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Entrepreneurship: Ikpeazu launches start up support program for young Abians

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Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has launched an entrepreneurship support program for young Abians with innovative ideas but who need minimal financial support to actualize their projects.

Speaking during the presentation of funds to the first beneficiary of the program, Mr Chukwudike Okoroafor, from Umunneochi LGA, Governor Ikpeazu who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr ACB Agbazuere, stated that the objective of the program is to support young Abians who have good ideas but lack the financial resources to take off.

READ: COVID 19: Ikpeazu, all family members test negative as two aides test positive

According to him, “we hope to use this program to raise at least 24 entrepreneurs within the next two years, with one winner emerging every month for the next two years. It has always been our dream to approach empowerment from a different perspective rather than the traditional means of giving Keke NAPEP to graduates as empowerment. We want to support ideas because it is what rules the world and I know there are many young Abians with brilliant ideas we can support as long as they meet our criteria”.

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He directed the state Commissioner for Information to set up an appropriate platform for those with good entrepreneurial ideas, within the budget of the program, to participate in a monthly competition with the best emerging as winner.

Speaking after receiving the cash support from the Governor, Mr Okoroafor who plans to open a piggery with the funds expressed appreciation to the Governor for responding to his plea for support to start up the project and assured that he will make maximum use of the opportunity to launch himself as a major pig farmer.

“When I contacted the Governor for support to start this project, I never knew help would come so fast and I want to assure the Governor that I will never disappoint him. He has surprised me and I know my God will reward him”, he said.

Briefing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, stated that a team made up of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mrs Ijeoma Ogbonna and DG BCA will select the winners every month and called on young Abians who are resident in the state to submit their proposals to his office in sealed envelopes for consideration. According to him, “while the first winner emerged from the agric sector, the program is open to all areas of entrepreneurship as long as the proposal can be funded within the monthly one million naira limit. All you need to qualify is to be a young Abian that is resident in the state and have good ideas that can be supported to yield good results. The start up grant is non refundable but we have a monitoring team that includes the relevant Local Government Chairman that will ensure that the money is used for the stated purpose.”

He informed that In the spirit of creating more jobs, Governor Ikpeazu is interested in grooming young Àbìàns who are interested in making a career out of horticulture, landscaping and Gardening. According to him, there is an existing vacancy for instant employment for the first ten who applies through his office.

Chief Okiyi further informed that the total package includes the employment of 7 pupil engineers in each of the 17 LGAs of the state who will be trained by the state ministry of works and deployed for road maintenance assignments. He advised those who are interested to submit their applications and curriculum vitae to the office of the state Commissioner for works for immediate engagement.

 

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Phyna Detained at Abuja Hotel Over ₦3.5 Million Damage After Fight

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Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has been detained at Dalchifit Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja, following a violent altercation that reportedly caused property damage estimated at ₦3.5 million.

The incident, which occurred on October 14, 2025, allegedly stemmed from a ₦200,000 debt dispute between Phyna and the hotel management. According to reports, the confrontation escalated when Phyna claimed that hotel staff allowed touts to enter her room, leading to a scuffle and significant property destruction.

Police officers attached to the Gwarinpa Division were called to the scene and have since begun investigating the matter. Sources confirmed that CCTV footage from the hotel is being reviewed to determine the sequence of events and establish accountability for the damages.

In a series of emotional social media posts, Phyna recounted her ordeal, alleging that her safety was compromised when the intruders broke into her room. She described the experience as “traumatic,” especially as it came barely weeks after the death of her sister, which she is still grieving.

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“They broke into my room and tried to attack me. I was terrified and confused. How can a hotel let that happen? I’m still in shock,” she reportedly said in one of her posts.

While the hotel management has yet to issue an official statement, insiders at Dalchifit Hotel confirmed that they are cooperating with authorities to resolve the issue. The management is said to be insisting on compensation for the damaged property before releasing the reality star.

Phyna’s legal team has reportedly engaged with the police to ensure a fair investigation, as fans on social media express concern and demand her immediate release.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has not yet made a formal statement but confirmed that the case is under review.

Phyna, who rose to fame after winning Big Brother Naija: Level Up in 2022, has since built a strong brand presence in entertainment and influencer marketing. The current controversy marks one of her most serious public incidents since leaving the show.


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Manchester United End Anfield Drought with 2–1 Win Over Liverpool

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Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield as Ruben Amorim celebrates his biggest win as United boss, ending a decade-long wait for victory there.
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Manchester United claimed their first victory at Anfield in nearly a decade as Ruben Amorim’s men edged Liverpool 2–1 in Sunday’s Premier League clash, marking a landmark result in the Portuguese coach’s tenure.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring early before Harry Maguire’s late header sealed the win after Cody Gakpo had levelled for Liverpool. The result handed United back-to-back league victories for the first time under Amorim and eased mounting pressure on the manager, who described it as “the biggest win” of his 11-month reign.

“I don’t have many wins with Manchester, so this is really important,” Amorim said. “It’s back-to-back, it’s at Anfield that is really important. Every detail of this game.”

Despite the significance of the triumph, the 40-year-old boss refused to get carried away.
“I want you guys (the media) to continue with the negative narrative that’s best for me,” he joked. “We need to try to win three games in a row and then forget about top-four talk. This doesn’t change anything; we are the same team we were 90 minutes ago.”

