From Lateef Taiwo with Correspondent Report

Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed has called on youths to engage in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship as pathways to self-reliance and improved livelihoods.

He made the call during the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATC) in Bauchi.

The governor,who was represented by Mohammed Salis, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Investment, urged youths to shift focus from seeking government jobs to exploring business development and vocational skills.

“Our administration places a high premium on skill acquisition programmes and the establishment of technical schools.

“We are always ready to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local artisans to grow their skills and businesses,” he said.

Mohammed, who lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing policies aimed at creating opportunities for SMEs, called for the continuation of impactful programmes that aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The Convener of NATC 2025, Mr Dayo Bello, explained that the conference aimed to bridge the gap between the informal sector and government institution

Bello,who is the Managing Director of Global Sight Services Limited, said that the forum would help align artisans’ development with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Tinubu administration.

Also speaking, Mr Zakari Ibrahim from Industrial Development Department of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, urged artisans to register with relevant authorities to benefit from federal government interventions and regulatory guidance

By Aaior K. Comfort

Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi, the Nigerian social media influencer serving an 11-year prison sentence in the United States for international fraud, may struggle to rebuild his life post-incarceration, according to cybersecurity consultant and former FBI most-wanted cybercriminal Brett Johnson. Speaking at the GITEX Global event in Dubai, Johnson expressed doubt over Abbas’s prospects for a second chance due to systemic barriers.

Johnson, who turned his own life around after serving time for cybercrime and now works with companies like Microsoft, highlighted disparities that could prevent Abbas from enjoying similar opportunities. “Hushpuppi may never get the second chance I did,” Johnson said, citing the influence of racial and socio-economic factors. “Where he is from will likely affect his opportunities for rehabilitation,” he added.

Abbas, who amassed over two million followers on Instagram by flaunting a lavish lifestyle allegedly funded through extensive fraud schemes, has faced global scrutiny since his 2020 arrest in Dubai. Johnson, reflecting on his own transformation, advised Abbas to use his time in prison as a period of self-reflection and growth, noting, “Whatever you want to change, you have the opportunity to change that in prison.”

The cybersecurity expert acknowledged that while societal biases may complicate Abbas’s future, personal growth remains achievable. “It’s better to help people than to hurt people,” Johnson said, underscoring the importance of rehabilitation over punishment in the justice system.

Niger state government has applauded the initiative of N- HYPPADEC for commissioning fibreglass boats for the safety of lives and properties of communities in riverine areas of the ten hyppadec states.

Commissioning the 33 fibreglass boats yesterday at the N- HYPPADEC office in MINNA,the Governor Umar Bago represented by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba said the gesture will not only save lives but give a Sense of belonging to the Communities.

Yakubu said it is a laudable efforts which is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in the safety and security of our people,due to daily challenges faced by these Communities.

The Deputy Governor pointed that, the gesture will contribute immensely to improved livelihoods of the people in sustainable economic development, particularly those in riverine communities who depends on the maritime activities.

In his address at the occasion,the managing Director of the National Hydro - Electric power producing Areas,N-hyppadec, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, said the commissioning of the fibreglass boats is in the commemoration of world maritime day.

He appreciates the governor of Niger state Umar Bago for his visionary leadership, commitment to infrastructural development and the transformation of the state capital and other major cities in the state.

According to katukan Yauri the celebration of world maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the international maritime organisation, the theme of this year's world  maritime day align perfectly with the vision of N-hyppadec.

He said the commission has taken recognizance of the painful instances of boat accidents that have claimed many lives in the riverine communities like Kainji lake and rivers Niger and Kaduna claiming lives of individuals.

To save guard the safety of the riverine communities the commission has procured and distributed 10,000 life jackets to various communities across the N-hyppadec zone to save life during accidents.

” The challenges of marin transportation in our communities persist due to traditional wooden boats often prone to accidents,it is against this backdrop that we have taken a bold step to procure and distribute 33 modern fiberglass boats.” Abubakar Yelwa emphasised.