Category: Daily Trust

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has enrolled 700 young professionals to join the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), signalling a major investment in the next generation of leaders who will continue to drive the continent’s economic and financial transformation.

At the graduation ceremony, which was held at Landmark Events Centre in Lagos on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, the bank celebrated graduates from Nigeria and across African countries where the bank operates.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Deputy Group Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, and other Board Members, Executive Management, faculty members, were on ground to receive the newly graduated professionals into the UBA Tribe.

Since the inception of the program over three years ago, the GMAP, designed to equip entrants with the necessary skills and knowledge, has graduated well over 4,000 banking and finance professionals while providing them with mentorship, training, and hands-on experience needed to boost their career.

Elumelu, who referred to the graduands as ‘lions and lionesses’, reiterated the bank’s commitment towards raising the next generation of passionate and competent leaders on the continent.

‘We are happy to have you as part of this tribe. At UBA, we strongly believe in the transformative power of young people, and that is why we designed this programme that allows us to transfer the baton of knowledge and experience onto others,’ he said. ‘A few decades ago, I started out just like you fresh out of the university, and I am glad that this organisation is providing for you that same opportunity that I got, and I look forward to seeing you guys prove your worth.’

He connected the graduates’ journey to the bank’s larger mission, emphasising that UBA’s role extends beyond profit, as it is also about being relevant to situations in the environment as well helping to catalyse economic prosperity for Africa.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, who represented the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, reiterated the bank’s belief in human capital development.

‘This ceremony is a celebration of potential, perseverance and purpose. You all are not just graduates; you are our next generation of innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of an enduring legacy. This program reflects our belief that Africa’s future will be shaped not by chance, but by capable and courageous Press leaders like you,’ he said.

Nweke elaborated on the rigorous, six-month Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), which, according to him, blended classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments, and mentorship from senior executives.

The new cohorts, who now join UBA’s family of over 25,000 employees, were charged to take ownership of their careers, show initiative, and be at the forefront of transformation in technology, customer experience, and sustainability.

The Police in Benue State have killed a suspected armed robber and assassin, identified as Saater, who had long been on the command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in the killings of a local hunters’ commander and his wife in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement issued on Monday, said the suspect met his end during a gun duel with operatives at the weekend in Makurdi, after he opened fire on a team of detectives who attempted to arrest him.

Edet said that the late suspect was wanted for the assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, Commander of the local hunters’ association, who was shot dead on June 20, 2025, and the earlier killing of Yayol’s wife, Mrs Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune.

‘Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had returned to Makurdi with plans to launch fresh attacks, detectives moved swiftly to apprehend him around George Akume Way.

‘He engaged the police team in a shootout but was subdued and arrested,’ the statement read.

The suspect reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue.

The police spokesperson listed items recovered from the deceased suspect to include one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated short gun, several 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.

Despite the Backward Integration to allow development and sourcing of raw sugar in Nigeria, major producers of refined sugar imported 953,971bn worth of raw sugar into the country to be processed for consumers.

Analysis of foreign trade statistics produced by the National Bureau of Statistics showed the product was imported from July 2024 to June 2025.

A breakdown showed that N156.752bn worth of the product was imported in the third quarter of 2024 (July to September) while N332.52tr worth of raw sugar was imported in the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December).

For the first quarter of 2025 (January to March), N305.73bn of the product was imported and N158.95bn of the product was imported in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June).

Further breakdown showed N952.59bn of the commodity was imported from Brazil while N1.376bn was imported from the Netherlands.

Nigeria’s troubled sugar master plan

The Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) was introduced in 2012 for local production of sweetener through sugarcane plantation and has grown steadily and billions of naira have been pumped into its backward integration policy (BIP) programme to establish farmlands that would supply feed for the growing sugar industry.

This has made the sector get billions of naira in annual incentives in the form of tax holidays, crop loans, tariffs, and regulated imports of foreign sugar, among others.

According to the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), these incentives were planned to grow sufficient sugar to satisfy the local demand and expand it into a foreign exchange earner and harness Nigeria’s sugarcane resources, creating jobs and a ready market through the value chain while bridging the country’s sugar demand at 1.53 million MT in 2020.

