Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • NEM Insurance unveils “She Means Business 3.0″ to empower female entrepreneurs

    NEM Insurance unveils “She Means Business 3.0″ to empower female entrepreneurs

    By Taiye Olayemi

    NEM Insurance Plc has unveiled the third edition of its flagship women-focused empowerment initiative, tagged ‘She Means Business 3.0”, aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

    The General Manager, Corporate Services at NEM Insurance, Mojisola Teluwo, in a statement on Wednesday, said the initiative was part of the company’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and deepening financial inclusion among women.

    Teluwo said that the entry window opened on Feb. 16 and would close on Feb. 28 as she urged interested participants to adhere strictly to the timeline.

    She explained that three outstanding female entrepreneurs would be selected to receive a cash grant of N250,000 each to scale up their business operations.

    According to her, the contest was a strategic response to the need for grassroots economic empowerment.

    “At NEM Insurance, our mission extends beyond providing insurance products; we are deeply interested in the growth of the communities we serve.

    “The ‘She Means Business’ contest, now in its third phase, is our practical way of inspiring inclusion.

    “We recognise the pivotal role women play in the economy, and we are proud to provide this N250,000 financial catalyst to help three visionary women turn their business aspirations into reality,” she said.

    Teluwo outlined a simple entry process for participants, which included creating a one-minute video explaining specific actions to accelerate their businesses and uploading it on personal social media handles while tagging the company @neminsuranceplc.

    “Participants are also required to follow the company’s social media platforms, engage with the post by liking and sharing, tag five friends, and use the designated hashtag for tracking and validation,” she said.

    They are to use #NEMSheMeanBusiness3.0 for tracking and validation.

    Industry observers say such initiatives continue to enhance the corporate image of the insurance sector, while encouraging social investment and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Tragedy : Tree Collapses In Enugu, Kills All 18 Passengers

    Tragedy : Tree Collapses In Enugu, Kills All 18 Passengers

     

     

    Tragedy struck on Tuesday when an accident killed at least 18 passengers after a massive ancestral tree known locally as “Ukwu Akpu Awhum” toppled onto a commercial bus in the Awhum community of Udi LGA, Enugu State.

    Politics Nigeria gathered that the bus was fully loaded with passengers when the incident happened during a heavy thunderstorm and rainfall.

    The 18‑seater minibus was travelling from Ukehe in Igbo‑Etiti LGA to Enugu metropolis when the giant tree suddenly collapsed, crushing the vehicle and its occupants.

    Residents rushed to the scene, but all passengers were reportedly killed on impact.

    One community member, Charly Okeke, spoke of the shock that has gripped Awhum. He said that although branches had fallen from the ancient tree in the past, nothing of this scale had ever occurred before.

    “Some people started tying red and white cloths around the trunk, seeking spiritual powers,” Okeke suggested, adding that such acts of desecration may have weakened the tree.

    “I suspect this may have caused the tragedy,” he said.

    The community has been thrown into mourning as families and neighbours grapple with the devastating loss.

    Many residents are now urging greater caution around sacred and ancestral sites, particularly amid the torrential rains that have lashed parts of the state in recent days.

    Officials from the state emergency agencies and local authorities are expected to visit the scene to assess safety conditions and provide support to the bereaved families.

    As at the time of filing this report, Enugu State authorities are yet to issue any statement

  • EFCC Arraigns Husband, Wife, Two Companies for N740m Investment Fraud

     

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned the Chief Executive Officer of Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-concept Media Limited, Osabohein Alex Ologbose, alongside his wife Hope Onome Oghelemu  before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court sitting in  Abuja.

     

    Other defendants in the matter are; Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-concept Media Limited, Dele Oyewale, EFCC Head,  Media & Publicity, disclosed in a statement.

    They were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of about N740million  contrary to Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and punishment under Section 18(4) of the same Act.

    At the point of arraignment,  prosecution counsel,  O.S. Ujam informed the court that the prosecution  filed amended charges  before the court on  January 28 ,2026,  and prayed  the court  to read the same to the defendant.

