Oyetola inaugurates committee to boost fish production

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a technical committee to boost fish production in Nigeria.

Oyetola, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja yesterday, said the initiative was aimed at moving beyond policy recommendations to planned action capable of delivering measurable improvements in the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

He explained that fish remained a critical source of animal protein for millions of Nigerians, while the fisheries and aquaculture value chain provided livelihoods through production, processing, marketing, transportation and other related services.

The Minister, in a statement by his Media Aide, Bolaji Akinola, said: ‘Fish is an important source of animal protein for millions of Nigerians. The fisheries and aquaculture sector sustains livelihoods across production, processing, marketing, transportation and related services. However, domestic production remains substantially below national demand, with consequences for food security, household incomes and foreign-exchange resources’.

Oyetola identified high production costs, particularly the cost of feed, inadequate access to quality fish seed and broodstock, weak fish-health and biosecurity systems, post-harvest losses and insufficient cold-chain and storage infrastructure among the challenges confronting the sector.

He also cited limited access to affordable finance, gaps in research and innovation, weak data systems, inadequate standards, traceability and market development as constraints that must be urgently addressed.

He stated: ‘The transfer of fisheries and aquaculture functions to the ministry has provided a stronger institutional platform for addressing these challenges as part of Nigeria’s broader blue-economy development.’

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to increasing sustainable domestic fish production, strengthening the fisheries value chain and progressively reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fish imports.

The Minister recalled that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), convened a strategic roundtable on October 29, 2025, on accelerating fish production in Nigeria, which produced recommendations aimed at addressing production and value-chain constraints.

He said the newly inaugurated committee was constituted to assess those recommendations and turn validated proposals into a practical, prioritised implementation roadmap.

‘Your assignment is not to develop another policy or establish a parallel programme,’ Oyetola told members of the committee, stressing that the report of the roundtable must be assessed against the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, relevant laws, existing government programmes and the statutory mandates of relevant institutions.

He charged the committee to scrutinise every recommendation and determine whether it should be adopted, refined, integrated into existing frameworks, subjected to further study or set aside as unviable.

The committee is also expected to map existing initiatives across the public, private and development sectors to strengthen proven strategies and prevent duplication in the deployment of scarce resources.

‘Your final output should include a clear implementation roadmap and matrix setting out the priority interventions, responsible institutions, timelines, indicative costs, funding options, performance indicators and required approvals. It should also identify credible opportunities for private-sector investment, public-private partnerships, development finance and other sustainable funding arrangements,’ he said.

The minister urged members of the technical committee to approach the assignment with urgency, objectivity and a strong focus on results.

He said their recommendations must be realistic, evidence-based and financially responsible, while delivering tangible gains in fish production, job creation and food security.

Oyetola assured the committee of the ministry’s institutional support and expressed confidence that its work would provide a practical pathway for accelerating growth in Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman of the committee, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, assured that the committee would approach its mandate with a sense of responsibility, ensuring that the recommendations of the roundtable would be thoroughly reviewed and translated into practical interventions capable of delivering measurable results.

She said the committee would work with relevant stakeholders to identify priority actions, address existing gaps and develop a realistic implementation roadmap to accelerate sustainable fish production, strengthen the fisheries value chain and contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.

Members of the committee include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, who serves as Chairman; Mr. Omoragbon Wellington, Director, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Abuja; Mr. Garba Usman, Director, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Lagos Office; Prof Ayo Omotayo, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies; Prof Sule Abiodun, Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research; Prof Akintola Shehu Latunji of Lagos State University; and Prof Sadiku Suleiman Omeiza of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Others are Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy; Dr. Charles Okaga, Technical Assistant to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, President, Fisheries Society of Nigeria; Mr. Onoja Sunday, President, Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria; Mr. Mashi Gabriel Sani, President, Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria; Mr. Remi Ahmed, President, Tilapia Development Association of Nigeria; and Dr. Charles Iyangbe, Country Representative, WorldFish Nigeria.

The committee has eight weeks to submit its report.

Nigerian, 9 Africa creatives set to showcase at fashion week London

Ten Africa fashion designers are gearing up to showcase their creative products at African Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026, taking place at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters.

Among the ten designers include Nigerian designer, Adedayo Ilori, founder of the Dimeji Ilori label and a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, among its showcased designers this year.

This edition is expected to build on the success of the partnerships with AFWL and British Council, reaffirming the council’s ongoing commitment to championing emerging African fashion talent on the global stage.

