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Ogun To Give N500,000, N10m Grants, Others To Business-oriented Youths

Published

12 months ago

August 13, 2024

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, disclosed that his administration is set to offer business-oriented youths in the state grants ranging from N500,000 to N10 million under the Ogun Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Programme.

Abiodun stated that the grants will commence during the next phase of OGYES, which will soon be relaunched.

He said that the initiative would offer unemployed youth and women a wide range of opportunities and provide the beneficiaries with the cash they need to expand their businesses. He added that other youths would have access to interest-free digital loans.

The governor made this known during the Remo International Youth Day, with the theme ‘Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health,’ held at the Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu-Remo.

Abiodun also disclosed that more youths would be trained in the area of Digital Training Enterprises and added that technical and vocational training would also be provided for other youths in the state.

He said: “The Ogun Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Scheme that we will be launching in the next two weeks aims to do a few things; it is a programme directed at our Ogun State youths.

“We will identify, through a process, our young men and women who are entrepreneurs—those who have a flair for starting their own businesses or those who are already engaged in various businesses. We will support them with various grants.

“We will give them grants that will start from N500,000 to N10 million. This will allow them to have the cash they need to expand their businesses and provide cash flow for them. Others will have access to interest-free digital loans. All this we are unveiling in the next few weeks.

“We will also be training others in what we call Digital Training Enterprises—those who have a flair for ICT, those who want to improve their digital skills, and those who can become social media influencers and marketers.

“We will also be providing technical and vocational training. This is very important because today, Ogun State is a massive construction site. We will be training our youth to become construction experts and contractors—those who will have the zeal for building, painting, welding, and many other skills.”

The governor stated that his administration had concluded arrangements to introduce the Ogun Youth Agricultural Programme. He said that the state would replicate the Soilless Farm Lab currently in operation in Awowo, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the Ogun Youth Agricultural Programme would commence in Remoland, adding that the farm would be training 2,000 youths every three months and have 8,000 youths trained in Soilless Farm Lab technology yearly

The governor also promised that his administration would continue to ensure the development of the state, disclosing that he would join others to harvest the rice that was planted in the last three months in the state.

He said, “We started planting rice three months ago. That rice is due for harvesting this week. That means we can plant that rice four times a year.

“We must acknowledge that the future health and prosperity of our community depend on the active participation of young people like you.

“Our food systems are at a pivotal juncture, and the importance of a robust food system cannot be overstated—it impacts our health, environment, and economy. As we confront issues such as climate change, food shortages, and health crises, it is clear that innovative solutions prioritizing human and planetary health are essential.”

Speaking on the occasion, the Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Onirolu of Irolu, Oba Sikiru Adeyiga, called on the youths of Remoland to work hard and not allow laziness to take charge of their lives.

He also called on the state government to help youths in the state who are interested in agriculture with tractors.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, noted that the summit was designed to make a significant impact on the lives of youths in Remoland.

He acknowledged the Remo Growth and Development Foundation for the programme, which he said not only fostered dialogue but also served as an action and opportunity to gather data for policymaking.

The Chairman of the Remo Youth Association, Bidemi Solarin, called on the government at all levels to create avenues for youths to thrive in the agricultural sector and commended Abiodun for creating a ministry for the development of youths in the state.

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JUST IN: Ibom Air Passenger Breaks Silence After Release

Published

7 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

An Ibom Air passenger who was recently released from custody, Comfort Emmanson, has taken to social media to thank her supporters and describe her post-release condition.

In a statement posted on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Emmanson (#soft_commy), said she is still “in pains due to how I was treated” and requires medical attention before she can share her full account of the incident.

She also maintained that she needed some rest and medical treatment before she could give out her side of the story.

The statement comes after a widely publicised dispute between Emmanson and the airline, which reportedly led to her arrest and detention.

While details of the original altercation remain a subject of debate, the passenger’s latest post focuses on the physical and emotional toll of her time in custody.

The full statement from her Instagram page reads, “Thank you so much for the prayers, love and support. I’ve been released from the prison, but I’m still in pains due to how I was treated.

“I just need some rest and medical treatment before I give out my own version of the event. Thank you so much, my lovely friends and supporters. I really appreciate y’all from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all. Thank you, my great God!!!”

The airline has not yet issued a public response to Emmanson’s latest post, but earlier statements from Ibom Air confirmed a customer service incident had taken place and was being handled internally.

The airline’s management has previously maintained that the well-being of all passengers and staff is a top priority.

