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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stressed that effective legislation and implementation are crucial for the success of the ‘Nigeria First’ policy.

Francis Meshioye, president of MAN, made this known recently at the 5th Adeola Odutola Lecture themed ‘Nigeria First: Prioritising Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria,’ in Lagos, said the policy has the potential to drive national resilience, create jobs, promote technological innovation, and give Nigeria the productive foundation it needs to be competitive globally.

‘Effective legislation and implementation are key and must be carried out without any prevarication,’ he said.

Meshioye stressed that patronising made-in-Nigeria products is a rallying call and a national policy proposition that speaks directly to the country’s economic survival and long-term transformation. He said the recent developments in the economy lend credence to the urgency of this call.

According to him, to build a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking economy that investors will have confidence in, the country must re-industrialise, and that process must begin with deliberate support for local manufacturers.

‘The Nigeria First agenda is not about closing our doors to the world; it is about opening the right doors to Nigerian-made solutions, Nigerian jobs and Nigerian ingenuity,’ he said.

‘Every industrialised country began its journey by nurturing local content and leveraging public and private procurement as an avenue for galvanising scale production and economic development. Nigeria must not go the opposite direction,’ he noted.

He stressed that existing Executive Orders, 003 and 005, must be aligned with the Nigeria First Policy and fully implemented, enforced and monitored.

‘Quite importantly, there must be consequences for non-compliance. We should eliminate the prevalence of selective compliance.’

‘Now is the time to create the policy framework for transitioning the Nigeria First Policy from executive pronouncements to legislative imperative and ultimately to unfettered and bold implementation.’

‘We cannot continue to allow policy inertia to undermine our development potential.’ Quoting data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Meshioye said that the manufacturing share of GDP declined from 27.6 percent in the 2010 base year to 21 percent in the rebased structure.

He added that the sector’s average five-year performance remains negative at -0.76 percent between 2019 and 2024, while sectors such as services and agriculture expanded.

He stated that while the rebasing reflects statistical accuracy, it also reveals a troubling trend in industry, noting that the sector’s contribution to GDP has declined sharply, and manufacturing has contracted in real terms.

‘In essence, the rebasing confirms that Nigeria’s economy is bigger, but less productive and less industrialised.’

He said that despite the numerous challenges manufacturers are faced up with in the country, they remain resilient, delivering high-quality, competitive and diverse goods produced under extremely difficult conditions.

In his keynote address, Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive of Dangote Group, called on the federal government to back the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy with legislation that would institutionalise its implementation. Dangote, who was represented by Mansur Ahmed, former MAN president, also called for the amendment of the Public Procurement Act to embed the Nigeria First Policy in its public procurement process.

According to him, for the Nigeria First Policy to work, it must be designed as a durable, binding national strategy for industrial development, capable of withstanding political transitions and market pressures alike.

He added that it should be anchored on both global best practices and Nigeria’s own industrial realities.

Dangote also stated that public perception and buying behaviour must align with Nigeria First Policy objectives.

He, therefore, recommended the launching of ‘a ‘Buy Made in Nigeria’ campaign, modeled after India’s ‘Make in India,’ to encourage national pride in locally produced goods.

He tied the success of the policy to the level of backward integration, which he said is currently weak.’

‘To transform the economy, the Nigeria First Policy must move beyond declarations into actionable, measurable outcomes that prioritise local value creation and notional prosperity. This is crucial for our growth,’ he argued.

Washington, DC|| Foreign investors at the ongoing World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. have expressed strong confidence in Nigeria, citing the country’s improving macroeconomic stability and renewed growth momentum.

Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, disclosed this to journalists on the sidelines of the meetings, noting that investor interest in the country’s economy has been significantly revived by ongoing reforms and policy clarity.

‘At the investor conference yesterday, there was strong interest in Nigeria. Many investors were asking when Nigeria would return to the Eurobond market. Such interest shows confidence, when investors buy your bonds, it’s a vote of trust in your economy,’ Uzoka-Anite said.

