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The Nigerian aviation sector marked a milestone with the official unveiling of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Africa’s first privately owned university dedicated to aeronautics and management education.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Friday in Abuja, Isaac Balami, the Founder and Chancellor, described the institution as a revolution designed to shape the future of aviation and leadership in Africa.

He said the establishment of the university responds directly to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projection that Africa will require over 65,000 new aviation professionals by 2040, adding that IBUAM was founded to fill that gap with locally trained, globally competitive experts.

‘This is not just a university; it is a movement to redefine aviation and leadership education in Africa. Every graduate of IBUAM will not only earn a degree but also a private pilot’s license, with options for commercial certification,’ Balami stated.

The institution, he noted, is designed to offer hands-on training in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and aviation management, in partnership with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Students, he added, will log over 1,000 hours of live aircraft experience and access cutting-edge simulation technologies from global manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

Balami also announced that the university’s facilities are tied to an existing Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre in Lagos, ensuring students receive both theoretical and practical experience throughout their academic journey.

‘Our students will spend their holidays and weekends in the hangars, engine shops, avionics bays, and structural repair sections. By graduation, they will be industry-ready professionals who can work unsupervised anywhere in the world,’ he said.

He added that the application into the institution is currently on and interested and qualified candidates can apply via the university’s website.

Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, lauded the initiative as a ‘revolutionary step’ that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of supporting local enterprise and human capital development.

‘This university satisfies two key pillars of our five-point agenda, support for indigenous entrepreneurship and human capital development.

‘For the first time, Africa now has a university that integrates flying school, aviation management, and MRO training under one institution. What the government could not combine, a visionary Nigerian has done,’ Keyamo said.

The Minister further urged state governments and corporate bodies to support indigent students aspiring to join the university, noting that the institution’s model complements ongoing government efforts to bridge professional gaps in the aviation sector, particularly in the training of air traffic controllers, engineers, and pilots.

Chris Ona Najomo,, director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), also commended the establishment of IBUAM, describing it as a vital partner in promoting safety, innovation, and professionalism within the sector.

‘A strong regulatory system depends on the quality of human capital that drives it. The NCAA looks forward to working with this university on curriculum development, safety management education, and compliance training.

‘By combining aeronautics with management studies, IBUAM will produce complete professionals, technically competent, ethically grounded, and globally competitive,’ Najomo said.

Paul Jemitola, Vice Chancellor, underscored the institution’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and innovation, while Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs announced plans to sponsor 100 young women annually from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to study at the university.

Sporty TV has announced a lineup of premium sports packages designed to revolutionise the viewing experience for Nigerian sports fans.

Oluchi Enuha, the network’s Executive Representative in Nigeria, revealed that the new offerings would redefine sports broadcasting standards both locally and globally.

Enuha also announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and other global media organisations, emphasising that the collaboration aims to deliver an unmatched free-to-air sports network to viewers and advertisers, all at no cost. ‘This is an unprecedented delivery of premium content at no cost to the Nigerian viewer,’ Enuha stated. ‘We are transforming the broadcasting landscape across Africa.’ Sporty TV’s latest packages feature over 600 live events, including action from the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, South American football leagues, and selected Super Eagles 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches (the final four games).

The network will also broadcast the FIFA Club World Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and highlights from major global competitions such as the recently concluded 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan.

By combining world-class production, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships, Sporty TV ensures that every Nigerian household can enjoy premium sports entertainment through its YouTube channel and mobile applications, guaranteeing maximum accessibility and viewing convenience.

‘Our goal is to make world-class sports available to every Nigerian home,’ Enuha added. ‘We’re not just broadcasting games, we’re bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.’

At 66, he tells you there is nothing more to struggle, hustle and live for other than to devote himself to the service of God, humanity and his state. For over 20 years, he has religiously observed this creed without fail.

Just yesterday, he reinforced this belief when he chose to flag off his pre-birthday gig with a large throng of widows from across the 18 local government councils. The gesture continues today with similar compassion for the orphans and the elderly.

A leader without airs and graces, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has seen both the rough and tumble of life and politics. He has experienced both disappointments and reappointments by God, trajectories that have shaped his life of passion for service and compassion for humanity.

Today, he stands as a glittering portrait of grace, purpose, and people-centred leadership, a man whose voyage mirrors the enduring beauty of the land he governs. Even as he clocks 66 today, time has not dulled his passion nor wearied his pursuit of the collective good; instead, it has forged and refined his vision and deepened his empathy. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of humility, service, and divine purpose, an odyssey that continues to inspire confidence and rekindle faith in governance anchored on compassion and justice.