Under the initiative, local investors would make sizable investments in the industry within 10 years to guarantee self-sufficiency in the production of the sweetener and domestically produced extracts for their refineries.

Also, operators with backward integration plans were given import quotas to import raw sugar. The policy helped in attracting investments into the industry and has impacted production positively.

Nigeria’s sugar industry has expanded and continues to attract more investments as producers in the sector have vastly invested in cultivating large sugarcane plantations and building mills as stipulated in the policy.

According to the NSDC data, local production increased to 38,597 MT in 2019 from 6,843 MT when the country kick-started the backward integration programme for the sector.

This has allowed big millers such as Golden Sugar Company, BUA and Dangote Sugar to continue making huge investments across the value chains.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), Nigeria comes behind South Africa as the second largest market for sugarcane in sub-Saharan Africa while Nigeria produces less than five percent of the total consumed sugar.

Sugar refinery capacity in Nigeria is said to have increased from 2.75 million metric tons per annum in 2019 to 3.4 million metric tons per annum in 2020 but operating at less than 70 percent capacity.

Currently, there are only three players in the industry which are Golden Sugar Company, Dangote Sugar, and BUA.

The second phase of the NSMP to run through 2033 is being implemented where allocation of sugar import quota would be based on the extent of BIP performance in the preceding year, and no longer based on the refining capacity.

While demography and the rise of the food and beverage industry are two major factors driving sugar demand in Nigeria, the country’s sugar consumption is expected to decline this year owing to high import costs and weak consumer spending.

Increasing sugarcane cultivation

Smallholder farmers in major producing states have abandoned growing sugarcane to cultivate other crops of higher demand are now returning to the production of the commodity since the BIP was introduced in the sugarcane value chain.

While there is no recent data to show the marginal rise, the USDA projected the country’s 2024/2025 production output to remain unchanged at 1.7MMT owing to a lack of recent government support to increase local production.

Sugar imports on the rise

Despite increased investments in the sector, sugar imports have continued to make a steady increase.

Sugar is the second most agricultural import in Nigeria in terms of quantity after wheat, according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation.

It has a 2.1 percent ratio of production to demand, according to the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.

And yearly, millions of dollars amid acute shortage are still spent on importing the sweetener yearly – a narrative BIP is to change.

Africa’s most populous nation still spent a whopping N517.8 billion in 2023 importing sugarcane amid acute FX shortage from N350.8 billion it spent in 2022 importing the commodity, data from Nigeria’s Foreign Trade Report shows.

‘Insecurity, preference for foreign products, others fuelling import’

Speaking with Daily Trust, an economist, Dr. Marcel Okeke, said the insecurity that has engulfed Nigeria is one of the major issues causing more import of raw sugar as farmers can’t have access to their farmlands.

He said the situation is exacerbated with Nigerians having taste for foreign products as well as the lack of infrastructure to make locally-manufactured goods cheaper.

He said, ‘Don’t you think that the places where sugar is supposed to be cultivated have a serious impact on this insecurity situation? The people who are supposed to be farming sugar, do you think the places are peaceful and the farmers are doing their job? That’s the main issue.

‘Then you start talking about the quality of what we get, the raw sugar cane or whatever we get locally versus what is imported because when it comes to local production and import, you can’t compare in terms of quality.

‘A lot of people that use sugar are already used to the importation of varieties or quality, so, when they are locally produced, they are likely to still prefer the ones that are imported.

‘But the major issue is that of local farmers. Are they settled where they are supposed to be settled to keep cultivating as many of them are dislodged and displaced? So, no matter what you see on paper or what the policy is, they have to settle down in their farms and their villages to continue to produce their sugarcane. If you know the locations, mainly up north, those people are badly affected. That’s the major point.

‘The other point is the preference for imported brands or quality of sugar. How do you see the commitment of local producers, manufacturers of this sugar? How do you see their commitment? They’ve been talking about backward integration and that they have integrated even in their plan and so on. How do you see their commitment? Once you are doing any manufacturing here, you are operating in a harsh environment.’

‘The environment is harsh because if you look at the infrastructure, for instance, let’s remove the issue of insecurity, which is a major one. Then you come to the infrastructure, you come to light, you come to water, you come to network of routes, how do you distribute what you produce, and so on and so forth.’

