News Agency of Nigeria
CIPM UK 2025 Conference to chart future of work amid disruption
General News

CIPM UK 2025 Conference to chart future of work amid disruption

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) UK Branch will host its 2nd Annual Conference on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 in Bradford, United Kingdom.

It has the theme “Preparing for Future Disruptions: Building Resilience Against Economic, Technological, and Societal Disruptions Impacting the Workforce.”

The conference will convene global HR leaders, executives, academics, and policymakers to examine how organisations can anticipate disruption, foster resilience, and build future-ready workplaces.

Confirmed speakers include Dr Alim Abubakre, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Business School, Founder of TEXEM, UK and Board Member, Business Council for Africa; Emily Akanimoh, Group HR Manager, Four Marketing Group; Success Osideko, Board Member, Endoratech; among others.

According to CIPM UK, the conference offers a timely response to growing uncertainty caused by economic volatility, rapid technological advancement, and shifting societal expectations.

“In today’s unpredictable world, preparing for disruption is no longer optional—it is essential. This conference provides HR professionals and leaders with practical insights, shared experiences, and tools to place people at the heart of resilient strategies,” the Institute said in a statement.

The conference will feature plenaries on bridging the skills gap through apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring; embedding digital literacy and lifelong learning; and attracting, retaining, and supporting Gen Z and Gen Alpha talent.

Speaking ahead of the event, Abubakre said: “The future of work demands courage, creativity, and compassion. By investing in talent pipelines through apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring, employers can not only safeguard their organisations but also empower the next generation to thrive in a volatile world.

”This confab is more than an event—it is a call to action to build workplaces that are resilient, inclusive, and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”

The two-day event will also feature a Gala and Awards Night to celebrate excellence and leadership in HR across categories such as Mentorship, Professional Excellence, Community Service, and Lifetime Achievement.

Organisers say the conference will serve as a catalyst for transformation, equipping participants with strategies to build adaptive, purpose-driven, and future-proof organisations.

The CIPM UK Branch is a community for Nigerian CIPM members located in the UK, offering networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional support, and was officially inaugurated on Nov. 16, 2022.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

CVR: Lagos NURTW urges members to obtain voter’s cards
General News

CVR: Lagos NURTW urges members to obtain voter’s cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kazeem Akande

 

 

 

The Lagos State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has urged its members to obtain or update their voter’s cards through the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the union, on Wednesday, held a sensitisation programme for hundreds of members at Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA, urging them to obtain Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).

 

Speaking at the event, the state chairman of the union, Alhaji Mustapha Sego, appealed to members in the LCDA to prioritise voter registration to enable them exercise their franchise during elections.

 

Sego, was represented by Alhaji Azeez Istijabah, Zonal Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN).

 

The chairman urged every member to actively engage in partisan politics and contribute to national development and unity.

“We have more than 5,000 members in Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA alone, which is why we are sensitising them to embrace the ongoing voter registration and participate actively in the general elections.

“The union plays a significant role in the state’s politics and we will not allow our members to ignore the ongoing registration exercise.

 

“The voter’s card is vital to national development, which is why we are preparing our members across the state to key into the exercise.

 

“We do not want any member at the motor parks without a PVC. That is why we are planning to embark on park-to-park sensitisation across the state,” he said.

 

The NURTW chieftain added that the registration exercise would be extended to motor parks to eliminate excuses from drivers and other members.

 

He also stated that any executive member without a PVC would be denied access to both weekly and monthly meetings.

 

“We believe in leadership by example. We must set a positive standard for our followers to emulate,” he said.

 

Mr Ganiyu Ayuba, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Alimosho Federal Constituency, in his remarks, thanked the NURTW for organising such a laudable enlightenment programme for its members.

 

Ayuba noted that by holding such an exercise, the union had made the work easier for both politicians and the government.

 

“We appreciate your efforts in organising this laudable programme for your members. It is quite encouraging and we hope other sectors will do the same,” he said.

 

Mr Kehinde Shobayo, Executive Vice-Chairman of Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA, also urged residents to embrace the ongoing CVR exercise and update their PVCs where necessary.

 

Mr Tajudeen Abdul-Ganiyu, a union member, appealed to the government to provide more polling units in the Kola Alagbado area, noting that residents trek long distances before casting their votes.

“At times, the long trek discourages many eligible voters because of the queues and the distance to polling units,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Chinyere Omeire

NIWA bans unauthorised boat loading, seeks passage of coastal guard law
General News

NIWA bans unauthorised boat loading, seeks passage of coastal guard law

By Diana Omueza

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has banned all unauthorised boat loading points across the country.

