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  • NELFUND To Increase Beneficiary Allowance In 2026 — Official

    The National Emergency Livelihoods Fund (NELFUND) has announced plans to raise the monthly upkeep allowance for its beneficiaries from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 in 2026, government sources confirmed on Friday.

    In a statement obtained by the source, the management of NELFUND said the proposed increase aims to cushion economic hardship and enhance the welfare of low-income participants enrolled in its livelihood support programmes.

    According to the statement, the review of the allowance was approved following consultations with relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, development partners and financial experts, to ensure that the adjustment aligns with current economic realities and cost of living pressures.

    “The increment from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 is part of our commitment to improving the standard of living of our beneficiaries and providing meaningful support to vulnerable households across the country,” the statement said.

    While details of the implementation timeline are still being finalised, NELFUND said the revised allowance is expected to take effect early in the first quarter of 2026, pending necessary budgetary and administrative approvals.

    Officials noted that the new funding structure will be incorporated into NELFUND’s 2026 operational plan, alongside strengthened monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in disbursements.

    The fund also reiterated its dedication to expanding access to economic opportunities through skills development, micro-enterprise support, and cash transfers to target groups most affected by poverty and unemployment.

    Stakeholders welcomed the proposed increment, describing it as a positive step toward alleviating economic hardship among vulnerable Nigerians, while urging swift implementation to maximise impact.

    NELFUND, established to support emergency livelihoods and social protection interventions, continues to collaborate with federal and state partners to reach underserved populations and promote sustainable economic resilience.

  • Natural Skincare Tips To Prevent Pimples

    Skincare experts have advised individuals to adopt simple and natural daily habits to maintain a healthy facial appearance and prevent the occurrence of pimples.

    According to the experts, one of the major steps in preventing facial breakouts is avoiding frequent touching of the face, as hands often carry dirt and bacteria capable of clogging pores and triggering pimples.

    They further recommended the regular use of aloe vera, noting that the natural plant contains antibacterial and soothing properties that help calm the skin, reduce inflammation and promote healing of acne-prone areas.

    The experts also cautioned against excessive consumption of oily foods, explaining that such diets may contribute to increased oil production on the skin.

    Instead, they encouraged individuals to consume more protein-rich foods, which help in repairing skin tissues and maintaining overall skin health.

    In addition, consistency in skincare routines was highlighted as a key factor in achieving clear and healthy skin.

    The experts stressed that irregular skincare practices often reduce effectiveness and delay visible results.

    They advised individuals seeking clear skin to remain patient, disciplined and committed to natural skincare methods, adding that positive results are achievable with time and proper care.

  • Skincare: Experts Highlight Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Healthy Skin

    Health and beauty enthusiasts have continued to advocate the use of natural skincare products, with aloe vera emerging as one of the most recommended remedies for maintaining healthy and glowing skin.

    According to skincare practitioners, aloe vera possesses multiple skin-healing properties that make it suitable for people of all skin types.

    They explained that applying fresh aloe vera gel directly to the face can help clear pimples and reduce inflammation, as the plant contains antibacterial and soothing agents that calm irritated skin.

    In addition, experts noted that when aloe vera gel is mixed with body or face cream, it helps to smooth the skin and improve overall texture by providing deep hydration and nourishment.

    They further stated that aloe vera also serves as a natural anti-aging treatment, as it supports skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and promotes skin regeneration due to its rich antioxidant content.

    “Aloe vera is generally safe and beneficial for all skin types, including oily, dry and sensitive skin, making it one of the most versatile natural skincare ingredients,” a beauty consultant said.

    The experts added that beyond its visible benefits, aloe vera has many other uses that are not widely known, encouraging individuals to regularly incorporate it into their skincare routines.
    T
    hey also advised households to consider planting aloe vera at home, describing it as easy to grow, cost-effective and readily available for daily use.

    Many skincare enthusiasts have expressed appreciation for simple and natural beauty tips, urging others to adopt healthy skincare habits and embrace natural remedies.

  • Google Offers Career Certificate Scholarships To Young People Worldwide

    Google has announced the availability of scholarships for young individuals across the world to enrol in its Career Certificate programmes, aimed at equipping beneficiaries with job-ready skills in high-growth technology fields.

    The Google Career Certificate Scholarship is designed to cover the full cost of training for selected participants and provides certificates of completion to those who successfully finish the programmes.

    The scholarship, hosted by Google and delivered through the Coursera online learning platform, is open to applicants from all countries and targets recent graduates, career changers and individuals seeking to upskill for improved employment prospects.

    According to information made available on Tuesday, the programme offers flexible online training courses that can be completed within six months, with no requirement for prior academic qualifications or relevant work experience.

    The available professional certificate programmes include;

    • IT Support,

    • Data Analytics,

    • Project Management,

    • Digital Marketing

    • E-commerce,

    • Cybersecurity

    • User Experience (UX) Design.

    Google explained that the initiative was introduced to help learners gain practical skills required by employers, particularly in technology-driven sectors where demand for skilled professionals continues to rise globally.