‘So when you factor all this, and the cost of money, if you want to raise money, because the government is playing very actively in the financial market, always raising money and all that. So they are kind of crowding out many private sector borrowers, and that is why the interest rate is very, very high. So when you look at all this in its totality, it doesn’t encourage any local production here, whether it’s sugar or whatever.’

‘So people who do anything here are not competitive. As a matter of fact, they put whatever will be cheaper when you factor in the cost of business here into whatever you are doing.

‘Even if you cross a border to Cotonou in Benin Republic, you will see that what you are getting from there is cheaper compared to what you get from local producers here. So what kind of commitment is that? So you can see that what is on paper, in terms of the intention of government by way of policy, is different from the reality.’

He restated that with the level of insecurity there is no way Nigeria can get its agriculture right.

He added, ‘That is why everything about agriculture is usually manifested whenever the president speaks, whether independence, democracy day or any occasion.

‘We just throw figures, throw a number of tractors and many billions spent here and there but what is the impact? Who is on ground to do those things and engage in serious agriculture?’

As a local who has called Telluride home for over a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring every nook and cranny of this stunning mountain town. Whether you’re planning a winter ski trip or a summer hiking adventure, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for the best accommodations in Telluride, from cozy cabins to luxurious resorts.

The Heart of Downtown: Victorian Inn

For those who want to be in the center of the action, the Victorian Inn is a perfect choice. Located on Main Street, this charming hotel offers easy access to Telluride’s best restaurants, shops, and galleries. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with a mix of modern amenities and historic charm.

Ski-In, Ski-Out Luxury: The Peaks Resort and Spa

If hitting the slopes is your top priority, look no further than The Peaks Resort and Spa. This luxurious property offers ski-in, ski-out access to the Telluride Ski Resort, as well as a full-service spa, fitness center, and heated outdoor pool. The spacious rooms and suites feature stunning mountain views and plush bedding for a restful night’s sleep after a day on the slopes.

A Cozy Mountain Retreat: The Hotel Telluride

Nestled at the base of the San Juan Mountains, The Hotel Telluride offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The rustic-chic rooms feature fireplaces, balconies, and mountain views, while the on-site restaurant serves up delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Don’t miss the complimentary afternoon tea and cookies in the lobby.

Family-Friendly Fun: The Mountainside Inn

Traveling with kids? The Mountainside Inn is a great option for families, with spacious suites that include full kitchens and separate living areas. The hotel also offers a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and game room to keep the little ones entertained. Plus, it’s just a short walk to the free gondola that connects Telluride to Mountain Village.

A Home Away from Home: Vacation Rentals

For those who prefer a more private and spacious option, Telluride vacation rentals are the way to go. From cozy condos to sprawling mountain homes, there’s a rental property to suit every taste and budget. Many rentals offer amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and fully equipped kitchens, making them a great choice for longer stays or group getaways.

Boutique Charm: The New Sheridan Hotel

Step back in time at The New Sheridan Hotel, a historic property that dates back to 1895. The beautifully restored rooms feature antique furnishings, claw-foot tubs, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s location on Main Street puts you just steps away from Telluride’s best dining and nightlife.

Serene Slopeside Living: Lumière with Inspirato

For a truly indulgent stay, book a room at Lumière with Inspirato, a boutique hotel located right on the slopes of the Telluride Ski Resort. The stylish rooms and residences offer stunning mountain views, gourmet kitchens, and top-of-the-line amenities like steam showers and soaking tubs. The attentive staff is always on hand to help with everything from dinner reservations to ski rentals.

No matter where you choose to stay in Telluride, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and warm mountain hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, this charming Colorado town has something for everyone. Book your stay at one of these top-rated accommodations and get ready to fall in love with Telluride.

The Edo State Government has directed the State House of Assembly to probe the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

This was contained in a letter to the State House of Assembly by the governor, dated October 8, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor.

The letter titled, ‘Investigation of two critical projects in the state’ and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Hon Blessing Agbebaku, listed the projects for investigation as Radisson Blu Hotels and Museums for West Africa Arts (MOWAA).

