Anambra Seeks Partnership With Nigerian Government on Youth Empowerment.

Anambra Seeks Partnership With Nigerian Government on Youth Empowerment.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Anambra State government is actively seeking a partnership with the Nigerian government to enhance youth empowerment. Commissioner for Youth Development in Anambra State, Patrick Mba, and his team recently engaged the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, to explore collaboration, particularly focusing on the innovative "1 Youth 2 Skills" program launched by the Minister.

The "1 Youth 2 Skills Solution" program, inaugurated in October 2022 under Governor Charles Soludo's administration, aims to create 1000 youth millionaires annually and generate private sector jobs in Anambra State. Rooted in the Igbo Apprenticeship Model, the initiative draws inspiration from a tradition that has produced successful entrepreneurs globally.

Commissioner Patrick Mba emphasized the program's success under Governor Soludo, stating that it empowered 5000 beneficiaries in 2023 alone through the N2 Billion Business Financing Scheme. Additionally, 20,000 youths were equipped with super-tech digital skills under the Solution Innovation District (SID).

Mba highlighted the community-based approach of the initiative, integrating Apprenticeship, Entrepreneurship, Cooperative Formation, Business Financing, a One-year Mentoring Scheme, and meticulous Monitoring and Evaluation. This ensures a sustained impact on youth empowerment.

Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision for youth development, the Anambra State government actively seeks collaboration with the Nigerian government to combat youth restiveness, unemployment, and endemic poverty. Mba affirmed that the government is also digitizing the learning process, allowing beneficiaries to acquire skills conveniently.

Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, expressed his sincere appreciation for the partnership visit from Patrick Mba and his team. He stated, "I look forward to fostering a collaborative partnership with Anambra State on Youth development, aiming to scale up the impactful '1 Youth 2 Skills' program. This commitment reflects a shared vision for empowering the youth and building a more prosperous and secure future for the nation, aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda.

Empowerment: FG awards PWDs, other entrepreneurs start-up kits.

Empowerment: FG awards PWDs, other entrepreneurs start-up kits.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has provided start-up kits to some persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.

The Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, announced this on Friday in Abuja.

ODI said the empowerment was done under the agency's National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI).

He reiterated the federal government's commitment to ensuring an inclusive government that will leave no one behind, especially the youth, women and the disabled.

It was reported that at least 55 persons were trained in the Federal Capital Territory and awarded certificates and start-up kits.

Of these, 35 participants who took training in fashion designing got industrial machines and 10 participants who took training in catering got a mixer, gas cylinder and an industrial oven.

The participants undergoing training in leather work were also equipped with the machines required for their business.

This training is expected to run simultaneously across 13 states of the federation, with 55 participants in each state, giving a total of 715 participants empowered by SMEDAN.

The SMEDAN boss also said the government recognizes the importance of small businesses in national development and will do everything possible to support them.

He said: “India and China transformed their economies because they focused on people like you, small businesses.

“This administration, we are not pretending to be for SME development, and that is why we are doing all this today and planning to do much more.

“We understand that times are challenging, so what we have done is reduce the cost of acquiring this knowledge and skills and the cost of acquiring the equipment.”

He further urged them not to sell the kits given to them but use them and ensure to empower others around them to create more employment for Nigerians.

Odi said: “55 people were trained. If each participant employs only five persons in the next six months, this training alone will create 275 more jobs.

“When you create jobs, you will reduce the high rates of violence in our society.

“So, do your part, put into action the knowledge you have acquired and we will support you.

“The Minister has also made a commitment, and I will hold him to it, that as many people create jobs and employ people, I will make sure they get more support, that's the only way we can stop poverty Are.”

He charged them to be good ambassadors of the agency by creating more jobs and publicizing the good work being done by the government to reduce unemployment and insecurity in the country.

He also called for greater collaboration locally and internationally to enable the agency to reach more states and more Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Youth, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who presented items and certificates to the participants, urged them to ensure that they become employers of labour.

He said, “If we are determined, 55 people can transform this country.”

“So, each of you should try to train at least 10 others before the next six months.

“Imagine what a multiplier effect that would be if every person you trained trained five additional people?

“And there will be a reward for participants who are able to do so,” Olawande said.

He stressed the importance of every Nigerian youth acquiring at least two skills rather than waiting or relying on white collar jobs.

He said: “If a productive youth had two or more skills, we would be much further ahead than where we are today.

“Furthermore, it would be a crime for any local government in this country not to have products to sell to the public. Every state should start producing something or the other.

For example, if 18 local governments in Ondo State are producing something and exchanging it with other local governments, before you know it, they will be exchanging with different states.

