Category: Business Day

The media sub-committee of the 2025 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention to hold next week in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, on Saturday, said that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) might take advantage of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Police.

The media committee said this in a statement signed and issued to journalists in Bauchi. Said that the APC may also use the Judiciary and others to stop the convention from being held, just for their own interest.

Committee urged the Judiciary, INEC, Police and others to demonstrate high levels of patriotism and transparency in the discharge of their duties.

The party wants the institutions to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the convention and ensure that the process is free, fair, and transparent.

Also urged the judiciary, INEC, and the police to prioritise the interests of Nigeria and its citizens, rather than serving the interests of the ruling party.

‘They must remember that they will be called to account for their deeds here or hereafter or both. After all, their refusal to abide by laid down rules and regulations, their selfish actions and or in-actions, are not only capable of truncating the nation’s democratic evolution but could also lead to chaos, destruction and national disaster’

The committee further said that in an ideal democratic setting, and particularly the type of democracy being practised in Nigeria, opposition is an invigorating tonic that not only checks excesses of the ruling party but also proffers solutions to problems. Where the opposition is being strangulated, however, it can be said that the voices of the people are being stifled’

‘In Nigeria today, it is an open secret that, pointers are suspecting that the ruling party at the center, the APC, is bent on using every tool at its disposal, including the misuse of important democratic institutions that are pillars on which credible and sustainable democracy is built, to continue its misrule in the country’

Adding that ‘Judiciary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies, are likely to become tools of manipulation in the hands of the All Peoples Congress (APC). ‘For this and other reasons, it does not come as a surprise that fears are being expressed by the teeming supporters of the People Democratic Party (PDP), that the APC is muting or contemplating the use of the judiciary to ensure that the forthcoming party convention does not hold at all, or is postponed indefinitely’

‘These fears are certainly not unfounded and going by the APC’s antecedents, the possibility of using inter and intra party destructive elements to thwart the PDP November billed convention, cannot be ruled out’

‘All these destructive elements operating from within and outside the PDP, can go to any extent to serve the selfish interests of their masters in the APC. They must be reminded here, that nemesis is sure to catch up with them, sooner than later’

Furthermore said that ‘All the machinations are surely in preparation for the grand electoral manipulation of the 2027 general elections and the enthronement of a one-party democracy that would pave the way towards dictatorship’

They urged party faithful that it is time to unite more than ever before, get courage and remain steadfast in protecting the legacy of the party through solidarity, unity and loyalty.

‘Nothing should be allowed to injure the forthcoming National Convention, bearing in mind that we have fought hard, worked so diligently to the nurturing of Nigerian democracy to its present stage’

Call on members of the party should not succumb to the antics of fifth columnists, agents of anti-democratic practice, to thwart the reputation of the party, which by all standards, is the truly national party in the country which had previously ruled with vision and excellent leadership.

Party members need to know that the leadership of the party and its caucus are working around the clock to withstand all possible elements of sabotage, be it from state institutions or hired individuals. Friendly Civil Society Organisations, and international Communities are being contacted as at appropriate to join hands in preserving and protecting our democratic culture.

The NEPAD Business Group Nigeria (NBGN) will convene business leaders, policymakers, development partners, and regional economic actors to explore strategies for deepening private sector engagement in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advancing Africa’s economic transformation agenda though its business forum.

The high-level business forum which will hold on Thursday, 30 October 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: ‘Mobilising Africa’s Private Sector for AfCFTA towards Africa’s Economic Development Amid Global Uncertainty.’

According to the organisers, the event aims to stimulate practical dialogue and partnership on the role of the private sector in driving intra-African trade, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth. Discussions will focus on key areas such as policy alignment, trade facilitation, investment promotion, value-chain development, and industrial cooperation across African economies.

The forum is expected to attract participants from government ministries and agencies, financial institutions, regional economic communities, chambers of commerce, development organisations, and captains of industry from within and outside Nigeria. Speaking ahead of the Forum, Bashorun Randle, the Chairman of NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector in Africa’s development under the AfCFTA framework.

‘The private sector remains the engine of Africa’s transformation. Through this Forum, we aim to build actionable strategies that will strengthen Africa’s economic resilience, promote cross-border trade, and ensure inclusive prosperity for all,’ he stated.

