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Isak scores as Liverpool beat Brighton to give Iraola first Anfield win

Alexander Isak scored for the third consecutive Premier League game as Liverpool defeated Brighton 2-0 on Sunday, giving manager Andoni Iraola his first league victory at Anfield.

Liverpool struck twice in quick succession in the first half, with Pascal Gross scoring an own goal before Isak added the second.

Isak has now scored six goals in seven league appearances this season, including three in his last four matches.

The victory also gave Iraola his first taste of Premier League success at Anfield. The Spaniard had failed to win his first three league games at the venue since arriving from Bournemouth in the close season.

Iraola, who had already secured Champions League and League Cup victories at Anfield, has now guided Liverpool to four consecutive wins in all competitions following their chastening 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City.

Liverpool climbed to fourth place, one point behind third-placed Brighton, after handing the Seagulls their second league defeat of the season.

The Reds remain six points behind leaders Manchester City as they look to build momentum in the title race.

Liverpool had gone five home league games without a win dating back to last season, drawing four and losing one. However, they overcame Brighton with a composed performance, ending the visitors’ recent scoring run after the Seagulls arrived at Anfield as the league’s top scorers.

Brighton had an early opportunity to take the lead when Diego Gomez’s pass caught Virgil van Dijk out of position. Gross crossed for Yasin Ayari, but the midfielder fired wastefully over with the goal at his mercy.

First HoldCo, Seplat, HBM lead Nigeria’s big corporate stock returns

Big corporate stocks on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) have seen an unprecedented wave of capital reallocation this year, and sitting comfortably at the vanguard of this financial renaissance are First Holdco Plc, Seplat Energy Plc, and HBM Nigeria Plc.

Overtaking its traditional NGX Premium Board peers, First Holdco has recorded a 186.64 percent year-to-date (YtD) return, decisively rewriting valuation norms across the local bourse.

This trajectory reflects a major shift in market sentiment, transitioning the conglomerate from a historical value play into an aggressive growth leader.

Driving this market-beating momentum is a powerful convergence of aggressive retail accumulation, institutional positioning, and renewed confidence following strategic balance sheet restructuring.

While fellow elite banking and industrial heavyweights on the Premium Board have posted respectable mid-tier gains, First Holdco’s parabolic ascent to stand at N137.3 as at October 19 highlights how effectively the group has unlocked underlying shareholder value.

BusinessDay’s trend watch shows other Premium Board companies and their returns year-to-date (YtD), such as MTNN (61.45 percent), Dangote Cement (65.52 percent), Seplat (175.44 percent), First Holdco (186.64 percent), HBM Nigeria (163.94 percent), Zenith Bank (100.65 percent), UBA (0.84 percent), and Access Holdings (33.10 percent).

In the basket of eight Premium Board Companies, investors have increasingly rewarded First Holdco for its decisive measures to clean up legacy exposures and optimise its expansive financial services ecosystem.

This exceptional outperformance also highlights a broader structural reallocation toward deeply liquid, highly capitalised tier-one Nigerian equities capable of hedging against macroeconomic volatility.

As market participants search for robust vehicles to preserve capital and outpace inflation, First Holdco’s liquidity depth and massive market capitalisation, hovering around N6.243trillion territory as at October 19 have made it an unavoidable destination for both domestic and foreign portfolio flows.

NGX Premium tracks the Premium Board companies in terms of market capitalisation and liquidity. It is a price index and is weighted by adjusted market capitalisation – the number of a company’s listed shares, multiplied by the closing price of that company, multiplied by a capping factor. Only fully paid-up common shares are included in the index.

As the NGX navigates through market dynamics, the Premium Board continues to serve as the crown jewel for institutional and retail investors seeking liquidity, solid governance, and impressive capital appreciation.

For instance, the performance of the NGX Premium Board highlights a market favouring high-conviction growth stocks, particularly within financial services and energy sectors.

While top performers like First Holdco, Seplat and HBM Nigeria have yielded extraordinary triple-digit windfalls, the diverse spread of returns emphasises the importance of portfolio rebalancing and strategic stock selection tailored to risk appetite.

