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Lagos strengthens GOTNI partnership to empower young creatives

The Lagos State Government has strengthened its partnership with Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI) to empower young creatives across the state and expand opportunities within the creative sector.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, paid a courtesy visit to the Founder of GOTNI, Dr. Linus Chinedu Okorie, at his office in Victoria Island, Lagos. The visit focused on youth development, leadership capacity building, and collaboration efforts aimed at supporting young creatives.

Speaking during the engagement, Aregbe said the partnership aligns with the administration’s goal of positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading tourism, arts, and creative hub. He noted that empowering young people remains central to the state’s development agenda, adding that collaboration with credible youth-focused organisations is essential. He said, “Lagos is committed to building platforms that help young creatives grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

Dr. Okorie described the visit as timely and strategic, stressing that GOTNI remains focused on developing values-driven leaders. He said the organisation’s programmes are designed to equip young Nigerians with skills, purpose, and the right mindset for national development.

GOTNI’s flagship initiatives include Mission to Schools, the Emerging Leaders Conference, the Self-Discovery Leadership Programme, and the Leadership and Business Development Programme for SMEs. The organisation also partners with institutions such as NYSC and Rich Aunty Finance, empowering over 1,000 emerging leaders nationwide through structured leadership training.

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Lagos Disburses Eko Cares Cheques to 300 Beneficiaries

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The Lagos State Government has disbursed financial assistance cheques to another 300 beneficiaries under the Eko Cares Programme, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive governance, social protection, and responsive service delivery across the State.

The presentation event was held recently at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE), where beneficiaries from different parts of the State received support aimed at easing economic pressure.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, congratulated them and described the programme as a practical demonstration of the dividends of democracy promised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat.

Conveying the goodwill and greetings of the Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, she said the financial assistance programme was designed to bring succour to indigent residents across Lagos State and urged beneficiaries to take advantage of initiatives provided by the government. “It’s your right,” she stated.

She explained that the Eko Cares Programme reflects the administration’s commitment to compassionate governance and people-centred policies that directly respond to residents’ needs.

She advised beneficiaries to utilise the financial support judiciously to improve their welfare, meet urgent obligations, and support sustainable livelihood activities as stated in their applications.

BDAN Announces Vacancy for Head of Legal, Governance and Advocacy

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The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) has announced a vacancy for the position of Head of Legal, Governance and Advocacy, with the role based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Qualified professionals are invited to apply. The Head of Legal and Governance will be responsible for leading the Association’s legal, governance, company secretarial and advocacy functions. The role involves providing strategic legal guidance, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and spearheading initiatives that promote the Association’s mission within the Banking and Financial sector.

The successful candidate will provide strategic legal advisory support, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive BDAN’s advocacy initiatives with key stakeholders across the banking and financial services sector. The ideal candidate is expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Applicants should have experience working in or with non-profit organisations, banks, or the wider financial services sector, as well as a strong commitment to the organisation’s mission and values. The role requires extensive knowledge of banking and financial law and corporate governance expertise.

On requirements, applicants must hold a law degree from an accredited university or law school and have between 10 and 15 years post call to bar experience. In addition, candidates are required to have a minimum of seven to ten years of legal practice experience, with a focus on corporate and banking or financial law.

Further requirements include extensive knowledge of banking regulations, the ability to prepare legal opinions on advocacy and governance matters, and proven experience in policy development.

Qualified candidates are required to send curriculum vitae or resume and cover letter to femi.arogundade@bdan.ng and copy info@bdan.ng. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 20, 2026.

IsDB Begins Fact-Finding Mission on MSME Investment in Nigeria

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The Islamic Development Bank has begun exploratory moves toward a potential investment in Nigeria following a fact-finding visit to NIRSAL Plc, aimed at better understanding the country’s MSME landscape within the agricultural sector. The visit was conducted through the Federal Ministry of Finance, the official channel for bilateral investments, and forms part of ongoing institutional consultations.

Recently, NIRSAL Plc hosted a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank on a broad fact-finding mission ahead of a possible MSME investment in Nigeria. The delegation was led by the Federal Ministry of Finance and engaged NIRSAL on its expertise in finance facilitation, risk management, and value chain development within agriculture, an area critical to Nigeria’s economy.

