Renewed Hope Skills Training: FG Begins Practical Sessions for 18,510 Nigerians Across 36 States

The Federal Government has commenced intensive practical training under its Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme, targeting 18,510 Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with employable skills, entrepreneurship support, and starter packs to accelerate poverty reduction and economic self-reliance.

The programme, implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was officially flagged off by the Minister, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, on July 13, 2026, at the Government Technical College, Area 3, Garki, Abuja. Training is taking place at 229 accredited centres nationwide, including government technical colleges and approved vocational institutions, ensuring that beneficiaries from every corner of the country have access to this life-changing opportunity. At the official flag-off, the Minister, in a statement issued by his Senior Technical Adviser on Information Systems and Data Analysis, Dr. Abimbola Fasanu, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and a major shift in the government’s approach to poverty reduction. Dr. Doro said the initiative moves beyond short-term palliatives to practical skills development that equips beneficiaries with sustainable incomes and lasting prosperity, marking a significant departure from the traditional handout-based interventions that have characterized previous social investment programmes.

“This programme is more than a training exercise; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are moving from palliatives to pathways by equipping Nigerians with practical skills that create opportunities, restore dignity, and build lasting prosperity,” the Minister stated.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader reform agenda under the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), which seeks to eliminate fragmented interventions by integrating humanitarian assistance, social protection, and poverty reduction into a single coordinated national framework. This innovative approach ensures that beneficiaries are not merely trained and abandoned but are connected to entrepreneurship opportunities, cooperative structures, and poverty graduation pathways that promote long-term economic independence and resilience.

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Speaking during the third day of training at the Women Development Centre, Agege, Lagos, the Programme Coordinator and Centre Head, Mrs. Kemilat Opasaye, said the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by empowering vulnerable Nigerians with practical skills for economic self-reliance. She explained that participants are receiving hands-on training in various vocational trades, including tailoring, welding, carpentry, catering, baking, agro-processing, and bead and jewellery making, all carefully selected to match market demand and income-generating potential. The intensive two-week programme combines technical vocational training with entrepreneurship development, covering business management, financial literacy, digital literacy, customer relations, and enterprise sustainability. According to Badamasi Lawal, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, beneficiaries will receive training in 14 high-demand vocational trades : Automobile Technology, Agric-Tech, Baking and Confectionery, Carpentry, Cooks and Catering, Electrical Installation, Housekeeping, Jewellery and Bead Making, Masonry, Plumbing, Welding, Sewing and Fashion Design, Grinding Operations, and Vulcanising.

At the completion of the programme, every participant will receive a trade-specific starter pack aligned with their chosen trade to facilitate immediate business start-up upon graduation. Lawal explained that the initiative was conceived partly to address rising youth unemployment and to utilise thousands of vocational starter packs that had remained unused in government warehouses for years due to administrative bottlenecks. “Rather than allowing these public assets to depreciate, the Federal Government approved their refurbishment, deployment, and distribution to qualified beneficiaries after practical skills training,” Lawal said. To prevent abuse and ensure the equipment serves its intended purpose, beneficiaries have been warned against selling the equipment. Lawal stated that every starter pack distributed under the programme will be digitally tracked, allowing the government to monitor both the tools and their beneficiaries after the training. This accountability mechanism is designed to ensure that the investment translates into tangible economic outcomes rather than being diverted to the secondary market.

Lawal noted that beneficiaries were selected through a transparent and inclusive process involving the National Assembly, state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community development associations, youth and women groups, and organisations representing persons with disabilities (PWDs) . Priority was given to unemployed youths, women, and economically vulnerable Nigerians with the capacity to build sustainable livelihoods after the programme, ensuring that the most marginalized segments of society are not left behind. This multi-stakeholder approach guarantees that the selection process is free from political manipulation and reflects the genuine needs of communities across Nigeria. The programme deliberately targets individuals who demonstrate the motivation and potential to transform their lives through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

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Facilitators at the training centre commended the initiative, describing it as a practical intervention that equips participants with marketable skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. They noted that the training combines classroom instruction with intensive practical sessions to prepare beneficiaries for self-employment, ensuring that graduates emerge with both theoretical understanding and hands-on competence. Participants also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the opportunity. Miss Uche Obinna, a participant in the baking class, said the practical lessons had given her the confidence to start her own business. She noted that before the training, she lacked the technical knowledge and business acumen to pursue her passion, but the programme has now equipped her with everything she needs to succeed. Mrs. Adebisi Muhammed, a graduate undergoing tailoring training, described the programme as a pathway to financial independence through entrepreneurship. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire skills that would enable her to support her family and contribute to the local economy.

Dr. Doro stressed that the true measure of the programme’s success would not be the number of certificates awarded but the number of sustainable livelihoods created. He emphasized that the government’s focus is on outcomes rather than outputs, ensuring that every naira invested translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. “Our vision is to see today’s trainee become tomorrow’s entrepreneur, employer, and contributor to national development. This is how we will build resilience, reduce poverty, and create inclusive economic growth for Nigerians,” he added. The Minister commended NSIPA, training providers, development partners, and private sector organisations supporting the initiative, urging them to ensure quality delivery, effective monitoring, and sustained post-training support for beneficiaries. He reaffirmed that the Ministry would continue to champion reforms that empower vulnerable Nigerians through coordinated interventions, practical skills development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme is being implemented simultaneously across the country as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities, and lifting Nigerians out of poverty through skills development, enterprise support, and inclusive social protection. The initiative aligns with the National Development Plan 2021-2025 and the broader vision of reducing unemployment and underemployment among Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population. The programme also complements existing social protection schemes, including the National Social Investment Programme, the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), creating a comprehensive ecosystem of support for vulnerable Nigerians. By linking skills acquisition with entrepreneurship support and starter packs, the government is building a sustainable pathway out of poverty that empowers individuals to become economically self-reliant and active contributors to national development.

