
Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stated that Nigeria is well-positioned to become a leader in the global talent economy. This assertion was made in a statement by Teju Abisoye, National Coordinator of the National Talent Export Programme NATEP, marking one year since the agency's relaunch. Oduwole highlighted NATEP's efforts to develop the country's workforce and expand international service market opportunities through policy reforms, institutional developments, and strategic partnerships. She noted that the global economy is increasingly driven by knowledge, skills, and talent, creating opportunities for nations investing in human capital. Oduwole believes Africa, as an integrated marketplace, can be a leading contributor to the world's talent economy, with NATEP laying the groundwork for Nigeria to lead this transition. NATEP is developing an innovative financing framework combining public investment with private capital and has made progress with the National Coordination Mechanism for Services Exports NCMSE, approved in November 2025. The NCMSE has aligned government agencies and stakeholders, strengthening collaboration among institutions like the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Outsource To Nigeria Initiative. NATEP also launched the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network with the World Economic Forum. Teju Abisoye reiterated NATEP's focus on positioning Nigeria as a premier global talent hub, aiming for o
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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB, in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has initiated a 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme for 300 young Nigerians. This program aims to equip graduates in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering with technical and professional skills for careers in the petroleum industry. The training includes three months of classroom instruction followed by nine months of on-the-job experience with partner oil and gas service companies. Of the 300 participants selected through a competitive process, 240 will train in Lagos and 60 in Port Harcourt. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, stated that the initiative aligns with the Board's mandate to build local capacity, increase Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, and create employment. He emphasized that specialized skills in automation, instrumentation, and engineering operations are crucial for the safe and efficient exploitation of Nigeria's petroleum resources. Olarenwaju Olawuyi, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, reaffirmed the company's commitment to developing indigenous capacity through human capital investment. Ranti Omole, Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, noted that participants were rigorously screened from thousands of applicants. The program's objective is to produce industry-ready professionals w
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal is set to play in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, having scored in every major final of his professional career. The 29-year-old has found the net in all six of his senior career finals and has the chance to score another decisive goal when Spain faces Argentina in New York New Jersey. FIFA reports that Oyarzabal is bidding to become the first Spain player to score six goals at a single World Cup and no other Spain player has achieved two braces in one World Cup. His 30 international goals are still short of David Villa’s national record of 59, but he has broken the record for most goals by a Spain forward in a single season with 14. Oyarzabal has scored in two Copa del Rey finals with Real Sociedad, two UEFA Nations League finals, a UEFA EURO final, and an Olympic final. His latest World Cup goal came from a penalty in Spain’s semi-final victory over France. While Oyarzabal has scored in all six finals, his teams have a 4–2 record in those matches, with two losses despite his goals. His victories include the 2019/20 Copa del Rey, EURO 2024, 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, and 2025/26 Copa del Rey. His defeats were in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League.