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Shadrach Akindele, Professor and Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University (RUN), Ede, has stated that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has selected the institution as one of the eight private universities in Nigeria approved to train TETFund-sponsored candidates for postgraduate degrees.

Akindele disclosed on Monday during a press briefing to mark the university’s 17th convocation ceremony and its 20th Anniversary celebration.

ýDescribing the recognition as a major milestone, the Vice Chancellor noted that Redeemer’s University said that the selection was a testament to the university’s commitment to academic quality, innovation, and global competitiveness.

ýHe said, ‘In recognition of the quality of postgraduate training in our university, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) of the Federal Government of Nigeria has selected Redeemer’s University as one of the eight private universities in Nigeria for training of TETFUND-sponsored candidates for postgraduate degrees.

‘This is a very remarkable feat, especially considering that there are 168 private universities in Nigeria at the moment.’

ýAkindele also unveiled the university’s academic achievements for the year, revealing that a total of 1,341 students would be graduating across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

ýAccording to him, 185 students bagged First Class Honours; the highest in the university’s history, while 662 earned Second Class Upper Division, 410 obtained Second Class Lower, 79 finished with Third Class and 5 graduated with Pass.

At the postgraduate level, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that 338 students are graduating, comprising 109 Postgraduate Diploma, 65 Master of Arts, 120 Master of Science, 25 Master of Business Administration, and 19 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.

ýAkindele announced that Thursday, October 9, 2025, has been set aside for the award of first degrees and prizes, while Friday, October 10, 2025, will be for the award of higher degrees and diplomas, as well as the conferment of honorary degrees on three deserving Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to society.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has disclosed that Nigeria’s non-interest capital market has grown significantly, reaching a valuation of over N1.6trillion. The SEC said this milestone signals growing investor confidence and deepening participation in ethical finance.

Emomotimi Agama, Director General, SEC, noted this during a joint press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), holding in Lagos on November 4 and 5, 2025.

‘The non-interest capital market has attained a valuation of N1.6trillion. The overwhelming subscription to our Sukuk issuances demonstrates strong investor confidence and an expanding demand for ethical financial instruments,’ Agama said.

He explained that the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 provides a strengthened legal foundation for non-interest financial products, empowering the SEC to register non-interest collective investment schemes and broaden the range of instruments available to investors.

‘The new Act is a game-changer,’ he noted. ‘It modernises our regulatory framework, enhances transparency, and gives investors the confidence needed to engage more deeply with ethical finance.’

Agama stated that the AICIF will feature high-level discussions on unlocking capital for Africa’s infrastructure, green and ethical investments, agricultural financing, and the role of fintech in transforming Islamic finance.

The conference, jointly organised by the SEC, the Metropolitan Law Firm, and Metropolitan Skills Limited, is themed ‘Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.’ It aims to promote ethical financing as a viable tool for building a resilient and inclusive African economy.

Agama described the upcoming conference as ‘strategically positioned’ to coincide with the conclusion of the Revised Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan (2021-2025), adding that it would serve as a platform for charting the next phase of sustainable financial development across the continent.

‘This year’s theme is a call to action; it’s about harnessing ethical finance as a tool to build a more prosperous and equitable Africa,’ he said.

According to him, the Nigerian non-interest market has shown remarkable momentum, with Sukuk dominating the sector.

He revealed that the last Sukuk issuance was oversubscribed by over 700 percent, underscoring the growing investor appetite for non-interest products and confidence in the regulatory framework.

The sessions, he said, are designed to produce practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing development challenges.

‘This is not just another conference. It is a problem-solving platform that will deliver actionable strategies to drive new investment flows and inform future regulatory policy,’ he emphasised.

The SEC boss added that the conference will bring together regulators, senior financial executives, scholars, and representatives of development finance institutions to collaborate on innovative policy frameworks.

According to him, promoting financial inclusion will be a key focus area, ensuring that ethical finance becomes a driver of prosperity for individuals and businesses alike.

‘The insights generated will help shape the next phase of our capital market’s growth, ensuring it remains a strong engine for Nigeria’s economic development,’ he said.

Agama underscored that the AICIF aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency in the financial system.

