Category: Business Day

David Umahi, the minister of works, has given a seven-day ultimatum to Winhomes Global Services Limited to provide the necessary documents for an alleged $250 million real estate investment along the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, threatening to petition security agencies and international authorities to investigate the matter.

The minister dismissed claims by the company that it invested $250 million in a land acquisition affected by the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, insisting that there is no evidence to support the company’s allegations of government encroachment and demolition.

Speaking during an inspection of the project site in Lagos on Monday, Umahi accused the firm of misleading Nigerians and attempting to discredit the federal government’s infrastructure drive. He said the matter had already been resolved in court in favour of the government and that the Lagos State government had legally revoked the land in question.

‘I have a document from Winhomes that says they bought 12 hectares of land in 2022 for the sum of N50 million. In this area, with all the development around, I don’t know if the villagers were terribly cheated or if due process was followed. Nigerians should ask questions,’ Umahi told journalists at the site.

The minister alleged that the company exaggerated its claims, pointing to what he described as substandard fencing, a poorly constructed drainage of ‘not more than 10 meters,’ and no visible infrastructure of the value claimed.

‘The only thing we destroyed was the gatehouse, for which the enumerator graciously gave her N19 million.

‘The woman claimed she has invested $250 million. Not ?250 million, but dollars. We cannot trace the money, the approvals, or the investors. If she really brought that amount, where is it? Show us through the CBN, show us who paid, and how much they paid. Otherwise, it is a fraud to me,’ Umahi said.

He announced plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the matter, and warned that unless Winhomes provided verifiable evidence within seven days, the ministry would escalate the case to diplomatic channels.

‘I need an apology from the woman, and I’ll be writing to the Embassy of America to demand that they send the woman back to us so that she will come and tell us where the money is and how it left America to come to Nigeria,’ Umahi said.

Civil society representatives who joined the inspection also questioned the company’s claims. Declan Hekare, one of the activists who had earlier led protests in Abuja, said his findings on site contradicted the narrative of large-scale demolitions.

‘What I am seeing here is below my expectations. I expected to see structures that were erected and pulled down. That is not the case. If by the end of two weeks, more evidence is not provided, we will address a world press conference. Nigerians cannot be misled,’ Hekare declared.

On the broader project, Umahi assured that the coastal highway, one of the federal government’s four legacy infrastructure projects, would be delivered under a funding arrangement that combines 30 percent government financing and 70 percent private capital. He added that concessionaires with proof of funds were already lined up to participate.

Premium Power Solutions will graduate the first cohort of its free Technician Academy on Oct. 6 in Lagos, part of a private-sector effort to close Nigeria’s chronic shortage of skilled technicians, undermining its energy sector.

Nigeria loses an estimated $26 billion annually to unreliable electricity, according to the World Bank, while manufacturers report power as one of their top five constraints to growth.

Yet the shortage of certified technicians remains largely overlooked, with fewer than one for every 1,000 households connected to the grid, industry data shows.

The 12-month program by Lagos-based Premium Power offers practical training in electrical and mechanical technology, protective gear, professional toolkits, and preparation for the Federal Ministry of Labour’s trade test, all at no cost to participants. The first class also includes female trainees, a step toward improving gender diversity in a male-dominated industry.

Ejiroghene Udu, Premium Power’s founder and chief executive officer, said the initiative is meant to create a pipeline of skilled workers who can immediately enter the market.

‘Energy at PPS means more than electricity; it’s about unlocking potential and dignity for our youth. This academy is our pledge to close the skills gap and empower a new wave of talent, especially young women, to shape Africa’s energy future,’ Udu said.

‘For me, this journey is deeply personal. Every young person trained here represents a life transformed and a step closer to bridging the technical skills gap in our country. I am especially proud of the women who have taken bold steps to break barriers and thrive in a space that has not always been welcoming to them.’

Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, with about 43 percent under 15 years old, and unemployment among young people is more than double the national average.

Industry leaders say technical training could help absorb some of this demographic pressure while boosting the country’s ability to expand grid power and off-grid renewables.

By producing certified technicians, Premium Power is betting that its graduates will raise employability and help strengthen capacity in a sector critical to Africa’s fourth biggest economy.

The company sees the academy as both a corporate responsibility project and a strategic investment in sustaining long-term growth.

