AFIT Partnership with NAFOWA to Equip Youths with Digital Soft Skills

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna recently hosted a comprehensive Digital Soft Skills Training programme at the Amao Hall in a significant move to bridge the employability gap for Nigerian youths. The event was a collaborative effort between Mastercard foundation, Jobberman Nigeria and NAFOWA in association with Yandy Tech.
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The programme, themed “Innovate, Empower, Transform,” featured intensive modules which covered key areas including professionalism, workplace ethics, communication, leadership, problem solving and job readiness strategies which were identified as crucial for success in the modern workplace.

The training sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented in partnership with Jobberman Nigeria specifically targeted students aged 18 to 35 with an inclusive mandate of 90% female participation reflecting NAFOWA’s commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

According to the organizers, the training aimed to empower young minds with essential skills for employability, entrepreneurship and future success. The curriculum was designed to address the core competencies that employers seek but are often found lacking in new graduates. One of the participants Hadiza Mohammed had noted that having strong soft skills is crucial as it enables individuals to complete tasks efficiently and on time.

The collaboration with NAFOWA emphasizes a growing commitment to advancing education and women’s empowerment within military communities and beyond. This partnership aligns with Yandy Tech’s mission as a youth-led social impact organization dedicated to fostering innovation and positive social change through technology in Nigeria.

The participants who were trained benefited from jobberman certification and connection to job opportunities. The event also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, equipping students with skills to navigate the business landscape.

AFIT Partnership with NAFOWA

The partnership with AFIT and NAFOWA represents a significant step in addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria. It reflects the shared commitment to preparing young people for the demands of the workforce and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Mrs. Jane Ebere Akawni
Director, Communication and Strategic Engagement
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EFCC Arraigns Former SKye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni For N15.6b Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.

Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).

Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.

“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.

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Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.

Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”

Fraud

Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.

World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation

The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.

“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.

He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.

Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.

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He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”

The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.

“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.

World Press Freedom Day

Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.

She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.

The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.

Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026