Category: Business Day

The Nigerian government has promised to enhance teachers’ welfare, elevate the public perception of the teaching profession, and address other key challenges affecting educators nationwide, in a renewed effort to revamp the education sector.

The move aims to boost morale, and professional support of teachers across the country as the educators joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.

Olatunji Alausa, the minister of education, made this known on Tuesday, September 30, during a symposium in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day billed for Sunday, October 5, in the company of Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education. Alausa applauded Nigerian teachers, describing them as the custodians of knowledge, the builders of character, and the architects of national future.

The minister stressed that teachers remain the foundation of every profession.

‘Honestly, you have the most important and the best profession in the country. Who makes a doctor, an engineer and/or a professor? It is the teacher.

‘That is why the government is working assiduously to come up with better packages for you. Light is at the end of the tunnel,’ he said.

Besides, Alausa emphasised the need for teamwork and networking in modern teaching. ‘For too long, teaching has often been practiced in isolation. But when teachers collaborate, students are the ultimate beneficiaries. ‘They receive richer, more engaging instruction and witness firsthand the power of teamwork and shared responsibility,’ he stressed.

Moreover, he reassured teachers of the government’s support, acknowledgement, and training.

‘When you want the highest quality of education, you need a high-quality teacher. When you want a high-quality teacher, you give teachers the recognition, support, training, and the cooperation they need,’ he said. The minister commended Nigerian teachers’ global impact, stressing that anywhere in the world, when they say a Nigerian student becomes a professional, they do so well. And this, he said is the output of Nigerian teachers’ work.

‘We know we can’t pay you enough, but be proud of yourselves. On behalf of the President, I commend you for your sacrifices, your diligence, and your commitment to building our nation,’ he stated.

The global theme for the 2025 edition is ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.’

World Teachers’ Day was first proclaimed in 1994 by UNESCO in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Education International (EI), and UNICEF.

It is celebrated annually to honour teachers and highlight their vital role in shaping education and society.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, joined a high-powered delegation of lawmakers to visit the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.

Obi was accompanied by Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, and Tony Nwoye, as well as House of Representatives members Segun Sowunmi and George Adegeye. Also present were Labour Party’s Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa. In a statement after the visit, Obi commended the affected traders for showing restraint and maintaining peace in the face of what he described as ‘painful loss and injustice.’ He further appreciated the lawmakers who pledged to investigate the demolition and ensure accountability.

The former Anambra State governor urged governments at all levels to act with compassion and fairness, especially given that many of the traders had taken loans to finance their businesses. He noted that destroying legitimate investments without due process was ‘not only unjust but also economically destructive.’

Obi stressed that a nation aspiring to progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens, warning that ‘incidents like this have no place in a society that seeks fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.’

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, criticised those peddling allegations of religious genocide in the country, saying no religion is under siege.

The president described the allegations as ‘unfounded and misleading, as citizens focus more on harmony and shared prosperity.*

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, in a statement, said Tinubu acknowledges that after 65 years of Independence, citizens have grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.

President Tinubu allayed fears of religious intolerance in the country at the unveiling of a book on the 10 years of the APC government in Nigeria. It was authored by the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu was in Owerri to commission projects, such as the Owerri-Mbaise-Umahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuayanwu Convention Centre.

Nentawe Yilwatda, the All Progressive Congress APC national chairman, two former APC Chairmen, Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, governors of APC states, and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, attended the commissioning of the projects and the book launch.

The event was also attended by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Senate President, former Senate Presidents, Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, and Ahmad Lawan, were also at the event.

Others include the founding Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, and former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, as well as traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, student unions, and market associations.

President Tinubu told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre: ‘Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded.

‘Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

‘We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

‘Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’ he added.

On the impact of the All Progressives Congress in running Nigeria since 2015, President Tinubu said: ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power on the wings of change. Nigeria was at a crossroads. A break from the old order was not only desirable; it had become inevitable to steer our nation away from collapse. ‘Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance. Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good,’ he added.

