News Agency of Nigeria
FCTA, UN Women train rural women on cassava processing, branding
Gender

FCTA, UN Women train rural women on cassava processing, branding

189 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the UN Women have begun the empowerment of more than 150 women on cassava processing and branding for the international market.

Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Benjamins-Laniyi explained that the empowerment was under the FCT’s “Ba Yunwa: Ba Fushi” economic empowerment project with support from UN Women.

Ba yunwa: Ba fushi is a hausa expression which means “no hunger: no anger”.

She said that the beneficiaries were drawn from Sheda community in Kwali Area Council of the territory, to improve agricultural businesses in rural communities.

She said that the empowerment programme, which began on July 9, was to harness Sheda women’s entrepreneurial skills in processing and branding of “akpu”, a local delicacy for the international market.

Akpu, also known as fufu, is a popular Nigerian food, particularly among the Igbo people and other groups in the South-South region.

It is made from fermented cassava and often enjoyed with various Nigerian soups.

She said that 50 women were already trained as part of FCTA’s commitment to strengthening women’s resilience, improving food security, and enhancing overall well-being of residents.

She explained that the project was designed to empower women, girls, and children in the FCT, particularly the Akpu Women’s Group in Kwali Area Council.

She added that the goal of the project was to strengthen women’s resilience, improve food security, and enhance the overall well-being of residents in the FCT.

“It was also designed to provide access to a reliable source of water for the Akpu Women’s Group through the provision of a borehole for the Akpu Agro-processing Zone.

“This will enable the women to have access to a reliable source of water, which is essential for their agricultural activities.

“It was equally meant to equip the women with the skills and knowledge they need to start and manage their own businesses through business entrepreneurship and empowerment training.

“The overall goal is to improve the economic well-being of the women and their families,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the project aligned with the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and sustainable development, a key part of the two-year celebration of renewed hope in the FCT.

She reiterated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s commitment to empower women across the six area councils of the territory, in line with President Bola Tinubu ‘s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

According to her, the women were being trained extensively to improve their cassava processing and branding skills.

“This will enable them to tap the potential of the international market.

“We are poised to strengthen women’s capacity in agricultural processing, improve food security and enhance the overall well-being of FCT residents.

“This we are doing through strategic empowerment of Sheda women engaged in processing of “akpu”, with improved skills, improved standards of hygiene, as well as branded packaging for export.”

The mandate secretary added that a work shed and a borehole were being constructed for the women to provide conducive working environment and water to support their processing businesses.

She thanked UN Women for the continued support and partnership to change the lot of women, girls and children in the FCT.

Also, the Head of UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs Beatrice Enyong, said that the empowerment sought to build women’s capacity towards enhancing food security in Nigeria.

Enyong, who was represented at the event by the acting Deputy Country Representative, Mrs Patience Ekeoba, said that the empowerment would address challenges faced by women in agro-entrepreneurship, income generation and self-sufficiency.

She commended the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for the bold initiative aimed at creating a community-driven solution for women, families and the local economy.

“This programme seeks to address several challenges in our community, such as lack of access to entrepreneurship training, low participation in economic activities and poor access to clean water and sanitation.

“Other challenges include limited skills for managing small businesses and the persistent burden for women to provide for their families with little structural support,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG trains FCT health managers on smart, data-driven operational plans  
Health

FG trains FCT health managers on smart, data-driven operational plans  

324 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has trained health leaders and managers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on development of smart, budget-linked and data-driven Annual Operational Plan (AOP).

The four-day training, which ended on Saturday in Abuja, was under the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NSHRII) leadership, health system strengthening and planning capacity development.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT HSES), said that the training marks a significant milestone toward the development of a data-driven and smart budget-linked 2026 AOP.

This, according to Fasawe, will align with FCT budget and enable administration to draw down on available funds from the Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs).

She explained that more than 70 senior health officials, programme managers and planning officers across the FCT, area councils, development and implementing partners participated in the four-day stepdown training.

She described the training as a “bold step” toward strengthening health systems and development of a budget-linked AOP that would align with government priorities for donors and development partners to key into.

Fasawe specifically urged development and implementing partners to align their plans and funding with the priorities and initiatives of the FCT Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB) and AOP.

