Author: user user

When the much-anticipated ‘Odigbose – The play ‘ made its debut at MUSON Centre, Onikan, on October 17, 2026, it did not disappoint.

All the elements of African theatrics combined to give vent, colours, vibrancy and true meaning to the historic narrative of the theme of the dramatic production based on the slave trade story.

The Agip Hall, venue of the premiere, on that fateful Saturday night, welcomed a mixed gathering made of Nigerian and international audience; all lovers of theatre, music, dance and rich entertainment, to its bowels.

The cosmopolitan audience was held spellbound by the historic and stage presentation nuances of ‘Odigbose – The Play’, written and directed by Wanle Akinboboye; renowned tourism investor and developer. He is also the creator of the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort brand, an award-winning African-themed resort, known for its promotion of a mixed blend of African cultural heritage and hospitality motifs, amidst a splash of elegance and modern opulence.

The dramatic piece penned and directed for live theatre by Akinboboye, took the subdued audience back to happenings between the 16th and 19th centuries. An unravelling of the tragic moment that is better forgotten in the history of Africa.

An era of betrayals, enslavement, suffering, and pains inflicted on an innocent generation and people by brutish and heartless slave merchants, who offered all forms of inducements to the unsuspecting leaders to betray the trust and confidence of their people in selling them out for peanuts to the merchants who subjected them to some of the most inhumane treatments under harsh conditions, weathers and environments.

For Akinboboye, who has added another stripe to his growing armour of creative ferment and investment in humanity, ‘Odigbose – The Play’, was more than an historic and entertaining piece.

It was a creative and literary work that explored an alternate narrative from the perspective of an African, who knew the pains and sufferings that his forebears were subjected to and has through the years committed himself to not just repudiating it but reversing it by investing in the promotion of the best of Africa through his Continent Building and Motherland Beckons platforms and of recent, IPADA Initiatives.

He noted on the night that the dramatic piece was inspired by his desire to reverse and correct what he described as the misrepresentation of the African side of the story by outsiders.

Akinboboye noted that for centuries the story of the transatlantic slave trade had been told by others, adding that with ‘Odigbose’, Africa was reclaiming its voice.

According to him, ‘Africa tells its own story, in its own rhythm, with its own tears and its own truth, with its author, director, cast and crew within its hallowed soil.

‘The story of the African slave trade has been told by outsiders in different ways, often misrepresenting the African side of it.

‘A wrong impression has been presented that it was our kings who were willingly selling their subjects to the white men, but with this play, we try to correct that impression.’

He described most of the slaves from Africa soil as prisoners of war, not just slaves as painted by the slave masters and their European collaborators.

‘The white men supplied weapons to the African kingdoms and set them against one another to buy prisoners of war.

‘They knew that no one would willingly hand over people, so they brought arms and weapons of war so that armies could go to war and they could have prisoners of war,’ he said.

Produced by Atunda Entertainment, Akinboboye’s musical and entertainment productions company, ‘Odigbose – The Play’ premiere, was a truly African theatre, with rich display of music, songs, dance, choreographed movement, pageantry, and costumes, as well as poetic and oratory display.

The premiere was under the auspices of Motherland Beckons – IPADA Initiatives in conjunction with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

As expected, the members of the audience were thrilled, entertained, educated and inspired by the production, describing the evening as well-spent and a fulfilling one.

Tunde Babalola, renowned Nigerian award-winning scriptwriter, who is also the screenwriter for the film version of ‘Odigbose’ currently under production, said, ‘It was a tremendous experience for me because I last watched that play about 20 years ago when it was staged at his Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos resort, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort. I based my film adaptation screenplay on that stage play I saw then’.

”Bravo to the cast and crew, bravo to Wanle Akinboboye and bravo to Atunda Entertainment Productions for staging such a great production.”

Eniola Adejare Fabamwo, a justice with the Ogun State High Court, described Odigbose as an interesting and thought-provoking performance.

She shared her reflections on the importance of historical awareness and the value of theatre in preserving cultural heritage, saying: ‘The play was interesting. I came across the invitation online, and being a lover of history, especially historical theatrical performances, I was naturally interested in attending.

‘What particularly surprised me was that a production of this nature, staged at such a prestigious venue, was being offered to the public free of charge. I consider this a commendable initiative and appreciate the organisers for making it possible.

‘The history of the slave trade has always been of particular interest to me. Understanding our past is essential to appreciating our present and making informed decisions about our future. Historical productions such as this bring events beyond the pages of books, presenting them in a manner that is both engaging and instructive.

‘I would particularly encourage young people to attend performances of this nature. While social and recreational activities have their place, we should equally make time for cultural and educational events that broaden our knowledge and deepen our understanding of our heritage.’

She commended and expressed appreciation to Akinboboye for the production: ‘I thank Wanle Akinboboye for this initiative and acknowledge the efforts of the cast and production team. The performance was colourful, engaging and provided valuable insights into aspects of the slave trade and its historical significance.

‘I hope that more opportunities will be created for the public, particularly the younger generation, to experience historical and cultural productions of this nature.’

