Category: Business Day

As the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) prepares to launch its inaugural Queen Esther Ball Gala, Founder and Director Sarah Boulos reiterates the importance of investing in the country’s youth. With two decades of experience in empowering young Nigerians through performing arts education, Mrs. Boulos believes that the next generation of leaders is ready to shine.

‘Nigeria’s creative talent is world-class,’ says Mrs. Boulos. ‘If provided with the right platforms, our youth will compete favorably on a global stage. SPAN is just a launching pad, and similar initiatives can be created in other industries like film, science, technology, and sports. What we need are resources and resilience.’

Mrs. Boulos’s conviction is rooted in SPAN’s remarkable journey. Over the past 20 years, the organization has nurtured over 10,000 students, producing alumni who are now making waves in the global performance arts scene. SPAN’s success story is a testament to the potential of Nigerian youth.

As the Queen Esther Ball Gala approaches, Mrs. Boulos emphasizes the need for continued investment in youth development. ‘We are celebrating where we have been and strategically using it as a launchpad for where we are going,’ she says. ‘The next 20 years will see SPAN deepen its impact, reach more students, and continue proving that investing in performing arts education is a profound investment in Nigeria’s future.’

With a focus on empowering young women and promoting creativity, the Queen Esther Ball promises to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, forward vision, and fundraising. As Nigeria looks to the future, it’s clear that its youth are the real resource for a brighter tomorrow.

By providing opportunities for young Nigerians to develop their talents and skills, we can unlock a wealth of potential and creativity that will drive the country’s progress. As Mrs. Boulos aptly puts it, ‘Nigeria’s youth are its greatest asset.’

Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the immediate release of ?5.8 billion for the settlement of all outstanding gratuity liabilities owed to retired State public officers.

‘This significant milestone underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its dedicated civil servants who have served the state meritoriously’, a statement by Mohammed Abatcha Geidam, Commissioner of Finance, said.

The statement added that the governor had further directed that, going forward, the payment of gratuities must be integrated into the State’s monthly financial schedule.

‘This means that cleared gratuity payments will be made monthly, alongside the regular pension payments, ensuring that no future backlog of retirement benefits is allowed to accumulate’, the Commissioner said.

Mohammed Abatcha Geidam added that the approval of ?5.8 billion was a ‘clear demonstration of Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and his administration’s deep appreciation for the years of service rendered by Yobe’s retirees.

‘By clearing this substantial backlog and institutionalizing a prompt, monthly payment system, the governor has provided much-needed financial relief and restored dignity to our senior citizens’, he added.

The statement emphasised that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working collaboratively to ensure the seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately.

‘This bold financial step is part of the Governor’s broader economic and social agenda to ensure fiscal responsibility and prioritise the welfare of Yobe State citizens, particularly those who have contributed immensely to its development’, the Commissioner added.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the minister of state for labour and employment, has unveiled plans for a network of National Job Centres across Nigeria as part of the federal government’s effort to create dignified, inclusive, and transformative work opportunities in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The announcement was contained in a statement released by Tósìn Olúwal?´w?`, her special adviser on media and communications, on Wednesday, following Onyejeocha’s remarks at the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening in Lagos.

According to the minister, the National Job Centre Project will serve as a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to connect skilled Nigerians to real job opportunities and strengthen the country’s labour market infrastructure.

‘The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system,’ Onyejeocha said.

‘They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage.’

She also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship initiative aimed at improving the employability of young Nigerians and easing the transition from training to employment.

‘Through LEEP, we are enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and strengthening the bridge between training and jobs,’ she explained. ‘Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance.’ Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, noting that it has provided youth with essential skills, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support.

‘Over the past six years, through the Young Africa Works strategy, your partnerships have not only provided skills but opened pathways to jobs, entrepreneurship, and hope for thousands across Nigeria,’ she said.

She added that the Foundation’s strategy aligns strongly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to turn skills development into sustainable employment opportunities.

‘Your focus on evidence, collaboration, and inclusion resonates deeply with the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly our national drive to make skills-to-jobs a reality for every Nigerian youth,’ she added.

Onyejeocha emphasised the need for collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to build a resilient labour market.

‘Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,’ she said.

Kantar Nigeria, a subsidiary of Kantar-the world’s foremost marketing data and analytics company has unveiled its enhanced suite of business solutions and AI capabilities to both new and prospective clients in Lagos.

Opening the event, Eddington Danda, Country Head , according to a statement traced the company’s journey across Nigeria and Anglophone West Africa, emphasizing Kantar’s ongoing evolution and integration.

