Category: Auto Guid

THE Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) recently convened a broad spectrum of policymakers, industry CEOs, investors, development partners, financial institutions, young innovators and thought leaders from across Nigeria’s technology and telecommunication ecosystem to deepen conversation on driving sustainable innovation further in Nigeria.

The second edition of the premier Innovation Makers Challenge (IMC) Conference and Innovation Exhibition 2.0, which was sponsored by IHS Nigeria and held in Lagos, under the theme: ‘Nurturing Innovation Ecosystems: Beyond Ideas to Real Impact’.

The IMC 2.0, built on the success of its inaugural edition, significantly expanding its scope and ambition. While the first edition focused on two sectors, this year’s conference expanded to five critical areas driving Nigeria’s sustainable development: health, agriculture, education, climate change, and technology.

The uniqueness of this year’s conference was characterised by a top-five live pitch session featuring all-female early-stage Innovators: QiqiFarms (farm produce offtaker AgriTech), Elcornel Business Enterprises Limited (climate-friendly AgriTech), Anatsor Limited (tech-based poultry farming management software enabler), Agrovesto (tech-based AgriTech pioneering operating system for bankable and sustainable agriculture), and Blue Sands STEM Labs(a virtual lab EdTech).

The three winners of the pitch received a combined N9.5 million seed fund to support their growth. Agrovesto received N6 million (prize winner); Blue Sands STEM Labs, N2 million (first runner up); and QiqiFarms, N1 million (second runner up).

Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria, remarked that IMC Conference and Innovation Exhibition was a veritable platform for closing the gap between infrastructure and imagination, and between connectivity and capability by creating opportunity for young innovators to come into the ecosystem, and leverage their creativity to solve real-life problems.

‘As a company, we believe education is one of the most powerful forms of economic empowerment available to us. When entrepreneurs are equipped with the right knowledge, they build stronger businesses. They create employment, develop other people, make smarter decisions and scale responsibly. And, perhaps most importantly, they create value that extends far beyond themselves into their families, their communities, and ultimately, the nation,’ he said.

‘This is the intersection where the Innovation Makers Challenge lives: the meeting point between infrastructure and imagination, between connectivity and capability. That’s the gap this conference exists to close. Not the physical one, the one between having an idea and knowing what to do with that idea.’

Bankole Oloruntoba, Lead Consultant at the TTSWG Secretariat, emphasised that the broader vision ofInnovation Makers Challenge Conference and Exhibition 2.0was to deepen support for sustainability in the technology and telecommunication sector.

‘When we had the first Innovation Makers Challenge Conference and Exhibition, we had quite a number of participants. The first edition focused mostly on two sectors, while today we have expanded to five sectors – health, agriculture, education, climate change and technology,’ he said.

‘We know the sector cannot attain sustainability with just technology alone; we also have to bring in other essential components or wide-range of activities. The IMC is built on the premise of supporting innovation and also creating a convergence for young innovators within those sectors. There are different milestones in building an innovation, but one critical part is the ability to inspire a new generation of innovators. This is part of what IMC seeks to achieve,’ Oloruntoba said.

Other major highlights of this year’s IMC Conference and Innovation Exhibition 2.0included product exhibition, panel discussion, fireside chat, and networking sessions connecting young innovators with investors and industry leaders who can help scale their solutions from idea to market.

Oloruntoba expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the conference sponsor IHS Nigeria, and partners: MTN, Airtel, Co-Creation Hub, Hydrogen, Lagos Business School (LBS00 Sustainability Centre, and Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) for their support to TTSWG and for providing opportunity for young innovators to express their creativity.

A fuel bill does not disappear because government gives it a new name. Someone must pay.

On 8 October, the Federal Government announced a 30-day petrol discount through NNPC. It insists this is not a subsidy. It is also negotiating a ?1,350-per-litre limit on the price at which petrol leaves the refinery or enters the country. Refiners and importers would cover costs above that limit and recover the money later. The limit would be reviewed monthly.

Apparently, ?1,350 is the magic number for stability and renewed hope. But before Nigerians applaud, there are questions to answer.

1. How much is the discount?

A discount should have a clear amount. How many naira will we save on each litre? Saying petrol will be cheaper for 30 days does not tell a family how much it will save, or what happens on day 31.

2. Why ?1,350?

Show us the sums behind this number. It is not a promised pump price. Moving petrol to stations and selling it still costs money. So, what price should Nigerians expect at the pump?

3. What does selling at cost mean?

How much does NNPC pay to buy the petrol, move it, store it and run the station? Buying petrol from a refinery is different from making it. Without the figures, ‘at cost’ tells us very little.