He described ethical finance as a critical component of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation plan, capable of funding infrastructure, empowering communities, and stimulating small and medium-scale enterprises.

‘The 7th AICIF is a premier forum dedicated to advancing non-interest and ethical finance across Africa. It represents a shared commitment to building a financial ecosystem that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable,’ he said.

He urged stakeholders and the media to actively participate in the Lagos conference, describing it as ‘a defining moment for Nigeria’s financial sector and a blueprint for Africa’s economic rebirth.’

Also speaking, Ummahani Amin, Managing Partner, Metropolitan Law Firm and Chairman, AICIF 2025 Planning Committee, said that AICIF has grown into one of the most important gatherings for policymakers, regulators, investors, scholars, and innovators who share a common goal to advance ethical, inclusive, and sustainable finance in Africa.

She said, ‘This year, we are especially proud of our strategic partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria’s highest regulator in the capital market. This collaboration underscores our shared vision to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem, deepen investor confidence, and support innovation that aligns with integrity and shared prosperity.

‘This year’s conference comes at a critical time – as Africa continues to explore innovative, ethical, and sustainable pathways to finance development.’

She said Islamic finance has proven to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the global financial system, and AICIF provides a unique platform to bring together policymakers, regulators, scholars, investors, and practitioners to shape that future here on the continent.

Beyond the conference sessions, Amin said the partners will also be celebrating excellence and innovation through its Awards Night, as well as unveiling the winners of the AICIF Pitch Competition, a platform designed to spotlight young entrepreneurs and innovative ideas that can shape the future of Islamic finance in Africa.

Nigeria and Argentina are set to renew their rivalry when they clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile on Wednesday.

Both nations boast a rich history of memorable contests across global tournaments, from the FIFA World Cup to the U20 World Cup and the Olympic Games, but memories of Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Argentina in the Round of 16 at the last edition, hosted by the South Americans two years ago, remain fresh.

Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki sealed that famous win, defying predictions and propelling the Flying Eagles into the quarter-finals, where they eventually bowed out to the Republic of Korea after extra time.

Two decades earlier, the Flying Eagles came close to glory, losing 1-2 to Argentina in the 2005 U20 World Cup Final in the Netherlands, both Argentine goals scored from the spot by Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi netted Nigeria’s consolation.

Argentina remain the tournament’s most successful team with six titles, while Nigeria have finished as runners-up twice (1989 and 2005) and third once (1985). However, the seven-time African champions will head into Wednesday’s clash at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago with no sense of inferiority.

Coach Aliyu Zubair’s men have shown strong self-belief, discipline, and resilience throughout the group stage, collecting four points against Saudi Arabia and Colombia.

The Flying Eagles impressed in their draw against the Colombians, striking the bar three times before captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted a late penalty to secure a vital point.

‘Humanity first: that has been the core of my life, what keeps me up at night: how can we transform lives across Africa? How do we leave a legacy that uplifts people and creates opportunity for everyone?’

These were the words of Tony Elumelu, spoken through his wife, as she received, on his behalf, Rabbi Arthur Schneier’s 2025 Appeal of Conscience award in New York City. Honoured along with Tony Elumelu at the event, which was held on September 29, 2025, was the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

The Appeal of Conscience was launched in 1965 by Rabbi Arthur Schneier as an innovative platform for a vibrant international coalition of interfaith business, religious, and foreign policy leaders to uphold the principle ‘live and let live’ and address issues pertaining to human rights, religious freedom, and mutual understanding in former Communist countries. Within the year, he engaged the early leadership of those who had a passion for world peace and civil and human rights.

Over the next half a century, the Foundation’s efforts expanded throughout the globe. Today in a world rampant with bias, hatred and division, the work of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation is more vital than ever, as the leadership is bound by a shared destiny to heal our wounded world.

Tony should have been physically present at the 2025 ceremony. It is such a prestigious award instituted by the rabbi, recognised as a Holocaust survivor by former President Bill Clinton in 2001. The award has grown to recognise and honour world business and political leaders who promote truth, religious tolerance and economic inclusion.

But he was not. He could not. Despite the potential business networking opportunities the event and award ceremony could have afforded, Elumelu decided to stay away to continue to mourn six personnel of United Capital who were choked to death by the smoke emitted from the fire incident at Afriland Towers, in Lagos Island.

