Category: Nigerian Tribune

A Bill aimed at addressing the mortality rate arising from sickle cell passed Second Reading on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill sponsored by Senator representing Kaduna South, Sunday Katung seeks to improve access to specialised care for patients through the establishment of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) Research and Therapy Centres across the six geopolitical zones in the country.

The Centres when established, will offer diagnostic, curative and rehabilitative services, while also serving as hubs for research, data collection and patient education.

Presenting the Bill, Senator Katung submitted that the objective is to provide a painstaking, structured and sustainable approach to the management of sickle cell disorder which he described as one of the most common inherited diseases in Africa.

The lawmaker maintained that ‘the Bill seeks to establish the Sickle Cell Centres in each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and make comprehensive provisions for the due administration of the Centres.’

He explained that they would not only deliver advanced medical care but also support families and communities affected by the disorder through counselling and public education.

Further advancing the argument on the imperative of the Centres, Senator Katung described Nigeria as the global epicentre of sickle cell disorder, accounting for about half of the estimated 300,000 newborns with the disease each year.

‘Sickle Cell Disorder is the most common inherited disorder in tropical Africa, with over 650 children dying per day. In Nigeria, most of those with the most severe form of the disorder die before the age of five.’

He noted that while more than 90 per cent of patients in high-income countries now survive into adulthood due to improved treatment and care, Nigeria continues to record a high mortality rate because it lags behind in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

‘Despite tremendous global scientific progress, Nigeria still records a very high rate of SCD complications and deaths because we have not fully implemented the treatment plans that have worked in other countries.’

In his contribution, Senator representing Enugu West, Osita Ngwu, commended his colleague for the initiative as he described the presentation of the Bill as timely.

He said, ‘It comes from a genetic transmission, due to ignorance of the parents. This bill is timely and will go a long way in providing therapy and saving lives.’

Senator representing Oyo North, Abdulfatah Buhari said the bill should prioritise enlightenment and rural outreach to sensitise more people on the disorder. He stated, ‘Most people don’t even know who to marry in terms of genotype compatibility.’

In her contribution, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said when established, the Centres should be attached to university teaching hospitals to enhance research and reduce establishment cost.

Deputy Senate President. Jibrin Barau who presided at plenary referred the bill to the Committee on Health for further legislative action.

Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, performed the groundbreaking for the reconstruction of the Warri-Sapele-Benin Dual carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe local government areas, declaring the project a symbol of renewed collaboration between the federal and state governments for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the project represented ‘another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State government.’

He described the Warri-Sapele-Benin road as a critical national infrastructure connecting major cities across the South-South and providing access to Edo and other parts of the federation.

‘The section we are flagging off covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users,’ he said.

Governor Oborevwori noted that the initiative underscored the gains of synergy between the two tiers of government, emphasising that development becomes faster when governments work together in the interest of the people.

‘Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,’ he said.

The governor further disclosed that the Delta State government had paid ?10 billion in compensation to facilitate the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge access road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha and adjoining communities.

He lamented the hardship long suffered by commuters and transporters on the Warri-Sapele-Benin route due to its deplorable condition, noting that the reconstruction will enhance mobility, reduce travel time and spur economic growth.

He said: ‘Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminals often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and improve the response of security agencies.’

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Delta one of the safest states in Nigeria through strategic investments in infrastructure, peace and security.

He also promised that the requests of the people of Uvwie Kingdom partaining to the Mother and Child Hospital and provision of 500KVA transformer, will be looked into.

‘At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that generations will remember me for. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that,” he said before officially flagging off the project from Effurun Roundabout by-spare parts market to after Ohore, before Ometan bridge.

Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the project is the brainchild of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori whom he described as a visionary leader determined to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.

‘This 10km project stretches five kilometres on each side and features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway on both lanes, far beyond the standard 7.3 metres,’ Izeze said, praising the governor’s foresight and commitment.

He said the project will be completed within 12 months, adding that the state will celebrate another landmark achievement that will enhance trade, transportation and community life.

General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Thomas Feng, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in the firm, promising to deliver the project in record time and to the highest standards.

Earlier, Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, Chief Anthony Ofoni, flanked by his Okpe Local Government Area counterpart, commended the governor for his people-centred leadership and announced that the Airport Road in Effurun will be named as ‘Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Way’ in recognition of his vision and enduring legacy.

