News

Skills Acquisition: NDE Inducts 400 Women In Bauchi

Published

6 years ago

March 3, 2020

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has inducted 400 women across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State for a three months training on different entrepreneurship and skills acquisitions in the state.

The beneficiaries were inducted under the Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS) in the Vocational Skills Department Programme of the NDE.

The beneficiaries included, tailoring, hairdressing, cosmetology, bead stringing, tie and dye among other trades peculiar to women.

Speaking during the Orientation programme for the beneficiaries in Bauchi on Tuesday, Ladan Argungu, the Director-General, NDE, said the training was part of the agency’s mandate of recruiting 20 people per LG in the 774 LGAs in the country and effectively trained them in different entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.

He said one of the reasons for the training was because the Federal Government recognized the untiring efforts of women in going out to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari during the last election, hence the special attention on training women on how to be employers of labour.

Argungu, who was represented by Malam Lawan Yaya, Bauchi State Coordinator of NDE, revealed that another reason behind the training was because, when a woman is empowered, the whole community is equally empowered.

“It’s not as if we don’t have men in Bauchi, but empowering a woman, is empowering the whole nation.

Lawani Yaya, Bauchi State coordinator of NDE, representing the Director-General, NDE.

“Once you give a woman education, you are giving the whole of that community the same education and that is why we are starting the training of women before that of men.

“Therefore, I would like to congratulate all the women here today for this opportunity and victory,” said the D-G.

He explained that skills acquisition programme is the most important scheme that one can give to a woman, adding that if a woman has a trade, she would be able to cater for herself, her children and the immediate community without intimidation.

In his speech, Mr Yakubu Manni, Director, Vocational Skills Development Department, NDE Headquarters who was represented by Mr Ibrahim Haroon, an NDE official, National headquarters, said as water is essential to human lives, so also is skills acquisition programmes.

He urged the participants to make effective use of the opportunity given to them in order to add value to their lives and become employers of labour.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Khadijat Ibrahim, appreciated the Federal Government and NDE for coming up with the laudable programme, adding that they would all commit themselves into acquiring their desired skills.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.