The outcomes of the event are expected to contribute to policy recommendations and strategic frameworks that will enhance regional trade integration and promote the realisation of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

In an era where information flows faster than ever, John Momoh, a veteran broadcaster and chairman of Channels Media Group, has identified credibility, rather than information, as Nigeria’s greatest challenge.

Delivering his keynote address at the 25th NECCI PR Roundtable discussions, themed ‘The Ethics of Governance: Shaping Reputation through Public Relations’, he emphasised that the problem of governance in Nigeria is a lack of trust.

‘Trust is the currency of leadership. Trust between leaders and citizens, government and the governed, and between Nigeria and Nigerians.

‘People no longer take official statements at face value. They hear promises that don’t match their pay, see projects launched but rarely completed,’ he said.

He emphasised that when citizens stop believing their leaders, no amount of publicity can repair that loss of faith, and this he said, is the very heart of credibility.

‘When we talk about the ethics of governments, we’re talking about what leaders do when no one is watching. Because ethics is the summation of integrity plus transparency, and accountability.

‘It means doing the right thing, not the complicated thing; it’s transparency in all forms. Letting the light shine on decisions, and it’s accountability,’ he noted.

Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the founder/convener of NECCI PR Roundtable discussions, said over the years, the PR roundtable has evolved into a respected forum for dialogue, learning and advocacy.

‘We have remained true to our founding vision to promote professionalism, uphold ethics and use communication as a tool for development and nation building. Our impact over the past 25 years has been significant,’ she said.

She announced the launch of the NECCI Public Relations Pulse Excellence Prize, which is aimed at promoting professionalism in the industry.

‘Today, we are proud to launch the NECCI Public Relations Pulse Excellence Prize. This initiative aims to cultivate knowledgeable and skilled public relations professionals who will make a significant impact in the industry,’ she said.

Godrey Ogbechie, group executive director at Rainoil Ltd, said that ethics gives governance its soul and public relations, when practised truthfully, gives practitioners’ souls a voice.

Ogbechie emphasised the need for integrity even in the face of crisis management. ‘I’ve learned that integrity is the best crisis management tool, when you choose openness over silence, honesty over convenience, trust grows in tough times.

‘We are in tough times, not just in Nigeria, even those of you who may disagree, but globally, these are really very tough times. As we are professionals, we must be more than storytellers; we must be truth tellers; let our messages align with our values,’ he said.

She reiterated that if Nigeria’s reputation is to rise, ethics must move from documents to daily conduct, from slogans to standards. ‘Let us make ethics our strongest brand,’ she urged.

Ike Neliaku, the NIPR president, represented by Emmanuel Dandaura, the vice-president at NIPR, said the issues of ethics, governance and the strategic role of public relations cannot be overemphasised.

‘Governance everywhere is under intense public scrutiny. Citizens are more vocal in the digital spaces, and they are also unforgiving as far as demanding accountability is concerned.

‘Let us face it, no amount of public relations can save unethical governance. You can try your best to polish an image, but if the conduct is rough, the shine won’t last,’ emphasised.

Neliaku highlighted the need to train a new generation of public relations practitioners who understand that ethics is not a chapter in a textbook, but the oxygen of credibility.

‘Let us use our skills not just to promote power, but to humanise it. Not just to shape messages, but to reveal meaning in public life.

‘As we celebrate this silver jubilee, let’s remember that reputation is not what people say about us when we issue a press statement. It is what they believe about us when the microphone is off,’ he said.

Idris Malagi, the minister of information, stressed that the link between ethical governance and national reputation has become critical; hence, he said, as government communicators and stakeholders in the information ecosystem, practitioners must continue to uphold ethics, transparency, and the truth at the foundation of every effective public communication.

‘As the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, our work is deeply anchored in this main principle. Through the renewed agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this administration is committed to rebuilding public trust, promoting transparency and ensuring that government communication serves as a bridge between government and the people.

‘Through responsible information management, media engagement and national orientation, we aim to foster a culture where truth, accountability and integrity are defined by our national narrative,’ he said.

Dignitaries such as Tokunboh George-Taylor, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Alice Ajeh, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Rafia Oseni, Yakubu Lamai, Femi Adesina and Lampe Omoyele, among others, lend their voices to promoting ethics in Nigeria’s governance at all levels.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has approved the release of ?677,572,815 for the payment of bursary allowances, academic excellence awards, and special needs scholarships to Katsina students studying in various tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Mohamed, which was made available to newsmen on Saturday, noting that Radda reaffirmed its commitment to educational empowerment, inclusiveness, and global academic excellence.

