Category: Business Day

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has called for the domestication of the technologies, industries, and capabilities required to build a resilient renewable energy hub.

Abba Aliyu, managing director of REA, who made this call in Abuja on Tuesday, said that across the world, the energy transition is accelerating, driven by advances in solar technology, battery storage, and digital energy systems, hence the need to focus on building local capacity.

Aliyu, speaking at the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, noted that even though the African continent holds nearly 60 per cent of the world’s solar resources, it currently attracts less than 3 per cent of global renewable energy investment.

‘The challenge before us is clear: we must convert this immense comparative advantage into competitive strength – by building industries, nurturing innovation, and driving the kind of local value creation that secures our place in the clean energy economy. For Nigeria, this moment is especially urgent.

‘The theme for this year, ‘The Nigeria First Policy’, could not have come at a better time. It captures our collective aspiration to domesticate the technologies, industries, and capabilities that will power our energy future.

‘For years, Nigeria has deployed renewable energy systems in thousands of communities, institutions, and industrial clusters. But to secure our long-term sustainability and economic competitiveness, we must now go further – to ensure that what we deploy is increasingly designed, assembled, and manufactured in Nigeria.

‘At the Rural Electrification Agency, we see this shift as both a necessity and an opportunity,’ he said.

He noted that with an active project portfolio and pipeline exceeding $3 billion, spanning programs such as Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP) and the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), REA’s responsibility now extends beyond electrification.

For him, the Agency’s task is to ensure that this pipeline generates the highest possible domestic value by catalyzing local industries, supporting innovators, and unlocking green jobs across the value chain. ‘That is precisely why the NREIF was established – to bring together the entire renewable energy ecosystem: from innovators to financiers, from academia to regulators, from manufacturers to developers – all working together to ensure that Nigeria captures the full value of its energy transition.

Also speaking at the event, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power said that the commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovation is being reinforced by the efforts of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as it continues to extend access to unserved communities, promote mini-grids and Distributed Renewable Energy.

According to him, together, the Ministry and the REA are shifting the national narrative, from energy access to energy industrialization, and from deployment to local value creation.

He said, ‘In the power sector, the Nigeria First Policy reflects our determination to ensure that the next generation of clean energy technologies; from solar panels to battery energy storage systems deployed across the country proudly carry the label ‘Made in Nigeria’.

He explained that the Federal Government is pursuing a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency, and growth.

This approach he said, spans critical pillars which include legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development with each designed to address structural challenges, unlock private capital, and enhance service delivery across the electricity value chain.

Speaking on legislation, the minister said the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 remains a major milestone, providing a robust governance and regulatory framework for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

‘The Act devolves regulatory powers to the states, enables subnational markets, promotes competition, and empowers private participation across the value chain. This represents a clear shift towards a liberalized and investment-friendly electricity market.

‘ Since its passage, 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalized. We are working actively with these states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market,’ he said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday raised Nigeria’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 3.9 percent, an upward revision of 0.5 percentage point from its earlier projection.

The announcement came during the launch of the Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook at the ongoing World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, in Washington DC.

The IMF also revised Nigeria’s 2026 growth projection upward by 0.9 percentage point to 4.2 percent, citing improved macroeconomic conditions, better investor confidence, and stronger oil output. According to the Fund, the enhanced outlook reflects reduced uncertainty in the domestic environment and limited exposure to the recent United States tariffs, which have had little direct impact on Nigeria’s economy due to its relatively low trade linkages with the U.S.

The IMF explained that since July, Nigeria’s exchange rate has appreciated, financial conditions have strengthened, and investor sentiment has improved. The Fund added that Nigeria’s fiscal stance remains supportive, while the hydrocarbon sector has benefited from higher oil production and improved security around key installations. ‘These factors together underpin the stronger growth outlook for Nigeria,’ the IMF said.

In addition to the 2025 and 2026 revisions, the Fund also adjusted its 2024 growth estimate for Nigeria to 4.1 percent, up by 0.7 percentage point from the previous forecast. It attributed this to the recent rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which now provides a more comprehensive picture of the economy by capturing a wider range of economic activities, including contributions from the informal sector that were previously unrecorded. Addressing the regional outlook, the IMF said Sub-Saharan Africa continues to show resilience supported by macroeconomic stabilization efforts and reform momentum in key economies such as Nigeria and Ethiopia. It, however, warned that resource-dependent and conflict-affected countries still face significant headwinds. The Fund noted that low-income economies are struggling with widening per capita income gaps compared to advanced economies, and it urged countries to strengthen institutions, double down on reforms, improve revenue mobilization through tax reforms, and enhance debt management and transparency to unlock growth potential.

