Broadcasting
NBC Reiterates Commitment to Youth Empowerment in Nigeria

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd. reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment in Nigeria with the successful completion of its two-day #YouthEmpowered program, designed to equip young Nigerians with entrepreneurship and employability skills in Abuja.
The training which took place at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture in Abuja from March 20th to March 21st, 2024, featured an array of engaging sessions such as Career Planning & LinkedIn Profile Mastery, Use of Artificial Intelligence and Other Digital Tools, Financial Literacy and more.
Building on the success of previous editions at the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, and Lagos State University, #YouthEmpowered continues to make tangible contributions to communities across the country including a recent engagement at Oniru, Victoria Island.
Now in its 6th year, #YouthEmpowered aligns seamlessly with Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company’s Mission 2025 sustainability commitment to train 1 million youths by the year 2025. The Abuja event witnessed participation from over 1,000 enthusiastic learners eager to acquire new skills, contributing to a cumulative reach of over 40,000 youths since the inception of the program.
Olukemi Ogunsakin, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nigerian Bottling Company commented: “We recognize the immense potential young people hold as catalysts for societal progress and economic growth.
“Through #YouthEmpowered, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians with highly in-demand professional and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our society.”
Emphasizing the pivotal role of youth for positive change and progress, she said, “Already, the initiative is proving to be a driving force for positive change, nurturing the next generation of young, skilled, and impactful leaders poised to drive socioeconomic development in the country. Our goal is to extend our reach further, to touch the lives of other young Nigerians across the country.”
Tayo Olosunde, CO-Founder and Executive Director, Mind the Gap commented: “We are excited to team up with the Nigerian Bottling Company to unleash the potential of youths in our nation’s capital. Through dynamic initiatives like #YouthEmpowered, we’re not just dreaming of a better Nigeria – we’re actively crafting it.
“I am positive that as we continue to invest in nurturing their young minds, we are ultimately paving the way for a future where innovation, growth, and prosperity thrive. And by doing that, we would be building the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Speaking on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) support for #YouthEmpowered, Ibrahim Aminu Masari, the Mandate secretary, Social Development, disclosed that the FCTA was happy to have NBC bring its #YouthEmpowered program to the Federal Capital Territory because such initiatives are in line with this administration’s agenda on youth development and integral to President Bola Tinubu’s economic growth imperatives.
In addition to the immersive training sessions, participants also took part in a business idea pitch session, where cash grants were awarded to several deserving winners.
On both days, the training sessions were facilitated by experts and thought leaders across various industries in the country, including Lukman Oyewole Lawal, the S.A to the Speaker, House of Representatives on Finance; Dr. Terese Shadrach Akpem, a business mentor; Esohe Ekunwe, a digital strategist; mental health advocate, Lucy Abeng, and several other volunteers from NBC.
#YouthEmpowered is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company’s broader mission to empower individuals aged 16-35 with skills needed for meaningful employment, and self-sufficiency. Since its launch in 2017 in Nigeria, the program has reached over 41,734 youths across 10 cities, and 9 campuses. By imparting entrepreneurship and career employability skills, #YouthEmpowered continues to drive transformative change, touching lives and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Broadcasting
FG Kickstarts Construction of Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano

Federal Government of Nigeria has marked a significant milestone on Friday, 14th February 2025, by breaking ground for the construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI).
This institute, under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aims to ensure the socio-economic wellbeing of future generations. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chaiman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, during the Ground-breaking ceremony held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus said the new institute sits on 30 hectares of the BUK land to be built, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build and equip and support the new Institute” said the EVC/CEO.
The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, Artificial intelligence, robotics amongst others.
Halilu said that the establishment of SETI in Nigeria is to rapidly respond to the waves of young people globally revolutionizing world economies with unprecedented emergence of socio-economic frontiers as by-products of innovations and ingenuities of these young minds.
“We in NASENI are firm believers in the potential of young Nigerians to be the prime catalysts of the type of transformation that Nigeria requires. And we will do everything within our powers to support them to fulfil this important responsibility”
“We are gathered here today to kickstart a project that will transform the lives and careers of future generations of young Nigerians. The Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI), located at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) by NASENI. This is very much in line with our operating principles; what we call our 3Cs: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization. These 3Cs are the principles that passionately drive us and guide the work that we do to ensure the industrialization of Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
SETI will produce innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs who will make their mark not just in Nigeria but around the world. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the day, not too long from now, when the Institute’s first set of beneficiaries will astonish the world with what they’re capable of accomplishing. These stories will put not just BUK on the global innovation map, but also Kano State and the entire Nigeria” said Halilu.
While carrying out the symbolic foundation laying ceremony of the institute as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, described the project as not only laudable but NASENI’s another way of fast-tracking the placing of Nigeria on the global map of innovation and industrialization. The minister called the project an “ace project” and a pointer to secure a veritable socio-economic development for the nation.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas described the new institute as a vehicle for bringing together the three critical tripods for economic and sustainable development for nations, that is, the government, academia and industry. He described the ground-breaking event as the beginning of Nigeria’s journey in pursuit of sustainable development, massive job creation opportunities for the youths, and that the BUK was delighted to be host to such laudable initiative and momentum.
There is also, in addition to SETI, a second NASENI project for BUK is an Agri-preneurship Training Hub, that will be equipped with modern greenhouses, and facilities for Soil-less Farming, and Tissue Culture; occupying 10 hectares of land at the Old Campus. These projects collectively represent what NASENI stands for, that is, building capacity, advancing industrialization, supporting economic growth and prosperity.
NASENI appreciates the Government and people of Kano State, and the Vice Chancellor, management and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK), for all the support. Special gratitude goes to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Special Guest of Honour.
NASENI thanked members of the National Assembly for their support, especially the NASENI oversight Committees in both chambers. And of course, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has given NASENI the opportunity to serve Nigeria through his unwavering demonstration of commitment to the success of the Agency.
Broadcasting
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society.
“He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children. The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
Broadcasting
Court Discharges, Acquits, Kawu, Ex-NBC DG of N2.5Bn Fraud

Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court Abuja has discharged and acquitted Ishaq Kawu Modibbo, former director-general, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and Pinnacle Communications Limited.

Ishaq Kawu Modibbo, former director-general, NBC
They were being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences (ICPC) of charges bordering on the ₦2.5 billion released to Pinnacle Communications under the Federal Government Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.
Delivering judgement on Thursday, Justice Ogunbanjo held that the ICPC was not able to prove the allegations against the defendants.
The judge further discharged the defendants on the grounds that the statements and evidence of the witnesses, could not pin any allegation on the defendants.
She further held that some of the witnesses contradicted themselves, and none of their statements was able to link the defendants to the charge.
According to the judge, while some of the witnesses in their oral evidence, said Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information, was misled in approving the payment of ₦2.5 billion to Pinnacle Communications Ltd, they failed to render any documentary evidence.
The trial of the former director-general of the NBC lasted for six years.
He and Pinnacle Communications were prosecuted by the ICPC, on a five count amended charge over the release of ₦2.5bn to Pinnacle Communications Ltd, under the approval of Mohammed, under the FG Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.
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