Mon. May 25th, 2026

ALMAJIRI

News Learning & Get Jobs

hl

Providus Bank Sme Program 5th Cohort

By9jabook

May 11, 2025
Spread the love

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Providus Bank in partnership with Enterprise Development Centre has created the Providus Bank SME Program to build the capacity of business owners in Nigeria and provide them with the skills and competencies for the development of long-term strategic plans to transform their businesses and drive profitability.

Program Benefits

This program is designed to help businesses achieve the following:

  • Develop a growth plan for their businesses.
  • Develop the leadership capacity of the participants to effectively lead their teams.
  • Clearly define the value proposition of your business.
  • Implement structures that ensure long-term sustainability.
  • Develop a ‘go-to-market’ strategy for your products and services.
  • Interact with like-minded entrepreneurs which enables sharing ideas and industry best practices.
  • Establish a network of contacts for business and personal development.

How to apply

Step 1 – To be Eligible for the program, the applicant must be:

  • Business Owner must be a citizen or legal resident of Nigeria.
  • The Business must be based and registered with the CAC in Nigeria.
  • The Business must be for – profit from any sector.
  • Applicant must be available to commit to the training schedule once accepted
  • Operated for at least 5 years
  •        Monthly average sales/turnover of at least ₦15 million.
  •        Annual sales/turnover of at least ₦180 million (You will be required to present documents for validation).
  • Keep Financial Records

Step 2 – Register

Click on Apply now at the button of the page to start your application.

Step 3 – Complete Application

Once you have successfully registered, log in and start the application. To return to your application, click the “Save And Continue” button (at the bottom of any stage) and come back to it at any time. Once you are done with your application, click on the “Submit” button at the end of the form to send it to us. You can submit only ONE application.

Step 4 – Keep Informed

Constantly check the PROVIDUSBANK SME Program ‘News and Update’ tab for regular updates.

News and Information

News and Update

 Application starts: January 17, 2025

Applications Dealine: February 10, 2025

APPLY HERE 

For more information contact 
providusbanksmeprogram@pau.edu.ng

The post Providus Bank Sme Program 5th Cohort appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng Hausa Music Blog, Entertainment ,News and Gossips .

By 9jabook

Related Post

hl

Future Leaders Fellowship 2026: A Transformative Opportunity for Africa’s Emerging Air Quality Researchers ($1,800 Grant )

May 25, 2026 9jabook
hl

Officer, Country HR and Admin at International Medical Corps

May 25, 2026 9jabook
hl

Manager, Core Group Partners Project (CGPP) – Health at International Medical Corps

May 25, 2026 9jabook

You missed

hl

Future Leaders Fellowship 2026: A Transformative Opportunity for Africa’s Emerging Air Quality Researchers ($1,800 Grant )

May 25, 2026 9jabook
hl

Officer, Country HR and Admin at International Medical Corps

May 25, 2026 9jabook
hl

Manager, Core Group Partners Project (CGPP) – Health at International Medical Corps

May 25, 2026 9jabook
swordpress

From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.

May 25, 2026 abi