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Folusho Odegbaike, Chief Executive Officer of HYT Consulting, has received the Outstanding Leadership and Talent Development Award at The Corporate Awards held in the United Kingdom recently.

The award, which recognises excellence in business leadership and workforce development, according to a statement, acknowledges Folusho Odegbaike’s contribution to human capital growth and organisational transformation across Africa.

Folusho Odegbaike, who has spent over two decades in the human resources industry, leads HYT Consulting, a firm that manages more than 6,000 outsourced employees across Nigeria and Ghana. Under Folusho’s leadership, the company has expanded its operations to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Accra, providing integrated HR strategy, learning, and performance management solutions to clients in the telecommunications, energy, FMCG, e-commerce, and financial sectors, the statement further said .

At a related UK engagement themed ‘Building Future-Ready Workforces’, Folusho Odegbaike joined global leaders to discuss leadership, employability, and workforce competitiveness in emerging markets. Folusho highlighted Africa’s growing potential through investments in talent development.

‘Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in its people. At HYT, we have seen first-hand how investing in talent can transform organisations, industries, and nations,’ Folusho said. ‘This recognition affirms our belief that when you build people, you build performance, and ultimately, you build value.’

The organisers of The Corporate Awards said the recognition underscores Folusho Odegbaike’s efforts in promoting workforce transformation, advancing women in leadership, and positioning human capital as a strategic advantage for Africa’s growth.

CWG Plc has announced the return of its flagship technology and leadership event, The TeXcellence Conference 4.0, scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Landmark Events Centre, Lagos.

Since its inception in 2022, The TeXcellence Conference has become Africa’s premier platform for convening thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of technology and leadership across the continent.

Over the past three editions, the Conference has hosted thousands of participants, fostering critical dialogue on digital transformation, fintech, and Africa’s place in the global technology economy. This year, TeXcellence 4.0, themed ‘Future-Forward Africa: Leveraging Technology for Global Competitiveness,’ promises to push the boundaries even further, offering insight into how African organisations can compete globally while solving local challenges.

The 2025 conference will feature over 20 distinguished speakers and hundreds of C-suite delegates, with a diverse programme of keynotes, fireside chats, exhibitions, and networking sessions, all curated to inspire collaboration, innovation, and strategic foresight.

International futurist and bestselling author, Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, will deliver the keynote address titled ‘Africa, Technology and The World: Powering The Future of Global Innovation.’ His keynote will explore how exponential technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure are reshaping the global economy, and how Africa can lead in this transformation.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Adewale Adeyipo, Group CEO of CWG Plc, described TeXcellence as more than a conference, but a movement.

‘Over the past three years, we’ve seen leaders across industries come together to share insights and forge partnerships that are transforming Africa’s digital economy. With this fourth edition, we are taking that vision even further, having important conversations about what it will take for African organisations to truly compete on the global stage,’ he said.

TeXcellence 4.0 will feature thought-provoking panel sessions such as ‘Africa by Design: Leading the Next Wave of Global Innovation,’ which explores what Africa must do today, from policy to product and culture, to own the next tech decade; ‘The Future of Finance: Defining Africa’s Role in the Global Digital Financial System,’ a visionary exploration of how finance, data, AI, and digital infrastructure are converging to power Africa’s next economic leap; ‘Africa Without Borders: Building African Companies with Global Footprints and Sustainable Growth Models,’ spotlighting the strategies and stories behind Africa’s most scalable enterprises, and more.

Confirmed speakers for TeXcellence 4.0 include some of the continent’s most influential voices such as Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Ltd; Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Capital; Gbolahan Joshua, COO of FCMB; Ayotunde Coker, CEO of OADC, Ashley Immanuel, Co-founder and COO of Semicolon; Rotimi Thomas, Adebayo Adedeji, Group CEO of Wakanow; Dr. Joe Abah, Country Director of DAI; Mobolaji Adeoye, Managing Partner of Consonance Investment Managers, Afolabi Sobande, COO of CWG Plc, Deji Lana, CTO and Co-founder of SeamlessHR, and several others.

Powered by CWG Plc in partnership with Dell Technologies, Infobip, and Vericash, TeXcellence continues to serve as a platform for driving bold ideas, leadership dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration aimed at accelerating Africa’s digital future.

The 2025 edition promises to deepen these conversations, creating a space where innovation meets opportunity and where Africa’s digital future takes shape.

