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  • Lagos trade fair testament to power of partnerships – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos trade fair testament to power of partnerships – Sanwo-Olu

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) is a testament to the power of partnerships in advancing economic prospects of large corporations and small businesses.

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said this at the opening of the 38th LITF by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the yearly event with the theme: “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” is a 10-day event.

    It is taking place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, in today’s world where connectivity is the backbone of growth, the fair is an opportunity for collaborations that will fuel innovations.

    He added that such innovations would have value for businesses.

    He said that Lagos, as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and West Africa, was committed to playing a unique role in fostering connections among businesses of all sizes.

    According to him, all businesses whether homegrown startups, established multinationals or local artisans working to scale their enterprises, are welcome to the state.

    “Our mission is to position Lagos as a regional hub and a thriving global marketplace – one that harnesses the energy, resilience and ingenuity of its people to drive forward economic prosperity and sustainable development.

    “Our vision is to elevate Lagos as a global economic hub, where businesses from every corner of the world feel welcome and empowered as we believe that an interconnected Lagos is a prosperous Lagos.

    “This goal is why we are committed to enhancing our infrastructure, improving our business environment and ensuring that Lagos remains a safe, welcoming and efficient place to do business,” he said.

    The governor noted that the state in recent years embarked on projects aimed at improving infrastructure, transport systems and digital connectivity.

    Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos had made significant strides through digital transformation, simplification of regulatory processes, and various incentives for entrepreneurs in improving ease of doing business.

    He said that Lagos was also determined to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and tech-driven growth by supporting incubators, accelerators and tech hubs to equip the state’s youths.

    “As we work toward building a sustainable future, Lagos is even more committed to promoting green business practices and renewable energy.

    “Lagos is open for businesses, and we invite our partners from across the world to seize the tremendous opportunities available in Nigeria’s largest market,” he said.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said that the trade fair showed the nation’s vibrant economic landscape and its unwavering commitment to fostering global trade partnerships.

    Oduwole, represented by Mrs Lucia Shittu, Chief Executive Officer, TBS Management Board, said that the fair was a reminder of immense potential in connecting businesses from around the world.

    She said that LITF offered a unique platform for entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to network, collaborate and explore new avenues for growth.

    The minister said that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was dedicated to creating an enabling environment which would support businesses and drive economic development.

    She said that the administration had achieved significant milestones in promoting trade and investment, including trade policy reforms and investment promotion.

    “We understand the challenges that our nation has faced in recent times, and we are working tirelessly to implement policies that promote investment, enhance competitiveness and create jobs.

    “By connecting businesses, we are building bridges that foster understanding and cooperation.

    “By creating value, we are contributing to the overall prosperity of our nation and the well-being of our citizens,” she said.

    The President of LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said that the trade fair was a means to foster economic cooperation, strengthen industry networks and enhance business connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.

    Idahosa said that governments’ participation in the fair demonstrated commitment to empowering the private sector to produce for local consumption and export.

    He added that the fair had become a veritable platform where state governments and federal parastatals showcased investment opportunities in states and programmes of impact.

    “This year’s fair holds special significance as Nigeria navigates an era of economic adjustment marked by challenges and opportunities.

    “We urge Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to network with international exhibitors, initiate distributorship deals, and foster trade agreements that will enhance their business value chains and diversify their product offerings.

    “I see this year’s trade fair igniting new ideas, creating lasting partnerships, and being a testament to the power of unity in pursuing economic transformation,” he said

  • Lagos Speaker presents official vehicles to senior legislative workers

    Lagos Speaker presents official vehicles to senior legislative workers

    The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has presented official vehicles to legislative staff in the directorate cadre.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Eromosele Ebhomele, in Lagos on Friday.

    According to the statement, the presentation of the cars to the staff was the second in a row ,coming a few weeks after some senior legislative workers were given official cars.

    Obasa said the presentation was part of efforts of the House leadership to bolster productivity and service delivery to the legislative arm and the state.

    The Speaker said the beneficiaries include directors and deputy directors across the various departments and units that make up the Assembly.

    He said the occasion marked an important landmark in the determination to ensure effectiveness, encourage productivity and hardwork and ensure a conducive work environment for legislative staff.

    The Speaker noted that the House of Assembly had become a yardstick for measuring legislative prowess and excellence ,ensured by the result-oriented focus of the staff and management.