From the serene creeks of Adiabo to the pristine hills of Obudu, the ‘Sweet Prince’ is redefining leadership as an act of stewardship, not dominion. His governance style is a reflection of his soul, gentle yet firm, visionary yet pragmatic, genteel yet unyielding in the face of adversity. He leads not as one consumed by power, but as a shepherd guided by conviction. Each policy, each reform, each act of governance bears the unmistakable imprint of a man devoted to the prosperity and dignity of his people. In every sense, Governor Otu’s leadership is a moral compass for a generation yearning for integrity and hope.

Since mounting the saddle of leadership in 2023, the governor has breathed fresh energy into the socio-economic lungs of Cross River State. Under his People First agenda, government has been humanized; governance has become a dialogue between power and the people. Roads are being reborn from neglect, schools and health centres restored to life, and rural communities reconnected to the heartbeat of development.

His administration’s inclusive reforms have restored confidence, rekindled enterprise, and reignited the once-muted optimism of the Cross River spirit. Indeed, he has proven that leadership can be both visionary and tender-hearted-anchored on results but powered by love.

Governor Otu’s understanding of governance transcends the arithmetic of infrastructure. His, is a holistic vision that sees human capital as the artery of transformation. The empowerment of youths, the revitalization of agriculture, the expansion of tourism, and the pursuit of fiscal prudence all reflect a leader with eyes fixed on sustainability.

His commitment to transparency and accountability has restored public trust, while his unassuming disposition has opened the corridors of government to even the most distant of voices. Through it all, he has remained resolutely focused on building a state where every citizen feels seen, valued, and included.

Beneath his calm demeanour lies a relentless will, a quiet embers that propel him toward the realization of a prosperous, self-sufficient Cross River.

His passion for education stems from his belief that the truest wealth of a people lies in the enlightenment of their minds. His deep investment in rural transformation arises from his conviction that development must never be elitist. His push for economic diversification reflects his desire to secure the future of generations yet unborn. To witness him govern is to see a man wholly surrendered to purpose-undaunted by challenges, unwavering in principle, and unswerving in faith.

As he clocks sixty-six, Bassey Otu remains a study in balance, firm in duty yet gracious in conduct, authoritative yet approachable, princely yet profoundly humane. The years have crowned him with wisdom and steadied his hands for greater exploits.

His heart beats for Cross River, and his every stride echoes the melody of service. Few leaders have so effortlessly embodied the poetry of empathy and the discipline of governance; fewer still have so seamlessly united the moral and the political, the ideal and the real. In Governor Otu, Cross River finds not just a leader, but a guardian of its collective dream.

Today, we celebrate more than the passing of years; we celebrate a life poured out in service-a man who has become both the servant and the symbol of his people’s aspirations.

At sixty-six, the Sweet Prince remains a nectar, a sweet fragrance, a beacon of hope, a testament to the grace of God, and a reminder that true greatness lies not in the trappings of office, but in the quiet, consistent pursuit of the common good. May the winds of divine favour continue to guide your sail, Your Excellency and may your years ahead bloom with even greater wisdom, compassion, and triumph for the land you so dearly love, our Cross River State, our Pride!

A New Zealand Casino is a site which has some games for real money stakes. Players get to access tables and pokies. There are also crash and live dealers.

Most of the operators provide NZD transactions and legitimate services. Also, punters are able to find mobile apps and pokies by the leading providers. All this information is discussed on the page.

Introduction to Online Casinos in New Zealand

Casinos do function through the internet. This is what does make them more accessible. Games that the Kiwis prefer are available to those who are of 18 years of them and above. These include poker machines, online pokies, and roulettes among others.

The legislation permits punters to use casino platforms from other countries. They hold often licenses of Maltese/Curacao authorities. These operators offer NZD currency, hassle free payments and other bonus offers. A punter would need to come up with an account and replenish a bankroll to get access to real money services.

Understanding the Best Online Casino New Zealand Market

The local iGaming market generated $1.12bn in 2025. This means the area keeps growing with new sites appearing annually. It becomes easier for punters to find a suitable casino. They can spot the mix of real money pokies, smooth withdrawals. Strong security is often available, too.

To understand which platform is a top choice, check a row of factors. Start with licenses, software providers, and mobile availability. Top platforms also provide POLi payments and NZD, along with other currencies.

