National News
Group commends PMB, NASS synergy on youth development, NYSC trust fund bill

Group commends PMB, NASS synergy on youth development, NYSC trust fund bill
The Empowerment for Unemployed Youths Initiative, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), has commended the collaborative efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly at ensuring youth development in the country.
The Executive Director of the Organisation, Mr Richard Audu who gave the commendation on Thursday at a news conference in Abuja, also commended the National Assembly for considering the NYSC Trust Fund Bill for second reading.
He said that after a critical observation of events under the current administration, it is crystal clear that there is a synergy between the Executive and the Legislature on youth development.
“We have studied events critically, and we wish to state that the indices speak positively about the concerted efforts by both arms of government towards ensuring issues that bother of youth development seem to have been granted special attention by both arms of government.
“We are elated with this development. We desire that this fruitful relationship will eventually yield the desired results in no distant time.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has consistently displayed an unalloyed commitment to addressing issues of national concern, not just youth development issues.
“The National Assembly has, in like manner, complimented the efforts of the executive arm of government by ensuring that matters of national concern are without rancour.
“The recent rejigging of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is indeed a testament that both chambers of the National Assembly remain committed to the sustenance of our nascent democracy,” she said.
Audu also commended the parliament for its commitment to harnessing the potentials of the youths in the country.
He said that deliberations on the floor of the House of Representatives at the second reading of the bill seeking to establish the National Youth Service Trust Fund were clear examples.
He said that the green chamber was unanimous about the bill which gives hope to the aspirations of the Nigerian youths.
“It indicates that the resolve to initiate policies and implement plans towards addressing youth unemployment in the country has a special place in the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
READ ALSO: Zulum Flags-Off N11.5 Billion Construction Works In Maiduguri
“We are confident that the NYSC Trust Fund Bill, if passed into law, will undoubtedly take over 50million youths out of the unemployment market within the shortest period.
“We are calling on the relevant committees in the House of Representatives to continue to display the strength of character and the unity of purpose in ensuring the smooth passage of the NYSC Trust Fund bill in the overall interest of the unemployed youths in the country,” he said.
Audu also said that when the bill is passed into law, it would serve as a vehicle for youths in the country to maximize their potential and enable them contribute their quota to the growth and development of the country.
He said it would strengthen youth commitment to the sustenance of democracy, considering the invaluable role of the youths in national development.
“We, therefore, call on Mr President and the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that the NYSC Trust Fund Bill becomes an Act for the good and wellbeing of the suffering Nigerian masses.
“The multiplier effect on the value chain of an enterprising youthful population cannot be overemphasised.
“The Empowerment for Unemployed Youths Initiative is using this occasion to drive home the potent point that the potential returns of capturing the opportunity to engage today’s young people in terms of food security, poverty reduction, employment generation, and peace political stability are enormous,” he added.
He urged all Nigerians to support the bill stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that laudable initiative is given adequate consideration as exhibited by the lower chambers.
National News
Zulum to scale up funding for child nutrition,to establish Tom Brown production facility

Zulum to scale up funding for child nutrition,
to establish Tom Brown production facility
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced an increase in funding to support child nutrition initiatives in the state.
This is an effort to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children under five.

Governor Zulum made the announcement during a high-level roundtable discussion on scaling up the Tom Brown nutrient-dense product, organized by Borno State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Abuja.
Tom Brown is a locally produced food supplement designed to address malnutrition among children under five and lactating mothers.
The governor also revealed plans to establish a Tom Brown production facility in the state to enhance food and nutrition security, empower farmers and create job opportunities.

“I want to assure you that Borno State will increase its funding portfolio to the child nutrition basket fund,” Governor Zulum stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling malnutrition as part of a broader strategy to enhance social and economic resilience.
“This initiative marks a significant milestone in our efforts to combat malnutrition, strengthen food security, and create sustainable economic opportunities for our people,” he added.
According to him, Borno State has been at the forefront of initiatives designed to strengthen food security, including the Tom Brown programme in collaboration with FAO and other development partners.
The governor called on the federal government and relevant agencies to support nutrition-sensitive policies and prioritize locally produced food supplements, in alignment with the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan which emphasizes the need for integrated, multi-sectoral interventions to address food insecurity and malnutrition in Borno and across the North East.

