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The Noella Foundation, with the support of friends and well-wishers, has announced a series of country-wide initiatives in celebration of its co-founder, Seyi Tinubu.

The initiatives are said to be designed to create lasting social impact across health, entrepreneurship and education.

These activities which include health insurance coverage for 1,000 beneficiaries, donation of essential medication to sickle cell patients (through partnerships with two non-governmental organisations (NGOs), namely Crimson Bow and Genotype Foundation, and distribution of 200 laptops to public schools reflect the Foundation’s commitment to driving sustainable change through goodwill and collective service.

Speaking ahead of the rollout, a representative of the Noella Foundation described the upcoming projects as ‘a celebration of purpose that extends beyond personal milestones into meaningful impact.

‘Marking Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday through initiatives that empower communities and support vulnerable groups reflects the values he embodies; empathy, service, shared responsibility and collective responsibility,’ the spokesperson noted. ‘This celebration is powered by friends and well-wishers who have come together under the Noella Foundation to make a difference when and where it matters most.’

The representative also said that the healthcare initiative would provide free medical insurance for 1,000 Nigerians, prioritizing pregnant women and individuals living with sickle cell disorder.

In addition, the Foundation will distribute essential medication to sickle cell patients through two established non-governmental organisations, ensuring the aid reaches those in need efficiently and transparently. In the area of education, the Foundation will distribute 200 state-of-the-art laptops to public junior and senior secondary schools. The initiative aims to enhance digital literacy, improve learning outcomes, and prepare students for participation in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Also included in the education pillar is the capacity building digital training programme for 40 young Nigerians in specialized areas like Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing and Product Design preparing them for the modern job market.

The Foundation will also empower small business owners through the donation of 40 SME Empowerment Kiosks across different regions. This initiative is designed to promote entrepreneurship, stimulate local economies and support self-reliance among young Nigerians.

‘Through these acts of service, the Foundation reinforces its long-standing focus on empowering youth, supporting vulnerable populations, and fostering equitable access to education and healthcare.

‘This milestone is a reminder that leadership is best measured by the lives we touch,’ the Foundation added. ‘Through collaboration, we can transform celebration into service and goodwill into progress,’ the representative said.

The organisers also said: ‘The Noella Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to promote sustainable social development through partnerships that uplift individuals and communities across Nigeria.

‘The Noella Foundation was founded on the principle that transformative change is a collaborative effort. Our mission at Noella Foundation is to transform the lives of vulnerable and marginalised women, children/young adults, and the elderly in specific communities and provide lasting solutions. Our work is centred on four core pillars Education, Employability, Healthcare, and Hunger Eradication which are strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our efforts contribute to a global vision for progress.’

Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has urged the federal government to focus on deepening revenue diversification, enhancing spending efficiency, and aligning fiscal outcomes with real economic performance, as reforms boost economic outcomes.

Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer, (CPPE) made this call in a policy brief sent to BusinessDay.

According to Yusuf, the two major reforms: removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, have significantly boosted government revenues, expanded fiscal space, and improved the capacity for public investment.

He explained that with limited fiscal space, spending efficiency is paramount. He added that spending on infrastructure, productivity, food security and human capital development should be priority areas for government.

‘Nigeria’s fiscal and tax reforms have delivered important progress in expanding revenue and improving fiscal sustainability. The next phase must focus on deepening revenue diversification, enhancing spending efficiency, and aligning fiscal outcomes with real economic performance.

‘With prudent management, stakeholder collaboration, and social sensitivity, these reforms can lay a solid foundation for a more resilient, productive, and inclusive Nigerian economy,’ Yusuf said.

Yusuf explained that collections from Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) have also increased, reflecting stronger compliance and a gradual recovery in economic activities, with subnational governments reporting higher revenues and increased allocations to agriculture, infrastructure, and social development.

He said, ‘Recent reforms have driven strong nominal revenue growth: fuel subsidy removal freed trillions of naira in fiscal resources, exchange rate unification boosted naira-denominated oil revenues. VAT and CIT collections improved through enhanced compliance and enforcement.

‘Despite these advances, the real fiscal impact is tempered by high inflation and exchange rate pressures. It is therefore important to assess fiscal outcomes in both nominal and real terms to maintain credible expectations and policy balance.’

He stressed the need to adjust fiscal assessments for inflation and exchange rate effects; communicate outcomes transparently, improve tax efficiency, expand the tax net, and optimize non-tax revenues and national assets.

