmed, said the launch shows how innovation ecosystems are built by connecting knowledge, capital, policy and market, adding that such collaboration is key to sustainable digital growth.

PAP Scholarship: 32 first-class, 134 second-class upper graduates in 2025

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PAP Scholarship: 32 first-class, 134 second-class upper graduates in 2025

Thirty-two students under the scholarship scheme of the Presidential Amnesty Programme have graduated with first-class honours in 2025 from different universities across Nigeria.

In addition, no fewer than 134 other scholarship beneficiaries earned second-class upper division in various competitive courses during the same academic year.

The courses studied by the beneficiaries include law, pharmacy, aeronautical engineering, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, software engineering, nursing science, mechanical engineering, architecture, accounting and criminology. Others are computer science, anatomy, international relations and diplomacy, geography and regional planning, microbiology, public health, information technology, medical laboratory science, estate management and mass communication.

The PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, commended the sponsored students for graduating with first-class and second-class upper division grades in different disciplines. He expressed joy over their outstanding academic performances, noting that his administration is encouraged by their exemplary conduct and seriousness as reflected in the quality of their results.

Dr Otuaro said the excellent academic achievements of the scholarship beneficiaries have become part of the success stories of the programme in promoting human capital development and sustaining peace in the Niger Delta.

He stated that their sterling performances confirm the well-planned educational objectives of the scholarship scheme and the mandate of the PAP, stressing that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the students have justified the investment made in their education and have made the Federal Government, the PAP Office, their communities and the Niger Delta region proud.

Dr Otuaro attributed the strong academic results to President Tinubu’s support for the programme and the effective supervisory role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

He urged current PAP scholarship beneficiaries in universities across the country to emulate the graduates and remain focused on their studies to sustain the impressive record.

Dr Otuaro said, “We are indeed happy with the excellent academic performances of our scholarship students in 2025. The number of beneficiaries, all from the Niger Delta, that made first-class and second-class upper division is very encouraging. We commend all of them for the great feats.

“But these commendable academic achievements indicate that we are focused on the implementation of the PAP mandate for the transformation of the Niger Delta through educational and vocational schemes.

“We express our deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Without his strong support, these impressive academic feats of our scholarship students and all the success stories recorded would not have been achieved.

“We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser for effectively supervising the programme in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the people of the Niger Delta.

“We have a listening father in Mr President who has shown it clearly in his actions that the Niger Delta is on his priority list of development. He has given priority to agencies in the region aside from the ongoing efforts in the construction of the trans-Niger Delta Highway from Lagos to Calabar.

“The people of the Niger Delta are happy with Mr President and what his administration is doing for the region, and will react in due course with the right expression of gratitude.”

Presidency Denies Link to Viral Viva Detergent “Mega Empowerment” Video

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Presidency Denies Link to Viral Viva Detergent “Mega Empowerment” Video

The Presidency, through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, has denied links to a viral video showing some individuals distributing Viva detergent to a woman with a banner carrying the name of Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji.

In a statement released to address the issue, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship & Leadership, Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji, “wishes to categorically distance himself from a viral video currently circulating on social media showing a few individuals distributing Viva detergent to a woman with a banner bearing his name, claiming it was a message from him ahead of a ‘mega empowerment.’”

The statement described the activity as unauthorized and misleading. “We state clearly and unequivocally that this so called distribution is false, misleading, fabricated, and does not have the approval, consent, or knowledge of Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji. At no time did he authorize any individual or group to carry out such an activity on his behalf.”

According to the office, the act appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage his image. It added that the move was aimed at undermining his longstanding reputation as a leader known for genuine and large scale empowerment initiatives.

The statement noted that Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji is widely recognized in Tarauni and beyond for well structured mega empowerment programs. These include the distribution of cars, motorcycles, grinding machines, scholarships, and substantial financial grants to business owners, among other life changing interventions. It stressed that these verifiable initiatives reflect meaningful and dignified empowerment, not token gestures.

The office warned that those behind the act should immediately desist from using his name, image, or banner without authorization. It added that the situation is under review and that appropriate legal action may be taken against those responsible.

Supporters and the general public were urged to disregard the viral video and rely only on verified communication channels from his office for accurate information.

FG to Recruit 80 NYSC Members Per State for Digital Inclusion Drive

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FG to Recruit 80 NYSC Members Per State for Digital Inclusion Drive

The Federal Government, through NITDA, has disclosed plans to recruit 80 Corps members per state to support digital inclusion efforts across the country.

This comes as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) sets an ambitious target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030, with a mid-term benchmark of 70 per cent by 2027.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, made this known on Tuesday at the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Training Awards Programme held in Abuja.

Inuwa explained that the DL4ALL initiative was created to equip civil servants with essential digital skills that will improve service delivery, efficiency, and good governance. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

According to him, 54,377 civil servants have enrolled in the programme, representing nearly 79 per cent participation. He added that over 40 per cent of participants have successfully completed their courses.

He noted that the programme initially faced some challenges, especially limited access to official email accounts for civil servants. However, he said the issues were resolved through coordinated institutional efforts.

To improve participation and completion rates, Inuwa said incentives such as laptop presentations were introduced during the awards ceremony to encourage practical application of the digital skills acquired.

“Digital competence enhances professional relevance and contributes to national capacity development beyond the public service,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the awards ceremony as an opportunity to recognise outstanding performers and assess progress toward building a digitally enabled public service.

“Digital competence has become a strategic requirement for productivity, efficiency and effective governance,” she said.

Walson-Jack disclosed that plans are underway to transition ministries and extra-ministerial departments to paperless operations by December 2025. She stressed the importance of continuous upskilling of civil servants to meet changing administrative demands.

