Author: user user

Lagos state has announced its plan to establish a Lagos-Nordic Innovation Corridor, a partnership with the Nordic countries such as Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, in a framework designed to connect public institutions, research centres, and private sector partners for technology exchange and investment.

Samuel Egube, deputy chief of staff, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this during his address at the fourth annual Nordic Nigeria Connect (NNC) conference held in Lagos.

He called for a deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, emphasising that Lagos is moving from ‘invitation to implementation’ as its partnerships with these economies begin to deliver tangible results. He vowed that Lagos sill transform into the African launchpad for Nordic innovation, marking a strategic pivot towards sustainable technology, green energy, and digital transformation.

‘Today, Lagos is ready to be the African launchpad for Nordic innovation, a city where sustainable technologies are tested, refined, and scaled to reach millions,’ Egube said. ‘Let this year mark the transition from conversation to co-creation, from joint forums to joint facilities, from planning to scaling.’

He noted that Lagos is already implementing policies in clean energy, electric mobility, agriculture, and digital health, all of which align with the Nordic focus on sustainability and inclusion.

Lina Hansen, Denmark’s secretary of state for trade and investment, described Nigeria as ‘a beacon of democracy, stability, and growth’ in Africa, confirming that the Nordic nations are committed to deepening long-term partnerships. She highlighted Denmark’s new Africa strategy, themed Africa’s Century, which aims to build equal partnerships and drive investment in areas such as food security, digitalisation, and maritime logistics.

Jarno Syrjälä, deputy minister for international trade stressed that the NNC forum is ‘more than a business event’ but a platform for dialogue and innovation, singling out digital transformation, health innovation, and the green energy transition as key collaboration sectors. ‘Together, we can co-create solutions that are commercially viable and socially and environmentally impactful,’ he added.

Focus on digital economy and sustainable growth

In his keynote address, Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,stressed that collaboration must advance shared prosperity through empathy and trust, leading to innovation that creates jobs and transforms lives.

He positioned the Nordic countries as crucial partners in building a knowledge-based, digitally driven Nigerian economy.

The minister also pointed to ongoing partnerships with Nordic nations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, satellite technology, and renewable energy, asserting that these will help Nigeria achieve long-term economic transformation.

During a panel session themed ‘Why Nordic, Why Nigeria: Unlocking Shared Value,’ Swedish and Norwegian officials further elaborated on their engagement.

Johan Frisell, Sweden’s deputy director-general for Africa, cited the digital economy, encompassing finTech and edTech, as the strongest link, noting that technology and sustainability are inseparable.

Svein Baera,Norway’s ambassador to Nigeria, offered lessons from his country’s transition from oil dependency, spotlighting the work of Norwegian firms in expanding solar investments across Nigeria.

As crypto markets move into another decisive week, BlockDAG, Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), and Pump.fun (PUMP) are grabbing center stage as the top crypto coins to watch.

BlockDAG (BDAG) continues to lead headlines with its over $430 million presale, more than 3.5 million X1 app miners, and the fast-approaching Binance x BlockDAG LIVE AMA scheduled for Friday, October 24 at 3 PM UTC. The event promises to deliver new insights on the network’s roadmap and Genesis Day, set for November 26.

Meanwhile, Pudgy Penguins dominate NFT markets with a stunning 165% surge in weekly sales, while PUMP token price rebounds amongst bullish divergence and strong community sentiment. Together, these projects show how utility, advancement, and community momentum continue to drive engagement across the digital asset space.

Pudgy Penguins Defy Market Drop With 165% NFT Sales Surge

In the middle of a broader crypto slowdown, Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) have become the week’s surprise leader. While Bitcoin and Ethereum prices slid, the NFT market saw a 6% rebound, reaching nearly $162 million in total trading volume. Pudgy Penguins spearheaded this comeback, recording an impressive 165% increase in sales to $15.6 million, according to CryptoSlam data.

Ethereum remained the dominant NFT blockchain, but Pudgy Penguins outperformed traditional blue-chip collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and CryptoPunks, showing the power of consistent community engagement and brand expansion.

