Recall that the Association of Market Women/Men Youth and Farmers of Nigeria (AMWMF-WIN), a grassroots-focused body committed to uplifting market traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs across Nigeria, announced a partnership with Sterling Bank. The aim was to drive inclusive financial empowerment nationwide.

According to the Association, the collaboration is expected to empower 16 million market women, men, youths, and farmers across all six geopolitical zones.

AMWMF-WIN explained that this partnership is a major milestone in its mission to uplift market women, men, youths, and farmers by providing:

a. Free account opening for all members
b. Access to grants and SME funds for farmers and trades
c. Financial literacy and business support programs
d. Microloans and affordable financing for small businesses
e. Electric tricycles and cars
f. Waste to wealth loan program and more
g. SME funds for business expansion and startups

This move by AMWMF-WIN and Sterling Bank also aligns with efforts to enhance economic participation and reduce poverty by making financial services more accessible to the informal sector.

The organization emphasized that the empowerment program will support sustainable farming, small-scale manufacturing, clean transportation, and youth entrepreneurship.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:
i. Traders
ii. Farmers
iii. Student
iv. Entrepreneur
v. Startup

“Sterling Bank is our key partner in powering grassroots growth and unlocking new opportunities in all 36 states and the FCT,” AMWMF-WIN stated.

How to apply:

Interested applicants can apply by completing the online Registration Form.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani CON, has inaugurated a multi-stakeholder committee to oversee the transparent and efficient distribution of over 300 truckloads of fertilizer to 100,000 farmers.

In a press release signed by Murtala Dabo, Commissioner of Agriculture, Kaduna State, this effort is aimed at enhancing food security, boosting rural livelihoods, and increasing agricultural productivity throughout Kaduna communities.

According to the Government, the intervention is split into two major categories. “Under the smallholder farmer category, each beneficiary will receive two bags of fertilizer free,” they stated.

For commercial farmers, the government is introducing a targeted input subsidy. Fertilizer will be provided at a 40 percent subsidized rate to help reduce input costs and make the commodity market more competitive. This is expected to create agricultural jobs, expand agribusiness activities, and support food production across the state.

In addition to fertilizer distribution, the Kaduna State Government will enroll 100,000 smallholder farmers in a crop risk insurance scheme.

This move is to protect them from the impact of pest outbreaks, crop disease, and climate change-related weather conditions. The program aligns with the government’s broader vision of building a resilient agricultural system and supporting farmers against potential losses.

Fertilizer distribution and monitoring will be coordinated by both State and Local Government Committees to maintain credibility and transparency.

The committee includes representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, labour unions, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies.

This agricultural support program also promotes financial security for farmers and aligns with high-impact initiatives targeting rural development, agribusiness financing, and insurance for agricultural risks.

The Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeships (WATEA) project has officially ended. The initiative, funded by the French Government in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Oyo State Government, focused on building youth capacity in agricultural education and enterprise.

To mark the end of the two-year project, Dr Sonia Darracq, the project lead, visited stakeholders in the Oke-Ogun Zone alongside Dr Debo Akande, Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), and other delegates. The Oke-Ogun Zone is home to one of the project’s beneficiary institutions.

Over the course of the project, about 1,000 students from LAUTECH and OYSCATECH were trained. “Eighty percent of the beneficiaries were female, with the remaining 20 percent being male,” said Dr Darracq.

The youths received training in agricultural systems and hands-on experience through the Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) programme.

Rectors and heads of agricultural departments also went on a study tour to boost institutional knowledge. The Oyo State Government will support participants through the YEAP-SAfER loan scheme to launch agribusiness ventures.

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its strong support for homegrown initiatives and grassroots economic empowerment through strategic public-private partnerships aimed at increasing financial inclusion.

This commitment was made known by the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq., during a courtesy meeting with the management of Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) Microfinance Bank at his office in Government House, Benin City.

Dr. Okungbowa emphasized the State Government’s continuous drive to develop locally-rooted solutions under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a leader passionate about people-first governance and grassroots development.

“Our Governor is very unique. He believes in homegrown systems, in the way he runs government, in the way he empowers people and in how he has structured the Civil and Public Service. That principle has always guided him, and this is why initiatives like LAPO which started here in Edo, deserve priority, visibility and prominence,” he stated.