Also, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, lauded the governor’s administration for prioritising key infrastructure projects in Uvwie and across the state.

He noted that ongoing works such as the three flyovers and road expansions in Effurun and Warri had transformed the urban landscape and accelerated economic activities.

Representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Afe, joined in commending the governor for his developmental strides, praying for his successful completion.

Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor announced his resignation on Wednesday during a briefing at the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa State Government House.

It was also gathered that the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere, alongside 18 PDP lawmakers, also tendered their resignation from the opposition party.

Governor Diri’s decision comes barely 24 hours after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As of press time, Diri has yet to disclose his next political move.

With this latest defection, the PDP’s control at the state level has further weakened, leaving the party with eight governors across the federation.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the development in a post on his verified social media account.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mocked his critics who once accused him of working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying many of them have now joined the same party.

He stated this while Speaking at the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways on the outer southern expressway in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wike said those who had claimed he wanted to destabilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should now commend him since they have all defected to the APC.

He said, ‘I have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I want to destabilise the party, I am working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC. So, which means if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading. So, I should be commended for doing a good job for them.’

Wike also praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying it has strengthened the financial stability of states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said, ‘Let every state be sincere to their people and to Nigerians. I was a governor for eight years. I was a governor running around banks to look for money to do projects. Sometimes, every month, the money that comes will not be enough to pay salaries and all other allowances, not to talk about doing projects.’

‘Today, by the leadership of somebody, by the decisive leadership of somebody who has made it possible for all the states, and the Federal Capital Territory, not to be running around banks again. Rather, banks are now looking for states to say, ‘look, don’t throw us away, we are here.”

The minister noted that President Tinubu’s leadership has made it possible for states to have enough resources not only to pay salaries and allowances but also to execute projects without incurring debts.

‘Somebody has made that possible; every state now has money. Not only to pay salaries, not only to carry out government activities, but also to embark on projects. It was not like that before,’ Wike said.

He described the decision to support the Tinubu-led administration as ‘worthwhile,’ adding that no governor will leave debts for their successors any longer, as it used to happen before.

‘So, if, for that reason, so many people are going to support Mr President, I think it is worthwhile. Now, no governor will talk about leaving debts for his successor, unlike what used to happen before. That is the leadership of somebody. And that’s what this country needs for now visionary leadership, purposeful leadership that will be able to take decisions, decisions that people were running away from taking when they had the opportunity,’ he added.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has stressed the need for collaborative efforts in the battle against cancer, which remains one of the country’s most significant public health challenges.

Mahmoud made this call at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cancer Week held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Maitama, Abuja.

She noted that the theme, ‘Redefining the Future of Cancer Prevention, Access, and Equity for All’, underscores the urgent need to guarantee all Nigerians, regardless of background, timely and affordable access to prevention and treatment services.

The Minister emphasised that cancer continues to be a leading cause of illness and death globally, with Nigeria facing the impact directly.

She outlined the FCTA’s ongoing commitment to supporting cancer prevention, citing sustained investments in awareness campaigns, early detection programmes, and public-private partnerships.

Mahmoud reiterated the administration’s goal to strengthen the healthcare system, focusing on disease prevention and accessible, quality care for all FCT residents.

Addressing the need for broad-based action, the Minister said the fight against cancer extends beyond medical interventions, requiring empathy, education, innovation, and research investment.

She commended the role of International Cancer Week in fostering dialogue, encouraging partnerships, and mobilising collective action to alter the fate of families and communities affected by cancer.

Mahmoud commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, the Nigeria Cancer Society, and all partners for their dedication.

She, therefore, reaffirmed the FCTA’s ongoing support for initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery, fostering partnerships, and building a future free of cancer.

What catches your eye when you walk into a new finished commercial space? New floors that shine, glass partitions that reflect the light, or screens and projectors lining the walls? It is likely if you notice any of these qualities, it is in addition to something more subtle: the way everything in the room functions together. The way that the sound system rumbles to life just as the presentation starts or how the video wall turns on and off as the lights dim and increase has become a familiar part of modern life, the behind-the-scenes choreography of contemporary technology. That is what well-planned AV integration is all about.

I remember visiting a corporate client in Houston last year. Yes, the lobby was impressive, but the conference room set-up told a different story. The audio kept going out, the video conferencing froze halfway through the presentation, and everyone sat still and watched the blinking screen. This is not about the technology, this is about the inability to develop coordination. Whenever I visit a commercial build, it is a Freudian reminder that great design in commercial business means nothing without great AV integration.

