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I Shed Tears Watching Almajiris Become Entrepreneurs – Gov Sule

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Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has revealed how he was moved to tears after witnessing street children (almajiris) and persons with disabilities in his state transform their lives by venturing into small-scale businesses such as shoe making.

Speaking at the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) stakeholders’ engagement held recently at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Governor Sule described how a modest empowerment initiative brought dignity and hope to vulnerable groups.

According to him, the programme began in 2019 with a monthly stipend of ₦5,000 for 4,000 beneficiaries, including almajiris and people living with disabilities.

SEE ALSO: Gov Sule Intensifies Security Measures, Orders Profiling Of Newcomers In Nasarawa

What shocked him most, he said, was the creativity of the beneficiaries who pooled resources together to support one another.

“They created what they called Attashe, where each month, one person collected the full contribution to start a business. Some of them began making shoes—and they brought a pair to my office. I was so touched, I shed tears. I couldn’t believe how such a small initiative gave them hope,” Sule recounted.

The Governor explained that the stipend was later increased to ₦7,000 and then ₦10,000, with more than 6,000 individuals currently benefiting from the scheme.

He said women in markets also joined, venturing into small businesses and even pooling resources to build boreholes for community use.

While commending President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, Sule acknowledged the hardship caused by subsidy removal and forex liberalization but maintained that they were necessary for long-term stability.

He also disclosed that he opposed the proposed VAT increase from 7% to 10%, arguing that it would have worsened inflation and crippled poverty alleviation efforts.

The NASSCO Director-General, Dr Funmi Olotu, announced during the event that Nigeria’s social register had expanded to cover over 70 million individuals across 19 million households, making it one of the largest social protection databases in the world.

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Holdings, also called on the private sector and global partners to actively support the government’s poverty alleviation programmes.

The conference ended with recognition of leaders championing social protection. Governor Sule, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Niger State Governor Umaru Bago were among those honoured with awards for their commitment to inclusive governance and poverty reduction.

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2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

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Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

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Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award

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Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.

She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.

Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”

In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”

Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.

READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC

In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.

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Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.

“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.

He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.

“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.

 

 

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