    “As a result of this, it is just necessary to boost this efficiency and keep the Assembly up there as the perfect example of legislative effectiveness that it has become in our democratic Nigeria.

    “We cannot falter or step down from the successes we have achieved so far. The Lagos Assembly has created that pathway in this democracy for the smooth running of the society.

    “We want to continue to have a House of Assembly that does not only have a conducive environment, but with staff who are always eager to meet the needs of the people of Lagos through inputs in pro-people legislation for which the House is poised.

    “It is pleasing to say that the vehicles would help the beneficiaries meet official needs and tasks and enhance our collective goals of making Lagos better each day,” he said .

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, commended the positive outlook and welfare-oriented posture of the leadership of the assembly, headed by Obasa.

    Onafeko, who doubles as Head of Service of the Assembly, said the vehicles would enhance productivity and encourage passion and commitment among staff.

  • Two die, four injured in Ota-Idiroko road accident

    Two die, four injured in Ota-Idiroko road accident

    The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) on Friday said two persons died while four others sustained injuries in an accident at Iju, along Ota-Idiroko road.

    Mr Adekunle Ajibade, the Ogun West Zonal Commander of TRACE, confirmed the incident to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ota.

    He said the accident involving a Toyota Camry and a tricycle happened at about 9:30 a.m.

    Ajibade explained that six persons —- four male, one female and a toddler —- were involved in the accident.

    He said the Toyota Camry, with no registration number, wrongfully overtook and rammed into an incoming tricycle marked EKY 892.

    “This resulted into four persons sustaining various degrees of injuries.

    “The corpse of the two male persons who died had been deposited at the General Hospital in Ota, while the survivors are receiving treatment at the same hospital,” the TRACE official said.

    Ajibade then admonished motorists against wrongful overtaking, urging them to refrain from excessive speeding to avoid unnecessary loss of life during the ongoing ember months.

    He said the vehicle and tricycle involved in the accident have been towed off the road to enhance a free flow of traffic on the road.

  • Police neutralise six hoodlums, recover firearms in Bauchi

    Police neutralise six hoodlums, recover firearms in Bauchi

    The Police Command in Bauchi State, says it has neutralised six hoodlums in a crackdown against criminal elements in Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

    The police operatives also recovered arms and ammunition during the operations.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Awwal Musa, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Bauchi.

    “The Command neutralise six hoodlums, recover firearms and ammunition in Ningi axis.

    “Apprehension of a suspect for illegal possession of two AK-47 rifles and 343 rounds of ammunition

    “Mop-up of illegal firearms from public spaces and arrest of suspects in connection with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide,” he said.

    He reiterated commiment to suppress criminal activities across border communities in Alkaleri, Ningi and Toro LGAs.

    According to Musa, the command is collaborating with sister security agencies and quasi security outfits enhancing community policing and partnership with local stakeholders.

    “We urge all citizens to support our efforts by reporting suspicious activities promptly,” he said.

     

  • Fatherhood coach, Akinola engages parents, teens on screen time, others

    Fatherhood coach, Akinola engages parents, teens on screen time, others

    It was an electrifying afternoon last Saturday, when Fatherhood Coach, Akinropo Akinola, featured as a  guest speaker at The Elevation Church, where he delivered a presentation on ‘Parenting Without Borders: Breaking Screen Time and Children Transitioning.’

    The session drew considerable interest from attendees, highlighting contemporary challenges in parenting, with a specific focus on guiding children through the transitional stages of development.

    Akinola brought valuable insights into the pivotal role of parental leadership across the four key stages that children experience before reaching adulthood.
    According to him, each stage demands a distinct style of parental leadership.

    Outlining the stages, he said: “Micro-Managing Stage (zero-six years), also known as the Discipline Stage – This period requires parents to provide direct, clear guidance, as children at this age think concretely. Parents must keep instructions simple and consistent, setting the foundation for discipline and basic understanding.

    “The Manager Stage (seven-12 Years) – As children mature, they need increased autonomy and responsibility. This phase, also called the training stage, involves granting age-appropriate trust, allowing children to make decisions while still under parental supervision. Autonomy and responsibility grow hand-in-hand, fostering independence.”

    Akinola further explained that the Supervisor Stage (13-18 years) is a coaching stage that marks a shift as children develop abstract thinking skills and a greater sense of personal responsibility. He said that parents, in a supervisory role, collaborate on decisions and gradually hand over more responsibility.