Analysts point to Pudgy’s creative marketing, cross-platform collaborations, and growing real-world recognition as key drivers of this growth. Even as other NFT projects struggle to regain traction, PENGU price momentum in the collectibles sector remains strong. With institutional interest rising in intellectual property-based NFTs, Pudgy Penguins have firmly positioned themselves among the crypto coins to watch for Q4 2025.

Pump.fun Eyes $0.005 Target With Bullish Divergence

While Pudgy Penguins take over the NFT charts, Pump.fun (PUMP) is regaining strength in the token market. After a week of consolidation, the PUMP token price rose 4.63% in 24 hours to $0.003918, backed by a sharp 79% increase in trading volume to $347 million.

Technical charts show a bullish setup forming. The MACD has crossed into positive territory, and the RSI (54.5) indicates growing momentum without being overbought. Analysts highlight a 4-hour bullish divergence, suggesting that sellers are losing control while accumulation builds near current levels.

The next major test lies at the $0.005 resistance, a key psychological level that could confirm a broader trend reversal if breached. Support sits at $0.00324, with the Bollinger Bands narrowing, a precursor to volatility expansion and possible breakout.

Market sentiment remains overwhelmingly optimistic: 74% of community voters on CoinMarketCap label themselves bullish on PUMP’s near-term outlook. With improving technicals and a passionate following, PUMP token price action could soon join the ranks of top crypto coins to watch as it eyes a sustained recovery

BlockDAG’s $430M+ Presale and Binance LIVE AMA Set the Stage for Genesis

As excitement builds across the market, BlockDAG remains the most talked-about project ahead of its Binance LIVE AMA, marking a key milestone in the countdown to Genesis Day (November 26). The event, scheduled for Friday at 3 PM UTC, will bring the community together for updates and discussions as the project continues advancing toward its official launch.

BlockDAG’s progress is tangible: the project has crossed $430 million in presale, sold over 27 billion BDAG coins, and attracted over 312,000 holders globally. Hardware adoption is accelerating too, with 20,000 physical miners sold and an impressive 3.5M+ users active through the X1 mobile mining app.

Beyond numbers, BlockDAG’s technical architecture continues to stand out. Its EVM compatibility enables seamless migration for existing Ethereum-based projects, while its hybrid PoW + PoE structure enhances both scalability and decentralization. The ongoing Awakening Testnet has showcased live transaction speeds exceeding 1,400 TPS, as well as compatibility with EIP-4337 account abstraction and runtime upgrades.

The AMA will spotlight these breakthroughs and highlight how the TGE ties into the Genesis launch. With speculation mounting that the listing price could approach $0.05, early participants at the current $0.0015 presale rate stand to see exponential returns. Analysts widely regard BlockDAG as one of the crypto coins to watch this quarter; a rare blend of robust tech, real adoption, and massive community traction.

Wrapping Up: The Week’s Most Watched Trio

This week belongs to projects proving that substance still drives success. Pudgy Penguins demonstrated how community power and brand development can defy market downturns, leading NFT sales by a wide margin. Pump.fun showcased technical resilience, with bullish divergences pointing toward a potential PUMP token price breakout near $0.005.

Yet, all eyes remain on BlockDAG. With over $430 million presale, massive 3.5M+ X1 app miner network, and the upcoming Binance LIVE AMA make it the undeniable highlight among crypto coins to watch. As Genesis Day draws near, the project’s combination of EVM compatibility, hybrid architecture, and testnet performance signals it’s on track to redefine scalability in Web3 infrastructure.

Whether it’s NFTs, meme coins, or next-gen Layer-1 networks, these three names, BlockDAG, Pudgy Penguins, and PUMP, are setting the tone for what could be one of crypto’s most crucial months of 2025.

The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria has called for renewed commitment to sound corporate governance, inclusive enterprise development, and sustainable business practices as vital tools for steering Nigeria’s economy through global uncertainty.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Annual Directors’ Conference (ADC) on Wednesday in Abuja, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, president and chairman of the Governing Council, CLoD, said strong governance and visionary leadership remain the foundation for building enduring enterprises capable of withstanding economic disruptions.

