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Iwerekun Community Senior High School in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, has emerged as the winner of the 10th edition of the Tolaram Science Challenge (TSC), marking its third consecutive victory.

The school triumphed over Magbon-Alade Senior Grammar School in a keenly contested grand finale of the competition.

The Tolaram Science Challenge, sponsored by the Lagos Free Zone, is an annual science competition for schools in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos. It has become a flagship event that showcases bright young minds from secondary schools, allowing them to present innovative ideas and practical solutions to real-world challenges through STEM education.

This year’s competition featured 16 participating secondary schools, each represented by six students. The students were tested in five core subject areas: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Following a closely contested competition, Ibeju Senior High School, Lekki, and Community Senior High School, Lekki, took third and fourth places, respectively.

The three outstanding students: Nyong Jebson, Adekunle Ephraim and Ashikodi Chukwu, secured first, second, and third positions, respectively, and each received a cash prize for their exceptional performances.

During the grand finale, the director of Zone Development, representing Chief Executive Officer Adesuwa Ladoja of Lagos Free Zone, Binay Saraf, described the decade-long competition as a significant milestone saying, ‘it started as a modest initiative and has grown into one of the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility programmes of the Lagos Free Zone.’

‘Over the past decade, we have seen this event grow in scale, participation, and impact. Each year, more schools, students, and teachers have joined us on this journey of discovery and learning,’ he added .

Today, the Tolaram Science Challenge has become a platform that encourages curiosity, innovation, critical thinking, and healthy competition. More importantly, it symbolizes our commitment to investing in the future of our communities,’ Ladoja stated.

She emphasised that the company’s investment in the competition reflects its belief that today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. ‘At Lagos Free Zone and Tolaram, we believe that developing communities goes beyond building infrastructure or creating jobs. It also means creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and discover their potential,’ she added.

Ladoja encouraged students to view competitions not merely as opportunities to win trophies but as chances to develop confidence, solve problems, work as a team, and learn about their capabilities. ‘Whether you receive a prize today or not, the knowledge you gain, the friendships you build, and the experiences you take away will remain with you for life,’ she noted.

Director and Chief Sustainability Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Vishal Shah, reaffirmed the Zone’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the Ibeju-Lekki area through this initiative. He highlighted that over the past decade, the initiative has fostered healthy competition among students and improved their performance in various qualifying examinations.

In the same vein, the visioner of the Tolaram Science Challenge, Olakunle Fadumiye, expressed that the intent behind the competition is to ensure participants return to their schools as ambassadors of excellence and possibility, regardless of their outcomes.

‘When we started in 2016, many students had little motivation to pursue science subjects. Some preferred fishing and informal work over education because they saw limited opportunities. University seemed unattainable to many. Yet we believed that if we could inspire even a few students to dream bigger, we could begin changing the future of an entire community,’ Fadumiye explained.

He commended the leadership team of Tolaram and the Lagos Free Zone for establishing a foundation that symbolizes economic transformation and national development. He urged LFZ to continue providing TSC alumni with preference for industrial training opportunities, internships, and NYSC placements within the Zone, noting that these experiences would equip them with essential practical experience, professional exposure, and workplace skills for future success.

In her remarks, the deputy director of the Schools Support Unit, Education District 3, Ikoyi, Lagos, Mrs Olubunmi Ajibola-Morebise, praised the management of Lagos Free Zone and Tolaram for maintaining the vision that has sustained the competition to this day.

She emphasized that there is no doubt the competition has positively impacted students in Ibeju-Lekki by fostering a better reading culture and promoting healthy competition among teachers.

In total, 32 students were awarded scholarships for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

HAULAGE operators have raised the alarm over an extortion point along the Creek road axis of the Apapa Port, stating that after similar oneswere dismantled.

According to them, security operatives now gather at this new point to extort truckers.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, chairman, Dry Cargo section of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Abdullahi Inuwa, explained that truckers are subjected to unreceipted levy at the Mr. Biggs junction along Creek Road in Apapa by state and non-state actors after the dismantling of illegal checkpoints around Lagos ports.

‘The new hotspot is the Mr. Biggs junction along Creek Road when you are approaching the Apapa Port gate.

