Category: Business Day

Hotels and other public venues in Abuja have stepped up entry screening and hygiene measures amid heightened concerns over Ebola virus disease, as the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) prepares to host its 32nd summit in the Federal Capital Territory.

A visit by BusinessDay to some shopping centres and hotels in Abuja on Sunday showed that precautionary measures, including the use of face masks, hand sanitisers and temperature-checking equipment, were being deployed at some public facilities.

At Abuja Continental Hotel, attendants were observed wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers, while individuals entering event halls were subjected to checks.

The measures come as the NESG’s 32nd meeting is scheduled to begin on Monday, with a large number of participants expected to attend the summit.

The heightened vigilance also follows the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s (NCDC) disclosure that it had identified two additional suspected Ebola cases and 53 primary contacts linked to the outbreak response.

Jide Idris, director-general of the NCDC, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, saying public health authorities had established facilities for isolating and quarantining suspected cases where necessary.

‘We have established two additional suspected cases and 53 primary contact links. They are primary contacts. We have an isolation centre and a quarantine centre,’ Idris said.

He said about 12 public and private laboratories were available to test for Ebola, adding that the agency had strengthened its laboratory capacity to support prompt investigation and testing of suspected cases.

Idris said the NCDC was maintaining heightened surveillance and strengthening laboratory capacity to prevent further spread of the disease.

He also urged public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to strengthen screening, triage and infection prevention measures, while ensuring that healthcare workers had adequate personal protective equipment.

According to the agency, public health teams were identifying and monitoring people who might have been exposed to the confirmed case for 21 days after their last possible exposure.

Idris urged Nigerians contacted by public health officials to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and provide accurate information about their movements, contacts and symptoms.

The developments have raised questions about the preparedness of hotels, conference centres and other venues expected to receive large numbers of people, particularly as Abuja hosts major business and public events.

However, the Federal Government has also said there is no immediate need to cancel conferences, public gatherings, campaigns or other large events following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the FCT.

Muhammad Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, gave the assurance at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, saying the confirmed patient was reportedly showing signs of improvement.

‘At this moment, there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned,’ Pate said.

He added that the government would review its position if the situation changed, based on scientific evidence and advice from public health experts.

‘But if the situation changes, we’ll make a determination; we’ll consult broadly with the right experts and make that determination,’ he said.

The government’s position leaves public event organisers and venue operators responsible for maintaining appropriate precautions while health authorities continue surveillance and contact tracing.

For hotels, conference centres and other public facilities, measures such as screening, access control, hand hygiene and the availability of protective equipment can form part of efforts to reduce infection risks. Their effectiveness, however, depends on consistent implementation and adherence to public health guidance.

The NCDC has urged healthcare facilities to remain vigilant and members of the public to cooperate with health officials, while the government says any decision to restrict gatherings will depend on how the outbreak evolves.

Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said President Bola Tinubu has earned Nigerians’ confidence and deserves a second term to consolidate his reforms and deliver greater prosperity.

Yilwatda spoke on Saturday at the flag-off of the APC’s 2027 presidential campaign in Kaduna, expressing confidence that the ruling party would secure victory in the January 16 presidential election.

‘Mr President, the people have spoken, and their voice is loud and clear. Nigerians are happy. Our women are happy, our youths are happy, and the people are encouraged by your leadership,’ Yilwatda said.

He described Tinubu as a courageous leader willing to take difficult but necessary decisions in the country’s interest, insisting that the APC was united, prepared and confident of winning the election.

‘We are proud to present to Nigerians the most competent and credible candidate for the presidency,’ the APC chairman said.

Yilwatda urged Nigerians to assess the administration not only by the economic challenges confronting the country but also by its efforts to address longstanding structural problems.

‘The task before us is to consolidate the gains, deepen the reforms and ensure that the promise of Renewed Hope translates into greater opportunities, improved livelihoods and shared prosperity for our people,’ he said.

‘We believe that the President deserves the opportunity to complete this work and take Nigeria to the next level,’ he added.

The APC chairman said the party’s campaign would focus on the administration’s record, ongoing reforms and plans for national development, expressing confidence that the benefits of its policies would become more evident over time.

At the rally, Yilwatda also presented APC flags to governors of the North-West, describing the region as strategically important to the party’s electoral prospects.

He urged party leaders and supporters across the seven states to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, maintain unity and rally behind Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

‘The journey to 2027 has begun, and the APC is ready. We have a President with the courage to lead, a party with the capacity to mobilise and a vision centred on the prosperity of our people,’ he said.

The Kaduna rally marks the commencement of the APC’s nationwide presidential campaign as Tinubu seeks re-election amid mounting economic and security challenges.

Valentine Onyeka Ogunaka, Nigerian storytelling diplomat, poet, and development communications professional, has introduced a new framework aimed at transforming how refugees and vulnerable communities are represented in development communications, while warning that today’s narratives could become tomorrow’s artificial intelligence biases.

