Author: user user

Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi Ayanwale, has officially received her grand prize package worth N150 million, comprising N80 million in cash and a brand-new SUV from Innoson Motors.

The prize presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday in Ilupeju, Lagos, where representatives from Innoson Motors handed over the car keys to the reality TV star in the presence of show sponsors and organizers.

The BBNaija housemate, Imisi emerged as the winner of the highly competitive Season 10 on Sunday, October 5, after securing 42.8% of the total votes to beat fellow finalists Dede, Koyin, and Sultana.

In addition to the cash prize and SUV, Imisi’s rewards include several brand endorsements and gift items from the show’s sponsors, bringing her total winnings to N150 million.

Her victory marks another milestone for female champions in the Big Brother Naija franchise, joining the ranks of Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye.

Since her win, fans and celebrities have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, hailing her performance throughout the season and describing her victory as well-deserved.

In a move geared towards strengthening the welfare and protection of Nigerian workers, Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Umar Dikko Radda, has pledged the full support of his administration for the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) operated by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Dr. Radda made the commitment when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Management of the Fund at its corporate headquarters in Abuja on Monday, where he was warmly received by the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the NSITF, Barrister Olúwa?eun Mayomi Faleye, alongside the Executive Director of Administration, Barrister Samaila Abdu, Executive Director of Operations, Mrs. Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, Executive Director of Finance and Investments, Mr. Ayodele Olufemi, and members of the Board.

Welcoming the governor, Barrister Faleye described the visit as a remarkable show of leadership and concern for workers’ welfare, noting that the NSITF remains committed to building a more productive Nigeria through safer and more secure workplaces. According to him, ‘When the welfare of workers is given priority, productivity naturally increases, and that directly boosts national development. The Employees’ Compensation Scheme is central to this vision.’

The NSITF boss, however, expressed concern that many states and local governments are yet to comply with the provisions of the ECS, a situation he described as worrisome given the number of public sector workers involved. ‘Non-compliance by states and local governments undermines the security and wellbeing of thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on government institutions. We therefore appeal to Your Excellency to ensure that Katsina State and its local councils are fully compliant with the scheme. This will not only safeguard your workers but also strengthen service delivery across the state,’ Faleye stated.

In his response, Governor Radda assured the Fund of Katsina State’s readiness to forge a strong partnership with the NSITF in the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, describing it as a vital social safety net that aligns with his government’s agenda for human capital development. ‘We are committed to supporting every initiative that protects and uplifts our workers. The Employees’ Compensation Scheme is one such programme that ensures no worker or family is abandoned in times of workplace injury or tragedy. My administration will work closely with the NSITF to ensure compliance and full participation of our state and local government workers,’ the governor declared.

Governor Radda also noted that part of his mission to the NSITF headquarters was to interact with the newly appointed Executive Director of Administration, Barrister Samaila Abdu, a proud indigene of Katsina State, and to assess how he has been representing the state at the federal level. ‘As governor, I make it a point of duty to visit our sons and daughters who hold national appointments. It is important to know how they are contributing and representing the values of Katsina State wherever they serve,’ he added.

The visit, which symbolized a growing synergy between subnational governments and federal institutions, is expected to further enhance the reach and effectiveness of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in protecting workers across Nigeria.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has warned the newly-trained Police constables against corruption and other vices.

The police boss made the charge on Tuesday during the Passing Out Parade of the constables at the Ikeja Police College.

Egbetokun, who was represented by the AIG in charge of Zone 3 Police Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, also charged the graduating constables to uphold the integrity of the force

The police boss, while speaking during the Passing-Out-Parade (POP) of the newly graduated constables, also advised them to uphold the integrity of the force.

Egbetokun described the graduation of the new constables as a ‘historic step’ in strengthening national security.

He stressed that the six months of intensive training for the constables emphasised modern policing standards designed to tackle 21st-century realities.

Egbetokun said, ‘The curriculum emphasised community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicial use of authority.

