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Anambra Governor Empowers 8,300 Youths, Disburses ₦3.5 Billion
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has disbursed ₦3.5 billion to empower 8,300 young people across the state, a move he says will fight unemployment and boost small businesses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The initiative, announced this week in Awka, is part of the state’s One Youth, Two Skills program, which trains participants in entrepreneurship, vocational work, and technology. Each beneficiary received financial support to start or expand a business.
Officials said the funding represents one of the largest youth-focused economic interventions by the state government in recent years. The program targets young men and women between the ages of 18 and 35.
According to the governor, the goal is not only to provide jobs but also to create new employers. “We are investing in our youth because they are the future of Anambra. When young people have skills and capital, they can stand on their own and employ others,” Soludo said at the disbursement event.
Beneficiaries Across the State
The 8,300 beneficiaries were selected from all 21 local government areas in Anambra after completing training sessions. Areas of focus included fashion design, agriculture, welding, carpentry, information technology, and creative industries.
State officials explained that the program’s structure ensures equal access, with rural communities receiving as much attention as urban centers. Beneficiaries were required to present business plans before funding was released.
One participant, Chiamaka Okafor, who trained in catering and hospitality, said the support came at the right time. “This money means I can finally set up my baking business. Without it, my skills would have gone to waste,” she told reporters.
Tackling Unemployment
Unemployment and underemployment remain a major challenge in Anambra and across Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment has been among the highest in the country, fueling poverty and insecurity.
By providing direct funding and training, the Anambra government hopes to reduce reliance on handouts and political patronage. Officials said the program is designed to make beneficiaries self-reliant and productive.
“The money is not just a gift. It is seed capital. We want our young people to think like entrepreneurs, not dependents,” said Afam Mbanefo, the Commissioner for Youth Development.
Wider Economic Vision
Governor Soludo has repeatedly emphasized youth empowerment as part of his administration’s larger economic plan. Since taking office in 2022, he has launched several initiatives targeting small businesses, agriculture, and technology hubs.
Analysts say the latest disbursement shows the government’s attempt to turn policy promises into real impact. “Programs like this can transform communities if monitored properly,” said Chike Umeh, an economist based in Awka. “The challenge is making sure the funds are used effectively and not diverted.”
The governor acknowledged the concern, stating that the state will monitor how beneficiaries use the funds. “We will track progress. Those who succeed will be supported further, and those who fail will be encouraged to try again,” Soludo said.
Hope for the Future
For many young people in Anambra, the empowerment program offers hope at a time of economic hardship in Nigeria. Rising inflation and a weakening currency have made it difficult for small businesses to survive.
Beneficiaries say the training and financial support can help them weather the storm. “I learned tailoring during the program. Now, with this money, I will buy sewing machines and employ two apprentices,” said beneficiary Emeka Nwafor.
Community leaders also welcomed the initiative, urging the state to expand it in the coming years. They noted that reducing youth unemployment would also help address crime and social unrest.
Next Steps
The state government said it plans to scale up the program, targeting at least 10,000 more youths in the next phase. Officials also promised to partner with private investors to create additional funding opportunities.
As the first set of beneficiaries begin their ventures, the government hopes their success stories will inspire others. “This is not just about today’s event,” Soludo told the crowd. “It is about building an Anambra where every young person has the chance to thrive.”
With ₦3.5 billion already in circulation through the program, expectations are high that the investment will spark new businesses, create jobs, and gradually ease unemployment pressures across the state.
The Supreme Court on Monday postponed further proceedings in the Kano Emirate dispute, fixing April 19, 2027, as the new date for continuation of the case.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The long-standing legal battle involves the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido, both of whom are contesting the legitimacy of the Kano Emirate throne.
At its first sitting on the matter, the apex court listened to preliminary submissions from the parties before deciding to adjourn the case to the 2027 date.
The suit was filed by Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, who is challenging the actions of the Kano State Government and the State House of Assembly, particularly the repeal of the 2019 Kano Emirates Law. The legal challenge also addresses the dissolution of the five emirates established during the administration of Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as the reinstatement of Sanusi, who was removed from the throne in 2020.
