Category: Business Day

The travel and tourism industry plays a major role in Nigeria’s economic development. In this interview with BusinessDay, IFEANYI EZEOKOLI, the MD/CEO, Incel Holidays and Tourism Limited, highlights the innovative ways Incel Holidays is redefining the tourism industry in Nigeria. Excerpts:

The tourism sector, to a very large extent, gives the state of health of the country. How has your experience been in Nigeria’s tourism sector, especially in the last 2 years?

The last two years have been both challenging and inspiring. On the challenging side, we have had to deal with rising costs in the industry from flights, visas, and even processing our local passports due to the exchange rates. I would also add that there are also infrastructure gaps and global travel restrictions that have reshaped customer expectations. Some years ago, you could travel to Dubai with N500,000 with flight, hotel, and visa inclusive; now N500,000 can barely cover return flights even to neighbouring Ghana.

But on the positive side, there has been a strong shift in interest towards other international destinations, including our very own domestic tourism. More Nigerians are realising that they don’t always have to go abroad to enjoy rich culture, scenery, and relaxation. Taking a cue from the last ‘Detty December’ in Lagos, seeing how Nigerians and foreigners trooped into Lagos to enjoy the excitement Lagos has to offer. That shift has kept the sector alive and given us hope for bigger opportunities ahead. Besides Lagos, we should remember Calabar Carnival, Obudu Resort, Ikogosi, and other interesting places within Nigeria.

More Nigerians are realising they don’t always have to go abroad to enjoy rich culture, scenery, and relaxation-Ezeokoli

What unique features stand your firm out in the nation’s holiday and tourism sector?

At Incel Holidays and Tourism Limited, we offer more than just travel planning. We provide complete solutions for our clients – end-to-end travel service, which includes affordable flights, smooth visa processing, hotel bookings, transfers, corporate travels, airport protocols, and guided tours. We have holiday packages designed to be fun-filled and convenient. Also, on request, we create bespoke holiday packages so our customers can focus on enjoying their trip while we take care of everything else. This ability to simplify travel for individuals, families, and corporate clients has helped us gain the trust of our customers over the years.

There are so many players in Nigeria’s tourism industry. How does your firm handle competition and disruptions in the industry?

Travel and tourism in Nigeria is a highly competitive space. However, we don’t approach it with fear. Instead, it pushes us to be innovative, go the extra mile to satisfy our customers while staying flexible.

When challenges come up-like changes in exchange rates, flight cancellations, or new rules-we adjust quickly. We negotiate new deals, look for new destinations, and keep open communication with our clients. This ability to adapt, along with our personal touch, helps us succeed in a very competitive industry.

The new government policies concerning exchange rates and subsidy removal created opportunities and new challenges. Could you please share your experience on how your firm tapped the opportunities and addressed the new challenges?

The policies definitely raised travel costs, but they also pushed us to think smarter. We leveraged stronger partnerships with airlines, other agencies, travel vendors, and hotel groups to secure discounted deals. We also expanded our domestic travel options, encouraging Nigerians to visit and see places in Nigeria. We have invested in reaching more customers around the world, using our Dubai branch as a key example. We are also using digital tools to provide our clients with more flexible payment options. While we faced challenges, these also gave us the opportunity to diversify and innovate. Nigeria will be 65 years old on October 1st. What message do you have for the country’s leaders at the federal and state levels?

At 65, Nigeria has much to celebrate, but we also need to look forward. I want our leaders to understand that tourism can be an integral part of our economy if we focus on it. Investing in infrastructure, safety, and promoting our destinations will attract foreign visitors and encourage Nigerians to explore their own country. If the government and private sector collaborate effectively, tourism can create as many jobs and contribute to the nations GDP as much as the oil and gas industry in the next ten years.

The Yuletide season is almost here and it is the time of the year customers expect a unique experience. Any special packages in the pipeline for your current and prospective clients?

