Category: Business Day

Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has said that forces from the Federal Government were working to stop him from being on the ballot in 2027 to fulfill his aspiration to become president of Nigeria, insisting they will fail.

Obi, who was a guest speaker at a leadership programme hosted by a group, NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative on Friday at Madonna University Okija, Anambra State also challenged all those aspiring to be president of Nigeria, including President Bola Tinubu to a debate, insisting that he remained the most qualified of all of them.

Obi also reacted to the news of a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its earlier judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

Obi, while speaking to the students, said: ‘If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.

Read also: Sowore: Peter Obi warns of ‘dangerous slide toward authoritarianism’

‘I’m rather focussed at the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going.

‘I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. I’m not contesting election because I’m an igbo man, but vote for me because I’m the most qualified.

‘I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work.

‘It is not about Igbo people but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the north.

‘I will fight to make Nigeria better and end the criminality in Nigeria. There is insecurity in the entire country and everyone is involved, so I want to build a country that works.’

Obi insisted that Nigeria’s problem was lack of commitment by leaders, saying that some forces who he described as reactionary forces were bent on holding the country down.

When journalists told Obi of a court judgement had called for the deregistration of NDC, Obi said: ‘They cannot stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy and to those who want to kill this democracy they are trying to hurt the society.

‘The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are bent on holding Nigeria down do not want it to work but I can assure you it would work. I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail.

‘Nowhere is safe in Nigeria today, yet the people who should help salvage the country are bent on hurting our democracy. My message to all those who mean well for Nigeria and not just my supporters is for us to remain peaceful and continue to resist this tragedy being imposed on Nigeria.’

Obi also donated N15million to the university, harping on the need to support education and health sectors, describing them as critical sectors in any country.

When considered from the three perspectives of high profitability, the rich nutritional content and the ease of cultivation, mushroom farming should attract more media attention than it has gained over the decades. Hence, the focus on these three facilitating factors in this write up.

PROFITABILITY

On a general note mushroom farming is considered highly profitable, with gross margins often exceeding 50% and benefit-cost ratios above 2.6. Also, it requires minimal capital and space, so that growers can yield significant returns by cultivating fast-growing varieties like Oyster or Lion’s Mane, which cycle from spawn to harvest in just 6 to 12 weeks.

With regards to profit potential based on Return on Investment, ROI, the rapid turnaround allows for year-round cultivation, turning small initial investments into steady revenue streams. And as far the market demand, gourmet and medicinal mushrooms yield premium prices, making them more lucrative than basic agricultural commodities.

The basic elements of profitability begin with low startup costs. Generally mushrooms thrive in enclosed, controlled environments (like garages, basements, or dedicated climate-controlled sheds). One does not need acres of expensive farmland.

Good enough, there is byproduct utilization as used mushroom substrate (spent mushroom compost) can be sold to local gardeners or used to enrich your own soil, creating an additional income stream. From value-addition it shows that selling fresh mushrooms is profitable, but dehydrating, powdering, or partnering with local restaurants to supply specialty goods drastically increases profit margins.

There are however, challenges to manage spoilage: Fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life. It therefore , means that developing consistent local distribution or cold storage is critical

and imperative.

On the ñeed for strict çlimate çontrol it should be noted that fungi are sensitive to temperature, humidity, and airflow. Contamination from molds or pests can ruin an entire yield if strict hygiene is not maintained. It therefore means that actionable next stepsto maximize your local profit margins, should focus on wholesale and direct-to-consumer routes rather than low-margin local markets.

The piece of advice is for the farmer to partner directly with high-end hotels, supermarkets, and local restaurants in your area to establish steady, bulk-order contracts.

Also add your mushrooms to local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs or food box delivery services and learn the basics. For instance, use resources like the FAO Mushroom Farming Guide to better understand the low-tech cultivation cycles and grow room requirements.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

Nutritionists agree that mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses that are low in calories, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. They therefore, act as excellent meat substitutes while delivering essential dietary fibre, protein, and a robust profile of vitamins (like B-complex and D) and minerals (such as selenium, copper, and potassium) to support a balanced diet.

Mushrooms bolster the Immune and Gut Health because they are clearly rich in beta-glucans and antioxidants (like ergothioneine and glutathione). They also reduce oxidative stress and actively support immune function.

