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By Gloria Ikibah

The South East Development Commission has moved 210 startups into the next phase of its venture capital programme, marking a major step in its push to boost innovation and enterprise across the region.

The shortlist emerged from a pool of more than 1,200 applications submitted by entrepreneurs from across the South East, reflecting growing interest in technology-driven business solutions.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Finance and Chairman of the programme, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, the selected group includes 128 startups placed in the Incubator Track and 82 in the Accelerator Track, each targeting different stages of business development.

He said the selection followed a rigorous and structured screening process designed to ensure only the most viable and scalable ideas progressed.

The Commission described the outcome as a significant milestone in its broader strategy to nurture innovation, support emerging businesses and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

It also pointed to the strong quality and volume of applications as evidence of a rising wave of enterprise, particularly in sectors driven by technology and innovation.

Strict evaluation benchmarks were applied throughout the process, with emphasis placed on transparency, credibility and maintaining high standards as the programme advances.

The statement read:“The  evaluation  process  was  designed  to  ensure  fairness,  consistency,  and  alignment  with  the objectives of the program. Applications were first screened for eligibility, including demonstrable ties to the South East, the presence of a meaningful technology component, and full compliance with submission requirements.

“Eligible startups were then assessed across key criteria such as problem–solution  fit,  execution,  market  opportunity,  and  technology.  For  more   advanced ventures, traction and revenue were critical considerations, while early-stage startups were evaluated based on validation and evidence of emerging demand.”

The Commission said the startups that made it to the next stage showed strong potential for growth and scalability.

“The startups advancing to this stage have demonstrated clarity of thought, tangible progress, and credible potential for scale. They now proceed to the next phase of the competition, which will involve a video pitch assessment designed to provide deeper insight into founder capability, strategic thinking, and execution readiness”, it added.

The Commission further announced that the competition will climax in May with a grand finale and investment ceremony.

“The competition will culminate in a Grand Finale scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, where top- performing  startups  will  present  their  ventures  before  a  live  audience  of  investors,  operators, policymakers, and other key stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.

“This will be followed by an Investment Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, where selected startups will receive funding and enter the next phase of structured support under the SEVCP.

“The  South  East  Development  Commission  remains  committed  to  building  a  strong  pipeline  of investable ventures,  strengthening  the regional  innovation  ecosystem,  and  creating pathways  for startups to scale sustainably.

“We extend our appreciation to all founders who applied and to our ecosystem partners, Genesys Tech Hub, Startup South, and The Garage, for their role in supporting a credible and high-quality evaluation process. The work continues,” it stated.

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Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved full educational scholarships for the three children of late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, who died in active service to Nigeria.

The Edo State Government said the scholarship would cover the children’s education from their current levels through to university, in a move aimed at supporting the family of the fallen officer, who was an indigene of Edo State, and recognising his sacrifice.

The beneficiaries are aged between 12 and 18.

Speaking on the development, the governor described the gesture as both a moral obligation and a demonstration of responsible governance.

“Brigadier General Braimah paid the ultimate price in service to this country.

” It is only right that we stand by the family he left behind and ensure his children have uninterrupted access to education,” Okpebholo said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, on Thursday, read.

The governor noted that the late officer’s death represented a profound sacrifice in the line of duty, adding that the state would remain committed to supporting his family.

He further stated that the initiative aligned with the administration’s broader commitment to honouring fallen military personnel and ensuring their families were not left without support.

“No child of an Edo hero should be denied the opportunity to succeed. This is about responsibility, honour, and a deliberate investment in the future,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo said the scholarship initiative is in line with the education pillar of his administration’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises human capital development, social welfare, and inclusive governance.

The Edo State Government also called on other state governments and private sector stakeholders to adopt similar measures by providing structured support—especially in education—to families of military personnel who die in the line of duty.

Braimah, described by the governor as a symbol of discipline, courage, and patriotism, died in the course of active military operations in Borno State.

He was one of the soldiers killed on April 9 when suspected Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province members carried out coordinated attacks on military formations in Benisheikh, along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway.

He was buried with full military honours at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Braimah’s death drew tributes from President Bola Tinubu, military authorities, and government officials, who described him as a dedicated officer committed to national security and peacekeeping efforts.

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.. vows to Deliver Abuja Roads by May

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as a serial election contestant and loser, who will still contest in 2031.

The Minister was responding to comments by Atiku that the current administration has not done anything positive for Nigerians.

Wike, who spoke during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects in Abuja, said Nigerians would dismiss such criticisms, insisting that visible developments across the FCT tell a different story.

“Atiku is a serial failure. He is a serial contestant and loser and I am sure that in 2031, he will still contest. Nigerians would be laughing at such a person making that kind of statement that nothing positive has been done,” he said.

In a no-holds-barred response, the minister challenged Atiku to compare the state of Abuja during his time in office with what is obtainable today.

“Let him compare FCT now and when he was Vice President. Can he honestly say what we have now is the same as then?” Wike queried.

He maintained that the administration would not be distracted by political attacks, stressing that governance must continue regardless of the election season.

“The election will come, but people must work. Contractors are not part of the election,” he declared.

Amid the political fireworks, Wike assured residents that key road projects linking satellite towns would be delivered on schedule, boosting connectivity and easing pressure on the city centre.

He revealed that the Airport–Kuje road project is nearing completion, with one part of the bridge set to be opened for use next week.

“From Airport Junction to Kuje, one part of the bridge is almost completed. Before the end of May, the entire job will be handed over,” he said.

On the Kuje–Gwagwalada road, the minister said the first phase of the dualisation project, spanning about seven kilometres, would also be completed before the end of May.

“I am happy with the progress, we are satisfied with the quality of jobs being delivered,” he added.

Wike noted that the ongoing projects would transform Kuje into a major hub, attracting residents and investors, and reducing congestion in Abuja city.

“Very soon, Kuje will no longer be a satellite town. People will move there, build houses, and the pressure on the city will reduce,” he said.

The minister also dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the FCT Administration attempted to frustrate its convention by targeting the Rainbow Event Centre.

“I don’t even know where that place is, there was no interference from anybody. These people should just stop looking for sympathy,” he said.

He challenged the party to produce evidence of any correspondence with the office concerned with themanagement of theEagleSquare, insisting that due process was not followed.

Wike further assured that ongoing projects would not be slowed down by political activities, revealing that over 80 per cent of planned works would be completed before January.

“Our focus is clear deliver projects, improve lives, and keep Abuja moving,” he said.

The inspection tour is part of efforts by the FCT Administration to ensure contractors meet deadlines and deliver quality infrastructure across the territory.