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Plateau Seeks ₦2bn To Boost Youth Skills And Entrepreneurship

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Plateau Seeks ₦2bn To Boost Youth Skills And Entrepreneurship

The Plateau State Government has announced plans to inject ₦2 billion into its Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition (PLAYESA) for Wealth programme, aimed at equipping young people with practical training in ICT, fashion, and leatherworks.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ashom, disclosed this at the flag-off of the latest batch of PLAYESA training, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, at the National Youth Centre, Shere Hills, Jos.

Ashom said the supplementary budget request, once approved by the state House of Assembly, would strengthen the government’s youth empowerment drive and position Plateau as a hub for digital technology and the creative economy.

“This training is to help young people acquire employable skills, because not everyone can get white-collar jobs,” he said. “In this batch, we have 150 participants, and another 100 will soon join, making it 250 trainees from all 17 local government areas of Plateau State.”

According to him, the initiative will expose youths to trades such as ICT, fashion design, shoemaking, and bag production — sectors he described as proven pathways to wealth creation.

Highlighting government support, Ashom revealed that the Joseph Gomwalk House has been donated to serve as an ICT centre, while the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy is currently laying 30km of fibre optic cables in the state. “Plateau is on course to become an ICT hub, and our youths must take full advantage,” he added.

Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Deborah Simon Pitmang, emphasised that the training is strictly practical under the Skills for Wealth scheme. “The focus is ICT, fashion design, and leather works. This is not ‘skills for WhatsApp.’ Participants will receive start-up kits to help them build sustainable livelihoods, not to sell them for quick cash,” she said.

Some trainees described the programme as a life-changing opportunity, especially for its hands-on approach and provision of equipment. One ICT trainee said the initiative would “boost digital exposure” and provide a foundation for building careers in technology, while participants in fashion and leatherworks expressed optimism about supporting their families through entrepreneurship.

The PLAYESA programme, launched under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is designed to empower youths across Plateau’s 17 LGAs with entrepreneurial and vocational skills, as part of wider efforts to tackle unemployment and create wealth.

Asisat Oshoala Seals Move To Al-Hilal In Saudi Arabia

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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40
Asisat Oshoala Seals Move To Al-Hilal In Saudi Arabia

Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala has completed a high-profile transfer from Bay FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. The move, officially announced on September 2, 2025, marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, who has signed a two-year deal with the Saudi club.

Impact at Bay FC

Oshoala joined Bay FC in 2024 during the team’s inaugural NWSL season and immediately became a key figure. She scored seven goals that year, including the franchise’s historic first-ever goal, finishing as the club’s top scorer. Her performances quickly established her as a fan favourite and a cornerstone of the attack. However, the 2025 campaign proved more challenging. The striker featured in just 12 matches, logging 458 minutes and starting only five times, without registering a goal or an assist.

Signs of Frustration

The limited playing time led to visible frustration for Oshoala. Earlier in the season, she admitted she was “not in the best place” in the league. In April, she hinted at internal tensions with a cryptic social media post, writing: “Waking up and feeling reluctant to show up to work cus of a protected somebody is draining.” Reports later suggested that attempts to facilitate a move within the NWSL were complicated by her contract’s structure, leaving a transfer abroad as the most viable solution.

Praise from Bay FC

Despite her departure, Bay FC paid glowing tribute to Oshoala. Sporting Director Matt Potter praised her professionalism and influence, both on and off the pitch, noting her role in laying the foundations for the young club. He described her as a world-class player and an outstanding person, wishing her success in her new chapter with Al-Hilal.

Al-Hilal’s Growing Profile

The move also highlights the rapid development of the Saudi Women’s Premier League, which has been attracting international stars in recent years. Oshoala now joins fellow Nigerian internationals Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega at Al-Hilal, strengthening the team’s ambitions of becoming a dominant force in women’s football across Asia and beyond.

A Legacy of Excellence

Before her NWSL stint, Oshoala enjoyed immense success with FC Barcelona, where she lifted two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies. On the international stage, she has been a mainstay of the Nigerian national team, most recently playing a vital role in helping the Super Falcons win their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year. Her individual accolades, including a record six African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards, underline her status as one of the most decorated players in African football history.

What Lies Ahead

For Oshoala, the move to Al-Hilal provides a chance to reignite her career in a new environment while contributing to the growth of women’s football in the Middle East. For Bay FC, her departure leaves a significant void as the club looks to rediscover form in what has been a difficult season, currently languishing in 12th place with one of the lowest goal tallies in the league.

FG Moves To Repair Damaged Shagamu-Benin Bridge Within 45 Days

Ohiomoje Margaret
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FG Moves To Repair Damaged Shagamu-Benin Bridge Within 45 Days

The Federal Government has ordered urgent repairs on the damaged Benin-bound section of the Shagamu-Benin bridge, with assurances that a lasting solution will be delivered within weeks.