On heart and bone health they are beneficial because they have high content of potassium and are low in sodium. They help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular strain. And as a good source of Vitamin D nushrooms are the only plant-based food naturally capable of producing vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV light. This is essential for calcium absorption and bone strength.

Boosting Brain Function: According to nutritionists certain varieties, such as Lion’s Mane and Shiitake, contain compounds that stimulate brain cell growth and have been linked to a significantly lower risk of cognitive impairment.For a quick butrient breakdown (1 Cup of Cremini)Calories: 15Protein: 2.2 gramsFiber: 0.5 gramsSelenium: Helps your body make antioxidants to prevent cell damage.

CULTIVATION

Farmers and those interested in cultivating mushrooms should know that it involves preparing a nutrient-rich organic base (substrate), introducing mushroom ‘seeds’ (spawn) in a sterile environment, and maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels. This is to encourage the mycelium to colonize and fruit.

The 6-Step Cultivation Process:

Step 1: Substrate PreparationMushrooms do not grow in soil; they need organic material (straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, or manure) to feed on.

Step 2: Pasteurization or SterilizationThis step eliminates competing molds and bacteria. You can sterilize bags of substrate using a pressure cooker, or pasteurize them by holding the substrate at a steady temperature of around (65text{^circ C}) to (85text{^circ C}) for a few hours.

Step 3: Inoculation (Spawning)In a sterile environment, mix mushroom spawn (mycelium grown on grain) into your cooled substrate.

Step 4: Incubation (Colonization)Seal the inoculated substrate in bags or containers and store them in a dark, warm space (around (21text{^circ C}) to (24text{^circ C})) for 2 to 4 weeks. Wait until the substrate is entirely covered in white, fuzzy mycelium.

Step 5: Inducing FruitingMove the colonized substrate to a fruiting chamber with indirect light, high humidity (80% – 95%), and fresh air. The change in environment ‘shocks’ the mycelium into growing mushrooms.

Step 6: This final step involves Pinning and Harvesting. Tiny mushroom ‘pins’ will form and grow into full-sized mushrooms within days. Harvest them by gently twisting or using a knife to cut them at the base instead of pulling them up, encouraging further flushes of growth.

In all of these focus on the need to know more about mushroom farming the nitty gritty has been provided from the potentially high profitability, the high nutritional contents and how to go about its cultivation and marketing. Methinks, this is one great crop farming to venture into.

As part of ongoing efforts at boosting tourism development, especially at the domestic front, Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) is strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Government.

The collaboration, which has seen the two partner in some initiatives such as the celebration of World Tourism Day last year, cleaning of beaches, participation and promotion of Nigeria tourism potential at World Travel Market in London and in Dubai, also include destination marketing within the country, and other community-based tourism initiatives.

Riding on the successful collaborations, NATOP is engaging Lagos State, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

The AGM, which was scheduled to hold in Enugu, will now take place in Lagos on the theme ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development’, and will also witness, among other highlights, the opening of NATOP Secretariat on July 8, 2026, in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Explaining the change of the host state, during a media parley at Provida Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently, Bolaji Mustapha, president, NATOP, noted that it was due to the support and collaborations from Lagos State, which she praised for consistent support for the tourism sector.

According to her, NATOP traditionally rotates its AGM across states in the country that have strong tourism potential, but decided to return to Lagos this year in recognition of the state’s commitment to supporting tourism stakeholders and promoting Nigeria on the global stage, while also describing the partnership as a model for public-private collaboration in destination marketing.

Mustapha noted that Lagos State is reaping from its partnership with the association during last year’s World Tourism Day activities, which included a tour of Takwa Bay Beach, where NATOP and Lagos State met local tourism operators, heard their challenges and sorted out some in their capacity as emergency intervention initiatives.

The locals are testifying to the intervention, considering the improvement in their services, amid welcoming more visitors at Tarkwa Bay.

Also, Mustapha did not fail to acknowledge Lagos State’s role in helping Nigeria to regain visibility at major international tourism events after years of limited participation, especially at tthe World Travel Market in London last year, and in Dubai. According to her, Lagos is among the state governments that are supporting Nigeria’s participation and tourism promotion events across the world now.

