News

Nzem Berom 2023: Rev. Fr. Mancha Calls for an end to political division and embraces peace for growth and development

Published

4 years ago

May 12, 2023

In a heartfelt address, Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha, a respected figure in the Berom community, has extended his congratulations to the Berom people on the occasion of the 2023 Nzem Berom celebration. The revered clergyman used the opportunity to call for unity, peace, progress, and growth in the region.

The Nzem Berom festival, a significant feast that unites the Berom community, is marking the 2023 edition with a lineup of various activities from the 5th to 13th of May 2023 with the grand festival expected to take center stage on Friday 12th May at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium.

Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha has expressed gratitude to God for bringing the Berom people together and emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of oneness. Also warmly welcoming the traditional rulers, paying tribute to their historical lineage and especially acknowledging Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, who currently occupies the esteemed position of the Chairman of Plateau State Traditional Council. The revered clergyman prayed for the continuous blessings of God and their ancestors upon the royal majesty throughout his reign.

Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha also expressed his appreciation to the village ward heads, referring to them as venerable and amiable elders of the Berom Land. He commended their commitment to the community and extended his well wishes for their well-being.

However, amidst the celebration, Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha raised concerns about the disintegration of the unifying adage “WUROM ASE WUROM” in the Berom Land. The clergyman, who conducted extensive research on the subject, discovered a growing sense of disunity fueled by political interests.

Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha noted that the just-concluded elections exposed a division within the Berom community. Certain stakeholders aligned themselves with political parties, resorting to propaganda and promoting discord instead of focusing on the progress and growth of the Berom Land. This division, according to the clergyman, neglected the heroic virtues of the late Micheal Botmang and undermined the unity and harmony of the community.

Addressing the royal majesty, traditional rulers, venerable elders, and village ward heads, Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha emphasized the urgent need to set aside political interests and work towards the betterment of the Berom Land. He called for support and unity irrespective of cultural or political affiliations, stating that the Berom Land’s welfare should always supersede individual political opinions.

The clergyman urged the community to prioritize the peace and prosperity of Plateau State, as it directly contributes to the overall development of the Berom Land. He stressed the importance of combating political misinformation and managing the adage “WUROM ASE WUROM” carefully.

Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha celebrated recent progress in the Berom Land, specifically the elevation of Za’ang to a district level. However, he expressed concern that some individuals intentionally overlooked this historic event, further highlighting the need for unity and inclusivity.

In his closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha called upon the respected figure of the Berom Land, Sen. David Jonah Jang, to set aside egoistic and divisive politics that hinder the community’s unity. He urged an end to interdenominational conflicts and the divisive notion of religious superiority, emphasizing that peace and unity are paramount for attracting investments and fostering job opportunities.

Rev. Fr. Clement Mancha concluded by urging the Berom community to apologize for past wrongs, unite under the principles of justice, integrity, peace, and love, and work towards a new Berom Land where progress and unity thrive.

Business

AIICO Renovates UNILAG Senior Staff Club Squash Court to Boost Wellness

Published

10 minutes ago

November 11, 2026

PlateauReports

Members of the squash section of the Unilag Senior Staff Club, left – right: Jude Iloenyosi, Sodi Pepple, Clement Okemini, Bayo Adeokun, Leye Apampa, Prof. Duro Oni, Gbenga Ilori, Wale Taiwo, Reggie George and Sola Abudu.

BY NKECHI NAECHE -ESEZOBOR—AIICO Insurance Plc has reinforced its commitment to promoting healthy living and community development with the renovation of the squash court at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.

The renovated facility was officially unveiled on November 8, 2026, restoring an important recreational space for members of the Squash Section of the UNILAG Senior Staff Club.

The facility was formally handed over by Gbenga Ilori, Executive Director, AIICO Insurance Plc, to the Squash Section, led by its Chairman, Misan Eresanara.

While primarily serving members of the university’s senior staff community, the facility may also be made available for approved student and athletic competitions, extending its value beyond the club and supporting the university’s broader sporting community.

The renovation involved structural repairs, restoration of the playing surface, improved lighting and the installation of modern fittings. These improvements have restored the court to a safe, functional and welcoming space where members can stay active, enjoy recreational activities and build meaningful social connections.

