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Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has signed into law the 2025 Supplementary Budget amounting to ?143.42 billion, alongside a virement of ?14.68 billion recently approved by the State House of Assembly.

The implementation of the 2025 supplementary budget will be extended to 31st May 2026.

The supplementary budget is aimed at addressing urgent funding needs in critical sectors of the state, including security, infrastructure, and economic development, while also cushioning the impact of inflation and exchange rate pressures on ongoing projects.

According to the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, the additional funding will enable the state to respond to emerging economic and security challenges, realign spending with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and accelerate strategic development projects.

With the new approval, Taraba’s total budget size for 2025 now stands at ?574.8 billion, with capital expenditure accounting for 68.9% and recurrent spending 31.1%.

John Bonzena, the speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, while presenting the the budget copy to the governor for signing also urged the government to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely release of funds to achieve the intended results of the supplementary budget.

Public health experts have raised the alarm over the growing number of Nigerians battling persistent coughs and other respiratory symptoms, warning citizens not to dismiss the condition as a common cold or seasonal flu.

Speaking in an interview with BusinessDay, Prof. Wellington Oyibo, tropical disease specialist, advised Nigerians to take respiratory symptoms seriously and seek medical attention early rather than resorting to self-medication. He noted that while most coughs appear harmless, a lingering or recurrent cough could be a sign of more serious underlying infections that require prompt diagnosis.

‘People should not ignore a cough that lasts more than two or three weeks. Persistent coughs could point to infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or other respiratory viruses. It is important that Nigerians visit a doctor, get a chest X-ray if necessary, and avoid self-medicating. Early diagnosis can save lives,’ he said.

Oyibo stressed that respiratory infections tend to rise during the dry season and periods of poor air quality, urging Nigerians to adopt preventive measures to reduce transmission. ‘As people move through crowded areas and public spaces, especially airports and markets, they must wear masks and maintain good hygiene. Simple practices like washing hands with soap and covering the mouth and nose when coughing can significantly limit infection spread,’ he added.

He further warned that a combination of factors such as dust, poor ventilation, and air pollution could aggravate existing respiratory illnesses. ‘The dry season brings a lot of irritants into the air, from dust to pollutants. People with asthma or weak immune systems should avoid exposure to smoke and dusty environments,’ he said.

While recent reports have pointed to an increase in respiratory infections in some countries, Oyibo clarified that Nigeria’s current concern may not be about any new or imported virus but about the rising trend of persistent coughs and respiratory distress within communities. ‘We may not be facing a single outbreak, but we are seeing more people with prolonged coughs and breathing difficulties. These symptoms should not be ignored,’ he advised.

He also called attention to Nigeria’s weak public health surveillance, noting that poor awareness and slow response mechanisms make it difficult to track or contain seasonal spikes in respiratory illnesses. ‘Our public health system needs consistent vigilance. The moment symptoms start appearing in clusters, we should have systems that respond quickly,’ he said.

Echoing his view, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist, who spoke separately, lamented Nigeria’s repeated failure to sustain disease monitoring and diagnostic preparedness. According to him, the neglect of laboratories and health facilities developed during the COVID-19 pandemic has left the country vulnerable to recurring respiratory outbreaks.

‘We lack sustained preparedness. Each time a health crisis arises, it is as if we are starting all over again. The laboratories that were built and equipped during COVID-19 are now mostly idle or abandoned. Instead of maintaining these facilities, we let them go to waste. When the next outbreak comes, we will start scrambling again,’ Tomori said

He warned that Nigeria’s cycle of reactive rather than preventive response undermines public confidence and puts citizens at risk. ‘We must invest in maintaining our health infrastructure and surveillance systems. That is how countries stay ready for whatever new infections may arise,’ Tomori added.

Both experts emphasized that beyond government responsibility, personal hygiene and awareness remain crucial in breaking the chain of respiratory infections.

Oyibo advised Nigerians to be more cautious during the current flu season and avoid complacency now that COVID-19 cases have dropped. ‘COVID-19 never really disappeared. It simply became one of the many respiratory viruses circulating in the population. That is why coughing and breathing issues must be taken seriously. The public should not assume it is ‘just catarrh’ or harmattan. Get checked early,’ he said. He also advised Nigerians to eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and prioritize rest as part of maintaining strong immunity. ‘A healthy body fights infections better. When you eat well, rest adequately, and keep your environment clean, you reduce your risk,’ he said.

In Lagos, several residents have reported a spike in cases of prolonged coughing and cold-like symptoms in recent weeks. While no official data has confirmed an outbreak, the trend has stirred anxiety, particularly among families with children and elderly members.

Oyibo said public health authorities, should use this period to reinforce community health education and reintroduce awareness campaigns on hygiene and respiratory care. Such campaigns, he noted, would help citizens distinguish between minor seasonal infections and potentially dangerous conditions.

‘The message is simple. Don’t ignore that cough. Don’t wait until you’re struggling to breathe or coughing blood. Seek medical help early. Prevention is always better than cure,’ Oyibo said.

As the dry season sets in, the experts’ warnings serve as a timely reminder for Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their health, through vigilance, hygiene, and prompt medical consultation, while urging authorities to sustain public health monitoring and maintain diagnostic infrastructure across the country.