Jani Ibrahim, an engineer and national president, NACCIMA, said that history has been corrected. ‘Tonight, history has been corrected for the past, present and future generations. We are no longer in the dark about what actually transpired during the slave trade. I want to thank Wanle Akinboboye especially for this great historic achievement,’ he said.

For the Daramolas (husband and wife), it was a great evening: ‘We enjoyed ourselves. It has been a great evening.’ The wife added; ”we saw Odigbose. I cried a little (laugh). The drums. The story of our people being taken away, it touched us.’

Abayomi Davies, an art enthusiast and music teacher, said that he was impressed by the cast. ‘Their comportment on stage, the line delivery, it was so real like the play was actually taking place in real life. And that is essentially what a good cast injects into a stage play.’

‘The part that impressed me most was the wrestling match. There were so many people on stage all at the same time, yet everyone had their significance and they all played their various roles very well,’ Lilian Okechukwu said.

”Also, the love scenes looked very real. Are you sure those two are not deeply in love in real life?”

Wasiu Babalola, a professor with Atiba University, commended the historical presentation, saying; ‘There is no better time to tell our stories than now. And we must tell it in our own way. In our own younger days, we learnt about the slave trade from films like The Roots, the story of Kunta Kinte produced by the West.

”But now our children use the Internet to get the information. So, we have to tell this story in a manner so they will understand what actually happened.’

According to Babalola, a professor of Hotel Management and Tourism, ‘When you say Odigbose, it means you are leaving. It is bye-bye forever. Now we are saying Odigbose. And that word now has more meaning to our tradition: that despite all we faced, we are still here.’

Man has come a long way from the days of Aesop, the ancient Greek storyteller who developed a style of travelling to the animal world to draw lessons for men and women. History has a bouquet of his jungle stories and their morals: The ant and the grasshopper (You can shape your tomorrow today); The boy who cried wolf (It’s the lie you’re used to which will be remembered, not the truth you only tell once); The fox and the grapes (One can’t accommodate what’s beyond your reach; you will despise it).

Modern novelists also write to instruct or entertain us, some from forest life, like Nigeria’s Daniel Fagunwa (Ogboju ode ninu igbo irunmole, 1936) and the Englishman George Orwell (Animal Farm, 1945), with others strictly seeking inspiration from the world of human beings as Professor Tunde Ope-Davies has done in his work, Winds Against My Sails.

Ope-Davies dispenses with creatures of the thicket to relate his account; but he also proffers great precepts not virtuously different from those we receive through the writers who commune with the woods. Either way, the readers are enriched, hugely tutored to change perceptions as they reap a harvest of predictable and unexpected twists in the tale.

We have plenty of them in the work of Ope-Davies (Opeibi), a professor in Digital Humanities, Digital Cultures, English and Discourse Studies at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, beginning with a tell-tale autobiographical title for a work of fiction. About the Author back cover section of the book conceals the dark days of the author’s own headwinds. But critics wouldn’t consider it unreasonable to look at Professor Wale Jones in the novel and apply poetic license to unveil him as the alter ego of Opeibi, himself a heavily garlanded don like his creation.

Jones, the main character, leaves rustic Jadesore to embark on what the author calls the Voyage of Life. The name of his village challenges the ambitious to venture out for breakthroughs eluding them. Yet, it doesn’t reveal that you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. Wale gets the delicacy alright; but it is at the expense of much travail, trauma and toil.

There are near-death experiences; there are fatalities; there are several heartbreaks as well as betrayals; missed opportunities that present no second chances are also recorded; we equally learn of juvenile escapades that could have shortened the life of the hero; there is a battle over the choice of a marriage partner; a time of abandonment by family, friends and loved ones is also shared; we read of days of hunger when biscuits and mint sweets miserably cater for hunger; there’s story of an absentee father; when he’s home however, he fails to model virtue as he engages in nocturnal drinking orgies with friends in the presence of impressionable children; there are assaults of ill health and threats of death at childbirth.

To be sure, some of these are occasioned by poverty. Not all, though. How about the struggles Jones encounter even after the young man has crossed the threshold, in a manner of speaking, and he begins to get local and global recognition denied peers and mentors? The winds against his sail don’t cease in the ivory tower. They are personified by Katakiti, ”who had remained at the same rank for years. To watch Wale, once his student, rise above him was a bitter pill.” There’s also a season of character perfidy when Wale Jones is accused of being ”too friendly with female students” and ”selling a colleague’s textbook to students, a practice the university had outlawed.” Wale attributes all what he’s facing to ”politics of the system.”

Rightly, the blurb concludes that Wale’s faith in God and ”an unyielding spirit of perseverance” are the steps he mounts to overcome the winds of adversity.

So, like Karl Marx, the legendary German co-founder of Scientific Socialism, whose bronze memorial he gazes at in an unnamed European city, Professor Jones becomes ”a man who faced his fires and emerged remade,” ready to change his defective system as Marx attempted to.

Now, in view of an opening poem that predicts ultimate victory for the voyager ”Because He that stillest the noise of the Seas”, is with the explorer, it may be tempting to dismiss Professor Ope-Davies’ Winds Against My Sails as a simplistic literary contraption primed from the beginning for a happy end, regardless of the protagonist’s tumultuous killer adventures. That would be an unbalanced ruling that misses the Olympian plot of Opeibi’s epic. He brings his story under a roof of sweeping flashbacks, critical commentary, history (ancestral and contemporary), objective philosophy, Biblical theology, all of which reveals the author’s catholic mind.

