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FG to Train GEEP 3.0 Beneficiaries to Boost Loan Repayment

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The federal government is set to empower GEEP 3.0 beneficiaries with vocational training to help them effectively repay the loans, as part of efforts to strengthen empowerment initiatives across the country.

The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme is a flagship initiative under Nigeria’s National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). It was created to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment through zero-interest, collateral-free loans to smallholder farmers, petty traders, artisans and market women nationwide.

Hamza Baba, National Programme Manager of GEEP, alongside the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, spoke to NTA on the latest move of the programme, known as GEEP 3.0.

Speaking on what Nigerians should expect, Baba explained that the new phase builds on the existing structure of the programme. “There’s not much difference,” he said. “The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme is one of the key components of the Nigeria Social Investment Programme Agency under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. It’s not something new.”

He noted that the programme began in 2016–17 but has now been recalibrated. “Recently, the federal government recalibrated GEEP and that’s why we’re calling it GEEP 3.0 in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That’s just the difference,” he stated.

According to him, one of the major changes in GEEP 3.0 is the introduction of structured vocational and financial literacy training for beneficiaries. He explained that in the previous phase, there was limited training for participants under the three schemes: TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni.

“In the previous GEEP, there was not much financial literacy training for beneficiaries,” Baba said. “But now we’re looking at empowering our beneficiaries with vocational training and also ensuring effective recovery of the loans.”

He admitted that loan recovery was a challenge in the past. “Previously, we had issues with recovering the loans where we recorded between 40 to 50 percent recovery rate,” he said. “But now we are targeting at least 90 percent recovery rate from the loans we are giving out.”

Under GEEP 3.0, FarmerMoni is receiving special focus, especially as the rainy farming season begins. The scheme is expected to serve as a strong tool for financial inclusion and economic empowerment for farmers across Nigeria.

On how beneficiaries will be selected, Baba said technology will play a central role. “We are deploying technology,” he said, noting that the government has introduced a more structured registration and verification process at both national and subnational levels.

He explained that the programme is partnering with key stakeholders to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit. “We are partnering with agencies like the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and also at the subnational levels to be able to reach out to genuine farmers,” he said.

He added that mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee transparency. “We have put necessary mechanisms to ensure that the selection process is very transparent and that actual farmers who are into different farming activities like poultry, aquaculture and livestock are the ones selected,” he stated.

The loans under GEEP 3.0 remain collateral-free. However, new systems are being introduced to improve repayment. Baba explained that weak recovery mechanisms at the early registration stage affected repayment in the past.

“From the inception, there were not many mechanisms in place to ensure effective recovery. If you don’t get it right from the registration stage, you will not be able to recover these loans,” he said.

He noted that in GEEP 3.0, fintech solutions and banking partnerships are being integrated into the process. “Starting from the FarmerMoni this rainy farming season, we are using fintech, we’re using technology and working with banks,” he said. “We’re ensuring that we reach out through cooperatives and various associations of farmer groups to ensure that these farmers are verified, identified and digitised before they receive the loans.”

According to him, these measures will help improve accountability and repayment rates. “All these mechanisms we are putting in place will ensure recovery of these loans,” he said.

On sustainability, Baba emphasised that repayment remains key. “It’s sustainable. We make it sustainable by actually recovering the money,” he said.

He also revealed plans to link successful beneficiaries with other financing institutions. “We are trying to link them up with other lending agencies like NIRSAL (Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA), where they can have single-digit interest loans,” he said.

He explained that beneficiaries who repay on time could access higher funding opportunities. “If our farmers under FarmerMoni are able to collect our loans and repay on time, we will be able to recommend them to get higher loans from NIRSAL and Bank of Agriculture,” he added.

Baba described the initiative as part of a broader national strategy. “All this is part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on inclusive economic growth and expanding financial access to people at the grassroots level,” he said.

The federal government has also launched the GEEP 3.0 portal for eligible Nigerians to register. According to officials, the registration is strictly for genuine farmers who either own or rent farms and are Nigerian citizens.

Authorities stressed that not everyone will qualify, as the goal is to ensure that the programme reaches real farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs who need support to grow their businesses and contribute to national economic development.