Energy titan Seplat followed First Holdco closely behind with a stellar 175.44 percent YtD return, trading at N16,000.10 and boasting a market cap of N9.599 trillion. Seplat Energy Plc has continued to demonstrate phenomenal financial muscle and capital growth.

Backed by robust performance in the oil and gas exploration and production sector, Seplat stands out as one of the most rewarding large-cap investments for equity holders. Delivering an explosive 175.44 percent YtD return, Seplat has heavily rewarded investors, comfortably outperforming broader market indices and solidifying its status as an elite capital-growth engine.

Seplat’s ability to combine robust fundamental earnings with aggressive capital appreciation makes it a cornerstone asset for portfolios targeting the oil and gas sector. For investors looking for heavy-hitting exposure backed by solid structural valuations and extraordinary capital gains, Seplat remains a premier benchmark of success.

Meanwhile, HBM Nigeria (N355 per share as at October 19) also delivered massive gains at 163.94 percent YtD, cementing the dominance of top-tier growth plays.

As a heavyweight contender on the NGX Premium Board, HBM Nigeria Plc has established itself as an exceptional wealth-generator for investors. Backed by solid market positioning in the industrial goods sector, the company’s strong performance highlights why it remains a focal point for capital appreciation.

Investors who positioned themselves in the stock early this year have enjoyed explosive capital gains, mirroring the bullish momentum seen in select heavy-hitting industrial and energy plays.

Zenith Bank successfully crossed the milestone triple-digit threshold, recording a 100.65 percent YtD return with a share price of N124 as at October 19 and a N5.092 trillion market valuation, proving that tier-1 banking institutions remain a staple for wealth creation.

Market heavyweights MTNN (N17.321 trillion market cap) and Dangote Cement (N17.008 trillion market cap) demonstrated solid, defensive growth, posting respectable YtD returns of 61.45 percent and 65.52 percent respectively, while trading at N825 and N1,008.

While Zenith Bank doubled investors’ capital, other financial institutions like Access Holdings (33.10 percent) and UBA (0.84 percent) experienced more subdued momentum, presenting potential value or consolidation phases for long-term investors.

Crucially, for First Holdco Plc that blazes past others, the 186.64 percent YtD milestone serves as a powerful validation of the holding company structure adopted by the group, enabling greater operational agility and targeted capital allocation across its diverse banking, merchant, and asset management subsidiaries.

By streamlining its risk architecture and improving core revenue generation, the firm has successfully dismantled historical valuation discounts that previously separated it from its closest index rivals.

As the market steers into the final stretch of the year, all eyes remain fixed on whether First Holdco, Seplat Energy, and HBM Nigeria can sustain this blistering momentum against tightening monetary levers and shifting macroeconomic headwinds.

Yet, by decisively outrunning their NGX Premium benchmark peers, these companies have firmly cemented their status as the defining market darlings of the current trading cycle, signalling a bold new chapter for West Africa’s capital markets.

Lagos steps up Ebola surveillance after case confirmed in Abuja

The Lagos State Government has intensified disease surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The state government said it had no suspected Ebola cases in Lagos at the time of its announcement, urging residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and report possible exposure promptly.

In a press statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government said it was strengthening surveillance, public communication and community engagement through its Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health.

It said it was also working with agencies at points of entry, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, to support early detection and response to suspected cases.

As part of the preparedness measures, the ministry conducted an assessment and engagement with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders. Discussions focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and coordination of emergency responses.

The state government said it was expanding public awareness efforts to educate residents about Ebola symptoms, transmission and prevention.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that can be fatal. According to the ministry, transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, contaminated materials, or the body of someone who has died from the disease. Infection may also occur through contact with infected animals.

Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may occur in some cases.

The ministry warned that early symptoms can resemble malaria and other common illnesses, advising anyone who becomes unwell after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission to seek prompt medical assessment.

Under Lagos State’s fever-management policy, people with fever are advised to undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medicines. Where the result is negative, a healthcare professional should assess other possible causes and determine the appropriate treatment.

The government also urged residents to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people and refrain from handling potentially contaminated materials or touching sick or dead wild animals.