The statement read, ‘The approval underscores Governor Radda’s firm belief in education as a catalyst for empowerment, growth, and social inclusion, in line with his Building Your Future Agenda, which places human capital development at the heart of governance.

‘Out of the total approved amount, ?283,521,639 will be disbursed as bursary allowances to newly admitted Katsina students in tertiary institutions across the country. Another ?15 million has been earmarked for the Katsina State Government Award of Academic Excellence, which recognises graduates with First-Class Honours in their respective disciplines. In addition, ?7 million has been set aside for the Annual Special Scholarship Programme aimed at supporting students with special needs.

‘This latest approval follows the earlier release of ?372,051,176 in September 2024 for continuing students, bringing the total disbursement for the 2024/2025 academic session to ?677,572,815. ‘Since assuming office, Governor Radda has consistently prioritised education through massive investments in scholarship and bursary programmes. Previous disbursements include ?637,924,516 (for 47,935 students, 2020/2021 fresh and 2021/2022 continuing), ?544,207,748 (for 37,802 students, 2021/2022 fresh and 2022/2023 continuing), ?744,102,352 (for 50,438 students, 2022/2023 fresh and 2023/2024 continuing), and ?372,051,176 for 2024/2025 continuing students.

‘With this latest round, Katsina State’s total investment in student support has now reached ?2.6 billion, directly benefiting tens of thousands of students and reaffirming the State’s leadership in promoting educational advancement in Northern Nigeria’.

Aminu Salisu Tsauri, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Scholarship Board, described the Governor’s approval as a landmark decision that reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to human capital development.

‘According to him, award letters will be distributed to beneficiaries in their respective institutions beginning Tuesday, 28th October 2025, while newly admitted Katsina students currently in the Nigerian Law School are expected to report to the Scholarship Board Headquarters between Monday, 27th and Thursday, 30th October 2025, for documentation and further processing.

Through these continuous interventions, the Radda administration is laying a strong foundation for educational excellence.

The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to replace the nation’s service chiefs was driven by a desire to strengthen the country’s security architecture, not by fear of any alleged coup plot.

Speaking on Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed circulating reports that the leadership overhaul in the armed forces was tied to whispers of disloyalty or mutiny within the military.

According to him, the President’s action was a proactive step to ‘inject new direction, energy, and focus’ into the security sector, which continues to grapple with insurgency, banditry, and other national security threats. ‘The President acted within his constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief,’ Onanuga told PUNCH.

‘He can appoint, redeploy, or remove service chiefs at any time he deems fit. This latest decision was not in response to any coup plot, but to bring renewed momentum into the armed forces.’

The removal of the top military commanders including the Chief of Defence Staff and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force marks the second major shake-up of the security leadership since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

Sources within the Defence Headquarters say the move reflects the President’s dissatisfaction with the pace of security operations, especially in northern states where bandit attacks and abductions have persisted despite heavy military deployments.

Analysts believe the reshuffle signals Tinubu’s intent to align military leadership with his broader national security strategy, emphasizing intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency coordination, and modernization of defence infrastructure. Onanuga also cautioned against politicising the President’s decision, describing the rumors of a coup as ‘baseless and mischievous attempts to distract the government.’

‘Those spreading such claims do not understand how the system works,’ he said. ‘The Nigerian Armed Forces remain loyal to the constitution and to the Commander-in-Chief. What the President has done is a normal exercise of his executive prerogative.’

The Presidency’s clarification comes amid heightened speculation on social media following reports of unusual movements of troops in certain military formations earlier in the week. Government officials, however, dismissed those reports as routine operational adjustments.

Security experts say the timing of the overhaul underscores Tinubu’s focus on maintaining stability while driving performance. ‘What we’re seeing is a leader consolidating his control over the military and ensuring loyalty is matched with results,’ said defence analyst Kabiru Adamu.

The newly appointed service chiefs, whose names were released by the Presidency late Thursday, are expected to bring fresh perspectives to ongoing counterterrorism and internal security operations. Meanwhile, the Presidency reaffirmed its confidence in the military institution, urging Nigerians to support the new leadership as it works to safeguard the nation.

