politics

Update : Senator Tokunbo Abiru Supports Business Start-Ups With Grant, As 41 Graduate From Innovation Lab

Published

3 years ago

June 5, 2022

The Chairman, Senate committee on Industries, and the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA on Friday supported business start-ups with grant during the graduating ceremony and Demo Day of Business 101 for Creatives and Artisans (Cohort 001) participants of the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL).

Out of 47 individuals that enrolled for the training, forty-one (41) budding and aspiring entrepreneurs successfully completed the 3-months intensive business training handled by the technical partner of SAIL, the Co-creation Hub (Cc-Hub).

Over 4,000 young men and women applied for the 5 pilot SAIL programmes across 16 Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas in the Lagos East Senatorial District, while 150 were shortlisted for the entire maiden cohort. 47 individuals were admitted into Business 101 for Creatives and Artisans class.

Other programmes include Tech Talent Development, Lagos East Teachers Fellowship, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Café for Secondary School Students and Start-up Accelerator for Businesses.

SAIL, is an initiative of the Tokunbo Abiru Constituency Team (TACT) Foundation, a dedicated innovation and tech lab that is providing relevant technology, business and digital skills to tech enthusiasts and young entrepreneurs across the Lagos East Senatorial District.

In his remarks, Abiru, a former bank chief Executive said his Foundation established the Innovation Lab in response to growing unemployment in the country and also to position the younger generation for the enormous opportunities available in this current fourth industrial revolution.
He said, ‘’We are all aware that in recent years, Nigeria has faced unprecedented economic challenges ostensibly caused by recession, shrinking revenues and the Coronavirus. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS reported that the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria is at 42. 50 in the first quarter of 2022.

‘’Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, having failed to maximize the opportunities of the agricultural and industrial ages. Now, we are in the digital revolution age, we therefore cannot as a nation afford to miss out on the enormous opportunities available in this innovation and digital age.

‘’This is the compelling rationale behind the establishment of The Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL). Look around you today, you will discover that the COVID-19 pandemic has made remote working fashionable. Also, the rise in the deployment of robotics and artificial intelligence all point to the fact that we either brace up for technology or we lose out again!

‘’So, I knew, when I became Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the most enduring empowerment I can give to young people and entrepreneurs, in my constituency is to leveraging my global exposure and experience to make them globally competitive by equipping them with premium digital, innovative and technological skills which are in high demands globally. This was in keeping with the social contract that I had with the people of the Lagos East Senatorial district when seeking their votes’’.

Ojoma Ochai, Managing Partner of the Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB, challenged the graduating participants to harness the huge opportunities in the creative sector.

She said, “I want to begin this speech by saying thank you to Senator Abiru for his investment in developing opportunities for talent to thrive’’, adding that the creative sector contributes the equivalent of half of Nigeria’s GDP, it represents about 3% of global GDP and employs millions around the world and in Nigeria.

The event also featured a pitch session of 10 aspiring entrepreneurs in the graduating class who had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of business professionals for seed funding and mentorship.
Senator Abiru doled out a business grant worth N3m to the top three entrepreneurs who made best business pitches. The Overall winner, John Olisa got N1.5m, while the first runner up, Jessica Nwobodo got N1m and the second runner up, Esther Ogundare went home with N500k.

Post Views: 693

politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

Post Views: 466

politics

2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

Published

3 weeks ago

May 26, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

Post Views: 166

politics

Defect or resign, Gov Eno, Tells Appointees And openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC

Published

4 weeks ago

May 22, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.

The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the Governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.”

He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the federal government.

The Governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

Post Views: 469