Author: user user

Meet Balogun Nike Nafisat, Nigeria’s first female pilot produced by Nigeria Customs Service

Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, recently met with Balogun Nike Nafisat, the first female pilot of the Nigeria Customs Service, at London Heathrow Airport.

Omokri, who shared details of the encounter on X, commended Balogun for her groundbreaking achievement and her role in strengthening national security through the interception of contraband, as well as contributing to Nigeria’s excise revenue.

He described her as a strong example of the immense potential of Nigerian women.

He further noted that her accomplishment places her among notable Nigerian women who have broken barriers and achieved excellence in their respective fields. Omokri expressed hope that her success would inspire more women across the country to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Highlighting her achievement, Omokri placed Balogun among notable Nigerian women who have broken barriers in their respective fields, including Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Africa’s pioneering female driver and the first Nigerian woman to drive a car; Professor Grace Alele-Williams, the first female in Africa to earn a PhD in Mathematics and Nigeria’s first female Vice Chancellor; and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

He added that Balogun’s journey serves as an inspiration to many Nigerians and expressed hope that the country will continue to produce more women of outstanding achievement and global relevance.

Here are things to know about the first female pilot produced by the Nigeria Customs Service:

Balogun was born in Kaduna State and is a native of Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Osun State.

She is an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Her journey in the Nigeria Customs Service began in 2002 when she was recruited as a Customs Assistant.

She initially served as a cabin crew member in the Service’s Airwing Unit.

She later developed a passion for the service through experience and exposure.

She earned an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services.

She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University.

She obtained her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida.

Her pilot training was sponsored by the Nigeria Customs Service.

She is the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service.

She balanced her duties in Customs with demanding flight training.

She faced pressure, fatigue, and self-doubt; however, she remained disciplined, focused, and consistent.

Balogun achieved success without the support of a godfather or godmother.

She is credited with enhancing the operational capabilities of the NCS Airwing.

She serves as a role model for women in aviation and public service across Nigeria.

She is passionate about youth development.

She advocates for female empowerment.

She aims to contribute to Nigeria’s aviation sector.

She hopes to mentor and inspire young people.

She believes purpose can be discovered along the journey.

She encourages people not to let fear stop them from starting.

She believes that with hard work and consistency, anything is possible.

She believes in Nigeria and its potential.

She appreciates the Nigeria Customs Service and its leadership.

PAL on jet-buying spree, orders more A350-1000s

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is placing aircraft orders one after the other, setting out to buy another nine of its flagship A350-1000 from aerospace giant Airbus.

PAL yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the procurement of nine A350-1000s, with purchase rights for five more, in yet another boost to its long-range fleet.

The order was placed a day after PAL submitted its initial commitment to buy 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, with purchase rights also for five more, to expand its widebody fleet.

The new Airbus order will also double PAL’s A350-1000 fleet to 18 once completed. PAL signed an order for nine A350-1000s in 2023, and two have arrived since, with the other seven expected before 2028.

PAL deploys the A350-1000 to some of its longest destinations in North America such as New York and Toronto. It plans to do the same for the second batch of A350-1000s, which are set for delivery from 2034 to 2036.

PAL configures the A350-1000 in three classes: business class, premium economy and economy cabin, totaling 382 seats.

The layout includes 42 suites in business class with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a separate premium economy cabin, and 316 seats in economy class, and PAL equipped all of the cabins with in-flight entertainment and internet access.

The A350-1000 is considered as one of the most cost-efficient long-range aircraft at present, as it is able to fly up to 16,700 kilometers with 25 percent less fuel burn.

PAL Holdings Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III said the airline takes pride in being the first Southeast Asian carrier with an A350-1000. He trusts the aircraft would define PAL’s competency for international flights.

‘As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the A350-1000, PAL has experienced firsthand the aircraft’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability and its passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve,’ Tan said.

To ensure its A350-1000 longevity, PAL also signed a memorandum of understanding to buy 18 Trent XWB-97 engines from Rolls-Royce to power up the aircraft.

The airline owned by taipan Lucio Tan also struck a deal with Rolls-Royce for its TotalCare program that covers the health and maintenance of the fleet.

