Employment: FG To Revamp Moribond Textile Industries, Sanwo-Olu, Uzodimma To Lead

 The Federal Government is mulling a revamp of the textile industries in Nigeria to leverage on its job creation potentials.

Uzodinma and Sanwo-Olu 

To this end, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima hosted a number of stakeholders at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Tuesday, which included the governors of Lagos and Imo State to draw ideas on how best to go about revamping the moribond industries.

Recall that Nigeria was a net producer of cotton used in the production of textiles, with major industrial hubs located in Lagos and Kaduna States.

Over the years, the sector dwindled in production leading to mass retrenchment of workers, partly attributed to government policies and neglect of the sector.

Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma said it was germane for those in the helm of affairs to do everything within its power to stimulate the Nigerian economy, hence the buy-in of governors to the project.

He said, “Like the United Nations Cotton Manufacturing, the entire production chain of cotton is up to 10 sides and the whole idea is to leverage on this opportunity to revamp the industries in Nigeria, which many of them are now moribond, particularly in the cotton and textile sector.

“This is a new opportunity that is creating a new partnership for us to cross pollinate ideas with experts, to bring new skills, new ideas and new innovations into revamping the industries in Nigeria, and that will create jobs and engage our young men and women that are currently roaming the streets.

“So for me, I am very excited to be part of this conversation that will now revamp the economy of the country. Is a new partnership which we will leverage on.

“Before this time, you will agree with me, in Lagos State, Isolo area to be precise, you see so many textile industries. Kaduna was famous as a centre for cotton production and textile mills. In the northern areas the land was very fertile for growing cotton and then processing cotton. So I think we need to stimulate the economy. We need to create more jobs, we need to redefine Nigeria. We need to engage our young men and women, and then align properly with the new digital age for production and economic stimulation”.

Corroborating Uzodinma, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria textiles because of the impact it would have on the economy.

He said the textile industries have the potential of engaging over 15 to 20 million Nigerians hence the critical nature of the sector.

“If we are growing cotton, are we ready to patronize the ones we are producing locally? Because that’s one issue the textile manufacturers raised, that when they manufacture fabrics many persons prefer the ones from Italy?

” So I think the explanation has been made. Part of the things that you see with our garment manufacturer, is actually polyester, not cotton. And polyester happens to be cheaper than cotton. You know, cotton is a higher grade to sew as against using polyester if our refineries were working for what we’ve also been made to understand now is actually supposed to be one of the byproducts coming out from the refinery.

Why Northern Youth Asked FG to ban Big Brother Nigeria | AgegePulse Magazine

  

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Why Northern Youth Asked FG to ban Big Brother Nigeria |  AgegePulse Magazine

The Arewa Youth Advisory Forum (AYCF) has called on the Federal Government to ban Nigeria’s reality show, BBNaija.

Speaking to newsmen on Friday, AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima, described the show as a calamity. He said government ought not to allow it to be aired because it promotes immorality and s*xual content.

“It’s a calamity for me; I never believed in BBNaija and I don’t think it’s fair because the show is an act of immorality. Such a spectacle should not be encouraged. I have often said that this show encourages immorality and that the Nigerian government should ban it, it should not be allowed to be broadcast in our country.

You see, a lot of people are watching to see acts of immorality, these s*xual things flaunting their n*dity, and they made it look like a ‘blue film’, so that is to be discouraged. I urge true lovers of the country to join hands and draw the government’s attention to the implication of this program which should be discouraged,” he said.

Cc:Instablog9ja

LasuCom Students Honours Owolabi Ibrahim of Involve Africa - AgegePulse

... Charges Youth on active participation in Nigeria’s Democratic Process.

Following the recent activeness of Involve Africa, the founder Ibrahim Owolabi has been recently awarded for Excellence in Civic Engagement and Grassroots Education by the Senate Arm of Lagos State University College of Medicine Students Association.

In his message, Owolabi stated that "last weekend, this recognition came as a reminder that there is more work to do in engaging the people and particularly our Youth for active participation in Nigeria’s Democratic Process.



Honorably, my leader and mentor Segun Olulade made the award Presentation to me as I found this absolutely deserving and genuine. Thanks for your continued guidance and support Sir.

Let me graciously thank Madam Speaker Azeezat Yishawu for believing in the work we do at @involve and recognizing that which we have done" ✅ ✅

#YouthDevelopment #InvolveAfrica #Lagos #IbrahimOwolabi

Nigeria needs a youthful President, says Saraki

Alexander Okere, Benin

Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on Nigerians to stand united and elect a youthful President with an energetic mind to take the country to its desired height.

Saraki made the call on Wednesday evening when he met members of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benin, as part of his nationwide consultation on his presidential ambition.

He stated that the country had never been so divided as many of the citizens no longer enjoy a sense of belonging owing to the prevalence of a type of governance that was based on sentiments.

He said, “The country has never been so divided as it is today; we need to unite this country and in uniting the country, we must have a President that speaks for Nigerians.