Other recommendations include support for fiscal autonomy, accountability, and efficient resource use in states, implementation of tax reforms with flexibility, maintaining continuous dialogue with stakeholders and refine policies as needed.

Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and distinguished Mathematics scholar at the University of Ibadan, has urged Government to make long-term investments in mathematics and education if the country hopes to compete with developed nations, globally.

While saying that the fields remain the foundation for emerging technologies, he stated that ‘as technology advances, the role of mathematics will become even more critical in shaping our future,’.

Delivering a lecture entitled: ‘The Closing and the Opening Doors: An Account of My Academic, Administrative and Spiritual Experiences’, at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan,’ Ayoola, alwho advised Government to invest heavily in mathematical sciences, noted ‘no nation can achieve technological development without a solid foundation in mathematics,’ he warned, urging that ‘long-term planning and investment’ are essential to reap the benefits of emerging advanced technologies.

Ayoola, a Professor, who made the call in his retirement valedictory and birthday lecture, lamented the widespread ignorance among some top ruling elites and technocrats about the value of mathematical knowledge in national development. This, he noted, had contributed to the poor recognition and funding of basic mathematical research in Nigeria.

Pointing to the complete omission of mathematical sciences from direct funding in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) thematic research priorities, Ayoloa contrasted Nigeria’s approach with that of the US National Science Foundation and leading European and Asian agencies, which invest heavily in mathematics.

‘Mathematical principles are foundational to the development and application of countless existing and emerging technologies,’ he said. ‘Mathematics underpins algorithms, data analysis, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, quantum computing, optimization, modeling, and simulation, all essential for innovation and efficiency across various sectors.’

The former Head of the Department of Mathematics emphasised that mathematical tools are not just supplementary but are the very foundation upon which modern technologies are built.

Ayoola also challenged young scholars to explore cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as quantum information science and quantum computing, describing these areas as revolutionary and rapidly advancing.

‘These fields are transforming our understanding of computation, information, communication, and even the nature of reality itself,’ he said.

However, he expressed deep concern over Nigeria, and Africa’s, lag in developing robust capacities in these critical fields. Citing corruption, under-investment, and poor treatment of scholars, Ayoola lamented that such setbacks have hindered progress.

He also faulted the lack of visionary leadership passionate about science and mathematical research.

Abel Idowu Olayinka, Professor and a former Vice Chancellor of the University, in his goodwill message, lauded Ayoola as a hardworking and dedicated scholar, congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him a peaceful post-academic life.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has clarified that the federal government will not deduct taxes directly from Nigerians’ bank accounts when the new tax laws take effect in January 2026.

In its latest weekly publication, the agency addressed concerns about the Nigerian Tax Act, 2025 and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), saying the claims of automatic deductions are based on misinterpretation and misinformation.

‘Taxes will not be automatically deducted from the bank accounts of Nigerians,’ the NOA stated.

According to the agency, Section 29 of the NTAA only requires banks and financial institutions to report quarterly on customers whose cumulative monthly transactions exceed N25 million for individuals and N100 million for companies.

‘The provision is intended to help identify potential tax evasion and does not permit the government to withdraw funds from bank accounts,’ the agency said.

The NOA added that only about 5 percent of bank customers have more than N500,000 in their accounts, meaning that over 90 percent of Nigerians will not be affected by the reporting requirement.

The agency also said the new tax laws are structured to ease the burden on low-income earners and small businesses. Individuals earning N800,000 or less annually will be exempt from personal income tax, while businesses with annual turnover below N100 million will be exempt from profit tax.

‘These reforms aim to improve tax compliance, reduce evasion, and expand the tax base without increasing the burden on the majority of Nigerians,’ the NOA said.

The agency noted that the new laws are expected to bring more eligible taxpayers into the system and improve transparency in financial reporting.

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other stakeholders have called for ethical governance across boards as the nation faces multiple disruptions.

The call was made at the 20th anniversary corporate governance conference of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria on Thursday, themed ‘Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflection on Governance’s Journey for a Sustainable Future.’

Titus Osawe, Coordinating Director, Directorates of Corporate Governance and Inspections and Monitoring of FRC who represented Rabiu Olowo, executive secretary and chief executive officer of the FRC, highlighted several emerging challenges threatening ethical governance in Nigeria.

Osawe identified issues including knowledge gaps, greenwashing, data manipulation, digital disruption, artificial intelligence, and digital assets, noting that organisations must demonstrate their commitment to ethics and integrity through strong ethical leadership and sound governance.