These are carried by a language rich in fluid prose. metaphor and semiotics.

Let’s examine, for instance, Opeibi’s capture of ‘dust’ to take the readers through their own semiotic journeys. as it were. It first appears as ”chalk dust” in Chapter One. Later, he says ”Dust rose like spirits over the playing fields…” And when Wale Jones got the new birth in Christ, we saw the dust called to action again: ”…he bent his knees on the dusty ground and gave his life to Christ.”

Thus, in the literary construct of Professor Ope-Davies’ world, there’s a sustained imagery of the lowly dust and chalk, both of which appear to have sentenced Wale to limitless and hopeless penury. Once, the lecturer is seen collapsing ”at the foot of a chalkboard.” But, to get into Divine embrace wherein is final liberation, Wale must align with ”the dusty ground” and look up to God from that lowly position. He must stoop to conquer.

Is Ope-Davies testing the waters of fiction with Winds Against My Sails after a string of acclaimed nonfiction publications, including the biographical Kumuyi: Defender of the Faith, which he wrote with co-members of the Editorial Board of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry?

This is a heuristic quest with the possibility of turning in a new-look Tunde Ope-Davies.

Ope George, Lagos Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, has said that Nigeria requires coordinated policies and sustained collaboration to transform its food ecosystem beyond production to processing, storage, transportation and sustainable consumption.

‘Food systems transformation is a critical development priority, with far-reaching implications for food security, nutrition, employment, economic growth and household welfare,’ he said at the recent South-West bi-annual food systems transformation strategy review and validation of the draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The Commissioner said that the effectiveness of any strategy was measured by its implementation and impact, adding that the bi-annual review provides an opportunity to assess progress, identify gaps, address emerging challenges and agree on practical measures to accelerate results.

He said that as a major centre of consumption, commerce and distribution, Lagos has strong food supply linkages with other parts of Nigeria, including the Northern states. ‘This interdependence underscores the importance of collaboration between food-producing and food-consuming regions to address challenges such as post-harvest losses, transportation costs, storage limitations and market inefficiencies.’

He added that the collective goal must be to strengthen food value chains, improve market access for producers, enhance food availability and build a more resilient and sustainable national food system.

Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, identified human capital development, infrastructure, technology and financing, and risk management as critical pillars for achieving sustainable agriculture and food security in the South-West, Nigeria.

‘We see human capital development as a key level that cannot be toyed with. We see infrastructure as being very critical. We see utilisation of technology as almost impossible to ignore,’ she said.

Olusanya explained that Lagos, though the smallest state by landmass and largely covered by water, remains Nigeria’s most densely populated and largest market city-state in sub-Saharan Africa. With high disposable income despite the high cost of living, any product brought to Lagos will sell, making market organisation imperative.

‘We are the largest market city-state. When we know we cannot feed ourselves, we must play on our strength to demystify our weakness. A lot of food comes into Lagos, but how is this food organised? How do we attest to quality, price and origin?’

Clementina Ebere Okoro, national convener, Food Systems Transformation, said the bi-annual review assesses implementation of the 78 priority actions adopted since 2021, including school farms for home-grown school feeding and homestead gardens agreed in March 2024.

She stressed the need for convergence of food, health, and transport systems, food-based dietary guidelines and nutrition labelling to ensure food and nutrition security.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will unveil the manifesto of its Lagos State governorship candidate, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on Friday with a pledge to sustain policy continuity while making governance more inclusive and addressing the state’s growing infrastructure and public service needs.

Musiliu Obanikoro, director-general of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Council, announced this on Sunday at a press conference in Lagos, saying the manifesto would outline Hamzat’s priorities and plans for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Obanikoro said the campaign was anchored on ‘continued shared progress and inclusivity’, arguing that Lagos needed experienced leadership capable of building on existing achievements while responding to the demands of its growing population.

The manifesto launch is scheduled to hold at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

‘It will provide a platform for Dr. Hamzat to present his vision, priorities, and plans for the continued development of our dear state,’ Obanikoro said.

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu unveiled a development manifesto when he became Lagos governor in 1999, describing it as a foundation for successive administrations in the state.

For the APC campaign, continuity would involve preserving effective policies, correcting shortcomings and extending development programmes rather than retaining existing approaches without improvement.

‘Continuity is not about doing things the same way simply because they have been done before; it is about protecting what works, correcting what needs improvement, and building on existing progress,’ Obanikoro said.

He argued that Lagos could not afford to abandon the foundations established by previous administrations, given the pressures associated with its population and economic importance.

‘With an estimated population of over 25 million, relatively limited landmarks, and the pressures that come with a cosmopolitan society, Lagos faces severe demands in transportation, human capital development, housing, infrastructure, security, healthcare, and environmental management,’ he said.

‘These challenges require experienced leadership, careful planning, and the ability to deliver results.’

Obanikoro said Hamzat’s experience in government and the private sector positioned him to address the state’s development needs. He cited the candidate’s degree in Systems Processes Engineering from Cranfield University, England, and his experience with international financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Citibank.