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FG launches GEEP 3.0, begins FarmerMoni Disbursement

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The Federal Government has officially launched the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 3.0) to stimulate micro and small businesses, boost household incomes, and strengthen community resilience across the country.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, announced this in Abuja during the official launch of GEEP 3.0 and the flag-off of the FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season disbursement.

In her goodwill message, Mahmoud commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining what she described as people-focused interventions aimed at fighting poverty, promoting inclusive economic growth, and empowering citizens at the grassroots.

She described GEEP 3.0 as a strategic component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to expand access to affordable financing for traders, artisans, farmers, women, and youths.

According to Mahmoud, the programme will not only grow micro-enterprises but also improve household incomes and build stronger communities.

She noted that the FarmerMoni Dry/Wet Season disbursement is a critical step toward enhancing food security, supporting agricultural value chains, and promoting rural prosperity.

Mahmoud also welcomed the inauguration of a new Technical Working Group, stressing that its role would ensure proper oversight, efficient disbursement of funds, prudent utilisation, and accountability in the implementation of the programme.

The Minister reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that intended beneficiaries fully access the scheme.

Beneficiaries of GEEP 3.0 have been urged to use the funds responsibly, reinvest profits into their businesses, and prioritise repayment to guarantee the sustainability and long-term impact of the programme.

Mahmoud further called on implementing partners to uphold diligence and embrace innovation in delivering the initiative.

GEEP 3.0 forms part of the Federal Government’s broader social investment drive aimed at expanding financial inclusion and empowering small-scale entrepreneurs nationwide.

Unity Bank awards ₦800,000 top prize in 27th Corpreneurship Challenge

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Unity Bank Plc has announced the winners of the 27th edition of its Corpreneurship Challenge, awarding millions of naira in equity-free grants to fresh graduates from OAU, UNN, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The initiative, which operates as a nationwide incubator for the Batch C, Stream 2 cohort, has produced 638 young entrepreneurs since inception, with a cumulative investment exceeding ₦300 million. The bank said the programme continues to support young Nigerians at a critical stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

This edition featured a diverse mix of hardware and service-based startups from a 10-state pitch competition. Unlike pure software ventures, the selected Corpreneurs are focused on the real-sector economy.

In Lagos State, the Grand Prize of ₦800,000 went to Awolumate Fawaz Babatunde, a Civil Engineering graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for his high-scale fashion design enterprise.

In Rivers State, the Top Pitch award was secured by Abdur-Razaq Sayfullah Adebola, an OAU graduate, for his innovative footwear manufacturing business.

Kwara State’s winner was Olatunde Esther Funmilayo, an OOU graduate, who pitched a chemical production and deodorant service startup.

For many fresh graduates, the period immediately after the NYSC year is often described as the “Valley of Death,” when business ideas struggle due to lack of capital. Unity Bank said its strategy is to intervene at this pre-seed stage to prevent promising ideas from collapsing.

“Many young Nigerians possess viable business ideas but lack the initial capital. The Corpreneurship Challenge was designed to bridge that gap by providing financial backing and mentorship at a critical stage,” said Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail, SME & E-Business at Unity Bank.

Through its partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the bank said it is de-risking future SME loans.

By training and funding graduates during their service year, Unity Bank is building a base of structure-ready entrepreneurs prepared for the open market, at a time when white-collar jobs continue to shrink.

FG, Ericsson Open Connect NextGen Hackathon 2026 for Startups

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The Federal Government has opened applications for the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon, in partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), to upskill Nigerian youths in modern technologies. Participation in the hackathon is completely free for selected startups.

The Connect NextGen Hackathon is a national innovation initiative designed to identify, support, and scale early-stage technology startups building solutions to address Africa’s most pressing challenges. Through an intensive hackathon and acceleration programme, selected startups will receive mentorship, exposure, and access to strategic partners, helping them transform ideas into sustainable, impact-driven ventures.

The programme aims to help participants turn innovative ideas into practical solutions, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the digital economy, technology integration, and education. It combines hands-on mentoring, an eight-week acceleration phase, and practical learning across priority technologies.

The hackathon is designed to spotlight key domains of innovation and problem-solving, including telecommunications, with solutions that improve connectivity, network performance, and digital access; FinTech, featuring digital tools that enhance payments, banking, and financial inclusion; HealthTech, focused on improving healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes; AgriTech, promoting innovations that boost farming productivity and food systems; EdTech, offering digital solutions that improve learning and skills development; the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling smart, data-driven systems through connected devices; CleanTech, advancing clean energy and environmental protection; AI/ML, which supports intelligent systems that automate tasks and drive better decisions; and sustainability, which encourages solutions that support long-term social, economic, and environmental impact.

