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High Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, the visionary CEO of Akwaamaka Music, officially unveiled his new, expansive music, photography, and content creation studio on Tuesday, September 30.

Situated in the bustling heart of Festac Town, Lagos, the grand opening drew a distinguished crowd of Nollywood celebrities, industry professionals, and media.

The launch event was a vibrant affair, attended by notable figures, including veteran actors Chinedu Ikedieze, Uche Elendu, and Grace Ama. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with exquisite refreshments as they celebrated the landmark occasion.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the new venture, High Chief Obodoagwu highlighted a gap in the local industry. ‘I have visited various studios across Lagos and observed a noticeable lack of internationally competitive standards,’ he stated. ‘My decision to launch Akwaamaka Studio stems from a commitment to elevate the industry. We are creating a multipurpose hub designed to meet the holistic needs of the entertainment sector-serving filmmakers, music producers, recording artists, content creators, and individuals seeking world-class facilities. This is the best studio in Nigeria. I can bet that.’

The studio is poised to become a central creative engine for the entertainment community. The event also featured a captivating performance by one of Akwaamaka Music’s rising stars, Spenta (real name Kingsley Ifeanyi Adaoje), who entertained the audience with tracks from his latest EP, Roll My Dice.

Veteran actor Chinedu Ikedieze praised the initiative, stating, ‘What High Chief Obodoagwu has done with Akwaamaka Studio is commendable. It’s a huge step toward professionalizing our industry’s infrastructure and providing a standard that our talent truly deserves. They have virtually everything here, you can shoot an entire movie in one location. The quality, the design, the nature-themed sets. it’s out of this world. Akwaamaka brought nature to life, and for filmmakers, this is going to cut costs significantly.’

Supporting this sentiment, actress Uche Elendu added, ‘This new studio is exactly what Festac and the wider Lagos creative community needed. It is a one-stop-shop for high-quality production, and I believe it will be instrumental in fostering the next wave of creative talent.’

About Akwaamaka Music

Akwaamaka Music is a record label and entertainment company founded by High Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, dedicated to discovering, developing, and promoting exceptional talent across Africa. With the launch of Akwaamaka Studio, the company expands its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for the entire creative community.

Solomon Ewanehi is the Group Chief Executive Officer, Solewant Group, In this interview, he shared his life story with SEGUN KASALI.

What were the circumstances surrounding your birth?

Oh, quite funny! I was told my father saw someone called Solomon and that person was wealthy. He loved that and decided to name me Solomon after the person. My growing up was also interesting.

Quite interesting. I give thanks to God. I also want to appreciate my late father, who was always there. He was a retired soldier, businessman and a complete disciplinarian. He always prioritised education, and ensured whatever we did then revolved around it. He ensured that we all went to school. As a matter of fact, I came from a family where everyone is a lecturer. But, in my own case, I got a lecturing job, got into the university environment, but learnt some lessons after my Youth Service.

What lessons?

I had worked for some time before I went back for a second degree. When I got in there eventually, my elder brother said ‘follow your heart.’ He schooled at the University of Manchester. He did his PhD and all of that in the United Kingdom. He was already relating with some business people in Canada. He taught me how to do business in coating, an area not for everyone. Coating is the last finishing line of any project. So, when I shared that story with him, he now told me to look at how to go back to business. That was how I started all over. Everything you see about Solewant, today, I started from the scratch, as the founder and GMD of the company.

With the success you have made out of your career, coupled with educational background, would it be apt to describe you as brilliant from childhood?

Going to school was okay and nice. I like challenges. I like to see that anything you are doing, you give it your best shot. When it has to do with the issue of academics, I take it very serious. I’ll say I was the type that took my academics very seriously when in school.

What was your ambition, growing up?

What I wanted to study is Engineering and that is actually what I am doing now. I felt I needed to do what was tasking, proffering solutions, trying to look at industries and ensuring that things are not just the way they are.

But, what fueled that decision?

What informed it was my father. He was a businessman par excellence. He was always discussing with multinational companies. He brought a lot of businesses. We followed him all through that period. Having done that, I felt that there was the need for me to say this was what I wanted, too. But, it is also interesting to note that I did not eventually study Engineering.

Really?

Yes. I studied Economics and Statistics.

Why the switch?

