FG Targets Youth Wealth Revolution, Launches National Financial Literacy & Investment Training

Maryam Aminu

In a bold move to position young Nigerians at the centre of the nation’s economic future, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has launched a National Financial Literacy, Investment and Wealth Creation Training Programme a flagship initiative billed as one of the government’s most ambitious youth economic empowerment efforts yet.

Unveiled on Tuesday at the Rainbow Event Marquee Centre in Abuja, the programme signals a strategic push by the Federal Government to build a new generation of financially savvy, investment-ready, and enterprise-driven Nigerian youth.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative marks a turning point in how the country prepares its young people for the realities of modern wealth creation.

“Financial literacy is no longer optional it is a survival skill,” Olawande declared. “We must reshape youth aspirations beyond government jobs. Young people must begin to see themselves as creators of value.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s future depends on raising a self-reliant and disciplined generation that can drive innovation, build sustainable enterprises, and create jobs rather than wait for them.

At the heart of the Ministry’s renewed agenda is a large-scale empowerment plan that provides structured learning, mentorship, digital resources, and real-world business support. A key pillar of this agenda is the Nigeria Youth Academy, a new national digital learning platform modelled after global benchmarks and designed to democratize access to entrepreneurial and capacity-building opportunities.

Olawande, reflecting on his own humble beginnings, urged young people to take responsibility for shaping their future through discipline, innovation and consistency.

L-R, Honourable Minister of Youth Development,Comrade Ayodele Olawande flanked by the Minister of Economic Planning and Budget, Senator Abubakar Bagudu CON, at the National Financial Literacy Investment & Wealth Creation Training Program held in Abuja.

Also speaking, the Minister of Economic Planning and Budget, Senator Atiku Bagudu, noted that the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s long-term economic vision particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive to build a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030.

“The road to a trillion-dollar economy demands bold thinking, innovation and full youth participation,” Bagudu said, calling on young Nigerians to seize opportunities in technology and emerging digital markets.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, the Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion, Mr. Mike Nwaogu, described the initiative as a major milestone in building a financially confident and economically active youth population.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, also emphasized that investment in young people remains the nation’s most valuable long-term asset. He urged increased private-sector collaboration to expand youth financial inclusion.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Enefola Odiba, International Programme Director of Investonaire Academy, stressed that many young people can generate income but lack the discipline and knowledge to manage money effectively. True financial empowerment, he said, requires consistency and the right financial habits.

The Ministry affirmed that the programme will run nationwide with a focus on equipping millions of young Nigerians with practical tools for wealth creation and long-term economic stability.

Olusanya Assumes Duty as Permanent Secretary, Calls for Stronger Collaboration in Humanitarian Sector

Emmanuel Daudu

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, has officially assumed duty, urging strengthened collaboration among government agencies, development partners, donors and other stakeholders to improve support for vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Olusanya stressed that collective action is essential to achieving meaningful impact, noting that the Ministry “cannot work in silos” if it must effectively address the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities, distressed families, refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.

“All the programmes, policies and interventions we implement affect lives directly,” he said. “When we perform, the whole country feels the impact; and when we do not, Nigerians will equally feel it.”

Olusanya pledged to build on the legacies of his predecessor by prioritising staff development, professional growth and welfare, adding that an empowered workforce is critical to delivering on the ministry’s mandate.

The outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, praised the competence and experience of the ministry’s staff, describing them as experts in administration, humanitarian affairs, social development, nutrition and poverty reduction.

He appealed to the management and staff to extend the same cooperation he received to his successor.

Director of Human Resource Management, Onyia-Desy Chinyere Hilda, in her vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to Dr. Kofarmata for his leadership style and contributions to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens. She assured the new Permanent Secretary of the unwavering support and cooperation of staff.

The event featured the formal signing of handing-over documents between the two senior officials.

Olusanya was deployed from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, while Dr. Kofarmata moves to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Directors and staff from both the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the Ministry of Youth Development were in attendance.