    Count one of the amended-charge reads: “That you Osabohien Alex Ologbosele, sometimes between January 2023 and April 2024, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, directly took possession of the aggregate sum of N340, 000,000(Three Hundred and Forty Million Naira ) paid into your account with account number 202277 3919 domiciled in Kuda Microfinance Bank Limited, from the account of Hope Onome Ogbholemu with account number, 0827261710  domiciled in Access Bank PLc, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed part of the proceeds of unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(20(a) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition)Act 2022, and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

     

    Another count reads; “That you Osabohien Alex Ologbosele, sometimes between January 2023 and April 2024, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, directly used the aggregate sum of N24,100,000(Twenty Four Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) paid into your account with account number 2022773919 domiciled in Kuda Microfinance  Bank Limited from the account of Hope Onoe Ogbhelemu with account number 0827261710 domiciled in Access Bank Plc, to establish and operate a music and photo studio located at Crowther Plaza, Gudu District, Abuja, when you knew or ought to reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering(Prevention and Prohibition)Act 2022, and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

    In view of the “not guilty” plea of the defendants,  Ujam prayed the court  for a date for commencement of trial.  Defence counsel, Marshal Abubakar,  also prayed the court to allow the first defendant to continue with an  administrative bail granted by the court, while also  pleading that the court grant the third defendant bail for nursing a one year- old baby.

    In his ruling,   Justice Ekerete denied the third defendant bail,  but allowed  the first defendant to continue enjoying the administrative bail granted by the court. The judge further remanded the third defendant in Suleja Correctional Centre while adjourning the matter for definite hearing to April 27, 2026.

    Investigation by the EFCC revealed how the defendants induced various innocent citizens to pay various sums of money into the account of Hope Onome Oghelemu and Onome Global Market Resources Limited, on the false pretence that the monies were for investment for the procurement and exportation of bags of bitter kola and red kolanut to Hong Kong, China and Indonesia after which they would be paid their Return on Investment (ROI).

    Further investigation revealed that investors were not paid their ROI  and their investment sums were not refunded.

     

     

     

  • TMSG: Obi’s reproof of Aso Villa’s solar plan shows flawed grasp of power sector dynamics -TMSG

    TMSG: Obi’s reproof of Aso Villa’s solar plan shows flawed grasp of power sector dynamics -TMSG

     

    *TMSG to Obi: “Aso Rock’s solar plan will ease press

     

     

    By Bassey Asuquo
    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said that former Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi lacks the capacity to comprehend issues behind the Presidency’s decision to power the Presidential villa with solar energy.

    According to the group, Obi’s suggestion that the move amounts to a neglect of the national electricity grid showed that he lacked basic knowledge of the energy mix and ongoing efforts by the federal government to decentralise the national grid.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG noted that only a politician with a background like Obi would not understand how the Presidency’s decision to exit the grid would free up available power for the populace while it continues to build on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) with Siemens, now in the second phase.

    It said: “We were really not surprised to read the simplistic comments of the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, on the decision of the Presidency to opt for Solar energy to power the Presidential villa.

    “While betraying his poor knowledge of issues surrounding the power sector, the former Anambra state governor claimed that exiting the national grid amounted to abandoning the Nigerian people at a time the grid had been performing poorly. It beggars belief that Obi does not know that the move will free up more power for the Nigerian populace in the midst of ongoing efforts to ramp up power supply in the country.

    “Mr Obi’s penchant for jumping into any trending public issues he knows nothing about is legendary and would certainly be responsible for his failure to realise that the solar energy solution for the Presidential villa complex is a cost-saving measure at a time many Nigerians want a reduction in the cost of governance.

    “For instance, how could someone who prides himself as prudent not know that the solar power system would save the country the billions of naira spent on electricity bills and diesel annually in the Presidential complex?”

    TMSG also wondered why Obi would claim that the President Tinubu administration has not shown commitment to improving electricity supply nationwide at a time the German authorities have publicly affirmed the readiness of the Nigerian government to ensure a more robust and reliable electricity supply.

    “It is shameful that a Presidential hopeful would pretend not to know that, only a few days ago, Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, Johannes Lehne, disclosed at a function that the $2.3 billion Siemens power agreement between Nigeria and Germany was revived by the Tinubu administration after it went dormant towards the tail end of the preceding Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    “That, more than anything, is a confirmation that the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) aimed at modernising and expanding the national grid as well as boosting power generation and supply in the country is an ongoing project.

    “So there is no way that the decision to disconnect the Presidential villa from the grid would amount to neglecting the people. The move would reduce pressure on the national grid pending the installation of power transformers and mobile substations from Siemens Energy, which has been completed and connected to key grid locations nationwide under the first phase of the PPI.