Yes, this Christmas we have put together packages that give our clients something truly memorable. For those who want to explore closer to home, we are running a 7-DAY CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE ACROSS FOUR WEST AFRICAN CITIES, COTONOU, OUIDAH, LOMÉ, AND ACCRA.

It is a mix of history, culture, and fun, with stops at places like the Amazon Statue in the Republic of Benin, Casa del Papa resort, a Lomé boat cruise, and Accra’s Kwame Nkrumah Park. It promises to be a thrilling and relaxed road trip in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. The tour runs from 22nd – 28th December, 2025. This special offer allows clients to deposit only 30% by 15th October, and the balance due by 25th November, 2025.

For travellers looking further abroad, we have created a Singapore package that covers four nights of sightseeing, including Merlion Park, the famous Cable Car ride, and a guided tour of Scentopia. Everything from the visa to airport transfers and hotels will be handled by us thus making the trip stress-free. This valid from 1st September 2025 to 20th January 2026.

And for sports fans, December is extra special because of the AFCON 2025 in Morocco from Dec 21 to 31, 2025. Our Package takes you to three live Super Eagles matches, with 10 nights’ accommodation, tours, visa support with flights included.

Our Christmas package this year is different from the norm, as there are options that fit different target markets in the travel space. For those looking for a ONE-STOP travel partner this Yuletide season, Incel Tourism offers you everything from visa assistance and processing to flight tickets, hotel bookings and airport transfers. Our end-to-end solutions make your travel easy and stress-free. For bookings and further enquiries Call/WhatsApp 09113218885, 09113218886 or mail [email protected]

What is the outlook for the holiday and tourism sector in Nigeria?

The future is definitely bright for Nigeria’s tourism industry. Nigerians love to travel and experience new things. Aside from wanting to ‘JAPA’, more people are looking to build their travel history for either tourism or relocation to study or work. The Nigeria travel space has better online booking options and greater awareness of local attractions; the tourism sector is growing. If the government invests in the travel and tour industry and collaborates with private businesses, Nigeria’s tourism industry can become one of the strongest in Africa in the coming years.

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), in a bid to advance the Nigerian energy landscape, has signed an agreement with Granville Energy (PTY) Limited to design, build, finance, and operate a 100 megawatt (MW) floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydro power plant.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Sani Bello, Chairman, Board of Directors, Mainstream Energy Solutions, said that the project is a significant step forward in the company’s mission to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He explained that when fully operational, the project will provide thousands of Nigerian homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy, supporting economic development while minimising environmental impact.

‘We are proud to partner with Granville Energy (PTY) Limited to design, build, finance, and operate a 100MW floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydro power plant. This pioneer project embodies our unwavering commitment to increasing power generation in Nigeria while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

‘As an organisation. We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to renewable energy, aligning this with our mission statement and the focus areas of our Corporate Social Responsibility interventions. This MOU signing is a testament to our resolve to drive positive change and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

‘This aligns perfectly with our core objective: powering Nigeria’s economic growth in an environmentally responsible manner,’ he said.

In his remarks, Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) noted that Nigeria currently have the highest number of people without electricity, with most of these people located in the rural and urban areas of the country.

For him, the most economically viable means of providing them with electricity is through distributed renewable energy, through the deployment of renewable sources.

‘For us to have an opportunity where 100 megawatts of renewable energy can be injected into the grid, for us, this is a huge and significant increase in the renewable mix of the country. I will say that apart from the Azura, which was 450 megawatts that was added as a Greenfield, and Zungeru, which mainstream is very much active in managing that, there is no significant renewable capacity that has been added to the grid.

‘Initially, the Rural Electrification Agency is currently working on injecting about 188.4 megawatts through interconnected mini-grids, one of which we intend to be the first to will do the floating solar in the University of Lagos, where we will put the panels by the side of the lagoon to power the University of Lagos.