According to her, capital is naturally cautious and avoids uncertainty, insecurity, and instability. However, with Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment now stabilising and growth becoming more robust, investors are regaining confidence.

She explained that one major advantage for investors today is the freedom to bring in funds and repatriate them at any time without foreign exchange restrictions. ‘That freedom boosts investor confidence significantly,’ she said.

Uzoka-Anite also disclosed that foreign direct investment inflows are beginning to rise again, with global corporations and diaspora investors showing renewed interest in the Nigerian economy. ‘For instance, Shell recently announced a two billion dollar expansion in oil exploration. There’s also rising enthusiasm from the diaspora community and other international investors. All these are positive indicators for our economy,’ she stated. She described Nigeria’s engagement at the annual meetings as ‘very exciting and impactful,’ explaining that the delegation had held strategic discussions with multilateral financial institutions and regional development banks. These engagements, she said, provided an opportunity to share the Nigerian success story and highlight the country’s progress in implementing far-reaching reforms.

‘Everyone is genuinely excited about the bold reforms we have implemented and the macroeconomic stability that has followed,’ Uzoka-Anite said. ‘To many observers here, it seems almost like a miracle that Nigeria could undertake multiple bold reforms, not just one within two years and begin to witness growth. Both the IMF and the World Bank have commended Nigeria for this achievement. For us, this is a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has steered the country through tough waters and positioned us to see a clearer path ahead.’

Responding to questions on how the government plans to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach ordinary Nigerians, the Minister of State for Finance said social protection remains one of the core pillars of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She emphasised that government policies are focused on fostering inclusive growth, promoting job creation, and ensuring shared prosperity.

She noted that these efforts are already yielding results, reflected in stronger GDP performance. ‘Our GDP has grown by 4.23 percent for the first time, faster than the population growth rate. Previously, population growth had always outpaced economic growth. Now, there is renewed hope that a child born today will grow up in an economy capable of providing for their needs through investments in social protection, healthcare, education, and food systems,’ Uzoka-Anite said.

The Minister further pointed out that the economy is witnessing positive trends in inflation and exchange rate stability. ‘For the first time in over five years, inflation has fallen below 20 percent. That’s significant, it means food and other essentials are becoming cheaper. Price moderation is being helped by greater clarity and stability in the foreign exchange market. With the naira appreciating and confidence returning, manufacturers and traders are pricing their goods more realistically, which is reflected in declining inflation,’ she added.

Uzoka-Anite disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have also grown to over 42 billion dollars, a level not seen in many years. Importantly, she emphasised that this reserve growth is not driven by borrowed funds. ‘There are no debt obligations tied to it. It’s a strong, stable position for the economy,’ she said.

According to her, all of these developments translate into better living conditions for Nigerians, as the reforms continue to take firm root and their impact begins to manifest across key sectors. ‘In the short term, this will mean more job creation, greater access to capital, increased private investment, and improved social spending. The cost of doing business is expected to fall, and as confidence continues to rise, the Central Bank’s decision to start reducing the Monetary Policy Rate is another positive signal. Everything is moving in the right direction,’ Uzoka-Anite said.

Educational and industry experts have emphasised that Nigeria must adopt a robust digital model that transforms key sectors, enhances digital infrastructure, and nurtures talent to be competitive in the global tech-driven economy.

Industry experts and academia at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), 18th annual research conference on Wednesday, disclosed that without a digital foundation, the nation risks being sidelined in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital connectivity. Ibrahim Adeyanju, chief executive officer at Galaxy Blackbone Limited, in his keynote address, emphasised that the country needs to move on to building a digital nation, which, according to hi,m should be the Nigerian model.

Adeyanju emphasised that by doing so, Nigeria will not just be preparing for the future of work, but will be actively building a digital nation.

‘A digital nation is more than an economy with 10 sectors; it’s a society where digital identity, digital payments, and digital access to government services are seamless. ‘It’s a nation where a farmer in Makurdi, an artist in Lagos, and a student in Kano can all fully participate in the global digital economy,’ he said.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The Future of Work, Education, and Well-being in the AI Age’, Adeyanju said AI is fundamentally redefining the nature of work itself, creating a symbiotic relationship between human intelligence and machine efficiency.