The switch was necessitated by the fact that it was something that I needed but Engineering was not able to cover in terms of the broader view of what business is all about. Business is not about one aspect of a discipline. When I also started, there was a time we were like: can we look at the aspect of Accounting? But, it wasn’t giving a broader perspective. But, Economics will give you a general overview of what you want to look at in terms of every bit of business you are talking about such as numbers, looking at the outcome of a business, ROI, and Savings. Savings is of two types; it is either you have the money and you have it in your bank or you have the money and you are investing it into business. So, those were the things that got me into Economics and Statistics. I am happy that I studied not just the Statistics but also the econometrics or measurement aspect of it. This was what I did in my first degree at the Old Bendel State University. The second degree was Rivers State University of Science and Technology. As I speak with you, I am still a student.

Do you have unforgettable memories?

While building our first factory, we got to a stage that I had to call the consultant to the hotels and tell him at this level I cannot continue. I asked him: ‘Is there anything we need to give up?’ He looked at me and said ‘What are the challenges?’ I told him it appeared that we were stuck and we needed to stop the investment. The back-story surrounding that investment is that we came into the coating plant project, where Nigerians have never done business like that before. We went into it because we had huge potential and we felt that Nigerians were importing that kind of solution into the country, and the multinationals rendering such service were just few. After carrying out a thorough feasibility study, and before we engaged a consultant, we also gave it to top three universities to help us look at what we wanted to do after we had discussed it with Federal Ministry of Environment. Some resource persons from the University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri and University of Nsukka were nominated for us. These resource persons submitted action documents to us. We looked at them and it was very clear the direction we were going and we started the building of the factory. Halfway the line, the company and the financial partner started having the issue of exchange rate (Naira to USD) and this period was when the foreign exchange crisis was not something anyone predicted. When we started, the value to naira was N158 to a dollar and it eventually went to N520 by the time we completed the factory in 2016. You can imagine the amount of money that we incurred in terms of cost. But, to God be the Glory, we have what we have today.

How did you meet your wife?

I met her in my school while undertaking my Master’s degree. I met her when she was in her 300 level. I saw her coming from a distance and something told me this is my wife. So, I approached her and she walked to me. Eventually, we became close friends.

And what was the attraction?

Discipline and calmness. She is also intelligent.

What would you love to be remembered for ?

I want to be remembered as someone who of course loved giving back to the society and someone who, of course, loved institutions. If we run integrity-driven institutions, we will be able to do great things, and people will start doing things, looking at broader perspectives.

But, how have you been giving back?

Everyone close to me knows that I am nothing other than God has brought me to where I am today. As a matter of fact, he has shown me mercy at several levels. I cannot stop giving thanks to God for the little that I have. He is always there at every point of my life and he has shown mercy not only to me but to the entire Solewant workforce and we will continue to appreciate God for his awesomeness. As you are aware, Solewant is 25. And, a child who is 25 is already an adult. For those who have been there for us, we want to thank them.

What advice would you have for 25-year-olds?

They need to understand that there is always a reason for people to look at them and say you have contributed this and so you have a future. So, institution-driven future is important. They need to run organisations that are governance-based. They also need to be very disciplined. For you to be prepared for the future, you need to understand that you need to receive a lot of trainings. I did my first business with a multinational company, Coca-Cola and I was to supply Line Pipes and pipe fittings. And I really cannot figure out how I got that purchase order contract. But, I took the materials to the plant but they were all rejected. That was when I started facing serious challenges. So, I went down with that kind of transaction. So, I went back home thinking about what to do next and that paid off because I was able to clean up that error that I made in business. It is always what I use in teaching the younger ones at Solewant.

What is that thing you don’t like about people?

Dishonesty. A lot of people say things they cannot do and not always being fair to nature.

Every October 5, classrooms, communities and countries around the globe pause to honour the people who shape the minds and morals of every generation: teachers.

World Teachers’ Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder that without teachers, no society can grow, no nation can thrive, and no dream can truly take flight.

As the world celebrates World Teachers’ Day 2025, themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ here are five interesting things to know about this important global celebration and why it matters more than ever.

1. Commemorates a Historic 1966 Agreement

World Teachers’ Day marks the anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, a groundbreaking document that established international standards for teachers’ rights, responsibilities, recruitment and training.

That recommendation was the first to recognise teaching as a profession essential to social progress and human development. It set the stage for the modern understanding that teachers deserve not just respect, but strong institutional support to do their work effectively.