Travellers arriving in Nigeria, particularly from areas reporting Ebola transmission, were urged to cooperate with Port Health Services, provide accurate travel and health information when requested, and follow official public health guidance.

The ministry advised anyone who develops symptoms during travel or after arrival to notify appropriate health personnel promptly and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

Residents who suspect they have been exposed to Ebola, especially through contact with a suspected or confirmed case, were advised to contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.

The state government listed 112 and 767 as emergency numbers for reporting concerns in Lagos. It also provided the number 0802 316 9485 for the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

The government said it would continue to monitor developments, strengthen surveillance and coordinate with relevant agencies, while providing updates as necessary. It urged residents to rely on official announcements rather than rumours.

Effective science teaching requires more than transmission of facts, memorisation of theories – PAAU VC

Salisu Ogbo Usman, vice-chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, has stated that effective science teaching requires more than transmission of facts or memorisation of the theories, saying activity-based learning, inquiry, experimentation, laboratory practices ant the appropriate of technology can help students develop curiosity, critical thinking, creativity and practical skills.

Ogbo stated this during the 30th inaugural Lecture themed ‘Monkey de work Baboon de Chop’

has described the 30th Inaugural Lecture as a reaffirmation of the University’s commitment to rigorous scholarship, intellectual engagement, the preservation of knowledge and the application of research to societal advancement.

Usman described the topic as timely and significant, noting that science education is central to a society’s ability to develop, innovate, solve problems and compete in an increasingly knowledge -driven world.

He explained that the manner in which science is taught influences how learners think, investigate problems and acquire the competencies required to contribute to the future development of the nation, noting that the lecture drew attention to the challenges confronting teachers and researchers who develop and implement innovative teaching methods, often in the face of limited resources, inadequate institutional support and insufficient recognition.

He noted that the implications of science education extend beyond the classroom, as the quality of education influences a society’s capacity to respond to challenges in health, agriculture, engineering, technology, environmental sustainability and industrial development.

Ogbo equally congratulated Achimugu on the academic milestone and commended his contributions to teaching, research, mentorship and educational leadership.

He also expressed appreciation to the Chairman and members of the Inaugural Lecture Committee for their dedication, diligence and careful planning in organising the event.

The lecture attracted members of the University community and other invited guests who gathered to celebrate scholarship and reflect on the challenges and prospects of improving science education through effective teaching methods.

’Imported’ malaria cases muddle eradication efforts in 3 counties

Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri are reporting imported malaria cases, making it harder for them to eradicate the disease even as confirmed infections have increased.

According to health sector data, Murang’a recorded a 92 percent increase in confirmed outpatient malaria cases between 2021 and September 2026, while cases in Kirinyaga rose by 33 percent and in Nyeri by 12 percent.

However, the latest data does not specify the counties or regions where the imported infections in the three counties are originating.

Imported malaria occurs when a person contracts the infection in one area but is diagnosed in another. Infected travellers can carry the parasite into counties with low local transmission, where mosquitoes may spread it to others.

These infections may be linked to travel from regions with higher malaria transmission, including areas around Lake Victoria and the coast.

These three counties, alongside Laikipia and Nyandarua, are among the five targeted by the government for malaria elimination by 2027/28.

Earlier in the year, the Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, said that Kirinyaga had recorded near-zero malaria cases acquired through local transmission in recent years.

‘Kirinyaga has recorded near-zero indigenous cases in recent years and is part of the Mt Kenya region counties targeted for elimination,’ she said.

Nationally, confirmed outpatient malaria cases declined from 5.54 million in 2023 to 3.64 million in the 12 months to September 2026. The confirmed case rate also fell from 104.4 per 1,000 people in 2023 to 64.2 in the latest reporting period.

“The changes deserve investigation”

Despite the national decline, 12 counties recorded increases in confirmed cases, while 35 registered reductions.

‘Most counties recorded fewer confirmed malaria cases than in 2021, but increases were concentrated in 12 counties.’ Mandera had the largest percentage rise, followed by Homa Bay and Murang’a. These changes deserve investigation, particularly given that the increase in cases also represents a substantial number of patients,’ the health sector document stated.