In a statement on Tuesday, Uchenna Orji, media aide to the Minister of Works, said David Umahi has dispatched a team of engineers to the site located at the border between Edo and Ondo states.

According to the ministry, the affected span of the bridge developed a puncture on one carriageway, prompting immediate intervention. Umahi explained that traffic will be diverted to the other lane during the repairs, which are expected to take about 45 days after concrete work is completed, to allow for curing.

The ministry noted that the Shagamu-Benin bridge, constructed in 1981, has shown signs of deterioration due to age and heavy usage. Umahi said the current effort goes beyond temporary fixes, as the government plans to replace the entire deck slab of both bridges at the location using advanced engineering methods.

“The Federal Ministry of Works shall work with the FRSC to manage traffic during the rehabilitation period. A permanent solution is being adopted to rebuild the deck slab,” the statement added.

While apologising to motorists for the inconvenience, the minister commended the individual who raised awareness about the damage, stressing that over 30 bridges across the country are undergoing rehabilitation this year under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Umahi also highlighted the broader plan to expand Nigeria’s road infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, linking improved transport systems to development in healthcare, education, industry, and tourism.

Sanwo-Olu Marks Blue Line’s 2nd Anniversary

Tosin Onisuuru
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Sanwo-Olu Marks Blue Line’s 2nd Anniversary

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced a 50 percent reduction in fares on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line to celebrate its second anniversary.

The governor, in a post shared on his official X handle on Wednesday, revealed that the rail service has moved over five million passengers since it began operations in 2023 — without recording a single accident.

“In these two years, the Blue Line has carried more than five million passengers safely, without a single accident,” he wrote.

Sanwo-Olu added that trains now run at 10-minute intervals, completing more than 90 trips daily, and have significantly cut travel time for commuters.

“These achievements show that with dedication and purpose, we can build systems that truly serve the people,” he said, while appreciating Lagos residents for their trust and support.

The governor further disclosed that the fare reduction will take effect on Thursday, September 4, 2025, encouraging more residents to experience the service.

Launched in 2023, the Blue Line is a flagship project in Lagos State’s drive to expand public transportation and reduce traffic congestion across the metropolis.

CBT For WASSCE 2026: What You Should Know

Ohiomoje Margaret
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CBT For WASSCE 2026: What You Should Know

Nigeria’s education sector is on the verge of a historic shift. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced plans to fully transition the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) from paper-and-pencil testing to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.

This reform, long anticipated in the sector, aims to modernize assessment methods, boost exam credibility, and align Nigeria’s educational system with international best practices.

The initiative builds on earlier milestones, most notably the successful trial of CBT for private candidates in 2024 and the hybrid deployment for school candidates in 2025. With the Federal Government backing the reform and WAEC intensifying sensitisation, the countdown has begun toward a future where millions of secondary school students will take their exit exams entirely on computer systems.

WAEC Outlines Preparations for a Smooth Transition

The Head of WAEC’s National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, has assured Nigerians that the Council is fully prepared for the 2026 nationwide rollout of CBT for WASSCE. Speaking at a sensitisation session with the National Assembly Committee on Education, Dangut stressed that the decision was not only about adopting technology but also about safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s certificates and aligning with global standards.

According to him, WAEC has already conducted five CBT exams—four for private candidates and one for school candidates—without major hitches. To ease the transition, he revealed that mock exams and online practice platforms will be introduced to help students familiarise themselves with the system before their main tests.

Dangut also dismissed concerns about infrastructure and connectivity, noting that WAEC had successfully conducted CBT exams even in remote areas. He promised that all registered candidates, regardless of location, would sit their exams without disadvantage. On cyber security fears, he reassured stakeholders that all CBT sessions so far had been smooth, with evidence suggesting candidates performed even better than in the traditional paper-based format.

Minister of Education: “This Reform Will Reposition Nigerian Education”

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has thrown the Federal Government’s weight behind WAEC’s digital transition, describing it as a decisive step toward repositioning Nigeria’s education sector.

He highlighted that the CBT migration is consistent with broader government reforms, including restructuring the curriculum, upgrading school facilities, and equipping classrooms with modern learning tools. According to Alausa, moving public examinations to computer-based platforms will enhance credibility, reduce malpractice, and prepare Nigerian students to compete globally.

“For more than seven decades, WAEC has remained a dependable institution, serving the African child with distinction,” the minister said. “With this transition, we are confident that examinations will become more merit-driven, secure, and reflective of 21st-century standards.”

What to Expect Going Forward

With the National Assembly pledging budgetary support and WAEC already expanding sensitisation campaigns across Nigeria, the stage is set for one of the most ambitious reforms in the country’s education history. 