Also, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu, the acting Director, Health Planning Research and Statistics, FCT HSES, said that the training was funded and facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Nwachuckwu, who is also the FCT SWAp Desk Officer, added that the training was conducted through the NHSRII and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordinating Office.

She added that the training, designed to address the capacity gap among health managers and leaders across the country, would impact the needed skills for the development of 2026 AOP from the HSSB.

“The plan is being designed to align with the FCT budget and strategically incorporate flagship initiatives such as the HOPE Health Agenda, HSSB and the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).

“This will be in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda under the NSHRII, HOPE Health and SWAp,” she said.

She said the participants were equipped with practical leadership, planning and governance tools to drive efficient health service delivery.

“The training equally prioritised evidence-based budgeting, results-oriented planning, and multi-stakeholder coordination, essential to system-wide accountability and impact,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants were trained on the principles and context of HSSB, SWAp, MAMII, HOPE Governance and HOPE Health.

The health managers’ capacities were built on health systems, frameworks and system thinking, HOPE disbursement- linked indicators, problem-solving tools and bottlenecks analysis.

Other areas included intervention prioritisation techniques in healthcare delivery, data literacy for decision-making and performance dialogue, monitoring evaluation, accountability, research and learning Plan and AOP development process.

The participants also went through hands-on training on the web-based AOP tool, leadership, team building and change management.

A core outcome of the workshop was the identification of critical health financing gaps in the FCT, especially in the areas of poor funding for health and absence of budget lines for monitoring and evaluation activities of the SDAs.

They also noted the challenge of funding for health at the area council level, including absence of budgetary provisions for critical programmes.

The participants urged development partners to align funding and programmes with government-led strategies and a joint planning and development of 2026 AOP to ensure donor inputs directly support FCT-specific health priorities.

Other recommendations included strengthening area council-level financing and the need for enhanced budget releases at the state and area council levels.

They also advocated increased domestic and donor resources for health system strengthening and increased health budgetary allocation in line with the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration of April 27, 2001. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

FCTA reinforces commitment to inclusive, effective healthcare mgt.
Health

FCTA reinforces commitment to inclusive, effective healthcare mgt.

231 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment towards a more accountable, inclusive, and effective health management for quality service delivery.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said this in Abuja on Wednesday during a capacity development training for health managers in FCT.

Fasawe explained that the training was initiated by the Federal Minister of Health and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office.

She said that the training was part of efforts at leadership health strengthening and planning towards a rational, realistic, pragmatic, and comprehensive plan that informs health budgets for FCT residents.

“This underscores a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient FCT, and one that can serve as a model for the nation and contribute to the National One Health conversation.

“The diverse and dynamic territory, where urban pressures meet rural realities, fragmented efforts and siloed planning can no longer support the scale of transformation we seek.

“The SWAp allows us to align donor resources, government policies, and community needs under one cohesive strategy, anchored in the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint.

“It’s about giving our system the structural backbone it needs: better coordination, data-driven decisions, local ownership, pooled funding, and results that speak to real improvements in people’s lives,” she said.

Fasawe stressed that the training marks the beginning of a movement toward more accountable, inclusive, and effective health management.

She added that the training would sharpen essential leadership and technical skills among health managers.

She identified the leadership and technical skills as strategic health planning with a systems lens, use of data to inform decision making, and participatory budgeting and equitable resource allocation

Other areas included monitoring and evaluation for service improvement, stakeholder engagement across sectors and communities, and the new digital Annual Operation Plan (AOP) tool.

“These tools will help us tackle unique challenges in the FCT, from improving referral systems across health facilities to expanding access in underserved settlements and enhancing digital health infrastructure.

“We are not alone in this endeavour. Our progress rests on strong partnerships among area councils, development partners, civil society, and you, our frontline health managers.

“Each of you brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment that will shape this transformation.

“Let this training be a place where ideas flourish, innovations are born, and networks are strengthened.

The mandate secretary said that the efforts would transform FCT to “where every health facility delivers quality care, every community feels heard, and every policymaker is guided by evidence and empathy.

“This is not a distant dream; it is a destination within reach, if we work together.