TeXcellence 4.0 will hold on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. To be part of this transformative gathering, participants can visit www.thetexcellenceconference.com to register and join the movement toward a future-forward Africa.

Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has expressed concern over Nigeria’s slow progress in developing compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure, noting that the country currently has fewer than 50 operational compression stations nationwide.

Ahmed raised the concern while addressing participants at the just-concluded Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) summit held in Lagos. He stressed the urgent need for increased investments in alternative energy sources to accelerate national growth, economic diversification, and energy transition.

Represented by the Authority’s spokesman, George Ene-Ita, Ahmed said that while the Federal Government has been promoting the use of CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel, progress has been hampered by limited infrastructure and high conversion costs.

‘It is important to note that the number of LPG refilling plants in the country is less than 3,000, while the CNG compression station is less than 50 for a country of over 200 million citizens,’ he stated.

The NMDPRA boss lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves, critical infrastructure gaps continue to undermine the nation’s ability to fully harness gas as a transition fuel. He described the current pace of development as inadequate for a country seeking to diversify its energy mix and achieve sustainable economic growth.

‘As a country, Nigeria is in urgent need of a diversified investment approach in our energy mix to further drive expansion in the economy beyond the traditional focus on fossil fuels,’ Ahmed said.

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), has been championing CNG as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and mitigate environmental pollution. Several strategies, including incentives for vehicle conversion, have been introduced to encourage motorists to switch from petrol or diesel to CNG. However, limited access to refilling stations and high conversion costs remain major deterrents for many Nigerians.

Ahmed noted that bridging these infrastructure gaps is crucial to realising the full benefits of gas adoption. ‘A constructive approach to developing our other energy sources would have the potential to enable sustained growth in our economy, create jobs, and expand the country’s revenue base,’ he said.

He assured that the NMDPRA is working to attract private sector investment to bridge the existing infrastructure deficit and promote the use of gas as a cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable energy source.

‘With Nigeria’s vast gas resources, there exists huge potential for investment opportunities in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the gas value chain,’ he added.

Ahmed reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to the implementation of the National Energy Transition Plan, which positions gas as a bridge fuel on the path to renewables. He outlined four strategic pillars for sustainable future growth – gas as both backbone and bridge; energy security through refining and supply resilience; decentralised power and clean alternatives; and regulatory certainty supported by people-centred policies.

He called for deliberate and coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors to expand CNG and LPG infrastructure, ensuring that gas becomes affordable and accessible to households, transport operators, and industries across Nigeria.

The mortgage market in Nigeria has continued to suffer slow growth despite its growth potential. With a population of over 200 million and a housing deficit estimated at 28 million units, investors still stay away from the market.

Experts explain that the market carries a lot of baggage that investors are scared of and identify as palpable risks that are threats to investments.

Institutional investors, particularly pension funds, place a premium on safety, stable returns, and liquidity when allocating capital. However, Nigeria’s mortgage market currently falls short in several critical areas that undermine its appeal to these investors.

Experts point out absence of standardised and securitised mortgage assets as one major shortcoming of this market. According to them, in mature markets, mortgages are bundled into mortgage-backed securities, providing institutional investors with instruments that are both tradable and backed by real assets.

‘Nigeria lacks such structures, making it difficult for pension funds to assess and manage risks effectively,’ Adedeji Ajadi, the chief executive officer of Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN), explained in an interview recently in Lagos.

Ajadi added that the market is hampered by inefficient foreclosure mechanisms, explaining that lengthy legal processes and unclear enforcement procedures create uncertainty around loan recovery, increasing the risk exposure for long-term investors.

Another obstacle is the lack of reliable property valuation and titling systems. Without consistent and transparent frameworks for determining property value and legal ownership, institutional investors face significant due diligence challenges and the threat of fraudulent claims or overvalued assets.

According to the MBAN CEO, the market suffers from a dearth of long-term credit ratings and historical performance data, noting that this lack of track record makes it difficult for investors to price risk accurately or benchmark returns, both of which are essential for informed investment decisions.

‘Without robust risk management frameworks and regulatory oversight, institutional capital, particularly long-term funds like pensions, will continue to stay on the sidelines. Addressing these gaps is essential for unlocking the flow of institutional capital into Nigeria’s mortgage market, which in turn could drive more affordable and accessible housing finance,’ Ajadi stated.