‘APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift,’ the President said.

‘We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were. We are building a Nigeria that values productivity above handouts and is a nation prepared for a sustainable future.

The President has a message for the critics of the APC administration: ‘And to those who today parade themselves as prophets of solutions, let me say this: those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions using corrupt practices and subterfuge.

President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodimma for his scholarship documenting this decade of progressive governance.

‘Hope has given Nigeria a gift: a reminder that nations must write their own stories, and leaders must account for their stewardship.

The President stated that the outlook for the economy had improved across various indicators.

‘I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience. I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned. The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.

‘Believing in true federalism and decentralisation, I have created regional development commissions to bring progress closer to the people. Nigerians have the right to hold leaders at every level (federal, state, and local) accountable. And as leaders, we have the duty to deliver,’ he added.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thanked the President for the initiative of NELFUND, which had encouraged more underprivileged children to pursue their education in higher institutions.

‘Mr President, you have given hope to many young people through the Education funds you provide. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians.

‘On behalf of the entire National Assembly, we want to congratulate the performing governor,’ the Senate President said.

The Governor of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, stated that the sub-national governments had consistently received increased allocations, enabling infrastructure construction and improving sectors such as education and health.

‘Mr President, we are grateful for your support. It is through your courage and bold policies that our economy is stabilised today. Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time.

‘Your consistency in the political trajectory of Nigeria made it possible for the formation of APC, which became a force in the build-up to the 2015 elections. This inspired me to document all these remarkable efforts into a book titled ‘A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria’.

Peace has finally returned to the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) after a protracted leadership crisis that lasted for years.

Iniobong Ekong, commissioner for trade and investment, brokered the truce during a meeting with the warring factions in Uyo, the state capital

At the meeting, which lasted for more than four hours, Ekong stressed that a strong and vibrant NASSI was key to the success of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on entrepreneurship and small business growth.

He expressed the hope that the peace would be sustained to enable the association to benefit from the credit facilities intended to boost small businesses in the state.

Speaking also, Solomon Vongfa, the National President of NASSI, commended the commissioner for being a ‘peacemaker’ whose maturity and commitment restored harmony to the association.

Meanwhile, tree planting has been described as a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges confronting the state. Kufreabasi Edidem, deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, stated this during an open forum on environmental issues organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Uyo.

Edidem, who also chairs the House Committee on NDDC and Regional Development, said tree planting was a simple but powerful practice that every citizen can embrace to restore ecological balance.

‘We will continue to align with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to make laws that promote a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment,’ he said.

‘Everyone can cause a change from their little corner for a better environment.’

He commended Chiedu Evie, Chairman of NDDC, for inaugurating new projects across the region since assuming office, and applauded the commission’s effort in bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, civil society, communities, and schools, to reawaken the culture of tree planting..

Yenagoa, Nigeria – Best Western Hotels and Resorts has announced the grand opening of Best Western Plus Yenagoa, a hotel set to redefine hospitality and support Bayelsa’s growing economy.

Nestled by Oxbow Lake, the hotel offers a mix of scenic views and modern comfort. Guests can choose from elegant rooms, spacious suites, and fully serviced apartments, each equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and mini-bars. Beyond accommodation, the hotel provides access to a spa, fitness centre, Chinese restaurant, and outdoor pool, creating a destination where leisure and business converge.

With its location in Yenagoa’s centre, Best Western Plus Yenagoa is positioned to serve government leaders, corporate executives, international visitors, and local guests. Its conference and event facilities make it a vital meeting place for both official and social functions, adding value to Bayelsa’s business and cultural life.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Initeme Adukeh-Eromhonsele, Executive Director of Best Western Plus Yenagoa, said: ‘Best Western Plus Yenagoa is not only about service and luxury. It is about creating opportunity. This hotel represents a gathering place for leaders and communities while reflecting Bayelsa’s spirit of progress.’ The launch event, taking place on October 15, 2025, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, property tours, and a reception with invited guests from government, business, and the hospitality industry.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts: Best Western Plus Yenagoa continues the brand’s strong growth in Nigeria, where its portfolio already includes Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Enugu. With more than 4,700 hotels globally, Best Western Hotels and Resorts continues to deliver trusted, consistent, and innovative hospitality experiences.