‘The need for sound governance and leadership is crucial to our nation’s quest to build enduring enterprises that stand the test of time,’ Oyebanji said.

‘Leaders must now balance profitability with responsibility, growth with inclusion, and innovation with integrity.’

The two-day conference, themed ‘Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,’ brought together business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and diplomats to examine the evolving role of directors in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the event by Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, minister of Budget and Economic Planning which also had senior government officials including Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, Shamsuddeen Usman, chairman, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, who chaired the conference among several others.

The keynote address was delivered by Kola Adesina, group managing director, Sahara Power Group, who was commended for his leadership in transforming Africa’s power sector and advancing sustainable business innovation.

Oyebanji noted that inclusive governance and responsible leadership are key drivers of national prosperity. He cited a recent African-wide study showing that private sector credit expansion significantly enhances economic welfare, particularly in economies that prioritise the ease of doing business.

He further referenced a 2025 ESG-focused report which revealed that over 20 African countries now embed sustainability principles into their financial market regulations, while 15 provide incentives for green and sustainable assets – a sign of growing alignment with global responsible investment standards.

In Nigeria, he said, such inclusive strategies are most visible in sectors like renewable energy and fintech, where access to finance and youth participation are driving innovation. He stressed that SMEs – which contribute nearly 50 percent of GDP and 75 percent of national employment – remain central to inclusive growth, citing the joint NBS-SMEDAN 2021 MSME Survey. ‘Despite notable progress, policy inconsistencies, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to affordable finance continue to constrain enterprise growth,’ Oyebanji said. ‘Overcoming these challenges requires stronger public-private partnerships and innovative financing models designed to scale inclusive enterprises.’

The CIoD President announced that the ‘Business Meets Government Dinner’, scheduled for Thursday, would serve as a high-level platform for dialogue between policymakers and private sector leaders on fostering governance-driven growth.

In his welcome remarks, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, chairman of the 2025 ADC National Organising Committee, said the conference theme was deliberately chosen to reflect the pressing need for Nigerian businesses to adapt to disruptive change and embed sustainability within their operations.

‘Good governance is a practical tool for fostering economic resilience and sustainable progress,’ Ashiru said. ‘Our sessions are designed to move beyond rhetoric – to challenge assumptions, share best practices, and drive tangible actions that strengthen our economy.’

He noted that this year’s agenda includes thematic sessions on policy reforms, technological disruption, boardroom diversity, succession planning, and stakeholder engagement, aimed at equipping directors with the skills to lead through volatility. Ashiru also commended the CIoD Governing Council, led by Otunba Oyebanji, for its consistent advocacy for governance excellence and corporate leadership development, while appreciating sponsors, partners, and delegates for supporting the institute’s mission.

The Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, established to promote professional directorship and ethical leadership, remains a key voice in policy advocacy, boardroom governance, and enterprise transformation in Nigeria.

As the conference continues, stakeholders are expected to adopt strategies that strengthen institutional resilience and reinforce Nigeria’s transition toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and investment-friendly economy.

When Optasia, formerly known as Channel VAS, began operating in Nigeria in 2014, it was celebrated as a fintech innovator bringing digital convenience to Africa’s largest mobile market. Its idea was deceptively simple: provide airtime and small credit advances to MTN subscribers who ran out of balance, then recover repayment on their next recharge. For millions of Nigerians, it felt like progress – instant microcredit available through a handset. But a decade later, the picture looks very different. The real wealth created by this model does not stay in Nigeria.

Optasia is not a Nigerian company. It is a foreign fintech platform offering AI-based lending and scoring services to telecom operators across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Its biggest and most profitable market is Nigeria, where MTN, the continent’s largest mobile operator, serves as both partner and distribution channel. Since entering the country, Optasia’s transaction volumes have grown exponentially, generating vast sums from Nigerian users. Industry estimates suggest that between 2019 and 2023 alone, Nigerian subscribers received over ?4.7 trillion in airtime and nano-loans through the Optasia-MTN system, producing an estimated ?560 billion in interest income. In 2023, the platform processed about 46 billion micro-advances worth ?1.4 trillion, yielding roughly ?210 billion in interest. These figures, while staggering, tell only half the story – because most of that income was earned offshore.

