BeMINT Unveils Innovative Makerspace to Boost Career Opportunities for Nigerian Youth


ABUJA

– A learning area spanning 25 square meters, fitted with cutting-edge digital equipment, has been inaugurated.

As part of the BeMINT_Nigeria initiative, hands-on IT training and entrepreneurial skill development are provided to high school graduates in Lagos. This 12-week comprehensive program emphasizes female involvement and aims to create economic opportunities for 400 young people (ages 18 to 24) from underprivileged backgrounds.

BeMINT (where MINT stands for STEM in German: Mathematics, Information Technology, Science, and Technology) receives support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is executed by the globally active foundation Siemens Stiftung along with the Nigerian non-governmental organization Empowering Africans through Education Initiative (EAE).

This three-year program combines training and internships to provide school leavers with essential practical and digital skills needed for success in the 21st-century world marked by rapid technological progress and digitization.

“The digital revolution has reshaped societies and economies but has also exacerbated gender and social disparities. According to the United Nations, women make up just 22% of roles in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. BeMINT_Nigeria aims to address this imbalance by promoting female involvement and improving access to digital education for young people from underprivileged areas. This participant-focused initiative promotes equitable economic engagement and equips Nigeria’s future leaders with essential 21st-century competencies,” explains Dr. Nina Smidt, who serves as the CEO and spokesperson for Siemens Stiftung.

The core of this initiative revolves around the newly established makerspace, which serves as a central location for educational growth and community involvement. This space grants participants convenient access to 3D technology, tools, and materials, enabling them to bring their preliminary concepts and models to life. Moreover, individuals have complimentary use of “Siemens Hours of Engineering,” a cloud-based platform provided by Siemens Digital Industries. This tool offers an accessible entry into computer-aided design and fosters problem-solving skills.

During the launch event, the German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner stated, “InVESTMENTS IN DIGITAL EDUCATION ARE CRUCIAL FOR ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION. By developing digital infrastructure AND enhancing educational opportunities THAT WIDEN THE CAREER PATHS available to young Nigerians—particularly young women—we can foster more robust collaboration between Nigeria and Germany. Given that 70 percent OF THE COUNTRY’S POPULATION IS UNDER 35 YEARS OLD, this demographic offers an unparalleled foundation upon which TO GROW NIGERIA’S DIGITAL SECTOR.”

In the coming few years, nine groups with 45 participants each will be exposed to three key areas: Information Technology, career guidance, and business startup skills.

Every participant gets extensive interdisciplinary training, obtaining hands-on experience with digital platforms as well as acquiring knowledge about AI tools to boost their competitive edge in the job market.

We are expanding upon the achievements of the project’s initial stage, which commenced in 2022. This phase has cultivated graduates who are both skilled and assured, many of whom are currently employed at prestigious international firms such as Google and Microsoft, alongside various small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria.

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Nigerian Muslims Feel Like Conquered People – Murici Calls for Change

As Nigerian Muslims celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan with millions around the globe, the Islamic human rights group MURIC (Muslim Rights Concern) has called for an end to the persecution faced by Nigerian Muslims.

The organization asserts that Nigerian Muslims continue to live under occupation until they receive all their civic rights, which should encompass, among other things, declaring the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) a national holiday similar to how 1st January is observed annually.

The statement was made in an Eid al-Fitr message issued on Sunday, March 30, 2025, by the organization’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

As Nigerian Muslims celebrate alongside millions across the globe marking the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan season, our warmest wishes go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

As Ramadan is thought to begin with forgiveness, flourish in the middle with blessings, and conclude with liberation, we urge an end to all forms of oppression against Nigerian Muslims.

We argue that Nigerian Muslims have faced continuous subjugation from the time of the British invasion of the Sokoto Caliphate through Sultan Attahiru’s final battle in 1903. Based on current circumstances, this domination may persist unless these individuals receive full civil rights, which should encompass, among other measures, recognizing the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday akin to how 1st January is observed annually.

We would like to highlight to the Federal Government that its role has significantly contributed to the ongoing oppression of Muslims in this nation due to its neglect in designating the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday, similar to how 1st January is observed annually.

We insist on equality. The Hijrah holiday is an integral part of our God-given basic human rights. It’s disappointing that only some states have recognized the Hijrah holiday, while the federal government remains indecisive. How can the federal government grant a national holiday for Christians on January 1st but fail to do so for the Islamic holiday of 1st Muharram in most regions? Shouldn’t fairness apply universally? Is Nigeria solely considered a Christian nation?

Nigerian Muslims feel they are being regarded as a subjugated populace. It seems reminiscent of events from 1903, which serve as a stark reminder of past conquests. They perceive themselves as being treated as inferior citizens.

We call for equality and fairness. January 1 holds the same significance as the first day of Muharram when promoting interfaith harmony. Now is the perfect moment to address this issue. Given that over eight states have acknowledged the importance of the first day of Muharram and designated it as a public holiday, this strengthens our argument even at the federal level. Consequently, there’s no logical reason for a Muslim-Muslim ticket to hold back from freeing Nigerian Muslims who have endured prolonged religious discrimination.