    “For instance, while a parent may provide a phone, the child takes on the responsibility of buying recharge vouchers,” he added.

    He described the last stage, the Consultant Stage (19-24 years) as the friendship stage, adding: “The young adults experiment with the knowledge and values gained so far. Although parents remain a crucial support system, the relationship now resembles that of a consultant, with young adults seeking advice while exploring independence.”

    Akinola stressed that these stages demand more than just a focus on academic or physical growth.

    “For example, as children move from early childhood into adolescence, their world and self-image expand dramatically. They start forming their own identity, values and beliefs, which may not always align with those of their parents. The pressure to fit in with peers and make independent decisions can weigh heavily on them. Yet, parents often focus more on visible markers of growth, such as academic achievement, physical milestones or independence in daily routines, and may not recognise the depth of their child’s internal struggles.

    “When parents overlook the emotional needs accompanying these transitions, they risk missing early signs of stress, anxiety or low self-esteem. This can lead to communication barriers, where children may feel misunderstood, invalidated or even pressured to live up to expectations without the emotional tools they need. Over time, this lack of emotional connection can result in frustration and even withdrawal.

    “Too often, parents overlook the emotional and psychological adjustments children need as they transition from one stage to the next,” he said.

    Akinola highlighted the importance of supporting children’s emotional resilience, independence and social skills, especially during the transition from early childhood to adolescence – a time marked by significant shifts in identity, self-esteem and peer relationships.

    The session ended with a call to action, as participants left inspired and equipped with practical strategies to nurture and encourage total development in their children.

  • OPay partners UI to launch 10-year scholarship initiative

    OPay partners UI to launch 10-year scholarship initiative

    OPay, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ibadan (UI). This partnership will award ₦300,000 scholarships to 20 exceptional students annually over the next 10 years, reinforcing OPay’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

    The MoU signing ceremony, held at the university, was attended by representatives from OPay, varsity senior staff and some beneficiaries of the scholarship. This event highlighted OPay’s commitment to supporting the education of promising young Nigerians.

    The scholarship initiative, which is an important Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project for OPay, is set to expand to Ahmadu Bello University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and eventually 17 other tertiary institutions nationwide.

    Each year, OPay plans to sponsor 400 students across these institutions, investing ₦120m yearly. Over the next 10 years, this long-term commitment aims to contribute more than N1.2bn to significantly amplify OPay’s positive social impact across Nigeria’s academic landscape.

    Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating,”We are excited to be pioneers of this project from OPay. This beams a ray of hope to promising youths and helps them focus solely on their academics …”

    Chief Technology Officer / Chief Operating Officer (CTO/COO) at OPay, Dotun Adekunle, stated, “OPay is honored to enter a long-term partnership with the University of Ibadan to support Nigeria’s future leaders over the next 10 years. By providing sustained financial support, we aim to help these students dedicate themselves to their studies and achieve their full potential.”

    As a transformative force in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, OPay is deeply committed to driving positive social impact and fostering development within local communities. Through these scholarships, OPay will provide essential financial assistance to students distinguished by their academic prowess, innovative thinking, and dedication to community service.

    According to Tijani Rose, a 200L student of Computer Science at the University of Ibadan, the scholarship will allow her to focus more on her studies. In her words, “This was an unexpected but very welcome opportunity. I feel really excited to have been a beneficiary of this scholarship programme.. This scholarship will greatly impact my education, by a very large stride. Now, I can take my mind off where the next school fees will come from and can focus on what really matters – my grades and studies..”

    Another recipient from the Nursing Department, Toheeb Adeogun Adetayo expressed his gratitude to OPay, saying “ I am feeling so happy right now being a beneficiary of OPay’s scholarship. It was so unexpected, I just received the call that I am one of the beneficiaries…. I am very grateful to OPay.”

    This event not only formalized the partnership between OPay and the University of Ibadan but also celebrated the remarkable achievements and aspirations of the scholarship recipients. OPay is proud to support these students as they pursue their dreams, reflecting the company’s broader mission to empower individuals and contribute to Nigeria’s progress through education and opportunity.

