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A former Minister of Communications and Alternate Chairman of the Renaissance Patriots, Major-General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), has cautioned against the rumoured plan to demolish Randle General Hospital in Surulere, Lagos.

In a statement, Olanrewaju emphasised the hospital’s historical and cultural significance, warning that such a decision would amount to the destruction of a cherished Lagosian heritage.

He recalled that Randle Hospital was built in 1961 by the Lagos Primary Health Commission in honour of Chief J.K. Randle, a revered Lagosian philanthropist, athlete, socialite and advocate for public health.

According to Olanrewaju, Chief Randle dedicated his life and wealth to fighting diseases such as tuberculosis and rabies during a time when such efforts were both rare and critical.

‘Chief Randle was indeed a demonstrable evidence of a Lagosian who invested his wealth into his community for the greater good of all,’ Olanrewaju stated.

He commended the late icon’s contributions to philanthropy, cultural revival and social intervention, recalling a life that combined medical philanthropy with athletic distinction and civic engagement.

The former minister expressed disbelief at reports suggesting that a top government official may have an interest in the demolition and redevelopment of the hospital.

He, therefore, described the move, if true, as a ‘reckless abuse of public office’ and a ‘trampling upon public trust.’

Olanrewaju said: ‘I do not believe it. This would amount to the destruction of a 64-year-old monument, a gradual eradication of a treasured Lagosian historical landmark. If true, it smacks of partisan ribaldry.’

Rather than demolish the facility, Olanrewaju advised that new primary healthcare centres could be developed on other available government lands within the area.

He proposed portions of the vast grounds surrounding the National Arts Theatre, located within Surulere, Mainland, Apapa and Lagos Island local government jurisdictions, as alternative sites for such projects.

‘Please, do not destroy another Lagosian heritage in the craze for commercial thoughtlessness and partisan aggrandizement,’ he pleaded.

As of press time, there has been no official confirmation or denial from government authorities regarding the alleged plans for the hospital.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to work harder and remain committed to building a greater nation.

She gave the advice in Abuja on Wednesday in her message to citizens on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Quoting from Gebran Kalil Gebran’s 1925 essay The New Frontier, she said, ‘Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite, if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.’

The First Lady also referenced the Jan. 20, 1961 inaugural address of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, urging Nigerians to embrace virtue and service.

‘My Fellow Citizens, ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country.

‘My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of Man.

‘Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain,’ she said.

The Convener, ISO/TC309/WG8 and the Chairman, SON NTC Governance of Organization, Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor on Tuesday stated that the world economy loses over $4.7 trillion to fraud yearly.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of ISO 370032:2025, Osunbor said the formation for the new standard started on the sidelines of ISO TC 309 plenary in Sydney, Australia in November 2018 .

‘There was need to develop a standard to address fraud in organizations that would align with the strategic business plan of TC 309 following our presentation to plenary, an ad hoc group was by resolution constituted to ascertain the desirability of an ISO deliverable on fraud controls.

‘A global survey was designed and administered by the ad hoc group, and we received responses from a wide range of organizations, small, medium and large, covering commercial, government and non governmental organizations from diverse sectors.

‘The responses established key facts, namely; One, there was awareness of fraud risks in organizations. Two, there were existing fraud controls within the organizations, including internal fraud whistleblowing code of conduct, anti fraud policies as well as fraud training and management reviews to mitigate the impact of fraud.

‘Another element was that, despite the existence of these internal mechanisms and statutory regulations, there was a clear need for an ISO standard dealing with fraud control’.

He explained that’research findings from the literature published by reputable sources show that fraud costs the global economy about $4 trillion per year. In fact, the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Thoracic Examiners put it at $4.7 trillion, so it’ is increasing.’

He noted that total loss amount to 7% of the annual turnovers of organizations based on the findings. ‘The leadership of TC 309 in 2022 approved the proposal and established Working Group to develop a fraud control management system standard after going through all the different stages of development, from working draft to committee, draft international standard to final draft international standard.

‘The document was published as an international standard on 29th May of this year. It has been adopted by SON as a National Industrial Standard in accordance with the Standards Organization of Nigeria act.

‘We are gathered here today to witness the formal presentation and launch of the standard ISO 37,003 is a response to global concern about the damaging effects of fraud.

Osunbor said the standard provides guidance for organizations for the development, implementation and maintenance of an effective fraud control management system, including fraud prevention, early detection of fraud and effective response to fraud events that have occurred or may occur in future.