Mandera recorded the largest percentage increase in confirmed cases, at 362 percent, followed by Homa Bay at 142 percent and Murang’a at 92 percent.

This trend was also evident in the malaria rate, relative to the population size. Six counties recorded higher confirmed rates per 1,000 people: Mandera, Homa Bay, Murang’a, Marsabit, Kirinyaga and Turkana. Wajir and Migori remained relatively stable, while the other counties recorded declines.

‘Six counties recorded higher confirmed malaria rates per 1,000 people: Mandera, Homa Bay, Murang’a, Marsabit, Kirinyaga and Turkana. Wajir and Migori remained relatively stable. The remaining counties recorded reductions, although continued surveillance is needed to understand local differences,’ the document stated.

Aristoteles Constantinides the new Chairperson of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights’ Management Board

Aristoteles Constantinides, Associate Professor of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Cyprus, takes up duty as the Chairperson of the Management Board of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). His two-and-a-half-year term begins on 25 October 2026, according to an announcement by FRA.

Constantinides’ research focuses on international human rights law, particularly the rights of minorities, social rights, and the intersection of human rights and criminal justice. ‘He authored Cyprus’ National Human Rights Strategy and is currently supporting the drafting of the National Strategy for LGBTI persons’, it is noted. He is a member of the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Human Rights in the fields of Biomedicine and Health (CDBIO), the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee and the Drafting Committee on Human Rights and Drug Policies (DH-PDA).

“I am deeply honoured to serve as Chairperson of FRA’s Management Board at a time when fundamental rights face mounting pressures’, Constantinides said, according to the announcement. He noted that FRA’s ‘unique added value’ lies in combining robust, comparable evidence and expertise with close stakeholder cooperation to address the profound challenges of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, inequalities, security, and migration.

He said that the Management Board ‘plays a vital role’ in providing strategic direction, supporting effective governance and safeguarding FRA’s independence. ‘I look forward to working with the Agency’s Director and staff, its partners, and my fellow Board members to keep fundamental rights at the heart of EU decision-making’, he said.

FRA thanked outgoing Chairperson of the Board, Jim Clarken of Ireland, ‘for his leadership and commitment during his two terms in office.’

FRA Director Sirpa Rautio said, according to the announcement, that ‘it has been a pleasure’ working with Clarken for the past two years, thanking him ‘for his dedication and support’. She also welcomes Constantinides, noting that she ‘very much’ looks forward to working with.

It is noted that the Management Board oversees FRA’s operations, sets the Agency’s strategic priorities and adopts its budget. It is composed of representatives from all 27 EU Member States, observer States, the Council of Europe and the European Commission. Every two and a half years, the Board elects a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from amongst its members. The current Vice-Chairperson of the Board, Astrid Kjeldgaard-Pedersen of Denmark, was elected on 19 May 2026.

Cyprus’ Ministry of Justice and Public Order on Sunday extended its ‘warm congratulations’ to Constantinides, noting that the appointment of a Cypriot academic to the chairmanship of such an important European Union agency was ‘an honour’ for the Republic of Cyprus and a recognition of his academic expertise, experience and contribution to the fields of international law and the protection of human rights.

The Ministry wishes Constantinides ‘every success’ in his new duties and a fruitful and productive term of office, ‘for the benefit of our shared European values and the citizens of Cyprus and the European Union’.

UK, Nigeria strengthen cooperation on migration, justice, security

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed to deepen cooperation on migration, justice and security, with a focus on tackling visa fraud, organised immigration crime, drug trafficking and cyber-enabled fraud, while improving legal migration pathways and border management.

The agreement followed the annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs (MJHA) Dialogue held in London on October 6, where senior officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office jointly chaired discussions on translating commitments made during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK in March 2026 into practical measures.

The discussions covered a range of areas, including document verification, border security, the return and reintegration of migrants, extradition, asset recovery and prisoner transfers, as both countries seek to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and protect legitimate travel between them.

The two countries also agreed to work together to address drug trafficking and crimes facilitated by digital technologies, reflecting the broadening scope of their bilateral security cooperation.

