Category: Business Day

A new book, Courage to Succeed, has launched to spotlight the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurship.

Authored by Yinka Padonu, creative director of Smartbrands Innovative Media Services, the book profiles 14 founders who built thriving businesses despite major challenges.

The book tells the stories of entrepreneurs including Chidi Ajaere of GIG Group, Cosmas Maduka of Coscharis Group, Odunayo Eweniyi of PiggyVest, and Tunde Onakoya of Chess in Slums Africa.

It also features Grace Ibhakomu of Lifecard Int’l Investment Ltd, Sola Adesakin of Smart Stewards Financial Academy, Wisdom Ezekiel of Pertinence Group, Kemi Fajana of Fajana Group, Tara Fela-Durotoye of House of Tara International, Olumide Adeniji of Ao Electricals and other leaders across transport, finance, and social impact sectors.

According to Padonu, Courage to Succeed is designed to document the vision, grit, and enterprise behind Nigeria’s growing business class, while offering lessons for aspiring founders across West Africa.

In a statement, he explained that the legacy book project documents their early beginnings, the obstacles they encountered, and the principles that guided their growth.

He noted that the book was written to preserve authentic Nigerian business stories and to provide a practical reference for students, young professionals and aspiring founders.

‘I authored this book to put on record the experiences of Nigerians who dared to start. These are not theories. These are real stories of risk, failure, learning and eventual success,’ Padonu stated. ‘If one young person reads this and decides to start, then the purpose is served.’

According to Padonu, the 14 entrepreneurs featured in the book represent diverse sectors and backgrounds.

Each chapter explores how they identified opportunities, mobilized limited resources, built teams, and stayed consistent through economic fluctuations.

He added that the book also examines the mindset required to succeed as a business owner in Nigeria.

‘Entrepreneurship in Nigeria demands courage, patience and adaptability. The people in this book did not wait for perfect conditions. They started where they were, with what they had,’ he said.

He said the book is positioned to contribute to national conversations on job creation, self-reliance and the importance of documenting indigenous business models.

The book further highlights mentorship, community support, and policy as key factors influencing enterprise growth.

The official launch of the book is scheduled for Thursday, 3rd September 2026 at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) Conference Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

‘Your presence will honour this milestone and celebrate the spirit of enterprise and impact in Nigeria,’ Padonu said.

The launch will feature a keynote address, a panel discussion, and a book signing. Members of the media, academia, the business community and the general public are invited to attend. Copies of the book will be available at the venue.

Padonu is an author and creative director at Smartbrands Innovative Media Services, Lagos.

He is a media and brand strategist focused on storytelling, visibility and enterprise development. Through his work, he helps businesses, public figures and institutions communicate with clarity and purpose.

Courage to Succeed is his latest book and reflects his commitment to documenting and amplifying Nigerian entrepreneurial journeys.

The presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said the task ahead of the 2027 general election goes beyond winning political power, stressing the need to give Nigerians a credible choice for the future.

Makinde stated this on Thursday at the APM National Convention held at the Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square in Bauchi State.

He described the emergence of the APM as timely, saying a credible opposition remains essential to the survival and growth of democracy.

According to him, political parties must move beyond the politics of opposition for its own sake and instead present Nigerians with credible alternatives capable of improving their lives.

Makinde urged the newly-elected leaders of the party to collaborate with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election, emphasising the need for a political system built on trust, accountability and measurable results.

He described Bauchi as ‘the heart beat not only of the North-Eastern part of Nigeria but the entire northern Nigeria, and indeed the entire country,’ noting the state’s historical significance as the home of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister at independence.

‘The next political system must restore something that has steadily disappeared from our politics, and that thing is trust,’ Makinde said.

‘Nigerians must believe that when leaders make comments, those comments and their commitment must mean something,’ he further said.

The APM presidential candidate outlined three principles he said should guide the party’s approach to politics.

He said political disagreements should not turn opponents into enemies; opposition parties should focus on presenting a ‘credible and demonstrably better alternative.’

Rather than merely seeking to remove those in power, political parties with differences should still be able to agree that ‘Nigeria must work better for its people.’

Makinde said the 2027 election should therefore, be a contest of ideas, urging political parties to debate evidence, compare records and present clear, measurable plans to the electorate.

‘The task before 2027 is bigger than winning an election. It is to give Nigerians a real choice about the future of their country,’ he said.