    “We are aware that the first phase is about 80% completed leading to the commencement of the second phase, aimed at raising transmission capacity in stages to achieve the long-term target of 12,000MW agreed under the bilateral pact

    “Under the government-to-government agreement with Germany, Phase 2 of the Siemens projects will deliver seven upgraded existing power lines and ten new ones, covering 544 kilometres and capable of carrying 7,140 megawatts of power.

    “We are equally aware that there is an ongoing solarisation of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as several educational and health institutions to further reduce pressure from the national grid, clearly the issue is beyond Peter Obi’s depth,” it added.

    TMSG urged Nigerians to be wary of more outlandish claims and mischievous comments from opposition elements on the policies and programmes of the President Tinubu administration in the run-up to next year’s elections.

     

    End

  • Pres. TINUBU SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR DIRECT REMITTANCE OF OIL AND GAS REVENUES TO FEDERATION ACCOUNT

    Pres. TINUBU SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR DIRECT REMITTANCE OF OIL AND GAS REVENUES TO FEDERATION ACCOUNT

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    President Bola Tinubu has issued an executive order to safeguard and enhance oil and gas revenues for the Federation, curb wasteful spending, eliminate duplicative structures in this critical sector of the national economy, and redirect resources for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

    The President signed the EO in pursuance of Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), a statement byBayo Onanuga, pSecial Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy) has disclosed.

    The Executive Order is anchored on Section 44(3) of the Constitution, which vests ownership, control, and derivative rights in all minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas in, under, and upon any land in Nigeria, including its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, in the Government of the Federation.

    The directive seeks to restore the constitutional revenue entitlements of the Federal, State, and Local Governments, which were taken away in 2021 by the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA). The PIA created structural and legal channels through which substantial Federation revenues are lost through deductions, sundry charges, and fees.

    Under the current PIA framework, NNPC Limited retains 30 per cent of the Federation’s oil revenues as a management fee on Profit Oil and Profit Gas derived from Production Sharing Contracts, Profit Sharing Contracts, and Risk Service Contracts.

    In addition, the company retains 20 per cent of its profits to cover working capital and future investments.

    Given the existing 20% retention, the additional 30% management fee is considered unjustified by the Federal Government, as the retained earnings are already sufficient to support the functions NNPCL performs under these contracts.

    NNPC Limited also retains another 30% of its profit oil and profit gas under the production sharing, profit sharing, and risk service contracts, as the Frontier Exploration Fund under sections 9(4) and (5) of the PIA. A fund of this size, being devoted to speculative exploration, risks accumulating large idle cash balances, which would encourage inefficient exploration spending, at a time when government resources are urgently needed for core national priorities, including security, education, healthcare, and energy transition investments.

    There is also the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) under Section 52(7)(d) PIA, funded by the collection of gas flaring penalties provided under Section 104. The fund is to be used for supporting environmental remediation and relief for host communities impacted by gas flaring. However, section 103 of the PIA has already established a dedicated Environmental Remediation Fund, administered by NUPRC, specifically designed to fund the rehabilitation of communities negatively impacted by upstream petroleum operations, including gas flaring. Furthermore, Section 103 already imposes a fee on lessees to contribute to this fund for precisely this purpose.

    All these deductions far exceed global norms and effectively divert more than two-thirds of potential remittances to the Federation Account. The continuing decline in net oil revenue inflows is largely attributable to these deductions and fragmented oversight under the current PIA architecture.

    The Executive Order aims to resolve, among others, the duplicative 30 per cent deduction for Profit Sharing arrangements by addressing overlapping and redundant provisions across all relevant laws and regulatory instruments under the PIA framework and NNPC Limited’s governing structure. The objective is to eliminate unjustified multiple layers of deductions that erode revenues that ought to accrue to the Federation Account, enabling the three tiers of government to pursue critical national priorities.

    The President has identified structural concerns regarding the continued role of NNPC Limited as a concessionaire under Production Sharing Contract arrangements. The existing framework, which allows the company to influence operating costs while simultaneously functioning as a commercial entity, creates potential competitive distortions and undermines its transition into a fully commercial operator as envisioned under the PIA.

    The Executive Order, therefore, introduces immediate measures to curb leakages, enhance transparency, eliminate duplicative structures, and reposition NNPC Limited strictly as a commercial enterprise, while safeguarding the Federation’s interests.

