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GIFA Impacts 53,987 Lives in Two Years Across Akwa Ibom

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GIFA Impacts 53,987 Lives in Two Years Across Akwa Ibom

The Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), the flagship project of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has impacted 53,987 lives across the state in the past two years.

Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Board of Trustees Chairperson and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, made this known during GIFA’s second anniversary celebration and the posthumous birthday of its founder at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo. She described the milestone as clear evidence of steady growth across the initiative’s eight thematic areas.

“I can confidently state that we have recorded remarkable strides in maternal and child healthcare, literacy and learning, environmental health, women empowerment, disease prevention, care for the elderly, support for persons with disabilities, and gender-based violence prevention and response,” she said.

Lady Obareki provided a breakdown of the achievements recorded within two years. According to her, 9,776 mothers and children were reached through healthcare interventions, while 19,587 adults and pupils benefited from literacy and learning programmes. She added that 13 borehole projects were installed in rural communities to improve access to clean water.

In the area of economic empowerment, 5,064 women were supported to strengthen their businesses and livelihoods. Through medical outreaches, 4,900 rural men, women, and children received treatment. The initiative also supported 10,800 senior citizens, assisted 160 persons with disabilities, and rehabilitated 1,020 survivors of gender-based violence.

Looking ahead, Lady Obareki announced plans to launch a year-round Tech-Empowerment Accelerator aimed at equipping 500 Akwa Ibom women annually with market-ready skills in software development, data analytics, and digital innovation. She explained that the programme would also provide mentorship and employment-ready internships to participants.

She further disclosed plans to replicate the GIFA Adult Education Initiative across all local government areas and sustain the Back-to-School Programme for indigent pupils in public schools. Lady Obareki appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his continued support toward the success of the initiative.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno commended Lady Helen Obareki for sustaining and advancing his late wife’s vision. “I am pleased to note that this initiative is fulfilling the foundational ideals and objectives set forth at its inception. You have remained committed to implementing the eight thematic areas, as evidenced by the statistics and impacts you have shared,” he said.

The governor also announced that in honour of Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the state government would partner with GIFA to provide water in all 369 wards through the “Water-of-Life” project within the next year. He directed the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN) to ensure every ward benefits from the programme.

Speaking on behalf of the Governors’ Wives Forum, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, commended Lady Helen Obareki for the achievements recorded and pledged collaboration to expand the initiative’s impact.

Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi congratulated GIFA on its programmes, praised the governor’s gender-friendly policies, and assured continued support for the administration beyond 2027.

Senator Effiong Bob also eulogized Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s legacy and pledged sustained backing to expand GIFA’s reach and impact across the state.

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Enugu Campus Hackathon Awards $16,500 Grants to Youth Startups

Nigeria Startup News
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Enugu Campus Hackathon Awards $16,500 Grants to Youth Startups

Youth innovators won a combined $16,500 in investment grants and secured a six-month incubation programme valued at over $10,000 at the maiden edition of the state-backed Enugu Campus Hackathon.

The Campus Hackathon is designed as an innovation platform to strengthen the state’s position as a rising hub for youth-led digital enterprise and venture creation. It aligns with the Enugu State Digital Transformation Strategy and focuses on supporting young founders building technology-driven solutions.

The grand finale was held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, where Governor Dr Peter Mbah witnessed the event. He described the hackathon as part of his administration’s bold innovation drive to move the state from a consumption-driven economy to a productivity-led economy.

Speaking at the event, Mbah said young people are central to the state’s future. He described the youths as the heartbeat of a knowledge-driven and digital economy.

In the main category of the hackathon, delivered in collaboration with Genesys Tech Hub, The Garage, and Capitis Global Ventures, Growdex emerged as the overall winner. Growdex is an AI-powered advertising automation platform that enables creators and businesses to create, publish, and optimize adverts across multiple channels from a single dashboard. The startup won the star prize of $5,000 in investment grant.

Zaddy Express came second and received a $3,500 investment grant. The startup operates as a tech-enabled logistics and on-demand delivery platform, providing fast and reliable last-mile solutions for individuals and businesses.