Selected startups will benefit from an eight-week intensive acceleration programme, technical and business mentorship from industry experts, access to funding opportunities and investor networks, visibility through media, partners, and ecosystem platforms, networking opportunities with government, corporate, and ecosystem stakeholders, and the opportunity to pitch live at the Hackathon Demo Day.

To be eligible for the programme, startups must operate in Nigeria, possess a minimum viable product (MVP), demonstrate measurable traction or pilot usage, and maintain a gender-inclusive team composition. The hackathon is open to innovators across Nigeria, including university students, startups, and emerging young talent.

Registrations are open nationwide from February 11, 2026, to March 10, 2026. To apply, interested applicants should submit their applications via the official portal at https://ericssonhackathon.techrevolutionafrica.org/application/.

Lagos Lawmaker Empowers 504 Women, 88 Get Start-Up Tools

The lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Engr. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, has empowered 504 women, with 88 outstanding graduates receiving start-up equipment under the Women’s Vocational Training Programme.

Yishawu made this known during the 6th Annual Human Capital Development Skills Graduation Ceremony and Start-Up Support Programme held at the Y-Arena Multipurpose Centre, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

The event celebrated beneficiaries of three key initiatives: the Women’s Vocational Training Programme; the Vocational Training Programme organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA); and the Digital Skills Training Programme.

In his address, Yishawu reaffirmed his commitment to human capital development, describing leadership as service to the people. He said the programmes were created to equip youths and women with practical skills that would help them become self-reliant and economically productive.

“Leadership is about service. These programmes are designed to give our people practical skills so they can stand on their own and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

Under the Women’s Vocational Training Programme, implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, 74 women graduated from the December 2025 cohort. Out of them, 15 outstanding participants received start-up tools at the ceremony. The training covered catering, hairdressing, knitting, fashion design and soap making.

Similarly, the Vocational Training Programme organised with WAPA has trained over 2,500 beneficiaries in photography, barbing, screen printing, welding, catering, computing, fashion design and adult literacy. More than 300 participants have received start-up tools and equipment support, with another set of outstanding graduates empowered at the event.

In the digital category, 84 youths graduated in areas such as data analytics, graphic design, digital marketing, cybersecurity and UI/UX. This brings the total number of beneficiaries under the Digital Skills Training Programme to 280. Top-performing students were presented with laptops to support their career growth.

Yishawu acknowledged the support of partners, including Seed Builders Innovation Hub and Sodbridge Academy, for their roles in delivering quality training to participants.

He also highlighted several Federal Government initiatives aimed at supporting graduates and small businesses. These include the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT), NELFUND, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), SMEDAN, the Bank of Industry (BOI) and NIRSAL Microfinance Bank. According to him, these programmes provide access to funding, certification and business support for entrepreneurs and digital professionals.

“Our youths and entrepreneurs must take advantage of these Federal Government opportunities. They are designed to provide funding, certification and business support that can help them grow,” he stated.

Beyond skills acquisition, the lawmaker listed other constituency interventions. These include the GOY Artisan Trade Enhancement Programme, which has empowered over 400 artisans; the GOY JAMB and Admission Support Initiative, which has distributed more than 12,000 forms; and the GOY Youth Entrepreneur Programme, which has supported over 1,000 youths.

He added that free school buses, eye and dental care services, borehole installations, sports initiatives and anti-drug advocacy campaigns have also been implemented across the constituency.

Yishawu further disclosed that the 13th Free JAMB Form Distribution and the 11th Free Eye Care and Cataract Surgery Programme are currently ongoing and open to residents. He noted that the free eye healthcare services are targeting 3,000 people, while free cataract surgeries are planned for 20 constituents.

Congratulating the graduands, Yishawu urged them to remain disciplined, consistent and focused as they begin new chapters in their lives. He encouraged them to use the tools and opportunities provided to build sustainable businesses and contribute to national development.

