The Federal Government has confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will soon wear Adire fabric instead of the traditional khaki uniform as part of wide-ranging reforms approved for the 53-year-old scheme.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the announcement on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. He said the decision is intended to promote local production, strengthen Nigeria’s textile industry and ensure government spending benefits the nation’s economy.
The reform follows the approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, marking the most significant changes to the scheme since its establishment in 1973.
Speaking on the new uniform, Olawande said the Adire fabric would be sourced from local textile manufacturers across the country.
“It is Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, and we have textile industries. Let us put our money back into the country,” he said.
The minister also revealed that corps members would now be posted based largely on their academic qualifications and career paths instead of the existing general deployment system.
According to him, graduates trained as teachers, for example, will receive relevant training during the orientation camp before being posted to schools.
“After leaving camp, you are not just posted to a school because NYSC wants you there, but because of the process you followed in camp. That will determine where you are posted,” he explained.
On security, Olawande said the government is reviewing the deployment policy to allow more corps members to serve in states where they studied or are familiar with the environment, especially in areas facing security challenges.
He noted that the move would reduce the need for redeployment while addressing concerns raised by parents and prospective corps members.
The minister explained that those who are familiar with such regions would be given priority for deployment, while those willing to serve in other parts of the country would still have the opportunity to do so voluntarily.
He also dismissed claims that the military would be removed from the NYSC scheme, describing the reports as misleading.
According to him, the military will continue to provide security and support during orientation camps, while the reform only shifts the scheme’s operational leadership from military mobilisation to civilian mobilisation.
“There is no way you can take the military away. We are only moving from military mobilisation to civilian mobilisation,” Olawande said.
Under the new reform package, the NYSC orientation course has been extended from three weeks to six weeks, with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, vocational skills, civic responsibility and employability.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier stated that the reforms are designed to equip Nigerian youths with practical skills, improve their employability and prepare them to contribute more effectively to national development.
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) hosted an impactful 2026 World Social Media Day celebration in Jos, bringing together key stakeholders, media professionals, content creators, students and digital enthusiasts to promote innovation, creativity and responsible use of social media.
The event was held at Usiju World Event Center, under the theme “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” served as a platform for meaningful conversations on the growing influence of digital media, while highlighting the role of young people in driving innovation, collaboration and positive social change through online platforms.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of PLABOMA, Chief Matthew Oyerinde Tegha, has said social media has evolved beyond a communication tool to become a major driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation and civic engagement.
He said bloggers and content creators have a critical role to play in reshaping the narrative about Plateau State, urging them to use their digital platforms to promote the state’s tourism potential, cultural heritage, entrepreneurial successes and investment opportunities rather than allowing negative stories to dominate public discourse.
Tegha also called on the Plateau State Government, peace builders, entrepreneurs and business owners to work closely with bloggers and content creators in promoting Plateau’s tourism potential, cultural heritage and investment opportunities, saying such partnerships would help reshape the state’s image and drive development.
The keynote speaker and Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Kaneng Pam Hworo, challenged young people to use their digital voices as instruments for innovation, creativity and nation-building rather than spreading harmful content.
Speaking on the theme, “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” Hworo said social media has evolved beyond a communication platform into a powerful tool capable of shaping public opinion, mobilising communities and influencing national development. She noted that every post, video, podcast or livestream carries the potential to make a positive impact.
According to her, every smartphone has become a powerful platform, while every content creator has the capacity to serve as an agent of positive change. She urged youths to leverage their digital influence responsibly by promoting truth, creativity, innovation and values that contribute to the growth of their communities and the nation.
Also speaking, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Dr. Gyang Bere, urged bloggers and content creators to use their digital platforms to promote peace, unity and responsible journalism, stressing that citizen journalism comes with the responsibility of protecting national security and fostering social cohesion.
He called on digital media practitioners to project Plateau State’s positive stories, including its development strides, tourism potential and resilient people, assuring them of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s continued support for the media in advancing responsible digital communication and sustainable development.
Member of the PLABOMA Board of Trustees, Mr. Yakubu Taddy, cautioned social media users against irresponsible online activities, warning that what people post on digital platforms could have lasting consequences on their personal and professional lives. He urged content creators to be mindful of the information they share online.