He stressed that interest in mortgage or its penetration remains below 1 percent in Nigeria, even with a housing deficit exceeding 28 million units because most Nigerians lack access to formal financial systems and cannot meet the requirements of mortgage institutions, including verifiable income and formal employment.

Secondly, affordability is a major constraint and this he hinged on high interest rates and short tenures which make mortgages unaffordable for an average Nigerian.

He pointed out that legal and administrative barriers such as land titling and foreclosure processes discourage lenders, adding that a general lack of awareness and trust in the mortgage system has led many to prefer incremental or informal homebuilding.

Fraud has become a recurring virus in Nigeria’s social and corporate life. From government offices to boardrooms, homes, and schools, the culture of deception has corroded the nation’s moral and financial integrity. Yet, nowhere are its consequences more damaging than in the corporate sector, where fraudulent financial reporting undermines investor confidence, destroys jobs, and distorts the credibility of markets.

Understanding the many faces of fraud

Fraud is defined as a deliberate deception intended for personal or financial gain. It generally manifests in two forms: fraudulent financial reporting and misappropriation of assets.

Fraudulent financial reporting involves manipulating accounting records or omitting crucial information to deceive users of financial statements. It includes falsifying accounts, misrepresenting transactions, or deliberately misapplying accounting standards to inflate profits.

Misappropriation of assets, on the other hand, involves stealing or diverting company resources-embezzling cash, paying for goods not received, creating ‘ghost workers’, issuing false invoices, or over-invoicing suppliers. Both practices distort financial statements and compromise the integrity of management and auditors alike.

Lessons from global and local scandals

The early 2000s revealed how fraudulent reporting could destroy even the most admired corporations. The collapse of Enron Corporation and its auditor, Arthur Andersen, exposed the scale of manipulation that can hide beneath glossy annual reports. The fallout led to billions in losses and the dissolution of one of the world’s most reputable accounting firms.

Other scandals soon followed: WorldCom, Tyco, Lehman Brothers, Satyam, and Parmalat, each driven by falsified accounts and weak internal controls. Nigeria has not been spared either. From the 1990s to the 2020s, several domestic corporations have been implicated in accounting falsifications, insider abuses, and misappropriations, leading to the erosion of shareholder wealth and public trust.

The warning signs are familiar-mounting debts, repeated losses, inflated revenues, weak oversight, and abuse of office.

When ‘Creative Accounting’ becomes criminal

Often disguised as ‘creative accounting’ or ‘window dressing’, fraudulent financial reporting seeks to project an illusion of financial health. Motivations range from attracting investors and reducing tax liabilities to inflating share prices or covering up internal mismanagement.

But these practices have devastating long-term consequences: they mislead investors, distort capital markets, and, in many cases, precipitate corporate collapse.

The case for stronger internal controls

Combating fraud requires robust internal control systems and a culture of accountability. This includes effective financial management, strict compliance with codes of ethics, independent oversight by boards, and transparent audit processes.

However, even strong systems need an overarching framework that integrates governance, risk, and reporting. That framework is Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR)-a tool designed to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance in financial reporting.

The evolution and purpose of ICFR

The global response to early-2000s scandals was the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 in the United States, which enforced strict accountability on executives and auditors. In Nigeria, similar reforms followed through the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 (as amended) and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) Guidelines of 2022.

Sections 60-63 of the ISA mandate all public companies to establish and report on internal controls over financial reporting. The FRCN Amendment Act (2023) extended compliance to Public Interest Entities (PIEs) – including listed firms, concession entities, and government-linked companies with an annual turnover above ?30 billion.

Why ICFR matters

ICFR is more than a compliance requirement; it is a safeguard for organisational integrity. By integrating people, processes, and technology, it ensures that financial information is reliable, transparent, and free from material misstatement.

When properly implemented, ICFR:

Strengthens investor confidence and governance transparency.

Reduces the risk of fraud and reporting errors.

Aligns entities with global best practices such as the COSO framework.

Improves decision-making through credible financial data.

Minimises audit costs and reinforces public trust.

Ultimately, ICFR is about building systems that prevent manipulation rather than reacting after scandals erupt.

The accountant’s role

Accountants play a critical role in advancing ICFR implementation. They must go beyond record-keeping to act as ethical gatekeepers – advocating for full adoption of the framework, raising public awareness, and ensuring compliance in both public and private institutions.

Their professional responsibility extends to promoting transparency, safeguarding public interest, and detecting hidden irregularities. Upholding ICFR principles is not only a technical duty but a moral one – a duty to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s corporate environment.