“So, we are moving towards ‘no skills, no nature and no product, no nature’, and that is why we want to partner with SMEDAN to work towards building a better nation. Are here.”

Mr. Adero Umar, an awardee from the PWD community, thanked SMEDAN and the government for the opportunity provided to be a part of the training.

Omar said: “I am happy for this opportunity and the material in leather work that I have got today.

“I will not beg on the streets because I have acquired a skill and will be able to not only start my own shoe business but also employ people like me to join their businesses.”

Also, Aashiru Abdullahi, another PWD and already a fashion designer, thanked the agency, saying that the industrial sewing machine she received will enable her to expand her business.

Caterer Miss Okeogheni Akeva said she was happy to have the opportunity to learn the skills and was also excited about the kits.

“Even though we were told that we would be given things, it was still a surprise for me and I am very happy.

“I thank the agency and the federal government and pray that they have the means to continue the program so that more people can benefit from it.

(NAN)

Ekiti primary school teachers to enjoy car, housing loans, other benefits, Gov Oyebanji assures.

Ekiti primary school teachers to enjoy car, housing loans, other benefits, Gov Oyebanji assures.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said his administration would address the issue of non-disbursement of car and housing loans to primary school teachers in the state, with a view to getting them to start enjoying certain benefits that their counterparts in secondary schools have been enjoying in the state.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti during the week  when he met with Education Secretaries across the 16 local government areas in his office.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode and made available to journalists in Ado- Ekiti on Sunday, Governor Oyebanji met with the Education Secretaries to get first hand information on some complaints by the teachers, which were hitherto unknown to him.  

The Governor expressed concern over some of the revelations at the meeting, and promised that government would also look into the issue of career progression of degree holders in primary schools with a view to allowing them reach Grade Level 16 or 17 as the case may be.

The Governor also promised to address other issues affecting the teachers including redistribution of teachers to ensure that rural areas get their fair share of teachers as well as provision of incentives to those serving in rural areas.

He also said Government would consider the implementation of the newly recommended retirement age of 65 and years or 40 years of service for teachers. 

While cautioning concerned authorities against inviting  teachers to seminars with inadequate or no provision for their welfare, Governor Oyebanji said teachers should henceforth be well treated and respected  as moulders of future leaders.

“I am absolutely grateful for the feedback and it means that our work is cut out for us. I have identified those key areas that we need to act on- levels enhancement to Grade Level 16, car and housing loans for primary school teachers, implementation of the new retirement age and other issues that would make them more effective and fulfilled on the job.  Government will act on these very soon”, the Governor said. 

On recent complaints by teachers over paltry training allowances paid to them, the Governor said: “This is what I am going to advise, if they reduce the training grant, its better you have a smaller number or sit down with the teachers before the commencement of any seminar and tell them what is available. There must be conversation, if they have this information, maybe they will show understanding, then they can align their movement and other things to make the seminar convenient for them. But, I am opposed to the idea of inviting teachers to seminars and making inadequate or no provision for their welfare. That should not happen again. “, he added.  

 Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji  said that his administration would continue to provide avenue for everyone to participate in his government so as to effectively chart the way forward in all sectors of his developmental agenda.

The Governor commended teachers in the state for their commitment to duty and determination to ensure that the administration succeed in its education and human capital development efforts. 

In their separate comments, the Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Bimpe Aderiye and Chairman,  State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Femi Akinwumi, restated the commitment of the  government to the welfare of teachers and entire workforce in the state.

The Executive Secretaries, who admitted that the meeting with the Governor was the first of its kind in the history of the state, commended Governor Oyebanji for giving them the rare opportunity to bare their minds on issues touching on the education sector in the state.

Super Eagles Soar to AFCON Quarter-Finals with Lookman’s Brace Against Cameroon.

Super Eagles Soar to AFCON Quarter-Finals with Lookman’s Brace Against Cameroon.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a thrilling round of 16 clash at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, the rejuvenated Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the quarter-finals by defeating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon with a 2-0 victory on Saturday night at the Houphoet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

The tension-soaked match witnessed an impressive offensive display from the high-flying Super Eagles, with Semi Ajayi initially finding the back of the Cameroonian net early on. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero for Nigeria, netting a brace in the 36th minute, courtesy of a Victor Osimhen assist, and sealing the victory with another goal on the dot of 90 minutes after a Calvin Bassey cut-back.

Despite a setback with goalie Stanley Nwabali's injury in the 76th minute, Francis Uzoho stepped in to maintain the defensive line for the Eagles.

With this triumph, Nigeria advances to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Angola on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 6 pm. The Super Eagles' exceptional performance and Lookman’s standout contributions mark a promising journey in the quest for AFCON glory.

King Charles spends second day in London hospital after surgery.