Key preventive tips from experts include:

* Wash hands regularly with soap and water.

* Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places.

* Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, and air pollutants.

* Eat balanced meals to boost immunity.

* Seek medical attention for coughs lasting longer than two weeks.

Glenfiddich, a single malt Scotch whisky, officially unveiled its global partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team in Nigeria during an exclusive press junket in Lagos.

To celebrate the milestone, the brand hosted a launch at Atrium by Sora, where it introduced the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old Single Malt to the Nigerian market. The evening also featured the debut of a capsule fashion collection designed by I.N. Official × TT Dalk.

The event brought together media, influencers, lifestyle leaders, and luxury enthusiasts to experience the fusion of heritage whisky craftsmanship and cutting-edge motorsport engineering.

These are two worlds united by a shared ethos of innovation, precision, and excellence. Guests were invited into an immersive environment where the artistry of single malt Scotch met the adrenaline of Formula OneS, celebrating a partnership rooted in legacy and driven by ambition.

The Glenfiddich × Aston Martin Formula OneS alliance unites two legacies built on excellence, innovation, and precision. Glenfiddich, family-owned since 1887, has led the single malt category with a reputation for pushing boundaries in maturation and flavour. Aston Martin, founded in 1913, stands as a global symbol of British performance and design, with its Formula OneS Team embodying engineering mastery and competitive spirit. Together, they represent a singular ethos: *Timeless Apart. Iconic Together.* This collaboration portrays a commitment to creating extraordinary experiences that blend whisky, motorsport, and lifestyle into something entirely new.

‘At Glenfiddich, we believe true progress is achieved when heritage and innovation move together,’ said Claudia Falcone, Global Brand Director, Glenfiddich. ‘Our partnership with the Aston Martin Formula OneS Team reflects this philosophy, uniting two icons of craftsmanship. We are proud to launch the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old in Nigeria, a country whose creativity and cultural energy make it one of the most exciting luxury markets in the world.’

Central to the Lagos announcement was the Nigerian debut of the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old, bottled at 43% ABV. This rare expression is the first limited edition crafted to honour the partnership with Aston Martin. It is matured in an innovative combination of new American oak, second-fill bourbon barrels, and American oak wine casks, resulting in a whisky of exceptional depth and complexity.

Nigeria was chosen as a strategic launch market to reflect the country’s growing appetite for luxury and premium experiences. Nigeria’s influence on Africa’s cultural and economic landscape makes it a natural stage for Glenfiddich’s forward-looking vision. The Lagos press junket served as a platform to announce upcoming activations, including watch parties, luxury viewing experiences, and a responsible drinking campaign themed ‘The Spirit of Control.’ This deliberate focus on Nigeria underscores the market’s role as a driver of taste, culture, and consumer innovation across the continent.

Further anchoring the moment in cultural relevance, Glenfiddich also announced the unveiling of a limited-edition fashion capsule created in partnership with Nigerian designers I.N Official and TT Dalk. Inspired by Aston Martin’s motorsport heritage and Glenfiddich’s modern elegance, the collection blends precision tailoring with bold Nigerian creativity.

Speaking on the partnership at the press junket in Lagos, Samuel Odesanmi, Regional Marketing Manager, William Grant and Sons, said: ‘Aston Martin has always stood for precision, performance, and timeless design. In Glenfiddich, we see a partner who shares these ideals, uniting two worlds of excellence. Celebrating this partnership in Nigeria reflects the energy and ambition of a market that is shaping the future of luxury.’

The press junket marks the beginning of a series of Nigerian activations designed to bring the Glenfiddich × Aston Martin F1 story to life, from immersive watch parties to digital content campaigns. As the partnership unfolds across the country, audiences will be invited to engage with both brands through curated experiences that celebrate craftsmanship, performance, and the pursuit of excellence. This is only the beginning of what promises to be a defining chapter in Nigeria’s luxury landscape.

Africa’s journey from a polluted environment to a sustainable and cleaner energy future must be guided by justice, equity, and accountability. Our climate and energy policies must protect the most vulnerable while empowering communities to thrive in a new economy. The continent cannot simply repeat the exploitative, extractive models of industrialised nations; to do so would be to sacrifice both development and dignity.

Although Africa contributes less than 4% of global carbon emissions, it bears the heaviest burden of their consequences. 162 million tons of man-made global warming pollutions emitted into the atmosphere every year and 8.7 Million people die every day to pollution and climate-related disasters. Yet, poorly designed or externally imposed ‘net zero’ policies threaten to worsen these harms displacing communities, intensifying food insecurity, exploiting child labour, and eroding human rights. The real challenge is to achieve a just transition, one that is not only clean but also fair.

This requires coordinated action: governments must define clear policy objectives and provide oversight; the private sector must adopt responsible practices; financial institutions must link funding to social and environmental outcomes; and communities must be meaningfully involved in shaping their future. Integrating human and development – what I often call EcoSoc (Economic and Social) – rights into the green transition enables Africa to restore degraded environments, create livelihoods, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

From Environmental Neglect to Rights-Based Action

The relationship between environmental protection and human rights in Africa has evolved over time. After independence, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) prioritised sovereignty and reconstruction, but environmental degradation soon revealed that progress without protection is hollow. The droughts and famines of the 1970s made it clear that a polluted environment undermines the very right to life and development.