4. What does the country give up?

Selling at cost can mean removing the usual profit margin. But how much profit is NNPC giving up? Could that mean less income for its public owners? Calling it a discount does not make the public cost disappear.

5. Who funds the gap for fuel sellers?

Suppose, as an example, petrol costs ?1,550 per litre at the refinery gate but the seller receives ?1,350. That leaves a ?200 gap. Sellers still need money to buy crude or petrol and keep operating. Who has agreed to carry that bill?

6. What if fuel stays expensive?

Across millions of litres, unpaid costs grow quickly. At what point does the arrangement stop? Unless Tinubunomics comes with a crystal ball, government cannot promise when crude prices will fall enough to clear the bill.

7. How much can sellers claim back?

Is there a limit on the money owed and a deadline for repayment? Can sellers add interest or other charges? Without these rules, a temporary arrangement could leave consumers paying old bills for a long time.

8. Who checks the claims?

Each seller should show its costs, losses and money recovered. Independent checks must stop inflated claims and payment for the same loss twice. Nigerians should not pay extra for waste or poor management.

9. Will prices fall when costs fall?

Or will sellers keep prices higher to recover old losses? Price smoothing delays both increases and decreases; it does not remove fuel costs. The naira can also weaken while dollar oil prices fall, leaving little room to repay earlier losses.

10. Who gets the cheaper petrol?

Government says transporters will have priority. How will stations identify them? What stops someone buying discounted petrol and reselling it? A benefit that cannot be traced may miss the people it is meant to help.

11. Will bus fares come down?

Cheaper petrol for drivers does not guarantee cheaper rides for passengers. Who checks that the saving reaches us? Keeping a high fuel price steady also does not make it affordable. The test is what ordinary people actually save.

12. What are the crude sale terms?

Oyedele used $80 per barrel as an example of a six-month forward sale. A fair deal for future delivery is not automatically a subsidy. But selling below comparable market terms gives up income. Publish the terms and show how consumers benefit.

A pricing framework that works should preserve commercial prices while providing clearly funded, limited support. Any oil revenue used must actually be available. Benefits must reach verified consumers, with published records and independent checks.

Before asking Nigerians to applaud, government should show the costs, payment rules and real savings. A bill pushed into tomorrow is still a bill Nigerians may have to pay. Three years into Tinubunomics, Nigerians deserve answers before another promise.

The Africa Peace Ambassador, Sani Ahmed Gwamna Mayanchi, has said that what Zamfara State needs most at the moment is peace, stressing that security should be the top priority of the state.

Addressing newsmen in Gusau, Mayanchi said welfare should not be prioritised over security, as meaningful development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

He faulted some leaders and stakeholders for remaining silent on the insecurity confronting the state during the recent celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.

He described the celebrations as laudable, saying that significant achievements had been recorded in terms of infrastructural development.

‘The recent 30th anniversary and the 66th Independence celebration are laudable. A lot was achieved in terms of infrastructural development,’ he said.

Governor Dauda Lawal, according to him, deserves commendation for his commitment to the development of the state.

‘In Zamfara, welfare is not our priority. It is for those with selfish interests and personal gain,’ he added.

He maintained that the people of Zamfara were not new to welfare interventions, as they had received various forms of assistance from political leaders, including Senator Abdulaziz Yari, former Governor Bello Matawalle, Zannan Bungudu, and other philanthropists in the state.

‘Our prayer is to have and see a peaceful, prosperous, travel-free and secure Zamfara,’ Mayanchi said.

In a major move to redefine consumer engagement and celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant social culture, brewing giant Nigerian Breweries Plc has officially flagged off its month-long ‘Oktoberfest’ festivities across major cities nationwide.

The extensive campaign integrates several of the company’s flagship consumer platforms and portfolio brands-including Goldberg, Life Continental Beer, 33 Export, and Desperados-into a unified calendar of music, football, fashion, and lifestyle experiences throughout October.

Building on the momentum of the earlier ‘Big Fiesta’ and setting the stage for the upcoming year-end ‘Detty December’ activities, the 2026 Oktoberfest initiative seeks to transform the traditional October calendar into an interconnected universe of entertainment for millions of consumers across the country.

At the core of the nationwide activation is the Big Weekend Xperience, powered by Goldberg, Life, and 33 Export. Recognized as one of the company’s most expansive community beer party platforms, the event combines live musical performances, local talent showcases, DJ sets, interactive games, and consumer rewards directly within host communities.