“We must have a President with whom everybody will have a sense of belonging. We must have a President that you all feel is representing you. We must have a President and a government where Edo State has its key role on the table, where things are done with equity.

“It is time for us to unite and to do that, we must move away from electing a President based on sentiments. We have done it many times. It has not worked.”

The Senate President said that the time had come for Nigerians to elect a President who understood what was required to grow a country, rather than depend on trial and error.

He, however, said that he had the capacity to lead the country and had shown the courage and commitment to do so.

He said, “Countries that have grown did not grow by chance. Countries that have grown did not grow by trial and error. They had a leader that understood what the issues were.”

Copyright PUNCH.

COMMISSIONER ASSURES JOB SEEKERS OF DIRECT EMPLOYMENT

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, has assured participants at the ongoing Mindset Re-orientation and Employability Skills Training of direct employment either by potential employers or through self-employment.

The Commissioner, who spoke at the Mindset Re-orientation and Employability Skills Programme organized for 500 unemployed youths in the State, lamented the increasing rate of unemployment and described it as saddening and very disheartening.

She maintained that several interventions by the state government, especially with the establishment of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, are already bridging the gap between the employed and unemployed, adding that a change in the orientation of job seekers is also needed for them to attract the right job and also pursue their passion.

In her words, “The Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has developed a series of initiatives and activities that would ensure that it meets up with its mandate of bridging the employability gap in the State. One of such initiatives is this “Mindset Re-orientation, Leadership and Employability Skills Programme” for unemployed youths.’’

According to her, the dearth of white collar job is obvious in the country and it is necessary to re-orientate the mind of youths to be flexible towards growth mindset and the realities of the dynamic labour market as well as modify their behaviour.

Akinbile-Yusuf said that the government is putting all parameters in place to put the unemployment rate in the state under control. “We actually planned to engage 500 participants under this initiative but I was surprised to see over one thousand participants here. This does not mean that our approach to job creation is not yielding the expected outcome but it is evident that more people are coming into Lagos for greener pasture on a daily basis”.

“It is our intention to properly channel the passion and energy of unemployed graduates towards self-reliant skills outside white collar job, enhance the leadership and employability skills of the youths in recognition of the gap between skills possessed by applicants and needed by employers, considering the huge mismatch in the labour market and also facilitate meeting and relationship between employers and unemployed youths in the State”, the Commissioner added.

She explained further that the Ministry championed the programme as a way of bringing job seekers closer to experienced employers who are interested in recruiting qualified hands, stressing that at the end of the training and re-orientation, over 80% of the participants would be fixed for direct employment or empowered to start their personal businesses.

Mr. Tonye Bodam, Head of Talent Management of Airtel, Nigeria advised job seekers to develop positive attitudes, noting that the right attitude plays a great role in securing employment and in excelling in an individual endeavour.

He highlighted some of the attributes that are indispensable for job seekers to include problem-solving, communication, initiative, self-management and acquiring technological skills.

The Special Guest Speaker, Mr. Oluwatosin Oyin-Jolayemi M.D Daily  Need  advised the graduates to  think creatively and stride to make  difference in their communities by turning their passion into a profit-making venture

You can only get into political office through godfathrism - Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef

.. Reveals alternative to godfathrism.
...hails bountiful foundation for its selfless service to Nation Building

The latest edition of Mentoring TimeOut with Bountiful recorded another success with scores of quality and matured personalities from all walks of life graced the session  on Sunday at Mr. Biggs Multi Purpose Hall, Garage, Ogba Agege.

Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef  who was the special guest, clears the air on germane issues rocking the country politically at the program tagged: Youth Maximising Partisan and Corporate Politics.


Dr. AbdulLateef having reviewed a book written by young political aspirant, Bisi Ogunwale titled: 'Stepping Out' revealed that the new generation of young politicians can't do away with godfathrism in getting into political office, noting that structure and the platform had always been heavily invested on and to hijack the structure would be taxing.

However, he stated an alternative to godfathrism syndrome, noting that it is by building and investing in a particular new political party system that would share the same ideology with the aspirants vision and finds its place in electorates heart over time.


He stressed that, "It's better to be in business and also participates in active politics rather than being active in a spiral of silence or being a social media critic."



The Lagos commissioner in his statement lauds Bountiful Foundation for selfless service and creating a platform not only to make leaders but to nurture leaders in our dear country.


According to Mr. Bisi Ogunwale, Guest and Author of "Stepping Out", a book written to share his political experiences while seeking political office in Nigeria.


Mr. Bisi urged young politician to participate in healthy politics rather than subscribing to a do or die game of politics.


He noted that politics is about been loyal, and ability to identify stakeholders in politics and give  them their dues.

Ambode disburses N1bn to 705 beneficiaries of N25bn ETF

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday, January 26, 2017, presented cheques worth over N1billion to 705 beneficiaries of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (ETF) pilot scheme, charging them to utilise the funds responsibly to grow their businesses, create jobs for the unemployed youths and contribute to the growth of the Lagos economy.