The turning point came with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981), which for the first time enshrined the right to a ‘general satisfactory environment conducive to development.’ Africa declared then that environmental care is intrinsic to human dignity.

By the 1990s, Africa began influencing the global conversation. At the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, African states championed the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, insisting that those most responsible for pollution must bear the greatest responsibility for its correction. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (1994) reinforced this, affirming that Africa’s struggles with drought and land degradation were inseparable from human rights and development.

By the early 2000s, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, through Resolution 153, recognised climate change as a direct human rights issue. Civil society movements, notably the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), strengthened this cause, reframing climate change from an environmental challenge into a demand for fairness, justice, and inclusion.

The African Charter and the Legal Foundation for a Fair Transition

The African Charter provides a powerful framework for balancing Africa’s developmental ambitions with its environmental responsibilities.

Article 21 recognises the sovereignty of African peoples over their natural resources.

Article 22 guarantees the right to equitable and sustainable development.

Article 24 upholds the right to a clean and satisfactory environment.

Together, they define Africa’s normative guide for a just energy transition, one that reconciles the right to exploit resources with the duty to protect the environment.

This balance remains delicate. Many African economies still depend on oil, gas, and coal, yet these same industries have bred pollution, corruption, and rights abuses. Africa must therefore pursue cleaner energy pathways: solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, without excluding the developmental rights of its people. The challenge is not the lack of vision, but of financing and institutional strength. Renewable energy in Africa costs several times more than in OECD countries, and our share of global climate finance remains unjustly low.

The Human Cost of Inaction

Despite numerous frameworks and declarations, the pace of progress is painfully slow. Climate inaction – both globally and locally – has turned Africa’s environmental crisis into a profound human and development rights emergency.

Across East Africa, prolonged droughts have left over 22 million people food-insecure and destroyed millions of livestock. In Southern Africa, Cyclone Idai displaced nearly two million people and caused over a thousand deaths. In the west and central regions, floods, desertification, and shrinking lakes have sparked displacement and violent conflict. The Lake Chad Basin, which has lost over 90% of its water area since the 1960s, has become a symbol of how environmental degradation fuels insecurity.

These examples are not isolated tragedies; they are evidence that environmental collapse strips people of their most basic rights; to life, food, health, shelter, and dignity. The lesson is clear: climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is the most urgent human rights challenge of our time.

Africa’s Development Paradox and Global Inequality

Africa’s development story remains marked by contradictions. We are rich in natural and human resources, yet poor in access and opportunity. Nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity. Meanwhile, global policies often demand that Africa decarbonise at the same pace as industrialised economies – without recognising historical injustices or current realities.

Calls for an immediate end to fossil fuels disregard the fact that Africa still needs affordable energy to industrialise and lift millions out of poverty. Restricting development finance while limiting access to cleaner alternatives creates a form of climate colonialism – a system that denies Africa the same developmental pathways once used by the West.

To counter this, Africa must centre human and development rights within its climate and energy agenda. Protecting vulnerable groups, enforcing environmental accountability, and ensuring fairness in global partnerships will strengthen both our domestic resilience and international negotiating power.

Global Commitments, Local Realities

The Paris Agreement (2015) reaffirmed principles that Africa had long advanced: that climate action must respect human rights, health, and development. Yet developed nations have failed to meet their obligations, particularly the promised $100 billion annual climate finance fund.

Nigeria’s experience reflects the continent’s broader challenge. As a signatory to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, Nigeria pledged to cut emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally by 2030. Although the Climate Change Act (2021) domesticated these commitments, it did not enshrine binding targets, leaving investors uncertain and enforcement weak. Nigerian courts have also been reluctant to grant standing to civil society organisations on environmental issues, limiting accountability. Courts relying on a diminished non-justiciability provision of the constitution despite advancements in the Law and the bindingness of the Charter on Nigeria

Nigeria and the Paris Agreement

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1992) was the precursor to both the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015). Nigeria is a signatory to the convention, along with 197 other signatory countries, as a non-annex 1 Party. Under the UNFCCC, under Article 4(2)(a), each participating party is required to adopt national policies and corresponding measures for mitigating climate change. Subsumed under the UNFCCC’s broad negotiation platform, the Paris Agreement refines and strengthens the commitments of signatory states through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

According to Article 4(2)(a) of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), each participating party is required to adopt national policies and corresponding measures for mitigating climate change.

Unconditionally, Nigeria is committed to:

Working toward ending gas flaring by 2030

Working toward off-grid solar PV of 13 GW (13,000 MW)

Efficient gas generators

2% per year energy efficiency (30% by 2030)

Transport shifts from car to bus

Improve the electricity grid

Climate-smart agriculture and reforestation

The conditional reductions imply that Nigeria will be dependent on assistance in funding and technical support from developed countries to fulfil 47% of its NDC commitment to reduce GHG by 2030, under the Agreement.