The IMF further highlighted that while global trade developments continue to shape the economic outlook, new drivers such as technology investment and fiscal policies are increasingly influencing growth patterns. The Fund said that although U.S. tariffs announced earlier this year have had some impact, the overall effect on global growth has been modest, with projections standing at 3.2 percent for 2024 and 3.1 percent for 2025. It attributed the limited impact to a combination of smaller-than-feared tariff shocks, non-retaliatory responses by most countries, and the private sector’s agility in rerouting supply chains.

However, the IMF cautioned that the outlook remains fragile amid rising global risks. It cited four key downside risks: the potential overheating of the ongoing artificial intelligence-driven tech investment boom, continued weaknesses in China’s property sector, insufficient progress in rebuilding fiscal space amid high debt and low growth, and rising political pressures on central banks to ease monetary policy prematurely. The Fund warned that undermining central bank independence would erode credibility, fuel inflation, and destabilize economies.

Despite these challenges, the IMF noted that the global outlook could brighten if trade tensions ease, new bilateral and multilateral trade agreements emerge, and governments pursue policies that promote productivity, investment, and innovation. It said that artificial intelligence also holds significant promise for boosting productivity if accompanied by sound economic management and institutional reforms.

Coca-Cola has unveiled plans to re-introduce the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, in which customers can find different names on Coca-Cola bottles and cans.

The company said in a statement on Monday that the brand relaunch would be on an unprecedented scale of shareability and personalisation for a new generation, pushing the boundaries of innovative brand experiences.

In 2011, the brand launched this first-of-its-kind campaign in which one could find his or her name in place of the logo – an industry-first in personalisation. Now the brand wants customers to ‘share a Coke’ with their friends to celebrate friendship and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The new campaign, according to the statement, will have a focus on Gen Z, who, according to the company, were very young when the first campaign hit the market in 2011. The company statement said further that it had found out that 72 per cent of Gen Z crave authenticity and want to connect with real people in everything they do, and the current campaign

Valerie Odubogun, Director, Frontline Marketing, Coca-Cola Nigeria, says: ‘In today’s digital world, it is important to celebrate the unique bonds of friendships and celebrate this important human connection. ‘Share a Coke’ reminds us that memories happen when we come together and experience the real magic of human connection; those spontaneous moments of laughter, stories, and genuine connection, shared over a Coca-Cola can, make life so special.’

Under the current campaign, the brand’s unique customisation platform offers more names to choose from and the ability to add one’s personal touch and create a truly unique Coca-Cola can or bottle to express appreciation for friends, family, and loved ones.

According to the statement, in a world where interactions online can feel momentary, sharing a Coke offers a tangible way to show you care.

‘Meaningful connections thrive both online and offline. While digital spaces keep us close, it’s those shared moments in real life that make for long-lasting memories, yet the physical ‘third spaces’ that nourish these meaningful connections are in decline. ‘Share a Coke’ is celebrating the connections and experiences that define this generation in spaces that allow moments of togetherness to thrive, ‘ the company stated.

The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured the late Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, by inducting him into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).

The ceremony, held on Monday, October 13, 2025, during the opening of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington D.C., celebrated Lagbaja’s exemplary military leadership and global contributions to peace and security.

Trevor Bredenkamp, USAWC Commandant, presented the award in a ceremony, describing the late General as a ‘visionary leader whose service embodied professionalism, courage, and dedication to humanity.’

The recognition, he noted, underscores Lagbaja’s distinguished military career and his remarkable impact as an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College.

The posthumous induction marks a historic milestone as Lagbaja is the first Nigerian Army officer ever to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame since the institution’s founding 124 years ago.

According to a statement by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, he was one of six distinguished global military leaders honoured at this year’s event.

Representing Olufemi Oluyede, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, at the ceremony was Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army, alongside Maria Lagbaja, the widow of the late General. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, G.O. Adesina; Director General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja; and Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to the United States. Also present were Nigerian Army officers undergoing advanced professional military education at the U.S. National Defense University, the U.S. Army War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as other senior officers participating in the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.

Reacting to the honour, Oluyede, described the induction as a proud and defining moment for the Nigerian Army.

