Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Emeka Obegolu said in the past 20 years of the chamber’s existence it has facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investment, partnerships and provided visibility for SMEs by enabling them to access new markets.

Obegolu disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair with the theme: Sustainability, Consumption, Incentives and Taxation, stating that, this is not just the opening of another fair, it is the celebration of a historic milestone, 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

He said: ‘The Abuja International Trade Fair has grown from a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, one of Africa’s most recognised trade events.

‘Over the past two decades, the Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It has attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors, facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships.

‘It has provided visibility for SMEs, enabling them to access new markets, strengthened collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies, and international business associations.

‘These achievements underscore the pivotal role of the AITF as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and Africa’s integration into the global economy.’

He explained that the theme of this edition: ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,’ reflects the country’s collective resolve to address pressing economic and environmental challenges. As Nigeria’s economy expands, our priority must be to ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven.

This Fair will serve as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to examine how consumption patterns, incentives, and taxation can be strategically aligned to promote responsible production, attract investment, and encourage environmental stewardship.

The National President Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Jamil Ibrahim applauded ACCI for sustaining this platform and reaffirming NACCIMA’s shared commitment to positioning Nigeria as a $1 trillion sustainable economy by 2030.

Nigeria he said has made progress with the Business Facilitation Act the BFA 2023 which is for the ease of doing business as much more is needed to strengthen competitiveness and full alignment with AfCFTA.

Which he added as unlocking a continental market of 1.4 billion people deep reforms under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement to improve Nigeria’s low ranking on cross-border trade indicators and ensuring all policies reflect a Nigeria-first agenda.

Support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a boost in Edo State, following inauguration of the Grassroots Mobilisation for 2027 tagged: ‘PBAT 4+4 Grassroots Mobilisation’.

The group said Tinubu’s economic reforms had shown promising results, with notable gains in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, foreign reserves, and infrastructural development.

Edo State Coordinator of the group, Abel Emokpae, who spoke after the inauguration in Benin City, said President Tinubu had earned citizens’ support by delivering dividends of democracy.

He noted that the Tinubu administration had shown that it had capacity to turn around economic downturn and make it profitable.

He said the group aimed to secure massive support for President Tinubu across all stratums, including the local government councils in Edo State.

Emokpae challenged Nigerians to rally behind the present administration, emphasising that continuity was crucial for sustaining progress.

He said: ‘This can lay a foundation for a brighter future for the youth, knowing that President Tinubu is not the father that forgets serious children’s ambitions. The leaders of this group will soon visit some states to encourage more grassroots mobilisation, preparatory to 2027 election and by special grace of God, volunteers across the state will be captured.’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the establishment of the Ecological Funding and Management Commission, with Blessing Agbomhere appointed as chairman.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, the commission will provide a legal and institutional framework for sustainable environmental management in Edo State.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring transparent and accountable resource mobilization while aligning state actions with national and international environmental commitments. It will also promote ecological sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and environmental justice.

Other appointees include Felix Ibhade as Executive Director (Projects), Ivie Uwaifo as Executive Director (Administration), and Khadijat Yusuf as Executive Director (Finance).

‘The names of the above-nominated individuals will be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.

‘This decisive step reflects the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment for present and future generations while positioning Edo State as a leader in climate action and sustainable development.’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and the former PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, on Tuesday visited the Bodija residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The delegation, which arrived around 12:20 p.m., was warmly received by the monarch, who personally led them into his inner chamber.

Their visit came days after they were absent from the coronation ceremony of the Olubadan, held last Friday.

They said they were at the palace to formally congratulate the new monarch.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is firmly committed to policy continuity and governance stability, being a moral obligation necessary for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Akume noted this in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration and maiden lecture of the Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement (RHGM), where he emphasized that President Tinubu believes continuity is not merely a governance principle but ‘a moral obligation to secure sustainable development and prosperity for all.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the SGF, Mr. Nadunga Gagare, Tue SGG said the President’s conviction is rooted in the belief that one of Nigeria’s greatest developmental setbacks has been the tendency to abandon policies, projects, and programmes whenever a new administration takes over.

‘This cycle of discontinuity has often stalled progress, wasted resources, and slowed down the pace of development. Sustainable development, however, thrives on consistency. A road started by one administration should be completed by the next,’ Akume said.

According to him, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on ensuring stability in governance by strengthening national institutions, implementing reforms that outlive individuals, and building systems that deliver results for citizens irrespective of leadership changes.

Akume described the RHGM as an initiative that considers the yearnings of the masses for inclusive and accountable governance.

‘The Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement has a duty to mobilize, sensitize and ensure that citizens not only understand but take ownership of government policies,’ he added, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without the active involvement of the grassroots.

In his welcome address, the National Leader of the RHGM, Ambassador Isaac Chigozie Udeh, said President Tinubu has solidified his position ahead of the 2027 elections.

He noted that the movement was established to rally support for Tinubu’s policies and prevent what he called ‘experimentation’ by other political contenders.

‘We are here because we are comfortable with the policies of President Bola Tinubu and don’t want anybody else to come and carry out any experiment with us.

‘Nigerians need to be patient because what we are going through is like pregnancy; there will be joy very soon,’ Udeh said.

On her part, the National Women Leader of the RHGM, Mrs. Soaga Abiola, said the movement’s efforts would not be in vain, insisting that President Tinubu must be retained in 2027.

She also emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in governance, advocating for women to be considered for deputy positions in leadership.

Goodwill messages from RHGM members in the Diaspora, patrons, zonal and state coordinators, as well as leaders from the six geo-political zones, emphasized the importance of Nigerians rallying behind the government’s policy continuity and governance sustenance drive for the benefit of future generations.

The event also featured the inauguration of national officers, zonal and state coordinators, the national youth leader, and the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians.