The tech expert explained that in the new digital landscape, the value of uniquely human attributes such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative leadership will become more valuable.

He reiterated that the challenge for Nigeria is to prepare its workforce for this new reality; and this, he said, requires a fundamental shift in the country’s educational and training paradigms.

‘Nigeria must pivot from a knowledge-based model, which focuses on memorising facts, to a skill-based one, which fosters lifelong learning and adaptability,’ he noted.

However, Adeyanju emphasised that Nigeria’s ability to navigate AI is intrinsically linked to the strength of its digital infrastructure and the foresight of its government policy.

‘A nation’s ability to navigate the AI age is intrinsically linked to the strength of its digital infrastructure and the foresight of its governmental policies.

At Galaxy Backbone, we recognise this and are committed to building the foundational pillars for Nigeria’s national AI readiness. AI has the potential to revolutionise industries such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance, but it requires a solid foundation of infrastructure to truly thrive,’ he said. Folasade Ogunsola, vice-chancellor at UNILAG, explained that AI is a tool that is in the present, and certainly is the future, and will have a tremendous effect on people’s lives

Ogunsola urged the academics to embrace AI if they are to remain relevant. ‘We actually don’t have a choice if we are to remain relevant. Universities are not about teaching; they’re about knowledge generation passed to the next generation.

‘Your research must be about finding solutions for your nation’s problems; hence, it’s even more important to join the AI race,’ she noted.

The vice-chancellor said Nigeria must rethink the lecturers’ role in education with the invasion of AI in the education ecosystem.

‘We’ve to rethink who we are as teachers. With AI, knowledge is democratised. Consequently, those who fail to embrace AI would become irrelevant.

‘Though change is hard, irrelevance is harder; we’ve to choose where we belong,’ she emphasised.

Bola Oboh, deputy vice-chancellor in charge of academics and research at UNILAG, said the new AI era has put academics at the same crossroads on academic issues; however, she explained that the conference theme is very apt in shaping the future as academics by being more relevant and highly sought after even outside the university walls.

‘Education needs to be re-evaluated with priority given to creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with a constant need for the adoption of life-long learning to stay relevant.

‘Education will focus more on skills-based learning with a lot of integration of AI tools into learning, and this will need the adoption of ethical and inclusive practices into learning,’ she said. Oboh said that UNILAG’s priority to research has made it give out N1 billion as grants to its researchers since 1983 through the Central Research Committee.

She explained that the act has improved the capability of the faculty in research and helped them to build confidence to go for more national and international grants.

‘This is evidenced by the THE ranking for 2026, where not only was UNILAG first in Nigeria, but the breakdown shows that in research quality, it’s the best,’ she noted.

Solomon Okunuga, chairman of the conference planning committee, said the conference offers participants the privilege to have discussions geared towards AI.

Mai Mala Buni, the governor of Yobe State has approved the release of ?7.9 billion for payment of outstanding gratuity owed to State and local government retirees in the state.

Governor Buni, had four days ago, conveyed the approval of N5.8 billion to the state commissioner for Finance Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha for payment of gratuity to retired State public officers.

Similarly, the governor approved and directed the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, for payment of ?2.1 billion of outstanding gratuities owed to retired local government workers covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025. Buni further directed that, henceforth, the payment of gratuities should be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule, indicating that all cleared payments will be made monthly, alongside the regular pension payments, to avoid accumulation of backlog of retirement benefits.

‘This demonstrates Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and his administration’s deep appreciation for the years of service rendered by the retirees’ the finance commissioner said. The clearance of the substantial backlog and institutionalization of the prompt monthly payment system, has provided the much-needed financial relief and restoration of dignity in labour to all retirees.