The roadshow officially commenced with Independence Day editions on October 1 in Ibadan and Abuja, before making stops in Sagamu, Jos, and Awka on October 4. The festive wave moves to Ondo, Makurdi, and Owerri on October 11, followed by Lagos and Calabar on October 18. The month-long tour will wrap up on October 25 with grand finale celebrations across Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu.

For sports enthusiasts, the Fanfest platform-backed by Goldberg and Life-is set to elevate matchday culture. Moving beyond conventional viewing centres, Fanfest creates immersive fan zones that fuse domestic and international football action with live entertainment, gaming, and local cuisine. Sports lovers in Sagamu will experience the activation on October 11, while Ibadan will host the spectacle on October 25.

Adding to the lineup, high-energy lifestyle brand Desperados will bring its signature Roadblock event to the THISDAY Dome in Abuja on October 17. Known for its large-scale Afro-electronic dance experiences, Roadblock combines visual storytelling, dynamic lighting, and immersive stage production. The Abuja edition is expected to attract over 8,000 music lovers, featuring performances by star DJs including Spinall, DJ Dimple Nipple, DJ Big N, and prominent local Abuja talent.

According to organizers, the Oktoberfest calendar reflects Nigerian Breweries’ long-standing commitment to creating shared experiences that bring people together. By providing tailored touchpoints-from electronic dance music in the Federal Capital Territory to community gatherings across the South-East, South-West, and North-the platform offers a diverse range of activities for various consumer preferences.

As the multi-city tour unfolds, Nigerians nationwide can expect a month packed with entertainment, community bonding, and cultural celebration, further reinforcing Nigerian Breweries’ role at the center of the nation’s festive lifestyle.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede (FEDPA), Oyo State, Dr Isiaka Tunji Adelabu, has appealed to a businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Monsuru Ayoade Ejide, to support the construction of student hostels and a security post at the institution’s permanent site in Ayede, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area of the state.

Adelabu made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Ejide at his Kuye residence in Ogbomoso on Thursday, explaining that the facilities would facilitate the relocation of the institution from its temporary site in Iresa-Pupa to its permanent location in Ayede.

The Rector said the provision of hostel accommodation and a security post would accelerate the institution’s transition to its permanent site and create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and institutional development.

According to him, the proposed facilities are critical to the planned relocation and the continued growth of the polytechnic.

‘The construction of hostel accommodation and a security post at the permanent site will quicken our decision to move the institution from the temporary site in Iresa-Pupa to our permanent site in Ayede, Ogbomoso,’ he said.

Welcoming the Rector and members of his entourage, Ejide, who is the global leader of the Islamic Brotherhood of Nigeria (ISBON), congratulated Adelabu on his appointment as the institution’s second substantive Rector and prayed for a successful tenure.

He urged the Rector to seek divine guidance in discharging his responsibilities, noting that effective leadership required wisdom, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility.

‘May the Almighty Allah grant you the wisdom to lead Federal Polytechnic Ayede to greater heights,’ Ejide said.

He stressed that the office of Rector came with enormous responsibilities that required divine assistance, adding that the success of the institution would depend largely on the quality of leadership and decisions taken by its management.

Ejide also advised Adelabu to uphold fairness and impartiality in the administration of the institution, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

He further urged the Rector to ensure that individuals who contributed to the development of the polytechnic were appropriately recognised and rewarded for their efforts.

Responding, Adelabu, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), expressed appreciation to Ejide for his continued interest in the development of the institution.

The Rector’s entourage included the Registrar, Mr Akinlolu Akinpade; the Acting Polytechnic Librarian, Dr Halimah Odunayo Amuda; and the former Acting Rector and Director of Special Duties, Engr Dr Temilola Morufat Adepoju, among others.

Ejide, in his closing remarks, pledged support for the Rector’s request and assured the institution of his willingness to contribute to its growth and development.

THE ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival (EFCF) Nigeria 2026 has entered its decisive phase ahead of its second edition, holding October 27 to 31 in Benin City, Edo State.

Director Corporate Communications, ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, said the festival is more than a celebration of food and culture, describing it as a strategic platform connecting heritage, food security, tourism, creativity, enterprise, investment, youth development and regional integration.

According to him, the festival, with the theme: ‘African Foods, Cultural Heritage, Peace and Security for Sustainable Development, Tourism and Economic Growth’, is built on a three-part philosophy of Heritage, Value and Opportunity.

He explained that heritage represents what communities have inherited, value emerges when those resources are developed into productive activity, and opportunity comes when that value reaches wider markets, investors and tourists.