‘Strengthening ethical governance is a collective responsibility. I call on all stakeholders, organisations, institutions, and individuals to prioritise ethics and integrity. We must drive ethical governance intentionally by working together to build a more sustainable future for our country

‘We at the FRC are committed to promoting ethical governance. We will continue to set standards, provide guidance, monitor and enforce compliance, and where breaches occur, impose applicable sanctions. Together, we can create a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity that benefits us all. We remain steadfast and resolute in strengthening ethical governance,’ Osawe said.

The SCGN conference marked two decades of promoting integrity, transparency, and responsible leadership. It provided a platform for regulators, Board leaders, and governance professionals to explore practical strategies for building resilient, ethical, and future-ready institutions.

Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the SEC, represented by the head of the Lagos Zonal Office, John Briggs, underscored the urgency of addressing governance and sustainability challenges.

According to him, the world is grappling with the interconnected challenges of climate change, social inequality, technological disruption, and evolving investor expectations.

‘In this era of profound transformation, the principles of sound governance and transparent sustainability reporting have transcended mere compliance. They are now fundamental pillars of long-term value creation, competitive resilience, and sustainable national development.

‘For emerging economies like Nigeria, this imperative carries particular weight. We face the dual challenge of stimulating economic growth and attracting investment while ensuring that such growth is inclusive, equitable, and responsible. Corporate governance provides the essential framework for meeting these challenges,’ Briggs said.

Omobola Johnson, Board Chair of Guinness Nigeria PLC, in her keynote address emphasised that diversity on boards is key to achieving ethical governance.

‘In a world without a rule book, no single demographic has a monopoly on the knowledge and expertise required for effective governance,’ she said. ‘Diverse boards with different lived experiences bring richness and depth to discussions and decision-making. They also foster integrity and ethics by ensuring that boards are not monolithic but truly representative, essential for making ethically sound decisions that consider a broad range of stakeholders.’

Johnson added that integrity and ethical governance go hand in hand, insisting that they are not merely top-down mandates but shared values that boards must champion.

She said, ‘This requires a long-term view of enterprise success defined by broader metrics such as resilience, trust, and strategic clarity, all vital for navigating uncertainty in a constantly changing world.’

Meanwhile, the event featured the launch of three new publications including Corporate Governance and Sustainability Reporting in Nigeria, Governance in Motion: 20 Years of Corporate Governance Influence and Impact, and the 28th edition of the Journal of Corporate Governance.

The Chief Executive Officer of SeamlessHR, Dr Emmanuel Okeleji, has urged Nigerian policymakers and businesses to prioritise technology adoption as a tool for inclusive economic growth.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG) in Abuja, Okeleji stated that digital infrastructure could play a crucial role in connecting low-income workers to essential financial and social services. He made the remarks during a plenary session themed ‘Breaking Barriers: The Poverty Exit Strategy.’

The session featured HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano; Abi Jagun, Interim Deputy Director, Economic Opportunity at the Gates Foundation; and Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director, Policy Innovation Centre. The panel discussed practical ways to reduce poverty and expand access to opportunity across Nigeria.

Okeleji, a medical doctor, said SeamlessHR’s data on workforce patterns reveals the everyday struggles of Nigerian workers. ‘Technology offers an avenue to change that reality,’ he said. ‘With the right digital systems, we can connect even the lowest-income earners to credit, healthcare, and pension services, helping them gain financial stability and access to social safety nets.’

He noted that broadening access to such services could help working families build security and improve their livelihoods, particularly among informal sector workers who make up a large share of Nigeria’s labour force.

Other panellists stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to tackle poverty. They also highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, data-driven policymaking, and targeted social investment programmes in achieving sustainable growth.

Okeleji argued that inclusive economic progress requires not only government policies but also private innovation. ‘We need to build systems that allow people to participate fully in the economy,’ he said.

The discussion reflected broader concerns about Nigeria’s uneven economic recovery and the limited reach of social programmes. Many experts at the summit called for better use of data and technology to ensure government interventions reach those most in need.

The Nigerian Economic Summit, organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, remains the country’s main platform for dialogue between policymakers and private-sector leaders.

These strategic appointments reflect the Group’s commitment to strengthening leadership capacity and deepening impact across key markets.

These appointments span critical functions including executive leadership, wealth management, treasury, regional and asset management, positioning the Group for accelerated growth in 2025 and beyond.