A statement said the initiative aligns with the British Council’s vision to drive sustainable growth by championing creative talent and expanding access to global markets for the next generation of African fashion entrepreneurs while investing in creative economy ecosystems that are rooted in local contexts and globally connected.

It added that Creative DNA is the British Council’s fashion initiative designed to support and uplift the fashion ecosystem in Africa.

‘It achieves this objective by nurturing designers’ skills, deepening their knowledge and expanding their networks.

‘Through their partnership, AFWL and the British Council have developed a thoughtfully designed eight-day programme that provides emerging African designers opportunities to explore market access pathways and share their work with new audiences,’ the statement read.

Adedayo founded his brand Dimeji Ilori in 2021. Based in Lagos, Adedayo has quickly gained attention for his emotionally charged design language, where heritage textiles, artisanal techniques, and contemporary silhouettes come together in collections that feel both deeply rooted and globally relevant.

‘My fashion label has benefitted immensely thanks to the mentorship I have received from Creative DNA. I am looking forward to engaging with other participants on current trends in the fashion industry,’ said Adedayo.

Some of the topics that will be discussed at the panels include African Fashion in Education, Creativity Beyond Borders and African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now.

Director, British Nigeria Council Country, Donna McGowan said Adedayo’s brand has come a long way since Creative DNA started working with him.

‘We are delighted at the opportunity he has to represent Nigeria at African Fashion Week London.

‘Nigeria is the hub of Africa’s creative industry, and we will continue to collaborate with young Nigerian designers as they seek to grow their businesses,’ she said.

The lesson of pride at the valley of Hunayn

Islam flourished in Mecca and the Muslims became stronger and stronger. But south of Mecca lived a tribe of warriors called Hawazin, who had not become Muslim.

They made an agreement with another tribe from Ta’if, called Thaqif to fight the Muslims and destroy them before they could spread their religion throughout Arabia. The Thaqif, who were known for their courage, soon won the support of other tribes living around the Ta’if area, especially when such tribes were told: Look what has happened! If Quraysh, the largest tribe of all, have fallen to Muhammad, it is only a matter of time before the same will happen to the rest of us. We should strike now before the Muslims are established in Mecca and have the support of Quraysh. The Chief of one of these tribes, a fearless warrior called Malik Ibn Awf, was chosen as the leader. He put forward a plan: You should all go out to battle accompanied by your families, your tents, your sheep and goats, for with all your belongings at stake, none of you will dare give up the fight.’Everyone agreed with Malik except an old, blind man called Dorayd.

He had been a great warrior in his day and because of his experience and valuable advice still accompanied the men into battle. ‘I don’t like Malik’s plan’, he insisted. If a man is so cowardly as to leave a battle, then he will leave his family as well. The women and children will be a great worry to us and if we are defeated all our wealth will fall into enemy hands. But Malik ignored this advice and stuck to his original plan. When the Prophet (pbuh) heard what the enemy tribes were planning, he found himself forced to fight and ordered his army towards Ta”if. He had twelve thousand men and the enemy only four thousand. The Muslims were proud of their strength and as they looked around at their number, said to themselves, ‘We will never be defeated!’ On hearing this Prophet (pbuh) knew that the Muslims had become too proud and because of this would not succeed. He warned them, ‘Look to Allah and not to your own strength.

The time for battle came. The Muslim army advanced along the Hunayn path, a narrow way in the rugged mountains, towards the valley where the Hawazin and the other tribes were waiting. It was very early morning and not yet light. The Muslims were unaware that, under cover of darkness, the Hawazin warriors had already climbed up the mountain and were waiting for them. As soon as all the Muslims were trapped in the narrow passage-way below, the Hawazin ambushed them. First they threw rocks down upon them and then attacked with arrows and swords.

In surprise and fear, the Muslims started to retreat. The Prophet (pbuh) was bitterly disappointed to see them fleeing in terror but he stayed firmly in his place with Abu Bakr, ‘Ali, his uncle al-Abbas, and a few companions at his side. Al-Abbas then called to the Muslims to return and not to abandon the Prophet (pbuh). Ashamed at what they had done, and seeing the Prophet (pbuh) facing the enemy almost alone, the Muslims quickly returned to fight. Then Allah sent His angels-the hosts you cannot see-to their aid. A fierce battle followed. The Muslim warriors advanced, attacking furiously, driving the Hawazin back from the path into the valley, where the fighting went on long and hard. At the end of the day the Muslims won but not before having learned a hard lesson about the danger of pride.