Hamzat, who is serving as deputy governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would draw on his experience in the administration to consolidate existing projects and tackle outstanding challenges, Obanikoro said.

He cited developments in rail transportation, road construction, education, healthcare, housing and the creative economy as areas where successive administrations had made progress.

The campaign director-general also said Hamzat and his team had consulted religious leaders, traditional rulers, traders, market women, professionals, artisans, community leaders and other stakeholders across Lagos.

According to him, the consultations are intended to ensure that the manifesto reflects the needs of different communities and groups in the state.

Obanikoro said the manifesto would be made available for download after its presentation, allowing members of the public to examine its proposals and submit feedback through party channels.

He added that the campaign’s approach was based on the belief that development should reflect Lagos’s diversity while preserving the interests and heritage of its indigenous population.

‘Nobody should be left behind because of religion, tribe, gender, social status, or place of origin. Lagos belongs to all of us, for those who call it home, while respecting and preserving the indigenous people of Lagos State,’ he said.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has inaugurated the Diving Governing Board, headed by Kamil Shoretire, the Permanent Secretary, following concerns over safety and a regulatory gap in the sector.

BusinessDay gathered that the move will help to strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations and protect workers engaged in commercial diving operations across Nigeria.

Annah Daniel, Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, in a statement on Saturday, said the move will ensure effective implementation of the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018, and address safety risks associated with offshore, inshore and inland water diving operations.

Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, described the inauguration as a significant step towards strengthening the regulation of commercial diving and eliminating longstanding safety gaps in the sector.

He said the expansion of Nigeria’s maritime activities, oil and gas exploration, port development and underwater engineering had made the safety and welfare of commercial divers a national priority.

‘As Nigeria’s blue economy expands rapidly through maritime investments, oil and gas exploration, port developments, and underwater engineering, the safety and welfare of our commercial divers have transitioned from being a peripheral concern to a top national priority,’ the Honourable Minister said.

Dingyadi, who described commercial diving as one of the most hazardous industrial occupations, added that ‘the sector had faced regulatory gaps, inadequate standardisation and unacceptable risks to human life over the years.’

He said the inauguration of the Board was intended to bridge the gap between the existence of safety regulations and their effective implementation.

‘However, a legal framework is only as effective as the institution driving its implementation,’ he said.

The Minister charged members of the Board to ensure strict compliance with the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018, stressing that diving projects must not commence without the required medical fitness certification, approved operational plans and competent personnel.

He also tasked the Board with working with recognised training institutions, including the Nigerian Navy Diving School and accredited civilian centres, to establish transparent certification pathways for commercial divers and address reliance on unverified foreign credentials.

Dingyadi further urged the Board to establish a transparent register of approved diving contractors, supervisors, instructors and medical examiners to eliminate unqualified operators and improve accountability in the industry.

He reminded the board members that their responsibility extended beyond regulatory compliance to protecting the lives of Nigerian workers engaged in hazardous underwater operations.

‘You carry the heavy responsibility of ensuring that every diver goes to work and returns home safely to their families,’ he said.

The Minister assured the Board of the Ministry’s administrative and logistical support, urging its members to establish clear operational guidelines and ensure strict enforcement of safety standards.

‘We expect you to hit the ground running, institute transparent operating guidelines, and restore absolute discipline and safety to the nation’s commercial diving sector,’ he added.

Earlier, Kamil A. Shoretire, the Permanent Secretary, described the inauguration as a critical step towards the effective implementation and enforcement of the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018.

He explained that the regulations were developed as subsidiary legislation under the Factories Act, Cap F1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to address emerging workplace safety challenges and strengthen protection for workers in high-risk environments.

Shoretire said the Ministry had continued to discharge its statutory responsibility for occupational safety, health and welfare through the enforcement of the Factories Act and its subsidiary regulations, as well as advocacy, stakeholder engagement and other promotional activities.

He noted that workplace machinery, equipment, materials and operational methods had changed significantly with advances in science and technology, making it necessary for regulations to respond to emerging occupational hazards.

‘It is in realization of the limitations of the Factories Act that would arise over time that provision was made in Section 49 of the Act empowering the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment to issue regulations as the need arises, for securing the safety, health, and welfare of workers in our workplaces,’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that strict compliance with the diving regulations was essential to preventing accidents, injuries and fatalities associated with hazardous diving operations.

‘The importance of this Diving Governing Board inauguration, therefore, cannot be overemphasized, considering that diving operations are commonly in use in various workplaces in Nigeria, and constitute very hazardous and high-risk operation due to the risks that may be associated with diving in confine spaces,’ he said.

He warned that failure to observe prescribed safety measures could result in occupational illnesses, deaths and extensive damage to plant and equipment.

Shoretire therefore called on stakeholders across the economy to comply strictly with the regulations, noting that effective implementation would help prevent workplace accidents and improve safety standards in the diving sector.

The Diving Governing Board is expected to provide strategic oversight for the implementation of the regulations, promote standardisation of training and certification, and strengthen compliance with safety requirements governing commercial diving operations in Nigeria.

Uche Eme Uche, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Abia State, has observed that Nigeria does not lack people working for themselves; rather, it lacks enterprises that are registered, well-capitalised and standards-compliant businesses that employ others.