‘Lagos State has consistently demonstrated its commitment to promoting Nigeria as a tourism destination to the world both at home and on the global stage,’ the NATOP president said.

One of the highlights of the 10th AGM, according to Mustapha, is the opening of NATOP’s first-ever national secretariat on July 8, 2026 at Opebi, Lagos. Beyond being an official physical address for the association, the facility, according to her, will also be a resource and content creation hub for members, space for meetings, networking, photography, video production, and tourism promotion activities.

Also speaking at the event, Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and representative of Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, said that the partnership with NATOP and other related private sector tourism bodies is aimed at unlocking the sector’s economic potential in the state.

The partnership, according to her, is also in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s development agenda, which sees tourism and entertainment as key pillars.

‘Lagos State appreciates the efforts of tour operators in promoting our culture, heritage, cuisine, people and destinations. By showcasing what Nigeria has to offer, NATOP is creating opportunities for economic growth,’ she said.

Meanwhile, NATOP’s 10th AGM will witness the gathering of tour operators, travel professionals, investors, hospitality businesses, government agencies and development partners from across Nigeria.

The AGM is also expected to feature other excitement from networking, advocacy, paper presentations, talks and to tours.

Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State has announced the restriction of commercial motorcycle operations within the locality from the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

This is coming on the heels of the Abia State Government’s ban on commercial motorcycle operations in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia metropolises.

Dike Briggs Nwankwo, the Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area, in a statement, signed by Chidi Onyedikachi, his Chief Press Secretary, and obtained by BusinessDay, stated that the

directive shall take effect from Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Nwankwo said that the decision was taken following extensive consultations with Ukwa West Commercial Motorcycle Operators’ Union (Okada Union), security agencies, and relevant state authorities to address recent security challenges in the area, particularly the incidents involving the killing of motorcycle operators and the theft of their motorcycles, among other criminal activities.

He also said that the Local Government in collaboration with commercial motorcycle operators’ union, shall undertake the profiling and registration of all motorcycle operators within the Local Government Area for proper identification and enhanced security monitoring.

Read also: Abia bans commercial motorcycles in Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia

He directed all commercial motorcycle operators to relocate their loading and parking activities to the designated area in front of the market, as agreed with the Union leadership, in order to prevent obstruction at the junction and ensure the free flow of traffic.

He warned that any motorcycle operator or individual found operating outside the approved hours or violating any of these directives shall have his motorcycle impounded, while the individual will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Nwankwo called on all motorcycle operators and members of the public to cooperate fully with these measures, which according to him was introduced in the interest of public safety and the protection of lives and property.

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), the platform for spotlighting and celebrating young change makers and visionaries, has officially opened nominations for its landmark 20th year.

According to the organizers, the 20th TFAA event will highlight the evolution of the awards and the African continent by honouring a new generation of Africans using emerging technologies as catalysts for transformation. From creators and founders to innovators and storytellers, the awards will honour a generation that is reshaping narratives and industries across the continent in unprecedented ways.

With the 20th edition of the awards embracing innovation and modern technology, TFAA has also introduced five new categories: Energy and Sustainability, Creative Excellence, Technology and Innovation, Comedy Content Creation, and Lifestyle Content Creation.

Speaking on this year’s edition, the Executive Director of The Future Awards (TFAA), Ayodeji Razaq, said, ‘From inception to this moment, TFAA has never just been an award ceremony; it has been a movement. A movement that reminds young Africans that they are the future, and that greatness is not abstract; it is real, it is human, and it is present in every one of them. As we mark 20 years, we are celebrating a generation that is boldly redefining what is possible. Across the continent, young Africans are leveraging technology, creativity, innovation, and influence to solve problems, build businesses, shape culture, and transform communities. We are excited to discover and celebrate these remarkable individuals.’

Razaq said members of the public are invited to nominate outstanding young Africans aged 18 to 35 who are making meaningful contributions and driving positive change across industries and communities across the continent.

Victoria Uwadoka, lead corporate affairs and sustainability, Nestlé Nigeria, has said that lasting environmental progress depends on collective ownership by Nigerians.

‘Lasting environmental progress depends on that sense of collective ownership, and it is often through small actions taken together that meaningful change begins,’ Uwadoka stated during a recent stakeholders coordinated action to support environmental stewardship and responsible waste management.