His absence would be the second time in as many weeks that Tony decided to stay away from pivotal global events. During the United Nations General Assembly, he had barely touched down in New York when news of the fire incident at one of the subsidiaries of his Heirs Holdings broke, and he immediately flew back to Nigeria to honour his departed colleagues.

During an emotion-laden speech delivered on his behalf by his wife, Awele, Tony, who didn’t mince words about his humble beginnings, paid tribute to the employees who lost their lives in the fire incident at Afriland Towers, a demonstration of how deeply he was affected by the departure of those employees.

Before calling for a minute’s silence in honour of his departed colleagues, Elumelu paid tribute to

‘It is an honour to receive this award, one that deeply resonates with my personal values, and it is a privilege to be associated with the legacy represented by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Rabbi Arthur Schneier. It is with a heavy heart, weighed by recent and profound loss, that I accept this award. Just a few days ago, we lost six beloved colleagues in a tragic incident. They were family, friends, mothers, sons, and daughters, hard-working individuals who were dedicated to building a better Africa. Their absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Across our group, we are grieving this deep loss. And so tonight, before all else, I wish to honour their memories with a moment of silence,’ Elumelu told the august gathering, betraying the strong emotions that lie beneath the energy that has been driving the growth of his mammoth enterprises spanning banking, real estate, oil and gas, hospitality, power, manufacturing, and others.

It also lends credence to rumours in the Nigerian financial circles of his plans to go beyond the conventional to compensate the families of the departed employees of United Capital in such a way as would assuage the pains of their tragic loss.

Elumelu spoke strongly about humanity as the core of capitalism, acknowledging that he was not born with a silver spoon.

‘Humanity first: that has been the core of my life, what keeps me up at night: how can we transform lives across Africa? How do we leave a legacy that uplifts people and creates opportunity for everyone? I was not born with a silver spoon, I was not educated abroad, and I inherited nothing. I was blessed with determination but also luck,’ Elumelu told the gathering.

He went ahead to recognise the tradition of philanthropy and said he was conscious of the need to give back to society while building his business empire.

‘The American tradition of philanthropy, the tradition we see so clearly in this room today, has always inspired me. The great names that built America in the Gilded Age, the new generation that has endowed universities, research and culture. I was conscious right from the beginning that we needed to give back. I was determined to contribute in a manner that would catalytically transform our continent, Africa. I am not one to blame others,’ he said.

He drew a corollary between what he does as a business and philanthropy, saying, ‘When we create value in the financial services industry, we drive inclusion, offering the underrepresented a stake in the economy. And through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a personal commitment we made in 2010, we have identified, trained, mentored, and provided over USD 100 million in seed funding to over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.’

By empowering a generation with economic opportunities and the means to shape their own destinies, Elumelu said he, his businesses, and his Tony Elumelu Foundation are combating the despair that fuels economic instability, migration, and insecurity in Africa.

But there’s more to be done. Thus, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation award not only strengthens my resolve to do more, to deepen our impact, but it is also a call out for collaboration with those who share similar values.

In his speech, Rabbi Arthur Schneier described Tony as a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and a visionary leader.

‘Tony Elumelu stands as a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership. Business can be a powerful force for peace, stability, and human dignity. His commitment to uplifting others is a living example of conscience in action,’ the highly respected rabbi said.

The Chairman and CEO of Bank of America, who also chaired the Appeal of Conscience Gala, Brian Moynihan, also praised Tony Elumelu for moral leadership and global responsibility.

‘The Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) has chosen to honour Tony Elumelu and Cardinal Dolan because they personify the moral leadership and global responsibility that ACF stands for. Brian Moynihan emphasised that Tony Elumelu’s efforts in faith, community, and economic empowerment serve as a reminder that progress and conscience are inextricably linked.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will depart Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday, October 8, as they begin the final phase of preparations for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team is expected to arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s industrial and economic capital, where they will hold a short training camp before proceeding to Rabat for the tournament proper.

While in Casablanca, the Flamingos will step up their build-up with two high-profile international friendlies: first against New Zealand on October 10, followed by a meeting with Paraguay on October 14.