‘There is no cause for alarm,’ Onanuga assured. ‘The President wants a more efficient, responsive, and professional military that can deliver on its constitutional responsibilities.’

With the reshuffle, Tinubu appears determined to reassert control over Nigeria’s security landscape not out of fear of rebellion, but from a clear intent to reenergize a critical arm of government in the face of evolving national threats.

Spaces for Change (S4C), a civil society organisation advocating for policy reforms in Nigeria’s financial and civic sectors, has congratulated the Nigerian government on its successful removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The delisting was announced during the FATF plenary session held in Paris, France, in October 2025, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts.

Alongside Nigeria, Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Mozambique were also delisted after demonstrating significant progress in strengthening their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks.

According to FATF, delisting from the grey list signifies that the affected countries have effectively addressed identified strategic deficiencies and strengthened the integrity of their financial systems under the close supervision of the International Cooperative Review Group (ICRG).

In a statement signed by Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, its executive director, Spaces for Change noted that it had been actively involved in Nigeria and Burkina Faso’s compliance journey, especially in supporting reforms related to the non-profit sector.

The organisation said these initiatives enhanced the implementation of FATF Recommendation 8, which focuses on safeguarding the non-profit sector from terrorism financing abuse while ensuring that legitimate charitable activities are not hindered.

According to S4C, in 2022, Nigeria took a significant step by removing non-profit organisations from the list of obliged reporting entities and from the category of Designated Non-Financial Professions and Businesses (DNFBPs). These reforms, according to S4C, contributed to improving Nigeria’s compliance status and fostering a more enabling environment for civic operations. ‘With these collective efforts, Nigeria has become the only West African country to secure a Fully Compliant rating on FATF Recommendation 8.

‘The country’s delisting from the FATF grey list reinforces its progress and demonstrates a strong commitment to technical compliance and operational effectiveness’, the statement read.

Spaces for Change congratulated both the Nigerian and Burkinabe authorities for achieving this milestone, noting that the development would help ease financial restrictions on charities and attract more investor confidence.

‘Spaces for Change remains committed to ensuring that counter-terrorism measures across the subregion do not shrink civic space or limit the operations of civil society,’ Ibezim-Ohaeri stated.

At the centre of the recently held Africa Creative Market 2025 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, was FashionEVO Summit and Show 2025, which united visionary minds, talented designers, and industry innovators from across Africa and beyond.

The transformative event celebrated creativity, commerce, and community, resonating throughout the global fashion ecosystem.

Under the theme, ‘Creative Bridge: Bridging Creativity, Community, and Commerce in Africa’s Fashion Future,’ the summit reinforced FashionEVO’s mission to elevate African fashion as a global powerhouse while highlighting the sector’s vast potential for economic transformation and cultural influence.

Delegates from various African nations and international markets engaged in a dynamic day filled with thought-provoking panels, fostering robust dialogue about the industry’s trajectory and opportunities.

Panel discussions examined cross-border collaboration in African fashion, exploring how partnerships can amplify individual designers’ reach while preserving authentic cultural narratives. Notable speakers included Sandra Alonge, Creative Director, IFFIZI, Harriet Hala Kahuzu, Founder, FAB L’Style Magazine, and Ameyaw Debrah, Celebrity Blogger, Freelance Journalist, and Reporter, with Tolu Ajibola, Award-Winning Broadcaster and On-Air Personality moderating the session.

Their insights enriched the conversation around Pan-African fashion.

The importance of education in shaping future designers and the transformation of supply chains in our digital era were also key topics, with insights from industry luminaries such as Blessing Azubike of CcHub, Achu Blessing Ebere of 360 Creative Innovation Hub, Sola Babatunde of OSC Group, and Emmy Collins of Emmy Collins London, moderated by Adaeze Aduaka, Spice TV Presenter and Event Compère.

Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi of Adire Oodua Textile Hub and AFWLondon and Nigeria delivered a compelling keynote speech highlighting the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern technological innovation, joined by Kiki Okewale, Founder, Fabric Printing Global, and Femi Olayebi, Founder and CEO, Femi Handbags, with Seyi Amao, Founder, Sissyremi, moderating the session titled ‘Textile to Tech – Fashion Supply Chains in a Digital Era.’

