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Nigeria’s push for mass vocational training is gaining momentum, as over 1.3 million young Nigerians have applied for enrollment in the federal government’s new skills development initiative under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program.

The move, according to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), marks the beginning of a nationwide shift toward empowering youth with hands-on, job-ready skills.

Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, revealed the figures in a recent interview with RFI Hausa Radio, emphasizing the scale and significance of the new government effort.

‘So far, about 1.3 million youth have applied, and 960,000 have been screened,’ Bugaje said. ‘Just last week, the Minister of Education launched training for the first batch of 58,000. You might say this is a small number, but it’s only the beginning.’ He explained that once the program picks up momentum, that number will increase, stressing that the TVET program, launched by the Ministry of Education, aims to provide practical, employment-focused training for Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population.

‘Nigeria is the country with the largest youth population in the world,’ Bugaje stressed. ‘If you look at the numbers, about 70% of Nigerians are under the age of 30. No other country has such a demographic.’

Bugaje criticized the traditional focus on academic qualifications that don’t lead to employment, advocating instead for skill-based education that reflects the realities of Nigeria’s labor market.

‘The problem with formal (Western) education is that it conditions your mind to believe you must get a government job,’ he said. ‘But the government does not have enough jobs for everyone. Youth must be taught skills that help them rely on themselves.’

He further argued that vocational learning is not limited to classrooms or formal institutions, but can be found in local workshops, artisan hubs, and informal learning centers like Panteka in Kaduna.

‘There are community-based schools everywhere, such as those in Panteka and roadside automobile workshops,’ Bugaje explained. ‘These are also centers for vocational learning. This is a crucial pillar for economic development and needs to be supported.’

He also said in addition to the Ministry of Education’s efforts, other ministries are also rolling out targeted initiatives.

Bugaje said the Ministry of Communications has launched the MTT program to train three million youth in digital skills, including content creation and AI, adding that Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works has also introduced NASAP, aiming to train one million youth in construction-related trades like masonry, tiling, carpentry, and POP (plaster of Paris).

‘Right now in Nigeria, artisans from Benin and Togo are the ones doing our POP work, even in Abuja which is shameful,’ Bugaje said, adding, ‘Meanwhile, our youth are idle, roaming neighborhoods with no jobs.’

While funding and certification logistics are being handled by NELFund, Bugaje emphasized NBTE’s commitment to visiting centers, evaluating training, and ensuring the credibility of the certifications.

The crisis rocking the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its forthcoming convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, has taken a new twist.

The party which has been hit by a wave of defections in recent times has been looking forward to convention as an avenue for re-strategy ahead of 2027.

This week alone, it lost two governors – Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).

However, while trying to recover from the loss, National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, raised an alarm over alleged forgery of his signature. In a petition sighted by Daily Trust, Anyanwu who has been at logger heads with National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), said the letter written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dated 29 August was not signed by him.

He therefore asked the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector General of Police, IGP to order a full investigation into the situation and punish those culpable.

He said, ‘My attention has been drawn to an official letter to INEC with Ref. No. PDP/DOM/GF.2/Vol. 1M/25 – 140 dated August 25, 2025, purportedly signed by me.

Her Excellency, Hajiya Dr. Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, First Lady of Adamawa State, officially launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign at Damre Primary Health Care Facility in Girei LGA.

In her remarks, Dr. Lami emphasized that vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving, urging parents and caregivers to ensure every eligible child is immunized. She described the campaign as a critical investment in children’s health and the state’s future, and called on local government leaders and their spouses to actively support the daily review meetings for effective implementation across all 21 LGAs.

She expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Wife of the President, and First Lady of Nigeria, for her leadership in championing the national campaign, and thanked development partners-including WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, C-WINNS, APHPN, Helen Keller International, and CHIGARI Foundation-for their continued technical and financial support.

The Adamawa First Lady also lauded the State Ministry of Health, the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, health workers, and traditional and religious leaders for their roles in mobilizing communities. She announced the distribution of freezers to all 21 LG cold stores to preserve vaccine quality and strengthen immunization logistics. Other speakers, including Hon. Felix Tangwami (Commissioner for Health), Alhaji Adamu Dalatu (Chairman, Girei LGA), Dr. Suleiman Saidu Bashir (Executive Chairman, ASPHCDA), and Dr. Umar Gana (C-WINNS NE Coordinator), commended the First Lady and Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for prioritizing child health and effective public health interventions.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has said he would prefer that Nigeria’s Super Eagles do not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing tensions between the two countries during the qualification campaign.

