EVENTS

Call For Applications: Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge (Over N10 Million Grant Prizes)

Published

8 months ago

August 21, 2024

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The Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge is our idea pitching and grant competition designed to empower young people in Africa turn their ideas, skills and passions into scalable business ventures or social enterprises.

We adopted this pitching competition model because it challenges the creativity and the audacity of our young people to survive as entrepreneurs.

All applicants pass through a compulsory Boot Camp and Pitching Competitions and those with best business ideas receive both financial and technical supports from us.

The Ugwumba Center for Leadership Development in Africa is a non-political, non-discriminatory, non-profit development organization established in Nigeria in 2018 with a mandate to raise a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs for Africa.

We envision an African continent whose democracies and economies are driven by young people and women, who are building peaceful democratic systems and successful business empires.

Between 2018 and 2023, we have created jobs for over 20,000 Nigerian youths through our support for young entrepreneurs who have benefited from this Challenge since inception. This year, which is the 7th edition, we hope to empower additional 2,000 young entrepreneurs across the country with business development skills, small grants and mentorship.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for this Challenge if you are a Nigerian (living in Nigeria), either male or female between 18 and 40 years of age and have an idea that can be turned into a business or social enterprise.

We do not have preference for any sector of the economy, since all the sectors are important in the growth and development of the country.

Whether you are operating in agriculture, food technology, renewal energy, information technology, health technology, telecommunications, etc, you are free to apply for the competition.

We are interested in early startups and those whose businesses are still at the ideation stage.

The reason is because, we want to serve as angel investors to such persons whose ideas would have died with them if they do not participate in an impact investment program like the Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge

It is open to young entrepreneurs in Nigeria between 18 – 40 years of age, who have ideas that we can transform into successful business ventures or social enterprises.

Benefits

Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge and stand the chances of winning any of our star prizes, as follows:
a) 1st Prize (N2 million);
b) 2nd Prize (N1 million);
c) 3rd Prize (N700,000);
d) 4th Prize (N500,000);
e) 5th Prize (N300,000) and
f) Consolation Prizes (N100,000) each for the remaining 6th – 10th finalists.
Deadline: September 11, 2024

EVENTS

Abia Police Commissioner Dismisses Three Officers for Abduction and Extortion

Published

4 hours ago

April 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, has dismissed three police officers for their involvement in acts of conspiracy, abduction, and extortion of unsuspecting victims. The officers have also been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution alongside their civilian accomplices.

The affected officers are:
– **Sergeant Jonas Nnamdi** (Force No. 501356), attached to Area Command, Aba.
– **Corporal James Daniel** (Force No. 511844), attached to the Department of Operations, Umuahia.
– **Corporal Ifeanyi Emeka** (Force No. 511853), attached to Eziama Division.

According to the police statement, the officers were arrested on January 29, 2025, after they conspired with two civilians, hired a minibus, and abducted some individuals along the Port Harcourt Expressway. They were found armed with an electric baton, an assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol, which they used to intimidate and extort money from their victims. The officers also demanded additional ransom from the victims’ families before releasing them.

Following their arrest by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abayi, an investigation and Orderly Room Trial were conducted, which confirmed their involvement in the crime. Their dismissal follows the administrative disciplinary measures taken by the Abia State Police Command, and their service accoutrements have been retrieved.

CP Danladi Isa reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct, emphasizing that discipline and professionalism remain the foundation of the Nigeria Police Force. He assured the public that the command under his leadership would not tolerate any form of misconduct and remains committed to upholding the vision of the Inspector General of Police for a people-friendly and law-abiding force.

The dismissed officers and their civilian accomplices will face prosecution as part of the command’s efforts to maintain law and order in Abia State.

EVENTS

Dave Umahi orders immediate closure of Lagos waterway

Published

5 hours ago

April 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has ordered the immediate closure of the waterway between the Eko and Carter Bridges in Lagos.

This follows the structural damage to Eko Bridge, reportedly caused by illegal dredging activities.

The directive came during the minister’s inspection tour of critical infrastructure across Lagos on Saturday.

Umahi urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take urgent action to enforce the closure, warning that continued activity in the area poses a significant risk to public safety.

“The dredger struck a pier cap, causing both the cap and the pier to collapse and sink,” Umahi revealed during the tour.

“He confirmed that the operator or owner of the dredging equipment has been apprehended, and assured that the Federal Government would pursue strict punitive measures due to the scale of the damage.

Expressing his dismay, the minister noted that illegal dredging is still being carried out along the Third Mainland Bridge, despite a Federal Executive Council resolution passed four months ago, banning all dredging activities within a 10-kilometre radius of any bridge in Nigeria.

“I am shocked to see dredging still going on. These activities compromise the structural integrity of our bridges,” Umahi said.

He also cautioned against the growing trend of parking and loading on bridges, urging members of the public to refrain from such practices.

The minister stressed that preserving Nigeria’s infrastructure and ensuring the safety of citizens must remain a top priority.

EVENTS

NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PREPARATIONS REACH CLIMAX; POLICE ENGAGE IN NATIONWIDE WALKATHON As IGP calls for inclusive policing in Nigeria.

Published

20 hours ago

April 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PREPARATIONS REACH CLIMAX; POLICE ENGAGE IN NATIONWIDE WALKATHON

As IGP calls for inclusive policing in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force preparations for it’s maiden National Police Day is reaching its climax, as Police Officers in all 36 State Commands across the nation and the FCT engage in a grand walkathon to promote community engagement and raise awareness for the Maiden National Police Day grand finale coming up on the 7th of April 2025.

The nationwide walkathon, which commenced from 6AM today, 5th of April, saw participation from officers of all ranks, as well as members of the public. The event was aimed to foster stronger relationships between the police and the communities, promoting cohesion and mutual understanding.

Furthermore, in continuation of preparations for the grand finale of the National Police Day celebration, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., today inspected parade rehearsals, exhibitions, amongst other activities at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The IGP expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness, emphasizing the importance of a well-coordinated and impactful event to celebrate the gallantry and achievements of the Nigeria Police Force .

The IGP encourages all citizens to celebrate the Nigeria Police Force by actively participating in National Police Day events and show their support for the men and women who serve and protect our communities.