‘But definitely, the commitment of the mainstream and the partners, Granville Energy, is something that the federal government will always have pleasure in and will always key into it.

He said that Nigeria needs to increase the generation capacity, hence the need to deploy more renewable resources and an innovative model like this that harnesses the space around the hydro and creates a floating solar.

He also advised the companies that the project should come with its own distribution network, SCADA system, and full meters to enhance the commercial viability of the project, adding that without these, the commercial viability of the renewable project can never be sustained.

‘This is an ingenious, complex framework that must be encouraged, and for the Rural Electrification Agency, we would like to be part of this initiative, key into it, support it, and in any way also learn from how we will do that, how we will deploy it at this level of capacity,’ he added.

Also speaking, Tabi T. Tabi, Chief Executive Officer, Granville Energy, said that the MOU commits both parties to the development of the Kainji Floating Solar Plant, which is intended to reach a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts (1 Gigawatt).

He explained that the immediate focus is the rapid deployment of phase one, which will add 100 MW of hybrid renewable power to the grid. ‘This multi-gigawatt vision is a testament to what is possible when two African giants-Nigeria and South Africa-collaborate,’ he said.

Tabi noted that by deploying high-efficiency solar panels directly onto the surface of the Kainji reservoir, the project will deliver a powerful hybrid system. This synergy, he said, ensures that when the sun shines brightest, it generates solar power; and when it sets, or when water flow fluctuates, the stabilised output of the hydro plant and the power from the battery energy storage systems step in, providing consistent, reliable power to the national grid.

‘Floating solar is a win for water management. By covering a section of the reservoir, we drastically reduce water evaporation-a critical benefit for a nation balancing energy production with agricultural and domestic water needs.

‘This first 100 MW phase is the down payment on a larger vision that will, upon completion, provide 1,000 MW of new, clean capacity, dramatically cutting carbon emissions and cementing Nigeria’s commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and its long-term climate targets,’ he said

Yemi Kale, former statistician-general, has urged the federal government to remain committed to ongoing structural reforms despite the short-term hardships they impose on households, warning that abandoning the process could trap the country in another cycle of low growth, high inequality, and fiscal stress.

Delivering his speech entitled ‘Reform and Resilience: Strengthening Nigeria’s Economic Foundations’ at The Platform in Lagos on Wednesday, Kale, who currently serves chief economist at Afrenexim bank, said the government’s reforms since 2023 – subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tighter monetary policy – have begun stabilising the macroeconomy but stressed that the reforms would be incomplete without strong social protection and structural transformation.

‘Reform is like curing a fever,’ Kale said. ‘You must endure some discomfort as the medicine takes effect. But the alternative of letting the fever run just because the pill is bitter, or the injection is too painful, is far worse.’

Monetary and fiscal reforms restoring stability

Kale argued that Nigeria’s monetary policy had regained credibility after years of inconsistency and quasi-fiscal interventions by the Central Bank. He pointed to the sharp increase in the monetary policy rate to 27.5%, one of the steepest in history which was recently reduced to 27%, as well as efforts to mop up excess liquidity through streamlined open market operations.

‘Importantly, these actions were accompanied by clearer communication, regular policy reports, forward guidance, and transparent explanations of the inflation outlook,’ he said. ‘The results are now visible. Headline inflation, which averaged 25-30% in 2023 and 2024, has begun to ease towards the low 20s. Every percentage point reduction protects the real value of salaries, pensions, and savings, and reduces uncertainty for investors who must plan projects years in advance.’

He projected that inflation could fall to about 14% by the end of 2026 if reforms are sustained. But he cautioned that households would continue to feel the strain.

‘Between now and then, the hardship will continue. The lesson here is clear, reforms must be matched with targeted and effective social cushions to protect the most vulnerable.’

Energy and power: The backbone of growth

The former statistics chief emphasised that no reform agenda could succeed without addressing Nigeria’s chronic energy and electricity challenges.