‘I am confident that the knowledge and discipline imparted to them will reflect in their professional conduct.’

In line with the policy of community-oriented policing, the IGP announced a strategic deployment plan where the majority of the new constables have been deployed to their states of origin.

According to him, the measure is aimed at fostering local trust, improving intelligence gathering, and deepening police-community collaboration.

Egbetokun, however, warned the new police constables to ‘ shun corruption, extortion, and abuse of power. ‘

He said, ‘The uniform you wear is a symbol of trust, and it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people you are sworn to protect.’

The IGP highlighted the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to addressing manpower gaps in the NPF.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu for his approval of the recruitment of an additional 30,000 constables yearly, with machinery set to begin for its implementation shortly after the current ceremony.

‘Under my leadership, the Nigeria Police Force remains fully aligned with this vision and is committed to building a modern, reform, and professional institution that Nigeria can trust and take pride in,’ the IGP stated.

The Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) judiciary, sitting at Gudu, Abuja, on today fixed Tuesday, October 28 to hear applications by parties on the custody of the child of Prince Abdulmalik Ado Ibrahim and his ex-wife, Adama Indimi.

Abdulmalik, a son of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim and his former wife got married on August 8, 2020 but got separated after four years on August 26, 2024 with their divorce formalised at the Upper Area Court, Gudu, which issued a valid divorce certificate.

The marriage was blessed with a child as of the time of their divorce.

Based on Islamic law, which grants custody of an underage child to the mother, while the father is to be fully responsible for the child’s financial upbringing, counsel for Adama Indimi, Mohammed Aliyu, approached the Upper Area Court, Kado, to seek full custody of the child for the mother.

The Prince’s former wife in her processes, further asked for a monthly maintenance fee to be paid by the father, covering feeding, clothing, social amenities and salary for the child’s Filipino nanny at $2,000 plus ?100,000 monthly.

She further sought an order of the court compelling Prince Ibrahim to pay both conventional and Islamic school fees once the child attains school age.

Also, she sought an order compelling the father to assist with all legal documentation for the child, including birth certificate, National ID, international passport and visa as well as any other orders deemed necessary for the child’s welfare.

However, counsel for Prince Ibrahim, Darlington Onyekwere, conceded custody of the child to the mother, following which the court entered part judgment accordingly.

The Prince, however, offered to be paying the sum of N1million monthly instead of the $2,000 monthly sought by his ex-wife and proposed that school fees be paid directly to the child’s school, not through the mother.

Later, the defence sought to amend its counterclaim in Paragraph 5, which had originally proposed the ?1 million payment.

Meanwhile, the claimant alleged that her witnesses could not continue testifying due to frustration.

The counsel for the former wife subsequently requested the court to compel Prince Ibrahim to personal appearance before the court and present his six-month bank statements to prove financial capacity.

The Upper Area Court granted this request.

However, following his dissatisfaction with the order of the lower court, Ibrahim filed an appeal at the Sharia Court of Appeal against the ruling that compelled his attendance with bank statements.

He alleged that the presiding judge is bias.

Despite the appeal at the Sharia appellate court, Indimi asked the Upper Area Court, Kado, to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of her former husband in order to ensure his appearance before the court.

The matter is pending at the Upper Area Court, Kado and has been slated for Monday, October 27 for continuation hearing.

Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing of Prince Ibrahim’s appeal at the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal on Tuesday, counsel for the appellant, Mark Asu-Opi, who held the brief of Darlington Onyekwere, told the court that the appellant’s former wife served him her counter-affidavit this morning.

He told the court that the appellant needed time to study the counter affidavit and subsequently file appropriate reply.

He then sought an adjournment to enable the appellant to respond.

While responding Indimi’s counsel, Mohammed Aliyu, told the court that though the respondent served the appellant her counter affidavit today, she was still within time.

While submitting that the court is not a court of technicalities, Aliyu asserted that nothing stops the respondent from moving her pending application and the appellant would then move his too.