Over the past few years, the U.S., and Houston in particular, have seen a rapid growth in the demand for AV solutions. Businesses are increasingly not interested in just TVs and speakers. They want a fully functional, smart, scalable system that connects all the meeting rooms, conference tables, and collaboration areas. The AV system has transformed from a set of isolated devices into a crucial tool for global communication and collaboration. The global AV integration markets witness annual growth of over 6% growth as hybrid work and highly advanced AV technologies, such as cloud control systems, AI-driven automation, and real-time wireless streaming take off. However, it is still not the technology that makes people communicate better. It is how you put it all together.

Planning for Seamless Integration

The foundation for a successful installation starts well before moving the first foot of cable. It begins with a conversation, between architects, commercial electrician Houston pros, installation managers and the end users. It’s about making every system intuitive without being intrusive.

Unfortunately, AV contractors are usually called in late during the construction phase. That’s where dilemmas arise, either inadequate electrical capacity, cable pathways that don’t fit the bill, or contradictory wall placements for digital signage. Bring in AV professionals sooner rather than later. It’s easy to forget that sound and video don’t just miraculously happen, and integrating audio visual infrastructure from the get-go can always lead to less clunky installations when the technology is added after construction, forcing channeling wires under floors, over the ceiling, or then deciding to mount a screen on a wall with no reinforcement.

In fact, design standards like GSA’s P100 emphasize that performance and electrical systems must be validated, commissioned, and coordinated from the earliest design phases. That aligns directly with why we call for AV integration to begin before the first cable is pulled, you can’t retrofit coherence after construction.

You don’t even notice a good AV installation; it becomes part of the background. You should not be able to tell where it starts or ends. It can be anything from incorporating a sound masking system that ensures everyone has privacy, to placing conferencing systems that can adapt to natural lighting. Planning is key.

The Importance of Trade Collaboration

Magic happens when AV professionals work closely with engineers and electricians. These relationships are what make the difference between a project’s success in Houston’s commercial construction landscape. This includes ensuring that power distribution underlying delicate audio visual equipment is conditioned to protect your system and filtering noise that can generate hums or interference. A commercial electrician Houston contractor will, for example, isolate sensitive A/V components from any outside disturbances.

I’ve witnessed what occurs when those details are abandoned, flickering screens, overloaded circuits, the little buzz that you barely notice but makes people nuts during calls. It takes away those headaches from the get-go, bringing electrical expertise on board from the beginning. It just keeps everything smooth, regular and ready for the latest tech in the future.

Designing for the Modern Workplace

Corporate environments are more fluid than ever. Workers can easily move from quiet zones, huddle rooms to immersive conference rooms with high-quality video conferencing. The best AV solutions aren’t about parading gadgets, they’re about increasing productivity and making the technology invisible.

It’s not just about installing equipment when we discuss audio video integration. We’re creating an experience, one where wireless presentations plug in seconds, microphones pick up voices perfectly, and a sound system fills the room smoothly.

Solid AV design reflects the psychology of communication. Communication thrives when people can easily see, hear and share. When the system ‘just works,’ the technology disappears and collaboration takes off.

When you design a modern AV system, you’re not just linking screens and speakers – you’re building into a smart controls framework that can unify lighting, HVAC, security, and audio-visual systems. As the Whole Building Design Guide points out, advanced technology allows the integration, automation, and optimization of many subsystems, including AV.

Audiovisual Systems That Pivot With the Times

Businesses evolve. So should their AV systems. That’s why contemporary design is based on flexibility and scalability.

A Houston company just added on two more floors. Upgrading was easy because their A/V infrastructure was modular. There were just digital signage, video walls and sound masking systems copied and synchronized to new spaces. The lesson? Prepare for growth before you launch. Select AV gear that’s upgradeable and things you don’t have to go back to square one with.

That’s the beauty of scaling systems, as your horizons expand, so do they.

Building for the Future

The next wave of AV technologies won’t just get people from place to place. It will anticipate their needs. Think about sensors that automatically adjust volume based on the room’s acoustics, conferencing systems that can recognize and frame individual speakers intelligently, or wireless controls that free you to run 10 rooms from one tablet.