Facebook has rolled out a set of new features designed to enable fans to be more visible, interactive, and rewarded while offering creators fresh ways to spark community and content generation.

This is in a bid to deepen engagement between creators and their audiences. The platform is aiming to transform casual followers into engaged communities with fan challenges and custom badges.

Creators can now issue ‘fan challenges’, prompts or contests for fans to respond creatively. These challenges appear in followers’ feeds. Fans participate by clicking the challenge hashtag in a creator’s post or reel and sharing their own take.

Top entries with high reactions get surfaced on a leaderboard, which is a centralised space where creators and fans can view and engage with the best submissions.

So far, the feature has already seen strong early traction, with more than 1.5 million entries submitted in the past three months, generating comments and reactions from over 10 million people.

Over 500 million fans globally have accepted either a custom or standard top fan badge on Facebook.

When people talk about the ‘AI race,’ Africa often feels like a spectator watching from the stands. America, China, and Europe are sprinting ahead, backed by billions of dollars and huge machines powering their innovations. Meanwhile, on our side, the questions are louder than the answers: Where does Africa stand? Are we already left behind?

The truth is complicated. Africa is not short of talent. Walk into any tech hub in Lagos, Nairobi, or Cape Town and you’ll meet brilliant young people writing code, building apps, and dreaming of global impact. Yet when it comes to competing in the heavyweight category of artificial intelligence where giant models are trained, and billions are invested. Africa is far behind.

Let’s break it down.

Why the Track Feels Slippery

Artificial intelligence may look like rocket science, but its foundation rests on three things: electricity, data, and people. These three ingredients are where Africa’s challenges lie.

1. The Electricity and Internet Struggle

Anyone in Nigeria knows the frustration of power cuts. Now imagine running a data center (one of those facilities packed with computers that process massive amounts of information) while dealing with daily blackouts. AI requires nonstop, stable electricity. Without it, hardware gets damaged, costs skyrocket, and investors run away.

So, what do startups do? They rely on diesel generators. Apart from being expensive, these generators pollute the air and eat up funds that could have been used for research or hiring more staff.

Then comes the internet issue. AI depends on fast and affordable connectivity. But here, internet speed is often slow, and data prices are among the highest in the world. For young innovators, this creates a frustrating bottleneck.

And when we talk about servers (those powerful machines that train AI models) Africa owns less than 1% of global data center capacity. That means most of our AI work is ‘outsourced’ to servers in Europe or America. The result? Higher costs, slower speed, and lost opportunities.

2. The Data Deficit and Language Barrier

AI learns from data the way students learn from textbooks. If the textbooks don’t cover your culture, your history, or your language, the lessons will always feel foreign.

For Africa, the challenge is clear: most global AI systems are trained on Western data. They don’t understand African accents, local slang, or our 1,000+ languages. Imagine asking an AI health tool to analyse a Yoruba patient’s symptoms when most of its training data comes from London or New York hospitals. The results will likely be off-target.

Even more worrying is that much of Africa’s medical, agricultural, and financial data is not digitised at all. Hospitals still keep patient records on paper. Farmers often lack structured records of their harvest. Without this data, building effective AI systems becomes harder.

3. The Money and Talent Drain

To play at the global level, AI requires a lot of money. Training a large AI model can cost millions of dollars. African investors, however, often prefer safer bets like e-commerce or fintech rather than risky, long-term AI research.