Mahmoud Shuaib has been appointed Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer (Designate). With over 26 years of experience in capital market operations spanning Trustees, Asset Management, Investment Banking, and Securities Trading, Mahmoud joined Emerging Africa Group in 2021 as Group Executive Director. He has been instrumental in driving business growth and strengthening the Group’s presence in Northern Nigeria. In his new role, he will support the Group Chief Executive Officer in business origination across the Group while providing executive oversight for the Northern Region and the microfinance banks.

Oghogho Osula has been appointed as Group Director of Origination, Wealth Management. Bringing over 28 years of experience across Corporate Banking, Trusteeship, and Asset Management, Oghogho will focus on driving new and incremental deal origination in Asset Management, Trusts, and Family Office services, while continuing as a Non-Executive Director at Emerging Africa Trustees Limited. A member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the Institute of Directors, she brings strong technical expertise and governance insight to her expanded role.

Collins Olise assumes the position of Director, Group Treasury and Southern Region. Since joining the Group in 2018, Collins has held several key positions including Group Treasury Officer, Fund Manager, Manager for the Southern Region, and Deputy Managing Director at Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited. With over 15 years of experience in Asset Management, Fixed Income Trading, Treasury Operations, and Asset and Liability Management, he will oversee the Group’s treasury strategy, manage liquidity, optimize capital deployment, and drive business development across the Southern region.

Abiola Oyekunle has been named Acting Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited. With over 20 years of banking experience, Abiola joined Emerging Africa Group in 2024 as Head of Wealth Management and quickly advanced to Chief Operations Officer of Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited. She brings dynamic, results-driven leadership focused on steering the company’s strategy, driving growth, and ensuring innovative asset management solutions aligned with the Group’s broader vision.

Lydia Amobi-Offor has been appointed Head, Wealth Advisory. Since joining Emerging Africa Group in 2020 as a Senior Personal Financial Planner, Lydia has delivered tailored financial solutions and managed diverse client portfolios. In her new role, she leads the team in designing innovative client solutions and deepening relationships that strengthen the Group’s Wealth Management business.

‘We remain committed to strengthening leadership team for greater impact. These appointees are tried and trusted hands who have made exceptional contributions and would help to drive further growth to better serve our clients and stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond. The leaders have demonstrated not only technical competence but also a deep commitment to our mission of creating sustainable value’.

– Dr Oluwatoyin Sanni, Executive Vice-Chair of Emerging Africa Capital Group.

About Emerging Africa Group

Founded in January 2018, Emerging Africa Group is an impact-driven organization passionate about innovating and implementing unique capital solutions while upholding the highest sustainability standards.

The Group creates substantial value for stakeholders through strategic direct equity investments in subsidiary companies and by arranging comprehensive debt and equity capital financing solutions for corporate and institutional clients.

The Group’s diversified portfolio spans Investment Banking, Infrastructure Finance, Financial Technology, Microfinance Banking, and Capacity Building. Maintaining sector flexibility, investments strategically align with Sustainable Development Goals 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9, reinforced by the Group’s ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Certification.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that antibiotic resistance is accelerating at a concerning pace, faster than medical science can respond, and posing serious threat to global health.

A new ‘Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025’ launched by WHO on Monday showed that one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections causing common infections in people worldwide in 2023 were resistant to antibiotic treatments.

Between 2018 and 2023, it found that antibiotic resistance rose in over 40 percent of the pathogen, antibiotic combinations monitored, with an average annual increase of 5-15 percent.

Data reported to the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) from over 100 countries cautioned that increasing resistance to essential antibiotics poses a growing threat to global health.

The new report presents for the first time, resistance prevalence estimates across 22 antibiotics used to treat infections of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, the bloodstream and those used to treat gonorrhoea.

WHO estimates that antibiotic resistance is highest in the WHO South-East Asian and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, where 1 in 3 reported infections were resistant. In the African Region, 1 in 5 infections was resistant. It added that resistance is also more common and worsening in places where health systems lack capacity to diagnose or treat bacterial pathogens.

‘Antimicrobial resistance is outpacing advances in modern medicine, threatening the health of families worldwide,’ Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general said.

‘As countries strengthen their AMR surveillance systems, we must use antibiotics responsibly, and make sure everyone has access to the right medicines, quality-assured diagnostics, and vaccines. Our future also depends on strengthening systems to prevent, diagnose and treat infections and on innovating with next-generation antibiotics and rapid point-of-care molecular tests’, he added.

The new report noted that drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are becoming more dangerous worldwide, with the greatest burden falling on countries least equipped to respond.