‘After the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) led other security agencies to dismantle illegal checkpoints around the Apapa Port axis, the unscrupulous elements extorting truckers have now moved to the Mr Biggs junction,’ he said.

‘You will see them hanging around that axis. Once a truck is approaching the port along Creek Road, men in uniform and non state actors emerge from nowhere at the Mr. Biggs junction and subject truckers to all manner of extortion.

‘Haulage operators are losing millions at this junction because it is a major route strategically stationed in-between Apapa and Tin-Can Ports. So, there is no way a truck can come into Apapa or Tin-Can without passing through this axis.’

Recall that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), alongside the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Government, recently launched a joint task force to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.

The initiative aims to eliminate unauthorized levies that cause severe traffic gridlock and inflate the cost of doing business.

Among the …… illegal checkpoints were on and beneath the Liverpool Bridge, the approach to the Tin-Can Island Container Terminal (TICT), PTML, and Ports and Cargo terminals.

Also, extortion points at the NAGAFF Junction, Etisalat, and Fidelity roundabouts in the Apapa axis were dismantled.

THE Management of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has graduated 21 participants of the Aeronautical Mobile Service (AMS) Course and 19 participants of the Firefighter Initial Course, at the institution’s ultra-modern auditorium Hall.

The Dean of the Air Traffic Services Communication School (ATS/Com), Mallam Nasiru Mu’azu, who declared the ceremony open, congratulated the graduates on achieving the important milestone.

Mallam Mu’azu urged them to apply the skills and knowledge they acquired during the training at their respective duty stations.

Presenting the course appraisal for AMS-08, Instructor Agbelusi Abiodun, stated that the course commenced on April 28, and was concluded on July 17.

He noted that the course had 21 participants, comprising 20 sponsored by the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) and one by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

Agbelusi explained that the course was divided into two sections: Data and Communication.

He added that all the participants successfully passed their examinations, and were qualified to be declared graduates of NCAT.

Speaking on the course, the coordinator, Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu, explained that the course had 19 participants, comprising 10 from Bauchi Airport and nine from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

Mr. Aliyu noted that all the participants successfully completed the course and were qualified to be declared graduates of NCAT.

A few years ago, building business automation required programming knowledge, expensive software, and weeks of development. Today, that has changed dramatically. Platforms like Make.com are allowing freelancers to build sophisticated workflows without writing thousands of lines of code.

Therefore, instead of spending hours developing custom integrations, users can connect hundreds of applications through visual automation.

So, for many digital professionals, Make.com automation Nigerian freelancers is becoming more than a productivity tool, it is creating a new income stream. Such as virtual assistants, digital marketers, CRM specialists, project managers, and automation consultants are now charging clients to build workflows that save businesses time and money.

The rise of no-code automation

Businesses are under constant pressure to do more with fewer resources nowadays. So, instead of hiring additional staff for repetitive administrative work, many organisations now automate routine processes such as lead management, invoice generation, customer onboarding, inventory updates, and email marketing.

Make.com allows users to connect applications including Google Sheets, Gmail, Slack, HubSpot, Airtable, Shopify, Notion, WhatsApp Business, and hundreds of other services through drag-and-drop workflows.

According to Gartner, the no-code and low-code market continues to expand rapidly as organisations seek faster application development and workflow automation. The research firm projects continued growth in enterprise adoption as businesses prioritise digital transformation and operational efficiency. Likewise, Microsoft reports that low-code platforms are increasingly helping organisations accelerate innovation while reducing development bottlenecks.

Why Nigerian freelancers are benefiting

Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest freelance talent pools. Thousands of professionals already work with international clients through platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and LinkedIn.

And as more companies adopt automation, demand is shifting from traditional software development toward workflow optimization. Many clients no longer need a custom-coded application; they simply want their existing software to communicate automatically.

For example, a freelancer can build a workflow that captures website enquiries, stores customer information in Airtable, sends automated emails through Gmail, notifies a sales team in Slack, and creates invoices, all without writing complex backend code.

This shift allows freelancers with analytical thinking and process design skills to compete globally, even if they have limited programming experience.