The mediation meeting to resolve the ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENSASSAN) ended in a deadlock as both parties could not come to terms, after about nine hours of meeting.

The meeting which was chaired by Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of Labour and Employment, had leadership of PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery, Minister of Finance, and key directors of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in attendance.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting at the early hours of Tuesday, Festus Osifo, president of PENGASSAN explained that the meeting could not resolved the issues at hand as the management of Dangote Refinery refused to reinstate the sacked staff.

He insisted that the demand of the association was the reinstatement of the 800 staff that were sacked, adding that the strike action continues without their reinstatement.

‘Yes, as you could see, we’ve been here for about nine hours trying to find solutions. And we’ve had numerous deliberations from the larger team we broke into a smaller team trying to find solutions. But unfortunately, there is no solution tonight.

‘Because all we want is that we have 800 people plus that are at home, these people, they are fathers, they are mothers, their career is at stake. When you terminate people the way you’ve terminated them, it will be extremely difficult for them to find jobs anywhere.

‘ Some of these people are trainees and you said they have committed sabotage. So if they go home like that, there is no other company they will get jobs to do again in Nigeria because they have seen them as saboteurs. So these are careers that will be damaged if proper remedy is not put in place.

‘So that is why for us, our position has been very clear; you have to reinstate these people. If you reinstate them tonight, we will call off our action tonight but unfortunately, that reinstatement did not happen. And we were not able to reach conclusions on the subject.

‘So they have asked us to come back again by 2 o’clock tomorrow and we will continue to pray. Or rather, 2 o’clock today. We are already on Tuesday, 30th September. So we will reconvene. And we pray that God should touch the heart of the capitalists. God should touch the heart of the oppressors for them to call our people back to work. So as it is, just as we have communicated, the strike continues until we come back again to see if we can find a solution to the issues,’ Osifo said.

For Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of Labour and Employment, the Federal Government is committed to resolving the dispute which according to him revolves around the sacked staff and unionization of workers.

He said that the parties agreed to reconvene by 2pm to resolve the dispute.

‘There are no other issues now, the issue of unionisation and the 800 staff that were sacked. These are two basic issues that we have been discussing.

‘We have not arrived at any position. We are still working, we are still talking.

Also speaking, Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy said that what is of utmost importance in the minds of everybody, the public, the government, the investors, and economic actors generally, is the need to limit the damage the action could have on the economy.

‘We need to wrap it up, we need to resolve it, and we need to have workers going back to work. We need to have the gas flowing. We need to have food flowing as imports into production, which is where the economy has arrived at right now, where we are able to add value, where we are able to grow the economy.

‘And we don’t want that momentum to be broken. And that’s why you see us here for nine hours trying to resolve just one naughty issue, as the Honorable Minister for Labor and Employment has said, and we are optimistic that by tomorrow we will break the deadlock, we will resolve the stalemate, and we will put this issue behind us and be able to keep the Nigerian economy going forward as it is currently at present. It’s important that we maintain the momentum of growth, of upward trajectory of the Nigerian economy,’ Edun said.

Nigeria is seeing an increasing cases of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with a treatment cost that is deepening household poverty, health experts and multiple studies show.

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark World Heart Day today, experts warn that CVDs are becoming a major casue of mortality and also impoverishing households. They stress that poor awareness of risk factors, a shortage of specialists, and the country’s weak health insurance coverage are compounding the crisis, leaving millions of citizens to pay out-of-pocket for expensive treatments.

Also, several studies reviewed by BusinessDay found that the cost of care doubles the poverty headcount among households.

Akin Osibogun, chairman of the Nigeria Heart Foundation, noted that the prevalence of CVDs had risen from 10% in 1990 to 28% today, and globally, about 20 million people die annually from CVDs.

Osibogun decried Nigeria’s low health insurance coverage, stressing that the cost of care remains unaffordable for many. According to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), barely 10% of Nigeria’s estimated 220 million people are insured, while the rest are forced to pay out-of-pocket.

A study published in the Public Library of Science in 2021, based on a survey of patients who accessed healthcare in public and specialised heart hospitals, revealed that patients paying out-of-pocket faces catastrophic health expenditure (CHE).

The study found that 54.6% of CVD patient households incurred CHE, with the poorest households facing a 60-fold higher chance of incurring CHE relative to wealthier households.

