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FG disburses N1.3 Billion to support nano- businesses in Borno

FG disburses N1.3 Billion to support nano- businesses in Borno
By: Our Reporter
The Federal Government, under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), has disbursed ₦1.322 billion to bolster nano-businesses in Borno State.
NAN report that the initiative was part of interventions following the removal of fuel subsidy, has directly benefitted 26,540 small-scale entrepreneurs across the state’s 27 local government areas.
Borno Governor Babagana Zulum, disclosed this on Friday at Federal Government town hall meeting on loan and grant scheme in Maiduguri on Friday.
Zulum represented by Dr. Abubakar Muhammed, Permanent Secretary Establishment and Service Matters, said that the grants, facilitated by the Bank of Industry in collaboration with the Borno State Government.
He said that the scheme aim to empower traders, artisans, ICT operators, food service providers, and transporters with ₦50,000 each to enhance their operations.
He explained that the disbursement in Borno State represents a critical component of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting local economies and vulnerable groups.
“With a total of 810,945 beneficiaries nationwide, the program ensures that Borno’s entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to thrive in challenging economic times.
According to him, the PCGS initiative in Borno is expected to boost small businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic recovery of the state, which continues to rebuild in the aftermath of insurgency and other challenges.
Mr Muktar Musa, State Manager of the Banki of Industry Maiduguri, said that Federal Government has disbursed over ₦40 billion from the approved ₦50 billion to support nano businesses across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
Musa said that the scheme, introduced as part of interventions following the removal of fuel subsidy, targets one million beneficiaries.
The PCGS, implemented in collaboration with state governments and facilitated by the Bank of Industry, aims to uplift traders, ICT operators, food service providers, transporters, and artisans with ₦50,000 grants per beneficiary.
While highlighting the progress of the scheme, he noted that North West states received the highest disbursement of ₦10 billion, followed by North Central with ₦6.6 billion, and North East with ₦5.9 billion. South East benefitted from ₦4.8 billion, while other zones are awaiting final reports.
He said that a breakdown of the disbursements reveals that 70% of the beneficiaries are women and youth, with a deliberate focus on empowering these demographics.
“Additionally, 10% of the funds have gone to persons with disabilities, 5% to senior citizens (primarily pensioners), and 15% to other demographic groups, ensuring an inclusive approach.
“As of now, 810,945 beneficiaries have been supported across the country, leaving approximately ₦10 billion to be disbursed.
“This intervention, part of a nationwide initiative to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, has benefitted 26,540 small-scale entrepreneurs across the state’s 27 local government areas,”he said.
“It also underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting local economies and vulnerable groups in the aftermath of subsidy removal.
“In the South-East region, 96,000 beneficiaries across 95 local governments have received grants, while the South-South recorded over 117,000 beneficiaries in 123 local governments. The South-West saw over 146,000 beneficiaries across 137 local governments.
“In Borno State, the initiative has provided critical support to various sectors, including traders, artisans, ICT operators, food service providers, and transporters.
“Beneficiaries received grants of ₦50,000 each, with the disbursements facilitated by the Bank of Industry in collaboration with state governments,”he said.
He noted that the PCGS was expected to bolster economic activities in targeted sectors, providing a cushion for nano businesses and vulnerable groups in the aftermath of the subsidy removal.
According to him, the beneficiaries were selected based on criteria such as possession of a BVN, NIN, and evidence of business premises.
He praised the seamless execution of the scheme attributed to collaboration with the National Assembly and other critical stakeholders.
FG disburses N1.3 Billion to support nano- businesses in Borno
News
Govt Namadi Awards Special Scholarship to 801 PWDs, Destitute Children

Govt Namadi Awards Special Scholarship to 801 PWDs, Destitute Children
By: Aminu B Dutse
No fewer than 801 People Leaving With Disabilities (PWD), PWDs and other destitute children students studying in various tertiary institutions across the country got special scholarship in addition to general scholarships from Jigawa State governor Malam Umar Namadi.
Speaking while launching the programme, governor Malam Umar Namadi at Banquet Hall at government house, said the programme is under the “Danmodi Students Care” initiative where the beneficiaries drown from 27 local government areas of the state.

Malam Umar Namadi explained that the initiative complements the state’s annual local and foreign scholarship program, which benefits over 36,000 of students from the state.
He revealed that in 2024, his administration reviewed and increased the annual scholarship allowance by 150%, ensuring it covers at least 50% of undergraduates’ registration fees.
Governor Namadi emphasized his administration’s commitment to investing in human capital development, particularly in education and empowerment, which are fundamental to achieving sustainable growth and development.
According to him “Education is a key pillar in our 12-Point Agenda, and we will continue to invest in our students, who are the future assets of our dear state, he said.
At the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Affairs and President of “*Danmodi Students Care”, Comrade Salisu Muhammad Seeker, explained that the special scholarship targets students studying Medicine, Health Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, and selected Arts and Social Science courses.

“Additionally, students under the ‘Women for Health’ program” , selected from rural areas, are among the beneficiaries,”* he said.. “The scholarship will support them from admission until graduation, subject to annual academic performance reviews based on the program’s criteria.” Comrade Salisu stated.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Umar Namadi’s agenda to ensure access to education for every child in the state, regardless of their parents’ socioeconomic status.
Comrade Salisu further stated that, For the 2024/2025 academic session, Danmodi Student’s Care assisted over 1,000 students to gained admission into various universities and tertiary institutions, with 400 of them qualifying for this scholarship.
He revealed that “Danmodi Students Care” is an initiative designed to support rural and underprivileged students in securing tertiary education admission while providing comprehensive welfare and academic support to enhance their performance.
Govt Namadi Awards Special Scholarship to 801 PWDs, Destitute Children
News
Police Conduct Raids Across Abuja, Arrest 62 Suspects for Criminal Activities

Police Conduct Raids Across Abuja, Arrest 62 Suspects for Criminal Activities
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 62 suspects during a series of coordinated raids on black spots and uncompleted buildings across various areas in Abuja.
Police sources confirmed that the raids took place on the night of April 17 at around 11:40 p.m. Police operatives from multiple divisions, including Kubwa, Nyanya, Kabusa, Lokogoma, Utako, Gwarinpa, and Bwari, participated in the operation targeting criminal hotspots in their areas of responsibility.
The police recovered a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as illicit drugs, from the locations raided.
“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing screening and interrogation at their respective divisional offices. Those found to be involved in criminal activities will be charged to court,” the sources stated.
Police Conduct Raids Across Abuja, Arrest 62 Suspects for Criminal Activities
News
Joint Nigeria–Niger Airstrikes Target Terrorist Enclave in Lake Chad Region

Joint Nigeria–Niger Airstrikes Target Terrorist Enclave in Lake Chad Region
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force, in a coordinated operation with its Nigerien counterpart, on Friday launched a series of precision airstrikes on suspected terrorist hideouts along the Nigeria–Niger border in the Lake Chad region.
The joint operation, which reportedly lasted for over four hours, was based on actionable intelligence gathered by Nigerien air surveillance units. The intelligence guided Nigerian fighter jets to specific locations believed to be used by terrorists for cross-border attacks.
According to initial field reports, the targeted area, described as a strategic terrorist enclave, was suspected of housing a mix of fighters, women, and children. The location had been under sustained observation for its alleged role in coordinating operations across the tri-border region of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad.
Following the bombardment, over 50 individuals were reportedly seen fleeing towards Fefewa, a remote village within the Lake Chad basin. Some of the escapees, according to unverified accounts, may have been attempting to regroup with a larger armed faction said to be fortified in nearby forested zones.
Although the casualty figures remain unclear, sources monitoring the operation, including Phantom Eye Hub, confirmed that investigations are underway to ascertain the impact and full extent of the strikes.
The joint air campaign underscores the increasing regional collaboration between Nigeria and Niger in countering insurgency threats.
Joint Nigeria–Niger Airstrikes Target Terrorist Enclave in Lake Chad Region
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