He challenged politicians seeking the trust of Nigerians to answer a fundamental question: How will the lives of Nigerians be better because we were given the opportunity to lead?’

Also speaking at the convention, the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, said the party was prepared to offer Nigerians a new political direction.

Dantalle said Nigerians were tired of what he described as lies, deception and political intrigue, adding that the country needed leadership focused on tangible and measurable results.

He expressed concern over the continued killings and displacement of Nigerians across the country’s geopolitical zones, stressing the urgent need for practical solutions to the challenges confronting citizens.

The party chairman also highlighted the importance of access to education and healthcare, arguing that Nigerians in the past enjoyed better access to essential social services.

Dantalle further criticised the treatment of Nigerians in some foreign countries, arguing that Nigeria had historically contributed significantly to the development of some of those countries.

He urged APM supporters to take the party’s message to Nigerians ‘from person to person, house to house,’ as the party begins its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

When Governor Mai Mala Buni appointed Babagana Mohammed Adam as Special Adviser on Food Security, he placed a corporate turnaround specialist at the helm of what is arguably Yobe State’s most critical economic challenge.

The appointment is notable not merely for Adam’s veterinary and public health credentials, but for his track record as a business builder who has demonstrated the capacity to transform distressed assets into profitable enterprises.

With the Nigeria Food Corporation (NFC) already under his leadership and a new oversight mandate covering the state’s entire food security architecture, the question is whether business discipline can succeed where conventional agricultural policy has struggled.

Adam’s profile aligns with a deliberate shift toward private-sector thinking in public agricultural policy. His corporate journey began at Fulus Group, where, as the Group Managing Director, he led the conglomerate’s expansion into a multi-billion-naira enterprise with interests spanning investment management, agriculture, and facility management, and founded Fulus Capital Limited, a Securities and Exchange Commission-licensed fund management and venture capital firm.

He subsequently served as Group Managing Director of Thinklab Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in development, agriculture, and finance, where he successfully scaled the company’s portfolio to $400 million, demonstrating his capacity to manage complex, multi-sectoral businesses.

He also co-founded Rayyan Microfinance Bank, extending financial services to rural farmers and small businesses across the region. As Managing Director of the Nigeria Food Corporation, he has overseen the consolidation of six distressed agro-industrial assets into a single holding company: the Nigerian Food Company Limited, Nguru Oil Mills Limited, Yobe Flour and Feeds Mills Company Limited, Wheat Flour Global Mills Company Limited, Yobe State Fertiliser Blending Company, and the Damaturu Modern Abattoir.

This restructuring, executed through a Public-Private Partnership framework, aims to apply corporate governance principles to state-owned enterprises that had long been underperforming.

His recent strategic engagement with Chinese manufacturers, including FAW Trucks and Hongdefa Machinery, focused not merely on equipment procurement but on technology transfer and local production capacity, with the emphasis on establishing production workshops in Nigeria signalling an understanding that sustainable food security requires industrial capacity, not just humanitarian assistance. This is a business approach to a development problem.

The data underlying this appointment is sobering from a business perspective. Yobe produces enough sesame to meet domestic commercial demand and supply export markets in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Yet, for decades most of it left the state as raw produce, with real profits, jobs and skills created elsewhere.

This structural gap kept farmers poor and the local economy dependent on subsistence agriculture and federal allocations. The newly constructed sesame processing factories in Machina, Potiskum, Damaturu, and Nguru are designed to capture value that previously leaked out of the state’s economy.

Beyond sesame, rice processing in Yobe is profitable, with processors earning an average net income of N9,632 per 75kg bag and a return of 34 per cent per naira. Yet, processors struggle with multiple taxation, unreliable electricity, and inconsistent raw material supply. The business case for intervention is clear: fixing these constraints could unlock significant economic value.

The Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion has reported that more than 50 local and foreign investors have expressed interest in key sectors of the state’s economy, with discussions progressing to due diligence and negotiation of commercial terms.

The agency has developed a PPP Policy, manual, implementation guidelines, and fiscal commitments framework designed to provide investors with confidence in the state’s partnership processes. Yobe’s improving business climate is reflected in its ranking as the ninth best-performing state in Nigeria’s Subnational Ease of Doing Business Index.

This institutional groundwork, combined with the tangible asset base of the Nigeria Food Corporation, creates a platform for attracting private capital that previous administrations lacked.