While challenges remain, such as ensuring equal access to digital infrastructure in all 774 local government areas, stakeholders are optimistic that the 2026 full-scale rollout will not only modernize assessments but also strengthen confidence in Nigerian education globally.

Ten Hag’s Shock Dismissal And The Growing Trend Of Short-Lived Coaching Stints

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Ten Hag’s Shock Dismissal And The Growing Trend Of Short-Lived Coaching Stints

Erik ten Hag’s time at Bayer Leverkusen has come to a dramatic and premature end. On September 1, 2025, the Dutch manager was shown the door after just two Bundesliga games in charge this season — a 3–0 defeat to Mainz and a 2–1 loss at home to promoted Karlsruhe. That decision, arriving barely a year after his appointment, now stands as the quickest sacking in Bundesliga history. Ten Hag himself admitted he was “completely surprised,” pointing to the summer exodus of players and lack of stability in the squad.

But Ten Hag is not the first to discover that patience in football management is wearing thinner by the season. When results fail to appear almost instantly, clubs increasingly act with ruthless speed. Here are four other coaches who suffered the same fate, losing their jobs almost as soon as they got them.

Les Reed – Just 41 Days at Charlton (2006)

Back in late 2006, Charlton Athletic turned to their academy director Les Reed after sacking Iain Dowie. But Reed’s promotion quickly became a nightmare. His side managed just one win in six weeks, and the lowest point came with a League Cup defeat to Wycombe Wanderers, a team three divisions below. By Christmas Eve, Reed had been dismissed after only 41 days, the press branding him “Les Misérables.” He is still remembered as one of the shortest and most ill-fated appointments in Premier League history.

Frank de Boer – 77 Days at Crystal Palace (2017)

When Frank de Boer was appointed at Crystal Palace in June 2017, the club promised a bold new identity built on possession football. Instead, it unravelled immediately. Palace lost their opening four league matches without scoring a single goal, and though De Boer did oversee one League Cup victory, the rot was too deep. Just 77 days into his reign, on September 11, 2017, he was dismissed, making his tenure the shortest in Premier League history at the time. The much-hyped “project” was abandoned before it had a chance to take shape.

Bob Bradley – 85 Days at Swansea City (2016)

Bob Bradley made history in October 2016 as the first American to manage in the Premier League. Hopes were high, but Swansea quickly found themselves sinking deeper into relegation trouble. Over 11 matches, Bradley’s team conceded an alarming 29 goals, picking up only two wins.

His reign lasted just 85 days, ending on December 27, 2016, with the Swans languishing near the bottom of the table. Bradley later reflected that the atmosphere at the club had been “toxic,” but the results gave Swansea little choice.

Quique Sánchez Flores – 85 Days Back at Watford (2019)

Watford’s revolving-door policy of managers is notorious, but even by their standards, Quique Sánchez Flores’ second spell was stunningly brief. Returning in September 2019 to replace Javi Gracia, Flores lasted less than three months. The Hornets won only one league match, endured an 8–0 demolition at Manchester City, and remained rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. On December 1, 2019, he was sacked after just 85 days, his return ending in disappointment and confirming Watford’s reputation for brutal impatience.

A Growing Pattern

Ten Hag’s exit from Leverkusen may have shocked fans, but football history is littered with similarly swift dismissals. From Les Reed’s ill-fated 41-day stint at Charlton to Quique Sánchez Flores’ second short-lived Watford tenure, these stories underline the shrinking margins of error modern coaches face. Clubs that once gave managers time to settle now act almost instantly, demanding results from the first whistle.

For Ten Hag, his dismissal will sting — but as history shows, he is far from alone in the club of managers who barely got started before being told to pack their bags.

SEC Cautions Nigerians Over Fraudulent Investment Platforms

Tosin Onisuuru
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SEC Cautions Nigerians Over Fraudulent Investment Platforms

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged Nigerians to be vigilant against online investment platforms that promise unrealistic financial returns.

Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Commission, gave the warning on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Business Morning. He noted that genuine investment companies must be licensed by the SEC, not just registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“If it looks too good to be true, then it is not true,” Agama said, stressing that Nigerians should always verify the legitimacy of investment schemes.

According to him, many fraudulent operators entice unsuspecting victims with promises of huge profits. He revealed that the Commission has already issued more than 85 advisories against illegal investment firms.

Agama also referred to Section 3(a) of the Investment and Securities Act 2025, which empowers the SEC to regulate activities within Nigeria’s capital market. He advised Nigerians to confirm the registration status of any investment firm through SEC offices in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, or via the Commission’s soon-to-be-launched digital platforms.

“When people promise what is ordinarily impossible, that is fraud. Nigerians must ask questions and verify with us,” he added.

His caution comes months after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released a list of 58 unregistered Ponzi scheme operators, including Wales Kingdom Capital, MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited, and Chinmark Homes. While some of these operators have been convicted or pleaded guilty, others are still standing trial.