2. Officially Established by UNESCO in 1994

Although the 1966 agreement was the inspiration, the first official World Teachers’ Day was celebrated in 1994, following a declaration by UNESCO and its partners.

The goal was simple yet profound: to draw the world’s attention to teachers’ vital roles in shaping minds, building nations and driving development. Since then, every year’s celebration has grown into a global campaign for better teacher welfare and recognition.

3. Unique Yearly Theme

Every World Teachers’ Day is guided by a theme that reflects a pressing issue or aspiration in global education.

In 2025, the theme ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’ emphasises teamwork, mutual learning and the power of educators working together.

Past themes have focused on topics like teacher leadership, digital innovation and rebuilding education systems after crises, underscoring that teaching is both an art and a shared responsibility.

4. Global Celebration, but No Uniform Date

While October 5 is internationally recognized as World Teachers’ Day, several countries have chosen their own dates to honour educators, often tied to historical or cultural milestones.

For example: India celebrates on September 5, the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher and former President. Also, in Australia, as the day usually falls during school holidays, Australian states and territories celebrate on the last Friday of October each year instead.This variety highlights the universal respect for teachers, regardless of borders or calendars.

5. Attention to Teachers’ Challenges and Calls for Action

World Teachers’ Day is not only about celebration; it is also a wake-up call. Each year, UNESCO and education advocates use the day to highlight persistent challenges facing teachers worldwide like shortages of qualified educators, poor working conditions, limited access to professional training and low pay and job insecurity

UNESCO’s 2025 materials stress that ‘teachers are essential for achieving global education goals’ but warn that many still lack the resources and recognition they deserve. The day serves as both a thank-you and a reminder: teachers need more than applause; they need action.

MORE than 100 students from seven secondary schools in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, have benefited from a workshop on technology and artificial intelligence that was organised recently by a UK -based tech expert, Kayode Ajayi.

The students were trained on the use of technology in building build apps, solving real problems and the creation of career opportunities.

The workshop which also featured an interactive session with the students on software development, also involved a training on web design and IT support.

Speaking on the event, the convener, Ajayi noted that the workshop is meant to give the students the opportunity to explore concepts in more depth.

He added that giving students early exposure to technology will prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Reflecting on the session, Ajayi said, ‘I am inspired by how much the students learned and how interested they were. Their curiosity and energy were amazing, and it reminds me why I want to do more events like this.’

Ajayi further stated that the workshop which also held to inspire and motivate the students was organised with the support of an IT firm, Veldarr.

‘Technology is part of every industry today. If young people start learning now, they’ll be ready to take on the future with confidence.’

In their separate remarks, teachers at the event praised the convener of the workshop for making technology accessible and exciting for the students.

Wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged women to embrace all the programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), her pet project in the areas of agriculture, girl child education, and skills acquisition.

She made the call during her remarks at the grand finale of the 48th Isanbi Day Celebration held at Ilishan-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State on Saturday, noting that hope is already rising for the nation as several government policies are helping to stabilize the economy.

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by Mrs Temitope Adeola, wife of the Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, donated N20 million to the ‘Ilisan for Tomorrow’ project, an initiative conceived by the town to drive its socio-economic development.

She commended the indigenes and residents of the community for their spirit of oneness and brotherly love, as exhibited during the celebration.

The First Lady also called for continued support for the present administration at both the federal and state levels.

She said, ‘I however want to urge the women to embrace the programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the areas of agriculture, skills acquisition, and girl child education. As it is now, hope is rising as the different policies of the government have begun to stabilize the economy towards growth and the benefit of the people. In collaboration with the residents of Ilisan town, who are very purposeful in pursuing the development of their community, I hereby support the development trust fund with N20 million.’

She also announced a donation of N10 million on behalf of Senator Adeola, representing Ogun West, in support of the development of the community.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, appreciated the sons and daughters of Ilishan for being partners in progress with his administration.

He said his government remains committed to the development of every part of the state, citing the newly constructed Gateway International Airport in the community as well as other ongoing road projects.

Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Ilisan: Rooted in Heritage, Rising by Self Help,’ focused on the need for all sons and daughters of the community to continue investing in its socio-economic growth.

She explained that the Isanbi Day Celebration over the years has provided a platform to celebrate the togetherness of the community and their roots, pay homage to their ancestors, and showcase their rich cultural heritage.