    About OPay
    OPay was established in 2018 as a leading financial institution in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, airtime & data purchase, card service, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its super-fast experience and reliable network, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

  • Enugu community gets electricity after 18 years of blackout

    Enugu community gets electricity after 18 years of blackout

    Joy enveloped Uhuafor Nomeh community in Nkanu East Local Council of Enugu State, on Friday, as the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), lightened it up with construction of a solar hybrid mini-grid of 100 kilowatt peak (kWp).

    The government said the project would improve the socio-economic conditions of the people in the community, as well as three other neighbouring communities, which have lived without electricity for over 18 years.

    It was completed under the Rural Electrification Fund – Call 2 programme of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

    Commissioning the project, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Power, Joe Aneke, commended the agency for its unwavering commitment to bringing sustainable energy solutions to rural communities across the country.

    He said the electricity project in Nomeh would bring lasting solutions to the problems of lack of electricity in rural communities.

    The governor noted that the project aligned with his agenda to foster innovation, improve rural infrastructure, and create a green, energy-sufficient state.

    “Let me thank the Rural Electrification Agency for its collaboration, the dedicated engineers and technicians for their expertise, and, most importantly, the people of Nomeh for your patience and belief in this project as the first mini-grid solar power plant is commissioned in Nomeh,” he said.

    He urged the community to take full advantage of the project and care for the shared asset, as it is their resource for growth and betterment, saying, “this facility must be protected to ensure it serves the community reliably and sustainably while the network system is extended to connect other households and villages in Nomeh”.

    Mbah disclosed his administration’s readiness to work with the Rural Electrification Agency to developing other projects proposed for the State and looked forward to engaging with the agency in that regard.

    The REA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, represented by the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Uboh, stated that the project is one of the many testaments of the work that the federal government does through REA, connecting last-mile communities to clean, sustainable energy sources and facilitating the growth of socioeconomic systems through productive use.

    Aliyu said that President Bola Tinubu prioritised their welfare and that of rural communities across the country and would continue working to ensure no community was left behind.

    “This electrification will help the people to navigate and if you manage this thing well, before you know it, the business activities happening in the cities will begin to bubble here.

    “Promise yourself that you will take care of this mini grid. If you do it, it can grow to even one megawatt. This will easily encourage future expansion to other nearby communities”, he said.

    The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe I. O. Mbah, while expressing his gratitude to the Federal Government and the implementers of the project for finding the community worthy to provide this kind of infrastructure which will improve their livelihoods, noted that the community had been without electricity for over 18 years.
    He said: “We have been in celebratory mood since this project was completed. This is because since 2006 till date, we haven’t seen electricity in Nomeh. But, we can now drink cold water in our community, while our children who used to burn the proverbial midnight candle, are now using electric bulbs to study.

    “So, this day has brought good tiding to all of us in Nomeh and I want to assure the federal government of our commitment to ensure the safety and security of this infrastructure”.

  • 5000 Ogun students to benefit from foundation’s techdrive programme

    5000 Ogun students to benefit from foundation’s techdrive programme

    The NerdzFactory Foundation has launched the TechDrive Programme aimed at empowering 5,000 Ogun State secondary school students with essential technology skills and knowledge.

    The programme, which is being executed in partnership with Access Corporation, is designed to bridge the digital divide and prepare young Nigerians for the future by equipping them with digital competencies that align with the demands of the economy.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, Nigeria faces a significant gap in digital skills, especially among the youth, with only 43 per cent of the population having access to the internet and unemployment rates soaring at 53.4 per cent.

    The TechDrive Programme is part of the foundation’s mission to address these challenges, providing underserved students with access to skills and career pathways in technology. The programme will give them the opportunity to explore technology as a field and also to gain practical skills that will set them on a path to economic empowerment.

    “The TechDrive Programme will impact 5,000 students across 10 secondary schools in Ogun State through a combination of advocacy and hands-on training. The advocacy sessions will expose students to the transformative power of digital skills and help them envision the potential careers they can pursue in the tech space.

    “In addition, 50 students will receive specialised training in Web Design, providing them with the foundational skills needed to enter the digital workforce and potentially become tech entrepreneurs,” the Executive Director of NerdzFactory Foundation, Ademulegun Olowojoba, said.

    Highlighting the importance of investing in the digital education of Nigerian youths, he added:  “Through the TechDrive Programme, we are making a crucial investment in the future of young Nigerians. By equipping these students with digital skills, we are not only closing the digital divide but also unlocking the potential for innovation and socio-economic growth in Ogun State. Our partnership with Access Corporation has made this bold vision possible, and together, we are committed to driving impactful change in the communities we serve.”

