The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a decline in Nigeria’s unemployment rate to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting improved labour market conditions.

The latest figures, released on Monday, show a decrease from 5.3% recorded in Q1 2024 and 5.0% in Q3 2023, signalling gradual recovery.

The Labour Force Participation Rate rose to 79.5% in Q2 2024 from 77.3% in the previous quarter, indicating increased workforce engagement. The employment-to-population ratio also improved significantly, climbing to 76.1% from 73.2% in Q1 2024.

The report highlights the dominance of self-employment, which accounted for 85.6% of total employment, up from 84% in the previous quarter. Informal employment also rose slightly to 93.0%, underscoring the economy’s reliance on informal jobs.

Urban unemployment dropped to 5.2% from 6.0% in Q1, while rural unemployment stood at 2.8%, down from 4.3%. This disparity reflects the role of agriculture and informal activities in rural employment compared to urban areas’ dependence on formal jobs.

The youth unemployment rate (ages 15–24) decreased significantly to 6.5%, compared to 8.4% in Q1 2024. However, gender disparities persist, with female unemployment at 5.1% compared to 3.4% for males.

“The unemployment rate is defined as the share of the labor force not employed but actively searching for and available for work,” the report stated, stressing the need for targeted, inclusive policies to address employment gaps.

Time-related underemployment, which measures workers seeking additional hours, also declined to 9.2% in Q2 2024 from 10.6% in Q1. Labour underutilisation metrics showed improvement, with LU2 (unemployment and time-related underemployment) dropping to 13.0% from 15.3% in the previous quarter. LU3 and LU4 metrics, including potential labor force participation, fell to 5.9% and 14.5%, respectively.

The data underscores ongoing efforts to improve labor market conditions and highlights the need for sustained focus on job creation and inclusivity.

The AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is excited about the honour bestowed on Nigeria’s World record holder in the women’s 100 meters hurdle event Tobi Amusan by University of Texas, El Paso in America.

The AFN said, the honour will encourage other young and talented athIetes to go for glory and do more in their various disciplines.

The President of the Federation Chief Tonobok Okowa, said, Tobi Amusan is a role model that a lot of young athIetes, male and female look up to and honouring her is the icing on the cake.

“We are really, really elated that the University of Texas, El Paso in America is bestoring such honour on Tobi Amusan, she is a beacon and her light will continue to radiate beyond the shores of Africa and the track,” Okowa stated.

The Nigerian track and field sensation added another feather to her cap, as she was inducted into the University of Texas El Paso’s (UTEP) Hall of Fame.

Okowa who is the President of the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II further emphasized that, “This esteemed honour is a very strong signal and indications to Amusan’s outstanding achievements on and off the race tracks.”

She became the first Nigerian to win a World Athletics Championship gold medal in Oregon USA, a feat that has engraved her status as one of the greatest athletes in Nigerian and World history.

Besides this, Amusan has set multiple records in the 100m hurdles, including the current world record, which is a testament to her exceptional commitment, speed, agility, determination and endurance.

A three-time Olympian, Amusan has won numerous African and Commonwealth Games titles, demonstrating her dominance in regional and international Championships.

Amusan, an alumna of UTEP, joined the institution’s 2024 Hall of Fame class, becoming the youngest-ever female athlete from UTEP to achieve this feat.

AMUSAN’S IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE

★ Competed for the Miners for two seasons – 2016-17
★ She captured the national title in the 100-meter hurdles (12.57) at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships
★ She was a three-time All-American, finishing runner-up in the event at the NCAAs in 2016
★ Amusan was also a five-time Conference USA champion
★ She holds the school record in the indoor 60-meter hurdles (7.98) and the 100-meter hurdles outdoors (12.57)

“Her induction is a remarkable milestone in Amusan’s illustrious career, which has been marked by numerous records, accolades, and pioneering achievements.”

Tobi Amusan a multiple double degree holder from UTEP, has consistently demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and athletic prowess.

As she is making headway in her academic career, Amusan’s impressive athletic career has also been highlighted by several notable achievements.

AFTER SHE WAS HONOURED

“I humbly introduce to you the youngest Female Miner to be inducted into UTEP’s Hall Of Fame Class of 2024 ✨
3 Semesters as a Miner & the rest is…GREAT IS GOD’S FAITHFULNESS. 🙏🏾” Amusan wrote on her X Page on Sunday.

The AFN President, stressed that, there are many young and talented athIetes all over Nigeria who are ready, willing and determined to make Nigeria proud. All they need is support, encouragement and the right atmosphere to thrive.

“I’m very confident that with adequate funding and right policies the new look National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olawale Olopade, AFN shall produce more ‘Tobi Amusan’ in the future,” Chief Okowa the former Boss of Delta State Sports Commission added.

The Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Dr. Mustafa Sugungun, has announced that the ongoing Quick Fix Project for the Kaduna Refinery is on track to be completed by the end of 2024.

This ambitious project is part of a $741 million contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction, aimed at revitalizing the refinery.

Under the terms of the contract, Daewoo will restore the 110,000-barrel-per-day refinery to at least 60% of its operational capacity by the project’s conclusion.