Linia Finance secured third place and won US$2,500 in investment grant. The fintech platform provides accessible, data-driven credit and financial tools to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, and underserved individuals.

In the DeepTech category powered by the African DeepTech Foundation, Ambu Gynacare emerged winner. The health-tech startup develops biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fibers to help combat menstrual poverty and reduce plastic waste. It received US$2,500 in investment grant.

Beyond the cash prizes, the winners will undergo a six-month post-hackathon incubation programme with Genesys Tech Hub. The programme is valued at over US$10,000 and will provide structured mentorship, product refinement, investor readiness, and scaling support.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, the incubation support is a key part of the initiative. Chilo-Offiah, who also serves as the Director-General of the Enugu State SME Centre, said the focus on universities was intentional.

“This is an incubation programme that goes to the heart of the startup ecosystem, which is our universities. That is where innovation starts,” he said.

He explained that the top 10 teams advanced to the grand finale after emerging from campus rounds and participating in a 10-day intensive boot camp.

Governor Mbah said the Enugu Campus Hackathon was created to identify and accelerate high-potential technology talents across tertiary institutions in the state. He added that the hackathon reflects his administration’s deliberate strategy to build a modern, innovation-driven economy anchored on enterprise, technology, and private-sector growth.

Represented by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor stressed that the administration’s guiding philosophy “is a clear shift from consumption to productivity.”

“Enugu State must move from a consumption-driven structure to a productivity-led economy powered by enterprise, technology and a vibrant private sector. Today, we are not merely providing a platform for competition.

“We are architecting systems and institutional frameworks designed to unlock the vast potential of our youth. Our mission is to build a modern economy capable of competing on the global stage,” he stated.

Mbah further described the initiative as part of a broader investment in what he termed intellectual infrastructure.

“We are redesigning our educational system to produce problem-solvers rather than mere certificate holders. By modernising our curriculum and enabling technology-driven learning, we are preparing our young people for the demands of the future global workplace. This is what we call intellectual infrastructure,” he said.

2026 MILEAD Fellows Program Opens for African Women Leaders

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2026 MILEAD Fellows Program Opens for African Women Leaders

Application is open for the 2026 MILEAD Fellows Program for Young African Women Leaders, creating a new opportunity for young women across Africa to strengthen their leadership journey.

For over a decade, MILEAD Fellows have been catalysts for transformative change, breaking barriers, implementing life-changing initiatives, and challenging systems that discriminate against women and girls. The programme continues to focus on raising bold female leaders who are ready to make real impact in their communities and beyond.

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a bold and paradigm-shifting initiative committed to the long-term leadership development of promising young leaders selected as Fellows. It is crafted to identify, nurture, and elevate the next generation of African female leaders, equipping them with the skills and support needed to thrive in leadership roles across Africa.

The MILEAD Program will be granted to 25 outstanding young women who have demonstrated leadership potential in their community, organization, or profession. Fellows gain access to world-class knowledge, skills, values, and support systems considered crucial for success as 21st-century women leaders.

Participants benefit from a combination of training, experiential learning, and mentoring designed to build knowledge and skills, strengthen networks, and create a supportive ecosystem of women’s leadership on critical issues. The programme also links determined young women with influential and seasoned African leaders committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation. Fellows receive lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network.

A key feature of the programme is the deliberate integration of community service into the yearlong training. Each Fellow will initiate and lead a community change project known as MiCHANGE, focused on a critical issue affecting their community or African women as a whole.

If you are a passionate emerging African woman leader ready to create a positive impact, we want you to apply. The call is open to dynamic young women aged 19–25 who are interested in honing transformational leadership skills to tackle issues facing women and girls in African communities.

The programme includes a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana and the implementation of a community change project. Selected candidates may be full-time students or professionals during the programme, except during the three-week summer institute.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the programme and application guidelines before submitting their entries. The deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026. Complete application forms, along with a CV and two recommendation letters, must be submitted via email.