“Let today mark the beginning of a renewed journey – one of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to health for all,” she said.

Earlier, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu, the acting Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, FCT HSES, noted the challenges in the health sector, ranging from poor access to low human resources for health.

Nwachukwu, who is also the SWAp Coordinator, FCT HSES, added that other challenges included weak coordination and poor use of data to inform decision-making.

She described SWAp as a “management approach that aims to build a more cohesive, effective and sustainable health sector”.

She added that the Federal Government was implementing the approach to advance the National Health Act and associated reforms.

Also, the FCT Coordinator, WHO, Dr Kumshida Balami, said that the training was critical as Nigeria takes a transformation journey towards achieving universal health coverage

The workshop signifies a spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, and enhancing the planning process of AOP. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Firm empowers 250 youths in hospitality
Economy/Business

Firm empowers 250 youths in hospitality

209 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Diageo Nigeria, in partnership with Celebr-8 Lyfe and Lagos State Government, has launched a youth empowerment scheme under its flagship Learning for Life (L4L) programme.

The initiative targets 250 Nigerian youths, with special focus on women and People with Disability (PwD), to promote inclusion and economic empowerment.

Mr Adebayo Alli, Diageo Nigeria’s General Manager, confirmed this during the programme’s official launch and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing in Lagos on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU was signed with Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and other stakeholders to support the programme.

The agreement underscores a joint commitment to workforce development, gender inclusion, and sustainable employment in the hospitality industry.

Alli said the initiative would benefit 250 unemployed youths from disadvantaged backgrounds across Lagos State.

He explained that 60 per cent of participants would be female, while 10 per cent would be PwD.

He noted that the L4L 2025 edition marked the first rollout of the transformative initiative in Nigeria.

The programme aims to equip participants with practical skills, real-world experience, and job prospects in hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to Alli, this effort aligns with Diageo’s broader commitment to empowerment and sustainable development across Africa.

“We believe economic empowerment starts with opportunity.

“Through Learning for Life, we’re not just building hospitality careers, we’re sparking change that reaches families, communities, and Nigeria’s economy,” Alli said.

Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hailed the partnership as a model of effective public-private collaboration for social impact.

Sanwo-Olu was represented by Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment.

The governor said the programme specifically addressed unemployment and the need for relevant skills among young people.

He affirmed that women and PwD remain key priorities in the state’s developmental agenda and skills programmes.

Sanwo-Olu pledged to sponsor 250 additional beneficiaries in furtherance of the state’s youth development objectives.

“With youth forming over 60 per cent of our population, we must equip them with tools for global competitiveness,” he said.

He added that the initiative would enable them to contribute meaningfully to Lagos’ economic growth.

“The Learning for Life programme, covering hospitality, bartending, entrepreneurship and retail, is a vital milestone in that journey,” the governor stated.

He commended Diageo Nigeria for identifying the hospitality industry as a driver of inclusive economic empowerment.

Mr Shobhit Jindal, General Manager of Celebr-8 Lyfe, said empowerment should be practical, inclusive, and sustainable.

He noted that the programme goes beyond training, preparing young people to lead and innovate within the hospitality sector.

The L4L curriculum includes key modules such as business essentials, bar skills, teamwork, budgeting, and confidence building.

It also features training on social issues like gender and disability inclusion, sexual harassment prevention, and responsible drinking.

After a one-week classroom and online training phase, participants will enter an 11-week internship in top Lagos hospitality businesses.

These businesses include hotels, bars, restaurants, lounges, and airports, offering hands-on industry experience.

High-performing participants will be offered full-time roles upon completion of the programme.

All trainees will receive transport stipends and post-programme support via the Diageo Bar Academy platform.

Jindal said applications for the first cohort open on July 14 and close on July 28.

In-person training begins on Aug. 11, while internships run from 1 September to Nov. 17.

Successful candidates may receive job offers from mid-November onwards.

Interested applicants can apply via http://bit.ly/3G6557V and visit www.diageobaracademy.com for more details. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

COAS pledges to boost troops’ combat readiness through regular training
Defence/Security

COAS pledges to boost troops’ combat readiness through regular training

212 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged to conduct regular intensive training of troops to bolster their combat readiness for deployment to all manner of operations.

