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FAAN to Train Safety Officers in 2025 Aerodrome Safety Basic Course

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced the Aerodrome Safety Basic Course to equip newly recruited airport safety officers with essential skills for maintaining safety standards within aerodromes.

According to FAAN, “The course aims to provide knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to adhere to safety standards and procedures for enhanced safety best practices.”

The five-day training will run from 11 to 15 August 2025 at the FAAN Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, with classroom delivery in English.

FAAN stated that on completion, participants will be able to “carry out daily serviceability inspection of aerodrome operational areas, conduct safety risk assessment, and execute on-the-spot awareness training for aerodrome stakeholders.”

Targeted at airport staff, new employees, stakeholders, and those in aviation-related fields, registration is available at www.icao.int/training or directly via the link Here.

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Apply: FAAN 2025 Training Instructors Course (5 Days)

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced the upcoming Training Instructors Course, set to take place from September 1 to 5, 2025, at the FAAN Training School in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to FAAN, the five-day hybrid program is “highly recommended for all aviators and stakeholders” in the aviation industry. The course aims to equip instructors and stakeholders with essential competencies and techniques to enhance professional performance. Described as an opportunity to “take your career to new heights,” the program blends online and physical sessions.

Interested participants can register through the official link Here.

Gwiwa Chairman Launches N30,000 Monthly Scholarship Scheme

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The chairman of Gwiwa local government, Hon. Muhammad Zakari, CNA, has launched a scholarship grant program aimed at supporting students from Gwiwa local government. The initiative covers students in top schools and secondary schools across the country, with a total of 483 beneficiaries expected to benefit.

According to the chairman, the program is designed to encourage young people to get quality education that will benefit Gwiwa local government, Jigawa State, and Nigeria at large.

“This scholarship grant is the first in the history of our state, because of the well-designed programme for these students, covering school fees and accommodation,” Hon. Zakari said.

Under the program, each university student will receive a monthly grant of ₦20,000, while students in the College of Health will get ₦15,000 per month. Students in the College of Education and the College of Technology will receive ₦10,000 monthly.

For those studying in Medical, Law, Nursing, Zoma district, and other health-related fields, the grant is set at ₦30,000 per month. This amount is meant to provide additional support and ease the financial burden on parents.

The chairman noted that the support will continue even during student holidays to ensure uninterrupted learning.

“This initiative is not just about financial assistance; it is about giving our youth the opportunity to study comfortably and achieve their dreams,” he added.

The program, funded by Hon. Zakari, is part of the positive 12-point agenda of Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, FCA, with a strong focus on educational development across the state. The chairman emphasized that investing in education is a long-term plan to empower the next generation and foster community development.

FAO to Train 3,000 Farmers, Distribute 30,000 PICS Bags

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Nigeria, with backing from the Special Fund for Emergency and Resilience Activities, is set to train 3,000 farming households in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states on post-harvest loss reduction.

The initiative aims to equip farmers with knowledge and tools to preserve crops, improve food safety, and strengthen value chains. “Better storage means less waste and stronger livelihoods,” an FAO stated.

Each trained farmer will receive 10 Purdue Improved Crop Storage bags, totaling 30,000 distributed across the region.

These PICS bags will help reduce grain losses, safeguard harvests, and support food security and resilience in conflict-affected communities, contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved rural incomes.

Apply: KASITDA Digital Literacy Advocates 2025 Initiative

Kano residents passionate about technology and community development have been urged to apply for the KASITDA (Kano State Information and Technology Development Agency) Digital Literacy Advocates initiative, aimed at bridging the digital divide in the state. The organisers said the programme seeks digitally savvy individuals eager to empower others and contribute to shaping Kano’s digital future.

“This is your chance to be part of a movement shaping Kano’s digital future,” the call stated, stressing that it is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The categories of people needed include: tech enthusiasts: developers, IT professionals, or digital trainers, media & communications experts: content creators, journalists, social media influencers, public sector professionals: govt. workers, policy advocates, or community leaders, educators: teachers, trainers, or education specialists, and youth & women leaders: passionate about digital skills for underserved groups.

The organisers outlined the benefits of joining, which include: i train communities, businesses, and students in digital skills ii connect with tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators iii receive official recognition from partner organization.

The initiative is expected to enhance digital literacy, support economic empowerment, and promote technology adoption in Kano State.

The deadline for submission is August 6, 2025.

How to apply:

Interested candidates have been encouraged to submit their applications immediately through the form available in the link Here.

Bauchi Opens Registration for October 2025 Investment Summit

The Bauchi State Government has announced that registration is now open for the Bauchi Investment Summit 1.0, scheduled for October 8–9, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Bauchi. Described as “a landmark event shaping the future of commerce, investment, industry, and opportunity in Bauchi State,” the summit aims to attract investors and boost economic growth.

Interested participants can register Here to secure their seat.

Apply: Ekiti State Export Accelerator Program

The Ekiti State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, in partnership with the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, has announced the call for applications for the Ekiti State Export Accelerator Program.

According to the ministry, the program is designed to equip local businesses and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to access global markets. Officials said it aims to build export capacity, enhance product quality and packaging, simplify export documentation, and connect MSMEs to finance, logistics, and international buyers.

“The program focuses on priority sectors like agriculture, agro-processing, fashion, crafts, and light manufacturing,” a statement from the organisers explained.

The call for applications is open to startups or businesses with the potential to scale through export, as well as producers and processors in agriculture, food, and agro-allied sectors. Existing exporters seeking to improve their capacity, packaging, or market access are also eligible.