Pokies as the Core of the New Zealand Casino Market

Slot titles are the main engine on any betting site. Kiwis choose them due to their original themes, visuals, and exclusive characters. In addition, theme music and extra functionality are often included by the providers. Developers like NetEnt/Endorphina/Quickspin have variety of titles, including fruit and progressive pokies.

Modern pokies arrive with 3D graphics and extra animations. Special symbols include wild symbols, multipliers, and free spins. Some also have dedicated mini-games. Progressive pokies are very trendy, too. They let users win solid prizes, sometimes millions of NZ$, with a single stake.

The best online casino in New Zealand real money will offer thousands of slots. It will also update the variety of titles regularly. Often, they are available on a desktop site or through apps. What’s more, you can often start for free. Simply launch a slot game in demo version without depositing and wagering any funds.

The Role of Leon Casino in the New Zealand Market

Leon Casino debuted in 2007. This happened with an official Curacao licensing. Today, it’s a strong player in New Zealand. It delivers a competitive lobby with more than 3,000 titles. To access them, Kiwis need to pass registration and proceed to the initial deposit.

Payments are done through Visa, POLi and other reliable systems. One of the currencies that are available is NZD.

What makes LEON Casino stand out is its bonus program. Inside, punters can find a welcome deal and ongoing promos. This is a good chance of claiming free spins, deposit boosters, etc.

Besides, Leon is one of the iGaming operators that strive to make gambling games more accessible. It features an optimized site. It opens in Safari, Google Chrome, and other browsers on Android and Apple devices.

In general, Leon Casino does focus on trust, safety, and responsible gaming. It follows international standards and uses SSL encryption for all money transfers. With this combination, Leon is among the top gambling operators in New Zealand.

Pokies App and Mobile Gaming Trends in New Zealand

Mobile games in the main direction of the NZ casino industry. Thanks to this feature, punters can rotate the reels regardless of their location. Most casinos now build mobile-friendly sites.

Advanced operators develop and release native apps for Android and iPhone or iPad. These programs offer smooth gameplay and quick loading of pages. It’s also easier for users to access rewards and promotions.

Typically, a pokies real money app includes all the same features as the desktop version. Clients can deposit bankrolls, make stakes, and withdraw prizes from their phones. Push notifications also remind users of new promotions or jackpot updates.

Once the software is installed, start any video slot. Adjust then the pay lines number and the current stake. In case the game has special symbols or bonuses, they will appear on the grid. Additional functions are autoplay, paytable, and so on.

In general, there is a tendency to have more applications with pokies nowadays. This trend demonstrates the extent to which the NZ punters attach importance to comfort, speed, and convenience.

Payment Systems and Transaction Security

Punters can use a local currency when playing in casinos of NZ. In that manner, they will be able to save additional conversions and charges. The following most popular payment systems are available:

? Credit cards. There are unique numbers on Mastercard and Visa cards. They also have a CVV, and it is always an added protection;

? E-wallets. They let players save their money in secure surroundings. Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, and other wallets ensure 100 % protection;

? Prepaid vouchers. Services like Paysafecard come with a 16-digit code. In order to replenish betting bankrolls, players should use that code to remain safe;

? Bank transfers. In New Zealand, punters make safe payments when going to the banks. Yet these are low-speed transactions;

? Crypto coins. USDT, Bitcoins, and other coins can be used to leave gamblers anonymous. It can be done each time upon depositing or cashing funds.

Thus, there are numerous safe deposit and cashout services. They use individual codes and CVVs. The other solutions are two factor authentication and SSL encryption.

Regulatory Framework for Online Casinos in New Zealand

New Zealand has clear gambling laws. But they apply mainly to local operators. Offshore operators can legally offer their services to Kiwi punters.

However, an international license should be available on a platform. It can be part of the Maltese, Curacao or any other gaming authorities. Operators need to meet regulations on fairness, transparency and safety of their clients.

Gambling activities are under the Department of Internal Affairs control when it comes to New Zealand. But it does not regulate offshore locations. Nevertheless, these licensed international casinos are open to punters. There is also the promotion of responsible gambling. The operators offer services such as deposit limits and self exclusion.

On the whole, the system in New Zealand provides players with their freedom and access to safe online casinos in other countries. This balance enables the market to expand and defend its punters against unjust operators.