McKenzie made the remarks during an interview with Radio 947 in Johannesburg, where he accused Nigerian football officials of allegedly working against South Africa’s qualification bid.

The comments come amid a competitive qualification series in which both nations were drawn in the same group. South Africa had earlier faced a setback when FIFA deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, briefly endangering their chances of automatic qualification.

Nigeria took advantage of the situation and recorded back-to-back wins in their final matches, intensifying the race for the top spot.

However, South Africa eventually secured first place in Group C after a 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day, confirming their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

Nigeria, on the other hand, finished second in the group and must now navigate the continental playoff route to stand a chance of reaching the global tournament.

Speaking on the rivalry, McKenzie said South Africans were not in support of Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.

‘I heard you saying earlier that we [South Africa] were also rooting for Nigeria,’ he said.

‘I want to make it very clear that I wish for them not to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.’

The minister, a former community activist and businessman, claimed that Nigeria had allegedly tried to influence events during South Africa’s qualification campaign.

‘I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there. I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup. Another African country should go,’ McKenzie added.

He, however, clarified that his comments were not personal but reflected what he described as a healthy sporting rivalry between the two footballing nations.

‘It’s not that I don’t like Nigeria. It’s just rivalry – like the one between [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates,’ he said.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the continental playoff tournament in November. A win would see the Super Eagles advance to a final playoff tie against either Congo DR or Cameroon, where victory would secure one of Africa’s remaining intercontinental playoff slots.

Failure to progress would mean Nigeria missing consecutive World Cup appearances for the first time since 1994.

The People’s Republic of China has commended the Nigerian government for the rescue of four of its citizens kidnapped in Kwara State.

The rescue operation was conducted jointly by Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military.

The commendation was conveyed by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, at the formal handover of the rescued kidnapees at the DSS medical facility in Abuja.

Represented by the Consul of the embassy, Wang Jun, the ambassador lauded the DSS for the swift intelligence-led operation, which he stated, resulted in the safe and timely rescue of the Chinese miners.

The Chinese nationals, identified as Dansu Zhou, Zhou Hai, Zhou Jia Jun, and Fan Xiu Guo, were rescued on Saturday by a joint team of security operatives compromising the Office of the National Security Adviser, (ONSA), DSS, Nigerian Army and the Police.

The Consul also thanked the DSS for what he described as the outstanding medical care the Service gave the rescued foreigners at their medical facility in Abuja, saying the move significantly contributed to the well-being and quick recovery of the kidnapees.

He praised the DSS medical facility in Abuja, stressing that up until the incident, the Chinese government was unaware that the DSS had such a state-of-the-art medical facility.

‘Following their rescue, DSS operatives immediately took the our citizens to their facilty for medical evaluation. Then they were thoroughly examined by the best professionals before moving them to our embassy in Abuja,’ noted Xingwei.

It was revealed that the Chinese nationals were ambushed and abducted by a gang of seven AK-47 – wielding bandits, on their way to a mining site at Saminaka village, Yagba West LGA, Kogi state.

It would be recalled that recent operations by the DSS across states in Nigeria have targeted criminal syndicates leading to disruption of their activities, interception of arms and ammunition, and dismantling of their networks.

Commendations have been pouring in for the Service for a recent major operation in Asaba, Delta State, in which the Service intercepted seven General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), arms and ammunition, with stakeholders describing the feat as evidence of the commitment of the DSS to tackling insecurity and restoring peace and stability across the country.

Chairman of the 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Elective Convention Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on Thursday led members of the National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) Executive on an on-the-spot assessment visit to key facilities in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The visit covered major venues and support infrastructure, including the Lekan Salami Stadium, selected bus terminals, and other critical facilities earmarked for the smooth hosting of the forthcoming #Ibadan2025 PDP National Convention, scheduled for November 15-16, 2025. Governor Fintiri and his delegation assessed the level of preparedness of the host state, focusing on logistics, accommodation, security arrangements, and other essential amenities required for a successful convention.

Speaking during the inspection, Governor Fintiri commended the Oyo State Government for its readiness and commitment to ensuring a hitch-free and historic event, reaffirming the PDP’s resolve to conduct a transparent, credible, and well-organized national convention that will further strengthen the unity and democratic values of the party.

Kaduna State Government has successfully commissioned a solar-powered borehole at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kaduna.

The facility, located at the female corps members’ dormitory, was executed through the State’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

The commissioning ceremony, held at the NYSC camp, was marked by deep appreciation from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Kaduna State, which lauded Governor Uba Sani for his proactive leadership and consistent support to the Corps community in the state.

