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      PETROAN Sounds Alarm Over Dangote’s Fuel Market Dominance

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      CBN to Offer N162bn Worth of Treasury Bills for Subscription

      CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso

      CBN Clamps Down on Banks Under Regulatory Forbearance

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      Dangote Refinery to Commence Nationwide Distribution of Petrol, Diesel

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      A Heartfelt Letter to Our Fathers, by Rabi Ummi Umar

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      As CBN Leads Nigeria’s Gender-sensitivity Resurgence, by Rahma Olamide Oladosu

      The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      GEOINT: The Intelligence Edge Nigeria Customs Needed, By Tahir Ahmad

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      When Borrowing Becomes Harm and NITDA Responds, By Fatimah Yusuf Usman

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      Nigeria Nears FATF Grey List Exit – NFIU

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      Palliatives Distribution: A Culture FG Must Stop By Obamodi Oluwadamilola Faith

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      EXCLUSIVE: How Health Ministry Scuttled Plot to Frustrate Multi-billion Naira Malaria…

TVET: FG conducts entrance exam into FTCs for 30, 000 students

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Economic Confidential
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June 16, 2025
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TVET: FG conducts entrance exam into FTCs for 30, 000 students

TVET: FG conducts entrance exam into FTCs for 30, 000 students

The Federal Government on Saturday conducted examinations for students who are interested in its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into Federal Technical Colleges nationwide.

About 30, 000 students sat for the examination conducted by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) nationwide.

Through the TVET initiative, students in technical colleges would be equipped with industry-relevant skills while reshaping the country’s approach to human capital development.

Successful students would enjoy free tuition, accommodation, and feeding for students in Federal and State Technical Colleges as part of the TVET programme.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed told reporters after monitoring the examination at Federal Technical College, Orozo, Abuja, on Saturday that the results will be out in 21 days.

Mohammed emphasised that the examination is not just a means of selecting students but also a strategic tool for determining individual strengths and aligning them with specific trades.

He further noted that the significance of the programme lies in its potential to reverse Nigeria’s overdependence on imported skills and products.

“If you pass, we will look at your skill and study your score. We have already collected certain data from each candidate, and that will help us determine whether they are suited for electrical installation, tailoring, solar maintenance, or other vocational areas.

“No nation succeeds economically without artisans, craftsmen, and technicians. They are the backbone of any country’s gross domestic product (GDP). No nation succeeds without these classes of people.

“In Nigeria, we depend so much on paper qualification. That era of paper qualifications is gone. We are now in the era of ‘what can you offer or do to add to our GDP?”

Mohammed assured that adequate planning is in place to absorb the expected influx into the technical colleges, noting that a selection committee comprising principals of federal technical colleges, NABTEB officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Education will oversee the admission process.

“In 21 days, we hope to release the results. Only then will we be able to determine how many candidates will proceed to the next stage. It’s too early to say now, but our belief is that by this time next year, this paper-based process will become fully digitised,” he said.

He said as part of the TVET programme, students will undergo training of varying durations from six months, nine months, or one year, depending on their chosen trade.

Upon completion, he said they will be provided with starter packs and possible access to business loans.

“This is not just about skills acquisition. It’s about job creation and economic empowerment. Those who complete the programme can either be employed by the government or set up their own businesses with the support structures being put in place,” he stated.

Mohammed lamented the prevailing trend where simple construction jobs, such as tiling and POP installations, are outsourced to foreign nationals, even though Nigerian youth possess the energy and potential to perform the same tasks if properly trained and certified.

“This reawakening is to ensure that Nigeria becomes a production country. We bring fillers from Togo and even our POP we bring the people from Benin Republic and we have many youths here that can do these jobs to earn a living.

“Being in the building industry is big business. With initiatives like this, our young people will soon be able to take back these roles and earn a decent living.

“I believe that this project is the right decision by the federal government and I encourage everyone to support the government in this initiative.”

He revealed that the government’s plan includes creating an enabling environment for certified technical talents to practice and thrive locally.

He cited major national projects, such as the gas pipeline initiative, which would soon rely heavily on indigenous artisans and technicians.