The Future of Online Casinos and Pokies Apps in New Zealand

New Zealand has a bright future in online gambling. Pokies apps are widely available nowadays than ever before. In addition, every month new pokies emerge in the area.

And the new technologies will offer: faster apps, better graphics, and smoother payments. Virtual reality and games with live dealers can become even more widespread.

More punters will likely choose casinos that offer instant withdrawals and crypto coins. Responsible gaming tools can also improve. This way, players may get more control over their activities and habits.

With better laws and tech growth, the New Zealand online casino market can stay safe. Moreover, it will be full of new gaming opportunities.

Conclusion

Online betting in casinos within New Zealand is legal. The sites have the opportunity to provide 100 percent security, mobile adaptability and welcome/regular bonuses.Thousands of pokies are available to enthusiasts. Fruits, jackpots, bonuses, and other options are offered.

The market is still growing because of reasonable regulation and legitimate foreign platforms. The best games will now available 24 hours at the reliable casinos like Leon. The latter can be accomplished with the assistance of the site or pokies app free download on Android/iOS.

The Mary Dinah Foundation (MDF) has been spotlighted in the October-November 2025 edition of Forbes Africa for its pioneering approach to sustainable philanthropy and community-driven development across Africa.

Founded in 2005, the Foundation has become a leading force in addressing food insecurity, maternal health and women’s empowerment in vulnerable communities.

Its flagship Zero Hunger Programme, initially launched in partnership with USAID and supported by the US Government, the Foundation has delivered more than 55 million meals across North-East Nigeria, the far North of Cameroon, Chad’s Lac Province, and the Borders of Sudan.

The initiative has also connected thousands of mothers to antenatal care while providing children with life-saving vaccinations.

Forbes Africa described this approach-dubbed the ‘Mary Dinah Model’-as a practical blend of local leadership, data-driven impact, and sustainable community systems.

In the past two decades, MDF has expanded its focus beyond food aid, integrating nutrition, mental health and empowerment into its programmes.

Its Mother and Girls Voices initiative has reached over 351,000 women in 83 rural communities across Africa, improving breastfeeding and antenatal attendance rates and encouraging safer deliveries.

Building on its success, the Foundation recently launched the Maternal and Newborn Fund (MNF) to improve maternal outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Through its flagship project, BirthStrong, the Fund aims to provide multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) to five million women by 2030, supporting stronger national health systems and local production hubs to reduce costs and create jobs.

Speaking on the recognition, Mary Dinah, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, emphasised the importance of community empowerment in achieving lasting development.

‘Lasting change is never delivered – it’s discovered within communities empowered to lead. Our role is to trust, equip, and step back so their systems can endure,’ she said.

The Forbes Africa feature also highlights other major players in global philanthropy, including UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund, the World Food Programme (WFP), the African Development Bank (AfDB), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Association Mondiale des Amis de l’Enfance (AMADE), and Edesia Nutrition.

Together, these organisations represent a growing movement to transform philanthropy across the continent – from emergency relief to long-term sustainability, focused on prevention, dignity, and opportunity for Africa’s future.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2nd Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued 24 kidnapped victims from various locations across Kwara and neighbouring Kogi States in North Central Nigeria.

The operation, carried out on Friday, October 17, was part of ongoing efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMA (2 Division/Sector 3) to flush out bandits and other criminal elements terrorising communities along the Kwara-Kogi border.

According to a statement by Polycarp Okoye (Lieutenant Colonel), acting deputy director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and obtained by BusinessDay, the coordinated efforts of troops from the 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin resulted in the successful rescue of the abducted individuals.

The rescued victims comprise 14 men, 5 women, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals who were kidnapped from various locations across Kwara and Kogi States.

The abductors were said to have run away leaving the abductees, following troops’ intensified offensive, some of whom have been with them for over 4 months.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who is overseeing the operation, ordered that the rescued victims be provided with first aid and other necessary relief materials. Nnebeife reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to maintaining the ongoing offensive against criminal elements, emphasising that there will be no safe haven for bandits and other offenders within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The rescued victims, most who are physically weak and could not walk unaided, owing to extreme exhaustion, are responding to treatment, had been evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery. The GOC commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations, as well as other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriads of security challenges in the State.

In the same vein, the GOC commended the efforts of the troops and directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within 2 Division AOR.

Nigeria’s population is projected to swell by about 130 million by 2050, firmly establishing the country as one of the most populous nations in the world, according to the World Bank Group.

Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, disclosed this during the 2025 Annual Meetings Plenary held in Washington, D.C., where he described Africa as the epicentre of one of the greatest demographic shifts in human history.

He noted that the pace of population growth on the continent is staggering, with Africa expected to be home to one in four people in the world by 2050. The World Bank also highlighted that Zambia will add about 700,000 people every year, while Mozambique’s population will double within the same period.

Banga said, ‘We are living through one of the great demographic shifts in human history. By 2050, more than 85 percent of the world’s population will live in countries we call ‘developing’ today.’ He warned that in just the next 10 to 15 years, 1.2 billion young people will enter the global workforce, competing for only about 400 million available jobs, a situation he described as a widening gap with far-reaching implications.

‘Four young people will step into the global workforce every second over the next 10 years. So in the time it takes to deliver these remarks, tens of thousands will cross that threshold, full of ambition, impatient for opportunity,’ he said.

The World Bank President emphasised that these young people, with their energy and ideas, will define the next century. He stressed that with the right investments focused not on need but on opportunity, the world can unlock a powerful engine of global growth. However, without purposeful effort, he warned, youthful optimism could easily turn into despair, fueling instability, unrest, and mass migration with consequences for every region and economy.

‘This is why jobs must be at the centre of any development, economic, or national security strategy,’ he said, adding that a job represents more than a paycheck; it embodies purpose, dignity, and stability. ‘It’s the anchor that holds families steady and the glue that keeps societies together. It is the straightest line to stability and the hardest progress to reverse once achieved,’ he added.

Banga explained that the World Bank Group has restructured its operations to better address this reality, refocusing its approach to development around job creation. He said the institution has moved with greater speed, simplicity, and substance over the past two years.

Project approval times, he noted, have been reduced from 19 months to 12, with some projects now approved in less than 30 days. Leadership in 40 country offices has been consolidated, giving each client country a single point of contact, a structure expected to be extended to all countries by June next year. He also said the World Bank’s Knowledge Bank is being streamlined across the Group to replicate scalable solutions, while corporate services such as budgeting, human resources, procurement, and real estate have been unified.

According to him, 153 internal metrics have been replaced with a corporate scorecard containing 22 outcome indicators. Through financial optimisation and new instruments, the Bank’s lending capacity has been expanded by about $100 billion.

The Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) co-financing platform has built a pipeline of 175 projects, of which 22 worth $23 billion have already been financed. The Bank also achieved full mutual reliance with the Asian Development Bank, reducing duplication for clients, and is working to expand this partnership to other MDBs. Banga added that the World Bank is developing an IFC2030 strategy aimed at strengthening private capital mobilisation.

‘The mission is jobs,’ Banga emphasised. ‘Most jobs, nearly 90 percent, ultimately come from the private sector, but they don’t all begin there. Early on, the public sector drives job creation, and over time, private capital and entrepreneurship take the lead. But the private sector, whether large or small, local or global, can’t do it alone. Entrepreneurs need the right conditions to start, grow, and hire, and those conditions don’t happen by accident.’

He explained that the World Bank Group’s three-pillar strategy is designed to help countries move from potential to paychecks. The first pillar focuses on governments leading with the support of the private sector to build critical infrastructure such as roads, ports, electricity, education, digitization, and healthcare.

These are financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), which also help countries use resources effectively and establish public-private partnerships. The second pillar is centred on creating a predictable business environment with clear rules, secure land rights, transparent institutions, and responsible economic management.

The third pillar focuses on helping the private sector scale through financing, equity, guarantees, and risk insurance provided by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), supported by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Banga said the World Bank has identified five sectors with the greatest potential for job creation: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing, including critical minerals. He emphasised that these sectors are not aid-dependent but are engines of growth capable of generating locally relevant jobs without displacing employment in developed economies. They also help to build the middle class that will drive future global demand, including for goods and services from developed markets.

He explained that several strategic initiatives have already been launched across these sectors. The Bank’s electricity strategy focuses on accessibility, affordability, and reliability, while managing emissions responsibly. Under ‘Mission 300,’ the World Bank aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Countries will be free to choose energy sources that fit their context, ranging from grid upgrades to solar, wind, hydro, gas, and geothermal projects. The Bank is also working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to reintroduce nuclear power as an option for countries seeking to expand generation capacity.