He praised the launch of the Dangote refinery, which exported its first gasoline cargoes in 2025, as a step toward reducing dependence on imported refined products. But he listed unresolved issues, reliable feedstock supply, transparent pricing formulas, labour disputes, and clear currency settlement mechanisms, that could hinder its impact on domestic supply.

‘The broader challenge is to achieve energy security without reverting to hidden subsidies or encouraging monopolistic practices,’ Kale said. ‘This underscores the need for complementary policies such as strong antitrust oversight, transparent pricing, and incentives for new entrants.’

On electricity, he called the 2023 Electricity Act a ‘bold structural shift’ that decentralises regulation to the states. ‘In essence, it breaks the old centralised monopoly and opens the door for states to partner with private investors to generate, transmit, and distribute power locally,’ he said. ‘Decentralise, liberalise, and let there be light.’

Kale, however, warned that not all states have the capacity to regulate electricity effectively, urging federal support and regional cooperation to prevent the rise of ’36 mini-monopolies.’

Infrastructure, trade, and the business environment

Kale identified infrastructure investment as both an economic necessity and a macroeconomic stabiliser. Citing World Bank projections, he said Nigeria requires $3 trillion by 2050 to meet infrastructure needs, including $575 billion for the transport sector between 2020 and 2043.

‘To put this into context, Nigeria’s entire 2025 budget is about $36 billion, and its rebased 2024 GDP was about $275 billion,’ he said. ‘Government alone cannot meet these vast needs. Public-private partnerships are therefore key.’

He urged that part of the savings from subsidy removal should be legislated and earmarked for transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure.

‘Embedding this commitment into the national budgeting process and potentially into legislation would help rebuild trust with citizens who have borne the immediate burden of subsidy removal,’ he said.

Kale highlighted Nigeria’s telecoms liberalisation as a model for reform. ‘In 1960, we had fewer than 20,000 telephone lines for 40 million people. By 2001, after four decades of monopoly under NITEL, there were only 400,000 lines. Liberalisation in 2001 changed everything. Within five years, lines rose to over 10 million. Today, Nigeria has over 220 million active subscriptions, contributing 16% of GDP. That is what well-designed reforms can do,’ he said.

On trade, he warned that restrictive policies such as export bans, high tariffs, and border closures undermine competitiveness and integration into global value chains.

‘While such measures are often justified as protecting local industries, in practice they encourage smuggling, raise consumer prices, and limit efficiency,’ he said.

He urged Nigeria to position itself as a continental hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Kale acknowledged that while macroeconomic stabilisation was visible in the data, millions of Nigerians still measure progress in ‘the price of food, the reality of electricity, and their children’s job prospects.’

He praised initiatives like the Student Loan Act and state-level fuel relief packages but called for deeper reforms in education, healthcare, and social protection.

‘Without shared opportunities, inequality and unrest will erode stability. Power and fiscal reforms should empower states, while federal economic and agro-processing zones can lift lagging regions,’ he said.

President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerian youths to dream big, innovate and conquer more territories in their various fields of endeavour

The President, speaking on 1st October, nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary, assured the youths of his administration’s support through policies and funding.

‘You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high’

The President cited the creation of the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, saying the initiative is to support students with loans for their educational pursuits.

‘ Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

The President also revealed that Credicorp, another initiative of the administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion in affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more. Speaking on other measures aimed at giving support to young people, the President assured that the ‘YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement’

‘Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future-thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. ‘This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

‘Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains.

‘The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

‘The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level and local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

‘Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers.’

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, attention is shifting toward the next phase of freedom – one defined not just by political sovereignty but by economic and industrial self-reliance. In the transport sector, NEV Electric Ltd is emerging as a key player shaping that vision, using local manufacturing and clean energy to solve Nigeria’s mass transit challenges.