    The IT Support programme focuses on troubleshooting, system administration and security fundamentals, while the Data Analytics certificate trains participants in data cleaning, visualisation and analysis using tools such as SQL and Tableau.

    The Project Management course covers project planning, risk management and agile methodologies, whereas the Digital Marketing and E-commerce programme introduces learners to online marketing strategies, search engine optimisation and e-commerce fundamentals.

    Other programmes include Cybersecurity, which addresses network security, threat detection and risk mitigation, and UX Design, which focuses on user research, wireframing and prototyping for digital products.

    Eligibility requirements for the scholarship are minimal, as applicants are only expected to demonstrate commitment to completing the online programme and associated tasks within the stipulated period.

    The scholarship duration is six months, and participants who complete their courses within this timeframe will receive free professional certificates from Google.

    Although no application deadline has been specified, interested and qualified individuals are advised to apply early through the official application portal to improve their chances of selection.

    Apply Link;
    https://www.scholarshipregion.com/google-career-certificate-scholarship/

    The organisers also encouraged prospective applicants to sign up for scholarship alerts through social media and messaging platforms to stay informed about updates and related opportunities.

    The Google Career Certificate Scholarship forms part of broader efforts to expand access to digital skills training and enhance global workforce readiness in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

  • “NJC Disowns Report On 34 Judges’ Integrity Test”

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Thursday disowned a circulating report alleging that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were consequently dropped from consideration for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

    In a press statement dated December 31, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq., the Council described the report as inaccurate and unauthorised, stressing that it did not reflect the true position of events in the judicial appointment process.

    According to the NJC, the processes referenced in the media reports were conducted entirely by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), and no decision or action has yet been taken by the NJC in respect of the candidates concerned.

    The Council clarified that while some candidates were discontinued at the FJSC level due to adverse findings arising from petitions submitted against them, others did not progress further simply because they failed to attain the required qualifying scores to advance to the interview stage before the NJC.

    The NJC emphasised that there is no stand-alone or newly introduced integrity test whose failure automatically disqualifies candidates en masse, contrary to the impression conveyed by the viral reports.

    The statement further warned that the publication of inaccurate and speculative details could mislead the public and unjustly damage the reputations of candidates who participated in the process in good faith.

    In view of the foregoing, the Council disclosed that it has commenced internal investigations to ascertain the source of the unauthorised press statement and will take appropriate steps to safeguard the integrity and credibility of its procedures.

    The NJC reassured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency, fairness, due process and the highest standards of judicial integrity, and urged media practitioners to always seek clarification from authorised channels before reporting on sensitive institutional matters.

  • Federal Government Introduces Student Venture Capital Grant To Support Young Entrepreneurs

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the introduction of the Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG), a funding initiative aimed at supporting innovative and entrepreneurial students across the country.

    The grant programme, which combines competition, training and financial support, is designed to encourage student-led ventures and promote innovation within Nigeria’s higher education ecosystem.

    According to information made available on the initiative,

    • The Student Venture Capital Grant is open to Nigerian students and offers equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million to successful applicants, enabling them to develop and scale viable business ideas without relinquishing ownership.

    • The Federal Government explained that, in addition to financial support, beneficiaries of the programme would undergo an incubation programme and receive expert mentorship, aimed at strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity and improving business sustainability.

    • It further stated that participants would gain access to essential resources and tools required for business development, as well as a free Google Gemini Pro license, to support innovation, research and productivity.

    The government noted that the SVCG initiative aligns with its broader agenda to empower young Nigerians, reduce unemployment and foster a culture of entrepreneurship among students.

    “The Student Venture Capital Grant is structured to provide young innovators with the financial backing, technical support and mentorship required to transform ideas into impactful enterprises,” the Federal Government said.

    Details regarding the application deadline were not specified, with prospective applicants advised to monitor official platforms for updates and submit their applications promptly.

    Interested candidates can access further information and application guidelines through the designated online portal.

    Apply Link:
    https://www.scholarshipregion.com/student-venture-capital-grant-svcg/

    The information was sourced from Scholarship Region, an education and grant information platform.

  • Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

    The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has withdrawn all pending defamation suits he instituted against a cleric, following a sermon delivered by the priest which appealed for reconciliation and peace.

    Akpabio announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Eseme Eyiboh.

    According to the statement, the Senate President said the decision was taken after deep reflection and in response to the priest’s sermon, which emphasised forgiveness, humility and the need for unity.

    Akpabio noted that the withdrawal of the suits was in the interest of peace and harmony, stressing that public discourse should not degenerate into personal attacks capable of undermining national cohesion.

    He said that while he had earlier approached the courts to seek redress over statements he considered defamatory, he had now chosen the path of reconciliation in line with moral and spiritual guidance.

    “The sermon was a reminder of the core values of Christianity and humanity — forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence,” the statement quoted Akpabio as saying.

    The Senate President urged religious leaders, public office holders and citizens to exercise restraint in their utterances, especially on sensitive national issues, adding that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly.

    He further reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, democratic principles and the protection of individual rights, noting that his action should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness but as a deliberate choice for peace.