According to a statement by the British High Commission, the dialogue was designed to convert political commitments made during the State Visit into practical areas of cooperation that would benefit citizens of both countries.

The discussions also emphasised the need to support safe and dignified migrant returns and reintegration, alongside efforts to prevent the abuse of immigration systems.

It noted that Nigeria remains a significant source of travellers to the UK, receiving the third-highest volume of UK student visas globally and the fifth-highest volume of work visas. This level of movement has made cooperation on protecting legitimate travel, strengthening verification processes and holding those responsible for immigration-related offences accountable a key priority for both governments.

The UK and Nigeria also agreed to support the development of Nigerian visa pathways for businesses seeking to invest in Nigeria.

Vicky Seymour, British Deputy High Commissioner, said the partnership was producing practical results on issues of importance to both countries.

‘The UK-Nigeria partnership is delivering practical results on issues that matter to both our countries,’ Seymour said.

She said both governments were building on the momentum of Tinubu’s State Visit by implementing commitments aimed at tackling visa fraud and organised immigration crime, strengthening border security, and supporting safe and dignified return and reintegration.

‘Our goal is simple: protect legitimate travellers, tackle those who abuse our systems and make both our countries safer,’ she said.

On Nigeria’s part, Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said migration remained one of the most important and visible aspects of the bilateral relationship.

Ahmed said cooperation on migration should not be limited to enforcement but should also create meaningful opportunities for legal migration and establish credible pathways for legitimate migrants.

‘Migration remains one of the most important and visible aspects of the UK-Nigeria relationship.

‘This dialogue must both cover enforcement activities as well as ensuring meaningful opportunities for legal migration, and credible opportunities for pathways for legitimate migrants,’ he said.

He added that the dialogue was ultimately aimed at strengthening the security, prosperity and safety of both countries and their citizens.

AI agents open new security front for Kenyan businesses

Kenyan businesses are moving from using artificial intelligence (AI) for simple tasks like answering customer questions to deploying systems that can execute tasks on their behalf, and experts point to an emerging cybersecurity challenge – how to protect the digital identities and privileges granted to these AI agents.

Conventional chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude mainly generate responses. But AI agents can be connected to company applications, databases and internal systems to perform tasks with limited human intervention.

This makes them useful for automating business processes, but also creates another potential entry point for cybercriminals if their access is compromised or poorly controlled.

For Kenyan businesses adopting AI to streamline operations, an agent with extensive permissions could expose sensitive information or allow an attacker to move deeper into corporate systems if its identity is hijacked.

‘AI agents are what we call privileged users in your environment,’ Robert Ng’etich, the team lead for threat intelligence in East Africa at the global IT services firm NTT Data, told the Business Daily.

‘For such users, one of the biggest risks they present is that if their identities are compromised, they can lead to a broader business compromise.’

The risk reflects a wider shift in cybersecurity, where attackers increasingly exploit existing identities and login credentials rather than relying only on technical vulnerabilities to break into systems.

Using legitimate credentials can help hackers disguise their actions as routine user activity, making it harder for organisations to identify an intrusion.

Because AI agents gain access to business applications and data, cyber experts say companies will need to extend identity protection and access controls to these non-human users, just as they do for employees and other privileged accounts.

This includes ensuring that agents have access only to the information and systems needed for their assigned tasks, monitoring their activity and protecting the credentials that allow them to operate. An agent that can access several business systems may become an attractive target if its permissions are not carefully managed.

The threat is emerging as cybercriminals increasingly harness AI to improve the speed, scale and credibility of their attacks.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) detected 11.1 billion cyber-threat incidents in the year to June 2026, a 29 percent increase from 8.6 billion a year earlier.

Distributed denial-of-service attacks, where hackers flood websites, servers and networks with huge volumes of malicious traffic to make them inaccessible, rose 114.3 percent to 72.16 million in the year ended June 2026, up from 33.68 million a year earlier.

This was the highest growth among the cyber threats tracked by the regulator, highlighting the growing exposure of businesses and public systems as more services move online.

Web application attacks targeting flaws, poor coding, or security gaps in websites, web services, and application programme interfaces increased 99 percent to 51.51 million, from 25.89 million in the previous year.

