Welcome

Tag: Empowerment

  • Remi Tinubu Defends Empowerment Programme, Says It Supports More Than Akara Sellers

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her empowerment programme, saying it is not limited to akara sellers but also supports thousands of petty traders across the country.

    Her remarks come amid public debate over the initiative, with critics questioning whether the programme is sufficient to address the country’s economic challenges.

    ‘It Is Not Only Akara Sellers’

    Speaking about the programme, the First Lady said the intervention was designed to benefit different categories of small-scale traders whose livelihoods depend on daily business activities.

    “It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, bole, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders,” she said.

    She explained that the initiative was created to provide financial support to small business owners and help improve their businesses.

    First Lady Dismisses Criticism

    Responding to criticism surrounding the programme, Remi Tinubu said the beneficiaries appreciate the support they receive and insisted the initiative would continue.

    “I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports,” she added.

    She maintained that the programme remains focused on empowering vulnerable traders across different communities.

    Programme Sparks Debate

    The First Lady’s comments have generated fresh reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing mixed opinions about the scope and impact of the empowerment initiative.

    While some welcomed the clarification, others argued that broader economic policies are needed to improve the living conditions of small business owners and other Nigerians.

     

  • Moniepoint CEO Raises Alarm Over Talent Gap, Says 500 Roles Remain Unfilled

    The Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint Inc, Tosin Eniolorunda, has raised concerns over a growing talent gap in Nigeria, revealing that the company is struggling to fill about 500 open positions despite ongoing recruitment efforts.

    He made the disclosure in a video interview while speaking on workforce challenges facing the fintech sector.

    500 vacancies remain unfilled

    Eniolorunda said the company deliberately shifted its hiring focus to Nigeria in 2024 but began encountering difficulties by 2025.

    According to him, the challenge goes beyond numbers, as many applicants do not meet the required standards.

    “We have probably 500 vacancies, and we are struggling to fill those roles. Not only could we not find people in the quantity we needed, but the few people we found were not up to the global standards,” he said.

    Focus on global competitiveness

    The Moniepoint CEO explained that the company competes with international firms, particularly in Asia, making high-quality talent essential.

    He noted that building competitive products requires skilled professionals who can operate at global levels.

    “My biggest competitors are from China. I need to make sure I have world-class people working in the organisation,” he added.

    Concerns over education and values

    Eniolorunda linked the talent gap partly to challenges within Nigeria’s education system.

    He also pointed to broader societal influences, including the growing appeal of quick wealth, internet fraud culture, and excessive social media use.

    According to him, these trends may be affecting discipline and long-term skill development among young people.

    Calls for urgent intervention

    The fintech executive described the situation as a deeper societal issue, warning that declining standards could impact national competitiveness.

    “I am honestly beginning to feel like we need to do something to prevent the general quality of reasoning in this country from declining further,” he said.

    He also highlighted what he described as a role-model gap, noting that many young Nigerians are increasingly influenced by visible wealth rather than sustainable success built on skills.

    Wider implications

    The development adds to ongoing conversations about skills development, education reform and workforce readiness in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.

    Industry observers say addressing the gap will be critical to sustaining innovation and competitiveness in the sector.

    https://twitter.com/i/status/2051359061371695216

  • Kano LG Chairman Distributes Detergents to Women, Sparks Mixed Reactions in Kiru

    The Chairman of Kiru Local Government Area in Kano State, Abdullahi Saidu, has distributed detergents to 500 women as part of an empowerment initiative, triggering mixed reactions across the community. The items were shared with beneficiaries from Yalwa ward.

    The intervention comes at a time of increasing grassroots political activities ahead of future elections.

    Detergent Distribution Targets Household Support

    According to reports, the items distributed included brands such as Omo, Klin and Viva. The chairman said the initiative was designed to support women and reduce some of their domestic burdens.

    He described the effort as part of ongoing attempts to reach vulnerable groups within the local government area.

    Similar Outreach Seen Across Constituency

    The development follows a related intervention by the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa. He recently distributed diapers to pregnant women in parts of the constituency.

    Observers say such programmes are becoming more common as political engagement at the community level begins to intensify.

    Residents React, Question Impact of Initiative

    The detergent distribution has, however, drawn criticism from some residents who questioned its impact. Several voices described the gesture as inadequate, calling for more meaningful and sustainable support.

    Muhammad Aliyu Junaid criticised the move, suggesting the items did not address pressing needs. Others echoed similar concerns about the value of the intervention.

    Calls Grow for Sustainable Empowerment

    Some stakeholders argued that empowerment efforts should focus on long-term economic benefits rather than short-term relief. They said initiatives that support income generation would have a more lasting impact on households.

    Residents also raised concerns about the optics of such programmes, particularly when widely publicised.

  • Kano Underwear Distribution Sparks Outrage, Raises Questions Over Welfare Approach

    The distribution of branded undergarments to women in Kano State has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the intent and appropriateness of the initiative.

    Backlash trails viral images

    Images circulating on social media show packs of female underwear reportedly branded with names and faces of political figures.

    The items are said to have been shared as part of an empowerment or outreach effort, though details remain unclear.

    The development has drawn sharp reactions, with critics describing it as inappropriate and culturally insensitive, particularly in a conservative state like Kano.

    Critics question priorities

    Activists and observers argue that such gestures fail to address deeper issues affecting women, including poverty, limited access to education, and economic opportunities.

    Some described the move as a superficial attempt at welfare, saying it does little to improve long-term livelihoods.

    The incident has since sparked broader conversations about the quality and direction of political outreach in the region.

    Government yet to clarify role

    As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government has not issued an official statement confirming whether the distribution was state-backed or carried out by political supporters.

    Supporters of the administration have suggested the items may have been part of a wider package of household materials, though attention remains focused on the nature of the branding.

    Debate shifts to campaign ethics

    Opposition voices have seized on the development, calling for more meaningful policies that prioritise healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for women.

    The controversy continues to generate reactions, with many insisting that welfare initiatives should reflect dignity and long-term impact.