According to Uwadoka, environmental progress is most sustainable when communities take ownership as active participants rather than observers.

‘What encouraged us most this year was not only the volume of waste recovered, but the willingness of volunteers, partners and community members to work together towards a shared goal,’ she stated.

Balarabe Abbas Lawal, minister of Environment, stated that addressing environmental challenges requires consistent action at all levels.

‘Initiatives such as this demonstrate how government, private sector and communities can work together to drive responsible environmental practices and deliver real impact,’ stated Lawal, who was represented by Adeola Omotunde, director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Federal Ministry of Environment.

Nestlé Nigeria, working alongside coalition partners, recently completed the 2026 World Environment Day community sensitisation and clean-up campaign across 12 locations nationwide.

According to reports by the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), a total of 4,507.8kg of solid waste and 48.2kg of recyclable waste was recovered, through the efforts of 424 volunteers across the 12 locations.

The recovered waste was channelled through appropriate recycling and disposal pathways, contributing to cleaner public spaces and supporting broader efforts to reduce waste leakage into the environment.

‘Nigeria’s plastic pollution challenge requires bold, collaborative action, and this initiative demonstrates the value of bringing together communities, partners and the private sector around a shared goal,’ Esther Chibueyin Fagbo, the representative of the Country Manager of the National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP).

The nationwide activation was driven by Nestlé Cares volunteers, the company’s employee volunteering programme, alongside volunteers from the 15 organisations participating in the coalition unveiled ahead of World Environment Day.

Across Lagos, Abuja, Agbara, Jos, Kano, Enugu, Awka, Ota, Abaji, Sagamu, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, volunteers worked alongside community members in structured clean-up and sensitization activities designed to strengthen environmental awareness and encourage responsible waste management practices.

As Nestlé Nigeria continues to work with partners, communities and stakeholders to create shared value, the initiative demonstrates how collective action can contribute to cleaner environments, stronger waste recovery systems and more sustainable communities.

The company remains committed to supporting collaborative approaches that help advance circular economy outcomes across Nigeria.

In an era defined by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, data-driven economies, and unprecedented technological transformation, the meaning of wealth is undergoing a profound re-evaluation. Across societies, success is often measured through financial statements, market valuations, luxurious lifestyles, and visible symbols of prosperity. Yet beneath the surface of these measurements lies a deeper truth that deserves careful reflection.

The digital age has amplified humanity’s capacity to create and accumulate wealth. Individuals can build global businesses from mobile devices, acquire new skills through online learning, and connect with opportunities that were unimaginable only a few decades ago. Nevertheless, the increase in economic possibilities has not automatically translated into greater fulfilment, peace, or purpose. Indeed, many people possess financial resources yet struggle with anxiety, isolation, and a lack of meaning.

This reality invites an important question: What is the true face of wealth?

My reflection on this subject emerged from a simple but insightful conversation. Someone asked whether wealth should not simply be measured by the amount of money a person possesses. The question was understandable. Throughout history, money has served as a visible indicator of prosperity. It provides access to goods and services, facilitates commerce, and offers opportunities for personal advancement.

Yet money, important as it is, does not tell the whole story.

The true face of wealth is not money itself. The true face of wealth is sufficiency.

Sufficiency represents a state in which a person possesses what is necessary to live meaningfully, contribute positively, and fulfil a purpose-driven life. It reflects balance rather than excess, substance rather than appearance, and wholeness rather than accumulation.

In the digital age, this understanding of wealth is more relevant than ever. We live in a world where social media often encourages comparison. Individuals are continuously exposed to curated images of success, luxury, influence, and achievement. The danger is that many begin to pursue symbols instead of substance.

Money is a symbol of wealth, but it is not wealth itself.

Similarly, follower counts are symbols of visibility, but they are not influence. Academic titles are symbols of knowledge, but they are not wisdom. Digital connectivity is a symbol of access, but it is not necessarily a meaningful relationship.

When people mistake symbols for substance, they risk building lives that appear successful externally while remaining empty internally.

True wealth begins with wisdom. A person with sufficient wisdom can make sound decisions, discern opportunities, avoid unnecessary pitfalls, and navigate complexity with clarity. In contemporary society, information is abundant, but wisdom remains rare. The internet can provide facts within seconds, yet wisdom is required to interpret those facts responsibly and apply them effectively.