After listening to parties’ arguments, the three-member appeal panel led by Grand Khadi Ibrahim Rufai Imam adjourned the appeal to October 28 to hear both parties’ applications.

Justice Azeez Fimisola of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, on Tuesday struck out a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Magodo Residents Association against the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CSP Abimbola Oyewole, Chief Adebayo Adeyiga, Chief Yusuf Ogundare, and Owokoniran Adeyiga.

The judge made the decision following the continuous absence of the applicants and their refusal to respond to the processes filed by the sixth respondent/applicant, who sought to set aside the service of court papers on the fifth and seventh respondents.

Before the court’s ruling, counsel for the sixth respondent/applicant, Deji Fasusi, had informed the court of the applicants’ persistent absence and failure to respond.

He therefore urged the court to strike out the matter for want of diligent prosecution, noting that the suit was a fundamental rights action requiring prompt pursuit.

Justice Fimisola agreed with the argument and consequently struck out the entire suit, awarding a cost of ?50,000 against the Incorporated Trustees of Magodo Residents Association.

In the Motion on Notice brought pursuant to Order 5 Rule 9 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, the respondent/applicant sought an order setting aside the substituted service granted on April 20, 2022, as it related to the fifth and seventh respondents.

The said service involved pasting court processes at the entrance of the sixth respondent’s residence at No. 1, Mutairu Street, Shangisha, Lagos.

The sixth respondent/applicant argued that he and his family were the sole occupants of the property, and that the fifth and seventh respondents were unknown to him.

He contended that they were neither relatives, associates, nor acquaintances, and thus, his residence could not be considered their last known address.

He further maintained that the substituted service was obtained by misrepresentation of material facts, as the property in question was exclusively his family home and bore no connection to the other respondents.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Tuesday, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their directive on Hajj fare reduction announced for the 2026 exercise.

According to the Hajj commission, the presidential directive showed a government that not only listened, but also responded to the people’s concerns.

NAHCON had on Friday, September 26, announced final fare for the 2026 Hajj, fixing N8,118,333.67 for intending pilgrims from Maiduguri/Yola zone, comprising Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states, while those from other Northern states would pay N8,244,813.67.

Those from the Southern states, according to NAHCON, were to pay the sum of N8,561,013.67.

The commission had stated that the fares for next year’s exercise were a reduction of an average of N200,000 from what was paid for the 2025 Hajj across the zones.

However, at a meeting held with NAHCON management at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Shettima informed that Tinubu had ordered the commission to further review downward the fares.

While giving NAHCON two days within which to effect the presidential directive, Shettima was quoted to have said that the downward review of the fares became necessary considering the continued appreciation of the Naira against the dollar, which was a primary determinant for pilgrimage fares.

Reacting to the directive on Tuesday, through a statement signed on behalf of NAHCON Chairman/CEO by NAHCON’s Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, made available to Tribune Online in Abuja, the commission noted that the directive is a thoughtful and timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the country.

It added that it further reinforces President Tinubu’s steady support for improving Hajj management in Nigeria through interventions that make the exercise more affordable, transparent, and well-coordinated.

The statement read, ‘The Chairman, Board, management and entire staff of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their recent directive to reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj. The Commission regards this as a thoughtful and timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the country.

‘The President’s instruction to review Hajj fares downward shows a government that listens and responds to the people’s concerns. It also reflects genuine empathy for the financial strain faced by many Muslims who dream of performing the sacred pilgrimage.

‘NAHCON equally hails the government’s call on pilgrims and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to take advantage of the current appreciation of the Naira by making early remittances.

‘Acting promptly, as mentioned by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Hadeja, after the meeting at the Villa, would help Nigeria lock in the benefits of the stronger currency.

‘The directive and recommendation for early remittances show a deep understanding of both NAHCON’s operational challenges and the economic realities of our pilgrims.

‘It is another clear example of a responsive and people-focused administration that steps in with practical solutions, especially to the Commission.

‘This directive reinforces President Tinubu’s steady support for improving Hajj management in Nigeria through interventions that make the exercise more affordable, transparent, and well-coordinated.’