Beyond Bricks and Blueprints: Architect Jorge Yulo on building homes that endure

Long before the first wall rises or the first tile is laid, Architect Jorge Yulo has already walked through the house hundreds of times.

Not physically, but in his imagination.

He shrinks himself to the scale of his drawings, tracing hallways, turning corners, pausing beneath skylights and watching how morning light settles across a dining table or afternoon shadows soften a living room. He imagines children racing through corridors, families gathering around meals, and elderly parents moving comfortably through familiar spaces.

‘When I’m designing,’ he says, ‘I shrink myself to the scale of my drawings. I pretend I’m walking around and looking at the corners and the surfaces.’

That exercise in imagination reveals how Yulo designs-not for photographs or social media, but for the people who will inhabit a space long after construction has ended.

At the heart of that philosophy is the Japanese concept of Kodawari-the relentless pursuit of excellence.

‘You never really achieve perfection,’ he says. ‘You just keep chasing it.’

For Filipino homeowners navigating endless online inspiration and an overwhelming array of building products, Kodawari offers a timely reminder: great homes are not built by following trends but by making thoughtful decisions.

Architecture Begins with Understanding

Ask Jorge Yulo what distinguishes good architecture from great architecture, and he rarely talks about aesthetics.

Instead, he talks about people.

‘Our minds are the pre-production workshops of the places we will build,’ he says. ‘We’re always thinking about what the future will be.’

Long before construction begins, he studies how a family lives, gathers and grows. He visits neighborhoods-not to imitate nearby homes but to ensure each project develops its own identity.

‘You have to know your client. You have to know the site. You have to understand the community,’ he says. ‘Then you create something emotionally and intellectually meaningful.’

That philosophy stands in sharp contrast to today’s culture of copied designs. ‘People come back from Europe or California wanting to copy what they’ve seen,’ he says with a smile. ‘But architecture has to belong where it’s built.’

Climate, context and culture matter far more than whatever is currently trending online.

The Costliest Mistake Is Trial and Error

One misconception Yulo has spent years correcting is the belief that hiring an architect is an unnecessary expense. He enthuses, ‘I always tell clients, ‘Tell your architect how much you want to spend. It’s cheaper than trial and error.’

Professional guidance, he explains, prevents expensive redesigns, poor material choices and decisions driven solely by appearances. An architect’s role extends well beyond preparing plans. ‘You almost have to become a psychologist,’ Yulo shares.

Homes are deeply personal, and every family brings different priorities, memories and personalities into the design process. Rather than dictate every detail, Yulo deliberately leaves room for clients to express themselves through artwork, heirlooms and meaningful objects.

Over the years, Yulo has often encouraged clients to explore materials at Wilcon Depot, whether with him or on their own.

‘Sometimes our schedules don’t match,’ he says. ‘I simply tell them, ‘Go to Wilcon.’

For him, the advantage goes beyond convenience. ‘I go there very purposefully. I know they have a big selection. Usually I find what I want.’

More importantly, he believes homeowners need guidance as much as they need choice. ‘Sometimes they only look at the price,’ he says. ‘They don’t know the difference between products.’

For first-time builders especially, understanding durability, maintenance and long-term value can prove far more important than saving a few pesos upfront.

Building to Last

If there is one word Yulo believes has become overused, it is sustainability.

Too often, he says, it has become a marketing slogan rather than a design principle.

Every material carries an environmental story-from extraction and manufacturing to transportation, installation and eventual disposal. ‘A building should consider the embodied energy it took to produce everything,’ he explains.

True sustainability, he argues, is not about adding a decorative tree or following the latest ‘green’ trend. It is about choosing products that last, minimizing waste and creating buildings that continue to serve generations.

Sometimes, the most sustainable choice is also the simplest: buying quality once instead of replacing cheaper alternatives repeatedly.

Building Confidence, Not Just Homes

For many Filipinos, building a home is the single biggest investment they will ever make. Every decision carries consequences.

That is why Yulo believes homeowners deserve more than aisles filled with products. They deserve reliable advice.

The ideal home improvement store, he says, is not simply a warehouse. It is a place where first-time homeowners gain confidence, compare alternatives, ask questions and make informed decisions before construction begins.