Uche made the submission, Friday, October 23, 2026, while delivering a paper titled ‘From Degree to Destiny: Creating Value, Generating Opportunity and Transforming Society’, at a

Pre-Convocation lecture of the 9th – 13th Convocation ceremonies of Rhema University Nigeria, Aba, Abia State.

She noted that self-employment was often a means of survival and may require no degree, while enterprise, by contrast, is a development strategy that education should equip graduates to pursue.

She also said that the World Economic Forum, after surveying more than 1,000 employers across 55 economies, projected that technology and demographic change will create about 170

million jobs and displace 92 million by 2030, a net gain of 78 million.

‘Yet one in five jobs will be significantly disrupted, and nearly four in ten workplace skills will change. Put simply, the world is not running out of work; it is running short of people equipped for the work that is emerging.

‘Africa’s demographics make the issue urgent. Africans now account for about one in five people worldwide and are projected to represent nearly one in four by 2050.

‘The evidence I have set before you today points to a single conclusion: that in an economy where 93 of every 100 jobs are informal, where unemployment is higher among the educated than among the population at large, and where nearly four out of every ten workplace skills will change within five years, a certificate is a necessary condition of graduate prosperity and nowhere near a sufficient one.’

She noted that what closes that gap is not another qualification but the disposition to create value, where none existed, to generate opportunity for people who did not earn it, and to repair the portion of the wall that stands within reach. Nigeria will not be secured by certificates.

‘It will be secured by graduates, who strengthen the institutions they inherit rather than exhaust them, and who serve without needing to be observed doing so.

‘Graduating class, in a few days you will receive a degree; from that moment, the world will ask what you can do with it. Do not wait for opportunity, create it. Do not merely enter society; improve it. Let excellence be your habit, courage your compass, service your purpose, and integrity your unbreakable covenant. Rise above excuses. Outlook limitations, turn knowledge into solutions, privilege into responsibility, and ambition into impact.

‘Wherever you go, leave people stronger, institutions better, and your nation more hopeful; create value and generate opportunities to transform society,’ she said.

Fashion is one of those industries that looks incredibly beautiful from the outside. We see the collections, the campaigns, the fashion shows, the carefully styled photographs, and the excitement that comes with launching something new. What we do not always see is the amount of work that goes into keeping a fashion business alive after the excitement has settled.

I have come to understand that there is a significant difference between creating a beautiful product and building a successful fashion brand.

One requires creativity. The other requires creativity, business discipline, consistency, financial understanding, and the ability to make difficult decisions.

And while the fashion industry continues to attract talented designers and entrepreneurs, I believe we need to have more honest conversations about the business behind the beauty.

As the founder of Paciencia, a Nigerian fashion brand specialising in handmade leather bags, this is a subject that matters deeply to me. Building a brand has reinforced my belief that good design is only the beginning. The real challenge is creating a business that customers trust, that can compete in its market, and that has the capacity to grow.

Fashion Is Creative, but It Is Also Commercial

One of the biggest misconceptions about the fashion industry is that a great product will automatically find its audience.

It is an understandable assumption. When you have invested time and effort into creating something you believe in, it is natural to expect people to recognise its value.

But the market does not always work that way.

A beautifully designed handbag can attract attention without necessarily generating sales. A fashion collection can receive praise without producing enough revenue to cover its costs. A brand can become popular on social media and still struggle to remain profitable.

This is the reality that every emerging fashion entrepreneur must eventually confront.

Creativity gives a brand its identity, but commercial understanding gives it the opportunity to survive.

Fashion entrepreneurs must understand their customers, their costs, their pricing, and the market they are trying to serve. They must know what makes their products relevant and why someone should choose them over the many alternatives available.

These are not conversations that diminish creativity. They are the conversations that make it possible to keep creating.

The Real Cost of Building a Nigerian Fashion Brand

Running a fashion business in Nigeria comes with its own set of challenges.

The cost of materials, production, packaging, logistics, marketing, and daily operations can place considerable pressure on emerging brands. For businesses working with leather and other specialised materials, maintaining quality while managing costs requires particularly careful decisions.

There is also the question of pricing.

Customers want beautiful, durable products at prices they consider reasonable. At the same time, businesses must account for the actual cost of producing those products, compensate the people involved, and generate enough income to continue operating.

Finding that balance is not always straightforward.

At Paciencia, where our focus is on handmade leather bags, I believe it is important to recognise the value of craftsmanship in the broader conversation about pricing.

A handmade product involves more than the cost of its raw materials. There is the design process, the skill required to bring the product to life, the attention given to its finishing, and the time invested in making sure the final piece reflects the brand’s standards.

When consumers compare handmade leather bags with mass-produced alternatives, they may not immediately see these differences.

That is why fashion brands must become better at communicating value.

We cannot assume customers will automatically understand what goes into our products. We have to tell those stories clearly, while ensuring that the quality of what we offer supports the promises we make.

A Fashion Brand Is Not the Same as a Fashion Business

I believe this distinction deserves more attention, particularly among emerging Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs.