Sustainability will feature prominently, too. But energy-efficient installation practices, low-power displays and smart scheduling will reduce waste while preserving performance. These changes are already underway in Houston’s rapidly growing commercial development scene, tech-forward, energy-savvy, human-centered builds that reimagine what an office can be.

Why Thoughtful AV Integration Matters

Here’s the thing: Anyone can install screens and speakers. But fostering a cohesive environment in which communication feels breezy, that’s work. It’s a labor of love that is about designers, builders and technicians who care about the small things.

The next time you slip into a glossy corporate lobby or high-tech meeting room, pause for a moment to consider the hushed exactitude that brought it so close. The cables tucked away under the floor, how the video conferencing links up immediately, that sound system that just sings. That’s not luck. That’s careful, deliberate integration.

And in Houston, the place where innovation and energy intersect, that precision is emerging as the new norm.

Conclusion

When it comes to AV integration, it’s more than just technology, it’s about people. It’s about architects designing smarter spaces, engineers keeping things safe and specialized workers bringing visions to life. When companies use AV as one would a building’s DNA, and not an afterthought, the outcomes can be spectacular.

Whether you are a developer looking to the future of your next commercial project or an organization ready to update your workspaces, professional design and installation will ensure it stays reconfigurable, collaborative and inspirational.

For when everything connects right, when technology recedes from sight and communication just works, that’s when a space is working.

Professor Kolawole Olawale from the College of Liberal Studies, Bowen University, Iwo, has delivered the university’s 24th inaugural lecture.

Olawale, a professor of Music and Applied Musicology, presented a lecture titled ‘Music as Revelation: Journeying through the Mysterium Tremendum Et Fascinans in Sound, Spirit and Scholarship.’ He noted that music education in Nigeria lacks scholarship opportunities to support those with interest and talent in the field.

He urged education stakeholders to promote the study of music through scholarships at all levels of learning, stating that the absence of such support has hindered the growth and impact of music education in Nigeria and across Africa.

According to him, the value of music education in national development-especially in shaping positive human psychology and mindset-cannot be overstated. He also observed that Nigeria has not fully explored music therapy to address health challenges and improve social well-being.

He said, ‘Through teaching, I encouraged people to view music not simply as a sound, but as a vessel of mystery to awaken an awareness of how music reveals, heals and unites. Music has a unique power to lift the human spirit, carrying it beyond the ordinary into encounters with the sacred.’

Professor Olawale described music as more than art or science, calling it a revelation-‘a sacred paradox that inspires awe and draws humans closer to the mystery of existence.’

He added that music reflects cultural values and life experiences, appearing in every society because it meets emotional, spiritual, social, and intellectual needs.

Olawale explained that applied musicology extends beyond theory and classroom teaching, emphasising the need to use music for the benefit of society.

He encouraged composers and performers to embrace African rhythms, melodies, and stories as meaningful elements in their works rather than surface embellishments. He stressed that African music should be preserved, celebrated, and shared globally in ways that respect its origins.

Olawale said music connects people to their past, shapes the present, and inspires a better future. He warned that colonial influence, cultural erosion, and technology threaten African music but also offer opportunities to revive indigenous traditions and strengthen cultural expression.

He stated, ‘Let us compose not only for performance but for purpose. Let us perform not only for applause but for awakening. For music is more than sound, it is soul made audible. It is revelation, and the revelation never concludes-it moves from this moment into the lives we live, the songs we use, and the stories we preserve.’

In conclusion, he advised Nigerian musicians to deepen their understanding of music education and avoid lyrics that incite violence, encouraging the use of uplifting and transformative words instead.

The Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Jonathan Babalola, commended Olawale, noting that every well-taught and well-researched discipline contributes meaningfully to national development. He added that music holds deep significance and plays a vital role in human social growth.

The Nigerian equities market sustained a cautious advance at the midweek session as renewed buying interest in select large- and mid-cap stocks lifted the benchmark index marginally.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 0.02 per cent to close at 147,742.22 basis points, maintaining year-to-date returns at 43.54 per cent.

Similarly, market capitalisation appreciated by ?19.84 billion to close at ?93.78 trillion, reflecting sustained investor optimism in market fundamentals despite a slowdown in activity.