A call to action

Nigeria’s battle against corporate fraud cannot be won through legislation alone. It demands leadership commitment, institutional discipline, and professional integrity. Every accountant, auditor, regulator, and corporate leader must embrace ICFR as an essential tool for restoring confidence in financial reporting.

Fraud may not be completely eradicated, but with a robust ICFR culture, its occurrence can be drastically curtailed. Transparency is not a slogan; it is a system that must be built, tested, and lived daily.

If Nigeria is to rebuild investor trust and ensure financial stability, then internal control over financial reporting must move from policy to practice. It is time to replace creative accounting with credible accountability.

The federal government has ordered an intensified monitoring of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) depots across the country to prevent product hoarding and other sharp practices, as the retail price continues on the high side.

According to Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), the government is concerned about the price of LPG, which has risen from between N1,000-N1,100 per kilogram to as high as N1,500-N1,700 per kilogram in some parts of the country.

Ekpo, in a statement issued to Journalists on Monday, noted that the LPG market is deregulated. He appealed to marketers, distributors, and all stakeholders along the LPG value chain to be patriotic in their dealings, desist from hoarding, and refrain from exploiting consumers for profit.

To ensure compliance, the minister mandated the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of LPG depots across the country to prevent product hoarding and other sharp practices capable of worsening the current situation.

The minister attributed the price hike to the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the Dangote Refinery, which temporarily halted LPG loading.

He also highlighted the impact of the ongoing maintenance activities at the Nigeria LNG Train 4 facility, which he said reduced the volume of LPG available in the domestic market.

‘These disruptions led to a shortfall in supply and a consequent increase in prices due to a demand-supply imbalance.

‘The situation is temporary and will normalise very soon as operations at the Dangote Refinery have now resumed, with loading of LPG to the domestic market already underway.

‘Similarly, the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy has commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG is gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance nears completion.

‘With these developments, supply to the domestic market is expected to stabilise by next week, leading to a gradual reduction in prices,’ he said.

He reassured Nigerians that the federal government remains committed to ensuring sufficient and affordable gas supply to all households across the country.

The Benue State Government and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are locked in a fierce political standoff following the State House of Assembly’s approval of a ?100 billion loan meant for infrastructure development across the State.

The PDP, in a strongly-worded statement issued by Tim Nyor, its Publicity Secretary, condemned the loan as ‘reckless’ and ‘fiscally irresponsible,’ accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Administration of plunging the State into avoidable debt without adequate justification.

According to the PDP, the loan approval process lacks transparency, while also questioning the necessity of such borrowing in light of increased federal allocations since the removal of fuel subsidies. ‘What, precisely, is the purpose of this loan?’ Nyor queried, calling on the legislature to reject what he described as ‘another cycle of debt.

Responding swiftly, the Benue State Government defended the move, describing the PDP’s claims as hypocritical and misleading. Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor, asserted that the loan is a strategic investment tied to capital projects that would deliver measurable value to the people.

Kula detailed the projects to be financed, including the renovation of general hospitals, construction of science and smart schools, completion of critical road infrastructure, and the development of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology at Ihugh.

He further stated that the Alia Administration had refrained from borrowing since taking office due to the ?359 billion debt burden inherited from former Governor Samuel Ortom, a PDP member. ‘This is the first loan by the Alia government, and it is development-driven, not political,’ Kula emphasised.

Highlighting what he described as financial recklessness under previous Administrations, Kula said the PDP should be the last to speak on fiscal discipline, citing outstanding salary and pension arrears left unpaid by the Ortom Government despite receiving multiple federal bailouts.

The State Government also maintained that the loan approval followed due legislative process and enjoys the full backing of the Assembly, which had reviewed and endorsed the developmental goals outlined by Governor Alia.

While the PDP accused the Assembly of acting as a rubber stamp for the executive, the Government insists the legislative support reflects growing confidence in Alia’s leadership and prudent financial management.

As tensions rise, both parties appear unwilling to shift ground, with the PDP vowing to ‘expose every act of financial impropriety,’ and the Alia government pledging to continue its development agenda without yielding to ‘political blackmail and emotional outbursts.’

Meanwhile, Samuel Ortom, the immediate past governor of Benue State has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of using personal attacks against him as a diversionary tactic to cover up alleged financial mismanagement and controversies surrounding a recently approved ?100 billion loan.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Terver Akase, his media Adviser, Ortom described the Alia administration’s comments about him as ‘baseless and diversionary,’ claiming they were meant to distract the public from growing scrutiny over the government’s handling of state funds.

