20,000 Graduates To Benefit Annually As Buhari Unveils Post-NYSC Job Scheme - Newstrends
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20,000 Graduates To Benefit Annually As Buhari Unveils Post-NYSC Job Scheme

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President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled “Nigeria Jubilee Fellows”, a programme designed to create new opportunities for 20,000 fresh graduates annually.

Speaking during the ceremony at the State House, Abuja, Buhari assured that it would provide an opportunity for mentors who were already engaged in various industries, gained relevant experience and built capacity over the years to provide mentorship and support for young Nigerians.

The President said: “Beyond the skills and work experience, we will be building a new culture of mentorship and guidance that can chart a new course for skills development and work experience in our country.

“We believe that as this programme creates new opportunities for 20,000 recent graduates annually, the beneficiaries will use the opportunities presented to them and maximize their 12 months of engagement.”

According to him, “The jubilee programme will provide a pathway for young Nigerians to gain work experience in top tier organisations, gaining relevant skills and building the right networks for the future in various sectors including information and communications technology, financial services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing.

“Other sectors include mining, telecommunications, creative industries and technology, education, health, research and development, and public sector institutions. We believe that building the right skills and experiences across these sectors are important to sustain the economic growth we are experiencing.’’

He said the programme will build on other efforts of the government to support young Nigerians such as the N75 billion youth fund in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, which was created to support young Nigerians in business or with business ideas, with N25 billion released annually for three years.

The President, who encouraged all eligible Nigerians to apply for the jubilee programme, also urged private sector organizations to join by providing work placement opportunities, mentors and funding.

“I would like to say thank you to the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union for their support on this vital initiative. And I hereby declare the program open,’’ he said

Buhari also said the focus on job creation, consistency in policy and innovation stimulated a 5 per cent growth of the economy in the second quarter, 2021, which is the highest in six years, assuring that Jubilee Fellows Programme will further consolidate on the success recorded.

He listed some of the key drivers of economic growth and diversification in the second quarter to include telecommunications, transportation, electricity, agriculture and manufacturing.

“Tuesday, 22nd June, 2021, I set-up the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) steering committee to coordinate our work to fulfil my promise to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years. This is building on the positive results from the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the targeted response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Economic Sustainability Plan.

“These efforts have yielded results with Nigeria recording its biggest economic growth in six years with a GDP growth of 5 per cent in the second quarter of 2021. The sectors that drove this growth are trade, telecommunications, transportation, electricity, agriculture and manufacturing. Each of these sectors showed significant improvement and thus created more jobs for our populace.

“An important part of our policies and strategies is the focus on employment and creating opportunities for our people. When this government was elected in 2015, we committed to increasing job opportunities for Nigerians and as part of our social investments programme we recruited 500,000 graduates into our N-power programme,’’ he noted.

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Jetour X70 Plus storms Nigerian market with luxury features, advanced tech

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Jetour X70 Plus storms Nigerian market with luxury features, advanced tech

 

The Jetour X70 Plus that distinguishes itself as a feature-packed SUV designed to deliver enhanced safety, comfort and performance for both drivers and passengers is now in the Nigerian market.

Built as an upgrade to the regular X70, the model combines advanced technology with premium convenience features that place it among the most well-equipped SUVs in its class.

To support ownership experience, Jetour Nigeria has accredited dealers across the country, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.

Safety is a major highlight of the X70 Plus. The SUV comes fitted with an extensive airbag system, including driver, passenger, seat and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive occupant protection.

Electronic safety technologies such as the Vehicle Stability Control System help maintain balance on different road conditions, while Hill-Start and Hill-Descent Assist Control improve confidence on inclines.

The Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold system further enhance ease of use, especially in traffic.

Parking and maneuvering are made easier through a 360-degree panoramic camera system with 2D and 3D views, supported by front and rear parking sensors.

Security is reinforced with features such as an auto lockout system and automatic door locking. The SUV’s 20-inch alloy wheels not only contribute to its bold stance but also improve ground grip and clearance across varying terrains.

The X70 Plus is equipped with advanced driving and convenience systems, including an electronic gear shifting system, smart entry and push-start ignition.

Drivers can choose between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes, while cruise control adds comfort during long journeys.

Inside the cabin, technology and comfort are brought together through a 10.23-inch LCD touchscreen with phone mirroring, Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless charger.

A panoramic roof enhances cabin openness, while the digital touchscreen air-conditioning system with automatic rear vents and air purification ensures a pleasant environment.

An eight-speaker audio system delivers improved in-car entertainment. Additional comfort features include power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, as well as electrically adjustable, foldable and heated outside mirrors for improved visibility in adverse weather.

LED headlamps and fog lamps enhance safety during night driving and in poor visibility conditions.