And then there is the issue of brain drain. Africa produces talented engineers and scientists every year, but many get recruited by big tech companies abroad. The continent becomes a training ground for talent that eventually leaves. We celebrate the success of Africans working at OpenAI, Google or Microsoft, but deep down we know their expertise is not strengthening our local ecosystem.

Rays of Hope: What’s Changing

Despite these challenges, Africa is not standing still. Across the continent, people are rolling up their sleeves to build AI systems that speak to local problems.

Local Movements

Groups like Deep Learning Indaba and Masakhane are training researchers and developing open-source language models that actually understand African languages. These communities are saying, ‘If Silicon Valley won’t build for us, we will build for ourselves.’

Government Strategies

Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Egypt are drafting national AI strategies. These blueprints focus on areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, with the aim of applying AI to problems that truly matter locally.

It’s a shift from just consuming foreign technology to actively creating homegrown solutions.

Startups Finding a Way

African startups are also thinking creatively. Instead of waiting for perfect infrastructure, some are using edge computing putting processing power closer to the user to reduce reliance on fast internet. Others are designing AI tools for low-cost smartphones, knowing that’s the device most Africans can afford.

The Road Ahead: From Consumers to Creators

If Africa is going to catch up, we need a mindset shift. The question should not only be, ‘How do we join the global AI race?’ It should also be, ‘How do we design AI that solves African problems?’

Take agriculture as an example. Imagine a farmer in Benue uploading a picture of diseased crops on a simple phone app. The AI diagnoses the problem instantly, suggesting solutions without requiring 5G internet or an expensive device. That kind of tool could transform food security.

Or consider healthcare. An AI system trained on local patient data could help rural doctors detect illnesses earlier, saving lives in places where specialist doctors are scarce.

These are not futuristic dreams. They are possibilities within reach if governments, investors, and innovators commit to building AI for Africa, not just importing it.

So, Are We Left Behind?

Yes and no. Africa is behind when it comes to global investment, computing power, and data infrastructure. But the race is not only about who builds the biggest models or who gets the most patents. For Africa, the real prize is building AI that addresses hunger, unemployment, poor healthcare, and weak education systems.

In that sense, Africa is not out of the game. We are simply running a different kind of race, a marathon where endurance, creativity, and community will matter more than raw speed.

If we get it right, AI could become one of the most powerful tools for solving Africa’s toughest problems. And when that happens, the question won’t be whether we were left behind, but whether the rest of the world can keep up with Africa’s unique path

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has signed a fresh two-year crude supply agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, ensuring steady feedstock to the 650,000-barrel-per-day plant in Lekki, Lagos.

The deal, sealed in August, is part of the Federal Government’s drive to prioritise crude deliveries to the privately owned refinery, particularly in naira, to support energy security and stabilise domestic fuel supply.

According to industry data, about 82 million barrels of crude have been allocated to Dangote Refinery between October 2024 and September 2025. Of this volume, 49.3 million barrels – or 60 percent – were supplied in naira under the crude-for-naira initiative.

The agreement follows recent tension after the refinery suspended naira-based petrol sales citing the depletion of its naira crude allocation. Sales later resumed following intervention by the Naira-for-Crude Technical Committee chairman.

Andy Odeh, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, confirmed that the state-owned company continues to allocate crude in naira to the refinery.

He explained that NNPC, Dangote Refinery, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) periodically reconcile the volume and value of crude delivered in naira.

‘The state-owned energy company and the refinery have negotiated and signed a new sales and purchase agreement that will run until 2027,’ Odeh said.

‘In line with the FGN Crude for Naira Initiative, NNPC Limited has continued to allocate crude to Dangote Refinery in naira for the sale of products in the domestic market.

‘On this basis, NNPC, DPRP and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) periodically reconcile the volume and cost of product supplied in naira commensurate with the crude delivered,’ Odeh explained.

He disclosed that NNPC allocated three naira crude cargoes in August, and five cargoes each for September and October 2025. While loading operations for August have been completed, September allocations are currently underway, with two vessels undergoing pre-loading formalities at terminals.