The study also concluded that health expenditures doubled household poverty headcount, from 8.13% to 16.4%.

Private hospitals also report prohibitive costs. Lagoon Hospitals noted that cardiology care in Nigeria remains out of reach for most families. At Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), a valve replacement procedure costs about ?3.2 million, while a hole-in-the-heart surgery ranges between ?2.5 million and ?2.7 million. With average monthly incomes ranging between ?85,700 and ?1.5 million and with 63 per cent of Nigerians living below the poverty line, experts say life-saving procedures are priced as luxuries for the majority.

It found that heart failure, cardiomyopathies, rheumatic heart disease, and coronary artery disease-are increasingly prevalent in Nigeria, adding that Hypertension remains the leading risk factor, yet one-third of hypertensive Nigerians receive no treatment, while another third fail to maintain controlled blood pressure.

On addressing treatment cost, Osibogun, emphasised the need to strengthen local manufacturing to reduce the cost of healthcare and make treatments more accessible to Nigerians.

The expert expressed concerns that ‘Ignorance is the greatest challenge,’ in addressing CVDs as many Nigerians are no aware of risk factor such as excessive salt intake.

He also warned that air pollution is an emerging driver of heart disease. ‘Due to air pollution, the concentration of oxygen is reduced by pollutants, so the heart has to work harder, almost in overdrive,’ Osibogun said.

He also urged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, highlighting the benefits of eating well and engaging in regular physical activity. ‘We need to move more,’ he said, stressing that exercise is a key preventive measure against cardiovascular diseases.

He recommended that primary healthcare centres (PHCs) provide cardiovascular healthcare services, as they are the closest point of care for most Nigerians.

Furthermore on prevalence, a 2022 study published in the National Library of Science found that CVD-related admissions are rising in Nigeria and across Africa. Conducted in a Lagos tertiary hospital, the study reviewed CVD admissions over a 16-year period and revealed exponential increases.

Between 2002 and 2005, cumulative CVD admissions stood at 468. By 2009, the figure had risen to 1,490, a 201.1% increase. By 2013, it had climbed to 2,883 – representing a 516% increase. By 2017, total admissions stood at 4,436, an 847.9% increase from the 2002 baseline. The study noted that both admissions and death rates were rising sharply, reflecting Nigeria’s ongoing epidemiological transition.

A 2024 study, ‘The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Attributable to Hypertension in Nigeria: A Modelling Study Using Summary-Level Data’, published in Global Heart, confirmed hypertension as the primary driver of CVDs. The findings showed hypertension contributes to 13.2% of myocardial infarctions, 24.6 percent of all stroke cases, and 21.6 percent of ischaemic stroke cases. Its role is even greater in intracerebral haemorrhagic strokes, accounting for 33.1 percent.

Recently, the shareholders and Boards of Directors of Providus Bank and Unity Bank at a court-ordered Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) gave their resounding approval to proceed with the business combination of the two financial institutions.

The nod to go ahead by the boards and shareholders of the two institutions signifies a moment of national significance for Nigeria’s banking industry-one that reflects resilience, foresight, and collective responsibility.

The deal, which won overwhelming shareholder approval at a court-ordered Extraordinary General Meeting, combines the strengths of both institutions.

Analysts believe that the Providus-Unity deal signals more than a merger, but a bold step to protect shareholder value, restore confidence, and reshape the future of Nigeria’s banking landscape.

The success of the merger could well determine how future business combinations are perceived-not merely as survival strategies, but as platforms for lasting value creation.

For instance, as at June 30, 2025, the enlarged bank held N5.3 trillion in total assets and N3.2 trillion in deposits, ranking 9th and 11th in the industry, respectively. It now boasts 229 branches and serves 3.6 million customers nationwide. With stronger capital adequacy, broader reach, and enhanced digital platforms, the enlarged bank positions itself as a backbone for Nigeria’s $1trillion economy ambition.

Also, the business combination between Providus Bank and Unity Bank which marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s financial sector comes at a time when investor confidence and shareholder value have been under intense scrutiny.

The merger represents not just the unification of assets but also a strategic step towards creating a stronger, more competitive institution particularly in Nigeria’s banking environment where institutions under the regulation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are faced with a recapitalisation hurdle with a March 31, 2026.