That is the role he believes Wilcon Depot increasingly plays-not merely supplying construction materials but helping homeowners understand them. By bringing together an extensive product selection with knowledgeable assistance, it allows architects, contractors and homeowners to work from the same foundation: informed choice.

Architects provide the vision.

Homeowners bring their aspirations.

Trusted partners help bridge the distance between the two.

In the end, Yulo believes homes are never defined by the price of their finishes or the popularity of their style. They endure because they are built with thought, honesty and care.

Perhaps that is the quiet lesson behind Kodawari.

Perfection is never fully reached.

It is simply pursued-one thoughtful decision, one carefully chosen material and one well-built home at a time.

FOOTBALL-JAMAICA-JFF confident of co-hosting 2031 Women’s World Cup

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts strongly believes the country will be awarded the rights to co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Last October, Jamaica along with the USA, Mexico, and Costa Rica launched a joint bid to host the 2031 tournament.

While an official announcement from FIFA is expected in November, Ricketts said he was confident Jamaica’s bid would be successful.

Last month, Sports Minister Olivia Grange told Parliament the island had been selected as one of the hosts, although FIFA has yet to officially confirm the successful bid.

Hosts were initially expected to be confirmed at the FIFA Congress in Canada in April, but the world governing body postponed the announcement until November 23.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Ricketts said he was optimistic Jamaica would create history by being chosen.

‘When the FIFA team came here, we had intense discussions with the contractors who would be doing the renovation and the refurbishing of the National Stadium, and they would have done a presentation which, based on the body language from the FIFA reps, we’re pretty satisfied and pretty confident that we will be in a position to host the Women’s World Cup in 2031.

‘Minister Grange did make an announcement in Parliament. She was pretty confident and so am I, and I want to believe that we will be one of the four countries that will be hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup,’ Ricketts said.

A FIFA delegation visited the island in February, inspecting facilities including the National Stadium and meeting with JFF representatives and the Government.

The redevelopment of the National Stadium, which is intended to meet FIFA standards, is expected to begin in July or August 2027, with United Kingdom-based Ryder Architecture and global consulting firm CAA Icon currently completing the detailed design phase, after the feasibility study and concept design.

Jamaica has never hosted a FIFA tournament, but it has staged several Concacaf competitions, most notably the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, becoming the first Caribbean nation to do so.

GSMA seeks tax cuts for smartphones

Telecom industry body, the Global Systems of Mobile Association (GSMA) has advocated tax cuts on entry-level for smartphones across African countries to bridge the gaps of over 961 million Africans who could not enjoy mobile network connectivity despite the availability of broadband services in their areas.

This is as the Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union, (ATU) disclosed that mobile telecom technologies and services have contributed a total of $240 billion to African continent economies, while about $45 billion revenue are being generated annually from the sector.

Omo who addressed delegates from the 52 ATU members at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, during a workshop on Digital Network organised by GSMA said the sector also holds about 30 million jobs for Africans.

The Secretary General said the on-going Conference provided opportunities for stakeholders to interrogate happenings in the industry in terms of investments, infrastructures, network coverage, and quality of services in other to prefer long term solutions to challenges.

‘So now we have mobile services contributing up to $240 billion to our economies. We have the mobile economy supporting 30 million jobs and has generated $45 billion in revenues (annually) If you consider that for those of you who were out here 25 years ago,’ Mr Omo said.

Quoting GSMA Mobile Economy Report for 2026, Mr Omo said experiences in different communities, the barriers, and the participation of regulators in the digital economy, as well as statistics obtained across Africa would help the continent understand ‘why coverage, though indispensable, cannot be our only measure of progress, but ultimately determines whether infrastructure becomes useful in the daily lives of our people.’

Speaking on the need to bridge digital coverage gaps at the Workshop, Senior Director Public Policy Africa, GSMA, Caroline Mbugwa, said ‘about 961 million Africans are not covered, though covered by mobile broadband services, but not using the services.’

Mbugwa said the Digital Africa Summit becomes more important and critical as the continent entered the era of Artificial Intelligence, warning that should the gaps continue unabridged over 961 million Africans would be left behind.

‘The era of intelligence requires that we have an already existing, robust infrastructure, robust connectivity that can support the growth of artificial intelligence on the continent and globally.