No single appointment can resolve Yobe’s food security challenges, as the factors driving food insecurity-climate variability, insecurity, rising input costs, and inflation-are largely beyond the control of any state-level official. However, Adam’s mandate to coordinate the Yobe State Mega Agricultural Empowerment Programme, the Community Revolving Funds under ACReSAL, the Livestock Development Programme, and the Nutrition 774 Initiative, while serving as primary liaison with FAO, WFP, UNICEF, IFAD, and the World Bank, places him in a position to ensure that scarce resources are deployed where they deliver the greatest economic return.

The business case for Yobe’s food security transformation is compelling, as processing sesame locally can increase its value by 30-50 per cent, depending on grade and destination. Revitalised mills mean jobs, functional fertiliser plants mean improved yields, and efficient transport fleets mean reduced post-harvest losses. Each intervention connects policy with livelihood and with economic sustainability.

Governor Buni’s appointment of Babagana Mohammed Adam as Special Adviser on Food Security represents a calculated bet that business discipline, corporate governance, and private-sector partnerships can achieve what conventional agricultural programmes have not.

The appointment leverages his dual role as Managing Director of the Nigeria Food Corporation, aligning institutional policy formulation with operational execution. Whether this translates into measurable improvements in food security will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, improved security, and international partners’ cooperation.

For the investors assessing Yobe’s agro-industrial potential, the next twelve months will determine whether the state can move beyond subsistence to sustainable economic growth.

Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, is set to begin commissioning a tranche of ‘people-oriented’ projects meant to transform grassroots living standards and position the oil-rich state for economic growth.

Dagogo Wokoma, Secretary to the State Government, said on Friday at Government House that the commissioning will run from August 17 to August 28 and will cover projects across several local government areas.

Juliana Masi, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, said in a release that the list of projects includes roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure and other public amenities.

Wokoma stressed that the projects are tangible evidence of Fubara’s commitment to transforming communities and addressing the developmental needs of residents across the state.

He said the commissioning would commence on August 17 with the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, which links communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru local government areas.

The Egwi-Afara-Mba Road in Etche Local Government Area will be commissioned on August 18, followed by the Capt. Elechi Poly Entrepreneurship Centre/Engineering Faculty Building on August 19.

On August 20, the governor will commission the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway in Ikwerre, Emohua and ONELGA local government areas, while the new Omoku Zonal Hospital in Omoku (ONELGA) will be commissioned on August 21.

The commissioning will resume on August 24 with the Omademe internal roads in Ikwerre LGA. Attention will shift to Port Harcourt LGA on August 25 for the commissioning of the new Air Force Base runway.

Wokoma said attention will be drawn to Emohua LGA for the commissioning of the Agba Ndele Road and bridge, while two major health facilities – the Neuropsychiatric Hospital and the new General Hospital, Rumuigbo, both in Obio/Akpor – are scheduled for commissioning on August 27.

The 10-day programme will end on August 28 with the commissioning of Bonny National Grammar School in Bonny Local Government Area.

Wokoma said the projects reflect the administration’s determination to ensure that government policies and programmes positively affect citizens.

‘These projects scheduled for commissioning are tangible evidence of His Excellency’s unwavering dedication to transform our communities and address the developmental needs of our people,’ he said.

He added that the projects underscore the administration’s commitment to ensuring that governance produces ‘meaningful and measurable benefits for every citizen across the 23 local government areas of the state.’

Wokoma also acknowledged the contributions of government officials, contractors, host communities and other stakeholders to the completion of the projects, and he urged Rivers’ people to participate in the commissioning activities and continue to support the administration in its pursuit of peace and development.

‘We invite all Rivers people to join in celebrating these milestones and to continue supporting the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as it advances peace, development, progress and prosperity,’ he said.

The Reality Organisation, one of the biggest political structures in Abia State, has threatened to establish a parallel structure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, accusing the party’s current state leadership of high-handedness, political intolerance, and actions capable of deepening internal divisions.

The group, in a statement issued Thursday and signed by Dimgba Okereke, said that its position followed a communiqué purportedly issued by the APC State Working Committee (SWC) against Orji Uzor-Kalu, a senator representing Abia North Senatorial Zone, and Chris Nkwonta, member, representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

The organisation specifically faulted the alleged disciplinary action against Uzor-Kalu over comments made during a television interview concerning the 2027 election.