By prioritising transparency, safeguarding investor interests, and strengthening institutional resilience, the transaction is expected to inspire broader confidence in Nigeria’s banking system and serve as a model for how strategic partnerships can unlock value, stabilise fragile institutions, and reinforce the foundations of long-term prosperity.

Following the success of the merger, Providus Bank and Unity Bank lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its foresight, determination, and commitment to building a stronger financial system.

Providus Bank believes that the New World of Fast, Smart, Personal, and Borderless banking relationship is here. We are therefore inspired by our Future Forward Banking ethos to make life (at work and leisure) more exciting for our partners with the use of cutting-edge technology that delivers best-in-class customer satisfaction.

In less than 10 years, Providus Bank has emerged as one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country.

Through the merger, Providus aims to transform from a niche player into a national bank, leveraging Unity Bank’s over 211-branch network spread across all 36 states and the FCT. The move aligns with Providus Bank’s broader strategy to deepen its retail presence and diversify its customer base.

Additionally, Providus Bank would significantly benefit from scale in retail banking as it would expand its footprint from a largely digital operation to a full-fledged national player.

It also brings in a strong SME lending pipeline, especially in agriculture, mining, e-commerce, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, which both banks already support.

Providus plans to integrate its technology stack into Unity Bank’s branch network, enhancing service delivery and cost efficiency. The bank believes the combined entity will unlock new value across its retail, SME, and digital channels. Also, Providus Bank was recently named one of the best workplaces in banking in 2025 by the Great Place to Work (GPTW), a global leader in workplace culture. The recognition highlights the bank’s efforts to create an environment where employees feel supported, engaged and motivated.

According to GPTW, the award was based largely on staff feedback, which has become an increasingly important measure of how organisations are adapting to shifting workforce expectations.

Reacting to the feat, Managing Director/CEO, Providus Bank, Walter Akpani, had attributed it to the quality of staff at the financial institution.

‘Our people are at the very heart of what we do. This recognition is a tribute to their hard work, creativity and dedication,’ he noted.

Also, the Group Head of Human Resources at ProvidusBank, Kingsley Ogirri, said the recognition reflected the experiences of employees themselves.

‘It is proof that the policies and programmes we have put in place are making a difference, from opportunities for growth, to wellness initiatives, to creating a space where everyone feels valued,’ he added.

The CBN, by enabling the transaction, has reinforced its vision of a sector anchored on resilience and customer confidence. The CBN regulatory support is not only shaping healthier banks, but also inspiring the confidence of businesses, investors, and everyday Nigerians that the financial system is ready to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable growth.

For Unity Bank, the deal comes as a lifeline, providing an opportunity to overcome years of structural and balance sheet challenges that had weighed heavily on its operations; while for Providus Bank, it is a chance to scale further, expand reach, and leverage synergies that will position the combined entity as a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s fast-evolving banking space.

With this development, both banks have an opportunity to chart a new course defined by innovation, efficiency, and trust, setting a standard for future industry consolidations.

The enlarged entity will have the scale to compete, the reach to serve every part of the federation, and the capacity to support businesses, households, and government at every level.

Both entities merger is a move that signals stability, renews optimism, and sends a reassuring message to stakeholders that value preservation remains a top priority.

With enhanced technology platforms, deeper capital strength, and a commitment to customer service, the enlarged bank will stand as both a guardian of stability and a catalyst for growth in Nigeria’s journey toward a trillion-dollar economy. The merger also ushers in a new chapter: a bank that is bigger in ambition, broader in reach, and stronger in capacity. It also embodies the values of innovation, empathetic relationship management, customer focus, and integrity.

Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the Providus-Unity deal represents a test of the industry’s ability to inspire confidence. By prioritising transparency, safeguarding shareholder interests, and building a culture of accountability, the new entity is expected to play a central role in deepening financial inclusion and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s banking system.

‘This regulatory support is not only shaping healthier banks, but also inspiring the confidence of businesses, investors, and everyday Nigerians that our financial system is ready to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable growth,’ the banks noted.

The vote was also a signal to the markets, to regulators, and to the wider public that Nigeria’s banking sector remains robust and forward-looking.