‘By adopting and implementing ISO 37,003. along with the other TC 309 family of standards, ISO member countries and their organizations will boost their global competitiveness by sending a clear signal that they uphold the highest standard of governance and that it is safe to do business’ he reaffirmed.

Also speaking at the event, Sorrel Evans of the Justice and Home Affairs Affairs with the British High Commission in Abuja reiterated that ‘on behalf of the United Kingdom, I am honoured to stand here today alongside our Nigerian partners, united in a shared mission: to protect our economies and our citizens from the growing threat of fraud.

‘Fraud is not just a financial issue, it affects livelihoods, undermines trust, and in the most heartbreaking cases, it costs lives.

‘The scale of the problem is staggering:, there are an estimated 76 million victims of fraud each year’ she stated.

Evans noted that globally, scammers siphoned off an estimated $47 trillion in just 12 months. ‘A figure that exceeds the GDP of many nations.

‘In the UK alone, 10 million people have been affected, costing our 11 economy and individuals £15 billion over the past three years.

‘Financial institutions in Nigeria lost N52.26 billion to fraud in 2024 according to the latest report by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

‘But even more worryingly – these trends are growing across the nation, the continent, and the world. This represents a significant increase of 295% compared to the N17.67 billion recorded in 2023′ she explained.

Sorrel Evans said in parts of Africa according to INTERPOL, scam notifications rose by 3,000% last year’, commending SON for adopting standard for fraud control.

‘I want to thank the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the British Standards Institution (BSI), and all stakeholders who contributed to this effort. ISO, one of the world’s longest-standing international organisations, continues to demonstrate its central role in shaping a safer, more secure global economy.

‘Over the next few days, you will hear from experts and peers about the many ways fraud impacts business viability and profitability. But I encourage you to also look around this room-for opportunities to connect, collaborate, and lead the next wave of change in this industry.

‘Nigeria’s publication of these standards is more than a technical achievement. It is a statement of leadership, engagement, and ambition to be a global pioneer in fraud prevention’ she stated.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he stated.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Akin Ricketts, has called for unity and collective action to restore Nigeria’s glory, declaring that despite the country’s current challenges, there remains hope for greatness.

In his Independence Day message issued on Wednesday and signed by his media aide, Essien Emmanuel, Ricketts reflected on Nigeria’s 65th anniversary with a mix of sorrow, criticism and cautious optimism.

‘We have come to a point in our dear nation where the mere remembrance of our past heroes brings tears to our eyes. Why? Because many of our present-day leaders have betrayed the sacrifices of those who fought so selflessly for the freedom, dignity and progress of Nigeria,’ he said.

The ADC stalwart lamented that the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, courage, patriotism and visionary leadership, are being eroded by what he described as selfishness, corruption and poor governance.

Citing the legacy of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Ricketts praised the former leader’s National Social Investment Programmes, particularly N-Power, as initiatives that once empowered ordinary citizens without favoritism or political influence.

‘Those were programmes where the common man did not need to lobby, bribe or bow to anyone to benefit. But today, that hope has faded. Ministries, departments and agencies that once offered lifelines to the less privileged have abandoned those responsibilities,’ he said.

He criticised current economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and reduced social spending, calling them ‘heartless,’ ‘archaic’ and ‘anti-people.’

‘What do we hear today? That Nigeria must not owe, that petroleum subsidy must be removed and that spending on the people is ‘a waste.’ What a heartless idea. A pain inflicted on millions by so-called leaders who refuse to listen to the cries of their people,’ Ricketts said.

The opposition figure painted a grim picture of the present state of the nation which he said is marked by hunger, insecurity, unemployment and despair and questioned the basis for celebration on Independence Day.

‘Our nation is in pain, and our heroes of the past, wherever they are, would weep bitterly at the state of their beloved country,’ he stated.

Despite this, Ricketts called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political divisions to reclaim the vision of a united, prosperous nation.

‘The time has come for us to arise and shine again. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must take it back, not for ourselves alone, but for the sake of our children and generations yet unborn,’ Ricketts said.

He urged citizens to rally behind the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a credible alternative capable of delivering on the hopes of the people.

‘Together, with courage, wisdom and sacrifice, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams, a nation of justice, equity and prosperity for all. Arise, compatriots. The future of Nigeria is in our hands. ADC can refresh Nigeria again,’ he said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Wednesday expressed grief over the recent boat accident in Kogi State which killed 26 passengers.