He said it immortalizes Lagbaja’s contributions to military excellence, leadership, and peacekeeping.

‘This recognition reinforces our shared commitment to the ideals of professionalism, discipline, and global peace,’ Oluyede stated, adding that the Nigerian Army will continue to uphold the legacy of service and honour exemplified by the late Lagbaja.

Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd. has been here since independence, and Nigeria will be 65 years old on October 1st. What would you say about your firm’s journey from independence to date?

Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) has grown alongside the nation as a trusted partner. For 65 years, we have refreshed generations of Nigerians with iconic beverages, becoming part of everyday life at home, at work and in moments of national pride. From our first plant in Ijora, we have expanded to nine state-of-the-art facilities across Nigeria, consistently delivering products that meet global standards while reflecting local tastes. This balance of quality, reliability and cultural relevance is what has made our brands truly Nigerian.

Our commitment goes beyond refreshment. Through initiatives like the Pepsi Football Academy, we have discovered and nurtured local football talent that went on to shine globally. In music and entertainment, our partnerships with leading artists and platforms have helped define Nigerian pop culture for decades. Legendary moments such as Lekki Sunsplash and our long-standing sponsorship of Big Brother Naija, AMVCA, Rhythm Unplugged, and the Lagos City Marathon are part of this cultural legacy.

We have also invested in education and leadership, notably through the Seven-Up Harvard Business School Scholarship, now in its second decade, supporting future Nigerian leaders to gain world-class knowledge.

As Nigeria turns 65, we celebrate both the nation’s journey and our own evolution into a key player in Nigerian manufacturing. What remains constant is our mission: to refresh and inspire a youthful lifestyle.

How do you handle your status as a multinational company in a developing country like Nigeria?

Operating as a multinational in Nigeria is both a responsibility and a privilege. For us, presence here is not just about business, it is about purpose and partnership. Our operations are designed to inspire people while improving lives, with sustainability, inclusivity, and trust at the heart of all we do.

Yes, Nigeria has its challenges, but it also has unmatched energy, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. We navigate the environment through innovation, cultural relevance, and deep community engagement. We see ourselves not only as a global brand but as a proudly Nigerian company, rooted in the people, passion, and possibilities of this country.

The soft drinks industry is characterised by strict regulations; how do you handle your relationship with the industry regulators? What are the regulations that you want the nation to revisit?

At SBC, we see regulators as partners in ensuring consumer safety, industry integrity, and national progress. Our relationship with agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, FCCPC, and the Federal Ministry of Environment is built on transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility. We proactively engage with regulators and industry associations, like MAN, NECA, AFBTE, and FBRA, ensuring compliance while also contributing technical expertise that helps shape forward-looking policies. Our belief is that collaboration between the private and public sectors is the surest path to a fair and globally competitive business environment in Nigeria.

Competition in the industry is very high. How prepared is your firm to handle disruptions?

Competition and disruption are constant features of the FMCG sector. Our readiness lies in our deep-rooted commitment to long-term value, innovation, and the refreshment of the Naija spirit. We focus on offering value to consumers, providing quality products, and ensuring that no matter the disruption, our consumers can always rely on us.

News of product adulteration emerges from time to time as unscrupulous individuals make products in the names of the leading brands in the country. How do you address this challenge?

At SBC, consumer safety and brand integrity are non-negotiable. We take the threat of product adulteration very seriously and have put in place robust quality control systems and secure packaging to help consumers easily identify original SBC products.

We also work closely with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and industry associations to detect and eliminate fake products from circulation. Additionally, we run awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to spot counterfeit goods and report suspicious activity.

Our goal is to protect our consumers, uphold the trust they place in us, and ensure that every bottle with the SBC name delivers the safety, quality, and refreshment they expect and deserve, and I am proud to note that on September 30, 2025, SBC was recognised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency as a valuable stakeholder in advancing consumer protection in Lagos State.

Environmental challenges are some of the issues that define the soft drinks industry. How does Seven Up contribute to making the environment safe?

At SBC, we are resolute on impact, which includes how we care for the environment. This commitment is visible through several initiatives we have taken up, backed by great ideas and purposeful activities led by our team, to inspire better and quality living for all Nigerians.

Our environmental efforts are part of our broader impact vision, which touches areas such as community development, education, health, sports, arts, and entertainment, but also extends deeply into sustainability, circular economy, and climate action.