Just as the old man had predicted, the defeated enemy fled, leaving their families and possessions to be captured. Later all the leaders of the tribes except one came to ask for them back and to declare their acceptance of Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) forgave them and returned their families to them, but not their belongings. The one exception was the leader of Hawazin. He fled to Ta’if, where he sought protection in the castle, but the Muslims pursued him and surrounded the city, which they besieged for about three weeks.

They tried to break into the castle but after losing many men in the attempt the Prophet (pbuh) ordered a withdrawal. The story did not end there, however, for shortly afterwards Hawazin and most of the other tribes came to Mecca and declared themselves Muslim, including Malik Ibn Awf, who had led them in battle and whom the Prophet (pbuh) now made their leader.

After the battle of the Hunayn Valley, the Prophet (pbuh) distributed what goods had been taken between the people of Quraysh and the other Bedouin tribes. The Ansar from Medinah, who had been his only support during the long hard years before the conquest of Mecca, received nothing. They felt angry about this and went to the Prophet (pbuh) to complain. He said to them, what is this I hear of you? Do you think badly of me? Did I not come to you when you did not know the truth and Allah guided you; when you were poor and Allah made you rich; when you were enemies and Allah softened your hearts? Are you covetous for the things of this world that I must use to gain people’s trust so that I can then lead them to Islam? Surely for you Islam is enough? Are you not satisfied that while some men take away flocks and herds you take Allah’s Messenger back with you to Medinah?’ On hearing this, all the men felt very contrite and began to weep then with great humility and reverence their spokesman said: ‘We are indeed well pleased to have Allah’s Messenger as our gift in this life.” Perhaps we could ask ourselves the same question. Are we not blessed to have the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Book, guiding us in what really matters for ever and ever? Is this not so much more important than thinking about the momentary pleasures of the day?

Shortly after this the Ansar left for Medinah accompanied by the Prophet (pbuh). He could have stayed among his own people and lived out his days in Mecca, but he returned as he had promised, to live among the people of Medinah, which was a great blessing for them.

‘Allah gave you victory on many fields and on the day of Hunayn, when you exulted in your great numbers it was of no help to you, and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for you; then you turned back in flight; Then Allah sent His peace of reassurance down upon is Messenger and upon the believers, and sent down hosts you could not see, and punished those who did not believe. Such is the reward of disbelievers. Then afterwards Allah will relent toward whom He will; for Allah is Forgiving, Merciful’. (Qur’an 9.25-27).

Badminton: Nigeria suffer setback at Lagos classics

Nigeria suffered a disappointing start at the ninth Lagos International Badminton Classic, with seven players eliminated from the women’s singles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament is taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports, Lagos.

The competition, which began on Wednesday, is scheduled to end on Saturday at the National Stadium, Surulere.

Nigeria’s number-one ranked player, Ruth Ebere, opened proceedings but lost 21-15, 21-10 to India’s Surya Tamiri.

Tamiri won the women’s singles title at the 87th edition of the competition in Vijayawada, India.

Tolulope Oluwadamilola also exited after losing 21-6, 21-4 to Czech Republic’s third seed, Petra Maixnerovau.

Kadijat Emiola suffered a 21-8, 21-11 defeat against eighth-seeded Czech Republic player Van Coppenolle.

Ifeoluwa Ojo was beaten 21-5, 21-10 by fourth seed Prakriti Bharath, while Precious Oluwagbotemi lost 21-6, 21-4 to India’s M. Mareddy.

Peace Jonah also departed after Saudi Arabia’s Khadijah Kawthar defeated her 21-6, 21-10 in their Round-of-32 encounter.

Nigeria’s Naomi Tanko completed the difficult day for the hosts, losing 21-10, 21-10 to second seed Disha Gupta.

Ebere said the gulf between Nigerian players and established international competitors remained difficult to bridge.

‘The game has been encouraging, probably with the fact that there have been so many tense and tough moments,’ she said (NAN).

Fed govt installs 668,000 meters

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to eliminate estimated electricity billing across the country, with 668,000 meters already installed under the first phase of the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).

The National Council on Privatisation (NCP), which disclosed this on Wednesday, said roughly 60 per cent of active electricity customers in Nigeria have now been metered.