The team will then move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on October 15, where all participating nations will be accommodated for the competition.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. The Flamingos will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later.

Both fixtures are scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI pitches in the city of Sale. Their final group game will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. at the same venue.

Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere’s side heads into the tournament in outstanding form, having played 10 matches, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any.

Their dominant performances in camp and a well-balanced squad highlight the team’s determination to surpass their quarter-final finish at the last edition held in the Dominican Republic.

Currently, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. With its infrastructure currently estimated at just 30 to 35 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), which is far below the 70 percent benchmark typical of middle-income nations. The question is no longer if the infrastructure gap should be closed, but how fast and by what means.

Recent official estimates put Nigeria’s infrastructure shortfall at $2.3 trillion over the period through 2043 under the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan. Meanwhile, Nigeria has committed to raising its infrastructure stock from its present level of GDP to at least 70 per cent by 2043.

‘Despite these promising steps, serious obstacles remain. Much of the funds for large infrastructure projects still come from external loans or foreign development finance institutions (DFIs). While necessary, such financing increases Nigeria’s debt burden and exposes the country to currency fluctuation risk.’

These are staggering figures dwarfing many of the past assumptions about the scale of investment needed, and they imply that incremental progress will no longer suffice.

Several recent developments show that Nigeria is beginning to mobilise resources more aggressively. The African Development Bank has invested $1.44 billion to support projects in power, transport, water, and sanitation. A $652 million package from China’s Exim Bank has been approved to build a road corridor that will serve as an evacuation route for goods from the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Dangote Refinery.

The China Development Bank released around $255 million to help advance the standard-gauge rail project between Kano and Kaduna, a project valued at $973 million.

The Federal Executive Council has officially approved $11.17 billion for the Lagos-Calabar coastal rail line, part of a broader push to link up major coastal cities with modern rail infrastructure.

There are also commitments at the domestic level, as the Federal Government has disbursed N1.6 trillion to states (including FCT) between March 2024 and May 2025 for infrastructure and security-related projects.

Despite these promising steps, serious obstacles remain. Much of the funds for large infrastructure projects still come from external loans or foreign development finance institutions (DFIs). While necessary, such financing increases Nigeria’s debt burden and exposes the country to currency fluctuation risk.

Some ambitious proposals, like a proposed $60 billion/N100 trillion plan for 4,000 km of high-speed rail lines, have drawn sharp criticism concerning cost, timelines, technical feasibility, and whether they divert focus from already underway or critical infrastructure.

In 2024, only 20 percent of Nigeria’s budget spending was allocated to capital projects, despite the urgent need in transport, power, healthcare, and education. This reflects an imbalance between recurrent costs and long-term investment.

Large projects like the Lagos-Calabar rail line are being approved, but securing full funding, completing right-of-way acquisition, and coordinating across states remain huge tasks.

To close the infrastructure gap, Nigeria must move beyond good intentions and incrementalism, such as accelerating public-private partnerships. Given the scale of the gap (~$2.3trn), public funding alone will not suffice. The government must strengthen regulatory frameworks, de-risk projects, and make investments more attractive to private investors and institutional funds.

Prioritise projects based on impact. Instead of spreading resources thinly, focus must be on projects with high multiplier effects, major transport corridors, energy generation and transmission, water and sanitation. Resources should target projects that unlock commerce, reduce costs, improve trade, and enhance connectivity.

Boost domestic resource mobilisation. Beyond external borrowing, there is a need to raise internal revenues via better taxation and bond markets (including local-currency bonds) and encourage infrastructure finance from pension funds and domestic institutional investors.

Improve implementation capacity and governance. Many infrastructure failures stem not from lack of funds, but from delays, cost overruns, land acquisition challenges, and poor intergovernmental coordination. Strengthening capacity at the state level, streamlining approvals, and ensuring transparency will be key.

A balance between large mega projects and essential local infrastructure should be considered. While grand rail lines and coastal rail networks are critical, there should not be neglect of feeder roads, rural access routes, local grids, and basic infrastructure that directly impact citizens’ lives, commerce, health, and education.

