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Germany, ActionAid Rehabilitate Hundreds of Nigerian Returnees with Vocational Training

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Germany, ActionAid Rehabilitate Hundreds of Nigerian Returnees with Vocational Training

By: Michael Mike

Germany and ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) are presently assisting hundreds of deported or returned Nigerians to get rehabilitated back into the system.

Four hundred deportees (returnees) are currently being trained in different vocations in Abuja, Lagos state and Edo state to get them seamlessly back into the society.

Speaking at the onboarding ceremony of the beneficiaries of the vocation skill training programme in Abuja organised by ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with German Development Cooperation (GIZ) Nigeria under the Reconnect Programme, the Country Director of AAN, Andrew Mamedu said: “Today marks more than just the start of a training programme, it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. A journey that will open doors to new opportunities, foster self-reliance, and lay the foundation for a brighter and more secure future.”

Mamedu, who was represented by the Director, Business Development and Innovation, Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny, noted that: “Across Nigeria, migration has become both a lifeline and a risk. Thousands of young people are compelled to leave in search of better opportunities due to unemployment, insecurity, and limited prospects. While some succeed, many face exploitation, trauma, or deportation.

“According to the International Organisation for Migration, over 17,000 Nigerians have voluntarily returned from Libya, Niger, and other transit countries since 2017. These returnees often come home to face stigma, mental health challenges, and limited reintegration opportunities.

“This is where the Reconnect Project comes in to provide practical, meaningful pathways for reintegration rooted in empathy, inclusion, and resilience. Through vocational skills training, psychosocial support, institutional capacity strengthening, and community engagement, the project seeks not only to address immediate needs but to contribute to systemic, long-term solutions to migration-related vulnerabilities.

“At ActionAid, we believe that real development happens when people especially women and young people are equipped with the tools and knowledge to lift themselves and their communities. This programme is a reflection of that belief.”

On her part, the GiZ Project Component Manager, Abuja, Tolulope Olaiya noted that the project is more than a reintegration initiative, but to create an enabling environment where migration becomes a source of shared benefit-for returing migrants, their families, local communities, and the nation as a whole.

She noted that: “Through strategic
collaboration and strong partnerships, we are confident that this project will drive
meaningful, positive change and play an essential role in supporting Nigeria’s overall.”

Olaiya said: “As we launch this crucial phase of the project, we reaffirm our commitment to working colaboratively with al stakeholders to ensure that the vocational training, national efforts to make migration safe, orderly, and beneficial for all.”

She told the beneficiaries: “I encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Ask questions. Practice often. Embrace the process. Most importantly believe in yourselves. Learning a skill is not just about securing a job; it’s about gaining the power to shape your own future.”

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants,
and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijani Ahmed said the Reintegration and Empowerment for Connecting and Nurturing Opportunities of Vulnerable Populations and Returning Migrants is not just a programme title; it is a promise of hope, restoration, and sustainable inclusion.

Ahmed, who was represented by a Director in the Commission, Dr. Nsikan Essien noted that the event marks the beginning of a new chapter for the beneficiaries, many of whom have faced displacement, marginalization, and hardship.

He said: “Today, we celebrate not only their
resilience but also their readiness to embrace new opportunities that will equip them with valuable vocational skills for self-
reliance and economic independence.”

He added that: “At NCFRMI, we believe that reintegration is not complete without empowerment. This is why vocational training initiatives like these are central to our mandate to ensure durable solutions for persons of concern-including returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), migrants, and refugees. When we
invest in skills, we invest in futures. And when we invest in people, we invest in peace, progress, and national prosperity.”

He noted that: “The Commission’s support for the Reconnect Project aligns with our strategie vision under the “Project 5×5” Agenda, which emphasizes livelihood support, durable solutions, and
strategic partnerships. We are particularly encouraged by the project’s deliberate focus on vulnerable groups such as returned migrants, persons with disabilities, and women, groups that are often at the intersection of displacement and inequality.
This onboarding ceremony is more than a symbolic occasion; it is a significant step toward inclusive development and conflict-
sensitive reintegration. It shows what is possible when we work together to create pathways to dignity and economic resilience.”
End

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Historic Awolowo House Pulled Down for Space for Growth of ICT, Says Investor

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Historic Awolowo House Pulled Down for Space for Growth of ICT, Says Investor

By: Michael Mike

The rationale behind the pulling down of the historic Awolowo House, a multi-story building, in Ikeja, Lagos, that has been a symbol of innovation since 1978 has been explained.