The Council said the ongoing rollout, alongside initiatives such as the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), is effectiveness of the targeted at ending estimated billing for registered electricity customers nationwide.

The disclosure was part of updates presented at the NCP’s second meeting for 2026, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said significant progress had been recorded under Phase 1 of the $500 million World Bank-financed DISREP.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Gbeleyi said 668,000 of the 1.033 million meters delivered under the programme have so far been deployed and installed at customers’ premises.

‘On various issues, we provided updates on meter deployment under Phase 1 of the World Bank-financed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. We have implemented 60 percent of the meters that have been delivered in the country out of 1,033,000.’

So far, we have deployed and installed 668,000 meters on customers’ premises’, Gbeleyi said.

The BPE chief also disclosed that the NCP reviewed the implementation of the Electricity Act, particularly the transition of electricity regulation from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.

He said about 17 states had established their own electricity regulatory commissions since April 2024, with Akwa Ibom State becoming one of the latest after creating its commission in July.

Gbeleyi, however, said experience from the implementation of the Act had shown that some provisions required further refinement to ensure a smooth regulatory transition and clarify responsibilities between federal and state authorities.

‘Some fine-tuning is required here and there in the implementation of that Act’, he said.

According to him, the NCP consequently directed relevant stakeholders to work together to harmonise the Federal Government’s position on amendments required to strengthen the Electricity Act.

‘Council has directed that stakeholders, led by the Attorney General of the Federation, the Honourable Minister of Power, the Special Adviser on Power, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Oil and Gas, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the BPE and all other critical stakeholders, should engage constructively so as to streamline and harmonise the Federal Government’s position in terms of the required amendments to fine-tune the Electricity Act, and we are engaging in that regard’, he stated.

Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, said the Council was working collaboratively to ensure that Nigerians derived tangible benefits from reforms and investments in electricity and other critical sectors.

‘We are working concertedly and in a very collaborative manner to ensure that we give value, either in electricity or in telecoms, whichever area, to make sure that Nigerians benefit from this government’, Tegbe said.

He said the meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who serves as Vice Chairman of the NCP; the Minister of Power; the Attorney-General of the Federation, represented by the Solicitor-General; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; as well as private-sector members of the Council.

The NCP is the Federal Government’s apex body responsible for formulating and approving policies on the privatisation and commercialisation of public enterprises, with the BPE serving as its secretariat.

Kano health board moves to strengthen coordination of health programmes

The Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB), Professor Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, has stressed the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders to improve the implementation of health programmes across the state.

Professor Ibrahim said effective coordination would provide a more focused operational structure for the execution of health interventions while promoting accountability, data-driven decision-making and collaboration among stakeholders.

He made the remarks as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), concluded a two-day workshop to strengthen the Kano State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

The workshop, held from August 26 to 27, 2026, at the Kano EOC, focused on improving the structure, capacity and effectiveness of the centre in coordinating priority health interventions across the state.

The statement was signed by Sa’adatu Suleiman, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board.

The National Incident Manager, Dr Audu Musa Idowu, who participated virtually, contributed to discussions on the strategic deployment of resources to critical roles and ways of strengthening the capacity of EOC teams to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

The engagement also focused on improving the systems and structures supporting the Kano EOC, with particular emphasis on accountability, collaboration, human capacity and effective coordination.

According to the organisers, the workshop represented a strategic effort to support Kano State in developing a stronger, more responsive and better-coordinated emergency operations system capable of delivering priority health interventions more effectively.

Professor Ibrahim said the initiative would help create a more efficient operational framework for the implementation and coordination of health programmes, ultimately improving the state’s response to public health priorities.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening the capacity of the Kano EOC to coordinate health interventions and respond efficiently to emerging public health needs across the state.

P&ID case would have crippled Nigeria’s economy – Fagbemi

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the controversial Process and Industrial Developments (P and ID) arbitration case could have crippled Nigeria’s economy.

Fagbemi stated this on Thursday at the Chief Legal Advisors Forum (CLAF) 2026 in Singapore, according to a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the minister’s spokesperson.

At the forum, the minister called for reforms to Nigeria’s arbitration framework to better protect national sovereignty and taxpayers.

He said Nigeria was advocating reforms that would strengthen domestic courts rather than bypass them in resolving disputes between investors and states.

The minister said Nigeria’s experience in the P and ID case had reinforced its position on the need for greater clarity in the calculation of damages awarded in international arbitration.