“But the question is, are they certified? That’s why this programme is critical. Certification builds trust. No one wants to risk their resources on unverified skills,” he stated.

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A Heartfelt Letter to Our Fathers, by Rabi Ummi Umar

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Rabi Ummi Umar
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June 16, 2025
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A Heartfelt Letter to Our Fathers, by Rabi Ummi Umar

A Heartfelt Letter to Our Fathers

By Rabi Ummi Umar,

A child is born, nurtured, and cared for until he grows into a boy, then a man—becoming a brother, a husband, a father, a son-in-law, and eventually a grandfather. At each stage, he shoulders countless responsibilities—some of which begin even before his first breath.

From the moment he enters the world, he is taught to conform to society’s expectations. Men are seen as strong. But are they always? And must they be? Like women, men are human—crafted by God with the same hearts and the same fragility.

Yet they are expected to “do the most,” to lead without falter, no matter the circumstance. But even leaders need rest. They need shoulders to cry on, friends to confide in, and spaces where they feel loved, heard, and understood. A man is not a machine. He is human, just like the rest of us.

From an early age, the world piles responsibilities onto men, and many grow up with others depending on them. I was blessed to grow up with a beautiful relationship with my father—my best friend, my confidant, my mentor, and my loudest cheerleader.

I know our moments together brought him comfort, though he rarely voiced his own burdens. Some fathers love with words. Some love with tired hands, long nights, and silent sacrifices.

Some love so quietly that you do not recognize it until you’re grown—and looking back. And when you finally see it, it hits harder than anything else ever could. Fathers deserve celebration every day—not just on Father’s Day.

For the sleepless nights, for the work they do without applause, and for the invisible sacrifices they make. A father sets the path, he lifts, he shields. My father helped me believe in my dreams, and I am forever grateful.

Men deserve to be appreciated—not just for what they provide, but for how they love. To my father, and to all the fathers who have guided, supported, and loved in quiet strength: thank you. To the fathers we have lost—we remember and honor you.

To those still here—every man out there: we see you. Your efforts matter. It is okay to pause. It is okay to feel uncertain. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to be human.

Happy Father’s Day.

Rabi Ummi Umar, a student of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, writes from Nigeria. She can be reached at: rabiumar058@gmail.com

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As CBN Leads Nigeria’s Gender-sensitivity Resurgence, by Rahma Olamide Oladosu

  • Opinion
Rahma Olamide Oladosu
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June 15, 2025
0
As CBN Leads Nigeria’s Gender-sensitivity Resurgence, by Rahma Olamide Oladosu

As CBN Leads Nigeria’s Gender-sensitivity Resurgence, by Rahma Olamide Oladosu

 

Despite making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, women hold only an insignificant fraction of elective and appointive offices in the country. The country keeps shooting herself in the foot, holding on to old stereotypes that do not work and making the political space tight for women. While women are scarcely seen holding key decision-making offices in all areas of leadership in the country, that of the National Assembly is most embarrassing.

In terms of female representation, the 10th National Assembly is the worst since the dawn of democracy in 1999. It is indeed shameful to admit that there are only four women out of 109 members in the Senate which makes it about four percent. There are also only 17 women among the 360 members in the House of Representatives, which makes it a ridiculous
4.7 percent. The implication of the above is that in the 469-member National Assembly, only about 4 percent is made up of women.

It is also saddening to note that out of the 36 State Houses of Assembly in the country, only 21 have at least one woman as member. 15 of the states have no woman at all as a lawmaker.

The 15 Nigerian states without female representation in their Houses of Assembly are: Abia, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.

The situation is not significantly better in the Federal Executive Council where we have nine female ministers out of 43, a meagre 21 percent representation.

Despite the fact that women all over the world are seen as better home makers, better organisers who can be trusted with money, figures and finances, things are not any better in the country’s economic landscape. In the political circle, women still get the position of women leader and Minister of women affairs but in business and economy, there are no such considerations.