Fireside chats featuring Nigeria’s leading stylists and creative visionaries further enriched these discussions, creating intimate spaces for deeper exploration of industry challenges and opportunities. A significant session, moderated by Maryanne Alabi, International Fashion Consultant and Stylist, included Diipo Ayo-Adeusi, Rhoda Ebun, Ifeoma Odogwu, and John J. Angel (DeAngelicTouchStylist), who examined ‘The Business of Style.’

Another discussion featured Malik Afegbua, Founder of Slickcity Media, Princess Ifedolapo Onikoyi, Founder of Artfrofest, and Lasisi Olubunmi of Black Adudu, moderated by Somto Ajuluchukwu, CEO of Vortex Animation, exploring fashion as an archive and digital as a voice.

This conversation illuminated how contemporary African designers leverage digital platforms to preserve cultural heritage and build global audiences, addressing the critical intersection of tradition, documentation, and modern storytelling.

Interactive workshops on sustainability, strategic pricing, export readiness, technology integration, and legal frameworks ensured participants left with actionable knowledge to transform their businesses.

Facilitators included Tolulope Omoyeni (Circular Business Platform), Lanre Shonoiki, Co-Founder, CAFET, Obinna Okerekeocha, Artist, Creative and Content Director, and Annie Oti, Founder, Africa Fashion Law Services. An experiential pop-up session led by Tallulah Doherty Adetona focused on wellness and beauty activation, enhancing the learning experience alongside her comprehensive masterclass in branding and stage presence. As the day transitioned into the evening, the FashionEVO Show dazzled audiences with a spectacular showcase of style, artistry, and cultural innovation. Visionary designers, including Amarelis, Kijipa Couture, Henri Uduku, Yigalos, Salvage, Sly Monay, IFFIZI, Adire Oodua Textile Hub, Revolution by Yetty D, Kola Kuddus, TF Apparel, and Rukuhs Petali, presented collections that beautifully balanced traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation and fearless creativity.

The runway presentations also featured the highly anticipated unveiling of the Top 3 finalists of the Textile Design Competition, signalling the emergence of fresh talent poised to propel African fashion into an exciting new era.

The evening culminated in the prestigious FashionEVO Awards, honouring trailblazers whose groundbreaking work continues to define and elevate Africa’s creative landscape.

Honourees included Toke Benson, recipient of the Creative Economy Catalyst Award, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, honoured with the Queen Vanguard Award; Femi Olayebi, recipient of the Ecosystem Builder Award, among others.

The awards celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and recognition of African fashion on both continental and global stages.

Memorable performances by Mahriisah and Angelo added to the vibrancy of the event, highlighting the intersection of fashion, music, and cultural expression that defines Africa’s creative landscape.

The summit’s success was bolstered by strategic partnerships with organisations committed to advancing Africa’s creative ecosystem, including LEAP Africa, SIPA, Fabric Printing Global, Amel Susan, and others, ensuring the event’s programming reached its full potential.

Throughout the four-day Africa Creative Market, a vibrant pop-up booth showcased an array of brands, allowing attendees to engage directly with the diverse expressions of African fashion.

Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder of FashionEVO and Convener of the FashionEVO Summit and Show, remarked, ‘FashionEVO was conceived as more than just a platform. It is a bridge connecting creativity with commerce, vision with opportunity, and Africa with the world.

‘This year’s event affirms that African fashion is not just thriving; it is setting new global standards, driven by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering cultural identity,’ Inya Lawal, Convener of the Africa Creative Market, added, ‘FashionEVO 2025 was fundamentally about forging meaningful connections between creativity and commerce, local artisans and global markets, and today’s established leaders and tomorrow’s visionary changemakers.’

FashionEVO Summit and Show was organised by FashionEVO in partnership with the Africa Creative Market and YD Company, with international collaborators providing valuable perspectives that highlighted opportunities for African designers to access global markets while maintaining their authentic creative voices and cultural integrity.

This collaboration demonstrated how cultural diplomacy and creative industries can synergistically build sustainable bridges between Africa and the world’s fashion capitals.

In February 2019, Purl broke the internet. Pixar’s animated short – which I first came across on that year’s International Women’s Day – tells the story of bubbly Purl who joins a corporate office steeped in ‘bro culture’. At first, Purl’s warmth and vibrancy make her stick out – and not in a good way.