 

He made this known at the graduation ceremony of some troops at the end of their 21-week training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) on Saturday in Kontagora, Niger.

 

The training, tagged “Exercise Fast Bolt III,” was organised for troops of the Special Operations Battalion, designated as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion 10.

 

Oluyede, who said that the training was aimed at enhancing troops’ operational competence, reflected his command’s philosophy of prioritising combat readiness through consistency and standardised mission orientation.

 

He explained that the exercise was a vital platform for the army to sustain its personnel for deployment across various theatres of operations.

 

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSA YAMMA, Oluyede commended the troops for their outstanding performances.

 

He noted that their performances demonstrated and affirmed the effectiveness of the training approach.

 

The COAS added that the exercise was revitalised and conducted in double stream, and was extended from three to six months to deepen and enhance troops’ operational competence and tactical acumen.

 

Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, the Commander, NATRAC, in an address of welcome, congratulated the trainees for their perseverance, resilience and doggedness.

 

He said that the training was a mission-oriented initiative aimed at enhancing the operational competence of the troops.

 

Sokoya further explained that NATRAC was an elite training institution saddled with the responsibility of conducting realistic mission-specific training in various current and future operations.

 

He added that the training was to provide troops with requisite combat proficiency skills in support of the COAS’ command philosophy.

 

He enjoined the troops to apply what they had learned, going forward, adding that it would help the army to prepare personnel for deployment, and urged them to imbibe the spirit of warrior ethos that had been instilled in them.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also witnessed the promotion and decoration of Sgt. Joshua Danju, who rescued an armoured vehicle and other armaments during an attack at Kwana Dutse, to Staff Sergeant.

 

The event’s highlight included training review, tug-of-war, certificates presentation, tree planting, and inauguration of two newly constructed accommodation apartments to alleviate NATRAC’s accommodation challenges.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

FG trains workforce to strengthen social standards, tackle devt. gaps
General News

FG trains workforce to strengthen social standards, tackle devt. gaps

141 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government has commenced the training of its workforce to implement and upgrade social standards across various sectors.

The initiative is aimed at addressing weak compliance with social safeguards and bridging gaps in inclusive, rights-based development.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs (FMoWA), said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Social Standards Node training under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project.

The training, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is supported by the World Bank.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Mr Benjamin Okwesa, SPESSE Project Coordinator in the ministry, said the initiative would promote sustainable development, improve working conditions, and enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.

According to her, the Social Standards Node of the SPESSE project will enable the ministry and its implementing partners to address issues affecting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

“This is mainly due to the growing incidences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), communal clashes, displacement from ancestral homes, land acquisition issues, and poor labour and working conditions.

“All of which are among the social risks and impacts this project aims to tackle.

“These deficiencies have continued to negatively impact the development of affected communities, devastating individuals, families, and households, thereby affecting their overall physical, social, psychological, and economic well-being,” she added.

Reiterating the commitment of the involved ministries, the minister noted that the initiative would strengthen the capacities of staff and practitioners in the Procurement, Environment, and Social Standards (PES) sectors in Nigeria.

“The project is focused on developing academic and certification programmes to ensure that practitioners in the Social Development, Procurement, and Environment sectors, including graduates from the six established Centres of Excellence, meet global standards to improve service delivery,” she said.

She explained that the training, being conducted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), would provide participants with knowledge of short executive courses (Track A) and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

“Ultimately, the training will qualify participants for certification as Social Standards Professionals.”

She urged participants to take full advantage of the initiative to contribute to national development and address pressing social challenges.

Also speaking, Dr Joshua Attah, SPESSE Project Coordinator, represented by Mr Peter Tobrise, Project Management Officer at the National Universities Commission (NUC), emphasised the importance of the training in building workers’ capacity.

“This experience will broaden your horizon and enhance your ability to tackle real-world challenges in social safeguards.

“The success of this project depends largely on the commitment of participants here and beyond,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agency trains 86 journalists on effective GBV  reportage
General News

Agency trains 86 journalists on effective GBV  reportage

200 total views today

 

 

 

By Joy Akinsanya

 

The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has trained 86 journalists and media practitioners on effective reportage of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised by the Gender unit of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) on Thursday in Abeokuta.