Speaking at the Communications for a Better World Conference, which was held in New York and virtually, Ogunaka presented Framing for a Cause (FFAC), a framework developed through his work with Ecrafti and years of field documentation in displacement and migration contexts.

His presentation, ‘Development Narratives Diplomacy: The Framing for a Cause Framework for Dignifying Refugee Portfolios and the Future of Storytelling as AI Listens,’ argued that many humanitarian narratives continue to portray vulnerable populations primarily through crisis, dependency, and need, often overlooking their capabilities, aspirations, and contributions.

‘People should not have to trade their dignity to be seen,’ Ogunaka told participants. ‘Behind every refugee portfolio or displacement story is a person with identity, agency, skills, and dreams.’

Developed from field experience across Nigeria, FFAC is built around four pillars: identity, agency, contribution, and possibility. The framework encourages communicators to move beyond deficit-focused storytelling and present refugees and vulnerable communities as active participants in shaping their own futures.

A central theme of the presentation was the growing impact of artificial intelligence on global communications.

‘If our development narratives consistently portray vulnerable populations through deficit, crisis, and dependency, what happens when machines learn those narratives and reproduce them at scale?’ Ogunaka asked.

The question resonated with ongoing global conversations around AI ethics, representation, and responsible communication.

He currently serves as Communications Coordinator for the ARRIVES Project at the International Trade Centre (ITC) and has contributed to communications initiatives involving migration, displacement, and refugee communities, including work connected to UNHCR. He is also internationally recognised for using poetry and storytelling as tools for social change and development advocacy.

The New York presentation marks a significant milestone for Ecrafti, bringing a framework developed from African field realities into international discussions on development communications, human dignity, and the future of AI-informed storytelling.

As institutions increasingly seek ethical approaches to communication, Ogunaka believes the challenge is no longer simply telling stories about vulnerable populations, but ensuring those stories reflect the full humanity of the people at their centre.

‘How we frame people today may shape how societies and AI understand human dignity tomorrow,’ he concluded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ýýMonday Okpebholo, governor of Edo State, has terminated the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as Regent of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, barely 11 months after his appointment.

ýBusinessDay reports that the governor had, on November 13, 2025, removed Zaiki Luckman Momodu Odamah III, the erstwhile traditional ruler of the clan and appointed Nicholas Odamah as regent.

ýA statement issued at the time by Umar Musa Ikhilor, the Secretary to the State Government, said the removal of Luckman Momodu Odamah III followed a review of the circumstances surrounding the ongoing disputes over traditional leadership in the clan and kingdom.

ýIkhilor added that the action was taken in the interest of peace, stability and due process.

ýHe subsequently announced the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as regent of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan with immediate effect, pending the determination of the rightful occupant of the throne.

ýThe statement said the regent was expected to oversee the affairs of the clan pending further decisions.

ýHe was also mandated to oversee the clan’s affairs in a custodial capacity and ensure full compliance with government directives.

ýHowever, more than 11 months after the appointment, the state government, in a letter dated October 20, 2026, announced the termination of Nicholas Odamah’s appointment and the restoration of Zaiki Luckman Momodu Odamah III as the traditional ruler of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan.

ýThe letter, signed by Ikhilor, said the decision followed appeals from concerned indigenes of Akoko-Edo and the subsequent confirmation that the dispute over traditional leadership in the clan was already before a competent court of law.

ýAccording to the letter, the government decided to review and rescind its earlier decision in view of these developments.

ýThe statement read in part: ‘Consequently, the State Government hereby terminates the appointment of Mr Nicholas Odamah as Regent of Ikpeshi/Egbegere Clan and restores the status quo ante his appointment.

ý’All security agencies have been duly notified of this development and directed to maintain peace, law and order, as well as ensure the protection of lives and property in the affected communities.

ý’The Edo State Government remains committed to upholding fairness, justice and the rule of law, while preserving the state’s traditional institutions and values’, he said

ýThe government urged all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to run its course.

ýIt would be recalled that the removed traditional ruler, Zaiki Luckman Odamah III, had petitioned Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State House of Assembly, urging them not to confirm Roland Otaru as a commissioner in the state cabinet over alleged bias in the chieftaincy dispute.

ýOtaru, the current Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, is an indigene of the clan.

ýIn a petition addressed to the governor on August 29, 2025, the monarch argued that confirming Otaru would effectively place him in a position to judge his own case.

ýOdamah III alleged that Otaru had opposed his ascension to the throne following the death of his father on September 11, 2011.

ýAccording to him, ‘Otaru has, since the death of my father, HRH Momodu Odamah II, been working tirelessly against my nomination, traditional installation, and eventual appointment by the state government as a successor to my father.