Despite processing trillions of naira in transactions through Nigerian telecom networks, Optasia does not hold a Nigerian financial licence. It operates through MTN’s infrastructure, using the network as a distribution layer while conducting its data analytics, revenue booking, and risk modelling abroad. The firm’s local footprint is minimal, often limited to a small compliance or liaison office. The algorithms, servers, and banking relationships that underpin the entire enterprise remain outside Nigeria’s jurisdiction. What looks like innovation on the surface is, in practice, a sophisticated form of digital extraction – a system where foreign platforms monetise local data and demand while leaving the host country with little more than operational residue.

Even more troubling is the fact that, despite processing trillions of naira in loans, *none of this credit activity is reported to Nigeria’s licensed credit bureaus* such as CRC Credit Bureau or FirstCentral. This means that millions of Nigerians who consistently borrow and repay these airtime loans *build no formal credit history* – they remain invisible to banks, mortgage providers, and legitimate financial institutions. The very citizens whose repayment patterns sustain these foreign platforms are denied the opportunity to convert that discipline into real creditworthiness. What could have been an on-ramp to financial inclusion has become a closed circuit of extraction.

Regulatory oversight has not caught up with this reality. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regulates the telecom sector, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) oversees lending and payment services. Yet Optasia sits between both domains, in a grey zone where neither regulator exercises direct authority. The result is a multi-billion-naira industry operating beyond the reach of financial supervision and beyond the scope of domestic taxation.

The implications are profound. Nigerian subscriber data fuels Optasia’s predictive algorithms, but those models are built, owned, and refined abroad. The loan fees and commissions earned from each transaction are often booked as ‘technology service’ or ‘licence’ payments to offshore entities, allowing profits to escape local taxation through intra-group transfer pricing. Without a Nigerian licence, the company’s lending practices are not bound by domestic consumer-protection laws, and its use of sensitive personal data is subject only to indirect oversight. At the same time, the absence of local research or development means no Nigerian coders, no domestic IP, and no local shareholding benefit from the billions generated on Nigerian soil.

If Nigeria had captured even ten percent of the estimated interest income generated by these operations – about ?56 billion over five years – that amount could have financed a nationwide fintech accelerator programme, supported rural broadband expansion, or strengthened regulatory capacity in the digital economy. Instead, it flows outward, enriching global investors and reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a supplier of data and demand rather than a builder of digital wealth.

Other nations have faced similar challenges and responded with assertive policy. India, for example, mandates that digital-lending firms host their data locally, partner with licensed domestic financial institutions, and comply fully with onshore capital and tax requirements. Indonesia imposes strict local-incorporation rules, caps foreign ownership in peer-to-peer lending, and requires public disclosure of revenue-sharing agreements between telecom operators and their digital partners. These measures are not protectionist; they are pragmatic. They recognise that innovation without value retention merely transfers prosperity abroad.

Nigeria’s policymakers can take a similar approach. The time for permissive digital laissez-faire has passed. The country must establish clear rules for telco-embedded credit and AI-based financial services, requiring that any entity serving Nigerian subscribers be locally licensed, partly Nigerian-owned, and subject to the same tax and data-protection standards as domestic players. Data processing for Nigerian consumers must occur within Nigerian jurisdiction under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and telecom agreements should be publicly disclosed to ensure fair revenue sharing and consumer benefit. Without such reforms, Nigeria’s digital economy will remain a pipeline for exporting value, not building it.

Optasia’s rise is both a testament to Nigeria’s economic scale and a warning about its vulnerabilities. With more than 200 million mobile subscribers, the country represents one of the world’s richest laboratories for digital finance. Yet Nigerians remain spectators in their own success. Their data trains foreign algorithms, their consumption drives foreign valuations, and their economy receives only the thinnest fraction of the gains.