Mass School Shutdowns Spark Fears of Learning Crisis as CODE Warns of Looming Educational Emergency

Maryam Aminu

Connected Development (CODE) has raised the alarm over the rising wave of school closures across Nigeria, warning that the nation risks plunging millions of children especially girls into deeper learning setbacks if immediate measures are not put in place to sustain education in affected states.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Hyladzira James Mshelia, Acting Chief Executive of CODE, the organisation expressed grave concern as states including Bauchi, Niger, Yobe, Plateau, Katsina, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory shut schools in response to escalating insecurity. CODE said that while the decisions may be precautionary, the absence of a publicly articulated plan for continued learning places children at severe academic and social risk.

CODE is urging the Federal and State Ministries of Education, alongside the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), to immediately deploy the remote-learning models used during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that schooling does not grind to a halt.

The organisation warned that Nigeria, already home to one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, cannot afford further disruption. Data from CODE’s State of Basic Education in Nigeria (Northeast) report shows that while 12,025 of the 21,585 girls enrolled in 221 secondary schools have been re-enrolled following previous interruptions, many remain vulnerable to dropping out due to unsafe and inconsistent learning environments.

According to the report, many schools in the Northeast still lack basic safety infrastructure such as perimeter fencing, secure classrooms, and gender-sensitive WASH facilities. These conditions, CODE noted, heighten exposure to insecurity, harassment, and eventual dropout especially for girls.

The organisation stressed that frequent school shutdowns are “a symptom of deeper systemic failures,” and cautioned that shutting learning spaces in response to attacks is an unsustainable strategy.

To prevent a full-blown learning crisis, CODE recommended a multi-channel approach that integrates digital platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, and NERDC digital content with low-tech options including TV and radio programmes, as well as printed learning materials for homes without internet access. CODE also emphasised the need for teacher training to strengthen remote delivery of lessons.

“Every additional day of school closure widens learning gaps, fuels inequality, and undermines long-term peace and development,” the statement read, warning that out-of-school children are at heightened risk of exploitation and recruitment into criminal activities.

CODE reaffirmed its commitment to tracking school safety investments, supporting advocacy with evidence, and ensuring citizens’ voices continue to shape accountability in Nigeria’s education sector.

Nigeria Debuts First Robotic Surgery Platform in West Africa

Maryam Aminu

Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough in its healthcare sector with the launch of its first-ever robotic surgery platform at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja.

The platform, known as Toumai meaning “Hope of Life” marks the first deployment of robotic surgical technology in both Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region.

The initiative follows a strategic partnership between Nisa Medical Group and U.S.-based Robomed Global.

In a statement, Robomed Global USA’s Corporate Communications Officer and Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Winifred Ebiye, described the development as “the dawn of a new era of surgical precision, patient safety, and clinical excellence,” especially across specialties such as urology, gynaecology, and surgical oncology.

The partnership aims to expand regional surgical capacity by providing structured training for Nigerian and African surgeons in minimally invasive robotic procedures.

Key areas of collaboration include robotic-assisted surgeries, training and certification of medical personnel, and system integration to enhance safety in operating theatres.

Chief Executive Officer of Robomed, Dr. Obi Ekwenna, said the achievement reflects significant progress for Nigeria’s health sector, noting that it will strengthen local capacity and equip African surgeons to deliver world-class medical care.

Also, Chief Medical Officer of Robomed, Dr. Iyore James, explained that the mission extends beyond introducing cutting-edge technology to developing surgeons, nurses, and biomedical engineers to globally recognised standards.

Similarly, the Chief Operations Officer, Mrs. Efosa Eluma, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to operational excellence and to building a sustainable blueprint for robotic surgery across West Africa.

A renowned fertility expert at Nisa Medical Group, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, noted that the partnership will position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced surgery, create highly skilled jobs, and reduce dependence on medical tourism.

FG Redeploys Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana to Strategic General Services Office

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has approved the redeployment of Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana to the influential General Services Office (GSO) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), marking a significant shift in senior civil service placements.