‘States consistently express concern about the opacity of arbitral proceedings and the unpredictability of awards,’ he said.

Fagbemi said Nigeria supported greater transparency in proceedings, consistency in arbitral reasoning and predictability of outcomes, describing the measures as important for both investor confidence and state trust.

He recalled that in the P and ID case, damages were calculated using compound interest, which he said could have had a ‘crippling effect’ running into billions of dollars.

Fagbemi said the experience informed Nigeria’s efforts to reform its arbitration framework, including the reform of its Arbitration Act to strengthen transparency.

He also disclosed that, upon assuming office, he constituted a committee of experts to review Nigeria’s bilateral investment treaties and commitments under multilateral treaties and conventions.

The minister said the review was aimed at promoting and protecting investments while addressing existing challenges in the country’s investment framework.

He said reforms to investor-state dispute settlement were necessary to address what he described as structural imbalances in the international investment regime.

‘Many states, Nigeria included, believe that incremental adjustments will not address the structural imbalances embedded in the current system,’ he said.

Fagbemi further called for stronger national judicial institutions, saying they were central to building long-term rule-of-law capacity and reducing excessive reliance on external arbitration.

He also urged that public interest considerations, including environmental protection, human rights, community welfare and sustainable development, should be reflected in investment dispute mechanisms.

‘Nigeria strongly supports reforms that ensure investment protections do not undermine legitimate public-interest regulation,’ he said.

The minister said Nigeria’s 2016 Model Bilateral Investment Treaty, which is currently under review, reflected the country’s position on balancing investor protection with legitimate public-interest regulation.

Beauty in the Motherland 2026 returns to Lagos in October

Beauty in the Motherland (BITML) is set to return to Lagos for the 2026 edition.

The 2026 edition is scheduled to run from October 5, 2026 to October 7, 2026 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, for three days of exhibition, networking, learning and business opportunities.

Positioned as Africa’s leading beauty exhibition, BITML was created to celebrate and advance Africa’s beauty, natural and creative resources while expanding market access across the continent.

The platform is driven by a Vision 2030 ambition: to help the African beauty industry attain a $100 billion valuation and position Africa as a global hub for beauty innovation, brands, talent, manufacturing and investment.

The vision is championed by Founder Beatrice Eneh, a global beauty entrepreneur and African beauty market strategist and Co-founder Linda Edozien, founder and MD/CEO of Barazahi spa, has extensive corporate experience including as a pioneer executive at AMNI International Petroleum. Together, the fashion and beauty experts are building a platform to make African beauty businesses more visible, structured, investment-ready and globally competitive.

The 2026 edition will bring together 300 plus leading brands, over 400 exhibitors, 10,000 beauty professionals, 60 speakers, 20 partners and participants from other countries.

The event is produced in partnership with Fidelity Bank, Unilever, and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) – a collaboration aimed at bringing finance, industry expertise and enterprise development to help beauty businesses grow and scale.

A major highlight is the BITML Business Pitch Competition with EDC. Selected beauty businesses receive training, mentorship and pitch to judges on the final day for cash prizes and development support.

The Nail Art Competition, sponsored by Nectar Beauty Hub, will also return. Winners get up to N1 million worth of nail products plus exposure and training opportunities.

The conference will feature thought leaders discussing international brand growth, digital influence, funding, sustainability, quality, and the future of African beauty.

Sahara Power begins construction of $12m 12MW Lagos IPP

Sahara Power Enterprise Group (SPEG) has commenced construction of a $12 million Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Ogba, Lagos, in a move aimed at improving electricity supply to businesses, industries, residential communities and public institutions within the area.

The 12MW gas-fired power plant, being developed at the Ogba Undertaking of Ikeja Electric Plc, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

The project will comprise six generating units, each with a capacity of 2MW, and is designed to provide a more reliable and cost-effective electricity supply to customers across Ogba, Acme Road, Wemco Road and surrounding communities.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Enterprise Group, Kola Adesina, said the investment reflected the company’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges through practical infrastructure development.

Adesina said the project was not merely about constructing another power plant but represented a broader commitment to strengthening the country’s energy future.

‘This initiative is about much more than breaking ground for a new power plant. It represents a bold commitment to Nigeria’s energy future and our determination to deliver dependable, efficient, and sustainable electricity to businesses and communities. Improving the availability and reliability of power will enhance productivity, growth, and value creation,’ he said.

