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Minister Bosun Tijani Onboards 185 Startup Founders in Abuja Under ₦950bn iDICE Initiative

Federal government launches first cohort of Startup Bridge Founders Lab; programme targets innovation and youth employment nationwide

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Federal government launches first cohort of Startup Bridge Founders Lab; programme targets innovation and youth employment nationwide

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has onboarded 185 startup founders into the inaugural cohort of the Startup Bridge Founders Lab in Abuja on Tuesday. The event marks a key milestone in the rollout of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, a federal government initiative launched in 2023 to drive innovation and economic diversification across Nigeria.

The onboarding followed a rigorous selection process that reviewed hundreds of applications nationwide, with the selected founders forming part of the first batch to benefit from iDICE’s support. According to officials, the programme is backed by a $617 million (approximately ₦950 billion at current exchange rates) fund co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The Bank of Industry (BoI) serves as both executing agency and financier for the scheme.

Launched as part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for youth empowerment and job creation, iDICE aims to provide not only financing but also capacity building, mentorship, and access to markets for digital and creative startups. Stakeholders say this support is critical amid rising unemployment figures and ongoing calls for economic diversification beyond oil. “Our goal is to ensure that young Nigerian innovators have the tools and resources they need to build globally competitive businesses,” Dr Tijani said during the onboarding ceremony.

The minister noted that beyond financial support, iDICE will deliver tailored training modules and opportunities for founders to connect with investors and industry leaders. According to Tijani, “We are building an ecosystem where innovation can thrive regardless of background or location.” While opposition parties were not immediately available for comment on Tuesday, several industry experts have welcomed the move as a step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital skills gap.

With the onboarding now completed, participants in the Founders Lab will begin an intensive programme designed to accelerate their growth over several months. The government has indicated that subsequent cohorts will be selected later this year as part of efforts to reach more regions across all six geopolitical zones.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/fg-onboards-185-founders-under-startup-bridge-initiative/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged ₦4.4bn Gold Smuggling Attempt at Lagos Airport

Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution

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June 11, 2026

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Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an aviation security officer along with two accomplices for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold valued at ₦4.4 billion through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday. According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects were apprehended during a routine security check at the airport while trying to move the gold out of the country without proper declaration.

EFCC officials disclosed that the arrest followed a tip-off about suspicious movements involving airport staff and passengers at one of the terminals. The officers intercepted the suspects with several kilograms of gold concealed in their luggage, which they failed to declare to customs and other relevant authorities as required by Nigerian law.

This incident comes at a time when government has been tightening controls on mineral exports due to concerns over revenue losses from illegal mining and smuggling activities. The seizure underscores persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s efforts to regulate its solid minerals sector and secure more foreign exchange earnings from legal exports.

An EFCC spokesperson confirmed that all three suspects are currently in custody and will be charged after investigations are concluded. “We are committed to curbing economic sabotage and prosecuting all those involved,” the spokesperson said in a statement issued on Thursday. Attempts to reach the suspects’ legal representatives were unsuccessful as at press time.

The commission has indicated it will collaborate with other agencies, including Customs and airport authorities, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures around airports nationwide. Industry stakeholders say stricter oversight is needed as illegal mineral exports continue to undermine Nigeria’s economic prospects.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887017-efcc-arrests-aviation-security-officer-two-others-over-alleged-attempt-to-smuggle-gold-worth-n4-4bn.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London

Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority

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16 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority

Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been presented with the 2026 Central Banking Central Bank of the Year Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The award, which recognises excellence in central banking practice and leadership, highlights Nigeria’s role in global monetary policy discussions.

The event saw Cardoso join other top financial leaders from around the world as he accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of Nigeria’s apex bank. The organisers noted that the CBN was selected for its performance and reforms in recent years, though specific criteria for this year’s recognition were not disclosed at the event.

The Central Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for outstanding achievement among financial regulators globally. Past winners have included central banks from both developed and emerging markets, making this year’s award a significant milestone for Nigeria. Financial analysts say such honours can boost investor confidence and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices in economic management.

While official reactions from other government figures were not immediately available as at press time, observers within Nigeria’s financial sector have welcomed the recognition. Stakeholders point to ongoing reforms under Cardoso’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the naira and strengthen regulatory frameworks.

The CBN is expected to continue engaging with international partners following this achievement, as monetary authorities look to build on recent gains and address ongoing economic challenges. Further statements from Cardoso or federal officials are anticipated in the coming days.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/887010-cardoso-receives-2026-central-banking-central-bank-of-the-year-award-in-london.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention

Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins

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26 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins

Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.

According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.

The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.

Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887009-warri-crisis-ijaw-urhobo-leaders-ask-protesters-to-leave-oil-facilities-after-tinubus-intervention.html

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