The authority also called for the passage of the Coastal Guards Bill to enhance water safety and curb boat mishaps.

Mr Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of NIWA, made this known in Abuja, at a news conference to address concerns surrounding boat mishaps.

Oyebamiji said that no commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA.

“It is mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of life jackets on the boats always.

“Every commercial passenger boat must properly display its Boat Name Letters and Load line, and all unlicensed boats and watercrafts are to be removed from the waterways,” he said.

Oyebamiji said that all unlicensed boat drivers and operators were banned from operating any boats or watercraft on waterways.

He reiterated NIWA’s commitment to safe waterways, especially through its continuous removal of aquatic waste, logs, wrecks and other impediments from waterways that could hinder safe navigation.

He said that NIWA had increased the number of its water marshals from 80 personnel to 350 personnel.

According to him, this is to ensure that safety tips are given to passengers before departure and to reinforce strict enforcement of the “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” regulations.

Oyebamiji said that passenger manifests had also been deployed to its area offices across the country to record passenger information at the recognised jetties and loading points for administrative purposes.

The NIWA boss said that the authority had installed marine navigational buoys and conducted hydrographic survey, as well as intensified training of boat operators.

He said that all these were to ensure safe water channels, safe navigations and to prevent boat mishaps and protect lives and properties.

He attributed the recent successful rescue of water accidents to the use of lifejackets and the reactivated rescue teams and stations which had improved emergency response time to less than 30 minutes.

He, however, stressed the need for the establishment of a coastal guard law to improve and enhance monitoring of waterways and rapid response to accidents and mishaps.

“Based on the innovations and renewed commitment to our mandates, NIWA has reduced the rate of accidents and deaths on the inland waterways by more than 70 per cent compared to the previous years.

“But we can do more if the proposed Coastal Guards for Inland Waterways is established and operational.

“The authority believes that an important operational tool, such as the Coastal Guards, will go a long way in strengthening its enforcement drive for better results,” he said.

The NIWA boss said that plans were underway to collaborate with the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy, particularly as it relates to the enforcement of the ban on overloading and night sailing.

He called for collaborations with riverine state governments on safety campaigns, training of boat operators and drivers, procurement and distribution of life jackets, provision of landing platforms and deployment of modern passenger ferries.

He said that NIWA would continue to engage with the subnationals, particularly in the area of training for boat operators, safety awareness, and provision of worthy passenger ferries.

He commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his continuous support in strengthening the capacities of NIWA and enhancing safety in waterways across the country for the benefit of Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Kadiri Abdulrahman

NEITI tasks CSOs on governance reforms
General News

NEITI tasks CSOs on governance reforms

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to redefine their roles under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

It called on them to embrace stronger, knowledge-driven leadership in governance reforms.

Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, made the call during a visit to the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani, in Abuja.

Orji said civil society must move beyond routine advocacy to become solution providers in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

“Civil society has been the conscience of the EITI process, demanding disclosures and defending civic space. But the future demands more,” he said.

According to him, the new agenda requires civil society to lead in energy transition accountability by developing scorecards to track government and company commitments, while shaping community transition plans to ensure no one is left behind.

He stressed that CSOs must go beyond demanding contract and beneficial ownership disclosures to analysing them, interpreting risks, and distilling lessons for policy and citizens.

“It calls for more engagement on resource mobilisation and fiscal justice, providing alternative policy options on revenue, subsidy reforms, debt sustainability, and equitable development.

“It calls for vigilance in curbing illicit financial flows, building civic observatories, and collaborating with investigative journalists, financial intelligence units, and global watchdogs,” Orji added.

The NEITI boss also disclosed that the agency had signed MoUs with the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU, while finalising partnerships with the National Bureau of Statistics and NNPC Ltd.

He noted that these linkages were creating more platforms for civil society engagement.

He further revealed that NEITI’s 2024 industry reports on oil, gas, and solid minerals would be released before the end of 2025.

Orji urged CISLAC to expand its civic bulletins into peer-reviewed scholarly publications that would strengthen research, teaching, and global thought leadership in extractive governance.

He pledged NEITI’s commitment to maintaining an open civic space and working with civil society partners to chart a new reform path.

In his remarks, CISLAC Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, outlined the visit as a reaffirmation of both organisations’ shared commitment to reforms in the extractive sector.

He recalled the role civil society played in pushing for Nigeria’s adoption of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2003, which later culminated in the enactment of the NEITI Act 2007.

According to him, this milestone positioned Nigeria as the first country to formally implement EITI, embedding transparency in resource governance.