‘Our Yoruba heritage teaches us the timeless values of Omoluabi – integrity, hard work, respect, and compassion. These values define who we are as sons and daughters of Ilisan-Remo and as ambassadors of Ogun State and Nigeria, wherever we may find ourselves in the world,’ she said.

In attendance were the wives of the governors of Ekiti, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Ondo, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Imo, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma; Oyo, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Lagos, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and the wife of former Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

Others included the lotto magnate who chaired the occasion, Sir Kensington Adebutu, represented by Apagun Seye Sonuga, and former deputy governors of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmot Badru and Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, among others.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ilisan Development Association, Otunba Wemmy Osude, rallied support for the further development of the community and called for generous donations to the newly unveiled ‘Ilisan for Tomorrow’ project.

The traditional ruler of the town, Oba Michael Sonuga, thanked the sons and daughters of the community and urged them to remain united while working for the continued upliftment of the town.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has approved the release of ?2.321 billion for the settlement of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.

The disbursement covers Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Gratuity/Death Benefits under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). With this payment, Kaduna State has now disbursed ?6.678 billion in 2025 and a total of ?13.5 billion in the last two years of the present administration.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the welfare of pensioners remains a top priority of the government, stressing that regular and timely payments will continue to ease the hardship faced by senior citizens.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, the latest batch of payments will benefit 661 retirees and families across the state and local governments – with ?1.736 billion allocated for the Accrued Rights of 511 retirees under the CPS, and ?585 million for gratuities and death benefits to 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the DBS.

The Bureau further explained that beneficiaries under the Contributory Pension Scheme will have their Accrued Rights credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators, while pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme will soon be invited for screening and verification before payment.

Governor Uba Sani has consistently maintained that ensuring dignity for retirees is not merely a statutory obligation but a moral responsibility of government.

The statement concluded that the approval underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of pensioners, upholding their rights, and strengthening the trust of the Kaduna State workforce.

Segun Adegboye, better known in the music industry as ShawBiT or ‘King Shaw,’ is taking his artistry into a new dimension with the launch of his latest brand, Djandthemuse. The official unveiling held on October 1st, 2025, at 234 Lofts, Elegushi Beach, during the much-anticipated Afroluxe 2025 festival.

For years, ShawBiT has established himself as a multi-talented beat maker, vocalist, sound engineer, and producer, mastering genres from Amapiano to Afro-Soul and Afro House. His ability to seamlessly merge African rhythms with contemporary soundscapes has earned him recognition across borders. But with Djandthemuse, the Lagos-born creative is charting a fresh path that blends performance, storytelling, and cultural immersion.

> ‘The concept behind the name started with the idea of doing something different,’ ShawBiT explained. ‘In most parties, you have a DJ and a hype man or woman. I wanted to flip that by making my ‘hype man/woman’ the muse of the day. The Muse can be anybody, and in the future, I plan to use it to unveil celebrity superstars at my gigs.’

The new brand, he stresses, does not erase his identity as ShawBiT but rather complements it. ‘This is a hobby I’m turning into a passion, but ShawBiT remains my unique identity. Djandthemuse is just a short, sexy expression of the same artistry.’

At its core, Djandthemuse is designed as a space where sound meets soul. ShawBiT describes it as an avenue for channeling energy and emotion through music, particularly Afro House, which he believes carries a deeper, almost spiritual resonance.

‘My kind of sound speaks directly into your soul when you hear it. It’s like a transmission of energy, what my sister often calls healing and cleansing,’ he said.

His extensive background as a sound engineer and producer gives him an edge, shaping how he curates the Djandthemuse experience. Having spent years behind the console and microphone, he understands how to manipulate sound to move both body and spirit. ‘I already knew the sounds before I started spinning. That made the transition to DJing easy, and with the support of my DJ friends, it can only get better.’

Choosing Afroluxe 2025 as the stage for the brand’s debut, ShawBiT revealed, is as symbolic as it is strategic.

‘Afroluxe is a dream I share with my sister, and it’s also my first big gig. It’s the perfect open space to show the world my art,’ he noted.

With Djandthemuse, ShawBiT is not only reimagining the role of the DJ but also pushing African music into new creative territories. His vision goes beyond entertainment, aiming to build an immersive cultural brand that places the audience at the heart of the performance – as the ‘muse.’