    He explained that the programme will run through December 2024, with the dual approach of advocacy and hands-on training to ensure a holistic impact.

    “By engaging students in advocacy sessions, they will gain insights into how technology can shape their futures, while the hands-on training will provide a select group of students with real-world skills in web design. These skills will enable them to build their own websites, positioning them for future job opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures,” he added.

  • Health body gives tips no how to prevent, manage stroke

    Health body gives tips no how to prevent, manage stroke

    As part of efforts to mark World Stroke Day 2024, Stroke Action Nigeria, in collaboration with national, regional, and international partners has recommended how to prevent and manage stroke.

    World Stroke Day, a yearly event, celebrated on October 29, led by the World Stroke Organisation, aims to raise awareness about stroke prevention and encourage individuals to act.
    With theme, “Be #GreaterThanStroke”,
    This year’s campaign emphasises the importance of stroke prevention, highlighting that one in four individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime.    However, Stroke Action Nigeria in a statement said almost all strokes can be prevented by managing nine key risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, obesity and overweight, lack of exercise and physical activity, smoking, alcohol drinking habits, high cholesterol levels, and diet high in fat and salt.

    To prevent strokes, Stroke Action Nigeria urges everyone to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as: walking, biking, running, swimming, yoga, team sports example football and basketball.

    Stroke Action Nigeria said it is working closely with: Federal Ministry of Health’s non-communicable diseases team, African Stroke Organisation (regional partner) and World Stroke Organisation (international partner).

    It said Rita Melifonwu, Founder and CEO of Stroke Action Nigeria has been re-elected to the World Stroke

    Organisation’s Board of Directors for another four-year term and she will continue to play a key role in the World Stroke Campaign committee, Membership Committee, and Advisory Board, focusing on reducing the burden of strokes in Africa.

    “Stroke Action Nigeria invites everyone to join the global effort to prevent strokes. Together, we can be #GreaterThanStroke,” it noted.

     

  • FCT approves N33.24b for new projects

    FCT approves N33.24b for new projects

    The Federal Capital Executive Committee has approved N33.24 billion worth of contracts for execution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the next one year.

    The committee gave the approvals during its 9th meeting, chaired by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Friday.

    Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, said the decisions were part of the FCT administration’s efforts to provide critical services to residents of the FCT.

    Providing details of the projects, Dr Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, said that N7.22 billion was approved for the construction of access roads to Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals as additional works.

    He recalled that contracts had been awarded in May for the construction of bus and taxi terminals in Kugbo, Mabushi and the Central Business District.

    Elechi added that the projects in Kugbo and Mabushi had reached an advanced stage before the realisation of the need for an access road to service the terminals from the major roads.

    According to him, the committee has approved the award of the project to Planet Projects Ltd and to be completed in 12 weeks.

    The mandate secretary also said that the executive committee approved the procurement of 120,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) and 40,250 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    He explained that the products were for the operation and maintenance of Wupa Basin Sewage Treatment Plant, adding that the contract was awarded to Safah and Fresh Ltd. at N2.92 billion, and to be delivered over 12 months.

    Similarly, Elechi said the supply of Diesel and PMS, at Wupa Basin Sewage Treatment Plant, was awarded to the same company to cover one year.

    He added that N638,550 was also approved for the supply of 400,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil to Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plant of the FCT Water Board.

    Also speaking, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, said that the executive committee also approved the construction of access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Academy in Giri District.

    Ahmad added that the contract was awarded to Levant Construction Ltd. and N7.83 billion and to be completed in nine months.

    He aid that the committee equally approved the design and construction of 10 units of Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School, Bwari Abuja.

    He said that the project was awarded at N2.19 billion to Austlinks Energy Services Ltd., and to be completed in nine months.

    The executive secretary further said that the committee also approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the existing Bill Clinton Road link to the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

    He said that the contract was awarded to Julius Berger at N9.88 billion and expected to be completed in six months.

    “The contract also includes rehabilitation of facilities in the Presidential Wing, which includes the Presidential Hanger, taxiway, and airport apron, among other facilities,” he said.

    On his part, Mr Gardiya Bawa, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Legal Secretariat, said the committee equally approved N605.94 million for the procurement of office equipment, furnishing of the new office for the secretariat, and purchase of utility vehicles.