‘The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working in collaboration to ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately’ Abatcha added. According to the commissioner of Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, ‘this approval reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and its resolve to ensure that retirees who have served the state faithfully receive their entitlements promptly’.

The two commissioners described the initiative as a bold financial step towards a broader economic and social agenda to ensure fiscal responsibility and priority to the welfare of Yobe State citizens, particularly those who have contributed immensely to its growth and development.

They assured prompt compliance with a high degree of transparency to achieve the government’s objective of paying the retirees their entitlements as directed by the governor.

Stanbic IBTC Bank has partnered with LOXEA Nigeria, the exclusive distributor of BYD electric and hybrid vehicles and a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility, to expand access to eco-friendly transportation through flexible vehicle financing options.

This collaboration aimed to make eco-friendly mobility more accessible to Nigerians through innovative and flexible financing solutions, reinforcing both organisations’ commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

The partnership was officially launched at an exclusive product showcase held at the BYD showroom in Lagos. To encourage early adoption, the initiative includes one-month special incentives, such as vendor discounts and reduced interest rates on vehicle financing.

Olu Delano, Executive Director at Stanbic IBTC Bank, stated: ‘This alliance underscores our dedication to empowering Nigerians with green alternatives that not only address environmental concerns but also offer practical, cost-effective solutions for everyday mobility. ‘By combining LOXEA BYD’s innovative electric and hybrid vehicles with our flexible financing, we are not just offering cars, we are driving a cleaner future.’

The event sparked enthusiasm among attendees from various sectors, reflecting growing interest in sustainable automotive solutions. Models like the BYD ATTO 3 and BYD Dolphin were showcased as practical options for urban mobility, offering reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower operational costs, and a smaller environmental footprint.

Mehdi Slimani, Managing Director of LOXEA Nigeria, added: ‘At LOXEA, we are proud to lead the transition toward cleaner mobility in Nigeria. Distributing BYD’s cutting-edge electric vehicles, along with our comprehensive suite of fleet and mobility solutions, allows us to offer a truly future-ready alternative.

‘This partnership with Stanbic IBTC is a significant step forward in making electric mobility more accessible and practical for Nigerian drivers. Together, we are not just introducing new vehicles, we are shaping a smarter, greener transportation ecosystem.’

Effective 21 December 2025, Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, is set to launch a monthly commercial charter service between Lagos and Accra to Antigua and Barbados connecting Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, commencing 21 December 2025.

This new route represents a major step in Air Peace’s commitment to expanding Africa’s connectivity as the only carrier with direct flights from West and Central Regions of Africa to the Caribbean, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between both regions.

The new route will connect Lagos and Accra to Antigua and Barbados, with onward extensions to Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. This initiative underscores Air Peace’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and creating new gateways for African travellers to explore the Caribbean. Building on the airline’s previous successful Caribbean operations – including its historic Lagos-Montego Bay (Jamaica) charter in 2020 and the Abuja-St. Kitts and Nevis service in 2025 – this new initiative reinforces Air Peace’s strategic vision to bridge continents and enhance interregional travel.

For tour packages, Air Peace has partnered with Tour Brokers International (Nigeria), Sun Seekers Tours (Ghana), and Adansi Travels (Ghana) to offer exclusive tour packages.

Fares for the Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago monthly scheduled flights are now live, and customers can book directly via the Air Peace website – www.flyairpeace.com or any of our accredited Travel Agents.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vowed to neutralise every terrorist organisation operating within Nigeria, regardless of its name or claimed ideology, following reports of a new sect, Wulowulo, allegedly active in Nasarawa State.

The group, said to be a splinter faction of Boko Haram, was revealed earlier in the week by Governor Abdullahi Sule during a stakeholders’ security meeting in Lafia.

The governor warned that Wulowulo’s activities could worsen insecurity in the North-Central region, urging security agencies to tighten surveillance and coordination.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the military was not interested in the labels or self-proclaimed identities of criminal groups, but in the threat they pose to the state and citizens.

‘Anybody can just jump up and give himself a name or say he is a splinter from another terrorist organisation. We all know them as criminals, terrorists, and bandits.