    Akpabio also called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue as a tool for resolving disagreements, rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric.

    The defamation suits, which had been filed in different courts, arose from public comments allegedly made by the cleric during sermons and public engagements.

    The withdrawal of the cases has since drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some stakeholders commending the Senate President’s decision as a demonstration of statesmanship.

  • Nobody Will Debit Your Bank Account, Taiwo Oyedele Assures Nigerians On New Tax Laws

    Nigerians have been assured that the implementation of new tax laws will not result in automatic debits from their bank accounts, following statements by Taiwo Oyedele, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Revenue Matters.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Oyedele emphasized that while the government has introduced reforms aimed at improving tax compliance, citizens’ accounts would not be directly debited without due process.

    He stated, “The new tax laws are designed to streamline the collection process and enhance transparency. There is no provision under the law that allows the government to directly debit individuals’ bank accounts.

    Nigerians can continue to operate their accounts without fear of arbitrary deductions.”

    Oyedele further explained that the reforms, which include the transition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), are part of broader efforts to modernize the nation’s tax administration.

    “The NRS will provide clearer guidelines for taxpayers, ensuring that payments are made voluntarily and in accordance with the law. Our aim is to make the tax system fair, transparent, and efficient,” he added.

    He urged Nigerians to familiarize themselves with the new provisions of the law and to consult official NRS platforms for guidance on tax obligations.

    The new tax legislation, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, has been a topic of debate across the country, with concerns about potential automatic bank debits dominating public discourse.

    Oyedele’s assurance is expected to allay fears and encourage compliance.

    Background

    The transition to the NRS represents one of the most significant overhauls of Nigeria’s tax system in recent years.

    The government has promised that the new system will enhance revenue collection while protecting citizens’ rights.

  • ‘Tinubu Has Given Ndigbo Biafra’: Umahi Declares In New Year Message

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, says President Bola Tinubu has effectively “given Ndigbo Biafra” through unprecedented infrastructural development and inclusive governance across the South-East.

    Umahi, made the assertion in his New Year message to Nigerians, particularly the people of the South-East, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, the long-standing agitation for Biafra stemmed largely from feelings of marginalisation, neglect and absence of federal presence in the region, which he said the Tinubu administration is decisively addressing.

    “President Bola Tinubu has given Ndigbo Biafra, not by breaking Nigeria, but by giving the South-East what it has been denied for decades – equity, inclusion and massive infrastructure,” Umahi said.

    The minister noted that for the first time since the end of the civil war, the South-East is witnessing extensive federal road projects, economic inclusion and political recognition under one administration.

    He cited ongoing construction and rehabilitation of key federal highways in the region, including the Second Niger Bridge access roads, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri–Okigwe Road, and other strategic routes.

    Umahi said these projects were not mere promises but visible realities that demonstrate the President’s commitment to national unity and balanced development.

    “For those who say the Igbo are marginalised, I ask: which other administration has done this much for the South-East in such a short time? The truth must be told – this government has remembered Ndigbo,” he said.

    The former Ebonyi governor also pointed to the inclusion of Igbo sons and daughters in key positions within the Tinubu-led administration as further evidence of trust and integration.

    He urged youths in the region to shun violence, separatist agitation and destructive protests, stressing that dialogue and constructive engagement yield better results than confrontation.

    “Agitation without development leads nowhere. What our people truly desire is progress, security, and opportunity, and this government is providing that,” Umahi said.

    The minister called on South-East leaders, traditional rulers and opinion moulders to support the Federal Government’s development agenda and encourage peace and unity.

    He expressed optimism that 2026 would bring more dividends of democracy to the region and Nigeria at large, adding that President Tinubu remained committed to building a united, prosperous and inclusive nation.

    Umahi also appealed to Nigerians to support the President’s economic reforms, noting that while they may be challenging in the short term, they were necessary for long-term national stability and growth.

    “Let us remain patient, hopeful and united. Nigeria is on the right path,” he said.

  • 2 killed As Rice Mill Collapses In Kebbi State

    Two people have been confirmed dead following the partial collapse of a section of a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, police and rescue officials said on Thursday.

    The incident occurred on Tuesday at the NIA-AGRI Rice Production Facility in the Bulasa area of the city when part of the rice parboiling section of the mill gave way, trapping several workers under metal wreckage.

    A statement by the Kebbi State Police Command on Wednesday said the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, led a security and rescue assessment team to the scene as emergency responders continued efforts to free survivors.

    According to the statement, two persons who were earlier evacuated were confirmed dead by medical doctors.

    One injured victim has been treated and discharged, while four others remained trapped under debris as of the time of the police visit.

    Commissioner Sani commended the joint efforts of the police, the State and Federal Fire Services, and other relevant agencies involved in the rescue operations.

    He also assured the public that adequate security had been deployed around the affected area and that a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collapse would begin after the rescue phase.

    Reacting to the tragedy, the Kebbi State Government described the incident as painful and expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and those affected by the collapse.

    Government officials said they would continue to support rescue efforts and provide necessary assistance to the victims’ families.

    The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

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