Rafsanjani noted that CISLAC and NEITI had worked closely over the years on policy dialogues, awareness campaigns, host community engagements, and advocacy on beneficial ownership transparency.

He said NEITI’s work had exposed critical governance gaps, saved Nigeria billions of naira, and informed vital policy decisions.

“As Nigeria faces challenges of dwindling oil revenues, energy transition, and governance risks in the solid minerals sector, our collaboration becomes even more urgent.

“The true wealth of a nation lies not in its resources, but in how those resources are managed and shared,” Rafsanjani said.

He called for stronger use of NEITI’s audit reports to drive accountability, greater legislative advocacy, capacity building for journalists and civil society, and protection of civic space in extractive governance.

The CISLAC chief assured NEITI of the organisation’s readiness to continue working as “a watchdog and amplifier” of reforms in the sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Tinubu hails ICRC boss Ewalefoh at 50, lauds PPP reforms
General News

Tinubu hails ICRC boss Ewalefoh at 50, lauds PPP reforms

By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), on his 50th birthday.

‎Tinubu praised Ewalefoh for his pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure development through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

‎The President’s message is contained in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.

‎“The President commended Ewalefoh’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).”

‎Tinubu noted that under Ewalefoh’s leadership, the ICRC has strengthened regulatory oversight and improved project transparency across the PPP framework.

‎He said the commission’s work is now closely aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda through bold and sustainable reforms.

‎“The President recalls that the PPP Summit convened by the ICRC in June, which he had the honour of declaring open, has restored confidence and provided fresh momentum for PPP-driven growth.”

‎Tinubu wished the ICRC boss continued strength, wisdom, and success in national service.

‎He also urged Ewalefoh to remain steadfast in delivering world-class infrastructure that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Nigeria’s economic fortunes depend on data-backed reforms-Afrinvest MD
Economy/Business , General News

Nigeria’s economic fortunes depend on data-backed reforms-Afrinvest MD

 

 

 

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa

An Investment banking group, Afrinvest, has called for research-driven reforms to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential beyond the trillion-dollar gross domestic product milestone.

Its Managing Director, Dr Ike Chioke, made call at the company’s 30th anniversary celebration and the unveiling of the 20th edition of its flagship Banking Sector Report (BSR) on Tuesday in Lagos.

The theme of the report is “ACT-BOLD: Beyond a Trillion-Dollar Economy”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the report outlines seven priority sectors, agriculture, creatives/tourism and hospitality, technology, banking & finance, oil and gas, logistics, and domestic manufacturing, as accelerators of growth that can reposition Nigeria as a globally competitive economy.

Chioke said the company’ 30-year journey had been about producing ideas that shape policy and guide stakeholders through economic turbulence.

“Our research has consistently shown that Nigeria’s fortunes are inseparable from global tides.

“From the banking reforms of the early 2000s, to the 2008 financial crisis, the 2016 recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen that clarity, innovation, and bold action remain the most reliable drivers of recovery and growth,” Chioke said.

He noted that past editions of the BSR had spotlighted critical turning points.

He said this includes the 2009 banking sector collapse, the 2017 recovery phase titled “Nigeria Reopens for Business”, and the 2022 warning, “Brace for Impact,” which foreshadowed subsidy and FX reforms later implemented by President Bola Tinubu.

“This 20th edition is both a call to action and a framework for Nigeria’s future.

“If we harness these seven industries strategically, Nigeria can move beyond short-term fixes and position itself as a trillion-dollar-plus economy, just like India and Indonesia have done,” Chioke added.

The event drew policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, who praised Afrinvest’s consistency in providing research-driven solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Also, Chairman of Afrinvest, Mr Godwin Obaseki, represented by Prof. Osita Ogbu, Development Economist and former presidential Economic Adviser, said the company’s three-decade journey reflected a legacy of resilience, innovation, and transformative impact in Nigeria’s financial markets.

According to him, the company has not only facilitated landmark acquisitions but also built innovative investment instruments that continue to redefine access to opportunities for clients.

He highlighted some of Afrinvest’s landmark transactions to include the UBA and Standard Trust Bank merger in 2004, the 350 million eurobond issued by GTBank in 2007, and Dangote Cement’s N2.1 trillion listing in 2010, the largest in the history of the Nigerian Exchange.

“Our legacy is not just in numbers but in impact. We have supported governments, facilitated investments that built infrastructure, and contributed to the growth of international markets.

“With courage, clarity, and creativity, Afrinvest is ready for the next chapter, confident that together, we can go beyond limits,” the chairman added.