‘The Kantar Nigeria story is one of continuous evolution, integration, and upscaling our solutions-from research to analytics, sustainability, consulting, and AI-powered insights that bring the best of our global expertise to the Nigerian and West African markets,’ Danda remarked, reflecting on the strategic positioning that enables brands to thrive both locally and regionally.

The event also featured a presentation of Kantar’s acclaimed Africa Life report (The Plate, The Pocket and The Platform) by Stacy Saggars, Commercial Growth Director for Africa, Kantar and Kene Esiobu, Customer Experience Lead, Kantar Nigeria. The study, according to the statement sheds light on consumer behaviours and values across Africa, revealing a strong alignment around creation, creativity, community, curiosity, and culture. Organisations can harness these core values through five actionable pathways outlined in the report to achieve success throughout the continent.

A panel discussion on creativity, innovation, and resilience in Nigeria’s ever-changing market concluded the session. Moderated by Fred Ubanemhen, Domain Lead, Qualitative at Kantar Nigeria, the panel featured insights from industry leaders (Bukola Akinpelumi, Experienced Consumer and Marketing Insights Lead (Ex-Unilever); Tomijogun Ogunlesi, Divisional Head – Brands, Communications, Content and CSR, Interswitch Group; and Ivan Moroke, CEO, Kantar South Africa).

The statement said Ivan Moroke captured the spirit of the conversation with a powerful statement on the essential role of creativity and innovation for brands aspiring to lead across Africa – ‘Creativity and innovation is the silver bullet of meaningful difference, which then drives brand growth and, in return, business growth.’

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has publicly highlighted the detrimental effect of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) out of Nigeria, noting that these leakages are significantly worsening the country’s persistent revenue problem.

Kristalina Georgieva, Fund’s Managing Director, IMF, pledged a renewed institutional focus on tracing such flows to effectively plug the fiscal leakages plaguing Nigeria’s economy.

‘We believe that for countries like Nigeria, the IMF’s renewed focus on tracing Illicit Financial Flows could provide a blueprint for plugging the fiscal leakages that have long undermined revenue generation and sustainable growth, ‘she said at the ongoing 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, DC.

Georgieva said that the IMF’s enhanced strategy for identifying and tracking Illicit Financial Flows could provide a working blueprint for Nigeria to address the entrenched fiscal vulnerabilities that have long undermined its attempts at sustainable revenue generation and overall growth.

According to her, illicit financial flows, which include stolen public funds, proceeds from criminal activities, and untraceable digital transactions, continue to erode governance systems, drain public resources, and cripple developmental efforts, especially in developing economies. officials

Moses Itauma has been handed a golden opportunity to fight for his first world title after the World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered him to challenge Kubrat Pulev for the WBA (Regular) heavyweight championship, DAZN reports.

The 19-year-old prodigy, widely tipped as one of boxing’s brightest prospects, has struggled to secure an opponent for his scheduled December 13 return, where he will share the card with veteran Derek Chisora. Itauma was previously linked with Croatian contender Filip Hrgovic, who outpointed David Adeleye on the same night Itauma demolished Dillian Whyte in less than a round back in August.

However, promoter Frank Warren later confirmed that Hrgovic had priced himself out of the bout, forcing Itauma’s camp to explore other opponents, including Michael Hunter and Adeleye. Now, the WBA has stepped in, ordering Pulev to make a mandatory defence of his title against Itauma, who currently holds the No.1 ranking in the WBA heavyweight division.

The sanctioning body has given both camps 30 days to reach an agreement, with a purse bid scheduled for November 14 if no deal is finalised.

‘The Committee requires Pulev to engage in a mandatory title defence against the next leading available contender and WBA #1 ranked contender, Moses Itauma.’

Pulev, 44, captured the WBA (Regular) belt in December last year after defeating Mahmoud Charr.

The Bulgarian veteran, who has shared the ring with former world champions Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua, was initially set to defend the title against Michael Hunter, but the fight fell through after Hunter signed to face Jarrell Miller instead.

The federal government has announced a new policy that lowers the admission requirements for tertiary institutions in which a credit in English Language and Mathematics will no longer be mandatory for certain degree programmes.

The change is aimed at broadening access and creating more inclusive pathways for students whose strengths lie outside the traditional core subjects.

Folasade Boriowo, director of press at the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement emphasised that the new policy is geared towards increasing access to tertiary education for more admission seekers than the nation’s institutions currently accommodate.