‘AI is dependent on one key thing, is dependent on ensuring that smartphones are available and are affordable to all Africans. In the presentation today, if you noted, we highlighted that we have a whole 961 million Africans that are not covered, that are covered by mobile broadband services but are not using the service.

‘This is what we refer to as a usage gap, as a GSMA. And if this remains addressed, it means that this number will be left behind when it comes to the adoption of AI. So it’s important that we accelerate adoption of smartphones so that we can be able to unlock the true value of AI,’ Mbugwa said.

Mbugwa said to address the challenges, the continent would require ‘policy and regulatory reforms that will signal and a message to investors that the continent is ready for investment to address some of these challenges. And key on that is policy reforms on fiscal.’

‘So the reduction of taxes, particularly on entry-level devices, is one that is key and needs to be done as a matter of urgency.

‘We have seen this in markets like South Africa, for example, where we have seen a removal of nine per cent luxury goods tax on entry-level device. And this has accelerated the adoption of smartphones, particularly in that bracket, and the slowdown adoption of feature phones,’ she said.

In his remarks, the Head of Policy and Regulations, GSMA, Michaela Angonius, advised that more African countries should focus on regulatory reforms to address challenges in the industry.

Angonius said the continent should collaborate and work together to deliver quality services that would attract more investments to the telecommunications sector, stressing that by so doing the hard to reach areas within the continent would be covered over a period of time.

EABL saga: The cost of regulatory uncertainty

Seven months ago, Asahi Group Holdings agreed to buy Diageo’s controlling stake in East African Breweries – a $ 2.3 billion transaction, one of the largest cross-border deals the local market has seen in years, and one from which the Exchequer stood to gain roughly Sh40 billion in capital gains tax alone. Seven months on, the deal remains stuck.

The latest development is that the competition authority has escalated the matter to the Attorney-General – an implicit admission that the regulator itself is unsure of its own footing.

This is not a story about a regulator rigorously following the law. It is about a regulator that appears unable to make a decision.

Consider the record. The Competition Authority of Kenya first proposed a two-year timeline for settling a pecuniary penalty, then revised it to seven days.

It required that payments due to government be parked in an escrow account – a demand that sits uneasily with the Public Finance Management framework the state itself is bound by.

It tried to compress an agreed 40-day settlement window with complainants down to seven days, despite not being party to those settlement agreements in the first place.

Late in the process, it floated raising the penalty by as much as sevenfold, after months of negotiation had already taken place.

And it introduced, seemingly from nowhere, a demand to retain 10 percent of the entire transaction value in escrow – a condition that exists in no statute.

Each of these might be defensible in isolation. Together, they describe a pattern: an administration of competition law improvising in real time, on a transaction of national significance, months after the parties believed they had reached an understanding with the regulator.

Compounding the chaos is the fact that the Competition Appeals Tribunal – the body where parties can challenge decisions of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) – has been virtually inactive since mid-2025, because the terms of its chairperson and key members expired several months ago. The board currently has only one member instead of seven.

Meanwhile, the Capital Markets Authority granted a mandatory takeover offer exemption, only for its implementation to be suspended by a court order sought by a third party. Litigation has multiplied across court stations, prompting the Judiciary itself to intervene and consolidate the files in Nairobi to stop what increasingly looked like forum shopping.

A coordinated campaign by fund managers has sought to reopen the commercial logic of a privately negotiated shareholder transfer altogether, months after signing.

Here is the question every serious investor is now entitled to ask before committing capital to Kenya: if I sign a merger agreement today, is there any credible basis for expecting it to close within six months? On the evidence of this transaction, the honest answer is no – not because of the underlying commercial logic, but because the process for approving it has no fixed floor.

The rules can be renegotiated by the regulator after the fact, unilaterally, and the goalposts can move again the moment the parties think they have reached them.

This is the real cost of the Asahi-Diageo saga, and it is far larger than the Sh40 billion in tax revenue at stake.

Clearly; the single greatest deterrent to foreign direct investment in Kenya is not tax policy, not infrastructure, not even the cost of capital.

It is the insensate instability of our competition regulation, and the absence of honour and good faith on the part of regulators who are supposed to be the guarantors of a predictable process.

Investors do not require regulators to say yes.