In healthcare, the World Bank plans to help deliver primary healthcare for 1.5 billion people. A global summit in Tokyo this December will bring together governments, investors, and innovators to drive the agenda forward. Banga cited Indonesia’s example of providing every citizen with an annual primary care visit on their birthday as a model that could reshape healthcare access for 300 million people.

He further revealed that through the AgriConnect initiative, the Bank is helping smallholder farmers transition from subsistence to surplus by integrating financing, connecting producers to markets, and harnessing digital tools like artificial intelligence. This initiative is supported by a pledge to double annual financing for agriculture to $9 billion and mobilise an additional $5 billion in private investment.

Banga announced that the World Bank is finalising a minerals and mining strategy to help countries move beyond raw extraction into local processing and regional manufacturing, ensuring that more value and jobs remain within the continent. The strategy, expected to be unveiled in the coming months, will further support the World Bank’s broader goal of turning Africa’s demographic surge into an economic opportunity that benefits both the continent and the world.

Okomu Oil Palm Plc more than doubled its nine-month profit as higher palm oil prices and production volumes lifted revenue, offsetting cost pressures and macroeconomic headwinds in Nigeria.

Net income jumped 113 percent year-on-year to N60.33 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up from N28.34 billion a year earlier, the Benin City-based agribusiness said in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange. Pretax profit also surged 107 percent to N84.1 billion, driven by stronger turnover and improved operating efficiency.

Revenue rose 67 percent to N173.95 billion for the nine months through September 2025, compared with N103.95 billion a year earlier. The increase was fueled by robust demand for crude palm oil and rubber, alongside higher selling prices in both domestic and export markets.

Okomu’s third-quarter performance reflected similar momentum, with turnover up 52 percent year-on-year to N44.12 billion, while after-tax profit grew 57 percent to N12.8 billion. The strong quarterly showing highlights the company’s ability to sustain growth despite the typical lean season charaterised by the penultimate quarter to the end of the year.

Cost of sales climbed 39 percent to N61.87 billion, slower than the pace of revenue growth, helping gross profit to expand by 89 percent to N112.08 billion. The company’s gross margin widened to 64.4 percent, from 57.1 percent a year earlier, reflecting efficiency gains from ongoing plantation optimisation and favourable pricing dynamics.

Operating expenses rose 43 percent to N25.97 billion, largely due to inflationary pressures and higher logistics costs, even though prices have begun to taper with inflation slowing to 18 percent in September 2025 – cooling for the sixth straight month. Still, the firm’s cost discipline and lean financing profile supported margin expansion. Finance costs fell sharply by 73 percent to N2.32 billion from N8.75 billion in the prior year, underscoring improved debt management and reduced exposure to costly short-term borrowings.

The stronger financial performance comes amid renewed global demand for vegetable oils, with palm oil prices staying elevated on the back of tight global supply and geopolitical uncertainties affecting trade routes. Locally, Okomu has benefited from Nigeria’s push for import substitution and agro-industrial investment incentives.

The company paid N53.42 billion in dividends earlier this year, following a strong 2024 performance, and retained N60.33 billion in earnings during the review period to bolster reserves and fund ongoing expansion projects.

Tax expenses nearly doubled to N23.77 billion in the nine months, consistent with the earnings surge, as the effective tax rate stood at about 28 percent. Total comprehensive income rose in line with net profit, boosting shareholders’ equity to about N62.4 billion at the end of September.

Analysts say Okomu’s earnings resilience underscores the defensive strength of Nigeria’s agricultural exports, even as manufacturers contend with volatile exchange rates and rising input costs. The company’s sustained investments in mechanisation and replanting are expected to further enhance yields and sustain margins in the coming quarters.

Shares of Okomu Oil have gained 130 percent year-to-date on the Nigerian Exchange, outperforming the All-Share Index, as investors price in the firm’s strong earnings momentum and dividend prospects.

I remember my former classmate Georgia Akwudike, a young single woman in leadership, sharing a moment of vulnerability. She whispered a prayer: ‘God, I can trade all of this-my career-for family.’ Almost immediately, she felt convicted. Her purpose, tied to the impact she makes through her work, wasn’t something to sacrifice. It was a reminder that her journey wasn’t an either/or equation.

The definition of success for young single women rarely includes leadership. Ironically, the word leading implies excelling, yet when a young single woman occupies that space, it becomes unacceptable. Yes-gender norms happened. They dictate what is considered ‘appropriate’ for young women. Being aspirational, single, and successful is often treated as deviance.

Why is being a young woman in leadership not the norm?