The posting, which took effect from Wednesday, 19 November 2025, was announced in a statement signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack. Dr. Kana is among 16 top officials affected in the latest wave of redeployments across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The GSO one of the most strategic units in the OSGF is responsible for driving internal administration across the government’s coordination hub and liaising with key agencies to implement federal policies. It plays a central role in monitoring policy execution, supporting committees and panels, processing approvals for official international travels, and overseeing appointments into statutory bodies.

The office also handles conditions of service for political office holders, provision of accommodation and support services for appointees, management of common services across OSGF departments, and budget planning for the entire Secretariat.

Additionally, the GSO supervises the activities of 22 parastatals under the OSGF, ensuring seamless administration, policy formulation and execution across government structures.

Dr. Kana’s redeployment places him at the heart of policy coordination and administrative oversight within the Federal Government’s central command structure.

FG Moves to Recover Billions in Unpaid Housing Loans, Partners ICPC for Enforcement

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB) has launched a major crackdown on overdue housing loans, announcing a strategic partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to fast-track recovery and strengthen accountability across the public service.

The collaboration, sealed at a high-level meeting in Abuja on Thursday, signals the government’s renewed determination to ensure that funds invested in staff housing projects are properly managed and promptly repaid. The joint effort is expected to tighten compliance, boost transparency, and protect the sustainability of the housing loan scheme for current and future beneficiaries.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of FGSHLB, Hajiya Salamatu Ladi Ahmed, said the partnership marks a decisive step in holding defaulters accountable and safeguarding government resources.

3rd Left- Executive Secretary FGSHLB, Hajiya Salamatu Ladi Ahmed, flanked on her left is Mr. S. Yahaya, Director, Operations, ICPC with other FGSHLB Management Staff.

She stressed that outstanding repayments have slowed progress in providing more federal workers with affordable home-ownership opportunities.

In his remarks, the ICPC Director of Operations, Mr. S. Yahaya, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deploy its investigative, enforcement, and preventive capabilities to support the loan recovery drive. He emphasized that the process will be conducted lawfully and transparently.

Under the new framework, both agencies will jointly evaluate loan defaults and take appropriate enforcement actions where necessary. The Board has also urged all beneficiaries with outstanding balances to seize the ongoing repayment window to regularize their accounts and avoid sanctions.

RMAFC Backs Kogi State on 13% Derivation Fund, Sets Up Joint Committee

Maryam Aminu

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has pledged full support to ensure Kogi State receives its rightful share of the 13% derivation fund following its recognition as an oil-producing state.

This assurance was given by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, during an interactive session held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, when he hosted the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and a high-level delegation at the Commission’s headquarters.

Dr. Shehu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to equity, transparency and strict adherence to the law in the distribution of revenues accrued from oil, gas and solid minerals. He stressed that Kogi State would receive everything due to it once all regulatory processes and documentation are in place.

“Whatever issue you table before us, we will try as much as possible, within the provisions of the law, to see that Kogi State gets what it deserves,” he stated. “Our role is to ensure that the state receives its rightful share of resources and that every allocation is properly documented and protected. We will stand firmly with you to provide the data, guidance and technical support needed to optimize these resources for the benefit of your citizens.”

To advance this commitment, the RMAFC Chairman directed the immediate constitution of a joint technical committee comprising officials from the Commission’s Gas Investments and Crude Oil Departments, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and representatives of the Kogi State Government. The committee is expected to examine all pending issues and recommend actionable solutions.

L-R: RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR presenting a memorabilia to the  Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Ododo FCA.

Governor Ododo, while speaking, lamented that Kogi State has yet to enjoy the benefits of its abundant mineral resources despite its recognition as an oil-producing state.

He expressed concern about the delay in accessing the 13% derivation fund and requested clarity on the status of oil and gas activities within the state’s territory.

The governor, however, expressed confidence that the Commission would handle the matter with fairness and diligence, adding that Kogi State was eager to see its resources fully optimized for the benefit of its people.