Emmanson’s post has garnered thousands of likes and comments, with supporters offering words of encouragement and demanding an official investigation into her treatment while in custody. The public now awaits her full account of the events that led to the dispute and her subsequent arrest.

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UNIBEN School of Dentistry Holds Free Oral Health Outreach, Unveils Remodeled Dental Clinic On Campus

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Dean, School of Dentistry, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof.(Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Wednesday flagged-off the institution’s School of Dentistry free Oral Health Outreach and treatment programme, tagged” Operation Know Your Oral Health Status and Take Control of your General Health “.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who is the Chief Medical Director (CMD) designate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) said the exercise was to herald the 10th Distinguished Lecture Series and the Annual Scientific Conference of the University of Benin School of Dentistry in collaboration with the Department of Community Dental Health , the department of Periodontics and the UNIBEN Health Centre Dental.

Prof Ize-Iyamu also performed the
Commissioning of the Renovated and fully equipped dental clinic in UNIBEN donated by the family of Dr. Victor Ovbiagele of blessed memory.

She noted that the University of Benin School of Dentistry is committed to educating the people on the many benefits of oral health hygiene.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu hailed the visionary leadership of the University of Benin Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie for investing and improving the physical facilities, equipment, and remodeling of the institution’s health centre .

Prof. Ize-Iyamu pledged her commitment to enhance quality of care by ensuring that healthcare services are delivered to a high standard, with skilled personnel and adherence to best practices.

“We are giving back to the society by way of this free Oral Health Outreach and treatment programme. Our Vice-Chancellor’s mandate is to ensure staff and students’ welfare .This event is in commemoration of 10th public lecture series and our School of Dentistry Annual Scientific Conference .”She said.

While commissioning the UNIBEN dental clinic, Prof. Ize-Iyamu charged alumni to pick a project as part of their contribution to their Alma mater.

She expressed appreciation to the Ovbiagele family for the renovation of the dental clinic, saying the family of Dr Victor Ovbiagele have etched their name in gold as a result of the donation of the dental clinic.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Benin Prof. Christopher Osubor, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof . Edoba Omoregie said the university community is proud to identify with the school of dentistry for organizing the free dental care and treatment outreach for staff and students.

The DVC described the renovated and fully equipped dental clinic in UNIBEN as a world-class healthcare facility.

In his remark, Dean Faculty of Law (UNIBEN) Prof. Bright Bazuaye expressed his appreciation to the dean of the school of Dentistry (UNIBEN), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN) for extending the free dental care gesture to staff and students of the faculty of law.

On his part, Chairman Local Organizing Committee (LOC), School of Dentistry free Oral Health Outreach and treatment, Dr. Philip Ogordi said over 150 staff and students of the UNIBEN faculty of Law benefited in the exercise aimed at ensuring staff and students’ wellbeing in terms of oral health hygiene.

Ogordi said the free dental health care treatment is in line with the mandate of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN) vision to promote the overall well-being of staff and students on campus.

Ohioma Ovbiagele, son of the Late Edo Commissioner of Health, who spoke on behalf of the Ovbiagele family, said that the renovated and fully equipped dental clinic is in commemoration of the 20 years remembrance of their patriarch, Late Dr. Victor Oamien Ovbiagele .

Personalities at the event include Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Justice Roland Amaize (rtd), Dr. Dan Aigbavboa, Ven. David Egbenusi, Prof. Wilson Sadoh, Prof. Osawe Omoregie, Prof. Joan Enabulele and Mrs Rosemary Ovbiagele, matriarch of the family of the former Edo Commissioner of Health, Dr. Victor Ovbiagele of blessed memory and donor of the renovated dental clinic at UNIBEN among others.

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FG Gives KWAM 1 Aviation Appointment, After Airport Incident

Published

4 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
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‎This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
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‎Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.
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‎The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will lead the engagement process.

READ ALSO:Man Jailed For Cybercrime, Forfeits Cars, Land, $42,000 To FG
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‎”The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
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‎”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.
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‎The minister added that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
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‎Keyamo also revealed that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste.

READ ALSO:NCAA Stops Fuji Star K1 De Ultimate From Flying For Six Months
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‎The development comes days after the musician apologised to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.
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‎The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.
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‎On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.

READ ALSO: Air Peace Jet Hits Antelope At Asaba Airport, NCAA Reacts
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He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.
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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority described the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while filing a criminal complaint with the police.