News

NDE Trains, Empowers 50 Unemployed Youth With N2.5m In Bauchi

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2024

Editor

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has trained and empowered 50 unemployed youth with N2.5 million under its 2023 Community-Based Agricultural Empowerment Scheme (CBAES) in Bauchi state.

The Director General (DG) of NDE, Alhaji Nuhu Fikpo disclosed this in Bauchi on Tuesday during the flagging-off ceremony of the orientation for the beneficiaries.

Fikpo, who was represented by the State Coordinator of NDE, Mr Lawan Yaya, said the beneficiaries were selected across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

According to him, the beneficiaries were effectively trained under the 2023 Community-Based Agricultural Empowerment Scheme of the NDE.

He added that each of the 50 beneficiaries would be given a loan of N50,000 to set up and manage small scale farm enterprises in their chosen areas of interest.

The DG said that this would enable them to become self-reliant, create wealth and generate employment opportunities for others.

Fikpo also explained that the programme was taking place across 12 states of the federation.

“The Rural Employment Promotion Department, through its strategy of training in modern Agricultural skills and empowerment in agribusiness engagements, is one of the core programme departments.

“The department is saddled with the responsibility of generating employment opportunities in the agricultural sector for the unemployed youths in Nigeria.

“The programme trains unemployed youths in the agricultural value chain of activities such as production, storage, processing, preservation, packaging, including off-farm activities, innovative and technological driven skills in the agricultural sector.

“The implementation of the Community-Based Agricultural Empowerment Scheme would not have been possible without the support and approval of the NDE Supervising Minister, Minister of State Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha,” he said.

The DG also said that the beneficiaries had been adequately trained in modern agriculture and life skills to be able to overcome the challenges of their immediate environment.

He urged them to utilise the gesture to succeed as agric entrepreneurs.

One of the beneficiaries, Isa Garba, who spoke on behalf of others, lauded the Federal Government and NDE for the kind gesture, and promised to make effective use of the loan for the purpose it was meant for.

The loan repayment would commence after six months and it would be repaid for a period of 3 years.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

55 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.