Presidency and Agricultural Stakeholders to Launch Agrovest Reality TV

 

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, commodity associations, and other agricultural stakeholders, is preparing to launch Agrovest reality TV in Nigeria.

Agrovest is a multinational organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating agri-business investments by working with various stakeholders and investors.

Salisu Sheriff, Chief of Staff to the Senior Special Assistant, praised the Agrovest reality TV initiative during a stakeholders meeting in Abuja. He highlighted its potential to inspire Nigerian youth to engage in agriculture and view it as a valuable and appealing field, rather than focusing on less productive media content.

Sheriff emphasized the office’s partnership with Agrovest due to the President's strong interest in agriculture and Nigeria's vast agricultural potential. He noted that, similar to China's successful youth engagement in agriculture and technology, this initiative aims to make agriculture attractive and engaging through the concept of edutainment—combining education and entertainment.

The new approach will not only help alleviate poverty and food insecurity but also reduce dependence on government support and boost the national GDP. Sheriff added that even small-scale farming in personal spaces could contribute to poverty reduction.

Emmanuel Abuhson, CEO of Tremma Agro Limited and creator of the Agrovest reality TV show, announced that 37 young Nigerians, aged 18 to 40, will be selected from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These participants will compete over 60 days, working in teams on various agricultural tasks. Commodity associations will provide training and help judge the competition.

The winner will receive a ₦20 million cash prize, along with other rewards to be revealed later. Abuhson highlighted that the show, a first of its kind, aims to redirect Nigerian youth's energy towards agriculture and position Nigeria as a leading global agricultural hub.

The meeting was attended by presidents of various commodity associations, including those representing sesame, wheat, soursop, and bamboo.

Renewed Hope Initiative: Oyo Petty Traders Benefit from ₦1.85 Billion Grant from Nigeria's First Lady

 

In response to the impact of fuel subsidy removal on small businesses, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has supported over 1,000 petty traders in Oyo State through the Renewed Hope Initiative. This program aims to aid Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across all 36 states.

Speaking through Oyo State’s First Lady, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, Mrs. Tinubu announced that the federal government has allocated ₦1.85 billion to 37,000 female petty traders nationwide. This funding is intended to help them address financial difficulties, grow their businesses, create jobs, and boost the economy.

Mrs. Tinubu highlighted that empowering women economically is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic move, noting that when women succeed, their families, communities, and the nation benefit. She encouraged Nigerian women to support the current administration in building a nation where every woman can thrive and every business can prosper.

The Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme will provide ₦50,000 grants to 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state to help them revitalize and expand their businesses. In total, ₦1.85 billion will be distributed to 37,000 women across the country.

These grants are designed to assist women petty traders in overcoming business challenges, expanding their enterprises, creating jobs, and making a stronger contribution to the economy. Economic empowerment is a key focus of the Renewed Hope Initiative, which aims to support women and youth across the six geopolitical zones as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms.

Mrs. Tinubu praised the RHI State Coordinators, State First Ladies, and others involved in implementing the program and selecting the traders. She acknowledged the beneficiaries' dedication and encouraged them to continue working together to create a Nigeria where every woman can succeed and every small business can grow and enhance national prosperity.

Oyo State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, represented by Director of Women Affairs, Mr. Kunle Oke, praised the federal government for the initiative and urged beneficiaries to use the funds effectively to expand their businesses and contribute to the national economy.

Southeast universities refute claims of neglect as lawmakers raise issues

 

The South-East caucus of the National Assembly expressed concerns on Sunday about the alleged exclusion of students from South-East higher institutions from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.

In response, spokespeople from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University confirmed that their students had applied for the loan and were awaiting disbursement from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

NELFUND had clarified on Friday that there was no discrimination against South-East students, stating that none of the institutions in the region had completed the required verification for their students to qualify for the scheme.

Dr. Harrison Madubueze, PRO of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, reported that the university was officially registered on the NELFUND portal on August 10 and shortlisted by the Federal Government on August 14. Efforts are now focused on informing students about the enrollment process.

Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeanioma, ESUT’s PRO, mentioned that their verification was completed three weeks ago, but technical issues delayed its upload until last Friday night. The verification has now been successfully uploaded.

Emmanuel Ojukwu, PRO of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, indicated he was unaware of the students' loan applications but promised to gather more information. Hilary Chinedu, Deputy PRO of the Student Union Government, stated that he could not confirm whether students had received or filled out the NELFUND forms but emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness and access for students from all regions.

Efforts to reach the University of Nigeria Nsukka for a comment were unsuccessful as their officials did not respond.

