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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
AT LAUNCH OF 3RD EXPANDED MSME CLINICS:
Ekiti Business Owners Get FG’s N150,000 Grant Each As Buffer
*As VP Shettima commissions ultra-modern fashion hub, projects 48,000 jobs annually
By: Our Reporter
Respite has come the way of small business owners in Ekiti State following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) should be supported with a federal government grant of N150,000 each.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who disclosed this on Thursday when he launched the 3rd edition of the Expanded National MSMEs Clinic in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, said the N150,000 was an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.
“I am pleased to share that Mr. President has directed me to ensure that all outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at the Clinic today receive a grant of 150,000 Naira each. This is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support,” he declared.
The Expanded National MSME Clinics is one of federal government’s strategies for making it easier to do business in Nigeria through a series of business forums organised in different cities across the country to proffer on-the-spot solutions to challenges confronting MSMEs, with the first and second editions launched in Benue and Ogun States respectively earlier this year.
Earlier on arrival in Ado-Ekiti, the VP who was received by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his wife and other top government functionaries, commissioned the Ekiti State Ultra-Modern Fashion and Garment Hub at Odua Textile Complex, Basiri, Ado Ekiti.
Senator Shettima and his entourage also inspected the Adire Ekiti Hub, a pet project of the first lady of Ekiti State.
Launching the third edition of the Expanded MSME Clinics at the Trade Fair Complex, Old Iyin Road in Ado Ekiti, the Vice President hinted at the initiative moving next to Borno and Enugu States, “before culminating in the National MSME Awards in FCT on June 27, 2024, to commemorate the United Nations World MSME Day”.
The VP noted that the only way the Tinubu administration is appealing “to the land of honor and integrity” is by ensuring the expansion of the labour market and supporting the required skills.
“Small businesses are the lifelines of communities across the nation and a strong pillar of stability during this critical phase of our economic transition. We cannot claim to have excelled in our interventions unless they remain our top priority. Our commitment to revitalizing the MSME sector ensures that these businesses continue to serve their essential buffering function,” he explained.
For the ultra-modern MSME Fashion Hub which he commissioned earlier, VP Shettima said while it competes ideally with others globally, the hub has the potential of creating an estimated 48,000 jobs annually.
Describing the hub as a significant milestone by the Tinubu administration to empower local industries, he stated: “It boasts the capacity to produce a wide range of fashion gear, including military uniforms, and rivals any facility in the world. Equipped with modern-day machinery and technology, this hub holds immense potential for job creation, with projections estimating an average of 48,000 jobs annually.
“We anticipate that this facility will be managed by a competent private sector entity, while both federal and state governments will maintain vigilant oversight over its operations. With over 300 pieces of cutting-edge equipment, this hub represents a significant milestone in our efforts to empower local industries”.
The Vice President however expressed regret that it would not be possible to commission the other MSME Clinic project, a fully equipped ICT hub in Erinmope, which is about 2 hours from the state capital, due to time constraint.
“However, the President has approved that His Excellency the Governor of Ekiti State, his team, Access Bank and BOI MDs, along with the SSA MSMEs and Job Creation to the President, facilitate the commissioning at the Governor’s earliest convenience. This hub will create an additional 10,000 jobs within the ICT space in the Erinmope area of Ekiti,” he noted.
The Vice President also disclosed that based on Governor Oyebanji’s request, President Tinubu has approved the establishment of another modern ICT facility in Ado Ekiti, a project he said “will be completed within 90 days from today (Thursday).
He conveyed President Tinubu’s gratitude to the government and people of Ekiti State for hosting the 3rd expanded National MSME Clinic under the Renewed Hope administration, describing it as a revitalization of the entire value chain of the nation’s MSME sub-sector.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the VP for his wise counsel and support for his administration in the state, noting that President Tinubu had, indeed, been a father who has fulfilled all of his campaign promises.
He called on the political class in Ekiti to support his administration, noting that “it is only in unity that we can attract so much for the good of the our people.”
In his goodwill message, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele commended the effective collaboration between the federal and state governments, culminating in the execution of the MSME focused projects.