The global health body therefore called on all countries to report high-quality data on AMR and antimicrobial use to GLASS by 2030,noting that achieving the target will require concerted action to strengthen the quality, geographic coverage, and sharing of AMR surveillance data to track progress.

WHO also urged countries to scale up coordinated interventions designed to address antimicrobial resistance across all levels of healthcare and ensure that treatment guidelines and essential medicines lists align with local resistance patterns.

Uchechukwu Ogah, president of Masters Energy Group and former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, has said that Nigeria’s energy future depends on the nation’s ability to balance far-reaching reforms with the realities on the ground. He urged stakeholders across government, industry, and finance to harmonise policy, investment, and innovation to ensure sustainable growth in the energy sector.

Speaking at the NAEC Energy Conference 2025 in Lagos, themed ‘Nigeria’s Energy Future: Optimising Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth,’ Ogah called for pragmatic reforms and consistent policy direction to strengthen Nigeria’s energy transition and long-term stability.

He acknowledged the transformative potential of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the Electricity Act 2023, but emphasised that effective coordination among government agencies, regulators, and private investors is critical to their success.

‘Nigeria’s energy future is not a choice between opportunity and risk; it is a challenge to navigate both dynamics together,’ Ogah said. ‘Success demands a multi-pronged strategy that leverages our strengths while confronting our vulnerabilities head-on.’

Citing a report by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ogah noted that national power generation remains below 50 percent of installed capacity due to persistent gas shortages and transmission bottlenecks. He identified three key challenges facing the energy sector: ensuring reforms deliver measurable outcomes, maximising the value of hydrocarbon assets before global demand declines, and expanding access to affordable power for citizens.

The Masters Energy boss underscored that oil and gas remain central to Nigeria’s economy, providing nearly 70 percent of export earnings and sustaining millions of livelihoods. He highlighted gas commercialisation projects such as the Utorogu Gas Processing Facility as vital to energy security and industrial growth, describing gas as Nigeria’s ‘strategic bridge fuel’ capable of powering industries, supporting clean cooking, and positioning the nation as a leading LNG exporter.

However, Ogah warned that underinvestment, oil theft, and insecurity threaten the full realisation of the PIA’s objectives. He added that while global energy transition efforts pose challenges, they also present ‘the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century’ for Nigeria.

He called on the nation to exceed its 30 percent renewable energy target by 2030, warning that failure to act decisively could turn Nigeria into ‘a consumer and dumping ground for imported technologies.’ He stressed, ‘We must not be consumers of the green economy; we must be creators within it.’

Ogah identified gas, renewables, and innovation as Nigeria’s three key growth frontiers. He advocated for large-scale solar projects, mini-grids, and local solar manufacturing under the proposed Nigerian Solar Manufacturing Initiative. He also pointed to blue hydrogen, biofuels, and critical mineral exploration as essential for industrial diversification.

Highlighting persistent risks such as policy inconsistency, infrastructure deficits, and skills shortages, Ogah proposed practical solutions, including a single-window licensing system, grid modernisation, and benefit-sharing models to strengthen investor confidence and community trust. ‘Policy certainty attracts capital; community trust protects it,’ he said.

Ogah further proposed establishing a National Energy Transition Academy to build local capacity, while warning against industrial unrest, referencing recent tensions between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery.

He concluded by calling for a united national effort: ‘By optimising today’s hydrocarbon assets and building tomorrow’s clean-energy ecosystem, we can fuel sustainable growth for every Nigerian.

Academic activities at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have come to a complete standstill following total compliance by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FULafia chapter, with the ongoing two-week warning strike declared by the union’s national leadership.

Lecturers across faculties have ceased all academic engagements, leaving lecture halls and offices deserted.

Sunday Orinya, Chairman of ASUU FULafia, confirmed the development in an interview, stating that the decision to join the strike was unanimously adopted during a congress meeting held on Monday.

According to him, the union has formally notified the university management of its decision and is monitoring the situation to ensure full adherence across departments.

‘The strike is total. There will be no lecturing, accreditation, or supervision of students’ theses. All academic activities, whether for part-time or regular students, are suspended for the duration of the two-week warning strike,’ Orinya affirmed.

He noted that the FULafia chapter stands firmly behind the national leadership of ASUU in demanding the fulfilment of agreements reached with the federal government.

Orinya criticised the federal government for its continued failure to honour past agreements with ASUU, accusing authorities of negligence and disrespect.

He described the government’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy as a familiar tactic, adding that it would not deter the union from fighting for better conditions in the university system.