Governor Ambode, who made the presentation at the LTV Blue Roof, Ikeja,

Lagos, said his administration identified unemployment as a major socio-economic challenge facing Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole in the course of the electoral campaign, and thus prioritised job creation.

He said the setting up of the ETF was a direct response to address the challenge of unemployment as well as provide support to the youths, entrepreneurs, artisans and other unemployed residents of the State.

“We have kept our word. We created a dedicated Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, whose mission is to promote and sustain entrepreneurship and employment,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode, while commending the Board and Management of the Fund for embarking on a comprehensive review of the business environment and developing a strategic framework and operating guidelines to ensure the sustainable and successful management of these funds, said the successful disbursement was a product of the painstaking effort.

He said the funds are targeted at small and medium scale businesses and individuals including carpenters, hairdressers, electricians, automobile parts repairers, block makers, bakers, fashion designers, cake makers, food sellers, kerosene retailers, mobile money agents, painters, plumbers, photographers and light manufacturers of liquid soaps and water among others.

“These beneficiaries are making history as the first set of beneficiaries of this Employment Trust Fund, and my charge to you is simple: You must use these funds responsibly, grow your businesses, create jobs for our unemployed youths and contribute to the growth of the Lagos State GDP. The idea is that for every N1million we disburse, we should create a minimum of five jobs around that business value chain.

“These loans have been provided at a very affordable rate of 5% per annum, far cheaper than the prevailing bank interest of 25% per annum. This is our modest way of reflating the Lagos economy, creating jobs and getting our youths gainfully occupied. Those of you here today, the first beneficiaries of this initiative, will be the agents through which our country can overcome its current economic challenges,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor also enjoined market women and female artisans to take advantage of the opportunity as his administration was particularly interested in supporting women in business.

“I also implore the Employment Trust Fund to pay special attention to the Entertainment Industry and the Tech Hubs in Sabo, Yaba area. These are new areas with huge potential for growth and job creation,” he said.

Governor Ambode also expressed optimism that the target by the Board to empower at least 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in due course was achievable and that the multiplier effect would be the creation of over 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs by 2019.

In her opening remarks, Chairman, Board of ETF, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru said the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries was in fulfillment of the promise made by Governor Ambode during the electioneering and a confirmation of many to come.

She recalled that while canvassing for votes, the need to provide jobs was clearly on the mind of the Governor, and according to her, he wasted no time in setting up the ETF Board made up of people with proven track record, as well as transferring N6.25billion for the initiative to kick off, while the Board ensured that the process was fair and transparent with no favour as to party, religion, tribe or faith, and covered all the 57 Councils in the State.

“While we were trying to come up with the necessary procedures, Governor Ambode kept telling us to hurry up to start disbursing the loans to residents which signified his good intention and he has also given us the mandate to make the disbursement a monthly affair to make the fund get to as many residents as possible,” Omoigui-Okauru said.

Responding on behalf of others, one of the beneficiaries, Ahmed Ojikutu thanked Governor Ambode for the initiative, saying that it was gratifying to note that the process was very transparent.

He said: “This is indeed a promise kept by the Governor. When next the Governor tells us anything, we will believe him and I want to sincerely thank him on behalf of all the beneficiaries.”

Education: Capacity Building

Agege LGA Mobilizes Youth for Vocational Training

A new batch of youth in Agege Local Government Area has been mobilized for new session at the world class Agege Vocational Training Centre. This is coming after the graduation of about 400 youth that have been trained on various vocations over the year.

In a chat with AgegePulse at the sensitization cum orientation exercise organized for the new intakes, the Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, Hon. Olugbenga Abiola stated that acquiring a vocational skill is necessary to impart positively on the youth especially those who live and reside in Agege, stating that this type of initiative would re-orientate, reshape and redirect the youth by giving them a sense of belonging towards achieving success and enjoyment of the dividend of democracy.

He revealed that the new session is part of his plan to ensure an intensive youth empowerment programme with a curriculum to instill discipline in the youth.

 “It is more intensive than just a regular vocational training. For instance, we have tailoring programme which is a year course, the hairdressing /cosmetologist section is a 6 mo

nths course, computer studies is a three months course, computer engineering takes three months, phone engineering is three months, catering is 6 months and after the training, participants get certificate just like a diploma” S.A highlighted .

Speaking on the theme; Youth Unemployment & Role of Vocational Training to Nation Building, Agege LGA Head of Education, Mr. Peter Bamidele Adetimeyin noted that financial crisis, lack of adequate skills, as well as skills and education mismatched are major causes of unemployment in Nigeria.

detimeyin stressed that the consequences of the aforementioned causes of unemployment should endeared youth to take advantage of the practical system of vocational training, adding that university undergraduates should also consider acquiring practical skills to give them edge upon graduation. 

He affirmed that vocational training is the key to solve youth unemployment.