馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
NerdzFactory Company and Research Links certify 201 skilled tradespeople in Lagos
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
NerdzFactory Company and Research Links, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Digital Opportunity Trust, completed the MasterCrafters Assessment and Training Programme in April 2026. The program certified 201 skilled tradespeople across ten trades in Lagos, Nigeria, as structured mentors prepared to train new apprentices. This initiative falls under the Indigenous Apprenticeship to Work Programme, part of the Employee Innovation Fund, which aims to drive sustainable change in Nigeria鈥檚 informal skills economy. The program addressed the lack of structure and formal certification pathways in Nigeria's informal apprenticeship system. It mobilized experienced craftspeople from Lagos communities, assessing their technical competence and mentorship readiness, and providing them with teaching frameworks. The assessment phase, conducted from April 16-18, 2026, covered ten trades: fashion designing and tailoring, auto mechanics, carpentry and furniture making, catering, hair making, photography, cosmetology, art and craft, nail technology, and shoe making. Of the 201 certified MasterCrafters, 186 are women and 15 are men, reflecting a focus on inclusion. Four certified MasterCrafters are persons with disabilities. Training at the end of April included safeguarding, ethical apprenticeship practices, mentorship, communication, financial literacy, inclusion, and conflict resolution. All 201 MasterCrafters received formal certification through Nigeria鈥檚 Recognition of Prior L
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Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has congratulated Omoniyi Ibietan on his re-election as Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association APRA. The Minister stated that Ibietan's re-election is a recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and contributions to the public relations profession across Africa. Ibietan was re-elected during the APRA General Assembly in Swakopmund, Namibia, where Arik Karani of Kenya became President and Professor Michele Mekeme of Cameroon was elected Vice-President. Idris, in a statement by his Special Assistant Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that the election outcome reflects the confidence public relations professionals across Africa have in Ibietan's leadership and capacity to advance the association's vision. The Minister expressed optimism that Ibietan will continue to provide purposeful leadership and support APRA's efforts to promote ethical communication and Africa's digital transformation agenda. He also commended APRA for its commitment to strengthening the public relations profession and promoting ethical communication across Africa, adding that Nigeria looks forward to hosting the 37th APRA Annual Conference alongside the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja later this year. Founded in 1975, APRA is the umbrella body for public relations practitioners across Africa, promoting professional excellence, ethical communication, and collaboration among communication professionals.
The Nigerian community in Poland has welcomed Nigeria's Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, at a reception held in Warsaw. The community pledged full support for her mission and expressed optimism that her tenure will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Nigeria and Poland. Adekunle Ayoola, Chairman of the APC Support Group and leader of the City Boy Movement in Poland, congratulated Ohakim, noting her public service record and leadership. He stated that the community is confident she will enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, and cultural exchanges, and foster unity among Nigerians in Poland. Dr. Emanuel Kalejaiye, Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Community in Poland, highlighted the strong bond between the embassy and the Nigerian community, which has existed for over four decades. He affirmed the diaspora's commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and partnership for Nigeria's development and the welfare of Nigerians in Poland, also thanking the Polish government for its hospitality. Ohakim, a lawyer, thanked the community for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations, calling for their support and cooperation. The event was attended by former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, leaders of Nigerian organizations in Poland, and members of the Nigerian diaspora community.
BreakingAt least 50 Malian soldiers were killed and 24 taken prisoner in an attack by Tuareg separatists and jihadists on Saturday as they departed the northern town of Anefis. The attack targeted an army convoy and was claimed by the Tuareg separatist FLA and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM. A local elected official, close to the ruling junta, described it as the deadliest attack on the Malian army in years. An army source indicated that some soldiers were executed and an investigation is underway into tactical failures. Russian paramilitaries, who had been supporting the army, had already reached their destination in Gao and did not suffer any casualties. The Malian army acknowledged the ambush by "terrorist armed groups" but did not provide casualty figures at the time. Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021, with the junta facing challenges in restoring security amidst ongoing unrest.