NDE showcases employment initiatives at 46th Kaduna trade fair

By: Michael Mike

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is participating in the ongoing 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair, offering a platform for beneficiaries of its skills acquisition programs to exhibit their products and services.

Themed “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation,” the event aligns with NDE’s mission to drive economic growth and employment. Speaking during the NDE Special Day, Director-General H.E. Silas Agara reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling unemployment through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, which targets 93,731 unskilled and unemployed Nigerians.

As part of its participation, NDE is launching a mobile application to connect Nigerians with services provided by its trained beneficiaries. The fair also provides young entrepreneurs with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and expand their business networks.

President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), ESV. Ishaya Idi, commended NDE’s consistent presence at the fair, highlighting its role in strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and fostering self-reliance.

The Kaduna International Trade Fair remains a vital platform for businesses to gain exposure and market access, with NDE’s involvement reinforcing its dedication to self-employment creation and economic empowerment.

NDE showcases employment initiatives at 46th Kaduna trade fair

Nigeria Demands Investigation into Death of its Footballer in Uganda

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian government has demanded for the full investigation of circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda.

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the news of the death of the footballer in Uganda was highly disturbing.

Dabiri-Erewa while stating that the death
was under highly unclear circumstances, said the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Uganda , Ambassador Shama Shanga has demanded full autopsy and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

In a statement, Dabiri-Erewa stated that “this is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover up at all . This is so sad!

” The Nigerian government will ensure and demand a thorough and transparent investigation. May his soul Rest in Peace and God give the family the fortitude to bear this loss.”

She noted that already, the “Kajjansi Police Division say they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal, a professional footballer at Vipers Sports Club, who was claimed to have fallen from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025.

Preliminary reports indicate that Lawal arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20, 2025.

According to Naima, she left Lawal , who is also a final year student at Cavendish University, in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game centre within the mall. Shortly after, at approximately 8:00 am, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony.

He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, were recovered from his black backpack.

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Nigeria Demands Investigation into Death of its Footballer in Uganda

Kuwait Pledges Support for 200,000 Out-of-School Children in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The State of Kuwait has expressed its determination to emerge the Middle-East regional financial, commercial and cultural hub by the year, 2035.

The country also pledged support for 200,000 out-of-school children in Nigeria

The disclosure was made by the country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Salim Khalifa Almuzayen, at the celebration of 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day anniversary of the State of Kuwait in Abuja.

The envoy while seeking global support in meeting the target, said the State of Kuwait adopts the principle of moderation in its foreign policy, with clear features and frameworks in its diplomatic relations.

Almuzayen said Kuwait has since inception operated a constitution that encourages inclusive participation in decision-making, which has been a source of pride and honour to the country.

He said: “On this occasion, we would like to refer to the democratic system that distinguished my country since its inception based on a constitution that provides people participation in decision-making, with a clear commitment from the political leadership, which is a source of pride and honor for Kuwaitis.”

On the bilateral ties between Kuwait and Nigeria, the envoy said it has been an excellent and historical bilateral relations, which dated back to the 60s.

He added that the Al-Sabah School built in Kaduna State at the period, not only buttressed the depth of their relations but has also indicated prospects for future cooperation.

He said: “I will like to commend the excellent and historical bilateral relations between the State of Kuwait and the friendly Federal Republic of Nigeria, which extend since the 60s of the last century, as the Al-Sabah School, which was built in Kaduna State in that era, reflected the depth of these historical relations and showed further prospective to develop new horizons for cooperation in various areas between the two friendly countries.”

He announced that about 200,000 pupils and students will benefit from the “Reaching Out-of-school children project funded by the country in partnership with the United Nations Children’ Fund (UNICEF).

He said: “In this context, I would like to mention the ambitious and pioneer project funded by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development with distinguished partners and UNICEF in Kaduna State named, “Reaching Out of School Children” Project, which aims to assist over 200,000 students.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar noted that since the establishment of diplomatic contact between the two countries in 1971, and subsequent resident diplomatic representation in January 1981 following the appointment of Charge de Affairs for the Nigerian embassy in Kuwait, the relations between both countries have advanced to the level of ambassadorial representation, including cooperation across political and economic spheres.

Tuggar, represented by the Senior Councilor, Middle East and Gulf Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adeolu Okenla commended the State of Kuwait for its contribution towards regional peace and development, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

He said: “Nigeria commends the State of Kuwait for its contribution to regional peace and development in the Middle East region, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council, which include member states such as the State of Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Homan.

“The free education policy of Kuwait from primary school to the university level that has put the country total adult literacy to 96.46 per cent is highly commendable, equally among other achievements.”

Kuwait Pledges Support for 200,000 Out-of-School Children in Nigeria