    In rolling out the order, the President affirmed that the reforms are of urgent national importance, given their implications for national budgeting, debt sustainability, economic stability, and the overall well-being of Nigerians.

    President Tinubu noted that his administration will also undertake a comprehensive review of the Petroleum Industry Act in consultation with relevant stakeholders to address identified fiscal and structural anomalies.

    According to the Presidential Executive Order, which has been officially gazetted, NNPC Limited will no longer collect and manage the 30% Frontier Exploration Fund. NNPC Limited will ensure that the 30% profit from oil and gas from production sharing, profit sharing, and risk service contracts currently earmarked for the frontier exploration fund is henceforth transferred to the Federation Account.

    NNPC Limited will no longer be entitled to the 30% management fee on profit oil and profit gas revenues, which should go to the federation account.

    In the same vein, all operators/contractors of oil and gas assets held under a production sharing contract shall, from the date of the Executive Order, which is February 13, 2026, pay Royalty Oil, Tax Oil, Profit Oil, Profit Gas, and any other interest howsoever described which is due to the government of the federation directly to the Federation Account.

    President Tinubu has also suspended payments of the Gas Flare Penalty into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund. The Commission shall, from the date of the Executive Order, pay proceeds from all penalties imposed on operators for flaring gas into the Federation Account and cease payment of such proceeds into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF). All expenditure from the MDGIF shall be conducted in line with extant public procurement laws, policies and regulations.

    President Tinubu has approved the constitution of a joint project team to execute integrated petroleum operations. The Commission shall serve as the interface with licensees and lessees in respect of integrated operations where upstream and midstream petroleum operations are fully combined.

    President Tinubu approved the establishment of an implementation committee to oversee and ensure the effective, coordinated implementation of the executive order. The members of the committee include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Budget and National Planning and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil). Other members of the Committee are the Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service; a Representative of the Ministry of Justice; the Special Adviser to the President on Energy; and the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation. The latter will provide a secretariat to the committee.

  • Fasting Begins As Ramadan, Lenten Seasons Coincide

    Fasting Begins As Ramadan, Lenten Seasons Coincide

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Fasting begins on Wednesday for Christians and Muslims alike as faithful of the two major religions observe Ash Wednesday and Ramadan.

    For Christians, this years Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 18.

    Lent is marked with a 40-day, solemn period of prayer, fasting, and repentance preparatory for Easter.

    Similarly, for Muslims, Ramadan is a month of fasting, communal gathering, worship, and spiritual development.

    Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

    The coincidence of Lent and Ramadan this year is seen by the faithful of both religions in Nigeria as a period that should further reinforce the need for national unity and religious tolerance.

    According to the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria), this period should be seen by faithful across the country as a spiritual opportunity to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.

    In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, the Vice Chairman of GIMP-Nigeria’s Governing Council, Muyiwa Akintunde, said that the beginning of the significant religious responsibilities on the same day showed how different traditions could share a moment of reflection through fasting, and spiritual fulfilment.

    Akintunde said the Divine coincidence had further reinforced that both faiths were not mutually exclusive.

    He added that both faiths should endeavour to coexist in harmony.

    “Despite different calendars, humanity’s search for meaning often lines up in unexpected ways,” he said.

    Akintunde said, “Ramadan and Lent are not only seasons of fasting and devotion but also periods of moral rebirth, compassion, and bridge-building across faith.”

    Also, a concerned observer, who said that the coincidence was particularly timely, noted, “Now that God has harmonised the two obligations, at least for this year, who will you fight now?”

    ‎The ‎President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, has called on millions of Christians and Muslim faithful across the nation and the world to seek the face of the Lord in high expectations that all their heart cries will God answer, even as she pointed out that God admonishes us to pray and fast.
    ‎
    ‎Speaking through the NTF Media, Popoola urged the Christians and Muslim faithful to fast and pray to seek the face of God in the spirit of love and unity of purpose.
    ‎
    ‎”As we all go through the fasting and praying period, a time for us to be in sober reflection and selflessness amongst the people to graciously show love, kindness, and display true peace and unity, in line with the faith”.
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    ‎She added that the period also allows for spiritual and personal rebirth, which should reflect positively on the fortunes of the country.
    ‎
    ‎”I want to charge Nigerians to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, and the continued growth of the socio-economic life of Nigeria.