Speaking at the event, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Efeke Murna Dadaza, commended Governor Uba Sani for responding promptly to their request and for creating an enabling environment for corps members serving in Kaduna. She pledged that the NYSC would ensure the solar-powered borehole is well-maintained and used efficiently to improve the living conditions of corps members, especially female participants.

Director General of RUWASSA, Engr. Mubarak Shehu Ladan, explained that the project aligns with the agency’s mandate to provide clean and sustainable water solutions across rural communities and key institutions.

He emphasized that the solar-powered borehole reflects the Governor’s broader vision for improved access to potable water and his administration’s focus on infrastructure development that directly impacts lives.

‘Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Uba Sani has been unwavering in his support for RUWASSA’s mission,’ Engr. Ladan noted. ‘This project is yet another step towards fulfilling his promise of prioritizing people-centered development, especially in underserved areas.’

The NYSC community expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the State Government and His Royal Highness, Malam Nuhu Bamalli (CFR), for their steadfast commitment to the safety and welfare of youth corps members.

They also pledged to support the government’s efforts in sustaining this and other similar initiatives across the state.

Is the English Premier League still worth it?

The claim that the English Premier League is the best in Europe is a common talking point among fans, pundits, and marketers. While ‘best’ is ultimately subjective, there are several concrete factors that consistently give the EPL an edge in global perception and commercial strength. Below is a nuanced look at why many people hold that view, followed by a brief acknowledgment of the strengths of other top European leagues.

What sets The Premier League apart?

Well, the league’s roots trace back to 1888, giving it a storied heritage that intertwines with British culture. Match-day traditions-chants, pubs, community outreach-create a vibrant atmosphere that resonates internationally. And what about infrastructure? Most EPL clubs boast modern, high-capacity venues with excellent pitch quality, safety standards, and fan amenities. Additional investment in state-of-the-art training complexes contributes to player development and injury prevention. Furthermore, the Premier League has the financial and competitive balance. It commands the world’s most lucrative domestic TV rights deals, generating billions of pounds each season. The same refers to radio and other types of media. The EPL news are always followed with excitement. That brings revenues, which are split among all 20 clubs, giving even mid-table teams the resources to attract quality players.

And yes, Premier League clubs regularly spend heavily in the market, which translates into formidable squads and high-profile signings across the board. This financial depth helps maintain a competitive balance where several teams can realistically challenge for the title each year. There is also the brand power factor. The league is broadcasted in over 200 territories and reaches an estimated 4.7 billion people worldwide. Its matches are shown live in markets ranging from Asia to the Americas, creating a truly global fan base. That obviously attracts high-profile sponsors (e.g., Nike, Adidas, Amazon) and strategic partnerships with streaming platforms. Their engagement expands the league’s visibility far beyond the UK.

That makes additional sense, since the EPL is renowned for its high tempo, physicality, and end-to-end action. Teams typically adopt attacking mindsets, which produces frequent goals and dramatic moments. And, because financial resources are spread relatively evenly, upsets are common. Even lower-ranked sides can pull off surprising victories against traditional powerhouses, keeping the league exciting throughout the season.

None of that, however, would have been possible without the depth of talent. The league attracts elite players from across the globe-think of the influx of South American, African, and Asian stars alongside top European football stars. Managers come from varied tactical backgrounds, too. Pep Guardiola, Jrgen Klopp, and Diego Simeone: such professionals bring a mix of styles, enriching the tactical landscape.

How other top European leagues compare to EPL?

Let’s start with La Liga (Spain). It has technical finesse, possession-based play, world-class clubs (Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid). But concentrated wealth stays in a few bank accounts. That means less revenue parity, which makes the EPL more interesting.

The Bundesliga (Germany) has strong youth development, high attendance rates, affordable ticket prices, and efficient club management. But it generates slightly lower overall TV revenue compared to the EPL.

Serie A (Italy), on the other hand, provides tactical sophistication, defensive mastery, rich historical clubs (Juventus, AC Milan, Inter). It also has an incredible fan base, where club loyalty competes with family and religion. Recent financial challenges, though, make reality very difficult for some clubs.

Ligue 1 (France). Emerging talent pipeline (young French stars), growing investment (e.g., PSG’s financial backing). Yet limited global broadcasting reach and competitive imbalance are considered to be disadvantageous.

Each league excels in particular dimensions-technical artistry in La Liga, fan accessibility in the Bundesliga, tactical depth in Serie A, and talent development in Ligue 1. Personal attachments depend on which attributes a viewer values most.