The commission, however, assured of its readiness to work closely with all stakeholders with a view to implementing the presidential directive.

It then called on intending pilgrims to promptly make payment sequel to the disclosure of the new fare to be announced soon, for the states to make early remittances to enable the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to use the favourable exchange rate for the Hajj services.

‘NAHCON will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the directive and to deliver a smooth and rewarding 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.

‘Hence, NAHCON calls upon intending pilgrims to hasten and make payment sequel to the disclosure of the new fare, which will be announced soon. This will enable their boards to make early remittances that will enable the Central Bank of Nigeria to use the favourable exchange rate for the Hajj services,’ Usara stated.

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has criticised Nigerians for what he described as a culture of inconsistency, noting that despite widespread complaints about the country’s economic hardship under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the newly released iPhone 17 Pro Max has sold out across the nation.

In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, Omokri argued that many Nigerians claim the economy has been destroyed, yet continue to spend lavishly on luxury products such as Apple’s latest smartphone, which costs about $1,999.

He noted that while citizens are quick to criticise government policies and lament inflation, they often avoid fulfilling civic duties like paying taxes.

He said the current economic situation had not destroyed the country but had instead exposed what he called the pretence of living beyond one’s means.

According to him, many people present themselves as poor when it comes to taxation but show off wealth through extravagant spending.

He wrote, ‘Tinubu has destroyed Nigeria’s economy! Nigeria is finished! Yet, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which costs $1999, is completely sold out in Nigeria.

‘Ask those who bought the phone to pay taxes, and you will hear stories. But they expect everything from a government they do not pay taxes to.

‘Listen, President Tinubu did not finish Nigeria. All he finished is our fake life! We act as though we are poor when it comes to paying taxes, but we behave richly when it comes to blowing money!’

Tribune Online reports that Apple’s latest release, the iPhone 17 line-up, was unveiled on September 9 at its Cupertino, California, headquarters in the United States, featuring new AirPods and smartwatches ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Raheem Okoya, son of Nigerian billionaire industrialist and founder of Eleganza Group, Chief Rasaq Okoya, has said that all the money he owns is earned through his personal hard work and not inherited from his father’s fortune.

In a viral video shared on X, Raheem made the statement during an interview on Wazobia Max Television, where he emphasised his independence and commitment to building his own success.

He stated confidently that the wealth in his bank account was a product of his own labour and perseverance, making it clear that he does not rely on his father’s riches.

In his words, he said ‘Every penny in my account today, is base on what I do, my sweat.’

Raheem further explained that, despite his achievements, he has not yet reached his desired level in life, but remains content with his current progress.

‘No be sey I dey where I wan be but if I wan chop, I dey chop,’ he added.

Lying has long become a common tool in people’s arsenal – especially when it comes to personal gain or public image. These days, twisting the truth is used not only in everyday situations, but also in large-scale PR campaigns: some distort facts for the sake of their careers, others – for likes and public approval. In a world where information is currency, the truth is often pushed aside in favour of a more convenient version of events.

One such example is a recent scandal surrounding the Alabuga Start international employment programme, which offers young women from countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia the opportunity to relocate to Russia for high-paying jobs. A group of South African influencers visited the Alabuga Special Economic Zone to cover the programme in more detail. However, shortly after publishing positive content, they made an abrupt U-turn and began levelling serious accusations against Alabuga Start.

What really lies behind the programme? Find out in this report.

THE BLOGGERS’ ACCUSATIONS

One of the most vocal accusers is influencer Cyan Boujee (Honour Zuma). She recorded and published content highlighting ‘red flags’ and disturbing observations during her trip to Russia – including allegedly inadequate attention to participants’ nutrition, young women in distress, and insinuations of hidden responsibilities.

Boujee’s claims gained widespread attention and intensified pressure on the programme’s organisers – but she provided no verifiable evidence. Her allegations are not supported by documents or formal complaints accessible in the public domain. A review of open sources reveals no confirmed reports indicating that young women participating in the programme are in a ‘pitiful’ state.