For decades, Nigeria’s public transport system has relied heavily on imported vehicles and fossil fuels, exposing citizens to fuel price shocks and rising costs. NEV Electric is changing that narrative through an integrated model that combines local assembly, increasing local content manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure deployment.

The company currently builds its electric buses with 30% local content, incorporating Nigerian components, materials, and labor, with a clear roadmap to reach 70% local content as domestic supply chains expand. This strategy ensures more value remains within the economy, fueling industrial growth, job creation, and technology transfer.

‘True independence means being able to design, build, and power what we need with our own hands,’ says Mosope Olaosebikan, Founder of NEV Electric. ‘We’re not just assembling buses; we’re building Nigeria’s transport future – powered by clean energy, local innovation, and sustainable systems.’

So far, NEV Electric has assembled over 120 electric buses in-country, with plans to scale up to 300 units in its next production phase. The company is also deploying 160kW high-capacity fast chargers across Abuja and Lagos – the largest in Nigeria – to support fleet operations and reduce range anxiety for operators.

To make electric mobility affordable, NEV Electric has introduced a Pay-As-You-Drive financing model that enables transport operators and state agencies to adopt EVs without heavy upfront capital. The plan bundles access to the bus, charging, maintenance, and battery into one predictable payment, ensuring smooth fleet transition and easier adoption.

Beyond vehicles, NEV Electric is investing in training programs for Nigerian engineers and technicians in EV assembly, maintenance, and conversion – empowering a new generation of green-skilled workers.

Aligned with Nigeria’s industrialization goals, NEV Electric is positioning the country as a regional hub for electric mobility. The company’s vision extends beyond Nigeria, with plans underway to export its electric buses and technology solutions to other African markets, contributing to the continent’s clean mobility transition.

By integrating local manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and innovative financing, NEV Electric is delivering a homegrown solution to Nigeria’s urban transport needs – one that reduces emissions, lowers operating costs, and builds local capacity.

As the country looks toward a more sustainable future, NEV Electric represents the promise of a new kind of independence – powered by Nigerians, built in Nigeria, and soon exported to Africa.

‘Every bus we build is a statement of what’s possible,’ Olaosebikan says. ‘We’re proving that Nigeria can lead Africa’s clean mobility revolution – not by importing the future, but by building it.’

Continental Civil, a leading Nigerian engineering and construction company, and Qshelter, a premium real estate services firm, have announced the groundbreaking of Lagos 2004 Estate, a transformative residential development poised to redefine urban living in Lagos. Inspired by the iconic 1004 Estate in Victoria Island, this modern replica project combines innovative design, strategic accessibility, and flexible financing to deliver sustainable, community-oriented housing.

Strategic Location Meets Modern Convenience

Strategically positioned along Monastery Road near Novare Mall, Lagos 2004 Estate offers residents exceptional connectivity with just a 23-minute drive to Victoria Island via the Coastal Road. This prime location combines suburban tranquility with urban accessibility, making it an ideal choice for discerning homebuyers both locally and in the Diaspora.

Breaking Down Barriers to Homeownership

Recognising the financing challenges facing prospective homeowners, Lagos 2004 Estate offers innovative payment solutions designed to make quality housing accessible:

Flexible Payment Plans: 50% initial deposit with the remaining balance due upon delivery

Long-term Mortgages: 20-year financing options with competitive single-digit interest rates

Government-backed Programmes: Access to 6% rates through the National Housing Fund and 9.75% through the MREIF programme

Customised Solutions: Tailored payment structures to meet individual financial circumstances

A Legacy Reimagined for Modern Living

Drawing inspiration from Lagos’s iconic 1004 Estate, this development combines prestige with contemporary design principles. Lagos 2004 Estate will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, comprehensive security systems, and community-focused amenities that foster neighbourly connections while maintaining modern lifestyle standards.

‘Lagos 2004 Estate represents more than a housing development; it’s our commitment to building sustainable, thriving communities that honour the prestige of the original 1004 Estate while addressing the evolving needs of today’s urban residents,’ said Dare Makinde, Chief Commercial Officer of Qshelter.