Automation skills command higher rates

Businesses don’t pay for automation because it looks impressive. They pay because it saves time, reduces manual errors, and lowers operating costs.

A well-designed Make.com scenario can replace hours of repetitive work every week. For clients, that translates into measurable productivity gains. For freelancers, it creates opportunities to charge premium project fees, monthly maintenance retainers, or ongoing optimisation services.

The World Bank has highlighted the digital economy as a major driver of employment and entrepreneurship in emerging markets, while the International Labour Organization (ILO) note that digital labour platforms continue expanding access to global work opportunities for skilled professionals.

Learning curve is lower than traditional programming

One reason Make.com automation Nigerian freelancers continue gaining popularity is accessibility.

Unlike conventional software engineering, automation focuses on understanding business processes rather than memorising programming syntax. Freelancers learn how applications exchange information through APIs, triggers, filters, and conditional logic using visual workflow builders.

That doesn’t eliminate technical thinking, it simply lowers the barrier to entry while allowing faster project delivery.

Where the biggest opportunities exist

Automation demand is growing across e-commerce, healthcare, education, real estate, logistics, accounting, and financial technology.

Businesses increasingly want automated appointment scheduling, CRM management, customer support, payment notifications, social media publishing, and document processing.

Nigerian freelancers who understand both business operations and workflow automation can position themselves as solution providers rather than task executors.

Building a sustainable automation business

Success with Make.com extends beyond learning the platform itself. Freelancers who consistently attract international clients usually combine automation expertise with strong communication, documentation, project management, and consulting skills.

Developing reusable workflow templates, publishing case studies, and earning recognised automation certifications can also improve credibility when pitching clients.

The future of freelancing is shifting from simply completing tasks to designing systems that complete those tasks automatically.

For professionals exploring Make.com automation Nigerian freelancers, this represents an opportunity to deliver greater value while increasing earning potential. Businesses worldwide are embracing no-code automation to improve efficiency, and freelancers who understand how to solve operational problems with platforms like Make.com are well positioned to benefit from that growing demand.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged eligible residents of Oyo State to take advantage of the two-week extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and avoid waiting until the final days before the registration window closes.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Rahmon Adeniran Tella, who reiterated that the ongoing third and final phase of the CVR exercise will end on Sunday, July 26, 2026, despite the earlier two-week extension granted by the commission.

According to the statement, the extension was approved to enable more eligible Nigerians to register and update their voter records ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The REC said the extension is for citizens who have attained the age of 18, those registering for the first time, voters seeking to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards, or correct their personal details.

Tella, in the statement, urged prospective registrants not to wait until the closing days of the exercise, warning that doing so could result in unnecessary congestion, long queues and avoidable disappointment at registration centres.

He also announced that the commission had introduced a Self-Service Online Registration Portal for first-time voters through cvr.inecnigeria.org, describing it as a major innovation aimed at making the registration process more accessible and convenient.

According to him, the online platform allows first-time voters to complete their registration without physically visiting INEC offices, thereby reducing crowding and enabling applicants to register at their convenience.

The REC, however, advised all eligible residents of Oyo State to take advantage of the online facility and complete their registration within the stipulated period.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive and credible voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians with startup grants and leadership training under the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026, aimed at building the next generation of leaders for Nigeria’s energy sector.

The week-long fellowship, organised through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, concluded in Abuja on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package worth over N17 million, including startup grants ranging from N500,000 to N5 million for outstanding participants.

The residential programme brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for intensive training in leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

Participants underwent six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements designed to prepare them for leadership roles in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

The fellowship also exposed participants to practical opportunities within the country’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with professional networks, mentorship and entrepreneurial skills needed to drive innovation and sustainable development.

Among the prominent personalities who engaged the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN); Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and APC National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Abdullahi said the fellowship was conceived to raise ethical, competent and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing to national development.

‘As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,’ he said.

He commended the participants for their discipline, resilience and commitment to learning, noting that they had demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian youths to excel when provided with the right opportunities. According to him, leadership must be anchored on integrity, excellence and service.

‘Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,’ Abdullahi said.