NAN reports that the event drew regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders, who commended the company for three decades of thought leadership and its solution-driven approach to the nation’s economic transformation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Why Nigeria suspended raw shea exports -FG
General News

Why Nigeria suspended raw shea exports -FG

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation,  Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the recent temporary ban of raw shea exports by President Bola Tinubu, is to position the country as a global leader in the shea economy.
Idris said this at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference in Minna, Niger.
This is contained in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
Idris was represented at the event by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
According  to him, President  Tinubu’s recent temporary suspension of raw shea exports is not a mere policy experiment, but a bold and forward-looking measure aimed at unlocking the full potential of our rural economy.
“By insisting that more of our shea be processed locally, the president  is ensuring that Nigeria, which accounts for over 50 per cent of the world’s shea production, does not remain a supplier of raw materials, but becomes a global leader in high-value shea products.
“Niger State, the hub of shea production in Nigeria, stands to benefit tremendously from this transformative initiative.
“This decisive step will stimulate local investment, drive technology transfer and accelerate the development of processing capacity.
“It will also bring about the creation of quality jobs for our youth and women in rural communities, boost foreign exchange earnings and deepen Nigeria’s participation in the global value chains,” he said.
He also commended the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) for embracing the President’s vision, adding that the Federal Government was providing the enabling environment to make it a reality.
According to the minister, the policy on shea is a critical plank of the president’s  broader economic renewal drive, rooted in accountability, national re-orientation and inclusivity.
Idris said accountability remained the cornerstone of every thriving society and to unlock Nigeria’s future, citizens must collectively commit to doing things differently by living by the right values.
“They should also hold institutions accountable and putting Nigeria first in all their actions.”
The information minister also highlighted the ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, encompassing fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, digital transformation and youth empowerment.
He said the construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal superhighway, the Badagry–Sokoto superhighway, the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor and the establishment of Regional Development Commissions, among others, demonstrated equitable distribution of resources, guided by fairness and accountability under the present administration.
“It is worthy to mention that the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry super high way, which is one of the four legacy projects of the president, will pass through several states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos.
“About 125 kilometres, will be constructed within Niger state,” he said.
Idris noted that the Federal Government was  leveraging tools like the Treasury Single Account and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) to tighten controls, reduce leakages and restore discipline in how national resources were being managed.
According to him, Nigeria’s sustained improvement in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, moving from 145th position in 2023 to 140th in 2024, is not a fluke.
“It is the result of the diligent implementation of key policies that blocked leakages and promoted accountability and transparency. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Maureen Atuonwu
CITM hails FG’s 2025 surplus, urges restraint on borrowing
General News

CITM hails FG’s 2025 surplus, urges restraint on borrowing

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (CITM) has commended the Federal Government for projecting a revenue surplus in 2025.

Mr Olumide Adedoyin, Registrar of CITM, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the surplus was an opportunity to finance development without resorting to additional borrowing.

“The 2025 revenue surplus should be seen as a golden opportunity to fund transition without falling back into debilitating debt.

“The government is right to celebrate improved revenue, as it remains the primary tool to escape the debt trap.

“However, caution is the necessary counterbalance, stressing that the current debt level is unsustainable and threatens the nation’s economic future,” Adedoyin said.

He, however, advised the Federal Government against embarking on fresh borrowing, warning that it could plunge the country into deeper debt distress.

Adedoyin said any new borrowing must be tied strictly to critical, revenue-generating infrastructure projects.

Such borrowing, he added, should be secured only on highly concessional terms of low interest rates and long repayment periods, preferably from multilateral lenders.

“As at mid-2024, Nigeria’s debt profile is marked by rapid growth, a changing composition, and significant fiscal pressures,” he said.

The registrar stressed that the way forward was not through additional borrowing but through radical fiscal discipline, aggressive revenue mobilisation, and prudent debt management.

He added that government must also create an enabling environment where the private sector could drive sustainable economic growth.

To expand revenue, Adedoyin called for widening of the tax net by systematically bringing millions of informal businesses and high-net-worth individuals into the system through technology and data-driven measures.

He noted that taxation should focus more on wealth and consumption, not just income, while non-oil revenue sources such as solid minerals, agriculture and the digital economy must be prioritised to boost exports and tax inflows.

Adedoyin further urged government to ensure that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. remits its full obligations to the Federation Account, saying transparency in the oil sector was non-negotiable.

On debt restructuring, he advised proactive engagement with bilateral and commercial creditors to extend repayment periods and reduce interest rates in order to ease annual debt-servicing pressure.