Okpebholo directed the House to invite the respective contractors handling the projects and any other body connected with the projects to ascertain their status and Edo State government’s stake in each of the projects.

‘I write at the instance of His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to request the House to carry out a thorough oversight investigation of two critical ongoing projects in the state initiated by the last administration.

‘The Speaker will recall that at the inception of this Administration, His Excellency, the Governor, set up the Assets Verification Committee with a mandate to primarily assess, verify and document the status of all Edo State Government assets and liabilities as at 11 November, 2024.

‘Based on the report of the Committee. The government saw the need for the House of Assembly to investigate two critical projects which the state government is believed to have stakes in.

‘The projects are Radisson Blu Hotels and Museums for West Africa Arts, MOWAA,’ the governor said.

The House of Assembly has fixed Tuesday, October 21, 2025 to set up an ad-hoc committee to carry out the investigation.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Nigerian Christian leaders of using the United States as a tool of intimidation to pressure the Federal Government and marginalize Muslims in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights group alleged that reports of ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria were surprisingly sent to the US by some leaders back home.

This, he noted, is because the US is perceived as a Christian superpower, rather than to African institutions such as the African Union or ECOWAS.

According to MURIC, the move reveals a deeper agenda of neo-imperial domination and religious favoritism aimed at securing undue advantages for Christians.

‘We have followed the current controversy over the allegation that only Christians are being killed in Nigeria with deep concern.

‘Nigerian Muslims also suffer killings, often in larger numbers, but their plight goes unreported because global narratives are controlled by a Christo-Western media’, he said.

Akintola argued that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism, noting that criminal groups often target crowded places such as churches and mosques.

‘This explains why the main victims in Christian-concentrated states like Benue and Plateau are Christians, while those in Muslim areas like Sokoto and Zamfara are Muslims.

‘While about 200 churches were destroyed across the North, no fewer than 6,000 mosques were also demolished in the same region’, he said.

MURIC further alleged that Muslims in Southern Nigeria suffer systemic marginalization, alleging that their grievances are ignored by both state and federal authorities.

It also accused sections of the Nigerian media of bias.

He said some of them sensationalized the killings of Nigerian Christians while those of Muslims are downplayed or ambiguously described.

‘The media amplifies Christian deaths but trivializes Muslim casualties. Christian victims are clearly identified, but when Muslims are killed, the reports use vague terms like ‘worshippers’ or ‘audience”, he stated.

MURIC described the recent reports to the US as part of an attempt to arm-twist the Nigerian government into granting what it called ‘undeserved political and economic favours’ to Christians.

‘The US has a long record of bullying Muslim nations, and Nigerian Christians are now hiding under its umbrella to achieve domination,’ the group claimed.

Citing America’s support for Israel and its global military actions, Akintola questioned the moral standing of the US to judge Nigeria on human rights or religious issues.

‘It is moral bankruptcy to report Nigeria to America, least of all to former President Donald Trump. How can a country that funds genocidal wars sit in judgment over another’, he said.

MURIC further accused some Christian-owned media outlets of fanning religious division by excluding Muslim voices from national discussions.

‘Muslim commentators are deliberately shut out of Christian television and radio stations that freely demonize Islam. Such practices undermine professionalism and fairness in journalism’, Akintola maintained.

The organization warned that the alleged campaign could deepen divisions in the country and jeopardize peaceful coexistence.

‘It is now very clear that Nigerian Muslims have become pawns in a dangerous global power game. The terrorists attack them from one side, the government marginalizes them from another, and powerful Christian nations are waiting at the centre’, he submitted.

MURIC urged the Federal Government not to yield to what it called ‘Christian blackmail gimmicks’ or to turn Nigerian Muslims into ‘guinea pigs in a dangerous experiment.’

He said ‘It is a false and divisive claim that only Christians are being killed in Nigeria. If unchecked, this narrative could render our dream of national unity and peaceful coexistence a mere illusion.’

Santa Barbara wine country is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of world-class vineyards, stunning scenery, and delightful culinary experiences. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, a day spent exploring this charming region is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Getting Started: Planning Your Itinerary

To make the most of your day in Santa Barbara wine country, it’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance. Research the wineries you’d like to visit, taking into account their locations, tasting room hours, and any special events or tours they may offer. Many visitors find that joining organized Santa Barbara wine tours is a convenient and informative way to experience the best of the region.

