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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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16 hours ago

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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)

Senate Voids Arrest Threat Against Former NNPC GMD Kyari Over Alleged ₦210trn Misappropriation

Upper chamber withdraws earlier order summoning ex-NNPC chief Mele Kyari in Abuja over missing funds allegations

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17 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Upper chamber withdraws earlier order summoning ex-NNPC chief Mele Kyari in Abuja over missing funds allegations

The Senate on Thursday in Abuja nullified its previous directive seeking the arrest of former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over an alleged ₦210 trillion missing oil revenue. The decision followed a review of the committee’s earlier resolution that had threatened legal action against Kyari if he failed to appear before lawmakers.

Senators had initially issued a summon after concerns were raised about the whereabouts of ₦210 trillion reportedly accrued from crude oil sales, sparking public debate over transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. However, during plenary on Thursday, the chamber resolved to set aside the arrest order and continue its probe through conventional legislative channels.

The issue of alleged missing oil revenue has drawn significant attention, especially as Nigeria faces mounting fiscal pressures and declining foreign reserves. The controversy emerged when a Senate committee investigating crude oil receipts claimed that huge sums had not been properly accounted for by NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership. The matter has become a focal point for calls for accountability within the oil and gas sector.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North-West) said at the session that “the Senate must follow due process” in addressing the matter, adding that further actions will be based on findings from ongoing investigations. No official statement was immediately released by Kyari or NNPCL regarding the Senate’s latest decision.

With this development, the Senate is expected to proceed with its inquiry into crude oil sales and remittances, focusing on ensuring proper oversight rather than punitive measures. Stakeholders in the sector have called for transparent handling of public resources to rebuild trust among Nigerians.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/886877-updated-missing-%e2%82%a6210-trillion-senate-nullifies-arrest-threat-against-ex-md-kyari.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Mexico’s Quiñones Scores First Goal of 2026 World Cup in Opening Match

Forward strikes early as tournament kicks off in Mexico City, giving hosts a strong start to group stage campaign

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18 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Forward strikes early as tournament kicks off in Mexico City, giving hosts a strong start to group stage campaign

Mexico’s forward, Julián Quiñones, scored the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the opening match held on Thursday in Mexico City. The goal came in the early minutes of the encounter, setting the tone for the host nation’s campaign in front of a packed Estadio Azteca.

Quiñones found the net after a swift attacking move, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the opposition to put Mexico ahead. The home crowd erupted as Mexico secured an early lead, with fans hopeful that this strong start will propel their team further in the tournament. The match marks the beginning of group stage fixtures for all participating teams.

The opening ceremony featured cultural displays and remarks from FIFA officials, highlighting the significance of Mexico hosting football’s biggest event for a record third time. Local supporters expressed excitement over Quiñones’ performance, while analysts say his early goal could boost team morale as they face tough opponents in their group.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Mexico for successfully hosting the opener and praised Quiñones for his decisive play. Mexican national team coach Diego Cocca said after the match that scoring first at home was important for confidence, adding: “We are proud to start well and will continue to work hard.”

With this victory, Mexico takes an early advantage in their group standings. They will return to action in a few days as matches continue across co-host cities in North America. Supporters are optimistic that Quiñones’ performance signals a promising run for El Tri on home soil.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886976-mexicos-quinones-scores-first-goal-of-2026-world-cup.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Oyo State Authority Seizes Livestock Over Illegal Grazing in Iseyin LGA

Move follows farmers’ complaints of crop destruction as Rule of Law Enforcement intensifies clampdown on open grazing

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27 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Move follows farmers’ complaints of crop destruction as Rule of Law Enforcement intensifies clampdown on open grazing

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has confiscated livestock found grazing illegally in Apata Olomo, along Ado-Awaye Road, Iseyin Local Government Area (LGA), following a series of petitions from local farmers. The enforcement action was carried out on Thursday after farmers alleged that herders’ animals had encroached on farmlands, destroyed crops, and threatened their means of livelihood.

According to a statement issued by Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), Chairperson of OYRLEA, the operation was prompted by mounting complaints from the affected community. The enforcement team—led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojoomo and accompanied by Kofoworola Akinbode, Chief of Staff to the chairperson, as well as security personnel—visited the area to verify the allegations before impounding animals found in violation of state regulations.

Justice Aderemi explained that the team confirmed reports of open grazing contrary to Oyo State’s livestock management laws. She stated that such activities undermine local food security and threaten peace between farmers and herders in the region. “The enforcement operation was initiated following petitions received from farmers within the community, who alleged that the activities of some herders had led to the destruction of farmlands and the consumption of agricultural produce,” Aderemi said.

The crackdown forms part of wider efforts by Oyo State authorities to enforce legislation banning open grazing and promote sustainable livestock management. While affected herders were not immediately available for comment, OYRLEA reiterated its commitment to protecting agricultural livelihoods and maintaining order in rural communities.

Justice Aderemi emphasised that further operations would continue across Oyo State as at when necessary, urging all livestock owners to comply with relevant regulations or face similar sanctions. The authority also encouraged residents to report violations promptly for swift intervention.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/agro-care/oyo-impounds-livestock-over-illegal-grazing-in-iseyin/

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