We have led environmental initiatives across the country, including:

Our ‘One Staff, One Tree’ Project: In partnership with the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) and the Eco-Restoration Foundation (ERF), SBC launched this ambitious initiative to plant 2,500 trees across Nigeria. This includes a donation of 1,000 trees to the ‘Lekki Million Trees’ project to support reforestation and land restoration.

Our Green Skills School Challenge and Sustainability Week: SBC hosted a Sustainability Week and launched the Green Skills School Challenge, where students from 18 schools showcased innovative recycling and waste management projects. This initiative has empowered the next generation with practical skills in the circular economy, climate action, and responsible production.

Active Membership in the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA): As a founding member of the FBRA, SBC is observing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within Nigeria’s beverage sector, promoting waste reduction, recycling, and cleaner production processes.

Reduction of Plastic Footprint and Water Conservation: As outlined on our corporate website, we are committed to reducing plastic use, conserving water, and embedding sustainable practices into every part of our operations.

Introduction of recycled materials into our product packaging: 30% of the resins used to make our plastic bottles is made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).

Carbon Emission Reduction: We practice energy sobriety and our energy mix is from renewable/low impact sources.

Through these efforts and more, since 2021 SBC has achieved a 25% increase in water use efficiency as well as a 34% reduction in C02 emissions, and SBC remains committed to making Nigeria safer, greener, and more sustainable for the future of our planet.

Naira float and subsidy removal affected a number of businesses in Nigeria. What measures did you introduce to minimise the effects of these policies without putting too much burden on the consumers?

Despite macroeconomic pressures, our promise to consumers has not changed. We continue to deliver quality beverages at affordable prices across all segments. By listening closely to consumer needs, rolling out value-driven campaigns, and offering a wide portfolio for different wallets, we ensure Nigerians can always access the brands they love.

Technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and others, have greatly influenced the corporate world all over the globe. How does your firm cope with these new challenges?

We see technological innovation not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to reimagine how we work, connect, and serve. The rise of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and other digital advancements has accelerated transformation across industries, and we are embracing this evolution with intention and purpose.

We are gradually integrating intelligent systems into various aspects of our operations, from data-driven supply chain optimisation and smart manufacturing to consumer insights and predictive analytics that help us stay ahead of market trends. These technologies allow us to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and make faster, more informed decisions that ultimately benefit our consumers.

At the heart of this adoption is our culture of innovation, creating a hub where ideas, data, and technology converge to drive better outcomes for the Nigerian people. We invest in training and upskilling our workforce to ensure they are equipped for the digital future while also maintaining our human touch, because for us, people will always remain central to progress.

The year is running to an end, and traditionally, this is the time that consumers benefit from organizations such as yours. What should the Nigerian consumers expect from your firm this time around?

As we approach the end of the year, SBC remains committed to being a part of the moments that matter most to Nigerians. This is a special time for us, as it gives us the opportunity to connect more deeply with our consumers and deliver even more value through the brands they know and love.

Nigerians can expect a vibrant season filled with exciting brand activations and limited-edition experiences designed to bring refreshment, joy, and shared memories. Across our portfolio, from 7UP and Pepsi to Aquafina and Supa Komando, we are rolling out creative campaigns and seasonal offerings that reflect the energy, resilience, and spirit of the Nigerian people.

As always, we will continue to deliver the quality, taste, and consistency our consumers expect while finding fresh and innovative ways to reward, and appreciate them. This season, Nigerians can count on SBC to bring the extra spark to their year-end festivities, because for 65 years, we’ve been more than just a beverage company; we’ve been a part of the moments that make the season unforgettable.

What other information would you like to pass to your current and prospective consumers?

The Nigerian people have remained loyal, trusting us to provide refreshing beverages for 65 years, for which we are extremely grateful. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment remains the same. We are dedicated to delivering quality, innovation, and refreshment you can trust. You can expect more exciting products, more meaningful engagement, and more ways to enjoy the brands you love, whether it’s 7UP, Pepsi, Aquafina, Teem, Mirinda, or Supa Komando.

President Bola Tinubu has commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State over his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the defection of Enugu State governor signifies the coming of South-East to the Country’s mainstream politics.

The President represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima quoted Ali Mazrui, the great Kenyan writer that once described the Igbo as the Nigerian Jews, geographically mobile, economically enterprising and educationally ambitious.

