Connect with us

News

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

NCoS Says 59,786 Inmates Captured by NIMC Platform

Published

on

NCoS Says 59,786 Inmates Captured by NIMC Platform

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that 59,786 inmates out of
the total of 80,879 inmates’ population, representing 74 percent across the country, have been captured into the NIMC platform.

The NCoS gave the information on Sunday in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, in reaction to publication claiming non-commencement of National Identity Number (NIN) registration in 256 Custodial Centres across the nation.

Abubakar, in the statement, sad: “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has been drawn to a recent publication by a section of the media alleging that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise is yet to commence in all custodial centres across the country. This report is misleading, inaccurate, and does not reflect the current state of affairs within our custodial facilities.

“The Service wishes to categorically state that the NIN registration of inmates in our custodial centres is not only ongoing but has recorded significant progress. A majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database through the collaborative efforts of the Service and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Available data show that as at 7thJune, 2025, out of the total of 80, 879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates approximately 74% have been captured into the NIMC platform.

“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion.

“The claim that the registration has “yet to commence” in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done.”

Abubakar assured that: “The Service remains committed to the full integration of inmates into national data systems, including the NIN, as part of broader efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and the digital inclusion of all persons in custody.

“The Service therefore urges members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication, in order to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts.”

NCoS Says 59,786 Inmates Captured by NIMC Platform

Continue Reading

News

Menstruation Is Not a Taboo — It’s Time the World Treated It That Way

Published

on

Menstruation Is Not a Taboo — It’s Time the World Treated It That Way

By: Ann Eyi-ojotule James

Every single day, more than 300 million women and girls around the world are
menstruating. Yet, for something so natural and vital to human reproduction,
menstruation remains cloaked in shame, silence, and stigma, particularly in
many parts of the world where girls are taught to hide, suppress, or be
embarrassed by their monthly flow.
This narrative needs to change. And we must start by calling it what it is: a human rights issue.
On May 28, 2025, in commemoration of Menstrual Health Day, I visited Government Girls Secondary School Wuse, Abuja Nigeria to speak with young girls about menstruation. The stories I heard were heartbreaking and far too common. One girl, looking both nervous and vulnerable, told me she felt ashamed and embarrassed whenever she was on her period. This should never be the case. I looked her in the eyes and said, “Your menstruation is not a curse. It is a sign of your strength and health as a woman. Hold your head high, you have nothing to be ashamed of.”
That single moment reminded me why this advocacy matters. For far too long,
society has painted menstruation to be painted as dirty, sinful, or shameful. It
has held girls back from school, from sports, from social life, and, most dangerously, from realizing their full potential.
The Hidden Realities of Period Poverty
An estimated 500 million women and girls globally lack access to basic menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management (MHM). That’s not just a number, it’s a life-altering reality. During one of my menstrual health outreaches, a group of girls told me they
couldn’t dry their reusable sanitary towels outside because it’s considered a
taboo in their community. Imagine being forced to dry your sanitary cloth in
dark, damp places, out of sight, just to avoid judgment. The result? Increased risk of infections, particularly Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), that harm thousands of girls every year simply because they’re not
allowed to hang their laundry in the sun.
This is not just a health crisis. This is a gender inequality crisis.
My advocacy goes beyond distributing sanitary pads — it’s about transforming
mindsets. It’s about affirming to every girl that she matters, not despite her period, but because of it. Her menstruation is not a limitation; it’s a reflection of her strength, resilience, and womanhood. And it doesn’t stop with the girls. We need the boys in this conversation too.
Educating boys and men about menstruation is crucial to breaking the stigma. When we empower communities with accurate information and open
dialogue, we begin to build a world where menstruation is normalized, not
feared or mocked.
The Way Forward: A Call to the Global Community
We must treat menstrual health as a public health priority and a fundamental
human right. It is time for governments, organizations, schools, and families
to come together to:
Increase access to menstrual hygiene products for all girls and women,
especially in low-income and rural areas.
Integrate menstrual education into school curriculums — for both girls
and boys.
Create safe, stigma-free environments where girls can manage their
periods with dignity.
Invest in community outreach that confronts and dismantles harmful
taboos and cultural practices.
Menstruation should not be a barrier to education, health, or dignity. It should
never be a source of shame or silence. It’s time the world recognized that periods are powerful — and so are the girls and women who have them.
Let us stand together — educators, activists, policymakers, parents, and allies
— and build a world where every girl knows: her period is not her weakness. It
is part of her power.

Written By;
Ann Eyi-ojotule James
Founder/E.D: Edureach Africa
edureachafrica1@gmail.co

Menstruation Is Not a Taboo — It’s Time the World Treated It That Way

Continue Reading

News

Shettima Calls for Localization of Global Technologies to Solve Nigerian Problems

Published

on

Shettima Calls for Localization of Global Technologies to Solve Nigerian Problems


…Laments Poor Maintenance that Leaves Nigeria with Over 26,000 Broken-down Serviceable Heavy-duty Equipment

By: Michael Mike

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for the localization of global technologies in order to create durable Nigerian solutions to Nigerian problems, insisting that relevant agencies must be supported to point Nigeria towards a stabler nation and promising future.