The ECN boss stressed that the energy sector goes beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a major driver of economic growth and improved quality of life.

‘The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people.

It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,’ he stated.

He said achieving Nigeria’s energy transition would require courageous leadership, innovation and ethical professionals committed to national development.

Abdullahi urged the fellows to become ambassadors of clean energy and sustainable development, while encouraging them to sustain the networks established during the fellowship and continue developing practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

The successful completion of the inaugural MAELF, organisers said, represents a major milestone in the DAM Foundation’s investment in youth empowerment and human capital development, with plans already being considered for future editions to strengthen leadership capacity within Nigeria’s energy sector.

GROWING unemployment among licenced flight dispatchers has became a major concern for aviation stakeholders, warning that Nigeria is wasting a significant pool of safety-critical professionals despite increasing demands for safe and efficient airline operations.

The concern was raised, at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN) held at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex Training Hall in Lagos under the theme: ‘Safety and Efficiency: The Flight Dispatcher’s Role.’

Delivering the keynote address, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Second Vice President of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Dr. Alexander Nwuba, described flight dispatchers as integral to operational control, stressing that aviation safety and operational efficiency converge in the dispatch office.

Dr Nwuba, who was represented by the general secretary, ASRTI, Mr Olumide Ohunayo, stated that dispatchers are far more than support personnel, and noted that every flight release signed by a dispatcher represents a commitment to passenger safety.

‘Safety and efficiency are not competing goals. Efficiency without safety is recklessness, while safety without efficiency is unsustainable. The dispatcher’s daily responsibility is to maintain both in balance on every flight,’ Nwuba said.

He expressed concern over what he described as the country’s underutilisation of certified flight dispatchers, revealing that although Nigeria has licenced about 1,500 flight dispatchers, fewer than 500 are currently employed.

He noted that many dispatchers lose the validity of their licences within five years because they are unable to secure employment that allows them to maintain operational competency.

Describing the situation as a major loss to aviation safety, Nwuba said the country was wasting nearly two-thirds of its trained and certificated safety workforce.

He assured participants that AOPA and the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative would continue to advocate improved recognition, welfare and regulatory status for flight dispatchers while supporting FLIDAN’s engagement with the NCAA on issues, including aircraft type ratings, dispatcher logbooks and enforcement of duty-time limitations.

Nwuba also projected significant opportunities for the profession beyond conventional airline operations, citing the emergence of centralised and remote operations control centres, business aviation, humanitarian and energy flight support, charter operations, as well as the growing unmanned aircraft and advanced air mobility sectors.

He said with sustained investment in recurrent training, modern flight planning technologies and structured career development, Nigeria possesses the capacity to become West Africa’s operational control hub by training, certifying and exporting highly skilled flight dispatch professionals.

Earlier in his welcome address, FLIDAN president Mr. Daniel Ayuba, described flight dispatchers as strategic partners in airline operational control whose contributions directly influence every safe departure, efficient flight plan and successful arrival.

He said the conference theme reflected the increasing complexity of global aviation, where technological innovation, evolving regulatory requirements, environmental concerns and rising passenger expectations demand continuous professional development.

‘The role of the Flight Dispatcher is no longer viewed merely as a supporting function. We are strategic partners in operational control,’ Ayuba stated.

He maintained that safety remains the foundation of aviation while efficiency ensures resources are utilised responsibly without compromising operational standards.

He said the annual conference serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, collaboration and professional development aimed at strengthening airline operations across Nigeria.

Ayuba reaffirmed FLIDAN’s commitment to promoting professionalism through improved training, stronger Operations Control Centres, competency-based development, implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and increased recognition of flight dispatchers within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

He called on industry stakeholders to ensure that recommendations emerging from the conference translate into practical improvements across airlines, regulatory institutions, training organisations and Operations Control Centres.

The FLIDAN president also urged the aviation industry to accelerate implementation of ICAO Document 10106, strengthen Safety Management Systems (SMS), embrace modern operational technologies and expand competency-based training programmes to enhance both safety and efficiency.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA, airlines, Approved Aviation Training Organisations (AATOs), airport operators and other aviation service providers for supporting professional development and safety oversight within the sector.