For the same reason, women in leadership are not the norm, but even more so. As a young woman, you get penalized for making career choices that land you in leadership. It is perceived as though you’ve ‘unchosen’ the things society deems right for women. Simply put, you’ve broken a record. The systemic barriers designed to exclude women from leadership suddenly feel like walls you’ve somehow bypassed.

It is almost as if to say you have no purpose or existence outside traditional gender roles. To lead authentically, then, can feel like betraying yourself-your own authenticity is at stake.

For me, being in leadership was a deliberate pursuit, almost like an epiphany that hit me. I came to a realization early: so many people point fingers at the government for their problems, but change essentially starts with us. As a young undergraduate, I started volunteering for several initiatives in search of answers to social issues.

One of my earliest social impact projects was to furnish public school libraries. I saw the gaps, felt people’s burdens, and I wanted to be part of the solution. That desire unknowingly put me on a trajectory toward leadership.

So no, I did not arrive in leadership by accident, and there is nothing wrong with that. Except, of course, that I am not a man. And I had this epiphany at 21.

The story of Georgia – Defying Gender stereotypes as a young woman in leadership

When I wrestle with stereotypes, I look at women like Georgia, and I am reminded: purpose-driven leadership is not about conforming to stereotypes, but redefining them. In a world where young women in leadership are often treated as anomalies, Georgia Akwudike stands as a bold contradiction. As Director of Specialty Operations across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey for Amazon in a male-dominated sector, she challenges the systemic idea that ambition in your youth and being a woman are mutually exclusive. Beyond the boardroom, she DJs, and occasionally boxes-proof that leadership is not about narrowing yourself into a mold, but expanding into purpose wherever it leads. More importantly, Georgia’s story reveals something else: that the real sacrifice is made when women silence their purpose to fit stereotypes.

Showing Young Women it’s Possible – Defying Molds

You are not the Norm

And that’s okay. Standing out is simply an outcome of hard work, not something to be shamed for. If we don’t celebrate those who excel, we risk raising a generation of women who will not attain their full potential but limit themselves to fit narrow expectations. That is why I am proud to have facilitated a session at Georgia’s Raising Giants Initiative, which nurtures young women the Proverbs 31 way, fostering a holistic, multidimensional definition of success.

You are the Definition of Success

A friend once told me that success, my way, is unattractive. That day, I not only refused to see myself through that mirror but lost myself in the process. I own my success and the values I stand for. Leadership, excellence, aspiration, and authenticity are not crimes; they are expressions of purpose-driven growth and self-awareness.

It’s a Double Standards world

It’s ironic how young women are criticized for rising into leadership, yet simultaneously expected to cross boundaries. There’s an expectation that young women in positions of power have freedom, lack accountability as singles, and must be reckless, opportunistic, or morally lax. True leadership is rooted in discipline, integrity, and courage-qualities too often assumed absent in young women who dare to lead.

Lift as You Climb, Lets Raise More Young Women Leaders!

Breaking molds isn’t just personal, it’s generational. By mentoring, advocating, and creating spaces for young women to see themselves reflected in leadership, we ensure that they know they too can thrive without sacrificing authenticity.

Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says several key members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will formally defect to the ruling party next week.

Speaking during a meeting with APC stakeholders in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, Yilwatda revealed that ‘notable figures’ from the ADC have completed preliminary processes ahead of their official unveiling.

‘Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC,’ he said. The APC chairman added that more high-profile defections are expected in the coming weeks, noting that another major political figure is also set to be unveiled soon.

‘In another two weeks, we will unveil yet another big figure who just finished his own medicals. He tried to unveil himself the day before yesterday – you probably saw it in the news – but officially, we’ll be receiving him soon,’ Yilwatda disclosed. He emphasised that the APC remains the most attractive platform in the country, describing it as ‘the bride of the moment’ due to its inclusiveness and growth.

‘More people are coming – more senators, governors, and members of the national assembly. The APC is the bride of the moment,’ he said.

‘The beauty of APC is that it welcomes people, regardless of when they join. You don’t have to be an early member to rise. I’m living proof of that.’

Yilwatda said new members of the ruling party enjoy ‘full rights and privileges’ as guaranteed by the APC constitution.

The APC has recently seen a surge in defections from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among them are several Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, including Enugu’s Peter Mbah, who joined the ruling party this week. Bayelsa’s governor, Douye Diri, is also reportedly preparing to formalise his defection soon.