The seven-seater SUV is powered by either a 1.5-litre or 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering up to 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With its generous dimensions and automatic rear trunk opening, the Jetour X70 Plus combines practicality with premium features, supported by comprehensive after-sales service, genuine spare parts and dedicated technical support from Jetour Nigeria.

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NRC worries over stone attacks on Abuja-Kaduna trains

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NRC worries over stone attacks on Abuja-Kaduna trains

 

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised the alarm over a surge in attacks on trains operating along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, warning that the incidents pose growing risks to passenger safety and critical transport infrastructure.

In the latest episode, suspected vandals reportedly targeted a moving train around Kilometre 177, hurling stones that shattered the windscreen of the lead locomotive.

The attack is one of several recorded in recent weeks along the busy rail line.

According to a statement by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, similar incidents have occurred in multiple locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He disclosed that no fewer than six attack points have been identified along the corridor within a short period.

The corporation described the pattern as a dangerous escalation that threatens not only passengers and railway personnel but also the integrity of rail infrastructure.

It warned that such acts amount to economic sabotage capable of disrupting a key transport link and undermining significant government investment in the sector.

Despite the attacks, the NRC said train services had continued under heightened security and operational vigilance, with personnel maintaining strict safety protocols to protect passengers.

The agency commended security operatives for their ongoing efforts in safeguarding the corridor and noted that it is collaborating closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance and track down those responsible.

Appealing for public cooperation, the NRC urged residents along the rail line to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and discourage acts of vandalism.

It cautioned that continued attacks could disrupt service delivery if not urgently addressed, while reaffirming its commitment to safe, secure, and efficient rail operations nationwide.

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Cooking Gas Crisis Deepens as LPG Price Surges to ₦1,400/kg Across Nigeria

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Cooking Gas station

Cooking Gas Crisis Deepens as LPG Price Surges to ₦1,400/kg Across Nigeria

Nigerians, especially urban residents, are facing renewed economic pressure as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, has risen sharply to an average of about ₦1,400 per kilogram, up from around ₦1,000/kg in early March 2026. The development represents a 40 per cent increase within two months, worsening the cost of living for middle- and low-income households already struggling with inflation and rising energy costs.

The surge in cooking gas prices in Nigeria is happening alongside increases in other energy products. Petrol now sells between ₦1,345 and ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja depending on location and filling station, while diesel has climbed to between ₦1,900 and ₦2,000 per litre, further deepening household financial strain.

Market data shows that households are already feeling the impact. A survey indicates that a 6kg cylinder of gas now costs about ₦8,400, while a 12kg refill sells for between ₦16,800 and ₦18,000 in many parts of the country, depending on the outlet and location.

The rising cost of LPG in Nigeria has significantly weakened purchasing power, forcing many families to cut consumption or switch to alternative cooking methods such as firewood and kerosene. In several urban areas, households are adjusting daily routines to cope with the increasing cost of energy.

There has also been a noticeable rise in the promotion and use of smokeless charcoal cooking stoves, which vendors are marketing as cheaper alternatives to gas. Some sellers claim the stoves cook as fast as gas, produce less smoke, and reduce household cooking expenses by up to 50 per cent, attracting increasing interest from struggling families.

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Residents across Lagos have continued to express frustration over the rising costs. A resident of Ketu, Mrs. Susan Adedayo, said she was shocked to discover that her 12kg gas refill had risen to ₦16,800, compared to ₦13,200 just a month earlier, describing the situation as unbearable for average households.

Another resident in Ojodu, Ms. Adetutu, said she now compares prices across different outlets due to constant fluctuations. She noted that she bought gas at ₦1,250 per kg, while other stations charged up to ₦1,400. She added that prices had moved from ₦700 per kg in January to ₦900 in March, warning that further increases appear likely.

Industry experts say the price hike is being driven by rising depot costs, supply shortages, and global energy pressures. The ex-depot price of LPG has reportedly increased by about 16.7 per cent to ₦21 million per 20 metric tonnes, up from around ₦18 million within weeks, forcing retailers to adjust prices upward.

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, Inyang Edu, confirmed the price surge and linked it to multiple structural issues affecting supply and pricing in the domestic market.

He explained that domestic supply from key producers such as the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has been insufficient to meet growing demand, leading to increased dependence on imports and higher costs.

Edu also pointed to global market pressures, noting that the Middle East crisis has affected crude oil prices and, by extension, LPG costs. He added that foreign exchange challenges linked to imports are further increasing the price of petroleum products across the board.

With energy costs rising simultaneously across cooking gas, petrol, and diesel, analysts warn that Nigerian households are facing a worsening energy inflation crisis. Many consumers are now calling for urgent government intervention to stabilise LPG supply, strengthen local production, and reduce reliance on imports to ease the burden on citizens.

Cooking Gas Crisis Deepens as LPG Price Surges to ₦1,400/kg Across Nigeria

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