He said ‘Sadly, in the last 10 to 12 years, Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant tribes in Africa, have been in the margins of the Nigerian politics’.

According to him ‘with the coming of Governor Peter Mbah; with the continuous energy being exhibited by Governor Hope Uzodimma and Governor Francis Nwifuru, I believe the Ndigbo have come to the mainstream of the Nigerian politics. ‘I want to assure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our leader, is a man for all seasons and all people. A man who has a sense of inclusion, a rare capacity to listen and believe in merit over sentiments, has made the APC the most formidable political party in Africa.

‘To Governor Peter Mbah, let me say this, you are already one of us. You’re a progressive through and through. And I believe you had a broom hidden in your umbrella for all these years, waiting for the right moment to bring it out. ‘We want to warmly welcome you to the APC. From the convention and constitution, the governor is the leader of the party in his state. Your Excellency, you’re now the leader of APC family in Enugu State.

‘I’m the vice president, but the leader of APC in Borno State is Prof. Babagana Zulum. The President of the Senate is number three citizen in Nigeria, but the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom State is Governor Umo Eno. Also the Speaker of the House is Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is the number four citizen in the country, but the leader of APC in Kaduna State is Senator Ubani Sani. We’re one family tied in common destiny.

‘I want to assure all of you that you are very much welcome in the APC and we’re one big family. Be rest assured that you’ll be treated justly and fairly and all the federal government initiatives that have been planned for the Southeast, will certainly reach the South-East.

‘I want to thank most profoundly, our leaders in the Southeast. The courageous and generous Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru and now we have an addition in the kitty, the performing governor of Enugu State. In deed tomorrow is here.’

Earlier, Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of APC, welcomed Enugu State to APC and thanked Governor Peter Mbah for taking this right decision, saying, ‘You took your people from Egypt to the promised land, from depression to progress. Today we are seeing the new Enugu State. The PDP cannot house the kind of progressive mind that you have. ‘As I was coming, I saw the roads. Mbah have built new roads. The infrastructure you built speaks so loudly. We saw the water, the electricity, the education sector. He has touched virtually all aspects in Enugu State. That is why we need him to come back to the progressive side so that he can help to expand the renewed hope agenda so that it can reach the grassroots. Therefore, on behalf of the National Working committee of the millions of members of the All Progressives Congress, your Excellency, I welcome you to this family. I welcome you to APC. I welcome you to success’.

Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) is stepping up efforts to position Nigeria as a global hub for vehicle manufacturing, as it strengthens its partnership with Chinese automaker JAC Motors to advance local assembly and expand the country’s role in regional vehicle production.

Taiwo Shittu, managing director of LSM, said that with a vast population of over 200 million, a youthful workforce, and a strategic geographic location, Nigeria has all the ingredients to become a global automotive hub.

‘Nigeria stands on the brink of a major automotive industrial breakthrough, with Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) leading the charge to position the country as a global hub for vehicle manufacturing,’ Shittu stated this during a visit from Oscar Yu, general manager of Chinese automotive giant JAC Motors, to LSM’s flagship assembly plant in Lagos.

‘With the unwavering commitment from our partners at JAC and the right government policies, we can transform Lagos into a world-class manufacturing ecosystem. ‘The visit marked a reinvigoration of a decade-long partnership between LSM and JAC, signaling a decisive shift towards deeper industrial integration, increased local value addition, and regional expansion ambitions,’ he said.

Yu, impressed by LSM’s assembly capabilities, highlighted how Nigeria’s demographic and economic potential mirrors China’s earlier industrialisation challenges and opportunities.

‘China’s journey was not unlike Nigeria’s: initially reliant on used imports, we invested in local production and banned second-hand imports to build capacity. Today, China is a global leader in automotive manufacturing. Nigeria can follow this path with a unified strategy,’ he said.

Both executives emphasised the urgent need to curb the flood of unregulated used vehicle imports, which they identified as a major impediment to sustainable growth in Nigeria’s auto sector.

‘We are not asking for protectionism, but for fair competition that nurtures Nigerian manufacturing. Industrialisation anywhere in the world has required protecting the productive base until it achieves scale,’ Shittu said. LSM, positioned as a gateway to the West African market, plans an aggressive scale-up in production, workforce development, and expansion across the region in the next five years, backed by JAC’s technical support, training programs, and financing commitments.