Faced with exclusion and dismissiveness, she does what many women in workplaces are forced to do: she sheds her softness, swaps her color for conformity, and adopts the brash, abrasive behaviors of her male colleagues and becomes accepted. By the end of the film, another feminine-presenting character enters the office, but this time, the environment is different.

Because Purl, through her hard-won survival, had paved the way. Purl is fiction, but it mirrors the reality of many of us. This isn’t just a story about fitting in – it’s a reflection of how rigid gender norms shape, and sometimes distort, who we’re allowed to be at work.

What Does Bro Culture Look Like?

It’s easy to imagine it as crude jokes or overt aggression, but bro culture in the workplace is often more subtle. At its heart, it’s a set of male-coded behaviours that aren’t inherently bad.

It looks like dominating conversations, risk-taking bravado, and aggressive competitiveness. Emotional detachment is another hallmark – the ‘leave your feelings at the door’ mindset that frames empathy as weakness.

Bro culture also thrives on transactional networking – relationships built on leverage, access, and ‘what can you do for me?’. It favours command-and-control leadership styles. And then there’s the brash humour and offhand banter – edgy jokes, and sometimes inappropriate comments masked as friendly bonding.

The problem isn’t that these behaviours exist; is that they’ve become the unwritten rules for workplace success.

Purl May Be A Character, But For Many Women, Her Story Hits Home.

We know what it feels like to walk into spaces where the unspoken expectation is to fit in.

Take the ‘Power Suit’. It started with the 80s and 90s power-dressing era – think padded shoulders, dark colours, and sharp, structured tailoring. The silent rule has become clear: To be taken seriously, dress like a man – corporate style codes that reward muted colours and neutral palettes that downplay femininity.

You’d learn quickly that a soft, expressive style might make you look approachable, not ‘leader-like.’ Then there’s the ‘Professional Headshot’ look. Almost laughably rigid: a strong jawline, serious expression, eyes that say no-nonsense. Smiling too much? You risk looking frivolous.

Seem too warm? Suddenly, you’re not ‘executive material.’ The message is subtle yet clear – your competence should radiate from how intimidating you look, not from your approachability.

And let’s not forget the pressure of male-coded informal networking – golf outings and whiskey tastings. This is not to say they’re male sports by nature, but have long been male-coded power spaces. For many women, access to decision-makers and deal flow means mastering these rituals. You become the woman who ‘networks well with the guys,’ the one they say is ‘one of us.’?

The Outcome? Women Become Left Out, Or Left Behind

When access to leadership happens in informal power circles such as late-night meetings built around male-coded norms, exclusion becomes inevitable. These circles aren’t wrong by default, but they conveniently shut women out. Married women and caregivers are seen as too ‘unavailable’.

And when women finally get in, it’s often not because their unique perspective is valued, but because they’ve learned to mirror the gatekeepers. Being left out means missing mentorship, sponsorship, and critical decisions.

Leadership itself is still defined by narrow, male-coded traits – boldness, dominance, emotional detachment – forcing women to either perform ‘stereotyped’ versions of leadership or risk being sidelined.

And the bias spills beyond boardrooms into funding. Male custodians of capital back what they know – for example, overlooking women-led ventures in sectors like fashion, food, wellness, or social impact. Not because they lack value, but because the men holding the checkbooks don’t relate.

Let’s Do Better

We need to redefine leadership – valuing competence without coding it as masculine. Access must be democratised, and power circles shouldn’t be gated by rituals or relationships that exclude women by default. Funding conversations need new voices – more women investors, sector-diverse panels, and intentionality about backing leadership that doesn’t mirror the status quo. Because here’s the truth: when leadership is only accessible to those who conform, we’ll lose out on the innovation, creativity, and transformative power of authentic diversity.

Ekemini Akpakpan is a Strategic Leader and Gender and Development Specialist with over a decade of experience strengthening institutions across government, civil society, and the private sector. She specialises in designing transformative programs, building governance systems, and advancing gender equity and inclusive leadership. Akpakpan has led strategy and institutional development initiatives for organisations such as WISCAR, Heifer International Africa, and the Nigerian Police Force Gender Unit. Her thought leadership publications have been published on the World Economic Forum, She Leads Africa, on BusinessDay Women’s Hub, where her writings focus on women’s empowerment and leadership in Africa.