Hundreds of people trooped to the Emmanuel Iwanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC) on Tuesday to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Imo State.

By 8 a.m., excited residents had begun streaming into the venue to catch a glimpse of the President, who is set to commission four signature projects: the EIICC, Concorde Hotel, the new twin flyover at Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout, and the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road.

Security personnel worked tirelessly to manage the enthusiastic crowd, which included men, women, youths, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Meanwhile, major roads such as Wetheral, Tetlow, and Bank leading to the Okigwe roundabouts were closed to vehicular traffic, causing some inconvenience as commuters trekked long distances to reach their destinations.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ms. Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a young news anchor with Arise News Television, describing her passing as painful and untimely.

Reacting in a post on her verified X handle, @SenRemiTinubu, on Tuesday, the First Lady said she was saddened by the tragic loss of ‘one of our young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession,’ noting that the late broadcaster was cut down in her prime.

‘Her death is painful and quite unfortunate. She has been cut down in her prime. I condole with the Chairman of Arise News Media, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. It is my hope and prayer that the perpetrators will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to book,’ Mrs. Tinubu wrote.

The First Lady prayed for the repose of Maduagwu’s soul and urged God to grant her family and associates the strength to bear the ‘irreplaceable loss.’

Maduagwu was reportedly killed in her Katampe, Abuja, residence during a robbery attack, a development that has sparked widespread outrage and grief across Nigeria’s media community.

In a night dedicated to celebrating excellence in brand building and strategic communication, Tolu Olanipekun, Head of Marketing at Mouka Foam, emerged as a beacon of industry leadership, clinching the coveted Outstanding Marketing Personality of the Year award at the Marketing Edge Awards 2025.

Held on Friday, September 26, at the Balmoral Event Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, the ceremony brought together Nigeria’s most influential marketing professionals, brand custodians, and communications strategists.

The event, hosted annually by Marketing Edge, one of Nigeria’s foremost marketing and advertising publications, recognises individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, consistency, and impact in the field.

Olanipekun’s recognition is a celebration of a remarkable career that spans over a decade and a half, marked by strategic excellence and an unwavering commitment to consumer-centric marketing. From her early days at Reckitt Benckiser, where she helped redefine brand narratives in the health, hygiene, and home care segment, to leading transformative campaigns at FrieslandCampina and now Mouka, her journey has been one of vision, grit, and growth.

Currently leading the marketing efforts at Mouka Foam, a trusted name in sleep and wellness products, Olanipekun has steered the brand through bold repositioning strategies that not only amplified its relevance but also deepened emotional connections with consumers. Her campaigns have consistently broken the clutter in a crowded media landscape, delivering both creative storytelling and measurable results.

Speaking at the event after receiving the award, an elated Olanipekun remarked: ‘This recognition is truly humbling. For me, it is not just an award but a call to keep raising the bar and delivering excellence. Marketing is about connecting brands to people in ways that add value to their lives, and I am grateful to my team and mentors who have been part of this journey.’

Her statement captures the essence of a marketer who sees beyond campaigns and billboards, one who believes in purpose-driven branding that touches lives.

Industry stakeholders have praised the choice of Olanipekun, one of this year’s honourees, citing her ability to blend creativity with commercial insight.

According to Marketing Edge, the selection was based on ‘her strategic influence in redefining brand narratives across multiple sectors, as well as her role in mentoring upcoming marketers and driving industry-wide innovation.’

Indeed, Olanipekun’s success story is not just about individual achievement but about the impact she continues to make on teams, brands, and the broader marketing ecosystem. Her leadership style, collaborative, curious, and always forward-thinking, has positioned her as a respected voice on industry panels and in executive boardrooms alike.

With this recognition, Olanipekun is poised to further solidify her role as a thought leader and trailblazer in Nigeria’s marketing and brand communication space. Whether through groundbreaking campaigns at Mouka or mentorship initiatives across the industry, her influence is set to expand in the years to come.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has thrown his weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections, Christopher Maikalangu.

The election is scheduled for next February.

Maikalangu is the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). He defected recently from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and is seeking re-election for a second term in office.

Wike urged residents of Tunga Madaki and neighbouring communities to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by voting for the ruling party.

The minister spoke during the kick-off of the construction of a seven-kilometre road with four-span bridges linking Tunga Madaki and eight other settlements.

He said the project was in fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a response to the community’s long-standing demand for infrastructure.

Wike recalled that the road project stemmed from earlier negotiations during the acquisition of land for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The minister said that though the land belongs to the FCT, the Aviation Ministry had to pay compensation, during which the affected communities demanded road access as a condition.

He said: ‘It was quite unfair that a people would surrender their ancestral land for a national project like a second runway, yet they had no access road, even to the airport they gave up the land for.

‘So, I took the matter to Mr. President and he said: ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them.’ Today, we are here to fulfill that promise.”

Wike promised that the road would be completed next June to coincide with the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.

The minister hailed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the project contractor, for committing to the timeline.

‘This is a government that listens, a government that keeps its promises. For the first time in your lives, you asked for one thing, and the government responded. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.’

Wike lauded Maikalangu’s role in the project, describing him as an advocate for the community.

‘Maikalangu has never stopped reminding me about the promise made to you during the land compensation process.

‘He kept pressing, and here we are today. I am handing him over to you. Support him in the February 2026 elections so that by June, when the road is inaugurated, we’ll all dance together in celebration.’

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a ‘free ride’ to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP platform, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stressed that the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

‘With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,’ Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians are yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an ‘old order’ many citizens are ready to consign to history.

‘The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,’ he added.

He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya. He described the move as a ‘strategic blunder’ that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

On domestic governance, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

‘If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,’ Hamzat declared.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that ‘the only way forward is forward, not backward.’