They require regulators to mean what they say when they say anything at all. A regulator that agrees to a 40-day settlement window and then unilaterally shortens it to seven; that agrees to a two-year penalty schedule and then demands payment within a week; that negotiates a penalty figure and then proposes multiplying it sevenfold without new facts to justify it – that regulator has broken the one thing capital actually prices: certainty.

The Asahi-Diageo transaction was supposed to be the easy case – two willing multinational parties, a company with no pending disputes with the competition authority, and a deal structure that preserved local listing, local jobs, and local management.

If even this deal cannot move predictably through Kenya’s regulatory architecture, no foreign board of directors evaluating an African market entry will conclude that theirs will fare better.

Regulators must be bound by the timelines and conditions they themselves set, not free to revise them under pressure from whichever constituency shouts loudest that month.

Cleric counsels women on life’s challenges

Marriage, career, motherhood, or the quiet pain of childlessness – none of life’s heavy burdens should ever derail a woman from her God-given destiny.

That was the message delivered by Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, at the 2026 All Women Summit in Abeokuta.

Speaking at Victory City, Achudume reminded the audience that despite the immense pressures they shoulder daily, women remain the indispensable bedrock of the family, the Church, and society.

‘As a woman, you may be overwhelmed by responsibilities… but God will never abandon you,’ Achudume declared. ‘There are things God will take you through because of the assignment He has prepared for your life. If you can identify His presence, you will come out stronger.’

Drawing from the biblical account of the fiery furnace, he assured believers that God’s presence is an all-sufficient anchor during trials.

Achudume also challenged the conventional definition of success, arguing that true leadership is defined by sacrifice, discipline, and character-not titles.

‘The world is looking for true leaders to improve the lot of humanity,’ he said. ‘Leadership is beyond position. The real question is: can you pay the price?’

Blaming Nigeria’s current leadership crises on individuals chasing public office without preparation or integrity, he urged women to model humility, patience, and godly principles in their homes and professions.

The summit also paid emotional tribute to the late Reverend Fola Achudume, the visionary whose faith birthed the annual gathering. Guest minister Apostle (Dr.) Ngozi Okwok stated that the greatest honor women could pay her memory is to keep her vision alive by living purposefully.

Warning that ‘ignorance is never an excuse,’ Okwok challenged participants from all economic backgrounds to aggressively pursue personal development and become guiding lights in their communities.

The summit’s impact was made tangible through the ‘Shop for Free’ outreach-a signature legacy of the late Reverend Fola Achudume via Royal Ladies International. Breaking down religious and social barriers, the outreach distributed clothing, shoes, food, and household essentials to massive crowds free of charge.

The 2026 summit, themed: ‘Shine, concluded with powerful prayers for families, the Church, and the nation.

NSCDC arrests telecom vandals in C’River

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River Command, has arrested two suspects for allegedly vandalising telecommunications assets in the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, Orok Kinini-Iyeme, disclosed this in statement in Calabar on Thursday.

Kinini-Iyeme said the breakthrough followed intense, intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of 24-year- old scrap metal dealer.

He explained that the suspect served as the primary receiver for stolen ATC Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment in the Odukpani Local Government axis of the state.

He also said that the arrest was made possible following an earlier arrest of the principal suspect, aged 23, on July 15, while attempting to vandalise an ATC BTS Facility (Site No. 630363 – CRO 165) at Odukpani Junction.

‘During preliminary interrogations, the principal suspect confessed to actively stripping the telecom site and selling the stolen components to a local scrap dealer.

‘Acting swiftly on this intelligence, the State Commandant, Okarazu Chima, directed the immediate deployment of a joint team comprising the Intelligence Department, CNAI operatives, and the Odukpani Divisional personnel.

‘On July 18, 2026, the operatives successfully tracked and raided the receiver’s enclave at the Odukpani Flyover bridge, leading to his immediate arrest.

‘During a thorough search of the receiver’s premises, operatives recovered a massive black metal radio mounting frame, measuring approximately 4ft 2 inches by 4ft 11 inches, which was explicitly identified as the stolen ATC facility component,’ Kinini-Iyeme said.

According to Kinini-Iyeme, the receiver admitted to purchasing the items from the principal suspect on two separate occasions but claimed ignorance of their origin.