MyFood Angels: Fresh from Farm to Doorstep

Mary Oluwabamise
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MyFood Angels: Fresh from Farm to Doorstep

In today’s fast-paced world, many Nigerians are searching for smarter ways to buy food, not just in terms of availability, but also hygiene, freshness, and convenience. The open market is no longer the only option, and for many, it’s not even the preferred one. Stepping into this gap is MyFood Angels, a tech-driven food delivery platform that connects consumers with clean, farm-fresh produce and freshly made meals—delivered right to their doorsteps.

Founded by Olapeju Umah and her partners Daniel and Femi, the idea for MyFood Angels was born from Olapeju’s own experiences living in Lekki, Lagos, where accessing fresh food without the chaos of markets was a daily struggle. Today, the company offers a full-service online food delivery system that serves individuals and businesses that either lack the time or the will to navigate traditional markets. From fruits and vegetables to juices and cooked meals, the platform handles it all.

But MyFood Angels is more than just a delivery app. It’s reshaping the entire food supply chain in Nigeria. The company works directly with smallholder farmers to source produce, which is then cleaned, processed, and packaged under hygienic conditions before being dispatched to customers. This model helps reduce the over 40% post-harvest losses Nigerian farmers face, while ensuring that consumers receive fresher and safer food.

With technology at its core, the platform streamlines food distribution, creating a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable process. For consumers, it means access to high-quality food with just a few taps on their phones. For farmers, it opens up new markets, better prices, and quicker sales cycles. This direct-to-consumer model cuts out unnecessary middlemen and reduces delays that typically spoil or devalue fresh produce.

The rise of services like MyFood Angels represents a larger shift in how food moves across cities and towns in Nigeria. In urban areas especially, digital platforms are replacing trips to the market with seamless online shopping experiences. As more people embrace this change, small farmers—who grow most of the country’s produce—are beginning to thrive in ways they never could before. The growth of this ecosystem also helps tackle food waste, boosts income for producers, and improves nutritional access in cities.

As the company continues to expand, its impact goes beyond logistics.
MyFood Angels is building a smarter, cleaner, and more accessible food economy—one that works for both consumers and producers. With a bold vision to become Africa’s number one food delivery and shop.

Governor Diri Appoints Sawyer to Lead Bayelsa Civil Service

Ohiomoje Margaret
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18
Governor Diri Appoints Sawyer to Lead Bayelsa Civil Service

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has approved the appointment of Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer as the new Head of the Civil Service.

The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah. Sawyer’s appointment comes after the retirement of Barrister Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema on August 31, 2025.

Until his elevation, Sawyer was a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. He joined the state civil service on June 8, 1998, as a medical officer.

Born on May 14, 1970, in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Sawyer had his early education at Town School, Okrika, Rivers State, and later attended Okrika Grammar School, where he completed his West African School Certificate examinations in 1986.

He studied medicine at the University of Port Harcourt, where he earned his MBBS in 1996. He went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Lagos in 2000, a Fellowship from the National Post-Graduate Medical College, Lagos in 2005, and a Part 2 Fellowship in Public Health in 2010.

Sawyer has also defended his PhD dissertation in Clinical Sciences and Public Health at the Niger Delta University and is a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Wike’s Camp Lists Conditions For PDP Convention

Tosin Onisuuru
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Wike’s Camp Lists Conditions For PDP Convention

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has demanded that the national chairmanship of the party remain in the north-central zone.

The group, known as the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, made its position known on Monday night in Abuja while setting conditions for the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The zoning of the PDP chairmanship has been a recurring issue since 2021, when the position was allocated to the north and further narrowed to the north-central. It was under this arrangement that Iyorchia Ayu from Benue was elected as chairman before his suspension by court order, which cleared the way for Umar Damagum, then deputy national chairman (north), to act in his place. Damagum, who hails from Yobe in the north-east, was confirmed as substantive chairman by the party’s national executive committee (NEC) on August 25, a development that Wike’s group has openly challenged.

The Wike bloc insists that a credible and acceptable convention cannot be achieved without addressing what it describes as unresolved congresses and disregard for court rulings. In its communiqué, the group called for fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, recognition of the south-south congress held in Calabar, and a new south-east zonal congress. It also demanded that local government congresses in Ekiti be conducted immediately in line with subsisting judgments.

The group further rejected any attempt at micro-zoning within the north, stressing that the chairmanship must stay with the north-central for fairness and stability in the party. It warned that failing to implement these resolutions would undermine the legitimacy of the convention and disenfranchise valid members.

Those at the Abuja meeting included Wike, PDP national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as Kingsley Chinda, minority leader of the House of Representatives, and Martins Amaewhule, suspended speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, among others.

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