Makinde further emphasised Qshelter’s comprehensive approach: ‘Our role extends far beyond traditional sales and marketing. We’re committed to ensuring a seamless homeownership journey through affordable financing solutions and exceptional customer service that supports buyers from initial inquiry through move-in and beyond.’

Proven Expertise, Exceptional Results

This partnership brings together two industry leaders with demonstrated track records:

About Continental Civil – Continental Civil stands as Nigeria’s foremost construction company, currently serving as lead developer for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative. The company’s portfolio includes:

2,800 housing units under construction in Karsana, Abuja

1,000 housing units in Janguza, Kano (60% complete)

Partnership with Nigerian Army Properties Limited on a 120-hectare development in Asokoro Extension, Abuja, delivering nearly 2,000 residential units and service plots for the Army officers, men and general public

About Qshelter – Qshelter operates as Nigeria’s leading digital real estate platform, connecting homebuyers with verified properties and affordable financing options. The company specialises in serving both domestic and Diaspora Nigerian markets through transparent, professional service delivery.

Setting New Standards for Nigerian Real Estate

Lagos 2004 Estate represents a new paradigm in Nigerian residential development – one that prioritises community building, financial accessibility, and sustainable urban planning. This model development aims to establish benchmarks for future residential projects across Nigeria.

For additional information about Lagos 2004 Estate, investment opportunities, or to schedule a site visit, please contact the development team using the information provided below.

Amid economic strain and uncertainty, Nigerians often find gratitude difficult. First Baptist Church, Ikeja, has launched Moments of Gratitude, a month-long programme inspiring thanksgiving as a path to strength and resilience.

‘Our decision to dedicate the month of October to gratitude comes from looking at our lives and seeing God’s mercy,’ said Kolawole Ogokunle, host pastor of the church. ‘We have enjoyed blessings in our families, careers, and businesses.’

The event will run every Sunday in October 2025 and will feature gospel music, testimonies, and cultural activities. According to the church, the gathering is designed to help people reflect on what they still have and draw hope in the face of daily pressures.

This year’s edition will feature performances from Prevailers Voices, Tobi Akuraku, Lilian Nneji, and the Prevailers Praise Team. The final Sunday of the month will be marked with a cultural service where members are encouraged to celebrate their heritage as part of worship.

‘This year’s celebration is both thanksgiving and a prayer for more testimonies,’ Ogokunle added.

Organisers described the festival as a time for worship, reflection, and renewal. ‘Gratitude is more than just saying thanks, it is fuel for the future,’ Ogokunle said. ‘It gives us strength to keep moving forward in our families, our work, and our daily struggles.’

Oluleye Ademola, the Church Secretary, noted in a statement that services will also be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube to reach a wider audience. ‘We want everyone, even those at home, to be reminded that gratitude opens doors,’ he said.

The church expects the October programme to serve as a reminder that thanksgiving can foster resilience in difficult times.

Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State is experiencing a windfall of bountiful harvest as new yams flood markets in the area from the agrarian communities across the River Niger.

The coastal Ose Market, Marine, and Akpaka forest area are awash with fresh yam produce coming from the year’s harvest.

Speaking to newsmen, the farmers claimed to have had a bountiful harvest this year and were satisfied with the level of patronage from buyers.

Mazi Emeka Ozuah, a farmers said he was happy that hardship would drastically reduce with the new yams in the markets

‘It will help to stabilize the price of other food commodities in the markets, making it affordable for the suffering consumers,’ he said.

A brief survey of food prices in the State revealed a sharp drop in the prices of some staple foods like rice and garri.

A painter of rice now sells at N3,700 as against N6,000, while a painter of garri now sells N1,200 as against N3,200 depending on types.

Tubers of yam price varies based on the size from N500, N700, N1000 and up. The old yams have disappeared from markets.