Nigeria’s infrastructure gap is real, large, and costly, not just in dollars, but in lost opportunities: reduced economic growth, constrained trade, weakened global competitiveness, and lower quality of life. Recent commitments give cause for cautious optimism, but they also raise the bar, as much more will need to be done.

If Nigeria can sustain a disciplined, transparent, well-prioritised investment strategy, leverage PPPs, mobilise both domestic and international finance, and strengthen project execution, then the goal of raising infrastructure stock to 70 percent of GDP by 2043 may be within reach. Otherwise, the risk is that the country remains trapped in underdevelopment while its peers accelerate forward.

The challenge before us is immense, but the cost of failure is far higher.

In line with its commitment to decarbonise Nigeria’s construction sector, Lafarge Africa Plc, a foremost innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturer of a range of cement brands, has officially launched EcoCrete, Nigeria’s first low-carbon ready-mix concrete.

The innovative product was unveiled at Lafarge’s Abuja Ready-Mix (RMX) plant recently, according to a statement.

The statemen said the EcoCrete delivers a minimum of 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional CEM I concrete, without compromising on strength, durability, or performance.

Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, group managing director/chief executive officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, stated that Lafarge’s Abuja Ready-Mix plant has now been converted to 100% EcoCrete production, making a bold step in the company’s journey toward excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

‘Over the last year, we have introduced products like Ecoplanet Elephant and Unicem cement, each one a step forward in our journey toward excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Today, with the introduction of our low-carbon Readymix solution, EcoCrete, we take another bold step forward’, he said.

In his keynote address, Temitope Akinyemi, special adviser to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on Climate Finance and Green Growth, commended Lafarge for leading sustainable innovation in the industry, stressing that the launch of EcoCrete aligns with Nigeria’s green growth strategy.

‘Also, this aligns with our global climate commitments, and also Nigeria’s journey towards our next-gen economy. Today, as we launch EcoCrete, we also launch a bold message that Nigeria is ready to lead in sustainable construction, to innovate and to prove that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.’

Speaking at the launch, Xu Gang, Vice President for International Business, Huaxin, said EcoCrete is a product of global expertise and local ambition, adding that the conversion of the Abuja plant signifies Huaxin’s commitment to the Nigerian market.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi Central senator, has returned to the Senate on Tuesday after serving her six months suspension.

The Senate resumed plenary on Tuesday with Jibrin Barau, the Deputy Senate President presiding over the session.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South).

The committee had found her guilty of unruly behaviour on the floor of the Senate on February 20, 2025, during her protest against seat reallocation ordered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Senate had on Tuesday, September 23 unsealed her office and granted her full access to the National Assembly complex.

Governance models across industries are being examined in a time when digital disruption, changing global power arrangements, and increased transparency demand characterise society. All governments, businesses, multilateral organisations, and non-profits are struggling with the requirement to be more agile, accountable, and citizen- or stakeholder-focused. Amid this change, the principal analyst, a professional whose strategic insights and data-driven methods provide guidance for institutional reform, has an understated yet crucial role.

Governance is not only a system of rules but also a dynamic interaction of leaders, policies, oversight, and accountability structures at the heart of institutional resilience. Redesigning this environment, principal analysts play as diagnosticians and architects.

1. From governance strategy to data analysis

Principal analysts have usually been data whisperers, mining, cleaning, and interpreting data to steer decisions. Today, though, they operate much more tactically. By examining difficult interdependencies inside institutions such as stakeholder networks, performance feedback loops, and regulatory compliance measures, they assist in clarifying more responsive and adaptable governance models.

For instance, the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK revamped its integrated care systems in 2021. Mapping population health patterns, resource distribution inefficiencies, and community involvement metrics to develop a new governance model centred on locality-based results required a major contribution from a Principal Analyst group. First-year outcomes showed a 19 percent rise in patient satisfaction and a 15 percent increase in budget optimisation across areas.

2. Scenario modelling and risk-based governance

Principal analysts also play a particularly important role in scenario modelling, which helps organisations see the potential long-term effects of several policy or plan decisions. This is particularly critical in the unstable conditions of today’s climate crises, geopolitical conflict, and market uncertainty.

