The Minister of Education, Doctor Tunji Alausa, has announced the Federal Government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway for youth empowerment and job creation.

Doctor Alausa made this statement during a visit to selected TVET partner centers in Abuja, revealing that over one point three million applications were received within ten days of the program’s launch.

The inspection team visited partner centers where trainees are acquiring hands-on skills in various fields, including fashion design, baking, hospitality, livestock management, and crop production.

Doctor Alausa stated that renewed investment in technical and vocational education has contributed to reducing the unemployment rate to eighteen-point-five percent.

Nigeria’s women’s national rugby league team, the Green Falcons, marked their first-ever appearance at the Women’s Rugby League World Series with a commanding 10-0 victory over Ireland in the semi-final clash held in Canada.

The Falcons announced their arrival on the global stage in as Fedelia Omoghan opened the scoring with Nigeria’s first try of the tournament, igniting celebrations among fans and supporters worldwide.

With this incredible debut, Nigeria has now booked a spot in the grand final, where they will face the Fiji Women’s Rugby League Team in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term, vowing to build on nearly a decade and a half of consistent growth.

The election puts Ouattara against two former government ministers as well as the ex-wife and former spokesperson for his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo.

Ouattara is the only candidate with the backing of a strong political party, making him the clear favourite.

Two more prominent challengers, Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running.

Meanwhile, the Oyo statement has denied reports of taxing the populace for social activities such as burial, naming ceremonies, and weddings.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stating that the allegation is false and released for the sole purpose of maligning the government.

According to him, any official Table of this nature will have the Revenue Code for payment of any tax or Levy and must statutorily have the signature of the Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Board.

In a separate interview with Dominion News, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Doctor Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed that the allegation was false.

The strength of the opposition has always been crucial for sustaining democracy in Nigeria. However, there are growing concerns that opposition parties are losing relevance, grappling with internal crises, and experiencing significant defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Analysts note that recent defections represent some of the most significant shifts in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, with numerous political figures abandoning their parties for the APC. This trend highlights deep fractures and weak structures within the opposition.

Observers believe that the lack of unity and a common strategy among opposition parties has allowed the ruling party to flourish. As the 2027 elections approach, many are questioning whether opposition politics is nearing its end in Nigeria.