‘Call yourself whatever name you like you are a terrorist, you are a bandit, and we will go after you.

‘Our role as the armed forces with terrorists is twofold: either we fix an appointment with them and their maker, or we fix it between them and the judicial system’, Kangye said.

He stressed that the military’s involvement in internal security operations often arises when criminal activities exceed the capacity of the police to manage.

‘The police work is huge. Most of the incidents being reported as terrorism are sometimes just murder cases that can be handled by the police. But when it escalates beyond their scope, the military intervenes,’ he said.

Kangye assured Nigerians that ongoing military operations across the country would include targeting the newly identified Wulowulo group to prevent its spread and restore peace in affected areas. In a related development, the Kogi State Government launched a joint raid on a suspected bandit hideout on the outskirts of Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu LGA.

The offensive, led by Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser, and involving the military, police, and local vigilante groups, resulted in the destruction of the camp.

Omodara said intelligence reports revealed that two suspected kidnappers, injured in an earlier gun battle, were being secretly treated there.

According to him, security agents stormed the location, arrested the wounded suspects, and detained two fake doctors and a nurse providing them with medical aid. He added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had ordered the demolition of any house or facility used by criminals for treatment or shelter.

‘We will not accept that and we are not going to allow it. Anyone perpetrating crime in Kogi State will be dealt with,’ Omodara warned.

The Defence Headquarters pledged to dismantle all criminal networks and prevent emerging threats like Wulowulo from gaining a foothold.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Tolu Obamuroh, a distinguished Nigerian legal practitioner, on his elevation to the Partnership of White and Case LLP, one of the world’s foremost international law firms, headquartered in New York.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Obamuroh, who will serve as a Partner in the firm’s International Arbitration Practice in Paris effective 1 January 2026, joins a select group of only three new partners globally in this practice area.

Onanuga revealed that Obamuroh, ‘is the only one based in the firm’s Paris office, one of the 46 offices globally.

‘He also stands out as the only Nigerian-qualified lawyer in this year’s global partner class, reflecting professional excellence and national pride.’

According to him, ‘Obamuroh has built an exceptional career representing sovereigns and major corporations in high-value, cross-border disputes across the energy and infrastructure sectors. Under the supervision of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Obamuroh continues to play a key role as a trusted adviser to the Government of Nigeria in several international matters’

President Tinubu commended this outstanding achievement as a reflection of Nigerian competence, resilience, and global excellence, noting that Obamuroh’s success represents the best of the country’s new generation of professionals who continue to distinguish themselves worldwide. The President affirms Obamuroh’s rise to partnership at one of the world’s most respected law firms stands as a powerful symbol of the Renewed Hope vision – a Nigeria whose citizens lead and excel across disciplines, defined by merit, integrity, and global impact. President Tinubu therefore, joined Obamuroh’s family, friends, colleagues, and the wider legal community in celebrating this milestone.

He encouraged other young Nigerians to draw inspiration from Obamuroh’s journey, which proves that young Nigerians can lead globally with dedication, discipline, and service.

It still feels like yesterday. But nearly a year has passed since Modupe Temitope Dada, beloved wife of Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), quietly departed this world.

On Sunday, October 19, 2025, exactly a year since her passing, family, friends, and well-wishers will gather for a one-year memorial service in her honour. The event, which will hold at Grace Assembly Church, Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun-Ikeja, Lagos, from 12 noon to 1 p.m., promises to be a moment of reflection, gratitude, worship, and a time to celebrate a life defined by grace, compassion, and quiet strength. For many who knew her, Dada was more than a devoted wife and mother. She was ‘kindness personified’ – a woman whose warmth and generosity left an imprint on every life she touched.

Her husband, Dada, who also serves as Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications, said in an invitation shared with friends and associates that the past year had been one of gratitude and reflection.

