National News
Private Sector A Crucial Foundation Of Nigerian Government – VP Shettima

Private Sector A Crucial Foundation Of Nigerian Government – VP Shettima
- Says Tinubu poised for entrepreneurship, innovation-driven environment
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the private sector forms an integral half of the crucial foundation that holds the Nigerian government.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to creating an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation.
This, according to him, explains why the president’s vision for Nigeria is grounded in eight priority areas, including poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, and equitable access to capital.
The Vice President spoke on Thursday while commissioning some projects, including the Ijele 93.1 FM Radio Station, Phase Two of the SEOF Touch-a-Life Housing Project and the AEMSL Meter Factory, in Anambra State.
He stated: “This gathering is a reminder that the private sector forms the other half of the government’s crucial foundation. Whatever innovation we design, whatever ideas we explore, whatever interests we pursue, we cannot achieve our objectives if those for whom they are targeted are not carried along or in tune with our agenda.
“I am utterly proud to be here today, honoured and excited to witness the commissioning of these landmark projects. I am convinced that each of us understands the urgency of our collective actions”.
Sen. Shettima commended Anambra State for its private sector-driven development, even as he pledged the federal government’s support in addressing the state’s ecological challenges.
Noting that Anambra State has emerged as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s economic future, VP Shettima also praised Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his understanding of the importance of a thriving private sector.
He added that Soludo has demonstrated “vast understanding of our economic dynamics, not just refined in academic chambers but forged in the crucible of real-world challenges.”
Shettima also commended the Chairman of Chrome Group and Founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), Dr. Emeka Offor, for his contributions to the development of Anambra State.
Acknowledging Offor’s “innovation, determination, and audacious vision,” the VP said Offor’s investments in Anambra State have helped to create jobs, improve infrastructure and provide essential services to the people of the state.
“Dr. Emeka Offor is a shining example of what can be achieved when the private sector and the government work together. He is a true patriot who is committed to making Nigeria a better place,” he noted.
Shedding more light on the crucial role the private sector plays in nation building, the Vice President said the hope the Tinubu administration has promised to renew can only be realised in an environment that makes it easier to translate the ideas of pace-setting individuals like Dr. Emeka Offor into action.
Shettima continued: “The profound partnership between the federal government and each state remains an indispensable cornerstone.
“I assure you that commitment knows no bounds when fostering an environment ripe for entrepreneurial growth and innovation. For it is in the nurturing embrace of this collaborative effort that the delicate balance between public and private sectors resonates, defining the trajectory of successful nations.”
The Vice President also had an aerial view of some gully erosion sites in the state and was briefed on the state government’s efforts to address the problem which has caused widespread damage to infrastructure and farmlands in Anambra State.
Shettima pledged the federal government’s support to the state government’s efforts to address the problem of erosion. He said that the federal government will provide financial and technical assistance to the state to implement solutions to this problem.
The VP restated federal government’s continued support for Anambra State’s economic development, saying the government will work with the state to address challenges such as gully erosion and improve road infrastructure.
His words: “Anambra State is crucial to the economy of this country, and we are going to ensure interventions in this state, from economic support to infrastructure development, are geared towards sustaining its place as an industrial and economic powerhouse.
“We are aware of the daunting challenge of gully erosion with which the state grapples, a consequence of its loose ferallitic soil. We are aware of the communities that this menacing force has encroached upon. We are aware of the lives and livelihoods it has devastated and threatened.
“We are also going to make our interventions in boosting our road infrastructure projects stand as tangible testaments to our commitment to connect the South-East with other sub-regions of our beloved country.
“These initiatives aim not only to bridge geographical distances but also to knit together the diversity of our nation, fostering prosperity the people deserve”.
The Vice President was received on arrival in the state by Governor Soludo; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh; Senator Osita Izunaso and Dr. Emeka Offor, among others.
Private Sector A Crucial Foundation Of Nigerian Government – VP Shettima
National News
One killed, another abducted as bandits attack Katsina farming communities

One killed, another abducted as bandits attack Katsina farming communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have attacked farming communities in Tashar Mangwaro and Dogon Ruwa villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one farmer and abducting another.
The incident occurred on Thursday at about 6:32 p.m. while residents were working on their farmlands.
One of the victims, identified as Hamza Usman, 45, of Tashar Mangwaro, was shot by the assailants and later confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Dutsinma.
Another farmer, Tukur Nalanga, 53, from Dogon Ruwa Village, was abducted during the attack.
Security operatives responded promptly following a distress call and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee the area. However, the gunmen escaped with the abducted victim before reinforcements arrived.
Efforts are currently ongoing to track the bandits
One killed, another abducted as bandits attack Katsina farming communities
National News
Speak Out Africa Initiative Calls on FG to Involve LGAs in FAAC meetings.