Starting a fashion brand has become more accessible in many ways. Social media allows entrepreneurs to introduce their products to customers without immediately investing in physical retail spaces. Digital platforms have created opportunities for independent designers to build audiences and sell directly to consumers.

These developments are encouraging, but they have also made it easy to confuse visibility with business success.

Having a recognisable brand name, an attractive Instagram page, or a successful product launch does not necessarily mean a business is financially healthy.

A sustainable fashion business needs systems.

It needs a clear understanding of inventory, cash flow, production timelines, customer service, and profitability. It needs processes that do not collapse every time demand increases or an unexpected challenge arises.

Most importantly, it needs a long-term vision.

The question should not only be, ‘How do I sell my next collection?’

It should also be, ‘What kind of business am I building, and will the decisions I make today support where I want it to be in five years?’

That shift in thinking is essential.

Why Brand Identity Matters in a Crowded Fashion Market

The Nigerian fashion industry is filled with creativity. New clothing labels, handbag brands, accessories businesses, and independent designers continue to enter the market, giving consumers more options than ever before.

While this is a positive development, it also means that standing out requires more than simply having attractive products.

A brand must have a recognisable identity.

For me, this is one of the most important lessons in the business of fashion.

Customers should be able to understand what a brand represents, the type of products it creates, and the value it offers.

At Paciencia, our identity is closely connected to handmade leather bags, thoughtful design, and an appreciation for craftsmanship.

I believe a handbag should be both practical and expressive. It should serve a purpose in the everyday life of the person carrying it while contributing to their personal style.

That understanding influences the kind of brand we are building.

It is also why I believe emerging Nigerian handbag brands must resist the pressure to follow every trend.

Trends can create opportunities, but they can also distract businesses from their original vision.

There is nothing wrong with responding to changing consumer preferences. Fashion is constantly evolving, after all. But a brand should be able to evolve without losing the qualities that make it distinctive.

A strong identity gives customers a reason to remember you. Consistent delivery gives them a reason to return.

The Customer Is at the Centre of Every Successful Fashion Business

One thing I believe fashion entrepreneurs must never forget is that we are not creating products for ourselves alone.

We are creating for people with different lifestyles, expectations, preferences, and purchasing decisions.

Understanding those people is a major part of building a successful brand.

In the handmade leather bag business, for example, customers may be drawn to a product because of its appearance, but their satisfaction often depends on much more.

They consider how comfortable it is to carry, how easily it fits into their daily routine, the quality of its finishing, and whether it meets their expectations over time.

The experience does not end when a customer makes a payment.

Communication, packaging, delivery, and after-sales support all influence how people remember a brand.

For emerging fashion businesses, these details can become powerful competitive advantages.

A customer who has a positive experience is more likely to recommend a brand, make another purchase, or become part of the community around it.

And in an industry where trust is so important, those relationships are invaluable.

Nigerian Fashion Brands Must Think Beyond Social Media

Social media has played a significant role in the growth of independent fashion businesses. It has made it easier for emerging brands to reach audiences, showcase products, and communicate directly with potential customers.

But I believe fashion entrepreneurs need to think beyond social media as their primary growth strategy.

An online following is useful, but it is not a substitute for a sustainable business model.

Brands need to invest in discoverability, professional websites, customer relationships, retail opportunities, and distribution channels that allow them to reach people beyond their existing followers.

For Nigerian leather bag brands like Paciencia, having a strong digital presence is about more than posting attractive product photographs.

It is about helping customers discover the brand when they are actively searching for handmade leather bags, Nigerian handbag designers, or accessories that reflect their personal style.

It is also about making the buying experience clear and convenient.

The businesses that will grow are not necessarily those making the most noise online. They are the ones that understand how to turn attention into trust, trust into purchases, and purchases into lasting customer relationships.

The Opportunity for Nigerian Leather Goods and Accessories Brands

When discussing the future of Nigerian fashion, I believe we need to pay more attention to the business potential of accessories.

Clothing often dominates the conversation, but handbags, footwear, and leather goods are important parts of the fashion economy.

A well-designed handbag has the ability to become part of someone’s everyday life. It can move between different occasions, complement different outfits, and remain relevant beyond a particular fashion season.

This creates opportunities for brands that understand design, functionality, and consumer needs.

There is also room for Nigerian fashion businesses to develop stronger positions in the premium and contemporary accessories markets.

However, that opportunity must be supported by consistent product quality, credible branding, and sound business practices.

We cannot build competitive fashion businesses on creativity alone.

We need to pay attention to sourcing, production standards, customer expectations, and how our products are presented in the marketplace.

I would love to see more Nigerian handmade leather bag brands gain recognition for the quality of their work, not simply because they represent local creativity, but because they offer products that customers genuinely value.

That is an ambition I carry into the journey of building Paciencia.

The Future of Fashion Belongs to Brands That Understand Both Design and Business

I am optimistic about the future of the Nigerian fashion industry.

There is no shortage of talent, ambition, or creativity. What we need is an equally strong commitment to building businesses that can support those qualities over time.

We need more conversations about financial literacy, production efficiency, customer retention, access to funding, and the realities of scaling a fashion business.

We need emerging designers to understand that business knowledge is not separate from their creative journey. It is part of what makes that journey sustainable.