Another dimension of genuine wealth is peace. Regardless of financial standing, a person who cannot sleep peacefully at night due to fear, guilt, anxiety, or constant pressure has not fully experienced wealth. Peace provides stability during uncertainty and confidence during adversity. It is a priceless asset that cannot be purchased in any marketplace.

Relationships also form an essential component of wealth. Human beings are designed for connection. A person may possess extensive financial resources but still experience loneliness and emotional emptiness. Conversely, individuals with strong families, trusted friends, supportive communities, and healthy professional networks often enjoy a richness that transcends monetary valuation.

Purpose is another pillar of true prosperity. Wealth without purpose eventually loses direction. The most fulfilled individuals are often those who understand why they exist and consistently align their efforts with that understanding. Purpose transforms work into contribution, ambition into service, and success into significance.

The digital economy provides countless opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. However, genuine prosperity should not simply be measured by what people accumulate but also by the value they create. The entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, technologists, faith leaders, and community builders who improve the lives of others contribute to a form of wealth that outlives financial transactions.

An equally important lesson emerges when considering the relationship between health and wealth.

Many people assume that medicine represents health. In reality, medicine serves a valuable role when health has been challenged. The ultimate desire is not medicine but wellness. Likewise, the ultimate pursuit should not be money alone but a state of sufficiency that enables flourishing.

Good health remains one of the greatest dimensions of wealth in the digital age. As technology enables longer working hours and constant connectivity, individuals must intentionally preserve their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Productivity without wellness eventually becomes unsustainable.

This perspective helps to explain why some of the world’s most financially successful individuals continue to invest significant time in health, learning, personal growth, and meaningful relationships. They understand that wealth is multidimensional.

A balanced life therefore, becomes a more accurate indicator of prosperity than financial figures alone. Balance allows individuals to pursue excellence without sacrificing integrity, build careers without neglecting family, embrace innovation without abandoning values, and achieve success without losing themselves in the process.

For younger generations navigating a rapidly evolving digital landscape, this understanding offers an important corrective. The goal should not merely be to become rich. The goal should be to become sufficient in all things that matter.

This includes sufficient knowledge to adapt to change, sufficient resilience to overcome setbacks, sufficient character to sustain leadership, sufficient compassion to serve others, sufficient health to enjoy life, and sufficient resources to fulfil meaningful aspirations.

When viewed through this lens, wealth becomes less about possession and more about stewardship. Resources, talents, opportunities, and influence are not merely assets for personal consumption; they are responsibilities to be managed wisely for the benefit of others and future generations.

The digital age presents extraordinary opportunities. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and emerging technologies are reshaping economies worldwide. However, regardless of how advanced society becomes, the foundational principles of meaningful living remain remarkably consistent.

People continue to seek peace. They continue to seek purpose. They continue to seek belonging, significance, and well-being.

These enduring human needs remind us that technology should enhance life rather than define it. Financial achievement should support purpose rather than replace it. Success should elevate character rather than overshadow it.

Ultimately, the richest life is not necessarily the one with the greatest accumulation of money, but the one characterised by sufficiency in purpose, abundance in peace, strength in health, depth in relationships, clarity in wisdom, and impact in service.

That is the true face of wealth.

As society continues its journey through the opportunities and complexities of the digital age, we would do well to remember a timeless lesson: pursue not merely the symbols of success, but the substance of a meaningful life.

For money may measure certain aspects of prosperity, but sufficiency reveals its deepest meaning. And in a world increasingly focused on appearances, the greatest wealth remains a life well lived, a purpose well fulfilled, and a legacy that positively transforms others.

Daystar Power Group has completed solar installations at four Nestlé manufacturing facilities across West Africa, bringing total installed capacity to 6,884 kilowatt-peak, a figure that positions the partnership among the largest commercial and industrial clean energy arrangements on the continent.

The deployments, which cover sites in Abidjan, Tema, and Dakar, are all fully operational. In Côte d’Ivoire alone, two Abidjan facilities account for 3,447 kWp of combined capacity. A 2,547 kWp system serves Nestlé’s factory in Tema, Ghana, while an 890 kWp installation runs at the Dakar facility in Senegal. Each system was engineered to the specific grid conditions and operational demands of its location, rather than applied as an off-the-shelf solution.