Interested candidates are required to download the full 2026 Application Package, including the Application Pack and Recommendation-Form, and share the opportunity within their networks.

iHatch Cohort 5 Opens Application for Innovation Hubs in Nigeria

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iHatch Cohort 5 Opens Application for Innovation Hubs in Nigeria

Applications are now open for the iHatch Cohort 5 Hub Upskilling Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen innovation hubs and empower startup ecosystems across Nigeria. The programme is calling on experienced innovation hubs with the right structure, team, and operational capacity to help nurture the next generation of founders.

iHatch 5.0 will onboard 37 Innovation Hubs to lead structured startup training and ecosystem development efforts within their communities. Selected hubs will work closely with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) to deliver high-quality incubation support. The goal is to equip early-stage founders with mentorship, practical programmes, and access to valuable networks that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.

Through this initiative, participating hubs will gain access to a proven incubation framework, including practical tools and templates to strengthen how they design and deliver startup programmes. They will also receive guided onboarding, hands-on training sessions, and real-time support to improve programme delivery, reporting standards, and founder engagement strategies.

To be eligible, hubs must have operated for at least one year and demonstrate a clear track record of supporting startups or innovation-driven initiatives. Applicants must show commitment to startup ecosystem development, have experience in innovation management or startup support, and possess physical infrastructure suitable for incubation activities.

Interested hubs are required to submit their CAC registration certificate, links to their social media handles, and reports from past innovation events organized or co-implemented by the hub.

Applications open on 23rd February 2026 and close on 16th March 2026. Eligible hubs can apply through the official portal at https://ondi.nitda.gov.ng/#/ihatch.

SIA Startup Foundry Cohort 3 Opens, Offers $10,000 Grant Funding

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SIA Startup Foundry Cohort 3 Opens, Offers $10,000 Grant Funding

The Sola & Ibukun Adeyinka Foundation has officially opened applications for Cohort 3 of its flagship SIA Startup Foundry, a high-impact incubation programme created to equip early-stage founders with the training, funding, mentorship, and operational capacity required to scale sustainable and investable ventures.

In a statement released on Sunday, the foundation said Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to pulse with innovation and ambition. However, it noted that thousands of promising founders remain constrained by limited access to capital, structured mentorship, and institutional support. According to the organisers, the Startup Foundry was established to bridge this gap and help entrepreneurs move from potential to performance.

Applications opened recently and will close on March 13, 2026. Selected startups will participate in an intensive training bootcamp, receive hands-on mentorship from industry leaders, and compete for grant funding of up to $10,000 to be distributed among six promising ventures after a competitive Demo Day.

The SIA Startup Foundry has rapidly emerged as one of Nigeria’s impactful early-stage startup programmes. Application volume more than doubled between cohorts, rising from 196 to 417 applications. Participation has spanned agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and clean energy.

The organisers said this growth reflects increasing trust in the programme’s ability to support founders through structured capacity building and access to capital.

Mr Sola Adeyinka, Co-Chair of the SIA Foundation, said, “Across Nigeria and Africa, we see thousands of founders with strong ideas and execution energy, but many lack the structured guidance and support required to transform those ideas into scalable businesses.

“The SIA Startup Foundry was built to bridge that gap. Our focus is on merit and potential, helping founders refine their business models, strengthen their operational foundations, and build the capacity required to grow sustainably. We are committed to nurturing founders who can build enduring companies, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”

Since its inception, the programme has supported dozens of entrepreneurs through an intensive bootcamp covering financial management, sales systems, investment readiness, digital marketing, leadership, legal foundations, and the use of AI tools for business growth.

Participants also gain access to mentors, investor exposure, and a peer network that extends beyond the programme duration. Previous participants have reported business improvements, including revenue growth, stronger operational systems, new partnerships, and improved investor readiness.

The programme has awarded grant funding to multiple startups across diverse sectors, enabling founders to acquire critical equipment, hire staff, expand production, and accelerate growth.