And we need consumers, investors, and industry stakeholders to recognise the economic potential of fashion beyond the glamour associated with it.

For me, building Paciencia is an opportunity to bring these ideas together.

It is about creating handmade leather bags that reflect our design philosophy while building a Nigerian fashion business with a clear identity and long-term ambition.

There will always be new trends, new collections, and new brands entering the industry. That is part of what makes fashion exciting.

But the brands that stand the test of time will be those that understand what they offer, who they serve, and how to deliver value consistently.

A beautiful product may introduce a brand to the world, but it is the strength of the business behind it that determines how long that brand remains relevant.

That, to me, is the real business of fashion.

In a bid to drive investment and boost enterprise growth in the Nigerian tourism industry, Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, president, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has called for the adoption of clear-cut institutional responsibilities, regulation and professional development, among others.

The above, Badaki stated, is a sure pathway to attracting investment and unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential, which is hugely untapped.

According to him, the top agenda of the FTAN, which is the umbrella body for private sector operators in tourism, is still to be a meaningful voice in tourism policy formulation and implementation.

In his address at the 20th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), which held in Awka, Anambra State, Badaki declared the need for clear institutional responsibilities, appropriate regulations, professional development, and an enabling environment that encourages investment and enterprise growth cannot be overemphasized.

”One of FTAN’s major priorities is ensuring that the organized-private sector has a meaningful voice in tourism policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria,’ he said at the Awka gathering.

”The private sector drives much of the daily activity within our industry. Our hotels, tour operators, travel agents, restaurants, event managers, and other tourism professionals understand the realities of operating tourism businesses.

”Their experiences and recommendations must therefore inform the policies and regulations that affect them.”

To achieve the above, according to him, requires FTAN to engage relevant government institutions on issues affecting the industry, including the implementation and harmonisation of the NTDA Act 2022 and the NIHOTOUR Act 2022.

”Our position is not opposition to regulation. We seek policies that promote professionalism, protect standards, and support the sustainable growth of tourism businesses.

”Tourism policies must be developed with the industry, not merely for the industry.

”Government must recognise the organised private sector as a strategic partner, not simply a stakeholder to be informed after decisions have been made,” he said.

Badaki, who is also chairman, Board of Trustees, HATMAN, called for partnership as the only means of achieving the desired end of tourism development and promotion.

”No single institution can transform Nigeria’s tourism industry alone. We need the government, professional associations, educational institutions, investors, technology providers, and tourism operators working towards common objectives.

”Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate, FTAN will continue to promote constructive engagement, stronger collaboration among associations, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that the concerns and recommendations of tourism operators receive appropriate consideration.

”I call on HATMAN and other tourism associations to strengthen this collective effort. A united, organised, and professionally credible private sector will be better positioned to influence policy and contribute meaningfully to national tourism development.”

He commended the resilience of HATMAN’s members for their dedication to the sustenance of the association in the past 20 years, noting that two decades of sustaining the professional platform demonstrate HATMAN’s commitment to advancing hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.’

Speaking earlier on the theme of the conference, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Agenda: Implications for Global Transformation in Hospitality and Tourism’, he noted that it is timely as artificial intelligence and digital technology are changing how people go through the journey of discovering and experiencing destinations. ‘For Nigeria, these developments present opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce operating costs, expand market access, attract investment, and create employment,” Badaki said.

For a thriving and sustainable tourism industry, he called for skilled manpower development, infrastructure and collaboration among others.

”However, technology alone cannot transform our industry. We need skilled professionals, reliable infrastructure, supportive policies, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

”Our task is to combine technological innovation with the warmth of Nigerian hospitality, the richness of our culture, and the professionalism required to compete globally.”

He reiterated his commitment to the need for a more coordinated, structured, and result-oriented approach to tourism development.

”This informed my commitment to the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM)-a vision focused on strengthening tourism associations, promoting investment, improving professional standards, enhancing destination visibility, and building stronger partnerships between government and the private sector,” he said.

With the conference theme aligning with his TTM agenda, Badaki said: ”I therefore encourage HATMAN to prioritise digital skills development, the adoption of affordable technology by hospitality businesses, improved professional standards, and partnerships with educational institutions and technology providers.

”We must prepare our members not merely to adapt to technological change but to use it as a tool for growth and innovation.”

Badaki further disclosed: ”Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate, FTAN will continue to promote constructive engagement, stronger collaboration among associations, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that the concerns and recommendations of tourism operators receive appropriate consideration.

”I call on HATMAN and other tourism associations to strengthen this collective effort. A united, organised, and professionally credible private sector will be better positioned to influence policy and contribute meaningfully to national tourism development.”

”As chairman, Board of Trustees, I encourage HATMAN to translate the knowledge gained from this conference into practical programmes that benefit its members.

”Let us equip our professionals with relevant digital skills, support small and medium-sized hospitality businesses, encourage innovation among young people, and strengthen collaboration with FTAN and relevant government agencies.

”Above all, let us measure our progress by the results we achieve-not merely by the conferences we organise or the policies we announce.

”Nigeria possesses enormous tourism potential. What we need is the collective commitment to convert that potential into investment, jobs, business growth, and sustainable economic development.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment, both as chairman of the Board of Trustees of HATMAN and president of FTAN, to advancing a more competitive, innovative, and professionally organised tourism industry.