ý’From 2012 till date, Otaru has been acting and continues to act as counsel to the Akoko-Edo traditional council that unsuccessfully challenged my appointment.

ý’To this end, he unsuccessfully opposed the suit I filed before the High Court, Igarra, which now has a pending appeal at the Supreme Court.

ý’In addition, in December 2020, Otaru, who is from the Emegbe family of Igun kindred, raised one Joseph Shuru Uduagbamen from his kindred and sought to impose him as the Zaiki of the Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan. To carry out this plot, they filed a case before the Igarra High Court to set aside the gazette/declaration regulating the appointment of the traditional ruler.

ý’The suit was dismissed on March 16, 2022, and the Emegbe family proceeded to the Court of Appeal, Benin. From 2012 to date, Otaru has consistently opposed the position of the Edo State Government, the Attorney-General of Edo State, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in all court cases concerning my ascension to the throne, from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court.

ý’Thus, his membership of the State Executive Council will ultimately put him in a position that makes him a judge in his own case, that is, to supplant the lawful position of the Edo State Government that has never filed or accepted any contrary position to that contained in the chieftaincy declaration gazette,’ he added.

ýThe traditional ruler said his petition was intended to present the facts to the governor before Otaru assumed office as a commissioner.

ýHe added that the petition was aimed at ensuring that appointments of traditional rulers in the state complied fully with the relevant gazette or declaration enacted into law by the government.

ýIt would also be recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, on April 30, 2025, removed three traditional rulers in Edo North Senatorial District.

ýThe affected rulers were: Umoru Inusa Umoru, the Aidonogie of South Ibie; Lukman Akemokue, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella; and George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom.

ýThe governor said that their removal was due to irregularities in their appointments, violations of customary succession laws and alleged involvement in kidnapping and insecurity.

ýHe subsequently reappointed Aliyu Kelvin Danesi as Aidonogie of South Ibie and appointed Michael Eshioronoya Sado as Okuokpellagbe of Okpella following his selection by the kingmakers.

ýThe appointment to the stool of Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom was still pending at the time but has since been filled by Francis Alimikhena, a former senator who represented Edo North Senatorial District following the death of George Oshiapi Egabor.

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

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

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

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

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

Fashion Is Creative, but It Is Also Commercial

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

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

But the market does not always work that way.

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

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

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

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

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

The Real Cost of Building a Nigerian Fashion Brand

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

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

There is also the question of pricing.

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

Finding that balance is not always straightforward.

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

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

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

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

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

A Fashion Brand Is Not the Same as a Fashion Business

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

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

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

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

A sustainable fashion business needs systems.

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

Most importantly, it needs a long-term vision.

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

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

That shift in thinking is essential.

Why Brand Identity Matters in a Crowded Fashion Market

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

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

A brand must have a recognisable identity.

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

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

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

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

That understanding influences the kind of brand we are building.

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

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

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

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

The Customer Is at the Centre of Every Successful Fashion Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nigerian Fashion Brands Must Think Beyond Social Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Opportunity for Nigerian Leather Goods and Accessories Brands

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

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

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

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

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

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

We cannot build competitive fashion businesses on creativity alone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lagos State Government has intensified disease surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The state government said it had no suspected Ebola cases in Lagos at the time of its announcement, urging residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and report possible exposure promptly.

In a press statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government said it was strengthening surveillance, public communication and community engagement through its Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health.

It said it was also working with agencies at points of entry, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, to support early detection and response to suspected cases.

As part of the preparedness measures, the ministry conducted an assessment and engagement with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders. Discussions focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and coordination of emergency responses.

The state government said it was expanding public awareness efforts to educate residents about Ebola symptoms, transmission and prevention.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that can be fatal. According to the ministry, transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, contaminated materials, or the body of someone who has died from the disease. Infection may also occur through contact with infected animals.

Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may occur in some cases.

The ministry warned that early symptoms can resemble malaria and other common illnesses, advising anyone who becomes unwell after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission to seek prompt medical assessment.

Under Lagos State’s fever-management policy, people with fever are advised to undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medicines. Where the result is negative, a healthcare professional should assess other possible causes and determine the appropriate treatment.

The government also urged residents to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people and refrain from handling potentially contaminated materials or touching sick or dead wild animals.

Travellers arriving in Nigeria, particularly from areas reporting Ebola transmission, were urged to cooperate with Port Health Services, provide accurate travel and health information when requested, and follow official public health guidance.

The ministry advised anyone who develops symptoms during travel or after arrival to notify appropriate health personnel promptly and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

Residents who suspect they have been exposed to Ebola, especially through contact with a suspected or confirmed case, were advised to contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.