The iconic building, which is managed by Wemabod, a subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, owned by the six South West states of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti, was demolished and is being rebuilt into a modern and magnificent technology haven called Awolowo Technology Mall.

The new Awolowo Technology Mall, is being developed to commemorate and immortalize legendary nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy of innovation, quest for knowledge, spirit of discovery, and excellence; qualities that the leading technology companies taking up spaces at the Awolowo Technology Mall are globally famous for.

The new Awolowo Technolgy Mall will more than double the previously available commercial space of Awolowo House from 4,800 sqm to over 9,000 sqm.

On the rationale for the demolition of the former edifice, the managing director of El-Salem Nigeria Limited, Mr Ben Gbade Ojo, whose company is in partnership with Wemabod to develop the Awolowo Technology Mall, told journalists in Abuja at the weekend, that “the Awolowo Technology Mall, now famously called A.T Mall, is a place where top-notch information technology companies will set up shops and offices to exhibit and market the latest information communication technologies and systems, a place where latest ICT products from global technology companies can be found in Nigeria. It is a place where leading ICT experts congregate and set up shops and offices, a place where ICT training is carried out by global ICT geniuses and where ICT puzzles find ready answers, and ICT problems find well-tailored solutions. You will likely find at the A.T Mall, any ICT product or electric product available in the world, and you may not need to travel outside Nigeria for the product. Whatever technology products or services you are in need of, come to A.T Mall, Ikeja, and you will get them”.

He noted that recently, a comprehensive report by data analytics firm, Statisense ranked Lagos as the world’s fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystem in 2025.

The report published on X placed Istanbul in second position, followed by Pune. Belo, Horizonte, Mumbai, Curitiba, Riyadh, Johannesburg, Chennai and Ho Chi Minh City completed the top ten.

Analysts say the ongoing development of the magnificent Awolowo Technology Mall, now sought after by world-class technology firms, will further solidify Lagos’ now globally acknowledged status as a leading technology hub in the world.

Statisense is a leading artificial intelligence data analytics company known for its annual ecosystem intelligence reports across emerging markets.

Historic Awolowo House Pulled Down for Space for Growth of ICT, Says Investor

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Police confirm killing of farmer in Benue

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Police confirm killing of farmer in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Benue on Tuesday confirmed the killing of a 55-year-old farmer in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 3:44 p.m. by Mr. Zaki Pkan, a resident of Yelwata, who raised alarm after his brother, Mr. Ayua Fedelis Hemen, failed to return from his farm.

“Upon receiving the report, the coordinator of tactical teams in Yelwata mobilised operatives to the area.

“The body of the deceased was discovered in the farm with multiple machete cuts. It was photographed, evacuated and later handed over to the family,” he said.

The sources added that efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the suspects behind the killing.

Police confirm killing of farmer in Benue

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Security forces destroy bandits’ camps in Benue, recover rifle

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Security forces destroy bandits’ camps in Benue, recover rifle

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces in Benue have destroyed five camps belonging to suspected armed herders during a clearance operation in the Sankera axis of Ukum Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which began at about 11 a.m., on Friday was carried out jointly by Ukum Divisional Police personnel, Operation Zenda, visiting units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), operatives of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Benue Civil Protection Guard.

“During the offensive, five bandits’ camps were destroyed following a fierce gun battle around Dyom and Asom Amadu in Ukum LGA.

“The armed bandits fled with bullet wounds, abandoning one AK-47 rifle with breech number 309416 and five rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. These were recovered by our men.

“The clearance operation is still ongoing with efforts being intensified to track and apprehend the fleeing bandits,” he said.

The sources said the coordinated operation was part of measures to flush out criminal elements terrorising rural communities in the Sankera axis.

Security forces destroy bandits’ camps in Benue, recover rifle

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