”Let HATMAN champion professional excellence and digital readiness. Let FTAN strengthen private sector coordination and advocacy. Let the government provide an enabling policy environment and also take cognisance of the provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to avoid conflicts.

”And let all stakeholders work together to build a tourism industry that is inclusive, investment-ready, and globally competitive.

”The future of Nigerian tourism depends not only on the technology we adopt but also on the policies we implement, the partnerships we build, and the value we create for our people.”

As Nigerians seek opportunities to overcome the economic challenges in the country, Real Estate Cashback Housing Cooperative Society has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to real estate investment and long-term wealth creation for its members.

According to the organisation, it will continue to pursue its vision of making real estate investment more accessible, enabling members to participate in property-backed opportunities while working towards their individual financial goals.

Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Oluwatosin Olatujoye, President of the Cooperative, said the organisation was established on the belief that real estate wealth creation should be accessible to more people through collective participation.

Olatujoye said that the Real Estate Cashback Housing Cooperative was established on a fundamental belief: that the opportunity to build wealth through real estate should not be limited to a select few.

He said that by bringing people together through collective ownership and participation, RECB is creating opportunities for more individuals to take meaningful steps towards financial security and lasting wealth.

Olatujoye added that the cooperative’s growth came with a responsibility to remain accountable to its members and focused on sustainable value creation. ‘Every investment, every development, and every milestone reinforces our responsibility to remain focused on our mission and be accountable to the people who make this cooperative what it is.

‘As we look to the future, our focus remains on strengthening our investment portfolio, expanding opportunities for our members, upholding responsible investment practices, and building a cooperative that continues to create value for generations to come,’ he stated.

Presenting the cooperative’s milestones over the past year, the Treasurer, Prosper Emapkor, outlined its investment activities and the breadth of its property portfolio, operating under the philosophy of ‘Building Wealth, Empowering Members, Creating Legacies

He said that RECB has developed a portfolio spanning residential estates, commercial developments and other real estate assets through its partnership with Zylus Homes. Projects highlighted at the meeting included Arizon Estate, Tiwa Commercial Hub, Tiwa Gardens, Tiwa Gardens II, Lekki Pride II, Lekki Pride III, Zylus Court and its extensions, and Lekki Avana.

Collectively valued at over ?115 billion, the portfolio reflects the scale of the cooperative’s real estate interests and its focus on property-backed investment opportunities. The presentation allowed members to review the cooperative’s investment footprint and consider how its portfolio supports its broader mission of creating opportunities for collective participation in real estate.

Beyond the figures and portfolio updates, member testimonials provided a personal dimension to the 2026 AGM, allowing participants to share their experiences and perspectives on their journeys with RECB. The testimonials highlighted members’ motivations for joining the cooperative, their aspirations for property ownership and wealth creation, and their experiences participating in a community built around collective real estate investment.

Bukola Olatujoye, Chief Executive Officer of Zylus Homes, in her closing remarks emphasised the relationship between effective real estate development, member confidence and the delivery of long-term value.

She highlighted that the role of a development partner extends beyond providing investment opportunities to delivering projects, supporting sustainable communities and maintaining the standards required to serve the interests of property investors.

The 2026 AGM marked another milestone in RECB’s ongoing effort to strengthen its investment community, review its progress and reaffirm its commitment to accessible real estate participation. With a growing international membership and a substantial property portfolio, the cooperative’s next phase will continue to centre on member engagement, responsible investment practices and opportunities for long-term wealth creation.

The meeting brought together members and stakeholders to review the cooperative’s progress, examine its real estate portfolio, and reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities of building wealth through collective participation.

No fewer than 40 persons have been reportedly killed in an attack on Binnari Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, shortly after the Muslim Juma’at prayers. Unconfirmed reports put the number of casualties at at least 40 people.

BusinessDay gathered that while Amnesty International also put the casualty figure at 40, local police in Taraba State put the figure at 10 before more bodies were recovered.

BusinessDay also gathered that many of the residents were reportedly missing, while some were injured, from the attacks.

Reports indicated that the armed men arrived in the community in large numbers on about 50 motorcycles, with each bike carrying two attackers. It was gathered that they opened fire indiscriminately, while also setting homes, shops, and food supply stores ablaze.

They also resorted to looting cash, provisions, and abandoned motorcycles, as they fled the town. Amnesty International have however, criticised the Nigerian government for a slow response, noting that the rural communities and vulnerable areas were abandoned to armed criminal gangs (‘bandits’) who operate with high levels of impunity.

The attackers invaded the village with heavy gunfire and looted food items from shops, police said.

Recall that many Northern communities have consistently experienced a surge in attacks by heavily armed criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, who raid villages, abduct residents for ransom and steal livestock.

The Nigerian military is, however, yet to officially provide information on the attack.

Taraba State, located along the Nigeria-Cameroon border in the North Eastern part of the country, also has one of the largest forest reserves known as the Gashaka Gumti Forest Reserve.

Several leaders in the region have called on the federal government to protect the region against terrorists who constantly raid the region and retreat to the unmanned spaces within the state.