Ultimately, the Providus-Unity deal represents a pivotal moment for the financial sector, not just in terms of numbers on a balance sheet but in rebuilding trust and charting a new course for sustainable growth.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso are among top Nigerian leaders expected to meet for a national dialogue on electoral reforms.

The event will also feature Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate and Attahiru Jega, former INEC Chairman, who will join other political figures, labour leaders, and civil society members in the discourse.

Scheduled for October 1st, the dialogue is part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The meeting is being convened by the National Consultative Front (NCFront), Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSF), the Nigeria Electoral Reforms Coalition (NERCO) and other partners.

Invited participants include NLC President Joe Ajaero, TUC leader Festus Osofo, ex-Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, political economist, Pat Utomi and ex-Senator, Shehu Sani.

Also expected are key government officials such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as well as leaders of the National Assembly Committees on electoral reforms.

According to organisers, the session will push for constitutional changes and policy reforms to ensure credible polls in 2027.

Achu Ochu retired from the public service at the age of 65. However, he could not invest nor manage his income well, which resulted in his children being left without hope and future.

The once promising youngsters were forced out of school into streets because at 65, their father had no plans them.

Ochu’s predicament depicts Nigeria’s situation, and the fate of youngsters across the federation.

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, a silent crisis deepens across its cities and rural communities as about 20 million children roam the streets, denied access to education, opportunity, and a future, according to UNICEF report.

Jessica Osuere, chief executive officer at RubiesHub Educational Services, described Nigeria’s education narratives at 65 as one of lost chances. ‘After independence, there was hope for growth, but poor planning, poor funding, corruption, and insecurity slowed things down. Sadly, today, we have one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world.

‘It’s a pointer that education has not been given the attention it deserves. Our children learn under the most inhumane circumstances,’ she emphasised.

Osuere said Nigeria’s progress has been uneven, and the system has failed to keep up with the needs of the people.

However, she warned that no nation rises above the level of its education system.

‘The premium put on education determines the rate of growth or level of development of any country,’ she said.

Isaiah Ogundele, an administrator, emphasised that Nigeria has a long way to go because the governments are not helping issues.

Ogundele said that Nigerian governments must give priority to education via budget allocation, and ensure the funds are judiciously utilised.

‘Nigeria’s education is still below standard. I will score it 55 percent, because of the private sector, and this is appalling.

‘The value of education has been eroded because of the youth’s get-rich- quick attitude,’ he said.

Yinka Bolarinwa, a public affairs analyst, said Nigeria’s education tells a tale of promise undermined by inconsistency.

‘While the nation has recorded significant expansion in access to education since Independence, the sheer weight of unmet needs continues to overshadow these gains,’ he noted.

Bolarinwa said in reality, the sector is constrained by chronic underfunding, insecurity in large parts of the North, decaying infrastructure, poor teacher welfare, and widespread poverty that pushes children out of classrooms and into the labour force.

‘The contrast with Nigeria’s peers is striking. Countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, which gained independence around the same time, invested deliberately in human capital and have since built innovation-driven economies anchored on strong education systems. Nigeria, by contrast, is still battling foundational literacy challenges.

‘A swelling population of uneducated youth fuels unemployment, crime, and instability issues already weighing heavily on the country’s social and economic fabric.

‘In essence, Nigeria’s education gap is not merely a developmental issue but a national security concern,’ he said.

However, Friday Erhabor, director of media and strategies at Marklenez Limited, believes Nigeria has done fairlywell education-wise. ‘I will rate Nigeria 65 percent. The country has done creditably. People may argue, but the best way to know the impact of Nigeria’s education is to look at how well Nigerians that schooled in the country do when they travel out.

‘Nigerians are globally competitive, I am not talking of those schooled abroad, but those that received their full education here,’ he said. Infrastructure, teacher shortage challenges

Experts say that despite various initiatives by the governments, lack of infrastructure and quality teachers is a clog to the goals.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, said though Nigeria has made progress, it still falls short of its potential education-wise.

‘Infrastructure in many schools is poor; classrooms, libraries, and laboratories are lacking. Quality of teaching is uneven due to inadequate teacher training and welfare.

‘Private schools are filling gaps, but they are not affordable for many families. Digital learning and technology are slowly being embraced, but internet and power challenges hinder wider adoption,’ she said.

The UBE report estimates that Nigeria has a shortfall of over 277,537 teachers across public primary and junior secondary schools.