Speaker Tajudeen expressed sadness over the loss of lives, describing the mishap as unfortunate.

In a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, the Speaker said it was an unfortunate incident.

Traders reported to be travelling on Tuesday with a boat on the River Niger, from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State, reportedly had an accident which killed 26 of them.

Speaker Tajudeen commiserated families of the victims, while extending his condolences to the people and the government of the respective states the deceased passengers hailed from.

While calling for stricter marine transport safety measures on the part of the government, the Speaker urged boat operators to prioritise safety in their operations.

Speaker Tajudeen prayed to God to rest the victims’ souls.

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the 10 years’ existence of the APC in Nigeria has brought to an end the worst period, even as he urged Nigerians not to lose hope or go back.

The President said this on Tuesday in Owerri during his one-day official visit to Imo State for the commissioning of some gigantic projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

He said that the 10-year milestone already recorded by the All Progressives Congress is worth celebrating given the litany of successes made within the period.

The projects include the Owerri/Umuahia road, the Assumpta flyover and the gigantic Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Centre, Owerri.

He said that his administration, on assumption of office, promised change as well as renewed hope to Nigerians, assuring that rather than go backwards, Nigerians should continue to look and move forward.

President Tinubu acknowledged the fact that Nigeria as a country is not yet where it ought to be but assured that with the collaboration and support of all, the country will get there.

He said that as it stands, Nigeria’s economic growth rate shows that inflation has fallen to 21.12 per cent, which is the lowest in more than three years.

While thanking Nigerians for being patient, resilient and committed, President Tinubu assured that Nigeria will certainly be better.

In his welcome address cum public presentation of his book, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria, at the commissioned rebuilt Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Centre, Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma recalled that Nigeria’s story is never written by one person but written together.

He described the book as the product of months of deep reflection, careful research and honest writing, which offers a clear account of the APC’s journey in government from 2015 to 2025: the milestones, the challenges and the lessons.

Governor Uzodimma said that he was partly inspired to write the book out of curiosity, pointing out that the All Progressives Congress entered government in 2015 with enormous expectations on its shoulders.

He said that the APC inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges and a weary citizenry, adding that in the next decade, Nigerians faced storms, some of them global, some of them homegrown.

He said: ‘This is my fourth book, and certainly the most demanding. I approached it not necessarily as a political figure but as a citizen with a responsibility to document this pivotal decade in our national history. I felt duty-bound to tell the story as it is, no sugar-coat.’

He acknowledged President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose pragmatic ideas and decisive leadership inspired many of the chapters.

He pointed out that from the moment the APC made history in 2015 by defeating an incumbent party, it had become more than just a political vehicle, but a movement, a courageous response to the yearnings of Nigerians for real change.

Uzodimma paid tribute to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose courage and clarity have carried the APC and the country through many transitions.

He said: ‘Long before he became President, his ideas and his persistence shaped the progressive family. Many of the reforms we now take for granted had their roots in his insistence that Nigeria must do things differently.’

He said that in Imo, improvements are the fuel behind an infrastructure renaissance that touches every local government, adding that roads, bridges and urban renewal projects are moving at a speed that was once impossible.

According to him, beyond infrastructure, the new fiscal space has allowed the government to invest in people: in education, in healthcare, in welfare, agriculture and food security.

He said: ‘One area that gives me special pride is how we have treated workers and pensioners in our state. For years, Imo workers cried out for wages that reflect their effort and the realities of daily life. I dare say without any fear of contradiction that Imo workers are happier today than they were some years ago. Our senior citizens, who once endured neglect, now receive their dues promptly and respectfully.’

A new case study published by Climate Strategies and Salzburg Global has highlighted the urgent challenges and untapped opportunities Nigeria faces as the world accelerates its shift away from fossil fuels.

The report titled ‘Domestic Implications of Existing and Planned Oil and Gas Demand Reduction Strategies for Nigeria,’ authored by Dr Oluwasola Omoju, warned that the country’s heavy dependence on oil and gas revenues makes it especially vulnerable to global energy transition trends.

Despite holding one of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, Nigeria is already experiencing declining oil revenues, high production costs, and limited refining capacity.

‘As key export markets (including the EU, US, and India) ramp up decarbonisation efforts, demand for Nigerian oil is projected to fall sharply. This poses risks for government budgets, foreign exchange earnings, and employment especially in oil-dependent regions,’ Omoju said.