During the engagement, the delegation, led by Mohamed Maher Mannai, explained that the IsDB’s MSME investments are anchored on “economic inclusion,” with emphasis on end-user prioritisation, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable access to finance and markets. The team noted that these principles guide its support for small businesses and productive sectors across member countries.

Operating across 57 member countries, the IsDB counts Nigeria among its largest partners, reflecting a long-standing relationship and shared commitment to impactful development outcomes. The delegation stated that its interest in Nigeria, particularly in agriculture, remains strong due to the sector’s potential to drive inclusive growth and job creation.

While receiving the team, Mr. Ewaen Imohe, Executive Director, Operations at NIRSAL Plc, expressed appreciation to the IsDB and the Federal Ministry of Finance for facilitating the meeting and including NIRSAL Plc in consultations. He said the engagement supports assessments ahead of possible MSME-focused investments to improve access to finance and market development in Nigeria.

ABU Zaria Portal for N3,000 2025/2026 Matriculation Gown Payment

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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria has directed newly admitted students to pay and collect academic gowns ahead of the 2025/2026 Academic Session matriculation ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, 17 February, 2026.

The directive applies to all fresh students who are expected to collect their gowns from their respective faculties after payment. Students are required to pay the sum of three thousand naira only (N3,000) as hiring fee for the academic gowns.

All payments are to be made through Remita by generating a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR). The procedure for generating the RRR is that students are to log in to the payment portal, click on Pay TSA and States, then select FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria.

Fill the payment form with the following details: who do you want to pay as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 1000110, name of service or purpose as COGCC, description as hiring of academic gown, GIFMIS code as 0000, amount to pay, payer’s name, phone number, and email address, before confirming the email and submitting.

After submission, select a preferred mode of payment such as debit card, bank branch payment, or internet banking. Where payment is made using debit card through the university POS, the cashier will issue the official receipt immediately.

However, for payments made through bank branches or internet banking, students must present a printout of the Remita receipt to obtain the official university receipt. All students are to AVOID making cash payments at designated gown collection centres.

To pay for ABU Zaria matriculation, students should visit www.remita.net and complete payment online.

FG Flags Off Argungu Motor Rally 2026 in Abuja

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The federal government, throughNational Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government, has announced the official flag-off of the Argungu Motor Rally 2026. The event, hosted by NADDC, will take place at Eagle Square, Abuja, from 11th to 14th February, 2026, starting daily at 10:00am.

The rally is a historic drive celebrating Nigeria’s automotive innovation, resilience and locally assembled vehicles. The flag-off marks the start of a cross-country journey designed to showcase the strength and potential of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Attendees will witness the beginning of an unforgettable rally as drivers set off across the country. The rally is positioned as a platform to highlight local vehicle assembly and industry growth while engaging the public.

Stakeholders and the public are invited to attend to be part of the moment as activities will run throughout scheduled dates.

CBN Approves BOI Non-Interest Banking Window

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the Bank of Industry (BOI) to operate a Non-Interest Banking window, marking a major expansion of the bank’s financing framework and service offerings.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Managing Director of BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, who said the move would strengthen the institution’s role in promoting sustainable industrial development across the country.

With the approval, BoI is authorised to commence non-interest banking operations, offering ethical, asset-backed financing options that prohibit interest and promote risk-sharing among stakeholders. The initiative is expected to improve access to finance for underserved and high-impact business segments nationwide.

Olusi said the development aligns with the growing demand for alternative financing structures that support inclusive growth and broader social development objectives in Nigeria.

“This development marks a significant milestone in the Bank of Industry’s growth and long-term development agenda,” Olusi said.

“It positions the bank to further advance Nigeria’s sustainable and inclusive industrial development through tailored financial solutions for underserved and high-impact business segments,” he added.

According to him, the new framework will allow BoI to finance assets and raw materials for customers using approved non-interest banking products, while maintaining strong governance and responsible financing practices.

He noted that the approval underscores the CBN’s confidence in BoI’s governance structure and institutional capacity to manage non-interest financial services.

Olusi explained that the licence would enable the bank to scale its operations, introduce innovative financing solutions, deepen support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and reach borrowers previously unable to access BoI funding nationwide across key sectors of the economy and industries nationwide.