Reacting after the court session, Dan Agundi expressed satisfaction with the proceedings so far, stating confidence in the judiciary’s fairness. However, he indicated that there may be a move to seek a review of the lengthy adjournment after consultations with legal counsel and key stakeholders, including members of the traditional council.
He noted that while the court’s actions align with legal expectations, the timeline could still be reconsidered upon further deliberation.
It will be recalled that in 2024, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf signed a new Emirate Council Law, which led to the removal of five emirs appointed under his predecessor. The decision also paved the way for Sanusi’s reinstatement as Emir of Kano, with the affected emirs directed to vacate their official residences within 48 hours.
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“Sick Mentality!” – Iwobi Applauds Osimhen While Galatasaray Boss Drops Fitness Hint Ahead Of Derby
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about the intense competitive nature of his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, describing the forward’s drive to succeed as extraordinary.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking during an appearance on the Best Mode On podcast, Iwobi portrayed Osimhen as a relentless and fearless player who consistently pushes himself to the limit. He explained that the striker often risks injury in training due to his aggressive style, always willing to challenge for balls others might avoid, highlighting his unyielding fighting spirit.
Iwobi noted that Osimhen’s rise to the top is no surprise, emphasizing that while some critics may view his style as unrefined, his tireless work rate allows him to create numerous scoring opportunities through sheer determination and constant movement. He added that Osimhen shows no regard for an opponent’s reputation, approaching every match with the same intensity, whether facing elite defenders like Virgil van Dijk or lower-tier opposition.
According to Iwobi, the striker’s obsession with winning defines his mentality, describing it as extreme and, at times, overwhelming even in training sessions, where he is known to go to great lengths to come out on top.
Osimhen’s fierce mindset has played a significant role in establishing him as one of the most dangerous strikers in the game, with an impressive goal tally for Nigeria further underlining his impact.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has provided a positive update on the forward’s fitness ahead of a crucial derby against Fenerbahçe. The coach indicated that Osimhen is expected to be available for the high-stakes encounter after missing a recent league fixture.
Although the striker travelled with the team to Ankara, he was not included in the matchday squad as the club carefully monitored his recovery from an arm injury sustained during a UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool. He subsequently underwent surgery and has since been gradually reintegrated into training.
Buruk explained that Osimhen participated in parts of training but experienced fatigue, prompting the technical team to rest him as a precaution. He added that the player’s condition will be reassessed ahead of the next fixture, with expectations high that he will be fit for the derby.
Galatasaray have found results difficult in his absence, managing just one win in five league matches and dropping points against sides such as Trabzonspor, Konyaspor, Gaziantep FK, and Kocaelispor. Despite the dip in form, the club remains narrowly at the top of the table with five games left to play.
Before his injury setback, Osimhen had recorded an impressive return of goals and assists across all competitions, and his anticipated comeback could see him form a key attacking partnership with Mauro Icardi in a derby that could prove decisive in the title race.
According to Nivo News, the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has declared what he described as divine judgment on bandits and their alleged sponsors responsible for insecurity across parts of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, during a sermon themed “Covenant Day of Vengeance,” Oyedepo stated that those behind killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks would face divine retribution. He further claimed that within the next seven days, consequences would begin to manifest against those he accused of fueling unrest in the country, assuring worshippers that the coming week would be marked by “testimonies of vengeance.”
He was quoted as saying that judgment had been pronounced on individuals responsible for such acts and their supporters, adding that the outcome he referenced would unfold within a week.
In a related remark during a recent midweek service, Oyedepo also acknowledged the presence of fraudsters within and outside religious spaces, warning that his identity and images were being exploited for fraudulent schemes. He urged members of his congregation to remain vigilant and committed to truth to avoid falling victim to scams involving impersonation.
He recounted a case where an individual allegedly posed as him in an attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims, noting that such incidents highlight the growing sophistication of fraudulent activities.
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