Women-led and youth-led businesses looking to expand into export are encouraged to apply, alongside MSMEs based in Ekiti State.

The organisers noted that this initiative will create opportunities for increased foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and improved competitiveness of local products in the international market.

Interested applicants can register for the program through the official link Here.

Abia Doubles Electric Bus Procurement, Launches Youth Skills, Creative Talent Programmes

Abia State Government has announced an expansion in its electric vehicle procurement plan, increasing the number of electric buses for its mass transit programme from 20 to 40. This decision was among the resolutions reached at the State Executive Council’s weekly meeting held on Monday at Government House, Umuahia.

Speaking to newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed that alongside the additional buses, the number of charging stations to be built has been doubled from 10 to 20. He noted that the first set of 20 buses would arrive in November, with 12 of them to operate in Aba and 8 in Umuahia.

“Council has approved the increase in the number of electric buses to be procured for the state’s mass transit programme from 20 to 40 in the first instance,” Kanu said. “For the additional 20 buses ordered by the state government, some will operate on the Ohafia–Bende axis of the state. One bus sample was ready for inspection by the end of July.”

According to him, the new buses will strengthen the state’s ongoing transformation of the transport sector. He also disclosed that construction of state-of-the-art bus terminals in Aba and Umuahia is progressing, alongside junction improvement works and the building of bus shelters on designated routes.

On youth development, Prince Kanu announced that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in collaboration with Ethnocentriq Ltd., has onboarded 1,200 youths for the second cohort of the Fashion Future Skills Acquisition Programme.

The programme focuses on garment making and leather works and has attracted about 3 million dollars in sponsorship funding from the MasterCard Foundation.

“This huge injection of sponsorship funds into the Abia State economy is as a result of the sterling governance credentials of His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, and how the Abia State is currently perceived, not just in Nigeria but around the world,” he added.

He further explained that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, working with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, has launched the Abia State Creative Talent Hunt. This initiative aims to discover and empower young innovators and talents in music.

Prince Kanu also revealed plans for this year’s Youth Day celebration, scheduled for August 6 to 12, 2025. Activities for the celebration include a Youth Assembly, a symposium, and interstate youth exchange visits.

In the area of inclusive transportation, the state government has procured a wheelchair-accessible bus to support the mobility of physically challenged athletes. The bus will be used during the International Sports Championship, which will take place from September 3 to October 12, 2025.

The Commissioner also mentioned that the victorious Falconets players from Abia, who have returned to their clubs in Europe, will be officially hosted by Governor Otti later in the year.

Other officials present at the briefing included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

Afreximbank Signs $1.35B Deal to Support Dangote Refinery Expansion

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The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the signing of a $1.35 billion financing facility with Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as part of a larger syndicated financing package valued at about $4 billion.

In a statement released on Monday, Afreximbank said it acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger for the syndication, describing the agreement as one of the largest syndicated loans in recent African financial markets. The facility will be used to refinance capital already invested in building the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex, which is the largest single-train refinery in the world, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

According to the bank, the deal will help reduce initial operational costs and strengthen Dangote Industries Limited’s (DIL) financial position to support future growth. Afreximbank confirmed it provided the largest share of the financing at $1.35 billion, demonstrating its commitment to supporting large-scale infrastructure projects that promote Africa’s industrialisation, energy security, and cross-border trade.

“Since operations at the refinery complex began in February 2024, Afreximbank has continued to support the Dangote Refinery by providing key financing solutions, for crude supply and product offtake, ensuring uninterrupted operations and reinforcing its role in Africa’s most significant refining intervention,” the statement read.

Benedict Oramah, president and chairman of the board of directors at Afreximbank, said the landmark deal reflects the importance of African-led financing for the continent’s growth. “It is only when African institutions lead the way that others can follow. The journey to utilise African resources for its own economic transformation is well underway,” Oramah said.

He noted that the bank’s involvement would help increase the refinery’s ability to supply refined petroleum products both to the Nigerian market and for export across Africa and other regions.

Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive officer of DIL, said the refinancing reflects a shared commitment to industrialising Africa from within. “This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s supply of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa,” Dangote stated.

He added that the syndicated financing attracted strong interest from African and global financial institutions, highlighting growing confidence in Africa’s industrial potential and in DIL’s long-term vision for transforming the continent.

Anambra State Urges Recruitment for Aging Local Government Staff

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The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts has called for the urgent recruitment of new personnel into the state’s local government system, warning of a potential administrative gap caused by an aging workforce.

This recommendation came during the committee’s review of the audited accounts of the Anambra State Government for the financial year ending December 31, 2024.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Noble Igwe, expressed concern over the dwindling capacity of local government administrations to provide essential public services.

“It is now difficult to find anyone in the local government system with up to 20 years of service left. This trend presents a clear danger to the continuity of governance and service delivery at the grassroots,” Hon. Igwe stated.

The committee noted that without swift recruitment of young and skilled professionals, the state could face a collapse in administrative capacity. Hon. Igwe stressed that the inclusion of fresh talent would not only fill the impending gaps but also bring innovation, energy, and modern approaches into governance.

He also recommended regular capacity-building programs for existing staff, including workshops, seminars, and professional training. “Continuous training is vital to improving productivity and aligning our local government system with global best practices,” he added.

During the review, the committee examined the financial performance of local councils and emphasized the need for transparency, fiscal discipline, and accountability in managing public funds.

The Committee plans to submit its full report and recommendations to the House in the coming weeks, paving the way for legislative measures aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring sustainable service delivery in Anambra State.