Cyber experts say attackers are using AI to generate more convincing phishing messages, translate scams into local languages such as Swahili, and create deepfake voices and videos that imitate real people.

These techniques can be used to trick employees into disclosing information, authorising payments or carrying out instructions they believe came from a colleague or senior executive.

‘Before, it used to take a lot of time for attackers to find ways to exploit systems. But now, with the help of AI, what would have taken maybe three weeks to one month is now taking hours,’ said Mr Ng’etich.

‘We are seeing a lot more attacks on websites and other systems because attackers are using AI to enhance their vulnerability research, increasing the speed with which they are finding loopholes.’

Still, the same technology is being adopted by cybersecurity teams to strengthen their defences, setting up a contest in which both sides are seeking to improve their speed and effectiveness.

Security operations centres (SOCs), which monitor networks and investigate suspicious activity, are using AI to analyse and correlate far more signals than human analysts could reasonably examine manually.

Events such as a user login, access to a file and other seemingly minor activities can be assessed together to reveal patterns that might indicate a wider attack.

Mr Ng’etich says AI can help security teams examine hundreds of data points and connect events that, viewed individually, may appear insignificant.

‘We can also do summaries using AI, report on incidents using AI, whether to technical or executive teams in a business,’ he said.

‘The SOC is also able to use AI for vulnerability search too, the same way as attackers. And because of that, they can arrest, or they can address vulnerabilities at a much faster pace.’

Security practitioners are also deploying AI agents to handle repetitive work, including case summaries, event correlation, prioritisation and certain standardised responses, such as blocking elements associated with an attack.

The aim, he says, is not to replace human analysts but to help them respond more quickly and concentrate on decisions that require judgement. It increases the volume of security events they investigate and shortens the time between detecting a threat and taking action.

Iwobi matches Mo Salah’s 328 Premier League appearance record

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has matched Mohamed Salah’s Premier League appearance record among African players after featuring in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Coventry City on Saturday.

Iwobi’s appearance took his Premier League tally to 328, drawing him level with Liverpool forward Salah as the joint-second most-capped African player in the competition’s history.

However, Salah has played more minutes in the league, accumulating 26,785 compared with Iwobi’s 22,898.

The Fulham midfielder could move into outright second place when the Cottagers travel to Aston Villa for their next league fixture, provided he features in the match.

Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Kolo Touré holds the record for the most Premier League appearances by an African player, with 353.

Iwobi played 73 minutes in Fulham’s victory over Coventry, recording 60 touches, completing 51 passes and achieving a passing accuracy of 86.3 per cent.

The achievement puts the Super Eagles midfielder within reach of Touré’s record, with 25 appearances separating him from the former Ivory Coast international’s tally.

At 29, Iwobi has the opportunity to become the African player with the most Premier League appearances if he maintains his run of involvement for Fulham and surpasses Touré’s record.

His latest milestone places him alongside Salah, underlining the longevity of both players’ Premier League careers and bringing Iwobi closer to a record held by one of Africa’s most experienced defenders.

Institutional responsibilities, professionalism pathways to drive tourism investment, enterprise – FTAN

In a bid to drive investment and boost enterprise growth in the Nigerian tourism industry, Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, president, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has called for the adoption of clear-cut institutional responsibilities, regulation and professional development, among others.

The above, Badaki stated, is a sure pathway to attracting investment and unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential, which is hugely untapped.

According to him, the top agenda of the FTAN, which is the umbrella body for private sector operators in tourism, is still to be a meaningful voice in tourism policy formulation and implementation.

In his address at the 20th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), which held in Awka, Anambra State, Badaki declared the need for clear institutional responsibilities, appropriate regulations, professional development, and an enabling environment that encourages investment and enterprise growth cannot be overemphasized.

”One of FTAN’s major priorities is ensuring that the organized-private sector has a meaningful voice in tourism policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria,’ he said at the Awka gathering.

”The private sector drives much of the daily activity within our industry. Our hotels, tour operators, travel agents, restaurants, event managers, and other tourism professionals understand the realities of operating tourism businesses.

”Their experiences and recommendations must therefore inform the policies and regulations that affect them.”