Taddy also called for stronger collaboration among media and social media organisations to promote fact-checking and responsible journalism, encouraging bloggers and digital publishers to verify information before publication in order to curb the spread of misinformation.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of PLABOMA’s Unified Bloggers Website https://plaboma.com/, a first-of-its-kind platform designed to connect over 30 active bloggers, strengthen collaboration and boost the visibility of digital journalism in Plateau State.
Stakeholders at the event commended PLABOMA for launching its Unified Bloggers Website, describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening collaboration among online publishers and promoting credible digital journalism in Plateau State.
They, however, urged the association to expand the platform’s focus by promoting Plateau State’s rich tourism destinations, cultural heritage and investment opportunities, noting that consistent positive storytelling would help reshape the state’s image and attract more visitors and investors.
The Secretary of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, said social media has evolved into a powerful tool for communication, business, education, news dissemination and civic engagement, urging participants to leverage digital platforms responsibly to create opportunities, promote innovation and contribute to societal development.
Popular content creator and comedian, Mr. Sunday Agbaji, popularly known as Hilarious Sunnie, highlighted the transformative power of digital media, sharing his journey in content creation and encouraging young people to embrace creativity, consistency and originality. He noted that impactful digital content has the potential to educate, inspire, entertain and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, urged young people and content creators to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities offered by social media, stressing that impactful storytelling and content creation can be monetised to generate sustainable income while promoting positive narratives about Plateau State and Nigeria.
Representing the Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, Mr. Kenneth Dakop, Team Lead, Strategic Communication, commended PLABOMA for promoting peace and positive narratives through digital media, describing the association as a strategic partner in advancing social cohesion and assuring it of the agency’s continued support in building a peaceful and united Plateau State.
Representing the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola, Capt. CP Oteh commended PLABOMA for promoting responsible digital journalism and urged bloggers and content creators to use their platforms to support security efforts, promote peacebuilding and foster unity by sharing verified information and positive narratives about Plateau State.
The event ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals and organisations, including PLASMIDA, PLASCHEMA, NUJ Chairman Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, Media Icon, the Plateau State Ministry of Information, Youth Engagement and Impact, and Godwin Okoko, in recognition of their effective use of social media to promote public engagement, innovation and community development.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for eligible voters and roll out a fully online voter registration system as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure on Wednesday while receiving the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan explained that the downloadable PVC initiative is specifically designed for voters who have previously collected their PVCs but later lost or damaged them, or whose card details have become unreadable.
He clarified that the digital PVC option would not be available to first-time registrants who have never collected a physical card.
“It is not every PVC that is downloadable. You must have gotten your PVC before, and it must be that the PVC is lost, defaced or if you cannot read your numbers there,” he said.
According to the INEC Chairman, affected voters must report the loss or damage of their PVCs at least 90 days before an election to enable the commission to process the replacement.
He further revealed that the commission plans to pilot the downloadable PVC technology during the upcoming off-cycle Osun State governorship election scheduled for August.
Amupitan also announced that INEC is in the final stages of developing a technology that will enable eligible Nigerians to complete their voter registration entirely online without visiting INEC offices for physical biometric capture.
“We have also been working on the technology that is going to make it possible for the registration of voters online without even having to visit INEC local government or registration areas. So hopefully in the next few days, we will be testing it as soon as the commission approves it,” he said.
He noted that both innovations are aimed at making voter registration more accessible, reducing disenfranchisement, and ensuring that every eligible Nigerian can participate in the electoral process with ease.
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has announced plans to unveil a unified website for bloggers and digital publishers in the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Social Media Day.
The unveiling will take place on Tuesday, June 30, at the Usiju World Event Center, Jos, during the association’s World Social Media Day celebration themed “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement.”
According to the organisers, the platform will bring together over 30 active members of PLABOMA on a single digital space to strengthen collaboration and promote credible online journalism in Plateau State.
The association said the initiative is aimed at increasing the visibility of members’ reports, encouraging professionalism and creating a stronger digital identity for Plateau’s online media community.
PLABOMA noted that the unified website would also serve as a gateway for readers to access news and information from member platforms in one location while promoting responsible use of digital media.
The association urged bloggers, content creators, students and members of the public to attend the event and witness what it described as a major milestone for digital media development in Plateau State.
What began as the union of a Yoruba groom, Jeremiah, and his Mwaghavul bride, Nanbam, evolved into a remarkable showcase of Plateau State’s tourism potential, hospitality, culture and creative economy.