Beneficiaries who spoke at the event commended the lawmaker for his continuous support and pledged their backing in future elections. Party leaders also called on residents of Ikoyi-Obalende and surrounding areas to vote en masse for Yishawu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A representative of the Lagos ministry also graced the occasion, alongside party leaders, community stakeholders, youths, women groups and members of the press, marking another milestone in efforts to strengthen human capital development in Eti-Osa Constituency II.

Adamawa directs CCT beneficiaries to withdraw N40,000 via ATMs, POS

The Adamawa State government has directed beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) first cohort to visit any nearby bank ATMs or POS point to access and withdraw their N40,000 funds.

The ATM cards were earlier given to female students under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) after Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri flagged off a ₦40,000-per-girl support programme for 24,000 out-of-school girls across Adamawa State.

AGILE Adamawa stated that all beneficiaries of the CCT First Cohort can now access their funds. “Beneficiaries can visit any nearby bank or POS point to access and withdraw their funds,” the directive said.

In an additional announcement, the Second Cohort (JSS 1 and SS 1) exercise will be conducted soon. All concerned are advised to visit the nearest NIN registration centre to register, especially those who have not yet done so. Failure to register may disqualify potential beneficiaries.

NCDMB Field Readiness Programme to Train 10,000 Youths

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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has highlighted its field readiness training programme aimed at preparing 10,000 Nigerian youths to benefit from opportunities expected from new major oil and gas projects across the country.

The programme was presented at the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Sub-Saharan International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC 2026), taking place from February 10–12 at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, with over 1,200 delegates and more than 150 exhibitors from across the continent in attendance.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Chief Executive (CE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, on Tuesday led industry leaders to visit the NCDMB exhibition booth at the conference.

They were received by the General Manager Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, and the Acting Director Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Omomehin Ajimijaye. Explaining the Board’s messages at the conference, Ajimijaye said they include NCDMB’s role in promoting African local content, the field readiness training programme, and the successes of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCO Fund).

According to him, the Board’s field readiness training programme “will prepare 10,000 youths to benefit from the opportunities that would be created from the new major oil and gas projects.”

Earlier at the conference, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, delivered a keynote address titled “Africa’s Local Content Collaboration Strategy.” He underlined the importance of collaboration and a shared vision as Africa’s oil- and gas-producing nations explore strategies to foster local content and energy sufficiency in order to boost sustainable growth.

In his remarks, Engr. Ogbe said, “Our efforts cannot be siloed; they must be collective” to ensure not only real progress but consolidation of successes attained.

Represented by the Director Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, the Executive Secretary stated that collaboration between governments, private sector players, particularly captains of the oil and gas industry and financial institutions, as well as local communities, remains the bedrock upon which Africa’s energy sector must build successful local content strategies.

He disclosed that Nigeria has achieved 61 per cent in-country value retention within the last 15 years, noting that the local content strategy has been deliberate and systematic. According to him, it began with deepening indigenous participation in the oil and gas value chain, followed by capacity building.

He added that policies and guidelines have now been introduced that prohibit the transfer of certification to intermediaries. Engr. Ogbe explained that the current approach of NCDMB is aimed at ensuring that the Board works with very competent and capable contractors, describing this as a critical criterion in technical tenders.

At the continental level, he recalled the strategic commitment made by member countries of Africa Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) at their November 2025 meeting in Brazzaville, capital of Republic of the Congo, toward harmonisation of policies on local content development and collaboration in the exploitation and utilisation of hydrocarbon resources.

He emphasised that countries must collectively leverage the Brazzaville Accord to promote regulatory harmonisation and sectoral cooperation, noting, “By working together across borders, industries, and sectors, we will be able to craft a robust, all-inclusive, and sustainable local content strategy that propels Africa’s energy sector to new and greater heights in a rapidly changing world.”

Engr. Ogbe also expressed satisfaction with the establishment of Africa Energy Bank (AEB), headquartered in Abuja under APPO in partnership with Afreximbank. He described the development as a strategic milestone that would significantly ease access to funding for energy sector projects across the continent and called on stakeholders to actively support the operational success of the Bank.

Foundation Distributes 200 Solar Power Systems to FCT Residents

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Being Human Foundation for the Less Privileged has distributed solar power systems to selected beneficiaries across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as part of efforts to promote sustainable empowerment and reduce dependence on unreliable electricity supply.

