NEWS
Renewed Hope Agriculture Support Programme to Carter for 200 Women in C’River
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
In an effort to strengthen agriculture and empower women and young farmers in the country, the renewed hope initiative, a pet project of the first lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has announced the commencement of the program in the cross river state.
In a press conference in Calabar yesterday, the press Secretary to the first lady of cross river, Faith Okon who read the brief on behalf of the Governor’s wife said the program in the state is ably Coordinated by the wife of the Governor, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu and that the program will Carter for 200 women in the state
She stated that the women agricultural support is to help women and farmers gain skills and support to impact their farming practices, improve food production and nutrition in cross river state adding that the program is in conformity with the recognition of President Tinubu’s administration on the pivotal role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency
“These four agriculture initiatives are holistically aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security across the nation”
“It provides each participant with an opportunity to expand their agricultural venture, while contributing to local and national food production”.
She stressed further that the program targeted at youths will teach young farmers better farming practices and skills, including areas like home economics and nutrition which aim is to encourage the production and consumption of nutritious foods and promote food nutrition security.
The statement maintained that the essence of the young farmers club is to revitalize school farming and introduce school students to farming as a way to inspire their interest in agriculture
According to her, “In implementing these initiatives, 30 schools distributed evenly across the three Senatorial Districts of the State will be empowered and provided with starter packs to help them start small farming projects that will empower their communities and the larger society”.
NEWS
Menstrual Hygiene: Stakeholders Seek Affordable Sanitary Products for Girls
A Non-Governmental Organisation, MAHCare Foundation, has called for increased awareness and support to address period poverty among women and girls in the country.
The President of the foundation, Maryam Musa, made the call during a “Walk for Her Dignity” awareness campaign in Kaduna on Saturday, organised to highlight challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary products.
Musa said the initiative was to educate the public on the dangers of period poverty and the health risks associated with the use of unhygienic menstrual materials.
She added that “period poverty is not something to be neglected, it is something to be tackled. Sanitary pads are so expensive that many women and girls now use unhygienic products that affect their health, education and daily activities.
”She explained that the awareness campaign would continue beyond the walk, adding that the organisation planned to distribute sanitary products to vulnerable groups and communities.
She noted that the foundation was also promoting the use of reusable sanitary pads to support girls who could not afford disposable products.
“We educate them on how to properly manage reusable pads because not everybody can afford disposable ones. We are also trying to correct misconceptions that sanitary products are against religion or culture”, she said
She added that women and girls should understand that using sanitary pads was important for their health and hygiene.
Sahura Maidoki, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said the campaign was necessary to educate communities on menstrual hygiene and end the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Maidoki stressed the need to involve men in menstrual hygiene education, noting that “some parents failed to educate their daughters on proper menstrual care.
“We also have issues with some men because they do not educate their children on the importance of taking care of themselves during menstruation.”
She explained that sensitisation talks would help people to understand the importance of providing sanitary pads for their daughters and wives and ensure that menstruation was not seen as a barrier for the girl-child.
A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) advocate, Doris Zakama, who spoke at the event said many girls, especially those in rural communities, lacked access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate education on menstrual health.
Zakama urged the government to subsidise menstrual hygiene products, make them affordable for girls and women struggling with rising cost of living.
NEWS
One Year into OPay’s N1.2 billion 10-year Scholarship Initiative, What’s Next?
Getting into a tertiary institution is only half the journey. Staying in school, paying fees on time, and having the right support system can be the bigger challenge. Over the past year,
OPay has stepped into that gap, not just as a fintech company, but as a partner in the ambition and aspirations of thousands of students.
Through its long-term scholarship initiative, OPay has committed N1.
2 billion over 10 years to support outstanding and indigent students across more than 20 partner tertiary institutions nationwide. What began as tuition support has grown into something more profound, a structured investment in young people who have the capacity but need financial backing to stay focused on their studies.In campuses from Ife to Zaria and Calabar, OPay scholarship beneficiaries have shared stories of relief and renewed confidence. For many, the scholarship meant their parents no longer had to borrow money for school fees. For others, it meant more time in the library and less time worrying about part-time work. In a country where education remains one of the strongest ladders to upward mobility, this kind of support goes beyond money; it restores dignity and hope.
But OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey is not stopping at the scholarship initiative.
Building on the strong foundation already laid, OPay is launching OPay Scholars, a bold expansion that moves from financial support to full career development. The 2026 edition will introduce OPay Futures and a National Innovation Challenge, where students can propose practical solutions to real-world problems. It will also feature a focused webinar session and a bootcamp led by industry experts, providing scholars with direct access to knowledge in technology, entrepreneurship, and career growth.
Most notably, the 2026 edition will create a structured career development pathway, culminating in a grand finale of OPay’s second annual Empowering Futures Conference.
This platform will not only celebrate academic excellence but also spotlight creativity, leadership, and innovation among Nigerian students.
At a time when many young Nigerians are asking, “What next after school?”, OPay is helping to answer that question. By combining financial aid with mentorship, exposure and opportunities for innovation, the company is positioning education as both a safety net and a springboard.
OPay’s impact over the past year proves one thing clearly: when businesses invest consistently in people, communities grow stronger. And in 2026, OPay Scholars is set to support ambitions and actively shape the future, one student, one idea, and one opportunity at a time.
NEWS
Benue Not Owing Workers’ Salary – Odey
By Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue State government has debunked reports in some sections of the media including DAILY ASSET NEWSPAPER over alleged owing of Workers’ Salary.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Odey who refuted the media claims on Sunday in Makurdi said the state government was only carrying out workers verification exercise, which according to him, they will be paid accordingly after the conclusion of the exercise.
Odey, who said the state government remains committed to the welfare of workers, urged media organizations to always verify the sources of their information before going public.


