FG Launches National Job Centre Project to Tackle Unemployment, Boost Decent Work Opportunities

The Federal Government has unveiled the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to combat unemployment and promote dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced the initiative during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos yesterday. According to her, the project is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at connecting trained Nigerians to real job opportunities while strengthening the country’s labour market infrastructure. “The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system,” Onyejeocha said. She explained that the centres form part of a national labour framework intended to empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage. The minister also introduced the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) — a flagship initiative of the Ministry focused on improving youth employability and bridging the gap between training and employment. “Our goal is not just to create jobs but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,” she added. Onyejeocha praised the Mastercard Foundation for its continued collaboration with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which has supported job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development for thousands of young Nigerians over the past six years. She noted that the Foundation’s approach aligns with the government’s effort to turn skills into sustainable employment, emphasizing the need for partnerships between the public and private sectors, development partners, and civil society. “Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,” she said. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, Onyejeocha assured that the Ministry will continue to advance policies that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability. “The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” she concluded.  

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Eedris’ Song: Tinubu Gets 48 hours Ultimatum to Reverse Ban

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has handed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) 48 hours ultimatum to reverse the ban on the single track of Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareeem. The National Broadcasting Commission had on April 9 issued a memo declaring that the track ‘Tell Your Papa’ not to be aired on all television and radio stations in the country. The Commission cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code for its action, saying the track content is deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms. In a post on Twitter now X, SERAP, however, has threatened to institute a court process should the Commission refuse to reverse the ban after 48 hours. “The Tinubu administration must immediately reverse the unlawful ban by the National Broadcasting Commission stopping Nigerian radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single. “We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours,” SERAP stated.

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Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’ Banned from Radio, TV

The National Broadcasting Commission has barred Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the trending song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, citing its “objectionable nature.” In a memo dated April 9, 2025 and issued by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission declared the track Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This section prohibits content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency from being aired on Nigerian broadcast platforms. According to the NBC, while the song has gained momentum across social media platforms, its lyrical content fails to meet the standards of responsible broadcasting. The statement titled, “Restriction on boradcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,’ read, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature. ” It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. “The commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards. “Your cooperation and commitment to upholding greatly appreciated. Thank you, Susan Obi -Coordinating Director, Broadcast Monitoring.” The controversial song, released earlier this week, targets Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to confront his father over the worsening socio-economic conditions in Nigeria. In the track titled “Tell Your Papa,” which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Abdulkareem delivered a blunt message, painting a grim picture of the hardships facing everyday Nigerians. The song comes in response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent comments in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.” In the hard-hitting lyrics, Abdulkareem raps, “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.” “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians. “Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”

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