The session also featured contributions from senior officials of RMAFC and NUPRC. Barr. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba-Haruna, Federal Commissioner for Kebbi State, reiterated that the 13% derivation is a constitutional mandate that the Commission takes seriously, emphasizing the need for accurate data to ensure states receive what is rightfully theirs.

Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, advised the Kogi delegation to study the post-PIA frameworks to better understand contractual obligations and avoid future disputes.

On matters relating to solid minerals, Dr. Udodirim Okongwu, Director of the Inland Revenue Department, representing the Secretary to the Commission, affirmed that RMAFC has the authority to access all necessary data.

Some  federal commissioners and SA to the Chairman of RMAFC during the meeting

She encouraged the state government to establish mineral buying centers to ensure proper attribution and documentation of solid mineral transactions.

Kogi State’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Ashiru Asiwaju, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to attract new investors into the oil and gas sector by making critical information available to interested industry players.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Ekekhide Jennifer, Assistant Director and head of the NUPRC delegation, disclosed ongoing oil production activities from OPL 915 (now OML 155) and highlighted the importance of security and infrastructure development in creating an enabling environment for investment.

The meeting underscored the renewed partnership between RMAFC and the Kogi State Government, with both parties expressing commitment to enhancing fiscal governance, strengthening transparency in the management of derivation funds, and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil, gas and solid mineral resources contribute meaningfully to the development and prosperity of the state.

A cross-section of participants during the meeting

AAAU Conducts External Defense for First Postgraduate Cohorts

The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) Abuja, has successfully conducted its first external defence for its first cohort of postgraduate student, Oluodo Ahmed Tola with research title: Potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Economic Growth in Nigeria, marking a historic milestone in AAAU’s academic development.

A committee of examiners, including the external examiner Prof. Ibrahim Musa Jaro, from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, travelled to Abuja to assess the student, who is the first to complete the full postgraduate cycle up to the defence stage.

The session began with the introduction of committee members, followed by a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Mr. Dennis Joseph Onwukwe; The Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies; Dr. Ayodele Gatta also gave brief introduction on the School of postgraduate studies. The Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, Director Academic Planning; Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim Zayanna and Dr. Chado who are currently on official assignment in Brazil, joined the event virtually. Other lecturers and students also joined online.

The student was given 15 minutes to present his research work to validate his authorship, after which the external examiner commenced a detailed, page-by-page evaluation of the research work.

Mr. Ahmed, who is pursuing an M.Sc in Air Transport Management, was given two weeks to complete all corrections raised satisfactorily and was congratulated for achieving the degree, subject to administrative approval by the SPGS Board and the University Senate.

The Registrar, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi commended Prof. Jaro and all participants, emphasizing that the defence set a strong precedence for future postgraduate examinations, provided valuable insights for both students and lecturers, and reinforced AAAU’s commitment to excellence in aviation and aerospace education.

IMF Pushes for Stronger Collaboration Between FRC and DMO to Boost Nigeria’s Fiscal-Risk Management

Maryam Aminu

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the Debt Management Office (DMO) to deepen their collaboration as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal-risk management framework and promote greater transparency in public finance. This was the central focus of a high-level bilateral meeting hosted by the FRC in Abuja, which brought together senior officials from both agencies and an IMF delegation led by Sybi Hida, Senior Economist in the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department.

Hida explained that the Fund’s mission was to review the country’s progress in identifying and managing fiscal risks, assess existing institutional structures, and encourage more openness in reporting vulnerabilities. He commended the FRC for its efforts so far but stressed that effective fiscal-risk management remained essential for safeguarding public resources and improving overall governance.

During the technical session, Mrs. Rachael Angbazo gave a detailed briefing on Nigeria’s fiscal-risk environment. She noted that the country continued to face significant macroeconomic risks, which she said were linked to oil-market instability, rising inflation, exchange-rate volatility, and increasing interest rates. She added that institutional and governance-related risks persisted, particularly due to weak compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.