According to the group, Uzor-Kalu was asked whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election and he answered in the affirmative. It said that he was also asked whether Governor Alex Otti, would win the Abia governorship election, to which he also answered yes.

The organisation argued that Uzor-Kalu’s response did not amount to an endorsement of Governor Otti, stressing that he reportedly answered ‘no’ when asked whether the APC was in an alliance with the governor.

‘Where, therefore, is the endorsement? Is a prediction now synonymous with an endorsement?’ the group asked, arguing that political analysis should not be interpreted as anti-party activity.

The Reality Organisation accused the Abia APC leadership, particularly Chijioke Chukwu and his associates, of applying different standards to members perceived as political allies and opponents.

It cited an earlier article allegedly published by the camp of Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, predicting political hurdles for Uzor-Kalu ahead of the National Assembly primaries, questioning why similar disciplinary concerns were not raised at the time.

The group maintained that if the APC leadership disagrees with Uzor-Kalu’s assessment of the 2027 political landscape, it should focus on strengthening the party, reconciling aggrieved members, mobilising supporters, and producing a candidate capable of winning at the polls.

It further warned that no individual or group owns the APC in Abia State, arguing that the party belongs to all members, who have contributed to its growth and electoral activities.

The organisation said that continued ‘segregation, intimidation, high-handedness and impunity’ could compel what it described, as genuine and patriotic APC members to establish a dedicated State Working Committee, to provide what it considers more inclusive leadership.

‘Nobody should mistake restraint for weakness,’ the statement warned.

The Reality Organisation called on the APC leadership to treat Uzor-Kalu’s prediction, as an opportunity for introspection rather than persecution, insisting that the party’s response to the 2027 political contest, should be based on organisation, reconciliation, credible leadership, mobilisation, and engagement with the electorate.

It concluded by declaring: ‘Enough is enough.’

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Adeleke made the declaration on Sunday, August 16, 2026, shortly after he was declared winner of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

The governor commended President Tinubu for ensuring a free and fair poll in Osun, describing him as a ‘son of Osun State.’

‘At this point, I must deeply appreciate Mr President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strong support for a free and fair election,’ Adeleke said.

‘Mr President is a son of Osun State, and I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.’

Adeleke had earlier endorsed Tinubu in May and June, saying his decision was driven by the interest of Osun State and the Yoruba people.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party, winner of the governorship election with 511,067 votes. He defeated his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 444,815 votes.

Speaking on his victory, Adeleke promised to use his renewed mandate to consolidate his administration’s achievements, address shortcomings and accelerate development across the state.

He said his government would pursue its renewed five-point agenda with emphasis on development, good governance and improved opportunities for the people of Osun.

With the declaration, Adeleke joins the list of political figures outside the APC who have publicly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has congratulated the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, describing the outcome as a strong affirmation of the people’s democratic choice.

In a statement signed by the President of the Yoruba Youth Council, Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, the organisation commended the people of Osun State for turning out to exercise their constitutional right and for demonstrating their commitment to democratic governance.

The Council also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his commitment to democratic principles and respect for the will of the electorate.

According to the YYC President, the Osun election has provided another opportunity to demonstrate that Nigeria’s democracy is capable of producing outcomes that reflect the wishes of the people.

‘The victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke is a victory for democracy and a clear demonstration that the people’s votes can determine the direction of governance when the electoral process is allowed to function effectively.

‘We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the political environment for a credible electoral process. His commitment to democratic principles and respect for the people’s choice will, in our view, strengthen his standing among Nigerians and could significantly enhance his prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential election.’

The Council noted that President Tinubu’s democratic approach, particularly the willingness to allow the electorate to freely express its choice, should be sustained as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.

The YYC further congratulated Governor Adeleke for securing another mandate from the people of Osun State, urging him to see the victory as a renewed responsibility to deliver inclusive development, good governance and people-oriented leadership.

The organisation also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their roles in the conduct of the election.

The Council said the peaceful conduct of the poll and the eventual declaration of the result demonstrated the importance of professional electoral administration and effective security arrangements in strengthening public confidence in democracy.

The YYC therefore called on all political actors, regardless of party affiliation, to respect the outcome of the election and pursue any grievances through lawful and constitutional channels.