Furthermore, since signing the Agreement in 2016, the Nigerian Government passed the Climate Change Act in 2021, providing the Agreement with access to the Nigerian legal system as a progressive step toward meeting its NDC targets.

Notwithstanding the enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021, the Act does not contain the 20% unconditional and 47% conditional reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that the country’s NDCs previously referred to. This makes it difficult to establish clear and legally binding emission targets, provide certainty to investors, businesses and markets to promote investment in low-carbon technologies and sustainable practices.

Nigeria is still legally obligated to meet its 20% unconditional GHG reduction by 2030 NDC because it is covered by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) in international environmental law, which states that all states are responsible for addressing global environmental destruction, yet not equally responsible.

Regarding the remaining 47% conditional reduction commitment, the Nigerian government is not legally obligated to meet it because the CBDR principle does not cover it, and it relies on financial support from developed countries, which Nigeria cannot guarantee with certainty.

Considering the exclusion of the NDC’s from the Climate Change Act 2021, enforcement mechanisms may prove inchoate because the 20% unconditional GHG target reduction cannot be enforced against the government.

Article 4(9) of the Agreement requires Parties to communicate their NDCs every five years. On September 22, 2025, Nigeria submitted its latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the UNFCCC Secretariat, which targets net-zero across all sectors of the economy by 2060 despite the apparent lack of reform or support.

Regrettably, Nigerian courts have a track record of dismissing NGO’s from enforcing climate-related issues, such as Douglas v Shell, and the dismissal of Centre for Pollution Watch v Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation from the Court of Appeal because the NGO was said not to have suffered any damage or injury, as it filed the suit against the Defendant on behalf of a community affected by an oil spill. This narrow approach to legal interest (locus standi) is not helpful; it is outdated and lacking in understanding of our global responsibility to the earth.

Moving Forward

To achieve a truly just transition, Africa must:

Implement human and development rights due diligence throughout the value chain.

Ensure meaningful consultation and participation of affected communities.

Provide social safety nets and retraining programmes for workers in industries facing transition.

Adopt equitable carbon pricing strategies that recycle revenue back to low-income communities.

Africa must build capacity (skill-up) and appoint representation that will negotiate and insist on international

collaboration and investment in sustainable development for emerging nations.

Take leadership in an astute Decarbonisation Legal framework, which is conspicuously lacking a legislative

framework that respects international obligations, while instituting a system that is sensitive to development rights

Africa stands at a crossroads between vulnerability and resilience, dependence and self-determination. The continent’s future depends on how intentionally we act today. Purposeful decarbonisation must become our shared mission: one that unites environmental responsibility with human and developmental justice.

The Bank of Industry (BOI) and Bumpa, a digital platform, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost digital market access, e-commerce growth and job creation for youth-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), aiming to drive the Federal Government’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The MoU, which was signed last week at the official launch of BOI and Bumpa partnership held at BOI’s office in Lagos, aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on skills development, job creation and entrepreneurship.

Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BOI, represented by Oluwatoyin Edu, Executive Director, Risk and Technology, said the initiative reflected the bank’s strategic commitment to expanding market access for young entrepreneurs and equip them with the digital tools they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving economy.

Olusi explained that the partnership aligns with BOI’s 2025-2027 Corporate Strategy, under which ‘Youth at Scale’ is one of the six thematic areas focusing on supporting youth-led enterprises, promoting technology-driven growth and making impact within the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Bumpa’s mobile-first platform, according to Olusi, has become a trusted ally for thousands of MSMEs seeking to digitise their operations and reach wider markets without incurring heavy overhead costs.

The BOI boss praised the Bumpa team for their dedication to building technology that serves small businesses also at the grassroots, underscoring the importance of innovation.

‘Today’s launch is more than a formal agreement, it is a shared commitment to innovation, inclusion and impact. We believe that meaningful partnerships like this are essential to unlocking Nigeria’s entrepreneurial potential and driving the vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030,’ Olusi stated.

On his part, Kelvin Ikechukwu, Chief Executive Officer of Bumpa, commended BOI’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship, stressing that only few institutions put their money where their mouth is when it comes to empowering small businesses.

Umechukwu described the partnership with BOI as a transformative step toward creating new opportunities for small business owners, noting that digital adoption is no longer optional but essential for business competitiveness.

‘BOI saw that this is not just an opportunity for large corporations but also for small businesses. The same digital tools used by companies in the United States (U.S.) or Canada are now available to Nigerian entrepreneurs through their phones. This levels the playing field and allows local brands to compete globally,’ he said.

He explained that under the new partnership, 200 small business owners would receive hands-on support in six months to adopt and integrate technology into their daily operations.

Umechukwu also added that the initiative would monitor key impact metrics, including job creation, revenue growth and business scalability, as entrepreneurs leverage the company’s tools.

Aderonke Akinluyi, Technical Advisor to the Managing Director and one of the bank’s Youth and Skills Thematic Champions, cited research that showed MSMEs are critical engines, contributing about 48% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing about 84% of the country’s workforce.

Akinluyi said while this figure makes MSMEs crucial driver of economic growth and job creation, the partnership between BOI and Bumpa is designed to unlock digital and e-commerce possibilities that would help youth-led businesses sell smarter, scale further and reach wider markets.