South-East lawmakers expressed concern on Sunday over the absence of South-East students among the 27,667 beneficiaries of the N2.95 billion loan scheme. They noted that despite the funds being distributed to students from other regions, none from the South-East had received any benefits.

NELFUND reiterated that it was awaiting the completion of verification processes from South-East institutions, which was necessary for fund disbursement.

In a statement, the South-East Caucus in the National Assembly, signed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Rt. Hon. Igariwey Enwo, urged regional institutions to promptly meet verification requirements. They emphasized the importance of applying for the loan to address challenges in accessing higher education and urged South-East students to actively seek available opportunities. The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the region does not miss out on development opportunities.

#StudentsLoanNG

South East lawmakers have raised concerns about the region’s exclusion from the current student loan program administered by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)

Despite the distribution of ₦2.95 billion to 27,667 students across 19 institutions nationwide, no recipients are from South East universities or colleges. 

NELFUND has attributed the exclusion to the failure of South East institutions to respond to requests for student list verification, a crucial step for loan disbursement. Although verification requests were sent to all institutions, South East schools have not yet complied, resulting in their students not being included in the beneficiary list.

In response, the South East caucus, through a statement signed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Igariwey Enwo, urged the region’s institutions to complete the verification process promptly. They stressed the need for South East students to take advantage of the federal initiative to ease financial burdens and improve access to higher education.

The statement urged South East students to apply for the loans, emphasizing that participation in such programs is vital for overcoming challenges to higher education and personal development. It highlighted the need for the region to actively participate in and benefit from federal programs to avoid missing out on opportunities available to other regions. The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the South East remains competitive in accessing development opportunities.

FG Announces Procedures for Student Loan Disbursement

 

With the initiation of the NELFUND student loan disbursement, NELFUND has outlined the procedures for distributing student loans.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the process each student loan application follows, highlighting the essential roles of NELFUND, the institutions, and the students:

1. Data Submission: Institutions must provide NELFUND with accurate and complete student data, including matriculation numbers, JAMB details, course of study, academic level, and fees for upload onto the NELFUND SVS.

2. Student Notification: NELFUND and the institutions will inform students about their eligibility to apply for loans through awareness campaigns and direct communication.

3. Student Loan Application: Students apply for loans via the NELFUND portal (https://nelf.gov.ng), providing necessary details such as JAMB number, NIN, BVN, and matriculation number.

4. Application Processing: NELFUND processes the applications by verifying the provided details and approving those that meet the criteria.

5. Approval Notification: NELFUND sends a list of approved loans to the institutions for further verification.

6. Institutional Verification: Institutions review the approved list, confirm the accuracy of the student information and loan approvals, and then sign off on the list before returning it to NELFUND.

7. Fee Disbursement: NELFUND, upon receiving the verified list, disburses the approved fees directly to the institutions on behalf of the students.

This structured process ensures efficient management of student loans, with all parties fulfilling their roles to help students access higher education.

#StudentsLoanNG

Npower News: Our Letter Already On His Desk

A picture has surfaced online actually showing Dr. Badamasi Lawal the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency showing his letter of appointment and taking a picture with the Governor of Katsina State.

"The new CEO OF NSIPA Prof Badamasi Lawal Charanchi showing the Governor of Katsina State his new Appointment letter this afternoon at the Government House in Katsina. Our letter is already on his desk" Adeshina A. Adex the Npower Publicity Secretary said.

According to Npower News, the National Association of Npower beneficiaries as well as beneficiaries of Npower batch c are highly optimistic that with this latest development their Npower payment will be processed promptly as they await feedback from the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in this week.

Npower News: Check Back On Monday For Feedback - Ministry

According to Npower News, Adeshina A Adex the Npower Publicity Secretary on behalf of the National Association of Npower beneficiaries has thrown more light on the letter submitted to the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, infact he said that the Ministry said the submitted letter will be the first of its kind to get to the Ministry.

According to Adeshina A Adex, the National Association of Npower Beneficiaries were told to check back on Monday for feedback.

Kindly watch video below.

Student Loan Distribution Not Based on Geopolitical Zones – NELFUND

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has clarified that the allocation of its funds is not influenced by geopolitical zones.

This clarification follows the release of ₦2.94 billion to 19 universities for 27,667 students. The disbursement list showed that universities in the South-East and South-South regions were excluded, leading to criticism from some Nigerians.

Twitter user @Donaldsplendo expressed frustration, noting the lack of funds for institutions like UNIZIK, FUTO, MOUAU, and UNN, and questioning the fairness of the allocation. Another user, @Tonia_dimma, also highlighted the absence of funds for the South-South region, despite claims of national unity.