Guests who travelled from Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and other parts of Nigeria arrived in Jos expecting a beautiful wedding. Instead, they experienced the very best of Plateau State through a carefully curated destination wedding that blended love, culture and economic opportunity.
The vision behind the experience was driven by Blac Events, which sought to create more than a luxurious ceremony. The company partnered with Experience Plateau, a travel and tourism firm, to ensure every guest left with lasting memories not only of the couple but also of Plateau’s breathtaking scenery, cool climate, rich cuisine, warm hospitality and vibrant culture.
For many visitors, it was their first opportunity to see Jos beyond the headlines, discovering a destination defined by its natural beauty, welcoming people and rich cultural heritage.
The collaboration highlighted the growing role of destination weddings in promoting tourism and stimulating local economies. Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, photographers, decorators, fashion designers, makeup artists, caterers, artisans and entertainers all benefited from the influx of visitors, demonstrating how celebrations can become valuable economic assets.
One of the weekend’s most memorable highlights was the music.
In a landmark collaboration, Synapse Collective, working with the Department of Music, University of Jos, assembled a 30-member live orchestra exclusively for the wedding.
The orchestra became the emotional heartbeat of the celebration, blending orchestral arrangements with traditional and contemporary sounds that reflected both elegance and cultural identity.
Beyond entertaining guests, the performance showcased the exceptional musical talent being nurtured in Plateau State. It also demonstrated how academic institutions can partner with the creative industry to create world-class experiences while opening professional opportunities for emerging musicians.
The orchestra further underscored the importance of Nigeria’s creative economy, drawing attention to the musicians, arrangers, sound engineers, stage managers, designers and producers whose expertise transforms events into unforgettable experiences.
Throughout the celebration, Yoruba traditions blended seamlessly with Mwaghavul customs, creating a colourful display of unity in diversity. Guests explored Plateau beyond the wedding venue, local businesses welcomed new customers, and young creatives demonstrated exceptional talent.
The event offered a compelling model for how tourism, hospitality and the creative industries can work together to drive economic growth and reshape public perceptions of destinations.
Through the partnership between Blac Events, Experience Plateau, Synapse Collective and the Department of Music, University of Jos, one wedding became much more than a celebration of love.
The Kedrick Scribner Foundation Inc. is set to host the Widows Mite 7.0 Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The event, themed “Vocational Skills Empowerment/Scholarship,” celebrates the successful completion of vocational training for widows and orphans of the Nigeria Police Force. Beneficiaries received training in Computer Skills, Tailoring, and Bead Making, equipping them with practical skills for self-reliance.
The graduation will take place at the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (HEKAN), Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos.
The programme reflects the foundation’s continued commitment to empowering vulnerable families through education, skills acquisition, and scholarship opportunities.
Kedrick Scribner, KSF Executive Director and Gospel Artist, Vicki Yohe
Zang Global has commenced the onboarding of participants for Cohort 1 of its RenewCycle Training Program, an initiative aimed at empowering young people with practical skills in recycling, environmental sustainability, and green entrepreneurship. The programme brought together beneficiaries selected for the maiden edition of the project.
The training is expected to equip participants with knowledge and hands-on experience that will enable them to create economic opportunities from waste while contributing to environmental protection. The initiative also aligns with global goals on gender equality, clean energy, and decent work and economic growth.
Addressing participants during the onboarding ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Zang Global, Mr. Zang Luka, described the RenewCycle Training Program as a life-changing initiative designed to equip young people with practical skills, create sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to environmental protection through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Luka revealed that more than 500 applications were received for the programme, but only 40 participants were selected after a rigorous screening process. He congratulated the beneficiaries, urging them to make the most of the opportunity and remain committed throughout the training.
“We received over 500 applications from young people eager to participate, but only 40 were selected for this cohort. You were chosen because we believe in your potential, and we are confident that with the right training and determination, you can become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in Nigeria’s growing green economy,” he said.
He explained that the programme goes beyond technical training, noting that it is aimed at raising a new generation of job creators rather than job seekers. He added that Zang Global’s long-term vision is to create 15,000 jobs across Africa by 2029, with the RenewCycle initiative serving as one of the key strategies for achieving that goal.
Presenting an overview of the RenewCycle Training Programme, the Project Manager of Zang Global, Vivian Daniel, said the initiative has brought together 40 young participants from different faith backgrounds across Plateau State to acquire practical skills in e-waste recycling, solar lantern production, and renewable energy solutions.