Akinluyi also added that with data from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) showing that access to funding and markets remain two of the biggest challenges for MSMEs, the new partnership will directly address these gaps.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has lauded the synergy among security agencies operating in the state, describing it as vital to ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The governor’s commendation was conveyed by Abdullahi Garba Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government, during the 2025 Nigerian Air Force Annual 10-Kilometre Walk/Jog Exercise held in Katsina on Saturday.

The fitness event, attracted personnel from multiple security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Katsina Community Watch Corps, and National Youth Service Corps.

Governor Radda commended the Air Force for prioritising physical fitness as a core element of military preparedness and lauded the initiative for fostering teamwork among security agencies in the state.

According to him, ‘The importance of fitness cannot be overemphasised. Sports enhance mental alertness, sound health, and longevity. Every participant here today is a winner, for you have all demonstrated commitment to discipline, unity, and service.’

He praised Air Commodore Ibrahim Jibia, the Commander 213 Forward Operating Base, for his leadership and excellent coordination of the exercise, describing the partnership between the state government and security agencies as vital to strengthening Katsina’s security architecture.

On his part, Jibia expressed appreciation to Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, for his commitment to personnel welfare and explained that the annual exercise enhances endurance, morale, and combat readiness across all NAF formations nationwide. ‘This exercise gives personnel the opportunity to test their endurance and reinforces the spirit of teamwork and discipline that defines the military profession,’ Jibia stated.

Jibia emerged second position in the Officers’ Walkers Category, announcing that similar fitness initiatives would be sustained quarterly to ensure personnel remain physically and mentally resilient. Flight Lieutenant BE Ariola won first position in the Officers’ Joggers Category, while Corporal Ishaya M topped the Airmen Joggers Category. Lieutenant SB Abdulsalam of the Nigerian Army and Police Constables Nura Magaji and Nazeer Aliyu of the Nigeria Police Force emerged winners in the sister security agencies category respectively.

The event demonstrated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to building a strong, professional, and mission-ready force through physical training, teamwork, and inter-agency collaboration.

Oyo State Government has so far saved about $6 million in the Sovereign Wealth Fund it floated some months ago, with a focus on the future of the State.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who disclosed this during a post-engagement meeting on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation held in Ibadan, said that the State’s vision of unlocking prosperity, creating employment and boosting trade volume is well on course with the launch of the Oyo State AfCFTA sub-national implementation strategy.

The governor also said that his Administration had not only been investing in rebuilding infrastructure and implementing policies that improve the standard of living of Oyo State residents, it had also saved $6 million in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

‘The launch of the strategy would enhance this administration’s agenda for the sustainable development of the State and we are emboldened to engage in the agreement given the sheer size and population of the state and the huge investments it has made on infrastructure development’, he stated.

He noted that the agreement would culminate into massive employment creation, opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners and boosting of trade volumes.

Noting that knowledge and productivity must be combined with natural resources to take any State or Country out of poverty, Governor Makinde hailed the State’s venture into AfCFTA as the first sub-national, saying it formed part of institutional initiatives that would shape the future of the State.

He added that the building of several landmark infrastructure, including the ongoing upgrading of the Ibadan Airport to international standard and the implementation of key policies, which encouraged economic expansion, meant that his administration’s vision for sustainable development is on its way to fruition.

‘I want to situate the efforts of Oyo State, placing itself right in the middle of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. We have seen things happen here. We know that in the African Growth and Opportunity Act, Nigeria missed out, but for the AfCFTA, thankfully, sub-nationals are able to run their own course. That is why Oyo State said, ‘look, we’re not going to wait for the Federal Government, since the agreement itself gave an allowance for us as a sub-national to take our own destiny in our hands,’ and that’s exactly what we have done in Oyo State.

‘Natural resources alone will not take anybody out of poverty. They have to be backed by knowledge and productivity. You have to be productive. And, after being productive, you need a channel to ensure that you can earn foreign exchange for all those efforts. Oyo State is well on that path.’

Speaking further, the governor stated that Oyo State had areas of competitive advantage, which it would go after in its implementation of the AfCFTA strategy, noting that if its teeming youths could find gainful employment and it is able to earn foreign exchange following its investment in infrastructure development, then it would be able to move its people from poverty to prosperity in line with the vision of the administration.

‘So, we have from day one, opportunities that we will go after. And if we can have our youths, our graduates coming out to be gainfully employed, we will have gone a long way in solving some of the poverty issues that we have faced. So, we want to take the opportunity to reach out first to neighbouring countries – West and Central Africa, and the rest of Africa.

‘In our airport, we recently landed a wide-bodied A330. It is exactly the same aircraft that Virgin Atlantic uses to service their Lagos-London route. So, we can go anywhere in the world from Ibadan airport.

‘We have done all the hard work. So, our vision for sustainable development of our state is well on the way. We believe that being part of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement as a sub-national and the first sub-national on the continent of Africa to achieve that, will give us access to great economic opportunities.

‘Our infrastructure is becoming top-notch; we are upgrading the airport and we have put facilities for storage and dispensing of aviation fuel in there. Wide-bodied aircraft can now land at the airport.