FG might grasp MURIC’s perspective once it recognizes the prolonged nature of the challenge they face. In earlier times within this nation, Muslims were unable to attend ‘Id (Salah) prayers since the colonial administration didn’t recognize it as a holiday. As a result, Muslims had no choice but to go to work or school instead of observing their holy day.

There was a period when Maulud Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary) was not acknowledged, while the celebration of Jesus’ (Peace Be Upon Him) birthday had been recognized since the 1914 consolidation. Is this fair?

We have consistently had to fight for liberty step by step. We fought individually first for Id al-Kabir, then for Id al-Fitr, and subsequently for Maulid! Even now, we continue to struggle for 1st Muharram. When will freedom come? When?

Even though the British Christian colonial authorities who stripped the ‘subjugated’ Muslim population of all their civic freedoms departed in 1960 and 1963, subsequent Nigerian administrations have not managed to liberate the Muslims.

“We have reached our limit. We refuse to live under subjugation. The present government needs to grant freedom to the Muslim community. We insist that the upcoming 1st Muharram, 1447—corresponding to Friday, June 27, 2025—be declared a nationwide public holiday.”

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“Don’t Let Gen Z Have It Their Way” – Murkomen

The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has advocated for increased regulation of the activities undertaken by youth within the nation.

On Sunday, Murkomen said that the youth should not be permitted to “act as they please.”

“They should allow Gen Z to speak freely; let them express themselves as they wish. Uncontrolled freedom can be perilous for our society and our children,” he stated.

Murkomen implored parents to lead their children onto righteous pathways, highlighting the crucial role of parental duty in molding young individuals.

Addressing the congregation during the church service and the 8th-anniversary celebrations of AIC Makueni, North Imenti in Meru County, the Cabinet Secretary spoke.

stated that young individuals ought not to be permitted to keep harassing leaders on social media platforms.

In January, President William Ruto similarly appealed to parents, encouraging them to teach their children strong moral principles.

He spoke as young people increasingly took part in online activism against the Kenya Kwanza government.

Ruto advocated for a comprehensive societal effort to oversee children and address what he referred to as “social problems and ethical deterioration.”

“We need to adopt a comprehensive societal strategy, ensuring that both governmental bodies and religious organizations play their roles,” he stated during the commissioning of the KMTC at the Kerio Valley campus.

Parents should be central figures, ensuring their children attend classes and guiding them to develop strong characters. This way, we can prevent them from being influenced by those who might lead them astray and produce individuals detrimental to our country.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has previously stressed the significance of young people possessing strong moral values and having positive role models within their communities.

“Some of our younger individuals possess remarkable gifts, talents, and inventive ideas, yet they resist being guided by others, believing they have mastered everything and everyone else has nothing valuable to teach,” he stated.

You cannot impart knowledge to those who believe they possess all answers, as this mindset is perilous. Regardless of your innate abilities or talents, accepting guidance from others is essential; there are no shortcuts. This is a fundamental aspect of existence recognized across various faiths, ideologies, and cultural traditions.

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OTIENDE: Is Natembeya a Puppet Politician Aiming to Fragment Western Kenya’s Vote?


Trans Nzoia Governor


Recently, George Natembeya has come to prominence in conversations surrounding the 2027 General Election.

Although he portrays himself as daring

and

an independent leader harboring national aspirations; however, upon closer examination of his political tactics, a distinct storyline emerges.

Governor

It seems Natembeya is not so much his own person but rather a pawn being maneuvered by various political powers.

,. His

The main objective seems to be disrupting the voting block in Western Kenya, which is a key support base for President William Ruto’s campaign to secure re-election.

Natembeya’s rapid ascent to nationwide recognition sparks curiosity, particularly considering he has only recently taken office as governor. His statements and deeds indicate someone more focused on national politics than on ensuring another term in Trans Nzoia. This is perplexing because politicians typically in his situation should concentrate on strengthening their support locally and fulfilling commitments made to voters. However, Natembeya appears to be aiming for a broader stage, which hints at outside interference instead of genuine personal aspirations.

The area in Western Kenya, which is the traditional homeland of the Luhya people, is an important voting zone that has traditionally had a significant impact on the outcomes of presidential elections. For Ruto, keeping cohesion within this region is essential for securing another term in office.

Nonetheless, Natembeya’s latest comments and behaviors indicate an intentional effort to create division and fragment the Western vote. By presenting himself as a Luhya figure capable of representing his community in negotiations, Natembeya is diminishing the authority of current leadership.

such as PCS

Musalia Mudavadi and

Speaker

Moses Wetang’ula.

This division advantages neither the Luhya community nor the area’s political unity; instead, it favors those aiming to undermine Ruto’s backing. Natembeya siding with certain individuals

for example, a deputy president who was impeached

Rigathi Gachagna continues to fuel doubts about his genuine intentions.