According to the report, it is not a hopeless situation as the decline in fossil fuel demand could catalyse long-overdue diversification into agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and services with strong potential for job creation and inclusive growth.

‘Nigeria’s natural gas, critical mineral deposits such as lithium, and growing renewable energy sector also offer short- to medium-term pathways for sustainable prosperity,’ the report added.

The publication stresses that seizing these opportunities will require decisive action, such as reallocating investment away from costly oil exploration into high-growth sectors; expanding non-oil exports and tax reforms to reduce dependence on oil revenues; partnering with the private sector to invest in renewable energy and reskill oil workers; and leveraging natural gas and critical minerals as transition strategies while accelerating clean energy deployment.

‘This transition can be an opportunity, not just a threat. Nigeria must act now to diversify its economy and ensure a just, inclusive energy future,’ Omoju added.

Candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), ahead of the November 8, 2925 gubernatorial election in Anambra, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has declared the urgent need for a fresh vision in the state.

Chukwuma stated that Anambra deserves leadership that surpasses the current administration under Governor Charles Soludo.

He argued that the people of Anambra are ready for transformative governance that addresses their aspirations and challenges more effectively.

Speaking alongside his running mate, Uzuegbuna Okagbue, during the party’s rally in Umueri, Anambra East Council Area on Tuesday, the YPP candidate highlighted that the party has been actively engaging with all segments of Anambra society. These interactions have revealed a widespread desire among the electorate for meaningful change and progressive leadership committed to the state’s development.

‘So far, I can confidently say that Ndi Anambra want something new, and that is what we are bringing. Ndi Anambra want a government with a human face, one that respects the people it governs,’ he said.

The YPP candidate pledged that, if elected, his administration would bring clarity to governance, entrench accountability, and prioritise the interests of the people in government programmes and projects.

He assured that security would be restored within three months of assuming office, using the same security vote currently available to the Soludo administration, which he accused of failing to deploy effectively.

‘This shall reenergise investors’ confidence in our state. Just as we are campaigning day and night, we shall also work day and night for Ndi Anambra,’ Chukwuma added.

Reiterating his resolve, he declared, ‘I am Paul Chukwuma, and I join Ndi Anambra to echo that Anambra deserves better. Vote YPP.’

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, have expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future as the country marks 65 years of independence.

At an event held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Soludo described Nigeria’s independence as ‘a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race,’ calling for reflection and unity.

He urged citizens to invest in the nation’s future, highlighting insecurity and economic strains as pressing issues while commending recent federal reforms.

The event served as both a celebration and a call for unity, emphasising the triumphs and trials that have shaped the nation’s journey since 1960.

In his address, Governor Soludo described Nigeria’s emergence as ‘a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race,’ urging citizens to see the day as one of ‘sober reflection.’

He highlighted the indomitable spirit of Nigerians in overcoming challenges, stating, ‘With vision, hard work, and faith, no obstacle is insurmountable.’

The Governor pointed out the pressing issues facing the nation, particularly insecurity and economic strains. However, he stressed the importance of sustaining Nigeria’s investment in its people, asserting, ‘Our greatest resource is our people. Invest in people, invest in the future.’ He particularly praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing necessary reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy stabilisation, the exchange rate, among others, which he characterised as ‘necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and pampered over.’

Governor Soludo acknowledged recent positive developments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP has reached 4.28 per cent, its highest in three years. He emphasised that with good governance laid at the foundation, the nation is poised for ‘accelerated growth and transformation.’

The Governor encouraged the citizens of Anambra and Nigeria at large to stand firm in the face of adversity, stating, ‘Ndi Anambra and Nigerians should stand firm as a bright future awaits them.’

The Governor called for a collective effort, urging individuals to play their roles in nation-building through patriotism: paying taxes, supporting reforms, and holding leaders accountable.

Concluding, Governor Soludo urged citizens to ‘look back with hope, not with despair,’ reinforcing his belief that, despite present challenges, Nigeria is on the rise.

Also in her Independence Day message, the governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, called on citizens to remain law-abiding, be proud Nigerians and give up what they have to for the betterment of the country.

The Anambra first lady, who is also the founder of the ‘Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo’, appealed in a statement she issued on Wednesday, as part of the activities for the anniversary.