He said that the command was currently analysing statements from both suspects and has launched a massive tactical manhunt for fleeing members of the syndicate, including another receiver, as well as the syndicate’s primary financier.

Fruitas sees sustained growth as portfolio diversifies

Fruitas Holdings Inc., led by businessman Lester Yu, expects to sustain long-term growth, driven by the continued expansion of its store network and its diversified portfolio.

‘We have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, embraced opportunities for growth and built a stronger Fruitas,’ Yu, Fruitas president and CEO, said.

Fruitas currently operates more than 830 stores across the Philippines under more than 30 active brands, making it one of the country’s largest operators of food and beverage kiosks and community stores.

The company has earmarked P120 million in capital expenditures to support its 2026 expansion initiatives, including opening 80 to 100 stores to further beef up its nationwide presence.

While the operating environment remains dynamic, Yu said the company’s diversified portfolio, culture of innovation, expanding store network and disciplined financial management continue to position Fruitas for sustainable long-term growth.

‘We will remain focused on delivering quality products, strengthening our brands, expanding responsibly and creating greater value to serve millions of Filipinos every year,’ he said.

In 2025, Fruitas delivered a net income of P129 million, generating gross revenues of P3.04 billion, driven by the continued strength of its diversified portfolio of brands.

In the first quarter, gross revenues jumped by 16.78 percent to P793.4 million, as net income stood at P28.9 million.

Yu said the company’s encouraging first quarter results demonstrate its ability to generate profitable growth while continuing to invest in the future of its brands.

‘As we continue to strengthen our market leadership, we remain committed to reinvesting in our brands and deepening our connection with consumers,’ he said.

Yu said innovation also continues to be the cornerstone of the Fruitas growth strategy by introducing a wide range of new products across its portfolio.

The company has launched new concepts such as CocoLab, which offers innovative, uniquely crafted coconut beverages and desserts, and Madvocados, which offers premium, indulgent avocado-inspired dessert creations.

‘These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to staying ahead of changing consumer preferences while continuously refreshing our product portfolio,’ Yu said, noting that the positive reception of its new products and concepts supported the continued expansion of its nationwide store network.

A leader in food and beverage stores across multiple formats, Fruitas ventured into the roasted chicken segment in 2024 by acquiring a majority stake in the owner of the Mang Bok’s brand for P8.86 million.

Its subsidiary, Balai ni Fruitas Inc., acquired the 40-year-old legacy brand Sugarhouse in the same year, allowing the listed bakery operator to expand its product offerings, particularly in the cake category, and tap a broader customer base.

In 2023, Fruitas completed the purchase of 73-year-old legacy brand Ling Nam, marking its entry into the Asian casual dining space.

U.S.-based cleric urges youths to utilise talents

A United States-based cleric, Pastor Tola Odutola of Jesus House, Baltimore, has advised Nigerian youths to stop relying on the government for employment.

He said they should instead focus on discovering and developing their talents to create sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking on the sidelines of an empowerment seminar with the theme: ‘Maximising Your Potential’, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Odutola said individuals must identify their natural gifts and nurture them into impactful solutions for the society.

He added: ‘Where we start first is to ask yourself: what gift do I have? What is that thing that inspires me? Every greatness in life starts with a seed.’ The cleric urged youths to cultivate their abilities so they could transition from job seekers to self-reliant problem solvers.

He enjoined them to maintain self-belief, noting personal determination outweighed any environmental limitation.

Recalling his upbringing in Oke-Bola area of Ibadan, Odutola challenged youths not to let lack of parental or societal support hinder their progress.

‘I grew up in this same environment and went to school here. I wasn’t waiting for a father figure to pave the way. You have to struggle and push because you owe yourself the responsibility to succeed,’ he said.

The clergyman cautioned Nigerians against over-dependence on state support, noting that the world’s most vibrant economies were driven by individual entrepreneurs, rather than government interventions. Acknowledging that the state holds the responsibility of creating an enabling environment, he stressed that the primary drive must come from the citizens.

Highlighting the need for career flexibility, the cleric says many university graduates eventually find fulfilment and financial stability outside their formal fields of study.

He said the empowerment initiative was designed to hand-hold aspiring entrepreneurs and provide support to help them launch their visions.