To change this trajectory, Nigeria must move beyond celebrating foreign participation as an end in itself. Investment is valuable only when it deepens domestic capacity and retains local wealth. The choice is not between openness and protectionism, but between dependency and partnership. The principle should be simple: if global firms wish to profit from Nigeria’s digital scale, they must build with Nigeria, not merely on Nigeria. Otherwise, we risk exporting opportunity and importing dependency – one airtime loan at a time.

Nigerian-born former two-weight world champion and current WBC number one heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie is set to headline a historic heavyweight fight in Lagos, Nigeria, marking his first professional fight on African soil.

The electrifying event, dubbed ‘Chaos in the Ring II’, will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. The event, following the success of ‘Chaos in the Ring I’, is a collaboration between Balmoral Group Promotions, AK Promotions (Amir Khan), and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, showcasing a major push to elevate African boxing onto the global stage. Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, said:

‘We are thrilled to bring this world-class event to Lagos, showcasing Nigeria’s rich boxing talent on a global stage. This triple header is a celebration of our heritage, resilience, and ambition to elevate African boxing to new heights. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of action.’

Amir Khan, former world champion turned promoter, added:

‘Lagos is about to witness something special. This event brings together explosive heavyweights and Nigeria’s rising stars, backed by the global reach of Queensberry Promotions and DAZN. I’m proud to be part of a night that will inspire the next generation of African fighters.’ Frank Warren, Hall of Fame promoter and founder of Queensberry Promotions, said:

‘Nigeria has a proud boxing history, and we’re extremely pleased to bring this opportunity to two of our leading fighters. Queensberry is the Home of the Heavyweights, and we look forward to our guys doing the business in Lagos in December.’

The card will feature a trio of top heavyweights with deep ties to Nigeria:

Lawrence Okolie (22-1, 16 KOs): The London-born star, whose parents hail from Nigeria, headlines the card. Okolie, a former WBO Cruiserweight and WBC Bridgerweight world champion, will put on a statement performance as he vies to become a three-weight world champion in 2026.

Okolie stated: ‘Big time boxing comes to Lagos!!! This will be a historic moment for Africa, my family and my career.’

David Adeleye (14-2, 13 KOs), the explosive heavyweight contender, also of Nigerian descent, is set for the co-main event as he aims to rebound from a valiant effort against top-ranked Filip Hrgovic.

Adeleye, a proven knockout boxer, expressed his excitement: ‘Nigeria – Motide, mo wa nile – I’m coming home. What an honour and a pleasure it will be to fight back home in my parent’s land.’

Emanuel Odiase (9-0, 8 KOs), the undefeated prospect, will return to the Lagos arena where he previously delivered a devastating first-round KO, looking to solidify his status as a breakout star in the heavyweight division.

The card will also feature an all-action bout between two Nigerian fan favourites as local hero Taiwo Agbaje (18-0, 13 KOs) battles his fierce rival Musa Tope Tajudeen (19-1, 17 KOs) in a highly anticipated clash

Former Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike equalised for the Reds before Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed a dominant victory, with the latter two goals assisted by Florian Wirtz on his return to Germany. Liverpool had gone behind early when Rasmus Kristensen struck on the counter, marking the fifth consecutive match in which Arne Slot’s side conceded first.

But the Premier League champions responded with a ruthless attacking display, scoring three times in 10 minutes to overturn the deficit before half-time. Wirtz, who had yet to register a goal or assist since joining Liverpool, delivered an outstanding two second-half assists to cap a standout performance, while Slot praised his team’s resilience after a difficult run.

‘We’re Liverpool, and we don’t celebrate like we’ve won a trophy, but I’m pleased with the way we reacted,’ Slot said. ‘This was the response we needed.’

The result restores Liverpool’s confidence after a dismal stretch that saw them flirting with their worst losing run in over seven decades. Frankfurt, meanwhile, continue to struggle defensively, having now conceded 23 goals in their last six matches.