She also announced that 35 officers were recognised for exceptional performance under the DL4ALL initiative and urged wider participation across all cadres to strengthen institutional efficiency.

FG targets 22,000 farmers for GEEP 3.0 N300,000 FarmerMoni loans

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FG targets 22,000 farmers for GEEP 3.0 N300,000 FarmerMoni loans

The Federal Government, through the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has announced that no fewer than 22,000 farmers will benefit from GEEP 3.0 N300,000 interest-free loans under the FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season Programme.

Mr Hamza Baba, the National Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) under NSIPA, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope GEEP 3.0 and FarmerMoni Technical Working Group.

Baba described the loan as interest-free and collateral-free, explaining that the initiative was designed to strengthen agricultural productivity across the country.

“Under this particular scheme, we are expecting that from today our portal will be open for eligible farmers to go and register; to access our loans; and these loans are interest-free and collateral-free.

“The total sum per beneficiary is N300,000, and we arrive at this looking at the economic production of each farming activity. So, we are targeting the vulnerable, poor farmers at the grassroot,” he said.

He explained that certain conditions must be met before farmers can access the loan. According to him, applicants must be Nigerians and above 18 years of age.

“The farmer must own a land or rent a land. So, they have to be already into farming activities. We are not looking for new farmers.

“They should have bank account, NIN, municipal identification, and must belong to a farming cooperative or association in your local government,” Baba said.

He stated that the programme would cover all the 774 local governments in Nigeria, ensuring nationwide participation.

“We have at the state level, our state programme managers who are working with our enumerators, the banks, the FinTech recovery agents.

“They will be working with agricultural development projects and all farmer associations in each of the 37 states of the federation.

“We are targeting more than 22,000 farmers for this phase, looking at about 28 farmers per local government,” he said.

Baba added that another scheme under GEEP known as TraderMoni was specifically created for artisans and petty traders, separate from the FarmerMoni initiative focused on agriculture.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, said the unveiling of the Renewed Hope GEEP 3.0 represented more than just the launch of two policy initiatives.

According to him, the event reflects the firm resolve of the administration to turn its vision into concrete actions aimed at improving lives.

He said the plan is to improve lives, restore dignity and expand economic opportunities for Nigerians, especially the vulnerable.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is anchored on inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity.

“It is a commitment to ensure that growth is not limited to a few but is broad-based and people-centred.

“The Renewed Hope G3.0 is a practical expression of this commitment,” he said.

The minister explained that through the programme, micro and small-scale entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and informal sector operators are provided with access to affordable financial support that enables enterprise growth, job creation and opportunity stability.

“This is financial inclusion made real. It is about bringing those previously excluded from formal financial systems into the economic mainstream and empowering them to participate meaningfully in national development.

“In the same vein, the FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season Programme is a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity across the country.

“By supporting farmers throughout both planting cycles, this programme addresses seasonal vulnerabilities, enhances yield and contributes directly to national food security. Our farmers remain the backbone of the Nigerian economy.”

He stressed that supporting farmers is not only an economic necessity but also a moral obligation.

“By investing in their productivity and resilience, we are reinforcing agriculture as a sustainable pathway out of poverty and a driver of rural development,” he said.

According to the minister, the programmes are deliberately designed to achieve one overarching objective — poverty reduction through empowerment.

Ogun Flags Off 15th Gateway International Trade Fair

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Ogun Flags Off 15th Gateway International Trade Fair

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has flagged off the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair, themed “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships”, at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.

Speaking at the programme on Wednesday, Abiodun charged participants to leverage the commerce platform to network and build purposeful partnerships that would boost their businesses. The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela.

Abiodun said the Trade Fair had consistently served as a platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products and build valuable connections that would help both businesses and the state to prosper. He noted that the state government remained unwavering in its commitment to continually improve the business-enabling environment.

According to him, reforms and policies introduced by the administration were already yielding positive results, as Ogun State continued to emerge as a preferred destination for investors.

“Ogun State has been intentional and deliberate in providing necessary infrastructure and implementing policies to create an enabling environment for businesses. We are concerned about both small and big businesses. You can see the results of this administration’s efforts in the investments that have flowed into the state. More are in the pipeline,” Abiodun said.

The governor assured stakeholders of the administration’s continued support for businesses across the state. He lauded the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade and Investment (OGUNCCIMA) for its consistency and professionalism over the years and commended investors and members of the private sector for supporting the Trade Fair.

In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Lion Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish. He said the support provided by the government had translated into six consecutive editions of the Trade Fair in the last six years.

Osiyemi appealed to the government to assist in constructing a permanent pavilion for the Chambers. He also called on participants to make good use of the Trade Fair platform to expand their networks and build strong partnerships that would grow their enterprises.

Speaking at the event, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, who was represented by Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Cole, lauded the Ogun State Governor for implementing business-friendly policies. He said the conducive business environment had encouraged different investors to see Ogun State as a preferred location for establishing their businesses.

In her goodwill message, Dame Adesola Adebutu commended the present administration for consistently holding the Trade Fair over the past six years. She stressed the need for residents of the state to ensure that a commerce-friendly governor is elected. She added that the government should encourage traders and other business owners to join chambers of commerce, as is done in China.

Two exhibitors at the Fair, Mr. Razak Adeyemi and Mr. Matthew Adebayo, described the turnout of visitors as encouraging. They commended OGUNCCIMA and the state government for successfully organising this year’s edition.

The Trade Fair programme is an annual event organised by OGUNCCIMA in collaboration with the state government, bringing together businesses, investors and stakeholders to promote partnerships and economic growth.

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