ATTRACTING ATTENTION AND HYPE

An influencer’s income is directly tied to social media engagement: more attention and more views mean more money. Boujee and several other influencers seem to have found a way to attract attention by causing a scandal. Notably, after her sensational posts went viral, Cyan received a surge in interview and podcast invitations, and her volume of sponsored content skyrocketed – hardly a coincidence.

The programme’s organisers side tell a different story. Here’s what they said:

– Alabuga Start participants are free to return home at any time. There has not been a single case of anyone being ‘held against their will.’ The girls not only travel across Russia, but also visit their home countries – even presenting the programme to potential future participants.

High-ranking delegates from various African nations frequently visit Russia. For instance, Alabuga has hosted Natalie-Aziza Munana, Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; H.E. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to the Russian Federation; and Bassirou Zoma, Chargé d’Affaires of Burkina Faso. And the list goes on. All officials met and spoke directly with the participants, inspected their living and working conditions. The girls had the opportunity to voice complaints or request to return home – but no such public statements were made.

‘I had heard about Alabuga before, but it helped a lot to see this technological industrial park with my own eyes. I am impressed!’, said Peter Mutuku Mathuki.

However, the South African Ambassador to the Russian Federation has not yet visited Alabuga, despite an invitation from the programme’s organisers. We hope he will make the trip soon – to dispel all doubts once and for all.

The programme organisers conducted an investigation, looking for any reports from families claiming their daughters had ‘disappeared’ after arriving in Russia via Alabuga Start. No such complaints – whether from parents or participants alleging exploitation or unlawful detention – have been filed with authorities or embassies.

Moreover, representatives of Alabuga Start provided documentation confirming the programme’s legitimacy: authorized permits from Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs for employing foreign workers, approved quotas from the Ministry of Labour, and documentation from the Federal Tax Service. In today’s multipolar world, Russia values its partnerships with African nations – and would hardly risk its reputation by endorsing dubious programmes. DIFFICULTIES DURING FILMING

One quote from the blogger deserves special attention: ‘How unprofessional they were – smoking while taking videos of me. Photographers taking videos. I’m like, ‘Guys, can we focus?’ But everyone was just slow’. This time, the organisers of Alabuga Start also have a rebuttal.

According to our source, filming with Boujee was indeed challenging – she struggled with simple sentences, requiring multiple retakes to achieve a usable take. Our editorial team obtained footage showing the influencer repeatedly stumbling over basic text, requesting reshoots, and continuing to make errors. We refrain from judging either side’s professionalism – instead, we invite you to watch the video and evaluate the situation for yourself.

Additionally, the blogger frequently altered the trip schedule to suit her own convenience. The organisers offered her a chance to meet her Russian followers – but she declined and ignored their calls entirely.

There are also screenshots of messages showing Cyan ignoring multiple requests. The managers consistently scheduled specific filming slots at the end of each day – during dinner or just before escorting the bloggers to their hotels – and reminded them each morning.

DECEPTION ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF PROGRAMME’S PARTICIPANTS

‘More than anything, I’m worried about the kids. I’m worried so much about the kids because when I interviewed them most of them were not happy, especially with the answers they had to give on camera’, – claims Cyan Boujee.

We contacted one of the participants who was filmed with the influencer and asked her to comment openly on these statements. Notably, the young woman did not blame Boujee or accuse her of dishonesty. Instead, she expressed pleasant surprise at meeting the influencer – but was shocked by how drastically her words and demeanor had been distorted.

‘Actually, it’s quite funny. The interview footage is out there – people can go watch it themselves. I don’t know why someone would claim I was crying when there’s clear proof everything went smoothly’, – says Vanessa, one of the programme participants who personally interacted with Cyan Boujee.