Odeh added that between October 2024 and October 2025, a total of 82 million barrels of crude had been allocated to Dangote Refinery, with 60 percent (49.3 million barrels) supplied in naira.

The new deal will run until 2027, ensuring continuity of supply following recent concerns when Dangote Refinery briefly suspended naira-based petrol sales citing exhaustion of its naira crude allocation. Sales later resumed after federal intervention.

Dangote’s media team has yet to respond to requests for further details on the arrangement.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a journalist with Arise News Channel, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja.

Maduagwu, a news anchor, reporter, and producer, was attacked in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ajao Adewale, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, described the killing as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a civilised society.

He extended his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, assuring them that the police will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.

Adewale disclosed that he had ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational teams to track down and apprehend those behind the attack.

‘The Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served,’ he said, while urging residents of the FCT to assist investigators with timely and useful information that could help in the arrest of the perpetrators.

He also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and raise alarms at the sight of suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods.

Residents can reach the Command through its emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) via 08107314192.

The statement, signed by Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, emphasised that the Command stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the Nigerian media industry, pledging to intensify efforts to bring the culprits to justice.

Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), on Monday urged newly called-to-Bar police officers to uphold integrity, professionalism, and discipline as they assume dual responsibilities as law enforcement officers and legal practitioners.

Addressing the officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP described their success as a milestone achievement that would add strategic value to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and strengthen the country’s justice system.

‘It gives me great pride to welcome you. Today, we are not only recognizing personal success; we are celebrating an achievement that strengthens the Nigeria Police Force and adds value to our country,’ he said.

He also congratulated the officers on their successful completion of the Nigerian Law School programme, noting with pride that one of them graduated with First Class Honours, which he described as a rare and outstanding feat that has brought honour to the Force.

The Police Chief emphasized that law enforcement cannot be effective without a strong legal foundation.

He stressed that the officers’ legal training positioned them to serve as defenders of the law in the field and as custodians of justice in the courtroom.

According to him, every action taken by the Police must be grounded in law, every power exercised must be backed by law, and every responsibility borne must be judged by law.

Egbetokun highlighted that their entry into the profession coincided with the recent elevation of the Police Legal Section to the Force Directorate of Legal Services, now headed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

He explained that the upgrade was not symbolic but strategic, designed to provide sharper legal direction, ensure watertight prosecutions, safeguard the institution against legal vulnerabilities, and influence policy at the highest levels.

He told the officers that they were joining the Directorate at a defining moment and that its success would depend heavily on their contributions.

He further stressed that the Police did not need lawyers in uniform for decoration, but officers who would add tangible value to the institution.

He urged them to ensure that prosecutions are handled professionally, conduct themselves with integrity that is above reproach, and provide legal opinions that commanders can rely on with confidence.

He also encouraged them to help align the Force with constitutional standards, human rights obligations, and international best practices, while serving as role models to other officers who aspire to combine policing with legal practice.

The IGP reminded the officers that their call to the Bar had doubled their responsibilities, making them accountable to the Force, the legal profession, and the Nigerian people.

He cautioned them against misusing their legal knowledge for personal advantage, urging them instead to channel it into service that would strengthen the Directorate and uplift the Police Force.

‘Excellence will be recognized and rewarded. Mediocrity will not be tolerated,’ he said.

He added that the combination of their uniform and the lawyer’s gown placed them in a demanding yet privileged position, requiring humility, discipline, and loyalty to the Force.

Egbetokun charged the officers to justify the investment the Police had made in their legal education, insisting that their performance would not only shape their careers but also determine the credibility of the Nigeria Police as a professional law enforcement institution.

He declared that the achievement was not merely about the gown they would wear in court, but about the standards they would set while in uniform.

‘The Police at this time, more than ever before, need lawyers who will make the law work for justice, for discipline, and for Nigeria,’ he said.