The Startup Foundry is designed for early-stage Nigerian startups seeking seed funding and mentorship, founders with scalable business models and early traction, and entrepreneurs committed to building sustainable, growth-oriented businesses across technology, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, creative industries, and sustainability.

The Lagos-based foundation said the Startup Foundry forms part of its broader mission to democratise access to opportunity and unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential. With applications now open for Cohort 3, the foundation urged promising Nigerian founders to seize the opportunity and join a growing network of high-impact entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s economic future.

FUTA Erasmus+ KA171 2025/2026 mobility to Karabuk University opens

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FUTA Erasmus+ KA171 2025/2026 mobility to Karabuk University opens

The International Strategy Office has announced an open call for applications for the Erasmus+ KA171 Project (2025/2026 Academic Session). The opportunity is open to qualified Master’s students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) who wish to participate in the Student Learning Mobility Programme at Karabuk University, Turkey. The programme offers a prestigious five-month academic mobility experience designed to broaden academic exposure and strengthen international collaboration.

Eligible applicants must be newly enrolled Master’s students in the 2025/2026 academic session and must belong to the Departments of Information Systems, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering. Candidates are required to have a minimum undergraduate CGPA of 2.5 and possess a valid international passport with at least six months’ validity from April 2026.

Interested candidates should submit three hard copies of a detailed Curriculum Vitae, academic credentials clearly showing CGPA, and the data page of their international passport. All documents must be addressed to the Director, International Strategy Office, FUTA. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. For enquiries, contact Prof. B. J. Akinyele, Director, International Strategy Office.

TVET trainees: No skills or centers found near your location (solved)

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TVET trainees: No skills or centers found near your location (solved)

Some TVET trainees are currently seeing the message, “No skills or centers found near your location,” after selecting a training centre on their portal. This issue appears to be linked to the limited number of centres currently enrolled in the programme, which may not fully cover all locations across the country.

Nigeria Startup News can confirm that, as of the date of this report, the official number of approved Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres listed on the NBTE portal stands at 1,872. This figure is relatively low when compared to the large number of trainees nationwide, which may explain why some applicants are experiencing difficulties on their dashboard.

The Federal Government is not entirely to blame, as the portal remains open for more eligible training centres to join the initiative and expand access.

Trainees who encounter this message are advised to contact TVET support for assistance and further guidance.

In cases where a selected training centre is far from a trainee’s registered address, they should reach out directly to the centre’s coordinator to explain their situation and agree on a practical way forward.

NNPC/SEPLAT JV Opens 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship

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NNPC/SEPLAT JV Opens 2026 Undergraduate Scholarship

The NNPC/SEPLAT Joint Venture has officially commenced the 2026 National Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for students in Nigeria. This initiative is open to deserving undergraduate students in Federal and State Universities across the country. The scholarship scheme is one of Seplat Energy’s key educational Corporate Social Investment programmes. It is designed to promote educational development and strengthen human capacity by providing annual grants to successful applicants, helping them complete their degree programmes.

To be eligible, applicants must be in their second year of study or above at the time of application. They must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale or its equivalent. In addition, candidates must possess at least five O’level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in one sitting.

The scholarship is open only to students studying specific courses. These include Accountancy, Agriculture, Architecture, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science, Economics, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geophysics, Law, Mass Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Metallurgical Engineering, Ophthalmology or Optometry, and Petroleum Engineering.

Interested applicants are required to have a valid personal email address to ensure smooth communication throughout the process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the review of applications. All applications will be subject to the SEPLAT JV Scholarship Award Terms and Conditions.

Applicants are advised to note that the application is completely free of charge.

The application window opens from February 23 to March 13, 2026. Eligible students must complete and submit the online application form through the official portal at register.seplatscholarship.com.

FME TVET Shortlisted Trainees 2026 (Approved)

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FME TVET Shortlisted Trainees 2026 (Approved)

The Federal Ministry of Education has shortlisted the 2026 batch of TVET trainees who are to select their training centre on the dashboard and commence training.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) shortlisted candidates have been released for applicants who previously had “Pending” on their dashboard.