 

The training had the theme: “Strengthen GBV Response Through Collaboration Learning and Safe Guarding Standard.”

 

Speaking at the training, the Project Coordinator of OGSTEP, Mrs Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, said it was organised to support the state’s efforts in addressing gender-based violence.

 

‘”As part of our programme intervention, we have gender mainstreaming across all our components and one of the areas we need support is to support the state in having a referral pathway for sexual assault incident.

 

“We have successfully done that, we have rehabilitated four sexual assault referral centres across the state.

 

“We have also equipped two of the centres to make sure survivors have a safe place to go to and where they can make their pains known.

 

“Also, we have staff that we have trained on how to handle survivors better and protect their dignity,” she said.

 

She, however, urged survivors to speak up and seek help, while emphasising that the state government has provided safe centres and trained personnel to protect their dignity.

 

Mrs Oluwatoyin Orelaja, a facilitator, who spoke on Understanding Trauma, Violence and Survivor interviewing, said that journalists need a solid understanding of what constitutes GBV, its various forms, and the impact on survivors.

 

Orelaja also emphasised the importance of putting the survivor’s needs first to avoid traumatisation.

 

She stressed the need for journalists to be sensitive in their choice of words and protection of survivors identity while reporting.

 

Another speaker, Mrs Ewajesus Fasina, a gender specialist for OGSTEP, said the media has the power to shape public opinion and influence outcomes through their reporting.

 

Fasina disclosed that 28 per cent of Nigerian women aged 25 to 29 had experienced some form of physical violence at age 15.

 

She noted that many survivors refused to speak out due to stigmatisation that comes from disclosure of identity by law enforcers.

 

“Journalists have the ability to cover various angles of a story, including health, security, and legal aspects, which is vital in the context of GBV.

 

“Without the journalists, it’s impossible to win the war against gender-based violence,” she said.

 

She said journalists should be more focused on the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act to back up their reports.

 

A legal practitioner, Mr Damola Lapite, who spoke on Legal Framework for GBV Response: Reporting, Persecution and Survivors’ Rights, emphasised the need for confidentiality and consent to avoid traumatising survivors.

Lapite noted that journalists must maintain confidentiality and obtain consent from survivors before reporting on GBV cases.

 

He enjoined journalists to always report accurate, fair and equity stories on Gender- Based Violence.

 

One of the participants, Mr Akeem Adegbenro, commended OGSTEP for the training, saying that it has given him a deep insight on how to report GBV effectively.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Soldiers must remain mission-ready at all times – Commander
Defence/Security

Soldiers must remain mission-ready at all times – Commander

202 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQGARR), Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to maintain mission ready soldiers at all times through continuous training.

Dangana stated this at the closing of the AHGARR Warrant a officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2025, on Friday in Abuja.

He said the competition underscored the importance of the senior non-commissioned officers to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army.

He commended the participants for the display of precision during the drill competition, the skill and marksmanship at the shooting range, and the tactical awareness during navigation exercises.

The commander also hailed them for the strength and endurance shown in swimming, obstacle crossing, and combat race.

According to him, these activities mirror real battlefield scenarios and are essential in preparing our soldiers to remain mission-ready at all times.

“From what I have seen and witnessed today, and of course, over the few days of this competition, there is no doubt that the competition has actually achieved a purpose for which it was meant.

“The competition is actually in line with the Chief of Army Staff Command philosophy, which is the consolidation of the transformation of Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

“The participants completed drill competitions, shooting, navigation, swimming, and combat races, which concluded today and this morning with obstacle crossing.

“These are not mere competitive exercises, they are the core of our soldiering ethos, representing the skills, discipline, endurance, and mental alertness that define the strength and reliability of our armed forces,” he said.

The Commander said the senior non-commissioned officer had demonstrated exceptional level of commitment, resilience, teamwork, and regimentation throughout the event.

He said their efforts had strengthened the bond within the garrison and reinforced the vital role they play in upholding standards, enforcing discipline, and mentoring young soldiers.

Dangana urged all competitors to carry forward the lessons learned, continue to build on them, and remain worthy role models for the soldiers under their command.

He congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance and congratulated others not to relapse, but to work harder for future competitions.

“Let us remember that the goal is not only to win trophies, but to build capacity, promote esprit de corps, and improve the readiness of our troops for any eventuality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition commenced on Monday with three teams drawn from AHQ Garrison area of responsibility.

At the end of the competition, Team Alpha (A) emerged overall winner with 380 points, Team Charlie (C) came second with 280 points, while Team Bravo (B) came third with 180 points. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

GetBundi announces 0,000 tech scholarship for African women
General News

GetBundi announces $250,000 tech scholarship for African women

237 total views today

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa

The GetBundi Education Foundation has introduced a digital skills programme that offers a 250,000 dollars scholarship fund for women.

The programme, tagged,  “TechSis 2025”, is expected to train 1,500 African women in Data Analytics and Cybersecurity – completely free of charge.

A statement by Mr Osita Oparaugo, Founder of Getbundi, a digital education platform, indicated that TechSis, currently in its third edition, is designed to empower young African women with the digital competencies needed to thrive in the global tech industry.

He said that application forms were available and urged upcoming women to apply for an opportunity to participate in the programme.

“The fully virtual, intensive four-month training programme is open to women of African descent between the ages of 19 and 40, regardless of location, who are committed to transitioning into the tech sector.

“Building on the success and insights from TechSis 2023 and 2024, we are scaling our efforts to meet the growing demand for digital inclusion,” Oparaugo said.

He said that the goal was to equip African women with the digital skills they need to drive innovation and economic empowerment across the continent.

“The TechSis initiative was launched in 2023 as a bold response to the digital gender divide in Africa.

“In its inaugural year, 500 women were trained in coding. By 2024, the programme scaled up to train 1,000 women in web development and data analytics.

“With TechSis 2025, GetBundi aims to deliver high-impact, future-proof training to 1,500 more women, targeting two of the most in-demand digital fields globally.

“Digital exclusion disproportionately affects women across Africa; through TechSis, we are not only offering skills, but creating pathways for women to enter and lead in tech, shape innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive digital economy,” he said.

He explained that courses offered – Data Analytics and Cybersecurity – would run fully online via live classes, self-paced modules, hands-on projects, examinations and certification.

Urging applicants to visit www.getbundi.com, he explained that TechSis initiative is part of the GetBundi Education Foundation’s broader mission to provide accessible, high-quality STEM digital skills training to African learners.

“As the Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) arm of GetBundi Education Technology, the foundation is dedicated to promoting equity, inclusion and opportunity through technology education,” he said.

The innovative edtech platform offers STEM education to post-primary school students, digital literacy training, and digital skills development to adult learners across Africa. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

NTI mulls 774 study centres
Education

NTI mulls 774 study centres

508 total views today

By Moses Kolo

The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) plans to establish study centres in the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Its Director/Chief Executive, Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

She said the study centres would be fully equipped and staffed to enhance its operations, as part of efforts to make its services accessible to Nigerians irrespective of their places of domicile.

“Already, we have state-of-the-art zonal and state centres, and we will leverage on this feat to make the planned LGA centres to succeed,” she said.

According to Sani-Daura, the institute is fully committed to ensuring that Nigerian teachers upgrade their capacities.

”Everybody can update and improve his or her capacity. We are out to ensure that Nigerian teachers achieve this in no distant time.”

This, she said, was extremely imperative so that teachers would not lag behind, and make them to be in tune with extant global trends in teaching and learning.

Sani-Daura highlighted that the world has moved on, leveraging on emerging technologies, new teaching and learning methods, hence teachers in Nigeria must urgently catch up with the world.

She reiterated commitment to transform the NTI into a world-class teacher training institution in line with its statutory mandates.

The director said the institute had commenced the award of Degrees, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Education in affiliation with universities like ABU Zaria, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, University of Maiduguri and the Nmadi Azikiwe University, among others.

Sani-Daura stressed that education is critical to providing plausible solutions to the problems bedevilling Nigeria.

“Yes, with proper attention given to the education sector at all levels, we will get solutions to all our problems including crimes and criminality.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email