He also called for drastic cuts in waste, corruption and the high cost of governance, urging the merger of redundant agencies and strict enforcement of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

According to him, savings from the removal of fuel subsidy must be channelled transparently into productive investments and targeted social safety nets, not absorbed into recurrent spending. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

First lady urges scholarship beneficiaries to build skills beyond classrooms
General News

First lady urges scholarship beneficiaries to build skills beyond classrooms

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole/ Joan Nwagwu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged scholarship beneficiaries to develop skills beyond classrooms, urging that academic excellence must be complemented with practical knowledge for national development.

She gave the advice during the National Scholarship Programme (NASP) Tertiary Education: Mid-Term Assessment and Interactive Session with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Scholars in Abuja on Tuesday.

Tinubu said education funding must go beyond financial aid, stressing that students should cultivate extra skills and income streams to secure their future.

According to her, scholarships are not just about numbers but about building lives with meaning, hence beneficiaries must remain resourceful and resilient even after graduation.

“We cannot start a scholarship scheme and then abandon it midway. It is not about numbers; it is about raising good students we can mentor.”

According to her, the money given is a lot, but that does not mean you should fold your arms. Add to it, acquire skills, earn extra, and think outside the box,”she said.

Tinubu further encouraged students not to despise humble beginnings.

“Even if you start small, it is a business. Do not be ashamed. Rise up and do something extra. What we work for, we appreciate more,” she said.

The first lady announced that over 5,500 students had benefitted, with an additional 1,500 laptops and a third tranche of funds approved for disbursement within the week.

She assured students that even if political circumstances change, the scholarship scheme would not be abandoned.

She therefore commended the Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Alausa and the Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA) Malam Kashifu Abdullahi for their support.

Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, in her goodwill message, praised the first lady’s foresight and motherly role in championing educational support for Nigerian youths.

Shettima recalled her personal commitment to mentoring over 200 girls in her state, explaining how an initial N5 million support inspired her to establish a learning centre.

She urged beneficiaries to embrace mentorship, discipline, and self-development, while also exploring opportunities like the National Student Loan to further their academic and professional growth.

Shettima also called on wives of governors to sustain collaboration to nurture a generation of responsible, skilled, and innovative leaders for Nigeria’s future.

The Wife of Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, also commended the scholarship scheme.

Uzodinma, also the National Secretary of RHI recalled that the scholarship scheme was launch on Aug. 26, 2023, with 47 indigent students awarded annual scholarships worth ₦1 billion for their entire study duration.

She noted that beneficiaries had received two tranches of funds in 2023 and 2024, maintaining the required GPA of 3.0 and above to remain eligible.

The governor’s wife announced that the third tranche of funds was being disbursed, alongside new laptops donated by the NITDA.

She expressed appreciation to NITDA for its consistent support and urged students to remain focused, resilient, and committed to excellence in their academic pursuits.

“We celebrate all our scholars for their dedication. Through this, we expand our shared commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education,” Uzodinma said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that new laptops and the sum of one million naira were present to the students. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

 

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West
General News

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West

FG

By Abbas Bamalli

The Federal Government says it has disbursed N2.086 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students of higher institutions across the North-West.

Alhaji Mukhtar Lawal-Tsagem, Director, National Orientation Agency, Katsina State Directorate, disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday, while highlighting the achievement of President Bola Tinubu.

Lawal-Tsagem, who disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation programme, said that the funds were disbursed to about 20,919 students of higher institutions across the North-West States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise, premised on the North-West milestones, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him, the Federal Government has made its presence felt at least in the zone at least in the areas of agriculture and security.

Lawal-Tsagem said,  “In Kebbi, wheat farmers in 12 local government areas were supported via the NAGAP programme.

”Ginger Farmers in Kaduna State received N1.6bn support.

“The N2bn Yawuri Water Scheme is one of the infrastructural projects of the Federal Government in the region.

“NELFUND programme where students of higher institutions in the country receive interest free loans that will help them pay school fees and cater for their studies needs.”

The director hinted that one of the major functions of the ministry was to keep the general public informed about the government programmes, activities and policies as well as mobilising them to support and appreciate the same.

Adamu Muhammed, a lecturer at the Department of Public Administration, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, in a paper presentation, said the region should continue to be grateful to the present administration for its laudable project.

“I want to call on them to cultivate goodwill with him and his government so that the region can continue to reap the benefits of this goodwill.

“Reaping the dividends of democracy and for them to also show competitive citizenship.

“It’s not every problem you run to the federal government, you have the local government, state assembly/National assembly members, and the states, but you cannot join your hands together and do it.

“And it is a problem. You have people representing the popular masses at the grassroots being given hundreds of millions every year and they are squandering the money doing nothing”, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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