So, when the news broke that women now make up to 35 percent of directors at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it looked like hope in the horizon. Not because gender parity has finally been achieved, as we are still far from it, but because this marks a rare and necessary shift in a system that has stubbornly resisted progress. For many years, Nigeria’s financial sector has operated as an exclusive old boys’ club. Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s decision is therefore a welcome disruption to that norm and one that is long overdue.

Let’s be honest. Nigerian women have never lacked talent, grit, or leadership capacity. What they have lacked is access to boardrooms, decision-making roles, capital, networks, and policies that understand and reflect their realities. This 35 percent figure should not be dismissed as a token gesture. It is a direct challenge to the entrenched structures that have kept half of our population on the margins of influence for far too long.

I have already heard skeptics dismiss the announcement as political posturing or quota-filling. That kind of cynicism is not only tired but also dangerous because it reinforces the very mindset that has held our institutions back for decades. This is not about ticking diversity boxes. It is about acknowledging that diverse leadership leads to better results. Studies across the globe have confirmed that when women sit at the table, companies perform better, governance improves, and innovation thrives. In banking, where trust, ethics, and customer understanding are vital, we simply cannot afford to ignore what half the population brings to the table.

Governor Cardoso has emphasised financial inclusion as a central focus of his leadership and has highlighted how women dominate Nigeria’s informal sector while contributing significantly to small-scale industries. But inclusion cannot be meaningful if it only happens at the grassroots level while the top remains unchanged. This is why the presence of more women at the highest levels of the CBN matters so much. It reflects a willingness to address inequality at the core of power and decision-making.

The CBN has taken practical steps in this direction. Initiatives have been introduced to improve women’s access to finance. A framework to support women entrepreneurs has been signed, and partnerships with the Development Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Industry are helping to ease access to credit. These are not just symbolic moves; they are necessary to unlock the full potential of women-owned businesses. Research has shown that when women entrepreneurs are given equal access to capital, their businesses perform strongly and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

However, this new era of inclusion has not come without complications. Reports have emerged suggesting that some women appointed as consultants under Governor Cardoso wield more power than expected, issuing directives despite undefined roles. Allegations of inflated salaries and internal discontent have followed. These developments bring to light an important issue. While inclusion is vital, it must go hand in hand with transparency, accountability, and fair process.

To maintain credibility, the CBN must ensure that all appointments are based on competence and not seen as favoritism. If inclusion efforts appear to be politically motivated or based on loyalty rather than merit, the entire initiative risks losing public support. Every woman elevated to a position of influence should be fully qualified, not because women must overperform to be accepted, but because the integrity of the process matters. Merit and inclusion should not be viewed as competing values. They must always reinforce each other.

Despite the internal challenges, the significance of this move cannot be denied. When Nigeria’s most powerful financial institution prioritises female leadership, it sends a strong message to the rest of the public and private sectors. It disrupts the outdated notion that leadership is a man’s role and signals to institutions across the country that gender equity should no longer be optional.

This change also has a powerful effect on younger generations. Representation is more than visibility. It is validation. When a young girl sees a woman leading at the CBN, her sense of what is possible expands. She begins to believe that she too can lead, can decide, and can change the course of Nigeria’s future. That is not just inspirational. It is necessary for a society that wants to grow beyond the limitations of its past and build a more equitable future.

Of course, progress comes with growing pains. Even when women are appointed to leadership roles, they often face challenges that their male counterparts do not. These include unconscious bias, limited mentorship, and societal expectations around family and caregiving. That is why it is not enough to place women in leadership positions. Institutions must also create environments where women can thrive. This includes leadership training, mentorship programs, family-friendly policies, and workplace cultures that actively promote equity and inclusion.

Governor Cardoso’s decision to increase women’s representation at the CBN is bold and commendable. It arrives at a time when Nigeria needs forward-thinking leadership and institutional reforms more than ever. Yes, there are growing tensions and criticisms to address, but the overall direction is one of progress. As long as these appointments are grounded in merit and paired with meaningful inclusion policies, the CBN has the potential to become a model for other sectors in Nigeria.