However, Shittu underscored the vital role of government, saying, ‘the private sector and our international partners are ready. Now Nigeria must be ready with the right infrastructure, regulations, and incentives to unlock this industry’s transformative potential.’

As Nigeria works to shift from vehicle importation to local production, LSM’s renewed drive highlights the country’s growing potential to shape Africa’s automotive landscape and strengthen its position in global manufacturing.

At the intersection of artificial intelligence, institutional capital, and human connection, a new movement is taking shape. From the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly to the upcoming World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings, global leaders across business, technology, and civil society are converging to redefine the future of work and development through what they call Redemptive Impact-a people-centered, AI-driven approach to solving the world’s grand challenges.

From UNGA to the World Bank: A Continuum of Action

Following the success of The American Exchange: Fire Festival, a high-level summit hosted by ConcordeApp, Cliqk, and the Semaform Foundation during the UN General Assembly, the same coalition will now lead a major policy session titled ‘Engineering Redemptive Impact: AI-Driven Solutions for Civil Society’s Grand Challenges’ at the 2025 Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF), held as part of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings.

Both gatherings underscore a shared mission-to turn conversation into commitment, and ideas into measurable outcomes.

The Fire Festival: Where AI Meets Human Capital

The Fire Festival, described by participants as ‘a movement, not just a meeting,’ brought together senior executives from Procter and Gamble (PandG), JPMorgan Chase, Google, MandT Bank, and Palo Alto Networks, alongside artists, policymakers, and social innovators. The event explored how AI and verifiable human relationships are reshaping global work systems.

UNGA President-elect Annalena Baerbock called for ‘global cooperation rooted in shared progress,’ while Dr. Temitope Iluyemi, Senior Director at PandG, urged global leaders to see Africa as ‘a hub of innovation ready to lead through governance, integration, and people-centered development.’

Speakers like Omotola Fawunmi, founder of The Rebirth Hub, and Pamilerin Adegoke, founder of Kamili Capital, emphasized that AI should enhance-not replace-the human spirit. Alexa Baranov of JPMorgan Chase highlighted the role of long-term community investments, while Rohan Gurram of Cliqk and Chaste Inegbedion of ConcordeApp showcased The Happiness Stack, an AI system converting event networking into actionable growth.

‘Relationships are the new capital, and AI is the engine that tracks it,’ said Inegbedion. ‘We’re building systems to transform ambiguous human connections into verifiable, fundable outcomes.’

Engineering Redemptive Impact: The Next Chapter at the World Bank

Building on this foundation, the Semaform Foundation, YEIDIS, ConcordeApp, and The Collaborative will host the Redemptive Impact session on Tuesday, October 14 (4:15 PM – 5:45 PM EST) at the World Bank CSPF 2-220. The session aims to present practical frameworks for applying AI to achieve measurable progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‘The greatest barrier to achieving the SDGs isn’t just funding-it’s friction in the policy-to-impact pipeline,’ said Chaste Inegbedion, Head of Failure and Social Experiments at Semaform Foundation. ‘We are demonstrating how AI agents and data systems can eliminate that friction, converting high-level commitments into community outcomes.’ A Panel of Global Practitioners

The session will feature experts translating AI into real-world progress:

Dr. Letisha Malcolm, Founder, The Collaborative

Lyzianah Emakoua, Founder, Centre for Community Impact and Sustainability

Richard Ojuri, Vice President, MandT Bank

Winnie Mangeni, Founder, PAWA AI

Kome Igbogidi, Senior Product Manager, ServiceNow

These practitioners will explore how AI can enhance resource allocation, promote financial inclusion, and expand educational access-while ensuring ethical frameworks and local governance prevent exclusion.

Chief Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, representing Western and Central Africa in the CSPF Working Group, framed the event’s significance:

‘Africa is not just a recipient of aid-it’s a pioneer in using AI for employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.’

From Global Conversations to Measurable Change

From New York to Washington D.C., the message remains consistent: AI and human capital are not opposing forces-they are partners in progress. Faith Kaminus of ConcordeApp emphasized that ‘when relationships are measurable, impact becomes inevitable.’

James Ladi Williams, producer of the World Bank session, summarized the global urgency:

‘Technology is not a silver bullet, but it is the accelerant we need. The task now is building intelligent systems-not just complex programs-to solve real problems.’

As both events demonstrate, this growing coalition-anchored by Semaform Foundation, ConcordeApp, YEIDIS, and The Collaborative-is shaping a new narrative where technology serves humanity, and capital serves community.