Innocent Onwunali, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Iki Leads Limited, has explained why his company decided to produce its newest liquor brand, Doncoco, locally instead of importing it.

He offered the explanation at the unveiling of the new product in Lagos, over the weekend. He noted that the company’s decision was driven by the need to make premium-quality drinks affordable to Nigerians.

He said: ‘The brands we introduced are not in Nigeria currently. They are mostly imported, and by the time you add the cost of importation, they become too expensive. But, since these ones are made here, Nigerians can afford them.’

He described Doncoco as a blend of boldness and culture, adding that the brand was conceived to create memorable drinking experiences.

‘We wanted more than just another bottle on the shelf. We wanted a drink that commands presence; a drink that says, ‘I’ve arrived.’ From that thought, Doncoco was crafted to speak to different moods, nights and personalities,’ he said.

The product comes in five variants, comprising Dancoco Whisky and Cola, Dancoco Vodka and Orange, Dancoco Single Malt Whiskey, Dancoco Vodka and Dancoco Tequila Reposado, each designed to appeal to distinct tastes.

He emphasised that the company’s aim is to maintain affordable prices, despite inflationary pressures.

He assured that a bigger bottle size, locally produced and packaged, would be introduced within the next eight months.

‘The market is already there. Our goal is to ensure Nigerians enjoy premium products without breaking the bank. And if there is inflation in the country, everybody will understand but we look forward to maintaining the prices we are starting with for a while, before an increase in price,’ he assured.

He expressed gratitude to his team and event partners for bringing the dream to life. ‘It’s a dream come true. I thank my staff, the event planners and everyone who made this launch a success,’ he said. Unveiling the product, a Nollywood legend, Kanayo O. Kanayo, commended the initiative, describing Doncoco as a proudly Nigerian product worthy of global attention.

‘When you cook a good soup, you must give it a name, and that name sells it. This product has been made in our homeland to bring enjoyment and refreshment to Nigerians. Let’s toast to good health, prosperity and Doncoco,’ he said.

Apart from Kanayo, five Nollywood actors and actresses who are the products’ brand ambassadors were in attendance. They include Zubby Michael, Nosa Rex, Catherine Onoja, Dukori Patience and a Lagos-based Liberian, Fanta Amonaline Kouyateh.

Onoja said she was proud to represent a product that ‘offers something for everyone.’ Patience described Doncoco as a drink that gives vibes and confidence.

Liberian-born influencer Kouyateh expressed excitement about the brand’s potential, saying she looked forward to Nigerians ‘trying it, enjoying it, and having fun.’

Rex thanked the company for the partnership and assured that the world would hear about Doncoco, while Michael described Iki Leads’ founder, Onwunali, as a man of humility and courage. He noted that ordinarily his role model should be from the entertainment industry but noted that Onwunali is his role model.

He urged Nigerians to patronise Dancoco as a homegrown brand.

The event, which was held on Saturday, blended music, style and entertainment as guests toasted to the birth of what many described as ‘

About 6,000 secondary school students across 11 states are set to compete in Season 4 of the Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL), organised by the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA).

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to announce the 2025 NSSFFL season, NAFA Secretary General and spokesperson Lawrence Ojaide, alongside Abiodun Bello, who represented Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) President Olabisi Joseph, highlighted the league’s remarkable growth from around 900 student-athletes in 2022 to over 6,000 participants in 2025. ‘The NSSFFL is now Africa’s largest school flag football competition and a hub for youth engagement, sports education, and athletic discovery,’ Ojaide said.

‘When we began as a pilot in Lagos in 2022, our goal was to introduce a new sport that encourages teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking. Three years later, the initiative has grown into a national movement with structured participation across multiple states.’ This year’s edition will feature teams from Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Benue, Kwara, Rivers, Ogun, Cross River, Abuja, and Lagos, the defending champions in both the male and female categories.

The preliminary rounds will run from October 27 to November 6, taking place across various states before the national finals.

Ogun State will kick off proceedings on October 27, followed by Oyo and Ekiti (October 28), Ondo and Rivers (October 29), and Akwa Ibom and Kwara (October 30).

The action continues in Abuja and Lagos (November 4) before Benue and Cross River wrap up the preliminaries on November 6.