According to the statement, Tunji Alausa, the minister of education is not satisfied with the existing policy, which he noted fails to recognise fairness and creates room for imbalance.

‘Alausa explains that the reform has become necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission.

‘Every year, over two million candidates sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission. This imbalance, he notes, is not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity,’ the statement reads in part..

In addition, the statement reads, ‘The revised national guidelines for entry requirements into Nigerian tertiary institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.

‘The new framework applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) across the country as follows..’

Universities: Minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.

Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.

Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): Minimum of five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, as applicable to the course of study.

Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same minimum requirements as Polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) programme. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) is hereby abolished.

In addition, the National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously issued by Innovation Enterprise Academies will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and progression opportunities for graduates. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is currently re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align with the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to transition to full accreditation will be de-accredited.

Alausa explains that the reform has become necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission. Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission.

This imbalance, he said, is not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.

‘The reform is a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education, creating opportunities for additional 250,000 to 300,000 additional students to be admitted to Nigerian tertiary institutions each year,’ he emphasised.

This according to the statement reflects a firm commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed, putting the Renewed Hope Agenda into action.

Besides, the minister emphasised that harmonising admission guidelines will help reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen vocational and technical training, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education structure with global and industry standards.

He reiterates that young people remain the heartbeat of the nation, and the government is committed to equipping them with the education and skills they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The current policy makes makes obtaining credit in both English and Mathematics at O’level mandatory for admission seekers, and this, according to Alausa, is found to be constituting barriers for those seeking admission into tertiary institutions in the country.

The University of Uyo has formally launched its institutional policy against sexual harassment, warning culprits against stiff punishment.

The unveiling ceremony, which drew dignitaries from diverse sectors, was held at the University TETfund Hall at the University main campus recently.

Nyaudo Ndaeyo, Professor and Vice Chancellor of the University, said the policy had declared no tolerance on all forms of sexual molestation.

Ndaeyo stressed that the policy would serve as deterrent to potential offenders and a commitment to justice for victims.

He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to accountability, transparency and protection of all members of the academic community.

Uduakabasi Ndaeyo, Wife of the Vice Chancellor, lauded the initiative as a necessary step in confronting societal evil that had lingered for too long. She stated that such effort would help address the scourge of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Valerie Asanwana, Chairperson of the Board of the Centre for Gender Studies, reiterated the University’s commitment to equity, excellence and respect for all.

According to her, the policy represents a significant step towards creating a campus culture, where sexual misconduct is neither tolerant nor ignored.

Asanwana disclosed that the policy outlines clear procedures for reporting investigating and resolving cases of sexual harassment in a transparent and victim -centered manner.

Providing a detailed overview, Luke Eyo, a member of the University’s Gender Advisory Board, said its contents and operational framework, underscores its role in ensuring justice and institutional integrity.

The difference between two persons, between good and evil, between life and death, or between success and failure may be decision, just decision.

One woman who has had many important decisions to take in her life is Omolara Joseph, simply Mummy Lara, wife of Bolarinwa Taiwo Joseph, a retired engineer.

Mummy Lara took perhaps her biggest decision in life when she chose Christ. She was a Muslim girl until she chose a new life. Today, she is a zonal pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) manning the Living Water zonal headquarters in the Mvuigwe section of Woji.

She has faced many other important moments in her life such as deciding who to be wife to, deciding what never to get involved in when she was in NAFCON in Onne, near Port Harcourt, or who to accept as sons-in-law, etc.

In life with Christ, she has also had very sensitive decisions to take, including to push ahead or run back.

The implication of all this is that Mummy Lara has no patience with those that don’t know when to make prompt decisions. This defines her. For her nature and decision-making attributes, many see her as tough. This is because a lot of people need others to take decisions for them. She will not tolerate that. She rather shouts you into awakening so you wake up and take up your responsibilities.

Mummy Lara clocked 69 last week, and on Sunday, October 12, she was celebrated by the Christian Community in Port Harcourt.

The hall was filled to capacity and drama groups, choirs, men and women rallied to hail the star in the Ministry. She was 30 years in ministry.

The entire ceremony was dominated with skits on her life and her nature of spiking and sparking others to what is right.

On the day, heavens rose in salute to a rare gem.

Nigeria’s consumer price has slowed to 18.02 per cent, helped by a further drop in food prices.

Food inflation month-on-month fell to -1.57 per cent in September.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the Consumer Price Index declined to 18.02 per cent in September 2025, the sixth consecutive month from 20.12 per cent in August 2025. On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in September 2025 was 0.72 per cent.