Clarification Regarding Hajiya Aisha Alubankudi's Involvement and Updates on the NPower Program

The public is hereby notified that Hajiya Aisha Alubankudi has been voluntarily providing information about pending payments related to the NPower program as a goodwill gesture towards the Nigerian community.

It is important to clarify that Hajiya Aishat Alubankudi, also known as Mummy Aishat, is not officially connected to the NPower program. She serves as the Program Manager for the Grants for Vulnerable Groups initiative and works transparently alongside other dedicated Nigerians to ensure the program's effective implementation for those it aims to help.

When she shares updates about NPower payments, it is out of appreciation for the diligent work of the program managers in addressing these outstanding issues.

Considering her active and responsive engagement online, we urge the public to be patient, as the Program Managers are doing everything possible to process the pending payments.

We thank the public for their patience, understanding, and cooperation in this matter.

Tinubu to Launch LEEP to Address Unemployment

 

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, announced that the ministry will launch the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) in October.

Speaking at a ministry event on Thursday, Onyejeocha explained that LEEP is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create jobs to reduce unemployment.

According to her, LEEP is a comprehensive initiative by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment aimed at generating employment. The program's objective is to create 2.5 million jobs annually, both directly and indirectly, while ensuring the welfare and safety of workers nationwide.

"Through the LEEP Digital Nomads pillar, we will develop the skills of our significant youth population, enabling them to access higher-income opportunities in the global job market. This will be achieved by enhancing their digital literacy and promoting remote work skills," she said.

Onyejeocha also mentioned that the LEEP Vocational and Entrepreneurship Programme (VEP) will focus on providing relevant skills training for employment and entrepreneurship in various industries.

"We will upgrade and expand the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) platform to streamline employment recruitment processes across all job types in the country.

"Under the LEEP Job Fairs, the federal government, in partnership with private sector employers, will organize annual job fairs to connect job seekers with employers and partners across Nigeria.

"The LEEP Center for Learning Spaces initiative will upgrade and modernize existing physical assets of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), to meet the increasing demand for training spaces suitable for apprenticeships, production hubs, and business incubators," she added.

Defaulters Will Not Face Pressure, Says FG

 

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has assured students they will not be pressured if they fail to repay their Federal Government student loans on time. This assurance comes as 260 federal and state institutions have been added to the scheme, with over 360,000 students now registered.

Speaking at a sensitization event at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, on Thursday, NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr stressed that the loan is interest-free and that repayment starts two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), provided the student is employed. He added that the Establishment Act allows applicants to inform the agency if they are still unemployed after this period.

Sawyerr stated, "Loan repayment starts two years after graduation and NYSC. If you are not yet working, you will not be required to start repayment. So, don’t let financial constraints stop you from pursuing an education."

The event was held in collaboration with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), headed by President Lucky Emonefe, who urged students to take advantage of the loan and assured them that it is accessible to all students, not just a few privileged individuals.

Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), pointed out that the meeting was organized to address the low interest shown by students in the South East in accessing the loan. She encouraged them to utilize this opportunity, which is open to all Nigerian students regardless of region, background, or political affiliation.

Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, Vice Chancellor of EBSU, acknowledged the challenges encountered during the application process and urged NELFUND to resolve these issues to make the process smoother. He also assured NELFUND of the institution’s commitment to assisting students in accessing the loan.

According to the NELFUND website, as of October 3, 2024, 260 institutions have joined the platform, with more than 360,000 students registered and 267,984 loan applications submitted. Over 45,440 students have benefitted from the program so far, and the first phase, launched on May 24, 2024, aims to support up to 1.2 million students.

The Federal Government Awards N150,000 Grant to MSMEs in Enugu

 

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria are receiving much-needed support as President Bola Tinubu has approved a federal grant of N150,000 for MSME business owners in Enugu State. This announcement comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the largest ultra-modern MSME Fashion Hub in Enugu State, reaffirming President Tinubu’s dedication to fostering a business environment that enables MSMEs to thrive.

During the launch of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu, Shettima announced the grant, emphasizing its significance as a direct boost for MSMEs. He also highlighted the Expanded National MSME Clinics as a federal initiative aimed at improving the ease of doing business through hands-on support for MSMEs across Nigeria, with previous clinics held in Benue, Ogun, Ekiti, and Jigawa States earlier in the year.

The Vice President assured attendees that the grant is a non-repayable contribution aimed at bolstering MSMEs and accelerating economic growth. He expressed satisfaction with the federal government's commitment to helping MSMEs, stating that they form the backbone of the Nigerian economy, accounting for 96% of all businesses and contributing over 45% to the GDP.

The event also saw the Vice President inaugurate the fashion and garment hub in Enugu, established by the federal government in collaboration with the state government. Shettima praised the facility as a critical step in supporting MSMEs, enhancing productivity, and creating approximately 48,000 jobs.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu expressed appreciation for the federal government’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of MSMEs for economic growth. He noted that the new fashion hub will inspire entrepreneurship among young people in Enugu, enhancing opportunities for small business owners.

Senator Osita Ngwu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also commended the partnership between the federal and state governments in supporting MSMEs, with Kalu praising Shettima's empathy for the less privileged.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, announced the commencement of a nationwide training program for shoemakers, emphasizing the need for skill acquisition to tackle unemployment. Meanwhile, the South East chapter of the National Employers Consultative Association (NECA) pledged its support for federal initiatives aimed at job creation.