‘This win means a lot,’ said Wirtz. ‘We didn’t start well, but showed our quality and fought back. I’m happy to finally contribute to the goals.’

Chelsea produced a stunning display to thrash Ajax 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, making history with three teenage scorers in the same game.

Manager Enzo Maresca’s decision to make 10 changes to his starting lineup paid off as Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estevão, and Tyrique George all found the net in a dominant performance.

Ajax captain Kenneth Taylor’s early red card for a reckless challenge on Facundo Buonanotte after VAR review left the visitors with a mountain to climb. Chelsea immediately capitalised, with Guiu opening the scoring from close range before Caicedo’s deflected effort doubled the lead. The Dutch side briefly pulled one back through Wout Weghorst’s penalty, but Fernández restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion from the spot before 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estevão converted another penalty to make it 4-1 at the break.

Substitute Tyrique George added a fifth just minutes after coming on, slotting home from Andrey Santos’s clever backheel to seal a historic night for the Blues.

Chelsea’s victory marks their second consecutive Champions League win, lifting them into a strong position in Group E after an opening defeat to Bayern Munich.

‘This performance shows our depth and belief,’ said Maresca after the match. ‘The young players stepped up brilliantly, it’s a proud night for the club.’

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has announced plans to establish the first private medical university in Northern Nigeria, located in his home state, Kano.

Kwankwaso made the disclosure while inspecting ongoing construction at the medical institution named after his late mother, Nafisatu, in Kwankwaso village, Madobi Local Government Area of Kano. The visit was part of activities marking his 69th birthday celebration on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, he described the initiative as a milestone in his lifelong commitment towards service to Nigeria, and advancing the well-being of ordinary citizens.

He said since his journey into Nigerian politics, his focus has been to expand access to quality education, and healthcare, particularly, for young women, and youths that represented the highest percentage of Nigerian citizens.

Kwankwaso explained that the idea of establishing a medical institution to meet the educational needs of the people of the state was first conceived in 2019. This vision led to the creation of Nafisatu College of Nursing and Midwifery, located on the same site he now plans to upgrade into a university.

He said that the College of Nursing, has since its establishment graduated over 400 students, while, another 400 students are currently undergoing various courses in the field of nursing, community healthcare, and other courses in public health.

‘We are proud that this institution remains the first privately owned college of nursing and midwifery in the country, where all students are female. The results are excellent, giving us the confidence to take the next step – establishing a medical university. ‘I wish to thank the Kano State Government for supporting the training of community midwives through the college, noting that the planned upgrade would further boost the health workforce and reduce the shortage of qualified medical personnel.

‘I appeal to all stakeholders to support us in this noble effort. Our success will not only benefit this community or Kano State but will have a national and international impact’, Kwankwaso stated. In his remarks, Saleh Ngaski Garba, chairman of the College’s Governing Council, commended Kwankwaso for his vision and humanitarian spirit, noting that the college has produced 416 nurses and midwives since its inception.

Saleh, a professor, said that the establishment of this medical university will provide more opportunities for youths, especially from less privileged backgrounds, to acquire advanced training in nursing and other health disciplines.

Kola Adesina, managing director of Sahara Group, on Wednesday said that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria face a financing gap of N13 trillion, despite providing up to 88 percent of total employment in the country.

Adesina disclosed thus while giving the keynote address at the 2025 Annual Directors conference organised by Chattered Institute of Directors in Abuja.

According to him, in Nigeria today, over 39 million MSMEs generate nearly half of GDP. ‘They are the true engine of our economy, yet the roads they travel, both literally and figuratively, are riddled with potholes. Power remains unreliable, finance remains scarce and policy remains uncertain.

‘Our MSMEs face a N13 trillion financing gap – about 17 percent of GDP. These are not signs of failure; they are signs of an economy waiting to be properly wired,’ he said.

He decried that the Balance Sheet of a Nation in the boardroom, celebrate profit and growth but outside those walls, the national bottom line still bleeds red ink.

He emphasised that for Nigeria to experience real growth, there must be growth in all critical areas, including governance, infrastructure, education energy.