Consider the World Bank’s implementation of governance changes in fragile countries. Predictive models were used by principal analysts to forecast the socio-economic impact of decentralisation policies in South Sudan. By guiding a hybrid model of local and central government, adapted to the ethnic and resource-based variety of the region, these simulations assisted in reducing the hazards of power imbalances.

Anti-corruption systems also have their foundations in statistical modelling. Revealed in 2022 by the Open Government Partnership (OGP), nations using predictive analytics to detect procurement fraud were 2.5 times more likely to impose punishments and produce deterrence. In countries such as Estonia and Singapore, principal analysts helped create these AI-driven dashboards that flag anomalies, therefore supporting excellent governance in public service delivery.

Recalibrating Institutional Accountability Through Data and Insights

Accountability is key to good governance. When institutions lack clear metrics, they can end up being either unclear or just putting on a show. Principal analysts help with this by creating performance indicators, setting benchmarks, and establishing evaluation methods that make accountability part of the institution’s culture.

1. Data-driven transparency

For institutions looking to rebuild public trust, being transparent is not just a nice thing to do; it’s a necessity. For example, in 2020, Denmark’s Ministry of Finance introduced a public expenditure tracker that showed real-time budget usage across different ministries. A team led by principal analysts put together the metrics and dashboards for this project, resulting in a 22 percent boost in public trust towards government spending, according to Eurobarometer. Likewise, big companies are starting to depend on principal analysts to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports.

When Unilever revamped its governance with a focus on sustainability, its principal analysts created a dashboard that linked environmental data with executive performance. This approach not only built investor confidence but also helped raise Unilever’s ESG score by 18 percent in just two years.

2. Learning and feedback

Principal analysts also play a role in helping institutions learn and improve-something that’s crucial for good governance. They set up feedback systems like surveys, audits, and community chats to keep governance models up to date. A good example is New Zealand’s education reform, where principal analysts put together a national dashboard that combined student performance, teacher feedback, and parent involvement metrics. This real-time feedback loop enabled the Ministry of Education to allocate resources better, helping struggling schools. They managed to improve literacy scores for low-income students by 12% in three years.

The key to their success? Continually refining their processes. Institutions that adopt these analytical frameworks can stay flexible, accountable, and in sync with what their communities need.

Conclusion

With governance failures often making the news, we should highlight these essential reformers, Principal Analysts, who are working quietly yet effectively to build stronger institutions. As we move into an age focused on accountability and serving citizens better, it’s evident that we can’t progress without Principal Analysts leading the way in redesigning governance.

Segilola Resources Operations Ltd. (SROL), Nigeria’s leading gold mining firm, is pushing for stronger bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa to unlock Africa’s vast mineral wealth and deepen trade relations between both countries.

Speaking at the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce breakfast forum in Lagos, themed ‘Unlocking Africa’s Hidden Wealth: Mining as a Catalyst for Bilateral Movement,’ Austin Menegbo, SROL’s country manager, said mining can serve as a critical bridge for cross-border investment and sustainable development across the continent.

The event brought together senior executives, policymakers, and industry leaders from both countries to explore opportunities for shared prosperity through mining and related value chains.

Menegbo, who delivered the keynote address and joined a panel discussion, praised the vision and leadership of Segun Lawson, chief executive officer of Thor Explorations Ltd., SROL’s parent company. Lawson, he said, has been instrumental in positioning Segilola as a model for responsible gold mining in Nigeria’s emerging extractive sector.

‘When communities thrive, investors are protected. When investors are protected, capital flows,’ Menegbo said during the panel session. ‘That is the essence of bilateral investment. Without structures, institutions, and partnerships that sustain operations, growth becomes impossible.’

He outlined SROL’s four-pillar community agenda – gender inclusion and skills training, infrastructure development, capacity-building for local expertise, and long-term empowerment programs – as evidence of the company’s approach to sustainable mining.

The firm’s initiatives, he added, are designed to ensure host communities benefit from mining activities beyond resource extraction, creating an environment that supports both social progress and investor confidence.

SROL’s model, observers at the forum noted, offers a template for how responsible mining can catalyse broader economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies.

By aligning investment with community wellbeing, SROL aims to demonstrate that mining can be a driver of inclusive growth and a foundation for deeper regional partnerships.