He said the government welcomes LAPO’s renewed engagement and described the proposed partnership as a vital step toward expanding the State’s public sector productivity and the financial well-being of its workforce. The HOS further assured the LAPO team of the government’s full support in advancing access to financial services for Civil and Public Servants in the State.

“We will support this venture to ensure its success. Yes, there are many financial institutions, but LAPO stands out. It has a good story and I believe it will deliver in a unique way,” Dr. Okungbowa said.

He, however, advised LAPO to remain competitive in both its products and services to attract genuine interest from government workers.

“This is a highly competitive space. What you put on the table, the offerings, will determine how our officers engage with you. It’s not just about business, impact matters too,” he added.

Dr. Okungbowa also acknowledged LAPO’s long-standing history and credibility within Edo State and the wider Nigerian microfinance industry. He described the organization as a trusted institution built on integrity, with a leadership culture that should be emulated.

“When LAPO comes on stream to offer services, we know the quality that went into building it and how well LAPO has proven itself over time,” he said.

“Undisputedly, LAPO has been a leader in the microfinance industry in Nigeria. I know the Founder personally. His work ethics and integrity are the very things every worker should emulate. I have a lot of respect for him,” the Head of Service added.

In response, the Head of Communication at LAPO Microfinance Bank, Mr. Oluremi Akande, expressed appreciation for the State Government’s warm welcome and pledged the institution’s continued commitment to empowering civil servants and grassroots communities in Edo State.

“LAPO is a household name in Edo State. We are proud of our roots here and the transformative leadership of the State Government. We recognize the Government’s efforts to improve Civil and Public Servants’ welfare, and we believe public-private partnerships such as this is crucial to sustaining that progress,” Mr. Akande said.

He explained that LAPO’s reengagement with the State Government is focused on making affordable financial products available to public workers to help them manage their financial obligations without unnecessary pressure.

“This visit is to reintroduce our business through your office and make Civil and Public Servants aware of loan products that are accessible, fairly priced and tailored to improve their well-being. A happy Civil Servant means better productivity and sustainable service to the State,” he said.

Mr. Akande also highlighted LAPO’s long-standing investment in economic empowerment and social welfare. He revealed that LAPO has awarded over 3,000 scholarships and offered skills training to more than 1,500 individuals, many of whom are from Edo State.

“We are passionate about economic empowerment and social intervention. LAPO has awarded scholarships to over 3,000 people and provided skills training to over 1,500 beneficiaries, many of which are from Edo State,” he added.

The partnership aims to promote local business development, drive financial literacy, and support the economic stability of workers. By encouraging affordable loan access and offering capacity-building opportunities, this initiative supports both high-yield financial inclusion goals and public sector transformation efforts.

With Governor Okpebholo’s administration placing importance on grassroots-focused policies and LAPO’s proven record in the microfinance industry, this collaboration is expected to deliver tangible results for thousands of families across Edo State.

The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) Ambassadors programme application portal is now open, as part of the federal government’s efforts to empower young people through digital skills and entrepreneurship training.

Recall that NiYA Ambassadors programme was recently launched by the FG in Akwa Ibom State.

During the Arise Youth ceremony, the Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, announced the rollout of the initiative. He stated, “This programme is a strategic move to bring Federal youth programmes closer to communities.”

According to the Minister, NiYA is focused on equipping young Nigerians with digital knowledge, global opportunities, and practical entrepreneurship tools under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The NiYA Ambassadors Programme is designed to build a strong network of youth change agents at the local government level.

As part of the implementation, two youth ambassadors will be selected from each local government area. They will be responsible for promoting core initiatives such as the Bamboo Youth Empowerment Scheme, the Nigerian Youth Academy, and the Digital Literacy For All (DL4ALL) project.

“Young people must take charge of their future. The NiYA Ambassadors will be the bridge between the Ministry’s vision and local communities,” Olawande added.

How to apply:

Interested youths are encouraged to register by visiting the official link of the application form. Applicants should complete the form and click “Create My Profile” to become an Ambassador.