‘For the stock price of Nigeria Plc to rise, the balance sheet of Enterprise Nigeria must be positive in all critical areas, from governance to infrastructure, from education to energy, from trust to transparency. That is the equation that determines the true value of our nation in the global marketplace.’

Adesina also charged private business owners to end the myth that development is solely government’s duty and that business exists only for profit. He stressed that business disconnected from public purpose cannot prosper for long.

According to him, the real economy thrives where enterprise and nation work as partners, not as strangers. For him, clear priorities for sustainable transformation in championing smart regulation and investment incentives that remove friction for MSMEs, streamline permits, harmonise taxes, and strengthen credit-guarantee schemes.

He said, ‘Enterprise is not sustainable unless it is inclusive. Women- and youth-led MSMEs are too often excluded from finance and supply chains. Set inclusion targets. Pay your small suppliers promptly – within 15 to 30 days. Co-invest in reliable energy solutions for your production clusters. Your success is tied to theirs and theirs, to ours. ‘True productivity grows from shared knowledge and collaboration. Partner with universities, sponsor incubators and accelerators, open part of your data or infrastructure to start-ups under controlled conditions.

‘Africa holds one-fifth of humanity. It is time to match that demographic power with innovation power. When we build ecosystems instead of silos, we transform a continent of hustlers into a continent of producers.’

Speaking further, Adesina stressed the need for the organised private sector to actively collaborate with the government in selecting and aligning priorities to enable big-leap results in resource allocation for infrastructure, social-impact projects, and human-capital development.

‘Africa, Nigeria will record significant progress only when this alignment between public purpose and private capability becomes deliberate, structured, and sustained.’

Lagos state is betting on technology-driven health communication to expand insurance coverage and improve access to care, with the launch of ILERA EKO Spotlight, Nigeria’s first health insurance online radio.

The initiative, unveiled by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), on Wednesday in Lagos, combines digital broadcasting and telemedicine to boost awareness of the State’s compulsory Social Health Insurance Scheme and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.

Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the permanent secretary of LASHMA, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all Lagosians, noting that the radio station would serve as a dynamic platform for continuous engagement and education on health insurance and wellness. Zamba expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its consistent partnership, describing it as instrumental to the Agency’s strong media visibility. She acknowledged the support received under Mr. Olumide Sogunle, the immediate past permanent secretary, while expressing optimism that the collaboration would thrive further under Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the current permanent secretary.

Addressing recent technical issues faced by enrollees, the permanent secretary apologized for temporary service disruptions due to an ongoing ICT upgrade. ‘We appeal for patience as we work towards completing the upgrade to improve user experience and service quality,’ she assured.

Zamba explained that since governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the Executive Order on mandatory Social Health Insurance in July 2024, LASHMA had intensified awareness through multilingual campaigns. She revealed that the Agency had collaborated with veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as ‘Oga Bello,’ to produce nine radio docudramas, social media skits, and commercials in Yoruba and Pidgin to reach the informal sector. According to her, the newly launched ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio will expand LASHMA’s digital footprint and enable residents to access credible health information daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ‘This platform will serve as our voice to educate, inform, and connect directly with Lagosians across all communities,’ she added.

The LASHMA boss also urged residents to embrace the ILERA EKO Telemedicine service, noting that many still preferred unnecessary hospital visits despite the convenience of virtual consultations. ‘Hospital visits are not always necessary. You can consult licensed doctors from your home or workplace through our Telehealth platform,’ she said. In his goodwill message, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, who was represented by Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, the director of social media, described the radio platform as a milestone in health communication, adding that health was central to the socio-economic prosperity of Lagos, and the initiative would bridge the gap between government policy and the people.

‘At the heart of every progressive society is a healthy citizenry. The Spotlight Radio Programme will enlighten, engage, and empower Lagosians with practical health information that can transform lives,’

Bajulaiye said.

He emphasized the role of media as a bridge between government and citizens and pledged the Ministry’s continued support to amplify LASHMA’s initiatives. ‘Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more informed Lagos,’ he affirmed.