To achieve the above, according to him, requires FTAN to engage relevant government institutions on issues affecting the industry, including the implementation and harmonisation of the NTDA Act 2022 and the NIHOTOUR Act 2022.

”Our position is not opposition to regulation. We seek policies that promote professionalism, protect standards, and support the sustainable growth of tourism businesses.

”Tourism policies must be developed with the industry, not merely for the industry.

”Government must recognise the organised private sector as a strategic partner, not simply a stakeholder to be informed after decisions have been made,” he said.

Badaki, who is also chairman, Board of Trustees, HATMAN, called for partnership as the only means of achieving the desired end of tourism development and promotion.

”No single institution can transform Nigeria’s tourism industry alone. We need the government, professional associations, educational institutions, investors, technology providers, and tourism operators working towards common objectives.

”Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate, FTAN will continue to promote constructive engagement, stronger collaboration among associations, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that the concerns and recommendations of tourism operators receive appropriate consideration.

”I call on HATMAN and other tourism associations to strengthen this collective effort. A united, organised, and professionally credible private sector will be better positioned to influence policy and contribute meaningfully to national tourism development.”

He commended the resilience of HATMAN’s members for their dedication to the sustenance of the association in the past 20 years, noting that two decades of sustaining the professional platform demonstrate HATMAN’s commitment to advancing hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.’

Speaking earlier on the theme of the conference, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Agenda: Implications for Global Transformation in Hospitality and Tourism’, he noted that it is timely as artificial intelligence and digital technology are changing how people go through the journey of discovering and experiencing destinations. ‘For Nigeria, these developments present opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce operating costs, expand market access, attract investment, and create employment,” Badaki said.

For a thriving and sustainable tourism industry, he called for skilled manpower development, infrastructure and collaboration among others.

”However, technology alone cannot transform our industry. We need skilled professionals, reliable infrastructure, supportive policies, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

”Our task is to combine technological innovation with the warmth of Nigerian hospitality, the richness of our culture, and the professionalism required to compete globally.”

He reiterated his commitment to the need for a more coordinated, structured, and result-oriented approach to tourism development.

”This informed my commitment to the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM)-a vision focused on strengthening tourism associations, promoting investment, improving professional standards, enhancing destination visibility, and building stronger partnerships between government and the private sector,” he said.

With the conference theme aligning with his TTM agenda, Badaki said: ”I therefore encourage HATMAN to prioritise digital skills development, the adoption of affordable technology by hospitality businesses, improved professional standards, and partnerships with educational institutions and technology providers.

”We must prepare our members not merely to adapt to technological change but to use it as a tool for growth and innovation.”

Badaki further disclosed: ”Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate, FTAN will continue to promote constructive engagement, stronger collaboration among associations, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that the concerns and recommendations of tourism operators receive appropriate consideration.

”I call on HATMAN and other tourism associations to strengthen this collective effort. A united, organised, and professionally credible private sector will be better positioned to influence policy and contribute meaningfully to national tourism development.”

”As chairman, Board of Trustees, I encourage HATMAN to translate the knowledge gained from this conference into practical programmes that benefit its members.

”Let us equip our professionals with relevant digital skills, support small and medium-sized hospitality businesses, encourage innovation among young people, and strengthen collaboration with FTAN and relevant government agencies.

”Above all, let us measure our progress by the results we achieve-not merely by the conferences we organise or the policies we announce.

”Nigeria possesses enormous tourism potential. What we need is the collective commitment to convert that potential into investment, jobs, business growth, and sustainable economic development.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment, both as chairman of the Board of Trustees of HATMAN and president of FTAN, to advancing a more competitive, innovative, and professionally organised tourism industry.

”Let HATMAN champion professional excellence and digital readiness. Let FTAN strengthen private sector coordination and advocacy. Let the government provide an enabling policy environment and also take cognisance of the provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to avoid conflicts.

”And let all stakeholders work together to build a tourism industry that is inclusive, investment-ready, and globally competitive.

”The future of Nigerian tourism depends not only on the technology we adopt but also on the policies we implement, the partnerships we build, and the value we create for our people.”