He disclosed plans by his office to devote a portion of his constituency project funds in the coming year to support the development of MSMEs in the state.
On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, assured the people of the state that their welfare and wellbeing are being prioritized by the Tinubu administration.
He urged Ekiti people to support the federal government regardless of the prevailing conditions, assuring that the future is bright, as “Nigeria is going through the challenges of economic restructuring and socio-economic re-engineering”.
In her remarks, the state Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon Omotayo Adeola, thanked the federal government for its relentless support to small businesses in the state which, according to her, birthed the first hub for garment makers in the state, among other related services.
Earlier, Vice President Shettima also inspected exhibition stands where products made in Ekiti State were on display by small businesses in the area.
During his visit to the Palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the VP described Ekiti as a land of honour, commending the royal father and his chiefs for maintaining the peace in their domain and immensely supporting the administration of President Tinubu at all times.
On his part, the paramount ruler of Ado-Ekiti thanked President Tinubu for his love for the people of Ekiti State manifested in the launch of the Expanded National MSME Clinics and commissioning of a fashion and garment hub for small businesses in the state.
Other dignitaries at the event include the state Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, and the Permanent Secretary, State House, Engr Funsho Adebiyi.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
By: Zagazola Makama
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand the manpower and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the new Depot would complement existing Army training facilities and ensure a steady stream of well-trained personnel for deployment across the country.
Military source said the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing diverse security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.
The new Depot is expected to provide specialist and mission-oriented training, focusing on marksmanship, fieldcraft skills, and operational readiness. It will also incorporate measures to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of recruits during and after their service.
The establishment of the Depot in Abakaliki follows recent efforts of the federal government to improve manpower of the Nigerian Military.
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, on Saturday charged 3,439 newly enlisted recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos, and the core values of the service as they begin their military careers.
Speaking at the passing out parade of the Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army Zaria, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the event as a milestone in the Nigerian Army’s strategic drive to expand its manpower and strengthen national security.
“It is indeed gratifying to note that the Nigerian Army’s strategic goal of expanding its manpower has been given a significant boost with this passing out parade.
“For these young Nigerians, today marks the beginning of a journey of sacrifice, patriotism, and commitment to the service of our nation,” he said.
The COAS urged the recruits to take pride in joining the Army at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, when the country faces multiple security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national stability.
“You are now stakeholders in the noble task of securing our fatherland. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the rigorous training you have received, coupled with the purposeful leadership you will encounter in the field, will prepare you for whatever the future holds,” he said.
Shaibu charged the recruits to exhibit warrior ethos, diligence, discipline, and professionalism as they integrate into various formations and units.
He assured that their welfare and wellbeing have been prioritized, with all necessary measures put in place to support them in and out of service.
The COAS highlighted reforms in Army training across the three depots, emphasizing the streamlining of curricula to focus on marksmanship, fieldcraft, and mission-oriented skills necessary to produce combat-ready and lethal soldiers.
He also noted that recruits would have access to specialist training to maintain operational readiness throughout their careers.
In addition, Lieutenant General Shaibu informed the recruits that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, aimed at boosting training capacity and providing more well-trained troops for deployment across the country.
He further announced that other depots, including Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, will soon hold similar passing out parades.
“Our command philosophy is to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force, capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“Our soldiers are the core and enduring strength of the Nigerian Army, and your training and welfare remain critical to our success,” he said.
The COAS commended the commandants, staff, and instructors of Depot Zaria for producing a steady stream of well-trained manpower capable of contributing effectively to national security objectives.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, for their steadfast support to the Nigerian Army and hosting the Depot.
Lieutenant General Shaibu concluded by congratulating the families of the recruits for supporting their decision to join the Nigerian Army and urged the soldiers to act with hope, courage, and determination.
“Always act with the hope for success and never with the fear of failure. Uphold the values and ethos of the Nigerian Army as you serve the nation,” he said.
The parade, which included full military drill, inspection, and symbolic handing over of the Nigerian Army insignia to the recruits, demonstrated the Army’s commitment to producing disciplined, professional, and combat-ready personnel capable of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
COAS charges 3,439 new Nigerian Army recruits to uphold professionalism, soldier ethos
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