Speaking at the commissioning of two Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives—the renovated Rido Community Primary School and a solar-powered borehole in Maraban Rido, Kaduna State—Dr. Sugungun reaffirmed KRPC’s commitment to uplifting the living standards of its host communities.Represented by the Manager of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ajiboye, Dr. Sugungun highlighted the broader economic implications of the Quick Fix Project.

According to him, once completed, the project will not only revitalize refinery operations but also generate significant economic benefits, including job creation, enhanced petty trading, and the growth of local businesses in the region.

The CSR initiatives commissioned alongside this announcement reflect KRPC’s dedication to sustainable community development.

The renovation of Rido Community Primary School is designed to provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers, while the solar-powered borehole addresses the critical issue of water scarcity in the community.

Dr. Sugungun emphasized KRPC’s broader efforts toward sustainable development through programs such as youth empowerment, rural electrification, periodic medical outreach, and other community-centered initiatives.

He also called on the Rido community to support the ongoing Quick Fix Project, emphasizing that its success would further strengthen the bond between KRPC and its host communities.

In her remarks, the Head Teacher of Rido Primary School, Mrs. Rachael Aduwak, expressed gratitude for the company’s intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the school.

However, she appealed to KRPC for additional support, including the construction of a perimeter fence and the provision of classroom furniture such as tables, chairs, and chalkboards.

She lamented that many students are currently forced to sit on bare floors during lessons, which undermines their learning experience.

The dual focus on large-scale infrastructure development and grassroots community support underscores KRPC’s commitment to driving positive change at both economic and social levels in Kaduna State.

Some Muslim scholars under the umbrella of the League of Islamic Leaders in Mushin, Lagos, have launched an initiative called the Market of Convenience (MFC) to sell foodstuffs and essential commodities at reduced prices.

This innovative approach aims to alleviate the economic challenges facing residents of Lagos, especially within the Muslim community.

The establishment of the MFC was highlighted during a one-day sensitization programme held on Sunday in Lagos.

The event emphasized the importance of affordable food markets and encouraged Muslims to embrace this initiative. The Convener and Chairman of the MFC, Alhaji Musoddiq Sanni, underscored the market’s role as a practical solution to the escalating cost of living and a demonstration of the community’s commitment to easing economic hardships.

Sanni explained that the Muslim community introduced the MFC as a strategic response to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“This market serves as an alternative where residents can shop for essential food items at affordable prices,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the MFC would significantly reduce the financial burden on Lagos residents, aligning with the Islamic principles of justice and fairness in commerce. “Allah has commanded us in the Qur’an to maintain justice and fairness during business transactions,” he added.

The chairman also advocated for the expansion of the initiative, urging Muslim leaders in Ikeja and other parts of Lagos to establish branches of the market.

By doing so, he noted, more communities could benefit from affordable food items, further strengthening efforts to combat economic hardship.

Sanni also emphasized the importance of cooperative societies in ensuring the sustainability of the market.

To ensure compliance with Islamic laws, the League of Islamic Leaders plans to develop a blueprint for the market’s operation in conformity with Sharia principles.

He revealed that the MFC has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, demonstrating the seriousness of the initiative.Alhaji Sulaimon Olanijo, Chairman of the League of Islamic Leaders in Mushin, called on other Muslim groups to support the MFC initiative.

He emphasized that such markets would not only reduce the economic difficulties faced by Muslims but also contribute to the Federal Government’s agenda on food security.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Council of Imams, Ikeja Division, Alhaji Abdul-Rahmon Abdul-Azeez, praised the initiative, stating that it was a timely intervention.

He acknowledged the rising cost of foodstuffs and expressed confidence that the MFC could significantly mitigate the financial struggles of Nigerians.

With cooperation from Muslim leaders and other stakeholders, the MFC could potentially be replicated across various communities, promoting economic fairness and reducing hardship nationwide.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that an attempt to embrace smoking as a young man could have led him down a destructive path, stating, “I could have become addicted.”

Obasanjo made the disclosure on Sunday during the Fly Above The High anti-drug campaign conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo, who admitted he once attempted smoking, claimed that his inability to tolerate it saved him from a path of potential addiction.

“If I had persisted, I could have become addicted. Once you get involved, it is difficult to get out,” Obasanjo said.

The former president also spoke on the troubling rise of drug abuse in West Africa, a problem he said he encountered firsthand as Chairman of the West African Drug Commission under the Kofi Annan Foundation.

Obasanjo stated that members of the commission crisscrossed West Africa with the belief that the region was free from drugs, which he said came mainly from Latin America and go to North America and Europe.

“But to our dismay, displeasure, and pain, at the end of the exercise, we found out that West Africa has equally been a centre for drug consumption in a very bad way,” he added.

“That was more than 10 years ago, so the situation has since gone worse. And whatever applies to West Africa applies to all other parts of Africa.”

The former president, however, warned Nigerian youths to steer clear of psychoactive drugs, adding that “There’s nothing drug can do for you except destruction.”

He also urged those already addicted to psychoactive drugs to seek help and warned the society against stigmatisation.

In 2023, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency reported that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug abuse.

The agency said 14.3 million Nigerian drug abusers are within the age range of 15 and 64 years, adding that more women are now involved.

Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.

US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.

Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.

While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.

Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.

All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.

SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)

Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)