‘Well, those are good efforts but, as an administration, we don’t want to be remembered for putting infrastructure and all of these things in place. Those things should come naturally. We want to be remembered as an administration for the institutions that we are building, which will ensure good governance and sustainable development in Oyo State well beyond the tenure of this administration. That is what I would like to be remembered for, and that is where all our efforts will be concentrated.’

The Financial Times Africa Summit returns to London on October 21-22, 2025, uniting heads of state, investors, policymakers, and innovators to address Africa’s most critical economic and policy priorities.

This year’s theme, ‘Africa in a Changing World,’ reflects the opportunities and uncertainties shaping the continent’s next phase of growth. With shifting global alliances, constrained capital markets, and rapid technological transformation, the 2025 edition arrives at a defining moment for how Africa positions itself in the global order.

A New Global Context

The summit will open with welcome remarks from Bernard Mensah, President of International for Bank of America. His address will set the tone for two days of high-level dialogue by framing the continent’s economic trajectory within broader global financial shifts.

Building on his remarks, the first day’s sessions will explore Africa’s evolving position within the global landscape. Conversations will center on deepening trade relations, accelerating the energy transition, leveraging technological innovation, and driving industrial growth through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Policymakers, investors, and business leaders will assess how the continent is reshaping its international partnerships, balancing fossil fuel development with renewable energy investment, and scaling fintech and digital infrastructure to tap into its young, entrepreneurial population.

Standout sessions across both days include ‘South Africa’s G20 Presidency – A Turning Point for Africa’s Global Influence?’ on Day 1 and ‘US-Africa Relations in the Age of Trump’ on Day 2. Together, these discussions frame Africa’s evolving role in global governance and its efforts to assert greater influence on international decision-making. Under the theme of equality, solidarity, and sustainability, South Africa’s G20 presidency has pushed for fairer financial systems and stronger cooperation that will be tested as the presidency transitions to the US in 2026.

Building on this context, the Day 2 session examines how the renewed Trump administration is reshaping America’s engagement with the continent, from a more transactional diplomatic approach and the dismantling of USAID to renewed focus on domestic energy production.

The Confluence of Voices

The 2025 summit brings together an exceptional group of global and African leaders shaping the continent’s political, financial, and innovation landscape.

Confirmed speakers include visionary leaders such as, Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Vice President, Government of Gabon; Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa; Dr Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Republic of Mauritius; Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy for Financing Sustainable Development and High-Level Climate Champion for COP27; Leslie Maasdorp, CEO, British International Investment (BII) and Bassim Haidar, Founder and Chairman, Optasia.

Through a mix of keynote discussions, fireside chats, and industry panels, the summit will provide a platform for dialogue, insight, and collaboration across the continent’s most pressing priorities.

Key sessions include:

The Future of Finance: Unlocking Africa’s Capital Potential, examining how African nations are adapting to new trade dynamics, mobilising domestic revenue, unlocking private capital, and leveraging technology to strengthen financial resilience.

The Future of African Fintech, spotlighting advances in digital adoption and the continent’s fintech evolution

Mission 300: Building a Sustainable Energy Future for Africa, addressing how Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Finance Corporation, and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development are collaborating under the Mission 300 initiative to expand energy access across Africa by leveraging innovative financing mechanisms to attract private investment, drive job creation, enhance local economies, and advance broader sustainable development goals.

AI and Infrastructure – Unlocking Africa’s Tech Economy, assessing how investments from global players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon can position Africa as the next frontier for AI-driven growth.

Why the FT Africa Summit Matters

Now in its twelfth edition, the FT Africa Summit continues to be the continent’s most influential forum for framing how Africa is discussed in the global economic narrative.

Beyond policy debates, it is a space where investment signals, strategic alliances, and actionable solutions emerge.

This year’s edition carries added weight as Africa navigates inflationary pressures, digital disruption, and climate adaptation simultaneously. The summit aims to move beyond rhetoric to define what practical collaboration looks like between governments, investors, and innovators.

Looking Ahead

The FT Africa Summit 2025 will convene the people defining Africa’s next chapter from policymakers setting the agenda to entrepreneurs building new industries. With sessions spanning finance, innovation, infrastructure and energy, the summit will serve as a critical meeting point for those shaping how Africa grows, governs, and competes.

Erling Haaland scored two goals in the second half, leading Manchester City to a 2-0 victory over Everton during matchday 8 of the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Norwegian striker, who netted a hat-trick for his country during the recent international break, continued his blistering form with a clinical brace that took his tally to 23 goals in just 13 games for club and country this season. After being kept quiet in a cagey first half, Haaland made his mark shortly after the restart, rising highest to powerfully head home Nico O’Reilly’s cross.

Just five minutes later, he struck again, sweeping in from Savinho’s cutback, which deflected off defender James Tarkowski on its way into the net. Up to that point, it had been David Moyes’ Everton who looked the more threatening side. Iliman Ndiaye caused several problems for City’s defence, first intercepting a misplaced Nathan Aké pass but failing to find Beto with a low cross, before forcing a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma with a thunderous long-range effort.