Besides, unqualified teachers are being recruited to bridge the gap. Poor teacher quality contributes to Nigeria’s poor learning standards by undermining the curriculum, limiting students’ engagement and critical thinking skills.

However, it is not all doom and gloom as Nigeria has also achieved some education reforms.

Key achievements and developments

Nigeria has recorded some expansion in the number of its institutions of higher learning. At independence, degree-awarding institutions were very few, such as the University of Ibadan, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

As of early 2025, there are about 278 universities in Nigeria besides polytechnics, and others.

Daniel Emenahor, head of higher education at the British Council, said that about two million students graduate from Nigerian secondary schools annually.

This depicts improvement in education enrolment, and literacy compared to 1960.

However, growth in numbers has not always matched improvements in quality, equity, or completion rates. The way forward

Bolarinwa said Nigeria needs a sustained political will, consistent investment, and strict accountability.

Osikoya urged the government to prioritise education funding, monitoring, and teacher-training, and motivation.

Erhabor advocated introduction of incentives at primary schools such as school feeding.

Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has called on the governors of the 19 States in the Northern region of Nigeria to take lead in driving development in the region.

Dogara made this call during the 2025 Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday.

He emphasised that the State governors must be committed to addressing insecurity in their states and region at large, adding that all plans and strategies will fail in the midst of insecurity.

Dogara also stressed the effective management of public funds available to State government. Also speaking at the event, Bukola Saraki, former Senate President reiterated the need for the State governors to come together to share resources to drive one common objective in the region.

He said there was need for incentives to attract investments into the region, adding governors must begin to think outside the box.

‘Is there any special incentive I get for going to set up in those states in the north as opposed to setting up in Lagos? Zero. So why do we think an investor would take that risk, that investment and go and set up? That’s why I’m saying that we have to have an holistic approach to this.

‘By the end of the day, even if you put a super governor in those states today, you will not see those investments. But to do that, as I said, we must have a plan based on what is our objective. If we say, by this year, we want a cement production, then we begin to look at what are those things that we need to do. What’s the role of the governor? What’s the role of national government? What is the role of the businessman? And then bring them together.’

He also noted the prevalence of insecurity in the region, which he said is also a hindrance to attracting investments, except there are incentives.

How blood donation keeps sickle cell warriors alive and how the Noella Foundation is leading the fight

Sickle cell disease is one of Nigeria’s most urgent yet overlooked health challenges. Each year, about 150,000 babies are born with the condition, the highest number in the world. Too many do not live to see their fifth birthday. For those who survive, life is a constant battle of painful crises, medical emergencies, and repeated hospital stays.

For these patients, often called warriors for their resilience, blood is not optional. It is survival. And for the Noella Foundation, ensuring warriors have access to safe blood is central to our mission.

Understanding Sickle Cell: The Silent Crisis

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that reshapes red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, they become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped. These cells block blood flow, die faster, and deprive the body of oxygen. The result is severe pain, infections, strokes, organ damage, and sometimes death.

Warriors live with the unpredictability of crises that can strike at any moment, in classrooms, workplaces, or at home. Every episode carries the risk of being fatal. Among the most dangerous complications is severe anemia, when the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells to survive.

This is where blood transfusions make the difference. They replace damaged cells, ease pain, prevent strokes, and often pull a warrior back from the edge. For many, transfusions are not a temporary treatment. They are a lifeline that keeps them alive and functioning. Behind each warrior’s survival is often the unseen gift of someone’s donation.

Donate Blood, Save a Warrior

Statistics reveal the scale of the problem, but they only take on meaning when tied to human experience.

Chinedu, a 12-year-old from Enugu, loves drawing superheroes. Yet, he spends more time in hospitals than at school. During one crisis, his blood levels dropped so dangerously low that doctors said he would not survive without a transfusion. A single pint of blood saved him. That donation meant he could return home, pick up his pencils, and continue chasing his dream of becoming an engineer (before the next hospital appointment, and hopefully there’s blood).

Not all stories end with hope. Bisi, a 23-year-old graduate in Ibadan, collapsed during a job interview. Doctors searched desperately for blood, but the bank was empty. By the time her family found a donor, it was too late. Her life was cut short not only by sickle cell but also by the shortage of blood.