According to him, the plant would deploy modern gas-powered generating technology designed to meet established environmental, operational and safety standards.

He commended the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), Ikeja Electric, Cummins and other stakeholders for their support towards the realisation of the project.

The investment comes amid continuing efforts to improve electricity supply in Nigeria through a combination of grid expansion, embedded generation and private-sector investment in power infrastructure.

The Ogba IPP is expected to provide dedicated additional generation capacity within the Ikeja Electric network, potentially reducing the pressure on existing electricity supply sources while supporting economic activities in one of Lagos’s important commercial and industrial corridors.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric Plc, Ogochukwu Onyelucheya, described the project as an important step towards improving the quality, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply to customers.

She said the IPP represented a strategic investment that would provide a dependable and cost-effective source of electricity while supporting business expansion and economic development within the designated areas.

‘At Ikeja Electric, our priority is to partner with forward-looking investors and developers such as SPEG to deliver innovative solutions that improve customer experience and reliable electricity supply across our network. SPEG’s investment in this IPP demonstrates the value of strategic collaboration in creating sustainable energy solutions for our customers,’ Onyelucheya said.

The project is also expected to have wider economic benefits for the Ogba community and its environs, particularly through improved operating conditions for businesses that depend heavily on electricity to sustain production and services.

Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, said improved electricity supply would help create an enabling environment for businesses, attract new investments and generate employment opportunities within the community.

He said reliable power remained an important requirement for local economic development, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that often bear the high cost of alternative electricity sources.

Construction of the plant is being undertaken by Cummins West Africa Limited, which is responsible for deploying the generating technology for the project.

Managing Director of Cummins West Africa Limited, Mark Oni-Okeke, said the company was pleased to partner with Sahara Power on the project, stressing the importance of reliable and sustainable electricity to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

He said the partnership demonstrated the role of technology and private-sector investment in addressing the country’s energy infrastructure needs.

The traditional ruler of Ogbaland, HRM Oba Egbeyemi Latif Oladimeji, expressed appreciation to Sahara Power for locating the project within the community and pledged the support of the palace and residents.

‘You have the support of the Palace and good people of Ogba and its environs. We are eagerly looking forward to the commissioning of the Plant and the positive impact on our community,’ he said.

The project is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2027, after which the six 2MW gas-fired units will contribute a combined 12MW of additional generation capacity to serve the designated areas.

The Ogba IPP forms part of Sahara Power Enterprise Group’s wider strategy to deploy innovative solutions across Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

The group said the investment was also intended to strengthen energy infrastructure and contribute to narrowing the country’s power supply gap.

AGILE graduates 1,868 girls, women from alternative education programme in Zamfara

Zamfara State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), has graduated 1,868 girls and young women from an Alternative and Mass Education programme in the state.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduates in Gusau, AGILE project coordinator in the state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau, said the occasion was about more than certificates, describing it as a celebration of the power of opportunity.

‘It gives me pleasure to welcome you all to this memorable occasion, the graduation and certification of the first cohort of 2,250 adolescent girls and young women under the AGILE Alternative Education Subcomponent 2.2C in the state,’ she said.

‘The results are encouraging. Of the 2,250 learners enrolled, 1,868 have completed the programme and are graduating today.

‘In addition, 1,186 have transitioned to post-literacy programmes, 682 have been mainstreamed into formal schools, 367 are repeating the learning cycle, while 15 have dropped out. These are not merely statistics; they represent renewed opportunities and new pathways for girls and young women.

‘In the 14 local government areas, the first cohort completed a 10-month programme covering foundational literacy and numeracy, life skills, digital literacy, and vocational and livelihood skills in market-driven trades.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we must also look ahead. We call for continued partnership and collaboration to sustain, strengthen and scale up Alternative Education in the state.’

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara Mass Education Board, Zuwaira Abdu Gusau, revealed that an additional 80 vocational centres had been mapped for similar interventions, bringing the planned coverage to 100 centres.

‘These 80 vocational centres that were mapped will also be equipped with learning and livelihood resources to target 19,500 beneficiaries in the state,’ she said.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Garba Gajam, represented by the permanent secretary, Hajiya Maryam Shantali, lauded the efforts of Governor Dauda Lawal for his commitment to the education sector.

She also commended the Mass Education Board and the AGILE Project Implementation Unit for their unwavering commitment to the successful implementation of the programme in the state.