Also, a bag sweat potato sales between N5,000 and N8,000 as against N16,000 to N18,000 before.

The communities of Anam, Aguleri, and Umuleri in Anambra East and West are known for their agricultural output, especially yams, the staple and traditional food of the Igbo people.

In Anambra State, Southeastern cultivation thrives in fertile riverine and savanna soils, supporting food security and livelihoods for millions. Examples of key communities include Anam in Anambra West LGA, where eight villages produce over 70% of the State’s foodstuffs, including massive yam yields from the floodplains of Rivers Niger and Anambra.

The Nteje community specialises in seed yams for sale, minimizing home consumption to maximize commerce.

Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata LGA embraces innovative sack cultivation, training over 45 farmers in 2022 for sustainable, space-efficient farming. These areas yield white, yellow, and water yams, integral to festivals like Otite Anam New Yam rites.

Despite challenges like soil degradation, yam farming boosts economies, with smallholders earning a living via markets like Oye Achalla and Ose Okwodu grocery market.

Delta State has emerged victorious in the Basic Education School Sports Competition, emerging national champions at the tournament sponsored by the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) and the National School Sport Federation (NSSF) in Abuja.

This victory automatically qualifies Delta State to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming Under-15 Confirmation of African Football (CAF) Competition.

Samuel Mariere, Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stated this on Tuesday when the victorious team visited him in Asaba, to formally present the National Championship Cup.

Delta State was crowned champion of the Basic Education School Sports Competition after topping the national championship held in Abuja from September 21 to 27.

According to Mariere, these children were randomly picked from various schools in the state and their participation was not planned, but they surprisingly came back victorious.

He attributed the success to the grace that follows Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who he described as education-loving governor of the state, noting that ‘his grace precedes and we shall always emerge victorious as we go on to represent Nigeria in the CAF.’

Mariere also announced that the governor had approved the commencement of Basic School Sports, where every school from the local government to the senatorial level will be selected for competition, with the finals to be held in Asaba, the state capital.

He added that the victorious children would be handed over to the Delta State Sports Commission to be formally groomed. This, he emphasised, is not limited to football as other sports would also be included.

Also speaking, Joshua Akporiaye the Sports Officer in charge of Basic Education School Sports, announced that Delta State led the competition with 13 points, followed by Ekiti with 10 points, while Enugu placed third with 7 points.

President Bola Tinubu has said the Nigerian economy is recovering faster than expected due to the reforms his administration embarked on more than two years ago, adding that ‘yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.’

‘I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results,’ Tinubu said in a televised Independence Day broadcast Wednesday.

Tinubu, who took over from late President Muhammadu Buhari some two years ago, said he inherited a near-collapsed economy, a situation that warranted his resolve to take on bold market reforms to put the country on the path of growth.

The reforms, though unpopular, phased out fuel subsidies that crippled the country’s finances while benefiting ‘a tiny minority’ and unified the exchange rate in a bid to make it more market-driven and remove longstanding arbitrage. The consequences of the reforms were mixed. For Nigerians, it crushed spending power as inflation soared to a multi-year high and led to the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Poverty rose quickly and dried up the middle-class economy.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s economy became more resilient with annual growth now at 4.23 per cent as of the second quarter of 2025, the quickest pace since 2021, while inflation has continued to cool for the fifth straight month this year, a development that has allowed the monetary authorities slashed key interest rates by half point to 27 percent in first since 2020. ‘Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channeling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure, such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes. These initiatives will generally improve Nigerians’ quality of life.’

He noted that his administration has achieved 12 economic milestones, including achieving more than N20 trillion in non-oil revenues as of August. That’s more than the total figure for last year at N21.7 trillion.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has reduced to less than 50 per cent from 97 per cent, adding that with external reserves at more than $42 billion, the naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024.

According to the president, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent, with the ratio expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January.

‘Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home,’ the president said.

‘Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent.’