Speaking at the official launch of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Asset Restoration Programme in Maiduguri on Sunday, Shettima decried that data available shows that Nigeria currently holds over 26,000 units of broken-down but serviceable heavy-duty equipment and nearly 500,000 component scraps that can be restored or repurposed.

The Vice President however said this contrasts with the stark reality there is only 7,000 to 12,000 functional tractors in a country that needs 2.4 million tractor units to meet its food production goals over the next decade.

He lamented that: “For so long, Nigeria has been profiled as a nation with poor maintenance culture. This dysfunction cuts across both the private and public sectors, and we owe it to ourselves to say enough is enough.

“Enough of investing our scarce resources in ideas and projects that get abandoned halfway through. Enough of allowing our critical assets to lie in waste while we budget, year after year, for the problems they were procured to solve. This is why I’m excited about the purpose of this gathering.

“This initiative, NASENI Asset Restoration Programme, is a response to our cross-generational dilemma about what to do with abandoned and poorly maintained assets of the nation, of the people. It’s a powerful shift in how we think about value, sustainability, and innovation, and I believe that’s what we’ve promised the nation.

“The data at our disposal shows that Nigeria currently holds over 26,000 units of broken-down but serviceable heavy-duty equipment and nearly 500,000 component scraps that can be restored or repurposed. This contrasts with the stark reality that we have only 7,000 to 12,000 functional tractors in a country that needs 2.4 million tractor units to meet our food production goals over the next decade.”

He noted that these figures are a reminder of what must be done, a reason to have a national inventory of value waiting to be unlocked, adding that: “We must commend NASENI, through this Asset Restoration Programme, for stepping forward with this brilliant idea to mitigate a national tragedy.”

He said beyond this promise to refurbish hardware, NASENI has shown a great capacity to serve as a national nerve centre for technology transfer, homegrown engineering, and adaptive innovation,” stating that this is why NASENI must be supported.

He noted that: “We have seen NASENI at work, playing critical roles in our interventions in compressed natural gas (CNG) retrofitting, renewable energy technologies, and agricultural mechanization. We are reminded more than ever that we can’t create durable Nigerian solutions to Nigerian problems unless we localize global technologies, and relevant agencies must be supported to point us towards a stabler nation and promising future.

“The Asset Restoration Programme fits squarely within the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration: to build a productive, self-reliant, and diversified economy. Our goal, therefore, is to ease this transition to expand the potential and productivity of Nigeria’s agricultural, industrial, and creative sectors through smart investments in infrastructure, skills, and innovation.”

He added that: “The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has shown both vision and urgency in our collective quests for solutions. The direction NASENI is headed is one driven by action, impact, innovation, and awareness of what the nation needs. It takes clarity of purpose to embark on a mission such as this:”

Earlier, in his remarks, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, said the restoration programme by NASENI is the response to a cross generational dilemma about what to do with abandoned and poorly maintained assets of the nation.

He said that NASENI has shown a great capacity to serve as a nation’s nerve centre for technology transfer, home grown engineering, and adaptive innovation.

Zulum said: “This is why we must support them. We are reminded more than ever that we can create durable Nigerian solutions to Nigerian problems unless we localise global technologies, and relevant agencies must be supported. The point is stable nation and promising future.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, on his part, said the reason this programme matters is because the agency’s national survey revealed that Nigeria holds over 47,000 broken-down but serviceable agricultural and law enforcement assets,” adding that the cost to replace them would exceed ₦14 trillion.

He said: “Today is not just the launch of a programme- it is the ignition of a national movement. A movement built on possibility, practicality, and partnership.

“When we set out to design the Asset Restoration Programme at NASENI, we were not just looking for another project to tick off. We were confronting a reality: that all across Nigeria, from farms to security outposts, public assets worth trillions of naira had been written off, locked away, or left to rust- not because they were beyond repair, but because there was no clear system to bring them back to life.”

He added that this programme is one more step in NASENI’s mission to keep innovation at the heart of governance, stating that whether it is through clean energy, mechatronics, or the domestication of advanced technologies, NASENI is showing that Nigerian problems can have Nigerian-engineered solutions.

He said: “We are building local capacity, developing talent pipelines, and enabling technology transfer at scale. We are turning NASENI into a true national enabler—quietly but boldly proving that government can deliver, and that transformation is possible.

“No movement thrives in isolation. Let me express my deepest gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to His Excellency, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for their endless support, their belief in our mission, and their constant encouragement that we must not only think big- but act fast.

“To the Borno State Government, and especially Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, thank you for being a trailblazing partner. Your support and leadership have helped us bring this vision to life here on Borno soil- turning your state into the first node in this national restoration network.

“To our implementation partner, MECA, thank you for bringing global expertise, systems thinking, and a can-do spirit that perfectly matches our urgency. You have proven that when we bridge public vision with private execution, incredible things happen,” he said.

Shettima Calls for Localization of Global Technologies to Solve Nigerian Problems

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights