Category: Business Day

Air Peace has confirmed that its Abuja-Asaba flight scheduled for Friday experienced an aborted take-off during initial departure procedures.

In full accordance with safety protocols, the aircraft safely returned to the ramp, and all passengers disembarked without incident. A replacement aircraft was immediately deployed to continue the flight, ensuring minimal disruption to passenger travel time.

‘Our engineering team commenced a thorough inspection of the initial aircraft as part of our standard safety checks,’ the airline said in a statement.

The airline reassured the public that safety is, and will always remain, the cornerstone of our operations.

‘The swift deployment of an alternate aircraft reflects our commitment to operational excellence and passenger confidence,’ it added.

Medplus Pharmacy, Nigeria’s pharmaceutical retailer, recently transformed the Civic Center in Victoria Island into a hub of beauty, wellness, and empowerment as Beyond Medplus, hosted the second edition of its flagship festival- Glow Fest 2025, themed ‘More Than Skin Deep.’

Beyond Medplus Glow Fest, Nigeria’s beauty and wellness gathering, returned bigger and bolder, sparking important conversations about the intersections of self-care, business, and community while celebrating the people and brands shaping the industry.

This year’s edition which held on Saturday, September 20, opened with a financial literacy session powered by Sohcahtoa, equipping beauty entrepreneurs and SMEs with practical tools for funding, scaling, and long-term success.

The program flowed into the marquee panel, ‘The New Age of Beauty and the Rise of the Technological Gaze,’ where leading voices, including Beatrice Ige of Brich Aesthetic Clinic, Tania Omotayo Creative Director of Ziva Lagos, Cynthia Ebie Deputy Clinical Director. General Hospital, Subuola Oyeleye Founder Beauty Hut Africa, unpacked how cosmetic treatments and the pressure to look good have become tied to identity, opportunity, and economic survival.

Adding to the momentum, Providus Bank’s Divisional Head, Corporate Banking, Funke Jones, delivered a keynote on financing beauty businesses, while Maybelline’s interactive masterclass drew crowds eager to learn clean glam techniques and skin-first makeup routines.

A highlight of the day was the ‘Medplus Business Challenge’, where MedPlus announced a distribution deal for one deserving beauty or wellness brand reinforcing the festival’s commitment to giving back and driving sustainable industry growth.

Speaking at the event, Ife Bakare, Executive Director of MedPlus, said: ‘Beyond Medplus Glow Fest 2025 reaffirmed our vision of creating an impactful space to emphasize how beauty is intertwined to wellness, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.

‘We’re proud to have created a platform that unites all three and also have given one business access to our vast resources through a distribution deal. Going forward we hope to create more impactful initiatives like this.’

Through Beyond Medplus Glow Fest, Medplus continually strives to educate, empower and advocate for growth in the beauty sector that extends into economic growth for not just individuals but society at large.

The event concluded with networking, giveaways, and a rallying call to continue building a more inclusive, innovative, and community-driven beauty and wellness landscape in Nigeria.

Moody’s Ratings raised Ghana’s sovereign credit rating, citing improved prospects for debt reduction.

The West African nation’s long-term foreign currency debt was upgraded to Caa1 from Caa2, the ratings agency said on Friday. The outlook was changed to stable from positive.

‘Greater macroeconomic stability and favourable external dynamics are supporting more controlled funding costs and foreign exchange reserve replenishment,’ Moody’s said. The agency cited budgetary previous budget overruns, but noted that ‘nascent improvements to the fiscal framework will help anchor fiscal adjustment.’ Ghana’s new leadership under President John Mahama has pursued fiscal consolidation since coming to power in January to stabilize an economy recovering from a debt restructuring.

That’s helped to reduce public debt to 629 billion cedis ($51.6 billion) or 44.9% of gross domestic product at the end of July, from 764 billion cedis or 64.9% of GDP a year earlier.

Supported by a surge in bullion prices, Africa’s top gold producer also grew its gross international reserves by 43% to $10.7 billion at the end of August, bolstering its ability to meet external payments.

In a new escalation of the U.S.-China trade war, President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration will impose a 100 per cent tariff on goods imported from China, in response to Beijing’s recently expanded export controls on critical rare-earth metals.

The announcement, delivered via a Truth Social post, stated the additional tariffs would take effect on November 1 or possibly sooner, ‘depending on any further actions or changes taken by China.’ This hike would come on top of the existing 30 per cent tariffs already in place.

Trump called China’s new export restrictions ‘extraordinarily aggressive’ and ‘extremely hostile,’ saying, ‘It is absolutely unheard of in international trade, and a moral disgrace in dealing with other nations.’ He also warned that the U.S. will impose export controls on all critical software, further tightening restrictions on technology flows.

China, via its Ministry of Commerce, defended its move, asserting the export controls were necessary to safeguard national security and strategic interests.

The decision marks a sharp turn in trade diplomacy, and it raises questions about the broader implications for global supply chains, technology markets, and the planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chocolate City Group has launched a $1 million Founders Fund targeting Nigeria’s creative startups at its 20th anniversary celebration.

Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy officially launched the fund before 500 creative industry stakeholders, international partners, and media representatives.

The fund will provide equity investment and operational mentorship to early-stage companies across music, film, and creative technology.

The initiative comes as Nigeria’s creative economy is projected to reach $15 billion in value by 2025, yet entrepreneurs continue to struggle accessing traditional financing.

Co-founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo, both celebrating their 50th birthdays, structured the fund to address gaps they experienced building Chocolate City into one of Africa’s few successful independent entertainment companies.

‘The reality on ground is that financial institutions struggle to understand creative businesses. Investors want immediate returns, so young entrepreneurs with genuine potential get stuck,’ said Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group.

‘To solve this, we’re providing patient capital from people who’ve built sustainable creative businesses in this market. The fund targets companies that combine creative vision with business discipline.’

Paul Okeugo, Vice-Chairman, emphasised the operational support model.

‘Capital alone doesn’t build successful companies. We’re offering hands-on mentorship in rights management, contract negotiation, and sustainable business practices. These are the structures that allowed us to remain independent while competing globally.’

Minister Musawa welcomed the initiative. ‘Private sector investment is critical for creative economy development. Nigeria’s creative industries can contribute significantly to economic diversification and youth employment, but entrepreneurs need partners who understand both the creative and business dimensions. This fund demonstrates the leadership we need from successful Nigerian companies.’

Co-Creation Hub (CCHub), Africa’s leading creative ecosystem enabler, will serve as the programme and implementation partner for the fund, managing applications, due diligence, and ongoing portfolio support.

Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director of CCHub, outlined the partnership approach. ‘We understand what creative entrepreneurs need to scale sustainably. This partnership combines Chocolate City’s industry knowledge with our startup development infrastructure to create comprehensive support for creative entrepreneurs.’

Gbenga Hassan, Managing Partner of Argentil Capital Management Limited, described the investment thesis. ‘Nigeria’s creative economy shows strong fundamentals with 63 percent annual growth in music streaming revenue and increasing global market penetration. Nollywood alone produces over 2,500 films annually, making it the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, yet struggles to access structured financing.

‘The Founders Fund addresses this real market inefficiency where viable businesses in both music and film cannot access appropriate financing.’

Chocolate City has developed artists including M.I. Abaga, Ice Prince, CKay, Blaqbonez, and Young Jonn while maintaining operational independence and securing strategic partnerships with Warner Music.

Fund applications open later this month, targeting startups and companies with demonstrated traction, clear business models, and potential for job creation. Selection criteria prioritise sustainability over rapid scale, reflecting the founders’ two-decade experience building profitable creative businesses in emerging markets.

In a country where leadership should ideally embody integrity and honour, recent events have cast a troubling light on the moral compass guiding Nigeria’s public sphere.

The certificate forgery scandal involving Uche Nnaji, the ex-minister of innovation, science and technology is not an isolated lapse, it is a symptom of a deeper cultural decay.

As the country reels from yet another betrayal of trust, it becomes clear that the issue transcends one man. Nigeria appears to be entrenching a tradition where immoral values are not only tolerated but normalised, raising critical questions about accountability, societal values, and the future of ethical governance.

Right from primary schools, many pupils are engaged in examination malpractice, in some cases backed by their parents and teachers; thereby authenticating certificate racketeering and cheating as a moral value.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission report indicated that between 2015 to 2018 not less than 721 members of staff of six federal government agencies secured employment using forged academic certificates.

The agencies affected are Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Prisons Service, Pension Transition Arrangement Department, Federal Fire Service and National Identity Management Commission.

Certificate forgery may not be new in Nigeria but it took a frightening dimension since the restoration of civil rule in 1999 as desperate politicians across the nation seek quick and illegal avenues to upgrade their academic inadequacies while aspiring for public offices.

Many who venture into this immoral act are led by the desperation to make ends meet.

In a country with high unemployment rates and limited opportunities, a forged certificate can be seen as a way to escape poverty and improve one’s life chances.

Friday Erhabor, the director of media and strategies at Marklenez Limited said the nefarious act thrives because of lack of political will to enforce laws prevalent in the system.

‘The major problem in Nigeria is not lack of laws, but the political will to enforce our laws. As it is with traffic laws, electoral laws, anti-corruption laws, that’s how it is with certificate forgery.

‘When laws are not enforced, it embolden criminals to commit more crimes. But once someone is caught for forging certificate and the person is arraigned and convicted, it sent strong message to other criminals,’ he said.

Imagine a country, where even candidates for presidential office struggle to present original certificate. In fact, Nigerians have adopted a detrimental attitude to certificate forgery among politicians to the extent of insisting that it does not matter if one has a genuine certificate, provided he or she is from our tribe, he is the best.

Nigeria has had a president without a proven certificate, and his leadership quality was there for all to see; because a man cannot give with what he does not have.

Christian Agu, a parent, sees the surging instances of certificate forgery as fueled by the unhealthy emphasises placed on certificates qualification in Nigeria.

‘A student is expected to obtain a credit pass in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics to be admitted in universities, and even in some institutions, this must come in one sitting.

‘At employment cadre, especially with the civil service, little or no attention is given to what one can do, but the credentials. That’s why we have degree holders that can’t construct a good sentence,’ he said.

This culture of immoral values can be said to have fueled the instance where some NYSC candidates were delisted for allegedly forged called-up letters.

Curbing the menace

Experts believe the way Nigeria can curb the menace of certificate forgery is to put in place a strict verification, transparency, and institutional reform.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, said there is a need for the government to ensure that all appointments, from ministers to local officials, go through an independent and digital certificate verification process.

‘There should be public access to the credentials of public officials should encourage accountability and build trust. Besides, the government should strengthen penalties for forgery and enforce them without bias or political influence.

‘The government should encourage tertiary institutions to fully digitise students’ records and certificates, to make forgery nearly impossible,’ she said.

Erhabor said the DSS should be made to screen nominated ministers and authenticate their claims.

‘Certificates of appointed government agencies and top political posts must have their certificates properly verified before they assume office. One day, somebody with a forged certificate can become our CBN governor,’ he said.

A new player is emerging in Africa’s growing beauty-tech space. Dorasilk, founded by entrepreneur Onaopemipo Monica Akintunde, has unveiled what it calls the first Wig Revamp Ritual System, a structured care process designed specifically for wigs and donor hair.

Positioned at the intersection of science and beauty, Dorasilk’s approach applies technology and research to a segment often overlooked in the wider hair care industry. The system aims to help users maintain the quality, texture, and lifespan of their premium hairpieces.

‘We’re merging African beauty traditions with modern cosmetic science to create a new experience for women who invest in quality hair,’ Onaopemipo said. ‘Dorasilk is built on research and a commitment to make luxury care more accessible.’

According to market data, Africa’s wig and hair extension industry is valued at over $6 billion and continues to grow rapidly. Dorasilk’s patent-pending ritual system, registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), positions it among the few beauty brands in the region focused on innovation-led formulation and user education.

Onaopemipo, who launched the brand after years of frustration with limited wig care solutions, says her experience as both a consumer and researcher shaped Dorasilk’s creation. The company is headquartered in Abuja, which she describes as ‘a rising hub for African beauty innovation.

Dorasilk is currently raising $2 million in growth capital to support restocking, research and development, marketing, and distribution. The company says the funds will enable it to meet early demand, advance its proprietary complexes, and expand access across key African cities.

The brand has attracted significant early interest, with hundreds joining its waitlist within weeks of pre-launch. Dorasilk’s first retail collection is expected to roll out by November 2025.

Dorasilk is a beauty-tech company based in Abuja, Nigeria, developing technology-powered rituals for wigs and donor hair. The brand combines research, formulation science, and accessible luxury to create structured systems for hair maintenance and longevity.

When we talk about crisis preparedness, we often think about water, flashlights, and first aid kits. But what about the specific things that keep girls safe, informed, and empowered when everything falls apart?

International Day of the Girl Child, observed every October 11th, highlights the unique challenges girls face worldwide-and this year’s theme, ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis’, hits differently when you realize how unprepared most communities are for girls’ specific needs during crisis. Whether it is climate disasters, conflict, or sudden attacks, girls are not just surviving these moments, they are leading through them. But they need the right tools first.

Here is what every girl deserves to have in place before a crisis hits.

A trusted adult outside your household

Natural disasters and emergencies can separate families in an instant. Every girl should have at least one trusted adult-an aunt, teacher, family friend, or mentor-who knows her well and lives in a different location. Exchange contact information, discuss emergency meeting points, and make sure this person knows they are your backup. It is not paranoia; it is having a safety net when you need it most.

Basic financial literacy

Money talks, especially in a crisis. Understanding how to budget, save, and manage resources is not just adult stuff, it is survival. Keep a small emergency fund if possible, even if it is just ?100 hidden safely on a daily basis. Know where important financial documents are stored. If you are old enough, have your own bank account. When systems fail, girls with financial knowledge can help their families make critical decisions.

Menstrual products (and knowledge about alternatives)

Period poverty becomes a crisis within a crisis. Stock up on menstrual products as part of your emergency kit, but also learn about reusable options like menstrual cups or period underwear that do not rely on supply chains. Know how to improvise safely if needed. Your period does not pause for emergencies, and you should not have to sacrifice dignity or health because no one thought to include this in disaster planning.

A network of peers who have your back

Your friends are not just for fun, they are your crisis response team. Build genuine connections with other girls and young people in your community. Exchange multiple ways to contact each other beyond social media. During emergencies, peer networks often mobilize faster than official systems. Girls who organize together protect each other, share resources, and create solutions that adults might overlook.

Self-defense skills and body autonomy knowledge

Unfortunately, crises can increase risks of violence and exploitation. Every girl deserves basic self-defense training and a deep understanding of bodily autonomy. Know that you have the right to say no, to set boundaries, and to ask for help. Recognize warning signs of unsafe situations. Understand that your safety matters, and seeking protection is not weakness.

Essential documents (copies and digital backups)

Identity documents, medical records, school certificates, these pieces of paper prove who you are and open doors when you are rebuilding. Make copies of everything important and store them separately from originals. Take photos of documents and save them in a password-protected cloud account. Girls without documentation become invisible in humanitarian systems, losing access to education, healthcare, and protection.

Basic medical knowledge

Know your blood type, allergies, and any medical conditions. Learn CPR and basic first aid. Keep a small kit with any prescription medications, glasses, or specific health supplies you need. If you manage a chronic condition, or need mental health support, have at least a week’s supply of whatever keeps you functioning. Medical systems collapse quickly in disasters, and girls are often last in line for care.

Practical skills that do not require electricity

Can you start a fire safely? Cook without modern appliances? These are not old-fashioned skills, they are crisis essentials. Learn basic repairs, knot-tying, food preservation, and other practical knowledge. Girls with these skills become community leaders during emergencies, not dependents waiting for rescue.

Voice and permission to use it

This might be the most important thing on the list. Practice speaking up in normal times so you can do it when stakes are high. Know that your ideas matter, your concerns are valid, and your leadership is valuable. Too many emergency responses ignore girls completely. Don’t wait for someone to ask your opinion-offer it. Your perspective as a young person experiencing the crisis firsthand is exactly what response teams need to hear.

The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Olatunde Isaac (Honoris Causa), marking a historic milestone as one of the first-ever Honorary Fellowships to be bestowed in the Association’s over five-decade history.

Another recipient of the Honorary Fellowship Award is Alagba Alao Adedayo, publisher of Alaroye Newspaper, a leading Yoruba-language publication.

The Fellowship Award was also conferred on Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, a renowned linguist and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Professor Oladele Awobuluyi, former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University; and distinguished scholars including Professor Oluyemisi Adebowale, Professor Adebisi Ogunsina, Professor Duro Adeleke, Professor Jibola Abiodun, and Professor Adedotun Ogundeji.

The historic award, presented during YSAN’s Annual Conference in Ilorin, celebrates Dr. Olatunde’s exceptional contributions to the promotion of Yoruba language, culture, and scholarship.

Founded in 1970, YSAN remains Nigeria’s foremost scholarly body committed to the study, preservation, and advancement of Yoruba language, literature, and culture. This year’s ceremony marked a significant moment in its legacy as it honored individuals who have bridged traditional scholarship with modern innovation.

A respected scholar, community leader, and Wikimedia advocate, Olatunde Isaac was recognized for his pioneering efforts in Yoruba language revitalization through research, digital documentation, and community engagement.

As a leading figure in the Yoruba Wikimedia community, he has spearheaded initiatives expanding access to free knowledge in Yoruba, significantly contributing to the growth and visibility of the Yoruba Wikipedia, one of Africa’s most-read small-language Wikipedias.

In his remarks, YSAN President, Olumuyiwa Temitope, who also serves as Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, described the recognition as an acknowledgement of Isaac’s trailblazing role in Yoruba language promotion, noting that, ‘Olatunde Isaac stands out for bridging the gap between academia, technology, and cultural heritage.’

While receiving the award, Olatunde expressed heartfelt gratitude, dedicating the honour to volunteers contributing to Yoruba Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. ‘This award is not just a personal achievement but a call to do more for our language, our people, and our shared heritage,’ he stated, reaffirming his commitment to advancing research, partnerships, and mentorship for young Yoruba scholars.

The conference also featured scholarly paper presentations, cultural displays, and panel discussions on strengthening indigenous language education and research in Nigeria.

With this honor, Olatunde Isaac joins the ranks of YSAN’s first-ever Honorary Fellows, a recognition that underscores his exceptional contributions to Yoruba language promotion and cultural advancement.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered more than N5 million during separate counter-terrorism operations in Magumeri and Gajiram areas of Borno State.

In a statement issued by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai to newsmen in Maiduguri on Saturday.

According to military sources, the operations were conducted on October 10 following intelligence reports about terrorist movements around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area.

The insurgents, reportedly moving in two vehicles with 24 fighters on foot, were said to be setting houses on fire and threatening residents in the area.

‘In continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) conducted a successful fighting patrol in response to credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri LGA of Borno State on 10 October 2025.

‘The terrorists, reportedly moving on 2 vehicles and 24 foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorising locals. Acting swiftly, own troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat.

‘As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.

‘After about 4 hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists. A frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralization of 5 terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray. Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene.

‘Items recovered from the engagement include: 1 x AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798),

5 x Magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded),

31 x 7.62mm rounds, 1 x Itel mobile phone, and 1 x Dagger. ‘Notably, no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by OPHK troops during the operation.’

In a similar development along the Gajiram – Bolori – Mile 40 – Gajiganna axis, troops mounted on motorcycles, engaged Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village.

During the firefight, 4 terrorists were neutralized, while others dispersed into surrounding bush. Troops also successfully rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Mr. Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala, along with a sack containing Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750,000). Preliminary investigations revealed that Boko Haram fighters had demanded a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) and 2 new Tecno button phones for the release of the captives brother.

Troops recovered the following items from the terrorists: 1 x Blue pickup vehicle (Reg No: GUB 327 XA), 2 x New Tecno button phones, 1 x Jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). A total sum of Four Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Naira (N4,355,000).

Further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.