Empowering women in leadership is not about charity or optics. It is about building stronger, more resilient institutions that serve the full spectrum of the population. Diversity in leadership leads to better decision-making, broader perspectives, and more effective governance. By taking this step, the CBN is setting a precedent that the rest of Nigeria should follow without hesitation. It is a defining moment that can reshape our economy and society for the better.

The task now is to keep moving forward. This progress must not stall at 35 percent. It must spark deeper reforms across both the public and private sectors. Because when women lead, everyone benefits. And for a country like Nigeria, that kind of inclusive leadership is not just smart, it is essential for national growth and sustainable development. This is the future we should all be fighting for.

 

Oladosu is a Staff Writer with the Economic Confidential 

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Tinubu Invests N120bn to Transform Livestock Sector in Gombe

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Economic Confidential
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June 15, 2025
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Tinubu Invests N120bn to Transform Livestock Sector in Gombe

Tinubu Invests N120bn to Transform Livestock Sector in Gombe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to support transformation of livestock industry in Gombe State with N120 billion to boost economy and provide job opportunities.

Governor of the state, Inuwa Yahaya disclosed this in Gombe on Saturday during a ground-breaking ceremony to begin establishment of 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone.

The governor who confirmed that the N60 billion has been provided said the initiative aims to build a prosperous and sustainable future for livestock development in the state.

“The industrial zone will feature cutting-edge infrastructure, including an ultramodern abattoir, international livestock market, fattening hubs, tannery and leather factory, world-class grains and livestock feeds market, and inland dry port.

“The project will provide job opportunities, enhance productivity, encourage import substitution and increase foreign earnings along all segments of the livestock value chain and pave way for a smarter, safer livestock economy,” he stated.

Speaking further governor Inuwa added that, “This automated facility will enable hygienic, efficient, and globally compliant processing, packaging, and distribution, serving domestic and international markets.”

On his part, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the livestock sector, stating that the Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone will process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds daily.

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Nigeria Nears FATF Grey List Exit – NFIU

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Economic Confidential
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June 15, 2025
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Nigeria Nears FATF Grey List Exit – NFIU

Nigeria Nears FATF Grey List Exit – NFIU

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has announced a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, successfully passing an on-site assessment by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

According to the agency, the assessment is an essential step toward exiting the global watchdog’s grey list.

FATF is the global body established in 1995 to lead international action to combat money laundering, terrorism, and proliferation financing.

On February 24, 2023, Nigeria was placed on the FATF Grey List due to increased capital inflows and deficiencies in combating money laundering, terrorism, and arms financing.

In a statement on Saturday by the NFIU, the agency announced that FATF has acknowledged the country’s “substantial progress” in implementing critical reforms under its Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Counter-Proliferation Financing Action Plan.

The organisation noted that the on-site visit by the FATF Africa Joint Group will now assess the sustainability, political backing, and operational effectiveness of the reforms implemented so far.

“Following the latest FATF Plenary outcomes, Nigeria has been acknowledged for making substantial progress in the implementation of its Action Plan. This development paves the way for an on-site assessment by the FATF Africa Joint Group to verify that reforms are effectively implemented and politically supported, and that the progress made is sustainable over the long term.

“This progress reinforces Nigeria’s resolve to not only exit the grey list but to build a resilient AML/CFT system that enhances the integrity of its financial system and economy,” the NFIU said.

The agency credited the significant milestone to strong political leadership, particularly by President Bola Tinubu and key federal ministers, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Interior.

It also hailed the role of the judiciary, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and private sector actors.

According to the statement, Nigeria has made notable strides in improving beneficial ownership transparency, updating national risk assessments, and implementing risk-based supervision across both financial and non-financial sectors.

The NFIU, which coordinates Nigeria’s efforts under the FATF International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) process, will continue to provide strategic oversight as the country prepares for the crucial next phase.

“All stakeholders are urged to maintain momentum and ensure that reforms remain deeply embedded and effective,” the NFIU stated, encouraging vigilance to protect the financial system from illicit abuse.

The agency also congratulated fellow South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso, for reaching similar milestones in their FATF compliance journeys.

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