Blending wellness, creativity, and fine dining, PitStop Restaurant has unveiled PitStop Village – a multi-faceted lifestyle destination in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The project, described by its founder, Aminadab Adegboro as a ‘celebration of Lagos energy,’ represents a shift from the brand’s beginnings as a themed café into a world-class wellness and hospitality centre.

Founded in 2019, PitStop outlived pandemic challenges while retaining its entire workforce, a decision the founder said was guided by ‘faith in people and purpose.’

At the event, where guests were treated to a six-course meal dining and wine tasting, she thanked the Lagos community, investors, and partners for sustaining the dream, while highlighting the PitStop Academy’s outreach to 400 underserved children and 45 cyclists.

‘We wanted to build a space that reflects excellence and social good,’ she said, adding that the brand’s model fuses lifestyle, learning, and empowerment. She emphasised that PitStop’s success reflects the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurship and the city’s growing appetite for quality experiences.

General Manager, Jamal Bendghoughi, detailed the concept behind PitStop Village, describing it as an ecosystem of café, gym, restaurant, and rooftop bar designed for wholesome living. ‘Everything we serve – from bread to ice cream – is made from scratch,’ he said. ‘Our food blends French techniques with African character, ensuring every meal tells a story of craftsmanship.’ Weekly events, including DJ sessions and live jazz nights, aim to make PitStop a lively cultural hub for relaxation and connection.

The evening also featured the unveiling of Phoenix by PitStop, a premium fine-dining restaurant that extends the brand’s creative flair. Built with attention to design and acoustics, Phoenix combines food, music, and community in an intimate yet elegant setting.

The host, one of Nigeria’s finest music artiste, Dare Art Alade, described Phoenix as a restaurant designed to create memories in comfort and style saying, ‘This is not just a venue; it’s an experience.’

Among the guests was Ngozi Madueke-Dozie, a longtime member of the PitStop community, who described the event as ‘inspirational.’ She praised the founder’s story and the fusion of fitness with fine dining, highlighting the nine-course meal paired with curated wines. ‘PitStop has achieved what many thought impossible – merging a gym and a restaurant into one seamless, world-class experience,’ she said, commending the brand’s authenticity and attention to detail.

The village houses a restaurant, gym, wellness lab, sports shop, café, and rooftop bar, among other facilities.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a mere supplier of raw minerals into a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, quoted the Alake saying ‘Africa’s minerals have powered industrialisation elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialised. This paradox must end. Our vision must be clear: to move from extractive dependence to transformative industrialisation.

‘With these words, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) Dr Dele Alake made a case for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a raw minerals supplier to a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

‘Delivering the keynote address at the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa themed, ‘Vision and Strategy – Setting the stage for Minerals Industrialization, Dr. Alake underscored the continent’s strategic role in powering the 21st-century economy through its vast mineral wealth.’

He noted that Africa is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world, stressing that these resources are critical to clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security.

‘Our youth should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialise is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future,’ the Minister asserted.

Throwing light on ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector, the minister, represented by Permanent Secretary, Farouk Yabo stated that the nation is incentivising local beneficiation from gold refining to Lithium processing; Revoking dormant licenses to promote serious investment; Strengthening governance and transparency to attract credible global partners, and building a national critical minerals strategy.

In a related development, the minister addressed the ministerial roundtable of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the mining week, highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

His words, ‘We are investing in digitising mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms, hence the ongoing efforts to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to provide a more robust legislative framework that will propel investments in the mining sector’.

He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to ensure traceability from mining to monetization, affirming that the nation’s minerals are set to come from two sources: licensed holders or a seller and supplier buying from Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) who are registered and formalized.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake stressed that African countries must prioritize mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits.

‘After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,’ he said.

Nigeria was also ably represented at the country spotlight session where the Permanent Secretary gave a presentation on Investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector, highlighting key reforms, incentives for investments, and a synopsis of the nation’s mineral endowments.

The African Mining Week was attended by Mining and Minerals Ministers from DRC, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana sent representatives whilst major private sector players on the continent also graced the conference.

FOR many years, skill acquisition was often pushed to the background, while Western education was highly valued in Nigeria and regarded as the main path to success. However, the current economic reality, which has driven unemployment to unprecedented levels, has compelled both government and individuals to recognise the value of skills acquisition, not only as a viable source of income but also as a vital contributor to national development.

The essence of skill acquisition is as crucial as water to the human body. Increasingly, unemployed youths, particularly graduates, are realising its importance and embracing it as a source of livelihood.

