The MTN Foundation has kicked off the seventh phase of its ICT and Business Skills Training program, onboarding 6,000 young microbusiness owners across Nigeria to enhance their digital capabilities and help them grow competitive, tech-ready businesses. Launched on January 5, 2026, the five-week virtual training initiative responds to the growing need for SMEs to adopt digital tools and strategiesthat can improve productivity, resilience, and long-term growth in a tech-driven economy. Following a month-long call for applications in late 2025 that drew nearly 64,000 young Nigerians aged 18–35, 6,000 participants running microbusinesses were selected to take part in the blended learning programme. The curriculum focuses on practical digital skills that small…
Author: ruma
The Nigerian Government has launched the Dream Centre, a mentorship and skills development hub aimed at empowering young people with the guidance, values, and digital tools needed for purposeful living and leadership. The centre, located within the Obafemi Awolowo University campus in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was established to address the growing gap in mentorship and positive role modelling among youths, while providing access to skills development and technology-driven learning. Equipped with books, digital media resources powered by artificial intelligence, and interactive learning tools, the Dream Centre is designed to support personal growth, innovation, and responsible leadership among young Nigerians. The…
The Federal Government has launched a new digital platform aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation and expanding access to opportunities across Nigeria. The platform, known as the Happy Woman App, is a secure digital interface designed to connect women to finance, skills development, markets, essential services, and government support. The launch coincided with the announcement by President Bola Tinubu of the nationwide expansion of the Nigeria for Women Programme, which now targets 25 million beneficiaries. The expanded programme builds on a pilot phase implemented in six states that reached over one million women, many of whom are engaged in small…
The Federal Government has flagged off a free nationwide training programme aimed at equipping 10 million Nigerians with financial literacy and inclusion skills. This was announced in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications. The training programme prioritises women and youth, focusing on essential financial skills, digital competencies, and investment knowledge to support sustainable wealth creation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy. Purpose of the Training Programme The Federal Government has flagged off a free nationwide training programme aimed at equipping 10 million Nigerians with financial literacy and inclusion skills. This was announced…
The Federal Government has announced plans to roll out expanded agricultural programs, including NAGS 2.0 and a new Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-supported initiative, following the successful production of 2,536,184 metric tonnes of staple food crops under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP). Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, made the disclosure on Thursday during a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja designed to review project achievements and prepare for expanded implementation under a modified framework. Record Output Across Key Crops According to Abdullahi, the NAGS-AP project recorded output across multiple season, including dry and wet season cultivation of wheat, rice, maize, soybeans, millet, and cassava, generating…
The Bank of Agriculture invites eligible and competent Farmer Aggregator Companies to express interest in participating as accredited aggregation partners under the Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value-Chain Fund. This call is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chains and expand access to finance, inputs, and markets for smallholder farmers. MSME platform The Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value-Chain Fund is a strategic financing intervention designed to support smallholder farmers across Nigeria with affordable credit, quality inputs, extension services, and guaranteed market off-take. The programme is structured to improve productivity, reduce risks for farmers, and strengthen…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for the 2026 Renewed Hope Ward Development Program (RHWDP), a grassroots initiative designed to deliver direct financial support and development resources to communities across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The programme aims to empower economically active residents, boost local economies, and contribute to national economic growth under the broader Renewed Hope Agenda. step-by-step guide on how you can apply What Is the Renewed Hope Ward Development Program? The RHWDP is a ward-based development intervention targeting the smallest administrative units in Nigeria. Its goal is to provide grants, resources, and development opportunities at the local level to…
The Federal Government has expanded its support for student entrepreneurship with the launch of the Student-Led Venture Capital Grant Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to help students in Nigerian tertiary institutions turn innovative ideas into viable businesses. Introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education, the programme allows eligible students to access equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million to develop and scale technology-driven and innovation-focused ventures. The funding is structured as a grant rather than a loan, ensuring beneficiaries retain full ownership of their businesses and are not burdened with repayment obligations. Officials say the initiative goes beyond financial support…
The Federal Government has launched the Safe Nigeria Initiative, a nationwide youth empowerment and humanitarian skills programme designed to tackle insecurity by addressing its underlying socio-economic drivers. Also known as Youth Empowerment for Peace and Resilience, the initiative was unveiled on Tuesday at the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja. The programme is being coordinated by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Speaking at the launch, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism…
The Katsina State Government has set aside ₦500 million to support women entrepreneurs across the state, a move aimed at stimulating local business growth, expanding market opportunities, and empowering women as key contributors to economic development. Governor Dikko Umar Radda unveiled the new funding initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen the state’s small business ecosystem and address barriers that often limit access to capital for female-led enterprises. The allocation will be distributed through frameworks designed to ensure transparent, equitable access to support for women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). “We are providing this support to empower our women, create jobs, and accelerate economic prosperity in Katsina State.…