King Charles spends second day in London hospital after surgery.

Britain’s King Charles III spent a second day in hospital on Saturday, where he was visited by his wife Queen Camilla following scheduled prostate surgery.

Camilla was seen arriving by a back entrance at the London Clinic, a private hospital in the capital, where he underwent the procedure on Friday, according to AFP.

The British monarch was admitted to the hospital on Friday to undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate on Friday, Buckingham Palace said.

“The king was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment,” the palace said in a statement.

Reports have disclosed that Charles, 75, was expected to spend two days in hospital and that he was “doing well” after the surgery.

Charles’s daughter-in-law Catherine Princess of Wales, 42, is currently also at the hospital where she has spent 12 days following abdominal surgery.

Royal officials took the unusual step last week of issuing a bulletin on the king’s health, disclosing that he had an enlarged prostate but the condition was benign.

New Kogi Gov appoints SSG, retains Yahaya Bello’s commissioners.

New Kogi Gov appoints SSG, retains Yahaya Bello’s commissioners.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has announced the appointment of Dr. Folashade Ayoade as the Secretary to the State Government.

Ayoade, who was the SSG in the last eight years of the immediate past Governor, Yayaha Bello, is from the Kogi West Senatorial district.

The governor also announced the appointment of Ali Bello as the Chief of Staff.

An investigation by our correspondent showed that Bello is a nephew of the former governor, and he hails from the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Until his appointment, Bello was with Yakubu Adabenege who is now the Auditor-General of Local Government.

Adabenege was appointed by the former governor two weeks ago.

Also, Suleman Ibrahim was announced as the Director-General, Protocol.

Oladele Nihi was announced as the Chief Press Secretary,

The governor also announced the appointment of some Commissioner-designates majority of whom were former commissioners under the former governor.

They are the former Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo; former Finance Commissioner, Idris Ashiru; former Commissioner for Solid Minerals; Bashir Gegu; former Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones; and the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami Deedat.

Dala scores twice as 10-man Angola reach AFCON quarter-finals.

Dala scores twice as 10-man Angola reach AFCON quarter-finals.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Gelson Dala raised his Africa Cup of Nations goal tally to four with a brace for 10-man Angola in a 3-0 last-16 triumph over Namibia in Bouake on Saturday.

Surprise package Angola will face Nigeria or Cameroon, who meet later in Abidjan, in a quarter-final next Friday.

After Dala scored twice in the first half, Mabululu netted midway through the second half to effectively end as a contest the clash of southern Africa neighbours.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men by first-half red cards with Angola goalkeeper Neblu and Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo sent off.

The winning margin was a record for Angola, bettering two-goal victories over Senegal and Malawi in previous Cup of Nations.

The first of eight second-round fixtures was not one that would have been anticipated when the African football showpiece kicked off in the Ivory Coast 14 days ago.

Angola won a group ahead of Burkina Faso, Mauritania and shock casualties Algeria when they were expected to finish third at best given an AFCON record of just four victories in 26 matches.

The best Namibia had managed in three previous appearances was two draws while losing seven other matches. One of the draws was against Angola in Burkina Faso 26 years ago.

Angola, showing two changes from the team that started a win over Burkina Faso last Tuesday, were reduced to 10 men after just 17 minutes.

– Searing heat –

Neblu — one of many Angolans who use a nickname rather than their real name — handled a Bethuel Muzeu lob outside his area and was immediately red-carded.

Reserve goalkeeper Antonio Dominique came off the bench at the expense of midfielder Estrela and was quickly brought into action as he parried to safety a Deon Hotto free-kick.

After a water break to assist players performing in searing 34 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit) heat, the match took a dramatic turn with two goals and another red card in four minutes.

A Gilberto cross and Fredy cutback set up Dala to sidefoot the ball into the corner of the net on 38 minutes.

Namibia surrendered their numerical advantage two minutes later when Haukongo was yellow-carded a second time and sent off by the Mauritanian referee.

Dala struck again on 42 minutes, powerfully heading a Fredy free-kick into the corner of the net to give Angola a two-goal advantage they retained until half-time.

After early second-half pressure from Namibia as they sought the goal that bring them back into contention for a last-eight place, Angola stretched their lead to three goals on 66 minutes.

Having fired narrowly wide, veteran Mabululu almost instantly atoned by sprinting on to a Dala pass before superbly curling a shot past goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua.

The unquenchable spirit of the Namibians in the face of a looming loss was demonstrated in the closing minutes when a Riaan Hanamub shot forced a spectacular save from Dominique.

In added time, Angola were denied a fourth goal when a shot from substitute Zito Luvumbo rebounded off the crossbar.

AFP