Exploring the Vineyards

As you set out on your journey, you’ll find yourself immersed in a landscape of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and picturesque estates. The Santa Barbara wine region is known for its diverse microclimates, which allow for the production of a wide variety of grape varietals, from classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to lesser-known gems like Syrah and Viognier.

Tasting Rooms and Wine Experiences

No visit to Santa Barbara wine country is complete without stopping at a few tasting rooms. These inviting spaces offer the opportunity to sample a range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and engage with knowledgeable staff. Many wineries also offer behind-the-scenes tours, providing a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of viticulture.

Savoring Local Cuisine

In between winery visits, be sure to take a break and indulge in the region’s culinary delights. Santa Barbara is home to a thriving farm-to-table movement, with numerous restaurants and cafes showcasing the bounty of local produce, meats, and cheeses. Whether you opt for a casual picnic among the vines or a gourmet meal at a renowned eatery, you’ll find that the flavors of Santa Barbara perfectly complement its wines.

Soaking in the Scenery

One of the most enchanting aspects of Santa Barbara wine country is its breathtaking scenery. As you wind your way through the hills and valleys, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. From the undulating rows of vines to the distant mountain peaks, the landscape is a feast for the senses.

Bringing Home Memories (and Wine!)

As your day in Santa Barbara wine country draws to a close, be sure to take home a few bottles of your favorite wines to share with friends and family. Many wineries offer shipping services, making it easy to have your selections delivered directly to your doorstep. In addition to the wines themselves, the memories you’ve made and the experiences you’ve shared will be a lasting reminder of your perfect day in this enchanting destination.

Conclusion: A Toast to Santa Barbara

A day spent exploring Santa Barbara wine country is an experience that will linger long after you’ve returned home. From the world-class vineyards and tasting rooms to the stunning scenery and delectable cuisine, this region offers a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, a visit to Santa Barbara is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the magic of wine and the beauty of the California coast.

The naira opened the week on a strong note, gaining N10 against the US dollar on Monday.

The naira appreciated against the US dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) after experiencing pressure at the close of business last week.

The official exchange rate closed at N1,475/$, down 1.37% week over week at the NFEM window on Friday.

FX inflows in the official market fell by about 33% week on week to $1.1 billion, an update from Coronation Merchant Bank Limited revealed.

The decline in US dollar volume provides a partial explanation for the exchange rate fluctuation at the official currency market last week, analysts told MarketForces Africa, maintaining a positive outlook on the spot rate.

Updated FX data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday revealed that the naira strengthened by 0.69% to close at N1,465.29 per greenback.

It was also observed that the naira reached an intraday high of N1470, which translates to a sharp recovery when compared with N1482/$ quote on Friday.

The CBN Sold $70 million to banks as part of its FX intervention to keep dollar supply strong and achieve a stable exchange rate.

In spite of fluctuation in oil price, Nigeria’s external reserves surged to $42.696 billion last week, and the market anticipates additional inflows to lift the balance this week.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has continued to position itself as a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial and technological transformation, aligning its operations with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Established in 1992 under the Presidency as the only purpose-built agency mandated to nurture an indigenous science and engineering infrastructure base for homegrown industrialization, NASENI is today delivering on its vision of transforming research into real products that create jobs and add value to the national economy.

Under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Agency has been repositioned to serve as Nigeria’s foremost technology transfer and commercialization institution. Halilu, who assumed office in 2023, introduced the 3Cs framework -Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization – to guide NASENI’s operations.

Through this approach, the Agency has successfully transitioned from merely developing prototypes to producing and commercializing innovative products that are being deployed across key sectors of the economy.

In the last two years, NASENI has rolled out over 40 market-ready products including electric tricycles and motorcycles, solar power systems, lithium batteries, air conditioners, water dispensers and locally assembled laptops. These innovations demonstrate the Agency’s commitment to driving industrial growth through indigenous technology and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported goods.