The Council urged Governor Adeleke to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of Osun State and continue working for the development and prosperity of the state.

Arsenal made a statement ahead of the new Premier League season after beating Manchester City 3-0 to win the 2026 Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions produced a dominant display against the FA Cup holders, securing their second trophy in four months and their 18th Community Shield title.

The Gunners needed just 23 seconds to take the lead after Myles Lewis-Skelly played a superb pass into the path of Riccardo Calafiori, who calmly slotted the ball past new City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The early setback immediately put Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City under pressure as the former Chelsea manager took charge of the club for the first time in a competitive fixture following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Havertz doubles Arsenal’s lead

Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through Kai Havertz.

Summer signing Christos Tzolis nodded Martin Ødegaard’s cross back across the face of goal, allowing Havertz to meet it with a downward header that left Donnarumma with little chance.

City struggled to respond as Arsenal controlled possession and continued to threaten on the counter.

Ødegaard seals emphatic victory

The Gunners added a third goal just three minutes into the second half.

Tzolis again played a key role, finding Ødegaard inside the City penalty area. The Arsenal captain produced an excellent fake shot to send Donnarumma the wrong way before calmly passing the ball into the opposite corner.

The goal completed a convincing victory for Arsenal and provided an early indication of their ambitions for the new campaign.

Arsenal send Premier League warning

The result gives Arsenal significant early momentum as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.

Their victory over City also marked a memorable start to the new season, while underlining the growing rivalry between the two clubs after years of competition for domestic honours.

For City, meanwhile, the defeat represents a disappointing beginning to the post-Guardiola era under Maresca.

The Community Shield was staged at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with Wembley unavailable because it is hosting Canadian singer The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour.

Arsenal’s emphatic victory means the champions begin the new campaign with another piece of silverware and a warning to their Premier League rivals that they intend to remain at the top.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ademola Adeleke for his re-election as Osun state Governor, saying it is a sign that democracy will flourish in Nigeria

The President who stated that he personally called and spoke with the Governor, disclosed this in his message to Adeleke, for coming out victorious in the just-concluded Osun election

He however, urged the Governor to unite all the opponents as well as rally the people of the state for effective grassroot development

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement, said the President described the results as ‘ a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our country under the All Progressives Congress administration.

‘I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him.

‘I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years. Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election.

President Tinubu while also saluting the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election, added that ‘ their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture.

He stressed that the ‘outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land.’

President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies for conducting a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.

The Adamawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and adolescent healthcare, stressing that the health and survival of women and newborns remain a top priority in its efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The commitment was reiterated during a stakeholder meeting organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government and supported by the European Union-funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) programme.

The meeting brought together health experts, government officials, journalists and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for reducing maternal and newborn deaths while improving access to quality healthcare services for women and adolescents.

Speaking at the event, Oluseyi Olosunde, UNICEF Health Officer at the Bauchi Field Office, described maternal and adolescent health as a critical component of national development, noting that the well-being of women has a direct impact on families, communities and the future of society.

According to him, maternal health extends beyond preventing deaths during pregnancy and childbirth. He explained that it involves creating opportunities for women and adolescents to live healthy lives, reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.

‘A healthy woman determines the health of the family and the nation. Maternal and adolescent health is more than preventing death; it is about enabling women and adolescents to survive, thrive and reach their full potentials,’ Olosunde said.

He warned against home deliveries, saying complications such as severe bleeding and other medical emergencies could arise unexpectedly and become life-threatening when skilled healthcare professionals are not available to provide immediate intervention.

Olosunde therefore urged pregnant women to take advantage of health facilities where trained birth attendants, emergency obstetric services and other essential maternal healthcare services are available to ensure safe deliveries.

He also highlighted the importance of regular antenatal care, proper nutrition, access to accurate health information, safe facility-based childbirth and postnatal care, describing them as vital measures for reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates.

The UNICEF official further encouraged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life, noting that it remains one of the most effective ways of promoting healthy growth, strengthening immunity and improving child survival.

He called on stakeholders, community leaders and healthcare workers to intensify public awareness campaigns and community engagement efforts aimed at encouraging safe motherhood practices and improving healthcare-seeking behaviour among women.

The health expert called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, journalists and local communities to accelerate progress in maternal and adolescent healthcare and ensure that more women and children have access to quality health services across Adamawa State.