The expansion marks a significant evolution from what began as a single-site commissioning. That Daystar Power has now delivered across three countries for the same client signals something the broader C and I solar market in sub-Saharan Africa has been waiting to see: a replicable model that a global manufacturer is willing to scale.

‘Nearly 7 megawatts across four Nestlé facilities is a number we are proud of, but what it represents matters more than the figure itself,’ said Yischai Beinisch, chief executive of Daystar Power Group. ‘It means that one of the world’s most demanding manufacturers has tested our model, trusted it, and come back. Our job now is to keep earning that, across every market where industry needs energy it can count on.’

For Nestlé, the installations are part of a wider effort to embed sustainability into its West African operations rather than treat it as a peripheral commitment. The company has publicly stated net-zero targets, and the solar buildout feeds directly into those obligations – reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy resilience at facilities that rely on consistent power to maintain production.

Samer Chedid, chief executive of Nestlé’s Central and West Africa region, framed the investment in terms of the company’s broader identity in the region. ‘This investment reflects our commitment to building a business that not only grows but does so responsibly,’ he said. ‘By advancing solar energy projects in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, we are embedding sustainability into our growth, reinforcing our role as a force for good, creating long-term value for communities, and ensuring that our footprint actively contributes to a cleaner, more resilient future.’

The timing is notable. West Africa’s industrial sector faces persistent grid instability in major manufacturing corridors, and the cost of diesel backup power remains a significant drag on operating margins. Commercial solar, particularly when designed around a facility’s load profile and grid interface, increasingly offers manufacturers a credible path to both cost control and emissions reduction – without requiring them to compromise on uptime.

Daystar Power, which operates across multiple West African markets, has built its model around exactly that proposition: energy that industrial clients can run on, not just point to. The Nestlé partnership now provides the clearest public proof of that thesis at scale.

With Nestlé’s manufacturing footprint extending further across the region, and Daystar Power’s operational infrastructure already in place in the relevant markets, the companies have indicated the relationship is structured to grow. Whether additional sites follow will depend on how the existing four perform under the demands of a company whose production tolerances leave little room for energy variability.

At 6,884 kWp and counting, the baseline is set.

Co-hosts Canada became the first team to book a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday.

Stephen Eustaquio struck deep into stoppage time to send Canada into the last 16, breaking South African hearts in a tense Round of 32 clash at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

With both sides making their first-ever appearance beyond the World Cup group stage, the contest looked destined for extra time before Eustaquio produced the decisive moment in the 92nd minute.

The Porto midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Los Angeles FC, controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a superb strike from just outside the penalty area that beat South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and nestled into the bottom corner.

The late goal settled a tightly contested match that produced few clear-cut chances, sparking wild celebrations as Canada’s substitutes and coaching staff poured onto the pitch at the final whistle.

‘We are excited that we’re still playing and relieved that we managed to get over the line. It was a difficult match, and we knew it was going to be,’ Canada defender Alistair Johnston said.

‘It’s still a pinch-me moment, honestly. We just won a knockout-round match at a World Cup.’

Canada are competing in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time after finishing second in their group behind Switzerland.

Because they did not top the group, the co-hosts had to leave Vancouver for the United States to face South Africa in Los Angeles.

Canada will now travel to Houston for a Round of 16 clash on Saturday against either the Netherlands or Morocco, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

When Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, said recently that he did not see ‘the level of hunger Nigerians are complaining about,’ his words landed like a spark in a country already weighed down by hardship.

Within hours, social media erupted. Thousands of Nigerians pushed back, accusing the presidential aide of being disconnected from the realities confronting millions of households. For many families, survival has become a daily calculation, whether to buy food or pay transport fares, whether to settle school fees or purchase medicines.

The controversy once again exposed the widening gulf between official optimism and public frustration. But beyond the emotions, the debate raises a more important question: How poor are Nigerians today?

The answer lies not in political rhetoric but in the numbers.

Three years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office and introduced what economists have described as bold but necessary economic reforms, Nigeria presents two sharply contrasting realities.