Governor Zulum was accompanied at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, and Commissioner for Agriculture, Bawu Baba Musami.
The occassion was attended by key dignitaries, including FAO Country Representative, Dominique Koffy Kouacou, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, and UNDP Country Representative, Elsie G. Attafuah.
Zulum to scale up funding for child nutrition,
to establish Tom Brown production facility
National News
NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army

NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated Amanda Azubuike on her historic promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Army.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa lauded Azubuike’s remarkable achievement as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional service.
Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, Azubuike’s journey is a source of pride for Nigerians worldwide.
She joined the U.S. Army in 1994, becoming an aviator after completing the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course.
Over her distinguished career, she has held pivotal roles, including serving as a platoon leader, flight operations officer, and public affairs officer. She currently serves as Deputy Commanding Officer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the significance of Azubuike’s promotion, stating, “Amanda’s elevation to Brigadier General not only shatters glass ceilings but also highlights the invaluable contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to global advancements.”
The NiDCOM Chairman urged Nigerians worldwide to draw inspiration from Azubuike’s accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and excellence in their respective endeavours.
NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army
National News
VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs

VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs
…MSME the only way to strengthen the resilience of our people – Zulum
By: Our Reporter
Borno State entrepreneurs participating in the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics and Fashion Hub will receive an unconditional grant of N300,000 each to support and enhance their businesses.
This was announced by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during the official opening of the event on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Senator Shettima revealed that each of the outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that participated in the exhibition would be eligible for the N300,000 grant. “I am pleased to announce on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that an unconditional grant of N300,000 will be awarded to each outstanding MSME exhibiting at today’s clinic,” he stated.
The Vice President further explained that the Borno State centre is part of the ongoing national initiative to establish Expanded National MSME Clinics across the country. He assured that the grants are non-repayable, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of small businesses in the region.
Senator Shettima also highlighted the newly inaugurated Borno State Fashion Hub, which he said has the capacity to create up to 48,000 jobs annually, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing the MSME ecosystem in the state, particularly in the fashion industry.
“This hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno State,” he added.

In a remark, Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, noted that his administration has adopted an inclusive approach to support small and medium scale businesses, recognising it as essential to strengthening resilience amid the challenges faced by MSMEs.
Governor Zulum acknowledged that MSMEs in Borno State have faced severe hardships due to the prolonged insurgency and the broader economic challenges in the country.
“The MSME Clinic will revitalise business activities in Borno State, create employment opportunities, and increase income sources for our people,” Governor Zulum said.
“Our government is committed to providing more opportunities for our people to expand their income sources.”
Governor Zulum also outlined several initiatives by his administration, including the disbursement of soft loans to empower entrepreneurs, the construction of modern markets, the establishment of vocational training institutions, and the renovation of skill acquisition centres damaged during the insurgency.
The Governor expressed optimism that the MSME Clinics would focus on five key areas: funding, skill development, infrastructure, access to markets, and technology. Additionally, the clinics will provide business registration, training, and mentorship services to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

“The expansion of this Clinic is not just a project; it is a demonstration of our belief in the creativity and resilience of the entrepreneurs in Borno State and Nigeria. When MSMEs thrive, they create jobs, reduce poverty, and drive innovation across sectors,” Governor Zulum said.
“These strategies are designed to address challenges and unlock the full potential of our entrepreneurial systems.”
Governor Zulum also urged entrepreneurs and business owners to fully utilise the resources provided by the MSME Clinic to grow their businesses, enhance their skills, and explore new opportunities.
Before the programme, Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned the Borno State Fashion Hub at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education and WEMA Bank partnership branch.
Dignitaries that accompanied the VP include the minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of State Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMES, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson.
VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs
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