  • C’River:   Otu, Betta Edu, NASS members Target 1.5m Votes for President Tinubu in 2027

    C’River:   Otu, Betta Edu, NASS members Target 1.5m Votes for President Tinubu in 2027

     

     

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Political leaders in Cross River State have resolved to mobilise no fewer than 1.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

    The resolution was reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), convened by Gov. Bassey Otu at the Calabar International Convention Centre.

    In attendance were the immediate past APC National Women Leader and Honourable Minister, Dr. Betta Edu; members of the National Assembly from the state; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly; party executives; youth and women groups; and other critical stakeholders.

    Addressing the gathering, Governor Otu appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the reclamation of Cross River’s oil wells and restore its full littoral status.

    He urged the Federal Government to rely on verified reservoir coordinates and existing technical reports to validate the state’s claim to oil-producing status.

    The governor also requested the restoration and increase of federal appointments for indigenes of the state to enable them to benefit more directly from the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He reaffirmed Cross River’s alignment with the President’s policies, citing ongoing federal collaborations that have boosted infrastructure development, including the Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway.

    Otu described the enlarged meeting as an opportunity to appreciate APC faithful for their unity and support, and to prepare the party to move into the field and secure victory in the forthcoming elections.

    The governor specifically commended Hon. Betta Edu for her “steadfastness, comportment, and loyalty” to the party, the state, and the nation.

    “We are happy you are back at the forefront as usual and in the state,” he said.

    Speaking on the sidelines, Dr Betta Edu called for intensified grassroots mobilisation, inclusive engagement, and sustained voter education ahead of 2027.

    She urged the people of Cross River state to keep faith with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda would be felt by all, including residents of the state.

    She also backed the governor’s call for presidential intervention to restore Cross River’s economic standing within the federation, its littoral status, and its oil-producing status, following the discovery of over 100 oil wells in the state’s estuary.

    According to her, the next election cycle will require serious, concerted, and coordinated efforts across wards and local government areas to consolidate previous gains.

    “We must not leave anyone behind or leave anything to chance, to prevent past unwanted occurrences,” she said.

    “My task is to ensure that we mobilise to deliver maximum votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, come 2027,” she said.

    Senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state also pledged to strengthen mobilisation across their constituencies, as the three senators representing Cross River State spoke on behalf of their respective zones.

    The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to delivering what they described as a decisive electoral mandate in 2027 in support of President Tinubu and Governor Otu’s second-term bid.

     

    About Flowerbudnews
    Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.

    We are drawn from both public and private  sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..

    Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

    Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

    The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

    He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

  • 26,000 IDEAS TVET Trainees to Benefit from BOI Soft Loans  – FG

    26,000 IDEAS TVET Trainees to Benefit from BOI Soft Loans  – FG

     

    The Federal Government has disclosed plans to provide soft loans from the Bank of Industry (BOI) to about 26,000 trainees under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) TVET initiative, as part of efforts to reduce youth unemployment and promote self-reliance.

    The IDEAS Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project is a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training system and equipping young people with practical, employable skills.

    The National Project Coordinator for the IDEAS project, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, made this known on Friday during a visit to Wavecrest College in Surulere, Lagos. Officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and representatives of the World Bank interacted with trainees undergoing Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the institution.

    Ogwu explained that the ministry is seeking partnership with the BOI to secure soft loans for trainees after graduation, enabling them to scale up their businesses.

    “At the end of the programme, the federal ministry intends to give the trainees starter packs. We are training them not to roam the streets in search of government jobs but to become self-reliant,” she said.

    “The ministry is also liaising with the Bank of Industry to get them soft loans with which they can do something meaningful.”

    She urged the trainees to take the programme seriously, describing it as a major investment by the government.

    “If the Federal Government can take loans to train Nigerians, then the trainees must take it seriously because it will earn them a living. The essence is to reduce youth unemployment,” she said.

    Ogwu revealed that the current batch comprises about 26,000 trainees. She added that a previous cohort had 14,000 participants, while the pilot phase trained 1,050 individuals.

    According to her, the six-month programme for the current batch began on January 12, 2026, while Batch One commenced on October 12. She disclosed that another cohort of about 30,000 trainees is expected by the end of March.

    She stressed that the IDEAS project of the Federal Ministry of Education was specifically designed to reduce unemployment by equipping youths with practical skills that can translate into income-generating opportunities.