Angbazo further explained that contingent liabilities posed another challenge, drawing attention to government loan guarantees, obligations arising from public-private partnerships, and judgement debts. She stated that environmental and security-related risks such as recurrent flooding, the activities of Boko Haram and other criminal groups, as well as public-health threats like Lassa Fever continued to put additional pressure on the country’s fiscal stability.

She emphasized the FRC’s legal mandate to promote transparency, enforce fiscal rules, and improve the quality of fiscal information available to policymakers. According to her, several provisions of the FRA 2007, including the guidelines for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, deficit limits, and fiscal-risk reporting requirements, were central to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal-risk oversight system.

The FRC also highlighted its ongoing initiatives to strengthen fiscal governance. These included the monitoring of the implementation of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the annual budget, supporting states in drafting fiscal-responsibility laws, collaborating with the National Assembly on revenue hearings and oversight of remittances, supervising government borrowing to ensure compliance with the FRA, verifying capital projects across the country, enforcing the disclosure of audited accounts by government entities, and conducting sensitization programmes to improve nationwide compliance.

Despite these efforts, officials pointed out that limited funding, inadequate technical capacity, inconsistent reporting by ministries and agencies, and restricted institutional autonomy continued to hinder the Commission’s ability to conduct advanced fiscal-risk modelling and sustained oversight.

To address these gaps, the meeting recommended a series of reforms. Stakeholders called for amendments to the Fiscal Responsibility Act that would introduce enforceable sanctions and grant prosecutorial powers to the FRC. They also stressed the need to clarify certain legal provisions particularly the application of Section 12(2) to prevent misuse under emergency claims.

The participants emphasized the importance of building internal capacity for fiscal-risk analysis and scenario testing, while also urging stronger inter-agency cooperation and the institutionalization of comprehensive fiscal-risk reporting.

In his closing remarks, Sybi Hida advised the FRC to pay closer attention to legal and capacity-related risks. He reaffirmed the IMF’s willingness to support Nigeria in strengthening its fiscal-governance systems and emphasised the importance of frank, transparent disclosure of fiscal vulnerabilities.

The DMO, represented by Deputy Director Bartholomew Aja and Salisu Ahmed, also underscored its commitment to working more closely with the FRC. The officials noted the need to integrate the Commission more effectively into future debt-sustainability analysis processes and affirmed the DMO’s readiness to deepen inter-institutional cooperation.

The meeting ended with a shared understanding that stronger collaboration, improved transparency, and reliable data are essential pillars for protecting Nigeria’s long-term fiscal stability.

GIANT GEE BOSS, AMB. CHIGBOLU, SAYS ALL IS SET FOR NIGERIA–ITALY INVESTMENT SUMMIT NIIS 2025 ROME BUSINESS FORUM

Maryam Aminu

The Managing Director of Giant Gee Nigeria Ltd., Ambassador Augustine Chigbolu, has confirmed that final arrangements have been concluded ahead of the Rome Business Forum scheduled to hold 26-27 November in Rome.

Speaking with journalists before departing Nigeria through Abidjan, Amb. Chigbolu said both Nigerian and Italian coordinators have put finishing touches in place to ensure a seamless and impactful business forum.

According to him, government officials and private-sector participants have already submitted their visa applications and are awaiting final approval from the Italian Embassy. He noted that many of the delegates are fully prepared to be physically present in Rome once their travel documents are issued.

“Registrations are still open for participants who do not require Schengen visas,” he stated, adding that interest from Italy has been overwhelming. “Several Italian companies, business associations, and private investors have indicated a strong interest in participating. What remains is how quickly the Italian Embassy processes the visas for Nigerian delegates.”

Ambassador Chigbolu emphasized that the summit is expected to strengthen bilateral trade, open new investment channels, and expand opportunities for partnerships between Nigerian and Italian businesses.

He also disclosed that before heading to Rome for the summit, he will make a brief stop in Abidjan to participate in the 2025 African Archery Championship.

The Nigeria–Italy Investment Summit is expected to attract high-level government representatives, investors, and industry players from both countries, with discussions centered on trade, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and infrastructure development.