She disclosed that the programme places strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, with 33 females and seven males selected for the first cohort. According to her, the three-month training will combine technical skills development with entrepreneurship support to prepare participants for sustainable livelihoods.
“Our goal is to equip these young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge that will enable them to create opportunities for themselves and others. We want participants to become innovators, business owners, and contributors to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” Daniel said.
Facilitating a session on financial resilience, development economist Chiamaka Ezeme described the RenewCycle Training Programme as a life-changing opportunity capable of transforming the future of participants if properly utilized. She urged beneficiaries to focus on learning and personal development before seeking financial rewards.
Ezeme explained that financial resilience is built on four key pillars: skills acquisition, savings, multiple sources of income, and the right mindset. She encouraged participants to embrace these principles, noting that sustainable success comes from continuous learning, discipline, and the ability to create diverse income opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Friday Mamman encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training opportunity by remaining committed and focused. He noted that outstanding participants could be selected for further support, including business registration and enterprise development assistance, urging them to strive for excellence throughout the programme.
Participants commended Zang Global for creating opportunities for young people to acquire practical skills and build sustainable livelihoods.
One of the beneficiaries, Lange Enoch Moses, said he intends to apply the knowledge gained from the training to empower himself, contribute to community development, and become a job creator, while also encouraging support for locally developed technologies as a means of strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
Another participant, Eunice Bulus, expressed excitement over her selection for the programme, describing it as an opportunity she had long awaited. She said she hopes to become skilled in recycling and renewable energy technologies through the training, adding that the programme has given participants a platform to learn, grow, and improve their future prospects.
Another participant, Fom Ishaya, commended Zang Global for the opportunity, saying the training would enable him to acquire valuable skills in recycling, generate income, and contribute to turning electronic waste into useful products that benefit both individuals and the wider community.
In his closing remarks, Board of Trustees member, Mr. Iliya Yohanna, urged participants to remain disciplined, committed, and obedient to the programme’s guidelines, stressing that dedication and consistency are essential qualities of successful trainees and future entrepreneurs.
He also encouraged participants to take advantage of the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with one another, noting that networking is a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. According to him, the connections made during the training could open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has announced plans to host the 2026 edition of the World Social Media Day Celebration in Plateau State, bringing together bloggers, content creators, digital innovators, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and members of the public for a day of learning, networking, and innovation.
The event is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Usiju World Event Center, near the State Secretariat, Jos.
With the theme, “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” the celebration aims to highlight the growing role of digital media in shaping conversations, promoting creativity, and empowering young people to drive positive change in society.
According to the organizers, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to explore emerging innovations in digital media, discuss strategies for increasing youth engagement, and amplify creative voices across Plateau State and beyond.
One of the major highlights of the event will be the unveiling of a Unified Bloggers Online Platform in Plateau State, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen collaboration among bloggers and digital media practitioners in the state.
Who Should Attend?
The event is open to:
Bloggers
Content Creators
Social Media Influencers
Youth Leaders
Students
Entrepreneurs
Members of the General Public
Why Attend?
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Explore innovations in digital media
Connect with industry professionals and fellow creators
Learn new trends in social media and content creation
Drive youth engagement and digital participation
Amplify their voices and showcase creative talents
PLABOMA is encouraging all stakeholders in the digital media ecosystem to be part of the event and contribute to conversations that will shape the future of online engagement and innovation in Plateau State.
Register here for free https://forms.gle/RpQ6Cehn4ugNFyfs6
For inquiries and partnership opportunities, interested individuals and organizations can contact the organizers via:
Email: plateaubloggers@gmail.com
Phone: 08038214090, 09010888777
The organizers describe the event as more than just a celebration of social media, but a platform for inspiration, collaboration, and impact.
Professor Nora Ladi Daduut has officially resumed duties in Seoul as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea.
The seasoned academic, politician, and former Senator representing Plateau South two days ago arrived at Incheon International Airport, where she was warmly received by Chargé d’Affaires Jaho-Heebert Inex and staff of the Nigerian Embassy .
Her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forms part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global engagements.
A Professor of French at the University of Jos and the first female Senator from Plateau State, Daduut brings extensive experience in education, public service, and legislative affairs to the role.
In her new capacity, Ambassador Daduut is expected to prioritize deepening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Korea.
The two nations have maintained formal ties since 1980, with opportunities in trade, technology transfer, education, and cultural exchange remaining key areas for growth.
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