To ensure the programme delivers lasting impact, the Ministry has established a robust monitoring and evaluation framework that will track beneficiaries’ progress over an extended period. This includes post-training mentorship pairing graduates with experienced entrepreneurs, business registration support to help beneficiaries formalize their enterprises, access to finance through microcredit schemes, cooperative formation to encourage collective action and shared resources, and regular impact assessments measuring income growth and job creation. These support mechanisms are designed to ensure that the skills acquired during the two-week intensive training translate into sustainable businesses that generate income, create employment, and contribute to local economic development.

The Renewed Hope Vocational and Skills Training Programme represents a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s approach to poverty reduction and youth empowerment. By moving beyond temporary palliatives to sustainable skills development, the Federal Government is building a foundation for long-term economic growth and social inclusion. As Dr. Doro noted, the ultimate measure of success will be the number of Nigerians who transform their lives through the skills they acquire and the businesses they build. With 18,510 beneficiaries already enrolled and the programme expanding across all 36 states, the government is demonstrating its commitment to creating real opportunities for Nigerians to achieve economic independence and contribute to national development.

Renewed Hope Skills Training: FG Begins Practical Sessions for 18,510 Nigerians Across 36 States

FAAN Debunks Fire Scare at Lagos Airport Terminal 2, explains cause of smoke

FAAN has dismissed reports of a fire outbreak at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, clarifying that Sunday’s emergency was triggered by the discharge of the terminal’s fire suppression system rather than an actual fire.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in an updated statement on Sunday, explained that preliminary investigations revealed the smoke seen within parts of the terminal was caused by the activation of the FM-200 fire suppression system.

The authority said investigations are underway to establish what caused the automatic system to discharge.

“Preliminary findings indicate that there was no fire at the terminal. The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system. The reason for the activation of the fire suppression system is currently being investigated,” FAAN stated.

The clarification followed an earlier announcement by the authority that an incident had occurred at the terminal, prompting the immediate deployment of its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) and the activation of emergency response procedures as a precaution.

FAAN confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries or casualties.

It also assured passengers and other airport users that normal activities have fully resumed, with passenger processing and flight operations continuing without disruption.

“Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident,” the authority added.

FAAN expressed appreciation to passengers, airlines and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the emergency response, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security across Nigeria’s airports.

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos remains Nigeria’s busiest aviation gateway, serving thousands of domestic and international travellers daily.

Political Realignments: Kwankwaso Receives APC Defectors into NDC in Kano

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has formally received a group of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State, marking another significant political realignment in the state as the 2027 elections approach.

The political landscape in Kano State witnessed another realignment over the weekend as Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), formally received a group of defectors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) into his party and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The reception, which took place at Kwankwaso’s residence along Miller Road in Kano, underscores the NDC’s ongoing efforts to expand its support base in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The delegation was led by Danlami Zakari Unguwar Gertai, also known as Garkuwan Gari, from Gari Local Government Area of Kano State. According to the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the defectors pledged their loyalty and unwavering commitment to Kwankwaso and the movement’s vision for a better Nigeria. The movement further stated that the new members promised to work for the growth of the NDC and support its campaign agenda. While the exact number of defectors was not disclosed, the reception drew a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters, many wearing the signature red caps associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement.

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In a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, Kwankwaso expressed delight over the development and assured the new members of equitable treatment within the party. “I was elated to receive a group of defectors from Madobi Local Government who have left the APC to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),” he wrote. “I warmly welcomed them into our fold and assured them of fair and comfortable positions within our party. We continue to grow stronger, free from major distractions.” Photographs from the event showed Kwankwaso, dressed in white traditional attire and his trademark red-and-white cap, flanked by the party’s Kano Central Senatorial candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, addressing a large crowd of supporters from an elevated position while holding a microphone. Other images captured large gatherings of supporters cheering and raising their hands in solidarity.

The development came barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the personal particulars and credentials of Kwankwaso and the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwaso and Obi had previously contested the 2023 presidential election on different platforms before joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and later moving to the NDC, citing internal disagreements and prolonged court cases within the ADC. However, the reception of new defectors comes amid reports of internal strains within the Kwankwasiyya movement. Recent political realignments have seen some long-standing allies exit the movement, including Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, and who recently lost his senatorial ticket in the NDC to Nasiru Gawuna. Hanga publicly reflected on his disappointment, stating: “I followed the Kwankwasiyya movement with absolute loyalty, but in the end, I was left facing the mockery of my enemies and the tears of those who cared about me.” Furthermore, the NDC has reportedly replaced some candidates earlier nominated by the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State as part of efforts to implement a power-sharing agreement, potentially affecting the perception of the movement and the unity of the NDC in the state. Gawuna, who was seen at the reception with Kwankwaso, had been the subject of defection talks to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in recent months, with negotiations reportedly shifted from the state to the national level of the party. He was named as the NDC’s Kano Central Senatorial candidate in May 2026, alongside Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the party’s governorship candidate for the state.

The latest defections are expected to strengthen the NDC’s grassroots mobilisation in Kano, one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states, as political parties intensify realignments and membership drives ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite internal challenges and the exit of some key figures, the Kwankwasiyya movement continues to command significant grassroots support, particularly among youths and urban voters through its distinctive red-cap identity and extensive political network.

Political Realignments: Kwankwaso Receives APC Defectors into NDC in Kano