‘It’s been a year since my beloved wife, Modupe, went to be with the Lord. You are warmly invited as we worship, remember, and give thanks for her inspiring life,’ he wrote, expressing deep appreciation for the love and support his family has received over the past twelve months. The memorial service, to be officiated by Reverend Femi Paul, will celebrate not only her memory but also her enduring legacy of faith, friendship, and compassion, virtues that continue to inspire those she left behind. Born on May 5, 1976, into the family of the late Adebisi Samuel and the late Moronkeji Veronica Baruwa, Modupe grew up radiating the same light and warmth that would define her life. Friends remember her as a beacon of hope, someone whose laughter could brighten the darkest of days and whose empathy made others feel deeply seen and understood.

Professionally, she was a consummate banker who built a respected career across several institutions in Nigeria’s financial sector. She was one who combined brilliance with humility and achieved excellence through hard work and integrity. Until her passing on October 19, 2024, at the age of 48, Dada served with distinction, earning promotions and the respect of peers and superiors alike. Her performance, they say, was not just a reflection of skill but of character – a rare blend of diligence and grace.

Away from the boardroom, Modupe was a devoted wife to Mike Dada, a nurturing mother, and a dependable sister to siblings.

Those who knew her closely say she had a gift for balance – able to combine the demands of work and home life effortlessly, all while making time for others. Her compassion was practical, not performative. She listened, encouraged, and uplifted those around her, often quietly but always sincerely.

As friends and loved ones gather this Sunday to mark her first memorial, the emotions remain tender – a mixture of pain and gratitude. Pain for a loss still deeply felt, and gratitude for the privilege of having known her.

Dada (née Baruwa) may have departed, but her legacy of kindness, faith, and love continues to live on in the lives she touched.

The Lagos State Government has called for collective action to combat rising food costs and hunger, both in the state and across the country.

This call to action was made by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos, in his key note address during the grand finale of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems event in commemoration of the 2025 World Food Day at the Police College Parade Ground yesterday.

Sanwo-Olu said that the celebration serves as a collective call to action against hunger and malnutrition.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, secretary to the Governor, said, ‘The theme: ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,’ highlights the urgent need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, development organisations, and communities to transform agri-food systems, promote healthy diets, and safeguard our environment.’

‘For Lagos State, the challenge is unique. Despite being the smallest in landmass, Lagos is home to over 22 million people, making it the most densely populated state in Nigeria,’ he said

The governor noted that Lagos recognises that feeding a vast population requires innovation, bold investments, and robust partnerships.

‘Our dedication is evident in the continuous provision of support for food production, infrastructure, and market systems designed to reduce high food prices and build a sustainable food reserve management structure.’

Abisola Olusanya, commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, the celebration is meant to showcase the state as an agrarian state and celebrate stakeholders in the agriculture space who have made efforts to provide food.

Organised in partnership with British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), the event recognised the efforts of certain food associations that have contributed to the state’s food sustainability goal. Farm Junction was awarded the Best Agro-processors award, Erikorodo Poultry Association bagged the Best Farm Enterprise award, while Ajara Farm Settlement won the Best Farm Settlement award.

Other awards received included Best Livestock Champion, won by Lagos Island Local Government, and Best Aquaculture Champion, won by Apapa Local Government, among others.

Yarub Al-Bahrani, board director of BATNF, reiterated that the key to building a sustainable food system lies in uplifting farmers who ensure that food is available.

‘The World Food Day 2025, under the inspiring theme, ‘Hand in Hand for Better Food and Better Future’ echoes the mission of the BATN foundation, which over the last two decades has remained committed to empowering rural Nigeria and advocating for the rights of smallholder farmers, laying the groundwork for a truly sustainable future,’ he noted.

Al-Bahrani reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

He added: ‘When we buy from local farmers, we contribute to the health of our economy and help sustain the livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.’

According to him, ‘We need everyone, the government, private sector, civil society and individuals to run behind the scores. Food security is not something we can do alone, but it’s a collaborative effort.’

The World Food Day is an annual global event held annually on Oct. 16 to raise awareness about hunger, food insecurity, and the need for collective action to improve food systems worldwide.