Akase alleged that instead of addressing legitimate concerns raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about the loan and the state’s financial status, the incumbent governor has ‘resorted to attacking Ortom personally.’

‘Each time Governor Alia is confronted with questions bordering on transparency in governance or the welfare of Benue people, his reflex action is to attack Chief Ortom instead of providing facts and figures,’ Akase said.

He accused the governor of exhibiting ‘growing intolerance for accountability’ and ‘an obsession with dragging Ortom’s name into every issue, no matter how unrelated.’

The statement further questioned how the Alia-led Government had managed the huge revenues accruing to the state since May 2023, citing alleged cases of contract awards without due process or budgetary provisions.

He accused the Alia administration of maintaining ‘secrecy around state finances,’ despite increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Akase also dismissed the Government’s claims on the State’s debt profile, describing them as contradictory.

‘The Government has claimed to spend ?214.6 billion on debt servicing in 29 months-?52.5 billion higher than the ?162.1 billion total debt it declared,’ he said, questioning the figures’ credibility.

The statement added that as of May 2023, the Ortom’s Administration had secured pending federal approvals, including a ?41 billion bailout balance, a ?20 billion CBN facility, and expected refunds from subsidy and SURE-P deductions. Akase challenged the current government to clarify whether those funds had been received and how they were utilised.

He further accused the administration of mismanaging Local Government funds, alleging that despite record allocations, ‘not one of the 23 councils has executed a single development project,’ unlike under Ortom, when ‘local governments actively competed in delivering projects.’

Akase maintained that Ortom left behind ‘verifiable records’ of his administration’s finances and projects, urging Governor Alia to publish the official handover documents if he believed otherwise.

‘Benue people elected him to serve, not to campaign against those who came before him,’ Akase said.

‘Chief Ortom has moved on with dignity as a statesman and expects Governor Alia to do better, especially with the resources now available to the State.’

Jumia Nigeria’s second edition report, ‘E-Commerce in Rural Areas’ has revealed insights into Nigeria’s digital retail landscape and the growing influence of e-commerce in unlocking economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Building on the findings from the first edition, this year’s report, according to a statement, offers a deeper look at how rural consumers are embracing digital retail, the infrastructure investments that have enabled access, and the critical role of initiatives like JForce and community-based logistics in bridging the digital divide.

As Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem matures, secondary cities and rural areas are emerging as some of the most promising frontiers for growth. According to the report, rural regions now account for nearly half of all packages delivered on the Jumia platform. Consumer demand in these areas continues to rise, with categories such as phones, beauty and perfumes, home essentials, men’s clothing, and men’s shoes topping the list of most purchased items.

In Q2 2025, Jumia’s earnings results showed accelerated momentum in Nigeria, with orders up 25% .

Jumia’s expanded footprint now includes over 350 pickup stations across hundreds of towns and communities. This physical infrastructure, combined with a network of 67 logistics partners, has made it possible to deliver goods to even the most remote parts of the country. Towns like Gaya in Kano State, Akpakpava and Ekpoma-Eguare in Edo State, Owerri in Imo State, and Wurukum in Benue State are showing strong growth in GMV.

Temidayo Ojo, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive growth. He said in the statement, ‘our mission has always been to make everyday life easier for Nigerians, regardless of where they live. This report reaffirms the power of digital commerce to improve lives, support small businesses, and create economic opportunity in areas long underserved by traditional retail.’

The report also sheds light on the expanding impact of JForce, Jumia’s community-based sales network. With over 32,000 active agents, JForce continues to play a pivotal role in introducing rural consumers to e-commerce, supporting product discovery, order placement, and digital literacy.

As Jumia marks over thirteen years of operations in Nigeria, this second edition of the E-Commerce in Rural Areas report captures the company’s evolving role in shaping a more connected, empowered, and equitable future for all Nigerians.

The launch event of the report in Lagos recently , brought together key stakeholders including media representatives, government officials, vendors, logistics partners, and members of the Jumia community.

Africa’s thriving gaming industry got a major boost as Africacomicade celebrated innovation and collaboration with a $42,000 prize and development fund during the 2025 Ark Pitch in Lagos, part of the sixth edition of Gamathon.