Speaking at the distribution event, the founder, Hajia Khadizat Ibrahim, said the move was informed by Nigeria’s persistent power challenges. She stressed that government alone cannot meet all the needs of citizens, especially in the area of stable electricity.

According to her, solar energy provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to generators, which are expensive to fuel and maintain, particularly for low-income households. She explained that the foundation decided to focus on solutions that would have long-term impact rather than short-term relief.

“Solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to generators,” she said, noting that meaningful empowerment should prioritise quality and lasting value instead of just increasing the number of beneficiaries.

Hajia Ibrahim disclosed that although the foundation initially planned to reach more people, only 200 solar power units were distributed because of the high cost of the systems. She added that the goal was to ensure beneficiaries received practical tools capable of improving their livelihoods and daily living conditions.

She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the less privileged and complementing government efforts in nation-building.

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mr. Mustapha Abdullahi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He said deploying solar solutions aligns with national efforts to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, which is access to reliable electricity.

Mr. Abdullahi noted that electricity remains central to economic growth and human development. He added that solar energy provides a cleaner, greener and more affordable alternative to conventional power sources.

He also recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge that every Nigerian should have access to 24-hour electricity by 2030, stressing that government cannot achieve this goal alone and calling for stronger collaboration with non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to advance the President’s renewable energy agenda.

Petty Traders Grant Support Programme 2026 (₦10,000 to ₦100,000)

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The Petty Traders Grant Support Programme 2026 has officially opened applications for its third circle, offering financial support to small-scale business owners across Nigeria.

The initiative is a community-driven programme created to empower both aspiring and existing petty traders. It provides financial assistance to individuals who need low start-up capital for small businesses such as buying and selling goods or offering basic services. For traders already in business, the grant is designed to serve as additional funding to strengthen and expand their operations.

The programme provides seed capital ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦100,000 to help petty traders generate sustainable income. Unlike most funding opportunities, no business registration is required, and the process is simple, with minimal documentation. As long as an applicant is a Nigerian resident within the required age bracket, they are eligible to apply.

The grant is open to intending entrepreneurs and existing business owners who need recapitalization or support to grow their enterprises. Eligible small-scale traders will receive non-repayable financial grants, business growth support, and opportunities to improve and sustain their livelihoods.

To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 55 years old. They must be entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs who own a business or have a business idea or initiative. Applicants are also required to possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN Slip), provide the details of one contact person, and have a verifiable residential address. In addition, they must hold a valid 10-digit bank account number and reside in Nigeria. The programme is available to applicants with or without CAC registration.

Applications will close on March 31, 2026, while disbursement is scheduled to take place between April and May 2026. Applicants should not apply more than once.

To apply for Petty Traders Grant Support Programme, interested applicants should visit https://bit.ly/PettyTradersGrant and apply.

Lagos Begins 7th Ibile Youth Academy Leadership Programme

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The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has formally commenced the 7th Edition of Ibile Youth Academy, a leadership training programme designed to equip young people with skills for active citizenship and governance.

The opening ceremony was held at the Faculty of Education III Conference Hall, LASU Ojo Campus. In his keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to investing in young people across Lagos State.

He said the government remains focused on youth development because of its long-term impact. “Our underlying philosophy of this programme is founded on a firm belief that investment in young people yields dividends that cannot be quantified, because our youths represent the innovation, energy and leadership capacity required to drive sustainable development and good governance,” he stated.

Since its commencement in 2017, the Academy has continued to promote the values of citizenship, leadership, volunteerism and community service. These values are central to the achievement of the THEMES Plus Agenda of the state government.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-osanyintolu, commended stakeholders for their consistent support since the programme began in 2017. She was represented by the Director, Administration and Human Resource Department in the Ministry, Mr. Abiodun Dina.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the Ibile Youth Academy is a strategic investment in the future leadership of Lagos State youths. She noted that it aligns with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda, particularly the pillars of Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment aimed at promoting human capital development.

She added that the 7th Edition will run across the five administrative divisions of the state, starting with Divisional Leadership Training from 9th to 13th February, 2026. This will be followed by a One Day Leadership Seminar and Alumni Launch on 17th February, and a Residential Bootcamp from 22nd to 28th February, 2026.

At the end of the programme, one State Youth Ambassador and five Divisional Youth Ambassadors will emerge and are expected to execute community-based projects to address local challenges in their areas.