The shortlist email arrived with the message: Congratulations! You have been shortlisted for the TVET programme.

“Dear Candidate, we are pleased to inform you that you have been successfully shortlisted for the Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET Programme.”

“This is a significant achievement, and we commend you for taking this important step toward acquiring industry-relevant skills that will enhance your career and employment opportunities.”

The next step is for the new TVET trainees to select a preferred training centre to proceed with their placement. You are required to select a training centre closest to you by clicking the “Select Training Centre” link in your email.

Now, after clicking on “Select Training Centre,” you will see a list of available training centres to choose from. Click on “Select This Option” for your preferred centre.

Finally, click on “Confirm Selection.”

Congratulations, your selection should now be successful.

Your skill and training centre selection will then be updated successfully.

Shortlisted TVET trainees are required to report to their training centre to complete physical verification and registration. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the application, and your slot will be reassigned to another pending applicant.

Candidates are to log in to their portal via the link www.tvet.education.gov.ng to see their TVET shortlist status and download resources from the Resources section. These include an ID card, which must be printed, attached with a passport photograph, and presented at the training centre during reporting.

Note that shortlisted trainees can accept or reject their placement. If you accept your training centre match, you will be required to upload a photo of yourself for verification.

TVET applicants whose dashboard is showing “Pending” should keep checking, as it will be updated soon.

Congratulations to trainees who have been shortlisted for the TVET Programme.

1v1 Africa Confirms First Seven Finalists for Lagos Grand Finale

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1v1 Africa Confirms First Seven Finalists for Lagos Grand Finale

1v1 Africa, the nationwide 1v1 football skill challenge launched and owned by Nigerian music superstar and entrepreneur Mr Eazi, has confirmed its first seven finalists. The groundbreaking competition selected the standout talents from hundreds of video submissions showing raw street football skills from across Nigeria.

Hosted by football content creator Mobike and amplified by music superstar Tekno, 1v1 Africa invites Nigerian ballers to post short videos of their one-on-one skills on TikTok or Instagram using the hashtag #1v1Africa and tagging @1v1africa. The challenge has quickly captured attention nationwide by blending football flair, digital creativity, and grassroots passion.

Wisdom Joseph, Akachukwu Joseph, Ajoji Emmanuel, Atanda Mustapha, Emmanuel Ukavbe, Oguntola Micheal, and Habib Junior are among the elite group advancing toward the Top 32 stage. They will compete head-to-head in a high-stakes live knockout format at the grand finale event scheduled to take place in Lagos. The finalists impressed judges with tight ball control, dazzling dribbles, freestyle ability, and dominant 1v1 performances that earned them their spots in the race for the ultimate 1v1 title.

The overall prize pool stands at ₦30 million, with the grand prize winner set to claim ₦10 million. Runners-up and other top finishers will also receive substantial cash prizes, highlighting the depth of talent discovered through the campaign.

Speaking on the milestone, organisers said the achievement shows the huge untapped potential in Nigeria’s streets and communities.

The statement read: “Nigeria’s streets are full of kings waiting for their moment. These seven finalists have shown world-class skill, and the competition is getting tougher. Who will claim the next spots?”

The finalists will compete under what organisers described as a structured and transparent framework designed to ensure fairness, safety, and excitement for both participants and viewers. The live grand finale is expected to combine intense one-on-one matches with entertainment elements that celebrate Nigerian football culture.

According to organisers, the 1v1 Africa Challenge in Nigeria has a ₦28 million prize pool and will see participants go home with millions of naira.

Fueled by strong digital buzz and community support, 1v1 Africa, initiated by Mr Eazi, continues to spotlight everyday ballers and reward raw talent. Entries remain open until March 8, 2026, with aspiring participants encouraged to keep submitting their videos.

1v1 Africa is a dynamic initiative founded and owned by Mr Eazi, focused on discovering and elevating one-on-one football talent across the continent, starting with Nigeria.

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