He said the journey, which began with the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, now moves to Benin City, noting that the transition reflects broader participation and stronger regional relevance.

‘Uyo was the beginning. Edo is the next chapter. And from Edo, the vision continues towards a wider West African audience,’ he stated.

The director said West Africa possesses extraordinary cultural wealth in food, music, fashion, crafts and festivals, adding that Benin City, with the legacy of the Benin Kingdom renowned for bronze and brass craftsmanship, provides a living heritage destination for the 2026 edition.

He stressed that culture possesses economic value, noting that traditional recipes can inspire food brands, indigenous crops can become commercial products and cultural performances can become tourism attractions.

‘From farm to food. From food to market. From market to opportunity. African food is not simply something to consume. It is something to produce, process, brand, commercialise, export and build businesses around,’ he stated.

He said the International Press Conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Abuja, will formally present the festival to the national and international media and unveil programmes, partnerships and investment opportunities.

The director added that the Face of EFCF platform, designed beyond conventional beauty pageantry to emphasise cultural knowledge, intelligence and leadership, will produce young ambassadors to carry the festival’s message beyond Benin City.

A large number of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bauchi State have defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), citing what they described as the landmark achievements of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed as the reason for their decision.

The defectors, led by Mr Muntaqa Ahmad Zubairu, the Chairman of the party’s decampees, said their decision to join the APM was motivated by their assessment of the governor’s performance, particularly in infrastructure development and other areas of governance across the state.

They expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership, noting that his administration’s projects and policies influenced their decision to align with the APM and support his political direction.

The development is seen as a fresh political realignment in Bauchi State, as supporters from the NDC move to the APM, with the stated aim of supporting Governor Mohammed and his administration.

The delegation was received by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, while the party’s State Secretary, Alhassan Danlami Bako, spoke on behalf of the group.

Bako said the decision to join the APM followed their assessment of the achievements and developmental initiatives of the Bala Mohammed-led administration.

He commended the governor’s efforts towards the development of the state, adding that the group was willing to contribute to the progress of Bauchi through its membership of the APM.

According to him, their defection was motivated by their desire to identify with the administration’s development agenda and support its continuity.

The defectors called on their supporters and other residents of the state to recognise the importance of continuity in governance, pointing to the need for sustained development and the completion of ongoing projects.

Governor Mohammed welcomed the defectors into the APM and expressed appreciation for their confidence in his administration.

He assured the new members of his commitment to inclusive leadership, sustainable development and the implementation of policies aimed at improving the lives of the people of Bauchi State.

The governor also encouraged them to work with other party members towards achieving the objectives of the movement and advancing the state’s development.

Also present at the reception was Dr Yakubu Adamu, the APM governorship candidate in Bauchi State, alongside other party leaders.

SUSPECTED Lakurawa gunmen have attacked the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing three persons and injuring two others.

This is just as another group attacked communities in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and killed a humanitarian worker and a police inspector.

In Kebbi, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the victims included two security personnel and a foreign national working on the road project, while two civilians sustained gunshot injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed that the attack occurred at Gubba village, through Andarai District of Maiyama Local Government Area.

Usman said gunmen, suspected to be Lakurawa terrorists, encroached from Kebbi axis of neighbouring Sokoto State, attacked the construction site, killing two security personnel and the foreign national.

He added that two civilians were injured in the attack and were subsequently evacuated for medical attention.

The police spokesperson noted that, on the same day, another attack by the suspected terrorists along the Birnin Malam axis was repelled by police teams.

He said joint security forces responded to the attacks, with tactical teams deployed to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.

The PPRO further disclosed that scores of the attackers were killed by military personnel, while several motorcycles were recovered.

Following the incident, construction activities at the affected site have been suspended as security agencies intensify surveillance and deploy additional personnel to the area.

The PPRO assured workers on the project of government’s commitment to their safety, urging them to remain calm as security agencies continue efforts to safeguard their lives and property.

In the Sokoto incident, the victims were a humanitarian worker, Ms Lydia Chinenye Nwankwo, and a policeman.

Nwankwo was a field operations professional and was in the course of her work when she was reportedly ambushed alongside members of her team while returning from field operations in Kajiji community on Tuesday.

Her sister, Chisom Nwankwo, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Thursday, while announcing her death.

According to Chisom, Nwankwo and her colleagues came under heavy gunfire, as the gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, killing her instantly.

Her colleagues described her as a dedicated professional committed to providing assistance to vulnerable communities in hard-to-reach areas.

The state police command also confirmed the death of the police inspector.

The PPRO, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Shagari Local Government had briefed the command headquarters of the incident.