A recent finding by Sunday Tribune showed that many young Nigerians now pursue Western education alongside skill development. Many of them use their compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year to acquire one form of technical or artisanal skill, while some graduates continue after completing service.

For example, visits to mechanics’ workshops and similar sites show a surge in apprenticeship among young boys and girls, including secondary school leavers, a development that reflects the growing zeal for skill development.

From all indications, skill acquisition is critical to addressing unemployment, which has fuelled social vices and the mass migration of Nigerian youths in search of menial jobs abroad.

As part of efforts to stimulate youth interest in skills and address the skilled manpower shortage, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) launched the SUPA programme to increase professionalism and provide trainees with internationally recognised certification. Several training centres have been enlisted under the initiative.

Speaking to Sunday Tribune during an inspection tour of Skill Up Artisan (SUPA) Training Centres organised by the ITF in Jos, Plateau State, an economics graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Hauwa Ibrahim, said she enrolled to learn tailoring after repeated unsuccessful attempts to secure employment.

She explained that after two years of job hunting without success, she realised learning a skill was her best option and decided to pursue it as both a passion and a career path.

During the recent visit to some of the centres in Jos, ITF Director-General, Dr Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, said the SUPA programme is designed to transform vocational training in Nigeria and equip artisans with skills to meet modern economic demands.

He stressed that the initiative is not only to bridge the skills gap but also to drive sustainable development and empower the workforce.

He noted that countries like China actively integrate skills into education from an early stage, with a focus on green skills. In line with this, ITF has established the ITF Model School Skill Academy.

Speaking while inspecting the new academy, Dr Ogun said its aim is to inspire young Nigerians in skill development. The programme, he explained, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of combining formal education with skills training to boost the economy.

He said: ‘The academy will commence in September with pupils from ITF Model School, Jos. Regular school hours will end at 1:30 p.m., after which pupils will be conveyed by bus to the two-hour training daily, with three additional hours at weekends. Initially, it is for JSS 1 and SSS 1 pupils.’

On certification, he explained that trainees will undergo two years of training before sitting for international examinations such as the City and Guilds of London, ensuring global recognition.

‘We will carry their parents along; this is not a case or issue of child labour. When you visit a country like China, this is how they raise their children. We are not discouraging formal education. In the end, they would take both the international test and the WAEC and NECO,’ he said.

The DG added that the academy will be replicated across the six geopolitical zones, adding that students will also receive career guidance from professionals and academics before training begins.

He criticised the inability of Nigerian artisans to work abroad due to a lack of international certification, stressing that every ITF training must now culminate in such certification to prepare graduates for global opportunities.

‘We want Nigeria to become a major exporter of skilled manpower,’ he said, adding that ITF has secured approval from City and Guilds and other global bodies as an exam centre.

During visits to SUPA centres in Jos, Sunday Tribune observed high youth participation, with trainees in IT, mechanics, plumbing, tailoring, hairdressing, welding and other trades, many of them graduates.

A political science graduate, Abdullah Tanko, now training in welding at Solap Technologies, said: ‘I decided to use this training to diversify into something that would give me a consistent income, even though I teach government in secondary school.’

At the Daganel Automobile Mechanic Workshop, trainee Abraham Dauda, who is a roadside mechanic, said certification was his main motivation, adding that he can use it to work anywhere in the world.

‘What I have at the moment is a certificate of learning with no seal of authority. But I was told that following my training here, I will write an examination to be held by City and Guilds of London, which is internationally renowned, meaning that I will be recognised anywhere in the world,’ he said.

Trainer and fashion entrepreneur, Sadia Bayero of Zebah Amani Fashion, said she currently supervises 45 trainees, who will undergo three months of training before sitting for international exams.

She commended ITF and the government for including management and business ethics in the tailoring programme.

The ITF DG, Ogun, also disclosed that a standard workshop has been established at the academy for training in CNG conversion, auto mechanics, and welding.

A former teacher, Albert Ibrahim, commended the government for reviving artisan training.

‘I recall when we were coming up, our parents introduced us to their sources of livelihood or professions. Those whose parents were tailors learned tailoring, blacksmithing, farming, and other skills. We were encouraged to participate in a variety of crafts in both primary and secondary schools. However, these methods of training were eventually abandoned. Thank God, this administration is returning to this in a modernised form,’ he declared.