NELFUND responded via its official X account (@nelfund), stating that geopolitical zones do not affect fund distribution. The agency explained that payments are made to institutions that have completed the verification process. As institutions in the South-East have not yet responded, their students have not yet benefited from the scheme.

NELFUND also announced receiving ₦50 billion from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Head of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, expressed appreciation for the additional funds, which were directed by President Bola Tinubu to enhance the student loan program. This funding represents a significant boost to educational access and reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting students across Nigeria. The fund praised President Tinubu for his dedication to education and his leadership in improving the future prospects of Nigerian students.

Remi Tinubu Launches Renewed Hope Economic Initiative in Abuja and Delta

On Thursday, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, through her foundation, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), kicked off the disbursement of recapitalization grants for 1,000 women petty traders in both Abuja and Delta State. She announced that a total of N1,850,000,000 will be distributed to 37,000 women nationwide, with each receiving N50,000 to boost and expand their businesses.

Represented by Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for the Women Affairs Secretariat and FCT State Coordinator of RHI, the First Lady noted that the event will be held simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. She highlighted the RHI's acknowledgment of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly petty traders who are crucial to local economies.

In Asaba, Delta State, Mrs. Tinubu also launched the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, emphasizing that empowerment is central to the Tinubu administration's objectives. She confirmed that the initiative includes recapitalization grants for 1,000 women petty traders in Delta State and has been implemented across all six geopolitical zones to support the federal government's economic reforms.

Mrs. Tinubu expressed her honor at participating in the empowerment program and thanked the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his wife for their hospitality. She reiterated the importance of supporting women petty traders to help them overcome business challenges and contribute more effectively to the economy.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, praised the initiative for its role in empowering women entrepreneurs and strengthening their economic resilience. Represented by Hajia Maijidda Adamu Musa, FCT Coordinator of the Social Investment Programme, she highlighted the value of investing in human capital through the Renewed Hope Initiative in areas such as Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, Social Investment, and Agriculture.

Mrs. Tinubu concluded by noting that the grant of N50,000 each for the selected women petty traders is aimed at helping them expand their businesses and create more jobs. She also announced an additional N50 million grant from the Delta State government, increasing the amount each woman will receive to N100,000. She reiterated that economic empowerment is a strategic priority, essential for the prosperity of families, communities, and the nation.

South-East institutions excluded as NELFUND releases student loan disbursement details for five geopolitical zones

The South-East region’s tertiary institutions were not included in the first phase of student loan disbursements by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). 

NELFUND has announced that over N2.9 billion has been allocated for the tuition fees of more than 27,000 students across 19 higher education institutions in Nigeria. However, none of these institutions are located in the South-East, although institutions from the other five geopolitical zones are represented.

When asked about the exclusion of South-East institutions, NELFUND spokesperson Nasir Ayitogo told Peoples Gazette that the disbursement was not based on geopolitical zones. 

“There is no consideration of geopolitical zones in disbursement,” Mr. Ayitogo explained. He added that only institutions that have responded to NELFUND’s verification lists are eligible for funding. “We have not received any responses from South-East institutions.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) government has faced accusations of neglecting the South-East region in political appointments and benefits since taking office in 2015. 

Former Ohanaeze Ndigbo president Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, shortly before his death on July 25, labeled the South-East as the most marginalized geopolitical zone in Nigeria. He pointed out disparities in ministerial appointments and the lack of railway infrastructure development in the region, despite its significant trading activities.

UNILAG, OAU, and others receive N2.9 billion from NELFUND

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced that it has allocated a total of N2,946,927,155 in student loans to 27,667 students across 19 institutions nationwide. This information was shared on Friday through the Fund’s X account, under the handle #NELFUND.

On August 14, 2024, it was reported that students from 22 state-owned tertiary institutions were authorized to apply for loans following a review by the Student Verification System committee, raising the total number of approved state institutions to 108.

Here is a breakdown of the approved institutions and the amounts allocated:

- University of Maiduguri: N589,001,500

- University of Ibadan: N201,114,650

- University of Ilorin: N52,897,890

- University of Benin: N24,412,500

- Federal University, Dutsin-Ma: N304,961,800

- Bayero University, Kano: N853,775,000

- Federal College of Education, Abeokuta: N1,945,700

- Federal University of Technology, Minna: N62,928,600

- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife: N50,414,000

- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro: N8,347,465

- University of Lagos: N122,494,400

- University of Jos: N209,320,000

- Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau: N15,600,200

- Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo: N18,502,500

- Federal University, Dutse: N207,106,000

- Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi: N130,002,800

- Modibbo Adama University, Adamawa: N83,837,850

- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi: N7,218,800

- Federal Polytechnic, Mubi: N2,045,500