Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has pledged to continue to provide world class training opportunities for youth, civil servants and entrepreneurs to make them competitive in the global digital economy.

Fintiri said this at the graduation of 50 youths on digital skills in Yola on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that each of the beneficiaries was presented with a starter pack.

Fintiri, who was represented by his Special Adviser on ICT and e-economy, Hammanjam Adamu, said the initiative aimed to empower youth to be self-reliant and employers of labour.

“We have embarked on an ambitious journey to position Adamawa State as a digital hub, fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

“The State Government remains committed to supporting your growth with initiatives like the ICT Technical Talent Program.

“We aim to train 100,000 youth in Adamawa State in various technical and digital skills over the next few years,” he said.

Fintiri encouraged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge acquired to stay connected and to continue learning for more success.

Hammanjumba Gatugel, Commissioner for Ministry Entrepreneurship Development, said the participants were drawn across 21 Local Government Areas.

They said they were under gone intensive training on Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Website Development and Modern workplace Digital Communication Courses.

“The training has provided the beneficiaries with Digital skills to enable them compete with their counter-part globally, also with the knowledge make informed decision in the Digital world,” he said.

According to him, the programme will enhance their employability and readiness to open wide range of employment opportunities including media, advertisement, marketing and design.

The commissioner also advised the beneficiaries against selling their starter kits so as not to defeat the aim of the training.

Arabo Ishaq, Chief Executive Officer, Datarose represented by Abdulmalik Adamu, a resource person, appreciated Adamawa government for the opportunity.

He said, the beneficiaries could now develop website among others skills acquired.

“We have a beneficiary that is about to get married and designed his invitation letters with the skills he acquired he acquired during the training,” he said.

Iya Bamalam who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries appreciated the opportunity and assured to apply the skills effectively.

The police on Thursday arraigned a 51-year-old man, Stanley Offor, before an Ikeja High Court for alleged forgery and forceful takeover of a landed property.

Offor is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, forgery, and illegal occupation of property and forceful takeover of landed property.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel Jackson, prayed for a trial date and requested that the court remand the defendant pending the commencement of trial.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Peter Madukwe, however, informed the court that he had filed an application for bail, which had been served on the prosecution.

Madukwe prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail on liberal terms.

Justice Ismail Ijelu adjourned the case until Feb. 17 for ruling on the bail application and the commencement of trial.

Earlier, the prosecution told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences with others still at large sometime in 2016 in Lagos.

Jackson alleged that the defendant forged the signature and receipts of one late Mrs Comfort Eruchalu, purporting that they had been made by her to facilitate the sublease of her property to a third party.

The prosecution further submitted that the defendant allegedly occupied a property belonging to Cool Comfort Africa Ltd, located behind Atiku Abubakar Hall 3, Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, as an encroacher.

The defendant, according to the prosecution, failed to vacate the said property after being required to do so on behalf of the property’s owner.

He said the alleged offences violated Sections 2 (2), 4(1) of the Lagos State Property Protection Law, 2016, and Section 516 (1) of the Criminal Code C38, Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2024.

It also violates Section 365(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective efforts of Nigerians to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and protection of other rights of the girl child.

In a statement issued to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, on Thursday in Abuja, Sen. Tinubu urged stakeholders, especially parents, to be proactive in upholding the dignity of children especially the girl child.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2025 celebration of the international day is “Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM.”

“As we commemorate the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of girls and women,” she said.

The first lady said that genital mutilation was a violation of the rights of girls, which had consequences.

According to her, female genital mutilation has no health benefits.

Sen. Tinubu urged stakeholders to do more to curb or end FGM.

“Although Nigeria has made significant strides toward eliminating FGM, due to the collaborative efforts of the government, UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and community leaders, there is still much work to be done.

“We must remember that violence against women is not just a women’s issue but an issue against humanity. It affects us all, erodes our shared values of respect and dignity.

“We must recognise that every person, regardless of gender, deserves to live free from fear, discrimination, and violation.

“According to UNFPA, Nigeria has the highest absolute number of FGM globally, with over 20 million women and girls that have undergone FGM and if care is not taken, about 14 million girls are still at risk of also experiencing this practice by 2030,” she said.

The first lady, however, promised that she would take a lead in combating the menace in Nigeria.

“Together, we will strengthen the movement against FGM by building alliances across sectors, empowering survivors, and ensuring that youth and women lead the charge.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to ending FGM and I will continue to advocate for the necessary support.

“Our collective voice is our greatest strength, and with united efforts, we can achieve a Nigeria free from FGM.

“Let us continue to work together, for our girls, for our women, and for a future where Female Genital Mutilation no longer exists,” she said.