She stressed that Anambra is committed to building a state where citizens can live and work without fear and where opportunities for potential and growth thrive under a secure environment.

She noted that the journey to nationhood demands a collective vision and ambition, adding that Nigeria is a great and blessed country.

On his part, Nwifuru expressed joy in the execution of the people’s charter of Needs agenda and renewed resolve in the state.

Nwifuru stated this during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65 years and Ebonyi State’s 29 years of creation in his office, Centenary City, Abakaliki, on Wednesday.

He urged Ebonyi residents to recommit themselves to the task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ebonyi anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.

Nwifuru also commended the past leaders of the State for their dogged efforts to move the state forward. He, however, noted that the government under his leadership have taken proactive steps to ensure the labours of the founding fathers were not in vain.

‘Ndi Ebonyi, as Nigeria marks 65 years of independence and Ebonyi State celebrates 29 years since her birth today, our hearts are full of gratitude, pride, a sense of responsibility for the execution of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda and renewed resolve.

‘On this double anniversary, October 1, 2025, we remember the sacrifices of our forebears, celebrate our unity, and recommit ourselves to the task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ebonyi anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda. We are already in the first phase of our third political year, given that we came into power in May 2023.

‘Let me pay glowing tribute to our founding fathers who sacrificed their comfort to champion the cause of the creation of Ebonyi State and to give us the ample opportunity of having our destiny in our hands. Democratically elected governor of our dear State, His Excellency Sen Sam Ominyi Egwu, took bold steps to lay a solid foundation for the development of Ebonyi State through quality education and affordable health Care. To Chief Martin Elechi, we appreciate your resilience and commitment to advancing our State. Your bridges of Unity and human capital development is part of the reasons we are celebrating today. To my boss, the immediate past Governor of our State and current minister for works Sen. David Umahi, history will remain kind to you for the monumental achievements the State recorded under your watch.

‘I am proud to announce to you that we have taken intentional steps to implement our campaign manifesto. We are fighting illiteracy and ignorance by demerging the education ministry. We created a new ministry charged solely with tertiary education administration and the education ministry for primary and secondary schools. From the very beginning of this administration, we made a solemn promise that education would be the compass by which we steer our State. We believed then, and we believe now, that investing in the minds of our children is the surest path to lasting development.’

Nwifuru also noted that his government have expanded opportunities for higher learning through a bold scholarship programme that has sent hundreds of Ebonyi sons and daughters to pursue advanced degrees both at home and abroad.

He, however, said the commissioning of his projects will commence from May 2026 till May 2027.

‘Last week, I embarked on a statewide project inspection tour to know the progress of work in the 22 classroom block for our 39 model secondary school and 12 classrooms block for our primary schools. The projects are under way and progressing impressively.

‘In the 2024/2025 cycle alone, the State sponsored hundreds of scholars for local and international postgraduate studies – a major step in building technical capacity and global exposure for our youth. I am glad to inform you that a significant portion of that programme saw our first beneficiaries travel to the United Kingdom and other partner countries to undertake Master’s and PhD programmes, an investment designed to bring back not only qualifications but world-class skills and networks to serve our state.

‘We also prioritised the revitalisation and funding of our tertiary institutions by increasing the statutory subvention and clearing accumulated obligations to our university. We stabilised academic operations and protected the academic calendar, ensuring our young men and women can learn without interruption.

‘This is why no industrial actions by any of the trade unions in the Tertiary institutions of Ebonyi State University and Ebonyi State College of Education. However, we know access to education is not only about universities. We prepared our youths for the jobs of today and tomorrow through targeted vocational and skills-training initiatives. Under this programme, beneficiaries of vocational training received direct start-up grants to translate skills into sustainable livelihoods – an approach that links training with immediate economic empowerment. As one tangible result, grants were disbursed to recent vocational graduates to help them start small businesses and workshops.

‘Recognising the need to align our educational system with the economy of the future, we have laid the groundwork for specialised academic institutions focused on cutting-edge sectors. This is why we established the University of ICT at Oferekpe Agbaja to promote ICT and digital literacy and also the University of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering, strategic choices that will position Ebonyi as a hub for technology and specialised engineering education in the South-East and beyond. May I inform you that courses have been allocated to our ICT University and processes of admission have also commenced.

‘These initiatives are designed to create graduates who are industry-ready and globally competitive. Beyond institutions and scholarships, we have worked to make education affordable and dignified.