Rufai, however, said the command was still gathering information and could not immediately provide full details.

He said: ‘I just spoke with the DPO in charge of Shagari now, who confirmed the attack on some communities in the local government. We are still on it. I cannot give details now until I gather my information about the incident. I will get back to you on it.’

The Lagos State House of Assembly has constituted an eight-member Ad Hoc Committee to identify, document and facilitate the recovery of assets belonging to the Lagos State Government.

The committee is saddled with the responsibility of identifying and establishing the status of all documented and undocumented properties and other assets owned by the State Government.

Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Obafemi Saheed, emphasised that effective oversight and accountability remain key legislative responsibilities of the House. He noted that this includes scrutinising government expenditure, monitoring the utilisation of public funds and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is responsibly applied in line with approved objectives.

He further explained that the exercise would enable the committee to establish the assets owned by the State, assess their current status and determine whether they are being effectively utilised for the benefit of Lagos residents.

He enjoined the MDAs that were yet to submit the requested documents to do so without further delay and appear before the committee as scheduled. He warned that any Head of Ministry, Agency or Institution that treats the committee with disdain or fails to appear before it will be dealt with accordingly.

He added that the committee has the power to subpoena anyone and can seek the House’s approval to issue a warrant of arrest against recalcitrant persons.

The Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that have so far appeared before the committee include the Lagos State New Town Development Authority (NTDA); the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA); the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA); the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture; the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education; the Ministry of Tertiary Education; the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment; Lagos State Ferry Services; the Lagos State Printing Corporation; the Lagos State Agriculture Input Supply Authority; and the Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority.

During the engagements, the committee made pertinent inquiries and directed the MDAs to provide comprehensive records of all assets under their custody, including both documented and undocumented properties.

The exercise is aimed at identifying, verifying and facilitating the recovery of such assets for the benefit of the State.

The exercise is expected to continue, with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies scheduled to appear before the committee.

Other members present at the meeting were Hon. Jubreel Abdulkareem, Hon. Olayinka Kazeem, Hon. Samuel Apata, Hon. Sobur Oluwa and Hon. Bonu Solomon.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has identified education, employment, technology and youth empowerment as critical factors in achieving sustainable security, stressing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through the use of guns and ammunition alone.

The governor stated this on Thursday in Lokoja while delivering his keynote address at the Kogi Youth Security Summit 2026, themed ‘Building a Secure Kogi Together: Empowering Youth as the First Line of Peace and Community Security.’

Ododo explained that addressing the root causes of insecurity requires deliberate investments in human capital development, economic opportunities and social inclusion, particularly for young people.

He said his administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for youths to thrive through free and compulsory education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, technology, responsible mining and infrastructure development.

‘Development is security because development gives people something valuable to protect,’ the governor declared.

He emphasised that empowering young people with relevant skills, education and sustainable sources of livelihood would reduce their vulnerability to criminal activities and encourage them to contribute meaningfully to the peace and development of the state.

On the role of technology in strengthening security, Ododo commended engineering students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) for their innovations in drone technology.

He urged young people to embrace digital innovation and apply their technological knowledge to addressing security challenges in their communities.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and security agencies for their efforts to combat insecurity, calling on youths to support ongoing interventions by rejecting cultism, drug abuse, political thuggery and other criminal activities.

He further urged residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies and refrain from spreading misinformation, hate speech and unverified reports on social media.

According to him, citizens have an important role to play in protecting their communities by reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with relevant authorities.

‘Reporting danger is not betrayal. It is a responsibility. It is patriotism. It is love for your community,’ Ododo stated.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, disclosed plans to establish Youth Peace Ambassadors across the 21 local government areas of the state.

He explained that the initiative would strengthen collaboration between young people and security agencies while promoting peaceful coexistence and community participation in security management.

Anyebe also highlighted the importance of sports as a tool for promoting peace, unity and positive youth engagement.

Similarly, the keynote speaker, Chief Yusuf Haruna Abiona, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hay Bravo Security Limited, called for stronger partnerships between communities and security agencies.

Abiona advocated the establishment of effective early-warning systems, improved information sharing and sustained youth empowerment as measures to prevent security threats and strengthen community resilience.

The summit attracted government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders and other stakeholders, who deliberated on strategies for improving security through collective responsibility and stronger community engagement.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Kogi State where young people have access to quality education, meaningful employment, technological innovation and opportunities to realise their potential.

He maintained that investing in the future of young people remains a vital component of the state’s broader strategy to achieve lasting peace, security and sustainable development.