Market sentiment remained positive, as 33 gainers outpaced 27 decliners. On the performance board, Royal Exchange gained 7.4 per cent, International Energy Insurance rose by 6.1 per cent, while SFS Real Estate Investment Trust, Julius Berger, and Omatek Computer also led the gainers’ chart. Conversely, Tripple G shed 9.9 per cent, Industrial Medical Gases dipped by 9.9 per cent, while UAC Nigeria, Ellah Lakes, and Japaul Gold topped the losers’ list.

Across sectors, performance was broadly mixed. The Consumer Goods, Industrial Goods, and Oil and Gas indices each advanced by 0.1 per cent, buoyed by gains in Transnational Corporation, which rose by 4.2 per cent, and Stanbic IBTC Holdings, which appreciated by 1.6 per cent.

Conversely, the Banking and Insurance indices declined by 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively, following mild profit-taking in tier-one lenders and insurers. The Commodities index closed flat.

Trading activity weakened across all indicators, as the total volume traded fell by 21.41 per cent to 389.11 million units, valued at ?12.48 billion, exchanged in 23,017 deals – representing a 10.25 per cent decline in the number of transactions.

Fidelity Bank emerged as the most traded stock by volume with 46.87 million shares, while Zenith Bank led by value at ?1.42 billion.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that it firmly believes that financial literacy is not merely an academic subject, but a life skill, and indeed, a survival tool in today’s complex and rapidly evolving economy.

Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama stated this at the handing over ceremony of the reviewed National Univeristies Commission’s (NUC) Curriculum on Securities and Investment Management (SIM) by the SEC appointed Committee of Experts (drawn from the capital Market and academia) in Abuja, Tuesday.

Agama said the important engagement, signifies not only institutional collaboration, but also the collective resolve to build a foundation for sustainable financial empowerment in Nigeria.

He said, ‘Our gathering today goes beyond policy harmonisation or curriculum design. It is about shaping the financial mindset of future generations, equipping young Nigerians with the tools to make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to our development.

‘Financial literacy determines how individuals earn, save, invest, and build wealth. It also influences how they engage with the financial system, ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.’

He said this is why the SEC remains deeply committed to embedding financial inclusion as a cornerstone of national development, beginning with education, where knowledge and values are first formed.

The SEC DG disclosed that the collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) represents a strategic leap forward; a deliberate and forward-looking effort to integrate financial education into Nigeria’s national curriculum from the primary through to the secondary levels.

‘This initiative recognizes that financial discipline and awareness are best nurtured early, when curiosity is highest and habits are still forming. Early intervention is key to producing responsible, confident, and financially empowered citizens.

‘I am pleased to note that the pilot implementations in Nasarawa and Ibadan have yielded encouraging results, reflecting strong adaptability, enthusiasm, and measurable impact among teachers and students alike.

‘These early successes affirm that when given the right tools and guidance, Nigerian youth can quickly understand and apply concepts such as saving, investing, budgeting, and responsible financial decision-making,’ he stated.

Beyond imparting knowledge, the SEC Boss said the effort is about empowerment, about giving young people the confidence to participate productively in financial and capital markets adding that as the apex regulator of the capital market, the SEC’s dual mandate to protect investors and deepen the market cannot be achieved in isolation from an informed, financially literate populace.

Agama said embedding financial education into the national curriculum, is investing in human capital, the most critical driver of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth.

He acknowledged the pivotal role of the NUC in harmonizing academic standards, ensuring that learning outcomes remain relevant to the evolving dynamics of our economy.

This partnership he added, strengthens the bridge between education and enterprise, between classroom theory and the financial realities of everyday life.

Agama noted that the SEC envisions a Nigeria where every student, regardless of background or region, understands the value of money, the principles of investment, and the discipline of financial planning. A Nigeria where financial inclusion is not a distant aspiration, but a lived experience that begins in the classroom and translates into responsible citizenship and national prosperity.

‘This initiative could not have come at a more opportune time. As our nation pursues the goal of building a trillion-dollar economy, anchored on innovation, knowledge, and inclusive growth, financial literacy will be one of the strongest pillars supporting that ambition.

‘The SEC remains committed to sustaining this momentum, through ongoing support for curriculum development, teacher training, resource provision, and stakeholder collaboration across all levels of education. We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lessons and successes from the pilot states are scaled nationwide.