Apply: Ekiti State Scholarship and Bursary Awards for 2025/2026

Ekiti State Government, through Ekiti State Scholarship Board, has opened applications for Scholarship and Bursary Awards 2025/2026 for targeting Ekiti State students studying in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Eligible undergraduates, polytechnic students, postgraduate candidates, and challenged students are invited to apply for the awards.

Free online application forms for undergraduates, Master’s Degree, Ph.D, and Physically Challenged categories are available to applicants at the Ekiti State Scholarship Board, New Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti. The scheme covers students enrolled in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, schools of nursing and midwifery, and colleges of health technology.

For the Bursary Award category, applicants must be in their second year and above in their course of study. They are required to possess WASSCE or NECO results with a minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained at one sitting. All qualified undergraduates, polytechnic students, college of education students, schools of nursing or midwifery students, and colleges of health technology students are eligible.

For the Scholarship Award category, applicants must also be in their second year and above and must meet academic requirements. Undergraduate university applicants are expected to have a minimum CGPA of 4.0 or its equivalent of Second Class Upper Division. Polytechnic and NCE applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.50 in their current institutions, alongside WASSCE or NECO with five credits including English Language and Mathematics at one sitting.

Applicants for Master’s Degree and Ph.D scholarship awards are required to possess a minimum of Second Class Upper Division at undergraduate level. In addition, a distinction at Master’s Degree level is a compulsory requirement for Ph.D scholarship applicants. Any Ph.D applicant with a first degree below Second Class Upper Division, even with a distinction in Master’s Degree, is not eligible.

Physically challenged students in institutions, including universities, colleges of education, schools of nursing or midwifery, colleges of health technology, and postgraduate institutions, are eligible for the Handicapped Scholarship Award. Students enrolled in part-time or sandwich programmes are not eligible for the bursary or scholarship awards.

Online applications will run from Monday 9th February, 2026 to Friday 27th February, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

To apply for Ekiti State scholarship and bursary 2026, applicants should visit https://scholarshipessb.com/ and apply.

LCCI, LASU Launch 2025/2026 Diploma in Entrepreneurship Programme

LCCI-LASU 2025/2026 Diploma in Entrepreneurship Studies has been announced by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in partnership with Lagos State University (LASU) Consult.

The programme offers a Diploma in Entrepreneurship Programme aimed at helping participants earn a university diploma to further education and accelerate careers.

The programme provides an industry-recognized qualification, direct entry into full-time degree programmes at LASU, weekend and hybrid classes for flexible study, and access to the LCCI Entrepreneurship Mentoring Programme (EMP).

Eligibility requirements include a Senior Secondary School Certificate, being 16 years and above, ability to adapt to new technologies, and good communication skills.

The classes will hold at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, 10, Nurudeen Olowopopo Street, Alausa, Ikeja.

The announcement covers the 2025/2026 academic session, highlighting career-focused training for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking practical business skills nationwide.

To apply, interested applicants should visit https://forms.gle/tMVi1ck8j7wEyFwp8 and complete applications.

DAM Foundation opens full scholarship applications for Kogi Students

DAM Foundation (Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha Foundation) has opened applications for its Full Scholarship Programme aimed at supporting deserving students from Kogi State in their pursuit of higher education.

The initiative reflects continued commitment to expanding access to quality education and empowering young people to achieve their academic and career goals across Nigeria.

The scholarship is open to Nigerian citizens who are indigenes of Kogi State and are currently enrolled in a recognized tertiary institution. Eligible schools include universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

Applicants are required to provide proof of active enrollment as part of the application process. This includes an admission letter issued by the institution and a valid school identification card to confirm student status at the time of application.

The eligibility criteria is that applicants must be citizens of Nigeria, must be indigenes of Kogi State, and must be currently studying in a recognized tertiary institution such as a university, polytechnic, or college of education.

Only applicants who meet all stated requirements and complete the application process correctly will be considered for the award. It added that only selected applicants will be announced after the application window has officially closed.

Interested and eligible students are encouraged to submit their applications online through DAM Foundation portal.

The application deadline for the Full Scholarship Programme has been fixed for 10th February, 2026. Applicants are to complete and submit their applications before the deadline, as late entries will not be considered under any circumstances.

To apply, interested applicants should visit https://damfoundation.org.ng and apply.