    According to her, the Federal Government is prioritising skills acquisition as a strategy to tackle unemployment and take young people off the streets.

    She again urged beneficiaries to remain committed to their training to ensure they can earn a living independently at the end of the programme.

    “The Federal Government has budgeted substantial funds for TVET. There is also additional support from the World Bank to promote TVET education in Nigeria,” she added.

    Ogwu explained that training service providers under the project engage external tutors to support trainees as the programme progresses, ensuring that participants receive both technical and practical exposure.

    “We have over 400 centres currently running under this project. In addition to that, the Ministry of Education is also running TVET centres, bringing the total to over 3,000 centres nationwide. Many Nigerian youths have been writing and appreciating the Minister of Education for initiating this programme,” she said.

    Also speaking during the visit, Scherezad Latif, Practice Manager for Education for West and Central Africa at the World Bank, described Nigeria as one of the institution’s largest education programmes.

    She said the visit was aimed at reviewing the minister’s TVET initiative as well as the World Bank-supported IDEAS project.

    “We are proud to be part of the government’s programme and to see the results achieved, particularly here at Wavecrest College,” she said.

    Latif described Wavecrest College as a model in hospitality training and expressed satisfaction with the level of motivation and clarity of purpose shown by the trainees.

    “With what we have seen, we are impressed with the students’ motivation and their clear vision of why they are here and what they hope to achieve,” she said.

    The Deputy Provost of Wavecrest College and NSQ Project Coordinator for the institution said the goal of the training is to equip participants with employable skills in the hospitality industry while linking them to job opportunities.

    “We are combining training with employment prospects. By the end of the programme, participants would have acquired the necessary technical and hospitality skills to secure jobs,” she said.

    She explained that the training modules include catering and hospitality management, food production, food service, front office and customer service, as well as housekeeping operations.

    “The idea is to prepare them to work in any hospitality outlet. They can also choose to specialise in any of the modules,” she added.

    She encouraged trainees to maximise the mentorship sessions and life skills classes embedded in the National Skills Qualification framework.

    “There is a combination of theory and practical sessions. We are nurturing their dreams using the curriculum provided by the government,” she said, noting that the IDEAS project is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank.

    One of the trainees, Ihedioha Ifeanyichukwu of the NSQ 2026 Batch A, said he applied for the programme after seeing flyers online and was selected following a physical screening.

    “I see myself working in a five-star hotel at a management level. I also see myself owning my own establishment and building it to where I want it to be,” he said.

    He added that the training had broadened his understanding of the hospitality industry and given him clearer direction.

    “The Federal Government has done its part; it is left for me to work hard. We have a three-month internship, and I am working towards being retained wherever I am posted and saving from my allowance to start my own business,” he said.

  • Revival of Siemens power project, testament to Tinubu’s progressive leadership-Group

    Revival of Siemens power project, testament to Tinubu’s progressive leadership-Group

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has attributed the revival of the $2.3 billon Siemen’s power project as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s progressive leadership style.

    It said in a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Segun Ogedengbe that the project initially due for completion in 2025 is now to be completed in 2030.

    The statement reads in full: “We acknowledged that the Siemens deal, coming under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), was initiated by the former Buhari administration but remained dormant until the emergence of the Tinubu administration.

    “The initiative which is also covered under the Nigeria Electrification Roadmap is a multi-layered, phased partnership designed to modernise the country’s power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure.

    “The project which was initiated in 2018 was initially due for completion in 2025, but has continued to experience bureaucratic delays until President Tinubu revived it, a fact recently confirmed by the German authorities.

    “This, for us, is a clear demonstration that the federal government is serious about attracting foreign direct investments into Nigeria and ending the nightmare of regular power outages.

    “We also recall that through the instrument of Nigeria-German bilateral relations, the late president Muhammadu Buhari and then German Chancellor Angela Merkel had on August 31, 2018, entered into a partnership for the Siemens power project which was aimed at resolving the perennial power problem in the country, but since then the implementation has been stalled.

    “It is also noted that the Siemens project is meant to stabilise the national grid from interruptions and help increase the average generation of power regularly.

    “Among the key deliverables under the agreement are the delivery of 10 mobile substations and 10 mega transformers to be deployed across the country.”

    The group is convinced that the power project will create jobs for Nigerians and enhance technology transfer especially with the renewed focus by the federal government to complete it as soon as possible.

    End