‘Together, we can institutionalize a financial literacy framework that not only empowers the youth but also strengthens the moral and economic fabric of our society,’ he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Uche Uwaleke disclosed that the Committee was tasked with reviewing and expanding the existing curriculum to reflect these developments with a view to making appropriate recommendations to the NUC that ensure that Nigerian universities are not only aligned with global trends, but are also equipping our students with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in a modern capital market environment.

He said another equally important mandate of the Committee was to design and recommend to the NUC, a Basic Course in Capital Market Studies to be taken by all first-year students across Nigerian universities.

This initiative is inspired by the recognition that awareness and understanding of the capital market remain relatively low, especially among young Nigerians. By introducing this foundational course, we aim to promote early exposure, foster capital market literacy, and ultimately deepen financial inclusion, key pillars of the SEC’s developmental mandate.

Uwaleke said the Committee’s work was guided by a strong sense of purpose and collaboration.

The Committee held a total of eight meetings, seven virtual and one in-person, during which we

engaged in extensive deliberations, research, and consultations.

The commitment and intellectual depth brought to the table by each member were remarkable.

Furthermore, the Committee recommended to the Federal Ministry of Education, that this basic course be extended beyond universities to all tertiary institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education, so that the culture of investment awareness and financial literacy can be mainstreamed across all segments of our educational system.

‘As we present this Report today, we do so with a sense of fulfilment and optimism. We believe that its implementation will mark a major milestone in building a financially literate generation and in strengthening the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive Nigerian capital market,’ he stated.

Taking his lens through the paths of fantasy, vulnerability of memory and sociological issues, photographer Olaniyi Atolagbe applies digital aid in expanding contemporary narrative. His captures of people in portrait, to some extent, brings creativity to photography with his conceptual approach.

Atolagbe’s photography, in image remaking, diverts attention from the diverse local and global crisis, offering exciting relief alternative in art appreciation. Some of the works that drag people’s thoughts away from worries include concepts of imaginations, fantasy, dreams among others.

However, son of his labelling in style or forms can be contested in visual art terms as one or two works brings contentious perspective to art. For example, one of the works he described as surreal could pass for common sceneries, particularly in Africa.

To some extent, Atolagbe’s style of storytelling with photography engages keen and critical observers into depth of dialogue. Viewing one of the pieces ‘Passage of Memory’, gives an opportunity into the photographer’s thoughts about space and time as the central figure’s walk into a beam of light invites curiosity. Apart from the strength of the work in which he exposes the ambiguity of space, it also explores vulnerability of memory. Atolagbe’s ‘Passage of Memory’ depicts the time and space when tech and gadgets betray man’s expertise, especially at the point of data failure.

On the analogy of the strength of natural ability, despite man’s imperfection, Atolagbe expands the narrative in another work titled Distorted Signals. The work, a capture of tricycle in motion, creates blurring image that could pass for abstraction, symbolising the limitations of human against nature. Blurring motion, either with digital or regular capture of the lens is one of the exciting moments of photography as Atolagbe’s Distorted Signals also celebrates colours of nature.

In fantasy and spirituality captured in one theme, Atolagbe investigates human capacity of imagination in ‘Rooted Dreams’, where the subject and the spirit of a tree engage in unspoken conversation. What exactly is the language of dialogue between the woman and the tree? In artistic capturing, the photo artist in Atolagbe provides answer in digital creativity by applying technique of fussing the tree into the subconscious realm of the woman.

Coming from non-art background, specifically a Mathematician, Atolagbe appears to have settled for photography as a career, beyond being passive enthusiast. His project in documentary like ‘Night Time Series’ (2023), asserts his growing career in photography.

Whoever sees another work of Atolagbe titled Unseen Exchange as surreal, in the context of the photographer’s presentation, share similar perception with him. With a mountain of landscape nature in the background of a trader, one is not convinced enough to accept the composition as surreal. It could have been on a rural setting where a dweller trades in market lane to a mountainous scenery.

On the other side of art appreciation, Unseen Exchange is perhaps a good example in how digital photography can convincingly replicate painting. If all you want is colour on the wall, irrespective of the medium or process of creating art, Atolagbe’s digital photo artist fits on your choice of collection. Though in blue dominant colour, the piece which has a trader descending onto the floor to display his wares, the narrative of mild obscurity fits the choice of non-loud colours.

Coming from non-art background, specifically a Mathematician, Atolagbe appears to have settled for photography as a career, beyond being passive enthusiast. His project in documentary like ‘Night Time Series’ (2023), asserts his growing career in photography.