Gachauga’s open support for Natembeya, along with the governor’s recurrent criticism of the Ruto administration, indicates a possible strategic move to foster division within the Western Kenya political arena.

Although Natembeya insists he isn’t aligned with Gachagna or any other politicians, his deeds contradict his claims. His outspoken criticism of the administration, frequently presented before the President, goes beyond what one would expect from a governor primarily concerned with regional progress. This behavior suggests an intentional move to establish himself as a key opponent at the national level.

Furthermore, Natembeya’s assertion that the upcoming President must be a Luhya is an obvious strategy to mobilize his community’s support.

,

At the same time, this approach could antagonize other leaders. Although this story may resonate with certain individuals, it has the potential to split the Luhya votes and diminish the area’s influence in nationwide politics.

Natembeya positions himself as the representative of Western Kenya, not promoting cohesion but ensuring his personal political endurance. By criticizing Mudavadi and Wetang’ula—whom he claims support the current power structure—he aims to undermine their authority and generate an opening for his ascendancy into leadership.

Natembeya’s political approach is filled with inconsistencies. While he purports to advocate for the advancement of the Luhya community into positions of power, he simultaneously exhibits contradictory behaviors.

and

On the contrary, his actions appear to advantage outside entities aiming to disrupt the area.

His unexpected engagement in national politics, combined with his hesitation to work towards winning a second term as governor, indicates that he might be serving as a pawn for other political figures aiming to disrupt the voting in Western Kenya.

The political strategies employed by George Natembeya are primarily aimed at promoting the interests of individuals seeking to hinder President Ruto’s chances of re-election, rather than focusing on the welfare of Trans Nzoia residents or the Luhya community.

By presenting himself as a national leader and fostering division within the Western Kenya group, Natembeya is engaging in a perilous maneuver that might have significant implications for the area’s political landscape.

The residents of Western Kenya need to recognize this deception and call for leaders who focus on their needs rather than getting entangled in outside political maneuvers. Although Natembeya might profess to speak for the common folk, his deeds indicate that he is just a piece in a bigger political strategy.



Japheth K. Otiende





is

A Kenyan national living in Botswana





A and remarks about political matters


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Yunus’s Anti-Corruption Pledge Shattered by Allegations of Abuse and Privilege

Yunus’s Anti-Corruption Pledge Shattered by Allegations of Abuse and Privilege

Dhaka [
Bangladesh
As reported on March 30 by ANI, within just seven months of taking office,
Bangladesh
The Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, started failing to live up to his ambitious commitments to prioritize eradicating corruption.
corruption
This sparked significant doubts regarding his dedication to the anti-
corruption
cause.

In an article featured in Eurasia Review by Anjuman A Islam, following their assumption of power,
Bangladesh
On August 8, Muhammad Yousaf, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, pledged to eradicate corruption during his tenure as the acting head of the government.
corruption
His main focus. He stated that his objective was to reconstruct
Bangladesh
, focusing on curbing the misuse of state authority and introducing a new epoch of transparency. Regardless of his early declarations to the global audience, Yunus along with his
advisors
have faced allegations of adopting behaviors that go against the principles they pledged to support.

Anjuman pointed out that a recent report by a
Bangladesh
The newspaper disclosed multiple instances regarding Yunus’s.
advisors
has been utilizing several public-service vehicles for personal purposes, contravening regulations that permit just one vehicle per advisor. The improper use of funds designated for taxpayers has incited anger, particularly since this transgression follows Yunus’s pledges regarding openness and responsibility.

He went on to say, “Alarming indeed, every single one of them
advisors
and Yunus’ office attempted to dismiss this obvious misconduct
advisors
beneath the surface until the newspaper exposed the huge irregularities that Transparency International
Bangladesh
‘S Chapter Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman referred to it as a blatant violation of the spirit of the July-August revolution.’

This clear abuse of governmental authority by him
advisors
Has further undermined Yunus’s effort to depict the Awami League as the only source of
corruption
in the country.

In stark opposition to his anti-
corruption
Yunus has encountered criticism due to the quick endorsement of substantial business projects associated with him and his allies. Just two months after assuming office, his microfinance organization, Grameen Bank, was awarded a five-year tax break. Additionally, various enterprises tied to either Yunus or relatives were promptly approved by the administration, as noted by Anjuman in his piece.

One such approval reversed an earlier decision made by the High Court, relieving Yunus’s Grameen Kalyan entity of a significant tax liability amounting to BDT 666 crore. Furthermore, permission was granted for establishing a private university called Grameen University, which appeared to favor individuals close to Yunus.

At the same time, labor rights advocates, those against
corruption
Campaigners and legal experts have voiced worries about Yunus’s lack of comment on the swift dismissal of charges against employees from organizations he previously headed. The cases, initiated prior to August 5th, were quickly thrown out without any official clarification, adding more questions about the transparency within Yunus’s management, according to an article in the Eurasia Review.

What started as a bold reform initiative, fueled by pledges of change,
corruption
-free
Bangladesh
, now faces the danger of becoming a scandal-embroiled administration. (ANI)

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