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Amorim praised his players’ response after conceding. “When we suffered the goal, we managed that moment well that’s a key point for our team,” he said. “It wasn’t a perfect performance, but the spirit was amazing.”

He also hailed the travelling supporters who backed the team throughout. “It was really important for our fans, because they are struggling. Today they saw a different team. To come here, to this stadium, and sing during the game that’s massive for us. This win is for them.”

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Ned Nwoko Gives Reason for Clash with Regina Daniels

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Senator Ned Nwoko breaks silence on his reported marital crisis with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, denying domestic violence allegations and alleging that drug abuse caused their dispute.
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Nigerian lawmaker and businessman, Senator Ned Nwoko, has addressed reports of a marital dispute involving him and his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, which have dominated social media in recent days.

In a viral video, Regina Daniels accused her husband of domestic violence, claiming she had fled their home due to repeated abuse. The clip has since sparked widespread reactions online.

However, Senator Nwoko has now denied the allegations, alleging that Regina has been battling substance abuse, which he claims is the root cause of their problems.

In a lengthy statement posted on Sunday, titled “Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence,” the senator accused the actress of violent behavior, including damaging property and assaulting domestic staff.

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“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety,” he stated.

Nwoko further alleged that Regina had attacked three members of staff and destroyed cars and windows in the house, insisting that none of his other wives had ever accused him of violence.

“Regina is the violent one here,” he said. “I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria, especially Jordan, where she will not have access to drugs.”

He also claimed that while he took their son, Moon, to the hospital, chaos erupted at home, allegedly involving two of Regina’s “drug suppliers,” whom he identified as “Sammy” and “Ann.”

As of press time, Regina Daniels has not publicly responded to Nwoko’s statement.

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Defence HQ Denies Coup Attempt, Says Independence Anniversary Cancellation Not Linked to Any Plot

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Defence Headquarters denies coup attempt report
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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.

In a statement on Sunday, the DHQ clarified that there was no coup attempt or any plan to destabilize the country, describing the report as a fabrication aimed at causing unnecessary panic among citizens.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to state categorically that the report linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup is false and misleading,” the statement read in part.

The military urged members of the public to disregard the rumor and cautioned media organizations and social media users against spreading unverified information capable of undermining national security.

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The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to an alleged coup attempt, reaffirming its loyalty to democratic governance.
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to an alleged coup attempt, reaffirming its loyalty to democratic governance.

The statement reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and commitment to democratic governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge Empowers 578 Young Entrepreneurs, Awards ₦16 Million to 30 New Winners

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- The three winners of the Corpreneurship Challenge in Lagos pose with their cheques
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No fewer than 578 young entrepreneurs across Nigeria have benefitted from Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge the Bank’s flagship entrepreneurial development initiative launched a few years ago.

Over this period, the Bank has invested in supporting budding entrepreneurs across multiple sectors to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The ongoing initiative recently produced 30 new winners, who received a total grant of ₦16 million during the Batch B, Stream II edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation course, held across 10 states of the federation.

The winners, innovative young entrepreneurs developing solutions across various value chains such as fashion design, bag making, pastry and beverage production, event management, and vegetable farming, emerged after pitching their business ideas during the challenge at NYSC Orientation Camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, and Plateau States.

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At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ipaja, Lagos State, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo, who pitched a soap-making enterprise, emerged the overall winner to clinch the ₦800,000 grand prize. Ndukwe Chiamaka Joan, with her innovative Small Chops business proposal, claimed ₦500,000 as first runner-up, while Barakat Modinat Olamide secured ₦300,000 to support her beverage-making venture.

A cross section of participants in the pitch competition

Expressing her excitement after emerging as the overall winner in Lagos, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo described the experience as life-changing, stating, “I’m truly grateful to Unity Bank for this opportunity. Winning the Corpreneurship Challenge has given me the push and confidence I needed to scale my soap-making business. Beyond the grant, the experience taught me how to structure my business better and believe in its potential. It’s amazing to see a bank that genuinely invests in young people’s dreams.”

Across the remaining nine states, 27 other winners also emerged after pitching diverse business ideas ranging from fish and poultry farming to printing, piggery, and cake production.

Over the past six years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become an integral part of the NYSC programme, aligning with the Federal Government’s drive to upskill young graduates and promote entrepreneurship amid the scarcity of white-collar jobs. Each edition attracts thousands of entries from corps members whose business plans are evaluated for originality, marketability, job creation potential, and overall business acumen.

Speaking during the grand finale in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through enterprise. She said:

“At Unity Bank, we believe that the energy and creativity of young Nigerians are vital to the nation’s economic transformation. The Corpreneurship Challenge is our way of nurturing this potential — by giving corps members the financial boost, mentorship, and confidence to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Seeing over 578 young entrepreneurs already impacted motivates us to keep expanding the initiative and deepening our support for the SME ecosystem.”

The Corpreneurship Challenge has earned Unity Bank national recognition for its role in youth empowerment and job creation, attracting over 2,000 applicants per edition.

In partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the initiative continues to serve as a launchpad for youth-owned enterprises, offering grants of up to ₦800,000 to help corps members turn their business dreams into reality.

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