For members of the Senior Staff Club, the squash court represents more than just a place to play. It is a space to unwind, connect with colleagues, nurture friendships and maintain an active lifestyle. Its restoration therefore goes beyond upgrading a sporting facility; it is about preserving a valued part of the university community and making it more accessible for continued use.

Speaking at the unveiling, Ilori said: “At AIICO, we believe that creating lasting value is about more than what we do as a business. It is also about the positive difference we can make in people’s lives and the communities around us. We are delighted to support the restoration of this facility, providing a renewed space that encourages healthy living, strengthens relationships and contributes to the overall well-being of the university community.”

Also speaking at the event, Misan Eresanara, Chairman of the Squash Section of the UNILAG Senior Staff Club, expressed appreciation for AIICO’s intervention.

“We sincerely appreciate AIICO Insurance for this thoughtful intervention. The squash court has been an important part of our community, providing members with a place to exercise, relax and connect with one another. Its renovation means that we can continue to enjoy this valuable facility in a better environment. We are also pleased about the opportunity it presents to support approved sporting competitions involving students and other athletes. This is a welcome contribution to the university’s sporting and wellness culture.”

The project reflects the company’s belief that meaningful community development is often achieved through practical interventions that improve people’s everyday lives. By restoring the squash court, the company has helped renew a shared space that promotes fitness, social interaction and a stronger sense of community within one of Nigeria’s leading universities.

About AIICO Insurance Plc

AIICO Insurance Plc is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, providing life insurance, general insurance, health management and asset management services. Founded in 1963, AIICO remains committed to helping individuals and businesses secure their future while supporting initiatives that promote the well-being and development of communities across Nigeria.

The post AIICO Renovates UNILAG Senior Staff Club Squash Court to Boost Wellness appeared first on Business Today NG.

News

NiYA: Nigeria Awards ₦49m grants to 17 young entrepreneurs – Technology Times

Published

16 minutes ago

November 11, 2026

PlateauReports

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), has awarded ₦49 million in grants to 17 young Nigerian entrepreneurs, alongside one year of complimentary access to enterprise management software to support the digitalisation and growth of their businesses.

The grants were presented at the Final Pitch Day and Grant Award Ceremony of the NiYA × Cascador Founders Programme, held at the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja.

Eight top-performing founders received ₦5 million each, while nine other entrepreneurs were awarded ₦1 million each to support their business operations, according to a statement by the organisers.

Beyond the financial support, all 17 beneficiaries will receive one year of complimentary access to SMECore, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform developed by Sapphital, the programme’s implementing partner.

The software provides digital tools for financial management and accounting, sales, customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, human resources and business performance reporting.

The platform is expected to help the entrepreneurs digitise essential business processes, maintain financial records, monitor operational performance and make informed decisions as their businesses expand.

Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, said the Federal Government remained committed to supporting the participating entrepreneurs beyond the grant award.

“To every founder in this room: today is not the finish line; the Ministry’s door remains open, and your journey with NiYA continues,” he said.

Olawande said the programme was launched in August 2026 to connect young Nigerians with skills, enterprise development opportunities and access to finance.

He said 20 founders were selected through a rigorous process and participated in four weeks of intensive training covering business fundamentals, investment readiness, financial management and pitch preparation.

According to Sapphital, SMECore is designed to provide small and growing businesses with an integrated system for managing operations, including payroll, invoicing, inventory, customer records and financial reporting.

“Through SMECore, the founders will have access to digital tools for financial management and accounting, sales and customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, human resources, business performance reporting and executive dashboards,” the company said.

The training also featured sessions facilitated by government institutions, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank).

Eight startups receive ₦5m each

The eight startups that received ₦5 million each are SewPRO, Biuda, Sparklean Station, Backel Food Services, Shellify, Rèkool Access Technology, Agrosavvy Consult and Craft Planet.

The other nine beneficiaries, who received ₦1 million each, are Eeshas Cake and Foods, Zannytecture Recycling, ParaLearn, Drych Digital, Sol-Uniq Green Resources, Bidvans, UpSmart Energies, Agro-Chill Solutions and TrashGo.

NiYA, a youth development initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, was officially launched on March 24, 2025, to provide young Nigerians with access to digital learning, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support and mentorship.

According to the academy, its broader target is to empower and train seven million young Nigerians within two years while supporting the creation of five million jobs within three years.