A balanced takeaway

Yes, the EPL is still worth the effort to follow it. But is it the best? The combination of financial equality, global marketing, high-octane style, and depth of talent creates a product that feels both elite and accessible. But ‘best’ is not universal. Fans who prioritize tactical nuance may favour La Liga; those who love community-focused stadium experiences might lean toward the Bundesliga; admirers of defensive masterclasses could champion Serie A.

Ultimately, the Premier League’s dominance stems from a synergy of economics, entertainment value, and worldwide branding. Yet Europe’s football ecosystem thrives because each major league brings distinct qualities that together enrich the continent’s sporting tapestry. It is therefore impossible to determine which one is actually the best. It all comes down to personal preferences.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a report alleging that the cancellation of activities marking the Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was a plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The DHQ described the report as false and a deliberate attempt to stir tension in the country.

It specifically clarified that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow the President to attend some key functions outside the country and had nothing to do with any coup attempt.

In a statement on Saturday, the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military urged members of the public to disregard the report, describing it as falsehood being circulated by the enemies of Nigeria. The statement read, ‘The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.

‘The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace. The decision regarding the cancellellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.’

The DHQ stated that the ongoing investigation involving its officers was a routine internal process aimed at promoting discipline and professionalism, noting that a panel had already been constituted to investigate the matter.

‘Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.’

The military further urged Nigerians to continue to support security operatives in the fight against insecurity in the country.

While reaffirming its commitment to operating within the confines of the Nigerian constitution, the DHQ emphasised that democracy has come to stay in the country.

‘The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation. Democracy is forever.

‘The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.’

The All Progressives Congress(APC) has attracted more members, with the defection of four Kaduna State House of Assembly lawmakers and five House of Representatives members along with thousand of their supporters, at a mega rally held on Saturday.

With the latest defections, APC now has 13 legislators from Kaduna State at the House of Representatives, leaving PDP with three. Also, there are now 26 APC members in the House of Assembly as against eight PDP members.

The mega rally which held at Murtala Square in Kaduna, was attended by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, as well as the Chairman of North West Development Commission, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Yakawada and several thousands of APC supporters.

Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani assured the decampees that APC is one family which does not discriminate against its members, adding that ”those that have joined our party today and those that have been with us since the creation of this party will have the same privilege.” ”What is more important is your ability to reach out to the grassroots, to carry everyone along, particularly the people of the constituency who elected you, who gave you the opportunity to present them,” he added.

The Governor recalled that APC had only four members of House of Representatives in 2023 but the party now has 14 members at the lower legislative chamber.

”Today in Kaduna, we don’t have any opposition, I promised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu some months ago that, we were looking at the 80 per cent of the votes. But today, I have shifted my ground; about 95 percent of the total votes in Kaduna State will to go to APC in 2027,” he said.

According to him, the influx of elected members into APC in Kaduna State is not rocket science but based on his administration’s focus on justice, fairness, and inclusivity.

”Our state is the most diverse in Nigeria. When we came in, we made sure that we use our diversity as our strength. That is why today, we have not experienced one single ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna State. It’s unprecedented.

”We are working as one family. We believe politics is about unity. It’s about working for the interests of the people. Poverty has no respect for religion. Poverty has no respect for ethnicity. Poverty has no respect for political affiliation. We have to work as one family. Our interest is our state,” he added.

The Governor pointed out that Kaduna State has 23 local governments and he has spread development across the three geopolitical zones.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Nentawe described APC as ‘the promised land’ for Nigerian politicians, adding, that the duo of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani deserve a second term owing to their achievements.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, noted that the APC has achieved political dominance in Kaduna State, a feat that no party had ever attained in the state.

‘Today, whether in Zone 1, Zone 2, or Zone 3 APC is the party to beat,’ he declared to the mammoth crowd, adding that ‘we’ve never been this strong before.’

Honourable Husseini Jalo who spoke on behalf of the decampess thanked Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing good leadership in the country and the state respectively.

According to him, Kaduna State is now a one party state and that both the President and Governor Uba Sani will be re-elected for the second time.

The federal legislators who defected from PDP to APC are Hon Sadiq Ango, who represents Sabon Gari federal constituency, Hon Andulkarim Husseini Ahmad(Kaduna South), Hon Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi(Ikara/Kubau) and Hussaini Jalo(Igabi).

Similarly, other notable defectors are ex Senator Danjuma Lah (PDP), former Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi (NNPP), and ex Senator Shehu Sani (PDP) as well as former Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero, including Hon Saidu Adamu, the State Secretary of PDP.