On one hand, the government has plenty to celebrate. The removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market have helped stabilise public finances. Foreign reserves have climbed above $51 billion, the highest level in nearly two decades. Economic growth accelerated to about 3.87 percent in 2025, while international credit rating agencies have acknowledged improvements in Nigeria’s fiscal outlook. Government officials insist that painful reforms are beginning to yield results and that the economy is finally turning the corner.

Yet for millions of Nigerians, those gains remain largely invisible. The country’s macroeconomic indicators may be improving, but the welfare of ordinary households tells a completely different story.

Figures from the International Monetary Fund paint a troubling picture. The proportion of Nigerians living below the national poverty line has risen steadily, from 56 percent in 2023 to 61 percent in 2024 before reaching 63 percent in 2025.

The IMF’s 2026 Article IV Consultation also estimates that about 27 million Nigerians faced severe food insecurity, driven by persistently high transport costs, rising food prices and disruptions to agricultural supply chains.

Behind every percentage lies a human story. It means millions of families now skip meals more frequently than they did three years ago. It means parents increasingly struggle to keep their children in school, workers spend a larger share of their salaries just getting to work, and many households have abandoned nutritious diets for cheaper alternatives simply to survive.

Independent estimates based on World Bank data reveal an equally disturbing trend.

‘The number of Nigerians living below the national poverty line increased from about 125 million in 2023 to an estimated 143 million in 2026,’ Oluwole Crowther, a Lagos-based economist, said referring to the World Bank report.

‘In practical terms,’ he said, ‘approximately 18 million additional Nigerians have fallen into poverty within three years.’

That increase is roughly equivalent to adding the entire population of several Nigerian states to the poverty register. Much of this deterioration has been fuelled by inflation.

Following the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, transportation costs surged, feeding directly into food prices and the cost of virtually every essential commodity. While inflation has begun to moderate, prices remain significantly higher than they were before the reforms.

For households whose incomes have remained largely stagnant, every trip to the market now buys less than it did only a few years ago.

Crowther notes that Nigeria’s experience mirrors what several countries faced after implementing similar reforms.

‘Experience from several countries shows that fuel subsidy reforms often impose significant short-term costs on households, particularly low-income groups,’ he explained.

Countries such as Ghana, Egypt and Iran experienced sharp inflation after subsidy removal. However, many complemented the reforms with robust social protection programmes, targeted cash transfers and expanded public transportation to cushion the impact on vulnerable citizens.

Nigeria introduced interventions including conditional cash transfers, student loans and compressed natural gas initiatives.

However, according to Crowther, ‘available evidence suggests that these interventions have not fully offset the impact of higher living costs on many households.’

This explains why government officials and ordinary Nigerians often appear to be describing two different economies.

‘The apparent disconnect between official statements and public sentiment stems from the difference between macroeconomic indicators and welfare indicators,’ Crowther said.

‘Macroeconomic indicators assess the health and stability of the economy, while welfare indicators measure how households are actually living.’

Indeed, both realities can exist simultaneously. An economy may become more stable while millions of citizens continue to struggle. Rising foreign reserves do not automatically lower food prices. A stronger fiscal position does not immediately restore lost purchasing power. Improved investor confidence does not instantly translate into fuller dining tables.

That is the paradox confronting Nigeria today. The reforms have corrected some long-standing distortions in the economy and placed public finances on a stronger footing. But they have also imposed enormous costs on households already living on the margins.

The challenge now is ensuring that macroeconomic gains begin to translate into improvements in people’s daily lives.

For Crowther, that is the real measure of success. ‘Both narratives contain elements of truth,’ he observed.

‘The government can point to improving macroeconomic fundamentals, but indicators relating to poverty, food affordability, real wages and household welfare suggest that many Nigerians continue to face significant economic hardship.’

He argues that the ultimate test of the reforms will not be stronger reserves or better credit ratings alone, but whether economic growth becomes inclusive enough to reduce poverty, improve real incomes and restore purchasing power.

Until that happens, statistics on GDP growth may continue to improve, yet millions of Nigerians will judge the economy by a far simpler measure: whether they can afford three meals a day, pay their rent, send their children to school and meet basic needs without sinking deeper into poverty.

That, perhaps, is where the true state of Nigeria’s economy is measured, not in official reports or political arguments, but on the dining tables of ordinary families.