The event brought together game developers, investors, and publishers from across the continent, with winners sharing a $2,000 cash prize pool and gaining access to a $40,000 development fund for Android games.

EMedia Interactive emerged winner in the PC category, while Veh Veh Studios topped the mobile segment. In a further milestone for African game development, Nigerian studio The Fefactor clinched a publishing deal with Acclaim Inc. for its upcoming title TossDown.

Oluwatosin Ogunyebi, Africacomicade’s co-founder, said the initiative’s primary goal is to connect creators and investors across the continent. ‘We’ve toured Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa to unite African creatives under one strong community,’ he said.

The week-long Gamathon featured workshops on virtual and augmented reality, panels highlighting women in gaming, and networking tours linking studios across cities. Ogunyebi noted that the growing collaboration among developers was one of the platform’s biggest achievements. ‘When we started five years ago, few developers even knew each other. Now, they co-create and collaborate – that’s our biggest win,’ he said.

Industry experts at the event commended the progress but stressed the need for stronger government and policy support. Edu Shola, founder of Deluxe Studios, said African developers are still ‘over-mentored and under-funded,’ adding that plans are underway to establish a Game Developers Association of Nigeria to give the sector a unified voice.

Co-founder Douglas Ogeto highlighted that improved internet access and mobile connectivity have made gaming ‘more inclusive than ever,’ while discussions also explored how storytelling in games can reshape Africa’s global image.

Victor Mark-Onyegbu of Africa No Filter urged creators to focus on narratives that portray innovation and resilience. His organisation’s Bias Booster and MAPS Campaign initiatives support artists in identifying and correcting harmful stereotypes.

Looking ahead, Africacomicade announced that Gamathon will become a biennial event, allowing developers more time to create world-class titles before the next edition in 2027.

‘We’re building more than games,’ Ogunyebi said. ‘We’re building a collaborative future where African creativity and stories lead global conversations.’

Amid persistent security challenges, Pestra Limited – a foremost distributor of safety, security, and building technology systems in West Africa – has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting advanced safety and building solutions through strategic partnerships and intelligent integration.

Today, insecurity has continued to pose significant threats across communities and business environments, therefore, security technology solutions have become a necessity rather than a luxury.

The company restated this commitment at the Pestra Tech Day event in Lagos recently with the theme: ‘Securing the Present, Powering the Future,’ that brought together system integrators, consultants, end users, and global technology partners for an engaging day of knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Attendees experienced live demonstrations, interactive sessions, and product showcases featuring the latest innovations shaping the region’s security and automation landscape.

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of Pestra as Honeywell authorized distributor for Gent, Morley and Notifier Fire Alarm products in West Africa, strengthening the availability of Gent, Morley, and Notifier systems across the region. Secondly, Pestra celebrated the successful integration of Telecom Pneumatic Tube Systems into its expanding portfolio-marking a transformative step in automating material transport for healthcare and industrial facilities in West Africa.

Honeywell expressed confidence in Pestra’s strong technical capabilities and regional market expertise, noting that the partnership will drive greater adoption of UL and EN-certified fire alarm solutions while promoting customer education on safety compliance and system design.

Speaking during the event, Paul Nwokolo, Managing Director of Pestra Ltd, said ‘When we launched the very first Pestra Tech Day, it was fueled by the desire to put Pestra on the global map, not just as a supplier of technical solutions, but as a hub for technology, innovation, and collaboration. Today, in our third edition, that dream is no longer just an idea. It’s becoming reality. The addition of Honeywell Fire Alarm systems and Pneumatic Tube technology to our portfolio marks a defining moment for Pestra. Both represent our dedication to delivering world-class solutions that protect people, enhance efficiency, and redefine operational standards.’

Speaking at the event, Francis Anyaegbu who is Customer Success Architect spoke on ways clients across industries can position themselves for success especially in their IT investment involving acquisition, product level conversation, quality and user experience.

Theo Everaers, Managing Director, Telecoms PTS; explained to the audience the importance of using pneumatic tube systems to transport sensitive and small materials such as blood samples, medications within industries especially in healthcare sector for safe, fast and secure movements. It is also used in food industries for transportation of samples from labs to other departments.

In his view, Peter Madu, CEO , Acti-Tech Ltd who has been a partner with Pestra Limited said each year of Petra Tech Day has brought new innovations in technology especially as AI is taking centre stage in technology. He appreciated the interactions with Pestra partners to satisfy customers.