City also rode their luck when Everton defender Jake O’Brien nearly turned the ball into his own net, his header ricocheting off the crossbar.

Despite creating only half-chances in the opening half, including efforts from Savinho that were denied by Jordan Pickford, Pep Guardiola’s men found their rhythm after the break, with Haaland once again proving the difference.

The win keeps City’s strong domestic form intact as they continue their pursuit of another Premier League title.

Tell us a little about your background.

My name is Obinna Azonobi, and I’m the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RealtyPros Investment Global Limited. We are a real estate development company that combines property investment with a unique network marketing model to empower people as we grow.

RealtyPros has been in operation for about eight years, with active presence in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Akwa, and Abuja. Our mission is clear: to make property ownership affordable and accessible in every fast-growing city across Nigeria and beyond. It’s an ambitious goal, but one we’re steadily achieving as we continue to expand and evolve.

Before founding RealtyPros, I gained extensive experience working with several notable real estate firms, including Pazzino Engineering and Construction Company, Property Mart, and Realty Point Limited. These roles gave me a solid grounding in both the construction and property development sides of the industry, preparing me for the journey I lead today.

As an entrepreneur, why do you address yourself as ‘Doctor’?

I hold a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, in affiliation with Delwell University in the United States.

You’ve built a reputation as a successful real estate entrepreneur. But before RealtyPros, what was your career path like?

I’ve always been entrepreneurial. After graduating from the university, I teamed up with a friend to start an ICT firm called iMatrix Technology. We were into software development, and my partner was the brain behind most of the programming work. Sadly, I lost him to death two years later, and because he was the technical backbone of the company, it became difficult to continue. That marked the end of that chapter.

I moved into manufacturing for a while, then later into logistics. That was where I made a real mark, because I became the Nigerian representative for COS Courier Limited, a logistics company with headquarters in South Africa. The experience gave me valuable insight into supply chains and business operations across borders.

Eventually, I wanted to expand into haulage, which unfortunately became a major turning point in my life. I lost everything I had saved trying to start that business, and I had to rebuild my life from scratch.

That must have been a tough experience. What exactly happened with the haulage business?

I ventured into haulage around 2011 or 2012 after partnering with a young man based in the United States. He brought in some truck heads, and we agreed that I would handle the logistics of lifting containers from the Tin Can Port. I invested heavily, over ?20 million, acquiring flatbeds, low beds, and more than 30 truck tires. Anyone in logistics knows how expensive those components can be.

Things started well until we got a contract to move a heavy consignment. The load took longer than expected to deliver, and that delay became the beginning of my problems. My partner, who owned the truck heads, insisted I pay four months’ advance lease fees despite the unforeseen delay. I tried to explain the situation, but he wouldn’t listen. Instead, he seized the trucks and grounded the entire operation.

It was devastating. I had poured everything I had into that business – my savings, my energy, my confidence. When threats started coming from my partner, I even went into hiding. It was one of the darkest periods of my life.

But one day, I asked myself: ‘Why are you afraid when you’ve done nothing wrong?’ That moment changed everything. I decided to confront the situation head-on. The matter eventually went to the police, who investigated and discovered that my partner was being dishonest. The trucks were seized by the authorities, and to my surprise, he later filed a ?250 million lawsuit against me, the police, and the client whose goods we were transporting.

When I saw the lawsuit and the ridiculous amount he was demanding, I laughed. But I was impressed that he thought I was worth up to ?250 million. That was the moment I knew I would rise again. The experience broke me, but it also built me. It made me more courageous, and became the foundation of the success I enjoy today.

What lessons did you take away from that ordeal?

That experience changed my life. I learned that fear simply means False Evidence Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.). Because the moment I decided to confront the issue, my fear disappeared, and Interestingly, the man who threatened me became the one running away. It taught me that challenges don’t kill; they strengthen you.

I also learned that you must be very careful in choosing business partners. It’s not every ‘big man’ you should do business with, because some will cripple you if you’re not discerning.

The experience also changed my perception of the Nigerian police. They handled the case professionally and discovered the truth despite several false petitions written against me.

Lastly, I realized that logistics is capital-intensive. You must be well-grounded financially and have trusted, competent drivers. And before going into any business, it’s wise to understudy those already doing it, even as an apprentice. Money alone isn’t enough; relationships, experience, and mentorship matter just as much.

So how did you now delve into real estate?

When I lost everything in haulage, I asked myself a simple question: ‘What business can I do now to make money and still add value?’ That was when I remembered my long-time dream of building homes and developing estates.

I started by partnering with developers to sell their properties between 2012 and 2015. Later, I joined Pazzino Engineering and Construction Company, where I worked until mid-2018. After that, I founded RealtyPros Investment Global Limited.

When you left university, did you ever try to get a white collar job?

Yes, I did. But even while in school, I already knew I was an entrepreneur at heart. I studied Mechanical Engineering, yet most of my free time was spent reading about business development, marketing, leadership, negotiation, and emotional intelligence – everything that builds an entrepreneur.

So, after graduation, I tried applying for a job in industrial production. When I heard the salary was ?30,000 a month, I did a quick calculation: even after 20 years on that salary, I still wouldn’t be able to afford a house. That was when it became clear that working for someone else wasn’t going to give me the life I envisioned.