The journey from the Fire Festival to the World Bank CSPF reflects one powerful truth: the future of global development will be written by those who can turn connection into capital, and capital into compassion.

Speaking at the Science, Energy, and Technology (SET) committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) 3rd Circular Economy Conference, themed, Creating Value Through Circular Supply Chains’, the experts stated that rethinking how materials are produced, used, and recycled could unlock new opportunities for job creation and industrial competitiveness.

‘By embedding circularity into our supply chains, we can reduce material waste and energy costs, stimulate new business models such as repair, remanufacturing, and recycling, strengthen local production ecosystems, and create green jobs in logistics, waste recovery, and product innovation,’ Gabriel Idahosa, president of LCCI said.

According to Idahosa, the concept of the circular economy represents a significant shift from the traditional take-make-dispose model, to a system where resources are used more efficiently, waste is minimised, and value is created at every stage of the product life cycle.

He noted that circular supply chains determine how materials flow, how waste is generated, and how value is shared.

‘The private sector must take the lead in this transformation. Manufacturers must redesign their products for durability and recyclability; distributors must rethink packaging and logistics; and investors must recognise the value of sustainability as a business strategy, not just a cost,’ Idahosa said.

He, however, said that to make this work, there must be fiscal incentives for green production, import policies that discourage wasteful practices, and clear standards for waste segregation and recycling.

He added that advances in digital technology, renewable energy, and materials science offer practical tools for circularity.

‘From AI-driven waste tracking to blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency, innovation can help businesses close the loop efficiently. ‘The Chamber recognises this and continues to champion innovation-led industrialisation, ensuring that Nigerian companies not only adopt circular practices but also develop indigenous technologies and solutions,’ Idahosa said.

Mark Walsh, executive director, ENL Consortium Limited, speaking during the panel session, called for sustainable port operations stating that while terminal operators aim to maximise profit, they must begin aligning operations with sustainability goals to protect the environment and reduce long-term costs.

Walsh urged the government to provide clear sustainability standards for port operators, stating that renewable energy should be adopted within port terminals as part of this circular transformation.

‘Why don’t we look at the ports being completely solar powered so that we don’t have to use diesel? I run diesel, it’s a huge cost, but it’s also a huge impact on the environment,’ he said.

Walsh stressed the need for localised recycling within port areas to cut transport costs and reduce carbon emissions.

‘There’s no reason all the port’s waste should be taken out somewhere way outside Lagos. It should be done inside the port so that there’s really no movement of carbon, a lot less expense for everybody,’ he said, adding that this model, if supported by regulation, could generate carbon credits and new economic value.

Ini Abimbola, founder, ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited (TPC), urged Nigerian businesses to view sustainability not as charity but as a profitable business strategy, stating that sustainable supply chains can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and add long-term value.

‘Sustainability is not charity, it’s a business strategy. You must think of the language of business and be able to say it in such a way that boards and executives understand,’ Abimbola said.

She also called on manufacturers, telecoms firms, and other sectors to integrate recycling and waste reduction into their operations.

Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child.

The 43-year-old appeared at Nottingham Crown Court over an allegation relating to a category A video, the most serious type, recovered by police in February.

Coote, from Woodhill Road, Collingham, Nottinghamshire, was granted conditional bail ahead of his sentencing scheduled for 11 December. Judge Nirmal Shant KC ordered a pre-sentence report and warned Coote that custody remained a strong possibility.

‘You have pleaded guilty to a serious matter. Whether this means custody or not will be decided when all the information is before the court,’ the judge said.

The former referee previously pleaded not guilty to the charge during a hearing on 10 September at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court. At Tuesday’s brief six-minute hearing, Coote, dressed in a navy suit and black tie, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his guilty plea.

The charge of making an indecent image of a child covers activities such as downloading, saving, or sharing explicit material involving children.

Judge Shant further warned:

‘You must not go away with the impression that this will not lead to a custodial sentence.’

Coote, once a regular fixture in the English Premier League, was dismissed last year after comments he made in a resurfaced 2020 video about former Liverpool manager Jrgen Klopp came to light.

In August 2025, he received an eight-week suspension from the Football Association over the same incident.

Earlier this year, in January, Coote publicly came out as gay in an interview with The Sun, revealing that years of concealing his sexuality had contributed to the frustration behind his controversial comments about Klopp.