The state government listed 112 and 767 as emergency numbers for reporting concerns in Lagos. It also provided the number 0802 316 9485 for the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

The government said it would continue to monitor developments, strengthen surveillance and coordinate with relevant agencies, while providing updates as necessary. It urged residents to rely on official announcements rather than rumours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Redeemers University’s Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) hackathon has reiterated the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in proffering home-grown solutions for African health challenges.

This was the outcome of its 2026 XR and Al Genomics Hackathon, themed, ‘From Genome to Impact: XR and Al Solutions for African Health,’ culminating in a Demo Day at the IGH/ACEGID Auditorium, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.

The hackathon brought together participants from science, technology, 3D design and science communication to develop immersive learning experiences aimed at making complex genomic procedures easier to understand.

Adedayo Okunfolami, CITIO at IGH and convener, XR and Al Genomics hackathon 2026, stated that the central challenge is to ensure that emerging technologies are scientifically accurate, accessible to their intended users and connected to clearly defined needs.

According to him, Genomics can contribute to understanding health and disease, while immersive technologies can offer new ways to explain scientific concepts and practise selected procedures in simulated environments.

Five teams develop virtual reality prototypes for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), training as IGH builds its GenomicsXR platform and creates new pathways for the next generation of genomics talent.

Okunfolami stated that the initiative reflects IGH’s wider ambition to preserve the legacy of genomics education, encourage younger scientists to enter the field, and explore how emerging technologies can help people understand scientific processes that are often difficult to visualise.

‘At the centre of this effort is GenomicsXR, an extended reality (XR) product being developed to bring genomics activities and laboratory procedures into interactive virtual experiences.’

According to him, the 2026 hackathon focused on the next module PCR, a laboratory technique used to make many copies of a selected DNA segment for analysis; while its first module, DNA Extraction, was deployed in 2025.

Rather than asking one group to build the entire PCR experience, Okunfolami disclosed that the workflow was divided into five stages, while each stage was a team. ‘The result was five separate prototypes intended to contribute to a larger, connected learning experience.’

Adeleke Osho, Provost, Postgraduate School, Redeemer’s University and lead judge, announced the results of the hackathon on Demo Day,

According to him, team 5 emerged as the overall winner, followed by team 2 in second place and team 3 in third place. Accordingly, team 4 placed fourth, while team 1 finished fifth.

The results recognised the teams’ work in developing their respective stages. He also disclosed that the next step would see participants review and connect the separate contributions so that users can move through the PCR process as a single learning experience.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed to deepen cooperation on migration, justice and security, with a focus on tackling visa fraud, organised immigration crime, drug trafficking and cyber-enabled fraud, while improving legal migration pathways and border management.

The agreement followed the annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs (MJHA) Dialogue held in London on October 6, where senior officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office jointly chaired discussions on translating commitments made during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK in March 2026 into practical measures.

The discussions covered a range of areas, including document verification, border security, the return and reintegration of migrants, extradition, asset recovery and prisoner transfers, as both countries seek to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and protect legitimate travel between them.

The two countries also agreed to work together to address drug trafficking and crimes facilitated by digital technologies, reflecting the broadening scope of their bilateral security cooperation.

According to a statement by the British High Commission, the dialogue was designed to convert political commitments made during the State Visit into practical areas of cooperation that would benefit citizens of both countries.

The discussions also emphasised the need to support safe and dignified migrant returns and reintegration, alongside efforts to prevent the abuse of immigration systems.

It noted that Nigeria remains a significant source of travellers to the UK, receiving the third-highest volume of UK student visas globally and the fifth-highest volume of work visas. This level of movement has made cooperation on protecting legitimate travel, strengthening verification processes and holding those responsible for immigration-related offences accountable a key priority for both governments.

The UK and Nigeria also agreed to support the development of Nigerian visa pathways for businesses seeking to invest in Nigeria.

Vicky Seymour, British Deputy High Commissioner, said the partnership was producing practical results on issues of importance to both countries.

‘The UK-Nigeria partnership is delivering practical results on issues that matter to both our countries,’ Seymour said.

She said both governments were building on the momentum of Tinubu’s State Visit by implementing commitments aimed at tackling visa fraud and organised immigration crime, strengthening border security, and supporting safe and dignified return and reintegration.

‘Our goal is simple: protect legitimate travellers, tackle those who abuse our systems and make both our countries safer,’ she said.

On Nigeria’s part, Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said migration remained one of the most important and visible aspects of the bilateral relationship.

Ahmed said cooperation on migration should not be limited to enforcement but should also create meaningful opportunities for legal migration and establish credible pathways for legitimate migrants.

‘Migration remains one of the most important and visible aspects of the UK-Nigeria relationship.

‘This dialogue must both cover enforcement activities as well as ensuring meaningful opportunities for legal migration, and credible opportunities for pathways for legitimate migrants,’ he said.

He added that the dialogue was ultimately aimed at strengthening the security, prosperity and safety of both countries and their citizens.