Speak Out Africa Initiative Calls on FG to Involve LGAs in FAAC meetings.
By: Michael Mike
The Lead Director, Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI ), Engr.. Kenneth Eze. has made four demand that will allow local government authority work effectively in Nigerià most especial complete Financial Autonomy through the expansion of the Federal Account Allocation Committee meetings to include LGA officials.
Eze also ask for political Autonomy by calling the on the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) to conduct all local government elections that will guranteed fairness,, other demans for the local authority include, asking the CBN to make it mandatory for LGA to have account with Bank and asking development partners to support the Open Government Partnership (OGP) at the local government level
The lead Director, stated this during The Local Open Governànce Initiative in Nigerià (LOGINAIJA) close out session and the presentation of Report for the pilot LGA.
Speak Out Africa Initiative is a non-governmental organization focused on empowering marginalized communities, particularly women and youth, through evidence-based advocacy, capacity building, and service delivery. Whose mission is to prioritizes gender equity, health advocacy, and social inclusion .
According to Eze, LOGINAIJA which aim to access the workings and the functionality of the Local Government Areas to make work was launch in April 2024 with the objective promoting Accountability at the local level, building capacity for the personnels and political office holders at the local level and the domestication of the freedom of Information Act at the grassroot “.
The LOGINaija project is a 12-month pilot initiative implemented by Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) to strengthen Open Government Partnership (OGP) adoption at Nigeria’s local government level. The project focuses on three pilot LGAs:
” This pilot phase was carried out in the selected three Local Government Areas in Nigerià, Gwagwalada Area Council in FCT, Umuahia North LGA in Abia State and the Ibadan NorthWest LGA of Oyo State which represent the Zones in the country and cut across political party lines and we are happy to announce that today’ this three LGA has perform creditably with functional Website, freedom of information desk officers in place and we have strenthening the capacity of both the executive and the legislative arms of the three Local Government. we expect to scale it up to 50 LGA in second phase of the project “.
“We in speak out Africa are thanking the Mac- Arthur Foundation that supported this project, and other partner for making this a reality.
The Executive Chairman, Umuahia North Local Government Area. Hon. Smart Iheoma, while appreciate all what has done by the speak out Africa Initiative to the LGA, said the problem we have as a nation is leadership, what we met on ground was not good but we have turn around every aspect of the LGA and the people are the beneficiary of this positive reforms, we are following the footsteps of His Excellency the Governor of Abia State which come c am e in with capacity to build the State and he is the best so far”. Iheoma said
Speak Out Africa Initiative Calls on FG to Involve LGAs in FAAC meetings.
National News
FG Plans Nationwide Audit Of Skills Centres To Transform Workforce

FG Plans Nationwide Audit Of Skills Centres To Transform Workforce
** As VP Shettima demands urgent action to bridge nation’s skills gap
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for immediate and united action to close Nigeria’s widening skills gap, describing it as a national priority critical to economic transformation.
This is just as the federal government has hinted at a proposal for the review of existing skills training centres across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to align their work and functions with national development goals.
The Vice President, who spoke on Thursday during the 6th meeting of the National Council on Skills (NCS) at the Presidential Villa, noted that the council’s mandate is to develop a strategic workforce capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving economic demands.
“What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. We have to make this country work. We need to fill in the skills gap,” he said.
VP Shettima pointed out that the council has a mission to strategically position Nigeria’s workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
“This council was established with a clear mandate to drive the strategic development of the skilled workforce that can contribute meaningfully to national growth and prosperity,” he added.
The Vice President described the session as an open forum where positions were aired and important decisions were taken, emphasising that stakeholder engagement, consensus-building, and decisive leadership are essential to fixing Nigeria’s skills and employment crisis.
A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal for a National Skills Infrastructure Audit to create a centralised database of all training facilities, verify their functionality, and identify gaps or overlaps in infrastructure.
“The government’s policy trajectory is to strengthen human capital development for national growth and industry through skills development. However, unless the skills infrastructure across MDAs is optimised, this vision will remain unattainable,” the council noted.
The audit will also involve physical verification of centres and a detailed cataloguing of operational training facilities, ensuring alignment with national occupational standards and labour market needs.
Earlier, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa made a presentation on the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), an initiative aimed at training 10,000 artisans annually in high-demand construction trades.
The programme is designed to formalise Nigeria’s informal artisan sector by providing certification and onboarding qualified artisans onto a Digital Artisan Marketplace.
“The overall goal of NASAP is to establish a reliable and competent artisan workforce to drive the Ministry’s housing and infrastructure agenda while empowering Nigeria’s youth with employable skills,” the Minister said.
He noted that NASAP seeks to tackle youth unemployment while simultaneously addressing the skilled labour shortage in the construction sector, just as he said it is projected to have a significant impact on both job creation and long-term infrastructure development.
FG Plans Nationwide Audit Of Skills Centres To Transform Workforce
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