VIDEO: PARTICIPANT INTERVIEW

Food is another central accusation. Boujee claimed that both participants and she herself were barely fed. But is that really true? Photos from Alabuga in our possession show ‘starving’ Cyan seated at a dining table, scrolling through her phone. And on the table? ‘Practically nothing’ – except for half-eaten salads, croissants, cheese platters, beverages, and various other food items.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigation reveals that, to date, none of the accusations leveled against Alabuga Start have been substantiated. Programme representatives provided official permits and tax documentation; video evidence and message screenshots sent to our editorial team contradict the image of ‘crying, starving participants’ portrayed by certain influencers. It appears that Cyan Boujee’s viral posts served primarily as tools to boost views and commercial engagement, rather than as sincere attempts to advocate for the girls’ welfare.

Final advice to readers and media outlets: do not rush to judgment based on emotional videos or isolated social media posts. Demand facts, documentation, and direct testimony from the alleged victims. Cross-check and compare statements from both organisers and participants.

Thirty-nine Nigerian artisans have departed for the Republic of Belarus under the National Directorate of Employment’s (NDE) International Job Placement Programme, a key initiative of the Federal Government aimed at promoting safe and regular migration pathways for skilled workers.

The beneficiaries, drawn from Benue State, are expected to take up employment opportunities in Belarus’s construction sector, in line with the government’s commitment to creating decent jobs and curbing irregular migration.

Speaking at a pre-departure ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, described the programme as proof that Nigerian talent is not only capable but also globally competitive.

According to her, the initiative, born from collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Benue State Government, the NDE, the Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., demonstrates that real progress thrives on alignment among stakeholders.

She urged the departing workers to honour their contracts, respect their hosts, and let their excellence showcase Nigeria’s story of resilience and skill.

Onyejeocha stated, ‘As a Ministry, our mission under the Renewed Hope Agenda is clear: to ensure every Nigerian can access decent, safe, and sustainable work. The International Job Placement Programme embodies that vision, proving that Nigerian talent is not only capable but globally competitive.

‘But this is just the beginning. The world of work is changing rapidly. To stay ahead, Nigeria must deepen international partnerships that promote knowledge transfer, technology exchange, and exposure to best practices. Programmes like this equip Nigerian professionals with global insights that strengthen our domestic capacity and competitiveness.

‘By engaging globally, we exchange innovation and standards that uplift our workforce and position Nigeria as a trusted player in the global labour economy. To our departing artisans, you carry the pride of our nation. Let your professionalism and integrity speak loudly. Honour your contracts, respect your hosts, and let your excellence tell the Nigerian story of resilience and skill. Remember, success abroad must translate into growth at home.’

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, commended the Benue State Government for its confidence in the Directorate and its partners, both within and outside Nigeria, in ensuring that qualified Nigerians access decent jobs abroad with dignity.

He said, ‘We are collectively declaring here today that young Nigerians no longer need to undertake the dangerous journeys across the Sahara Desert or risk drowning in the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. All they need now are skills, competency, and the support of any subnational government to benefit from the International Job Placement Programme.’

Agara explained that beyond its role in creating mass employment for the unskilled and unemployed, the NDE also has a statutory mandate to facilitate job linkages. He revealed that the collaboration between the NDE and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., which began in 2019, has successfully secured employment opportunities for Nigerian artisans in various construction fields in Belarus.

‘We reached out to all State Governments to partner with EBNC in exploring opportunities in the booming construction sector in the Republic of Belarus for the benefit of our skilled artisans,’ he said. ‘Beyond the immediate advantage of decent jobs, this programme offers Nigeria an open door to the smooth transfer of skills and technology, as the participants will be exposed to world-class standards in construction skills and practices which they can transfer to Nigeria eventually.’

Agara expressed confidence that the artisans, who are the pioneer beneficiaries of the initiative, would uphold their contractual obligations and serve as worthy ambassadors of both Benue State and Nigeria.

‘I cannot overemphasise the need for them to show themselves as worthy ambassadors of Benue State and the Nigerian nation in the diligent discharge of their duties and general conduct in Belarus,’ he stated.