These two stories underline the thin line between life and death that warriors walk every day. One pint of blood can save up to three lives because it can be separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets. For warriors, the red cells are most critical. When a crisis strikes, time matters. Without available stock, families waste precious hours searching while their loved one fades away. This tragedy is preventable if more Nigerians commit to regular voluntary donation.

Voluntary donors also build a safer and more reliable system. Their blood is screened in advance, reducing risks and ensuring quality. Sporadic donations during emergencies are never enough for warriors who need blood repeatedly. Unlike food or money, blood cannot be manufactured. It must come from one person to another, from you to them.

How You Can Help

The Noella Foundation is committed to tackling sickle cell disease by raising awareness, driving advocacy, and working with hospitals and communities to improve access to safe blood. But this mission cannot be achieved without you.

Here is how you can help:

Donate blood regularly: The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has centers nationwide. Teaching hospitals and some private facilities also run drives.

Know the requirements: Donors must be 18-60 years old, weigh at least 50kg, and be in good health.

Understand the process: The actual donation takes less than 15 minutes, and your body naturally replenishes the blood within weeks. Men can donate every three months, women every four.

Spread awareness: Help correct the myths. Donating blood does not make you permanently weak or shorten life. Research even shows health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease.

Organize or support drives: Workplaces, schools, and religious groups can partner with NBTS and the Noella Foundation to bring blood closer to warriors who need it.

Support advocacy: Push for stronger policies and funding that expand blood services and reduce the stigma around sickle cell.

A Call to Action

Every day, warriors across Nigeria wake up to battles most of us will never face. But resilience alone cannot fill a blood bank. Hope lies in knowing blood will be available when they need it.

When you donate, you are giving more than a pint. You are giving Chinedu another chance to draw superheroes, a graduate like Bisi the future she deserved, a mother and father the chance to raise their children, and countless others the chance to see another sunrise.

The Noella Foundation believes no warrior should die because blood was not available. This is our mission, but it can only be achieved with your support.

The Future of Jobs report 2025 by Lagos state employment trust fund (LSETF) reveals that 65 percent of Nigerian employers cite skill gaps as a major barrier to organisational transformation.

In addition to the skills gap, half of employers report difficulty attracting talent, resistance to organisational change, and regulatory inflexibility. Limited investment capital further compounds the challenge.

As global labour trends accelerate, driven by technological disruption, demographic shifts, and the green transition, experts say that Nigeria must urgently invest in human capital to remain competitive.

Nigeria mirrors many global trends but faces unique challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning specialists, data analysts, and sustainability experts are the top growth roles, with net increases of 82 percent, 41 percent, and 33 percent respectively.

Digital transformation is also reshaping employer priorities. Network and cybersecurity skills are in highest demand, with 87 percent of Nigerian employers identifying them as critical, well above the global average of 70 percent. Other sought-after competencies include AI and big data proficiency, systems thinking, customer service, and global citizenship.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report 2025 also notes that 170 million jobs are expected to be created globally over the next five years, with 92 million jobs displaced, and over a billion will evolve in form and function. These projections, based on a survey of over 1,000 large enterprises across 55 economies, signals a shift in the nature of work. Across international markets, roles such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning experts, and software developers are surging in demand. The green economy positions autonomous vehicle engineers, environmental scientists, and renewable energy experts are also climbing the ranks.

Conversely, traditional roles like bank tellers, postal clerks, and administrative assistants are experiencing steep declines. Employers globally are prioritising analytical thinking, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, alongside soft skills like creativity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Nigeria’s labour landscape: Opportunities and challenges

Based on the report, 73 percent of Nigerian employers advocate for increased government funding, while 40 percent stress the need for improved transport infrastructure to support workforce mobility.

Organisations must also play their part by embedding upskilling into corporate culture and strengthening change management strategies. Without such commitment, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global race for talent.

The report notes that public-sector investment in reskilling is vital. Stakeholders across government, industry, and education must collaborate to ensure Nigerian talent is future-ready. While the CV may still hold relevance, the future belongs to those who can adapt, learn, and lead in a world defined by change.

The skills gap is not merely statistics, but a barrier to growth, innovation, and inclusion.As technological disruption, climate imperatives, and economic uncertainty reshape the global labour market, Nigeria must act decisively.