One of NASENI’s notable achievements is the Tractor Recovery Project in partnership with the Mechanization Equipment Company of Africa (MECA). Through this project, over 375 abandoned tractors have been refurbished and returned to farms across Nigeria. The initiative, which was launched in Maiduguri and commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima, forms part of the National Asset Restoration Programme aimed at revitalizing agricultural mechanization and empowering local farmers.

Complementing this is the Irrigate Nigeria Project recently launched in Bauchi State, which is deploying NASENI-designed solar-powered irrigation pumps to enable year-round farming and boost food production. The project, which supports the government’s drive for food security, underscores NASENI’s role in applying technology to solve critical national challenges.

The Agency’s collaboration with TROMENT Nigeria Limited has also led to the establishment of the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnology Factory in Abuja, the first indigenous facility for the local production of rapid diagnostic test kits for diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. This innovation represents a major step towards self-reliance in the health sector and aligns with national efforts to reduce the importation of medical consumables. Similarly, the partnership between NASENI and IMOSE Computers is deepening Nigeria’s digital inclusion through local production of laptops and smart devices that support learning, innovation and enterprise development.

NASENI has also initiated programmes to support young inventors and entrepreneurs through the Innovate Naija Challenge and the NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme (NRCGP). These initiatives are designed to identify, fund and scale up homegrown ideas that can be commercialized, helping to develop a new generation of Nigerian innovators and technology-based businesses. By creating opportunities for innovation to thrive, NASENI is building the foundation for a sustainable industrial future.

In renewable energy, the Agency has upgraded its Solar Energy Plant in Karshi, Abuja, from 7.5 megawatts to 50 megawatts, making it one of the largest solar panel manufacturing facilities in West Africa. This upgrade has expanded Nigeria’s capacity for solar energy production and supports the national agenda for cleaner, more sustainable power solutions. NASENI’s solar generators, streetlamps and lithium batteries are already being deployed in rural communities to improve access to electricity and enhance local productivity.

The Agency’s collaboration with Portland Gas Limited and Kia Motors has also resulted in the establishment of major Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and training centers, producing indigenous CNG kits and training engineers to support Nigeria’s transition to greener transportation. These efforts are part of NASENI’s contribution to reducing energy costs and promoting environmental sustainability in line with the government’s energy transition policy.

Through its 11 development institutes located across the country, NASENI continues to build capacity and drive research in key areas such as engineering materials, electronics, agricultural machinery and advanced manufacturing technology. The Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for instance, is championing the introduction of soilless farming technologies and smart agricultural tools. Plans are already underway to establish five additional AMEDIs across the country to expand research and innovation in the agricultural sector.

NASENI’s impact also extends into ICT, education and defense. The Agency has developed drones for agricultural spraying and surveillance, supported local production of coal-based fertilizer through a partnership with Indonesia’s PT Saputra Global Harvest, and is currently constructing the Sustainable and Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) at Bayero University, Kano, which will focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. In collaboration with the Abuja Technology Village, NASENI is also attracting investors to boost local manufacturing and technology transfer.

All these initiatives underscore NASENI’s new direction as an engine room for Nigeria’s industrial growth. The Agency is no longer just a research outfit but a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation and technological self-reliance. Its partnership-driven approach ensures that the private sector, academia and government agencies work together to turn research outputs into real products that impact lives and strengthen the economy.

As Nigeria aspires to become a global player in innovation and industrialization, NASENI stands at the heart of this national ambition. Its growing portfolio of successful projects and commercialized products demonstrates what is possible when vision meets innovation and when indigenous capacity is prioritized over foreign dependency. With its renewed energy, stronger partnerships and clear focus on delivering value, NASENI is setting a new standard on how public institutions can drive industrial and technological progress.

The Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation (RSETF) is set to host a health fair and a film premiere to champion inclusion and human development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr. Badewa T. Adejugbe-Williams, RSETF Founder and Executive Director, who will chair events on Friday, November 14, said the initiatives are dedicated to promoting inclusion, wellness, and social empowerment among vulnerable families and persons with disabilities.

The health fair, organized in partnership with the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, aims to support vulnerable families in the FCT.

The outreach will provide free medical screenings, health education, and counselling, promoting preventive healthcare and access for underserved communities.