I decided to adopt a different mindset – to work to learn, not just to earn. So when my ICT company, folded up, I joined my uncle’s water packaging company. He paid me just ?12,500 per month, which was a big drop from the ?120,000 earned from iMatix. But I took the job because it was close to my home, and most importantly, I wanted to learn how to manage people and operations.

That experience taught me that success starts with diligence, not money. I always tell young people: Wherever you find yourself, give your best. Many graduates look down on small jobs, waiting for ‘big opportunities,’ but every experience counts. While managing my uncle’s factory, I learned enough to set up water factories for others, and one of my first contracts earned me about ?2 million.

From the water packaging job l went into logistics through a family friend based in South Africa. He was looking for a Nigerian representative for his logistics company, COS Courier Limited, and I accepted the offer. I told him not to pay me a salary because I preferred a commission or profit-sharing arrangement.

That mindset gave me an edge. I wasn’t salary-driven; I was results-driven. From earning ?12,500, I started making an average of ?500,000 monthly. It was in that role that I saved about ?20 million, which I later invested in haulage. Unfortunately, I lost everything, but real estate helped me to bounce back to reckoning.

There’s been growing concern about fraud and quackery in Nigeria’s real estate industry. Many are beginning to feel it’s not longer a viable investment. How do you see this accessment?

Real estate remains the best investment on earth. From the beginning of civilization to the end of time, every enterprise – hospitals, factories, airports, or recreation centers – stands on land. Every business is built on real estate.

The real challenge in Nigeria is regulation. As an emerging economy, our real estate policies are still evolving and often inconsistent. Only Lagos has made significant progress in policy development and urban planning. However, many lands across the country were purchased decades ago, long before new master plans were introduced.

So, when government redesigns an area or constructs new roads, owners of those old properties often lose their land under the Land Use Act. That’s why many investors get caught up in disputes or lose their properties – not because they did anything wrong, but because the system keeps changing.

We also have too many unregulated players. Anyone who makes money jumps into real estate, without due diligence or professional guidance. Some even sell problematic lands to unsuspecting buyers just to recover their own losses.

That’s why legitimate real estate companies play a critical role – we bridge the gap between landowners (omo onile) and buyers, reducing the risk of fraud.

What should the government do to address these challenges?

Despite the hurdles, real estate remains solid. Housing is a basic human need – people will always strive to own or build homes. So government must create clearer policies and simplify the process of obtaining land titles and building approvals. The bottlenecks encourage corruption, and discourage investors.

They should also set fair tax rates, because when taxes or import duties increases, building costs skyrocket, and developers have no choice but to raise rent. For instance, the cost of building materials has risen by 300-400% in the past three years. Projects that were budgeted at ?300 million now cost over ?1.2 billion.

You’ve said that real estate is a viable business that anyone can succeed in. How can young people or new entrants start and thrive in the industry?

My advice to young people is simple: follow the process before chasing profit. The biggest mistake most youths make is wanting to become entrepreneurs overnight without first learning the business.

Before you start your own real estate company, go and work for one. Serve as an apprentice or trainee. Learn the basics – front-desk operations, logistics, marketing, accounting, sales, and even construction. Real estate is broad, and understanding how each unit functions gives you a strong foundation.

It’s sad that many young people today don’t want to learn; they just want to jump in and start making money. But you can’t skip the learning stage. I always say: go and serve, even if you already have the money. Attach yourself to someone who has been there, learn from them, and you’ll save yourself years of stress and costly mistakes.

Collaboration is another smart way to grow in real estate. You can’t own property everywhere, but you can sell property everywhere through partnership. Look for reputable companies with solid track records, and collaborate with them to market and sell their projects.

Through collaboration, you’ll learn how successful developers operate – their sales strategies, their delivery systems, their challenges, and their solutions. That’s how I built my foundation. My success today is a result of the work experience, mentorship, and studies I accumulated over time.

I also encourage young people to study and get certified. Take professional courses. For example, I attended the School of Estate to deepen my knowledge. Real estate is a technical business – you must understand the art, the legal processes, and the technical standards that prevent building collapse and structural failure.

Recently, there’s been public outcry over building demolitions across Nigeria. What’s your take on that?

The truth is, most demolitions happen because of lack of information, poor verification, and government negligence. Many people build on canals or restricted zones simply because no one stopped them when they started.

Our government needs to be proactive, not reactive. Instead of waiting for people to finish building before bringing bulldozers, agencies should monitor developments from the foundation stage.

It’s painful to see government officials ignore illegal construction for months, only to wake up later and demolish entire buildings. What happened to the regulatory officers who were supposed to enforce compliance early on? If the government starts holding its officials accountable for negligence, we will drastically reduce the number of illegal structures.

Do you think this affects investor confidence?

Very much. I know many investors who have vowed never to return to Nigeria after their properties were demolished. They’re frustrated because no one warned them during construction, yet the government later destroyed their buildings.

Demolition without accountability damages trust and scares away investors. If we want more people to invest in real estate, the government must strengthen regulation, ensure transparency, and act in good faith.