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Who is your role model? Nowadays, so much public attention is usually centred on athletes, celebrities or even politicians as role models. However, the fact is that one of the biggest role models a young person can have, outside of their own home, is the person who stands in front of their classroom ‘every day’ – their teacher!

Who is a teacher? A teacher is a person who helps others to acquire knowledge, competencies or values. Teachers provide education for all ages, from children to adults, and in a diverse field of studies. They can be referred to using a variety of titles, such as ‘educator’, ‘tutor’, ‘instructor’, ‘lecturer’, ‘professor’, ‘mentor’, ‘counsellor’, and so forth.

‘The art of teaching is the most important skill a person can learn .’

(‘Where There Is No Doctor’ – a healthcare handbook by David Werner, page w21.)

Taking on the task of shaping young minds is a big responsibility. Teachers work hard to inspire, guide, educate and mentor us every day. Teaching is an inspiring profession that leaves a lasting impact on every child’s life, no matter how big or small it may seem. Educating people in a way that they will remember and put to good use is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give to another person.

Why do we need teachers? ‘Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher,’ says one Japanese proverb. Teachers lay the essential foundation for a person’s education. Even the best professors at the most prestigious universities are indebted to teachers who took time and effort to prime and cultivate their desire for education, knowledge and understanding.

It has to be admitted, though, that the teaching profession is a demanding one that presents many challenges. It demands a great deal of self-sacrifice. And poor remuneration has always discouraged people from moving into the teaching profession. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties and drawbacks, many teachers still persevere in their chosen profession.

So, how do you define a good teacher? Is it a person who can develop a child’s memory so that he can repeat facts and pass tests? Or is it a person who teaches one to question, to think, and to reason? Who helps a child to become a better citizen? . . . Unless a teacher is convinced of the value of education and is also interested in young people, it is impossible for him or her to become a good, successful, motivated and satisfied teacher. A good teacher instills confidence in those he teaches and makes learning a fascinating challenge. A good teacher recognises each student’s potential and knows how to make it blossom and flourish. To get the best out of each child, the teacher must discover what interests or motivates him or her and what makes the child tick, and a dedicated teacher must love children. William Ayers, a teacher, said, ‘Good teaching requires, most of all, a thoughtful, caring teacher committed to the lives of students. Good teaching is not a matter of specific techniques or styles, plans or actions. . . . .Teaching is primarily a matter of love.’

Additionally, the book ‘Where There Is No Doctor’, a healthcare handbook authored by David Werner, has this to say about teaching: ‘The art of teaching is the most important skill a person can learn. To teach is to help others grow and to grow with them. A good teacher is not someone who puts ideas into other people’s heads; he or she is someone who helps others build on their own ideas to make new discoveries for themselves.’

But another question arises: must learning always be fun? Some teachers find this problem among their students: ‘Many high school students have no interest in anything but having fun and doing what doesn’t call for any effort.’ Other teachers say, ‘The general attitude of the students is that learning is boring. The teacher is boring. They think that everything should be fun. They fail to realise that you get out of learning what you put into it.’

The fun fixation makes it harder for young people to make an effort and make sacrifices. Teacher William Ayers made a list of ten myths about teaching. One of them is: ‘Good teachers make learning fun.’ He continues: ‘Fun is distracting, amusing. Clowns are fun. Jokes can be fun. Learning can be engaging, engrossing, amazing, disorienting, involving, and often deeply pleasurable. If it’s fun, fine. But it doesn’t need to be fun.’ He adds, ‘Teaching requires a vast range of knowledge, ability, skill, judgement, and understanding-and it requires a thoughtful, caring person at its centre.’ (To Teach-The Journey of a Teacher).

However, while so much is expected of the teaching profession, so often the dedicated educators in our schools receive little public praise for their efforts. Have you, as a student or parent, ever thanked a teacher for the time, effort and interest shown? Or even sent a thank-you note or letter? It is good to note that teachers thrive on commendation too. The government, parents and students should highly esteem teachers and their services.

As Nigeria’s property market continues to evolve, Regent Real Estate has positioned itself as a company focused on trust, professionalism, and customer-centered service. At the heart of this vision is Ogaba Sanni, the firm’s CEO, whose leadership emphasizes integrity and long-term value over quick gains. In this interview with BusinessDay, Sanni shares his thoughts on the industry’s challenges, Regent’s growth strategy, and the importance of building lasting relationships with clients.

Nigeria’s luxury property market has been described as resilient despite economic headwinds. From your vantage point, what factors are sustaining demand at the top end of the market?

Two major factors stand out.

First, the weakening of the naira has shifted the priorities of wealthy Nigerians and investors. With inflation and devaluation eroding the value of cash, people are turning to hard assets, especially prime real estate in Ikoyi, Banana Island, Victoria Island, and now Lekki Phase 1. For high-net-worth individuals, these properties are not just homes but ‘wealth storage,’ as they tend to preserve and even grow in value in dollar terms.

Second, diaspora demand has surged. Naira depreciation has increased the buying power of Nigerians abroad, making prime properties appear relatively affordable compared to a few years ago. With remittances rising to about $20.93 billion in 2024, more diasporans in the US, UK, Canada and beyond are acquiring luxury homes both as investments and as a base in Nigeria.

Inflation and currency volatility have been major concerns for developers. How are these forces reshaping your project planning and delivery in the high-end segment?

Speed of execution has become critical. Every delay means higher costs for materials, labour and financing. To manage this, we now adopt accelerated project cycles, including prefabrication and modular construction, to shorten timelines without compromising quality.

At the same time, efficiency in design is key. We are focused on ‘functional luxury’, maximising natural light, airflow and usable space, while using durable materials. Digital design platforms help us streamline collaboration and avoid costly mid-project changes.

Finally, supply chain discipline has become a differentiator. We prioritise local sourcing to reduce dependence on volatile imports and, where imports are unavoidable, we secure pricing and timelines through strong supplier partnerships. This lean approach keeps costs under control and ensures faster delivery.

Some argue that Nigeria’s luxury developments still fall short of global benchmarks in finishing, efficiency, and amenities. Do you agree, and what can be done to close that gap?

It is true that not every project in Nigeria meets global standards, but the gap is narrowing quickly. Developments like IV Bourdillon, Cuddle, and The Belmonte show that our market can compete with Dubai, London or New York in both design and lifestyle. Projects under construction such as Quantum Towers on Ozumba Mbadiwe, and our own Park Towers in Victoria Island and 41 Turnbull, Ikoyi will raise the bar further.

The reality is that Nigeria’s luxury market is still young, so the volume of world-class projects is lower compared to mature economies. But as the market stabilises and investor confidence grows, we will see more globally competitive projects, particularly in premium zones like Eko Atlantic City.

When you speak of ‘fit for purpose’ developments, what does that mean in practical terms for the investor or homeowner?

It means delivering both functionality and long-term value.

For investors, a fit-for-purpose development is one that holds its value, attracts tenants easily, and ensures steady returns. For homeowners, it means spaces designed to support real lifestyles, adequate natural light and ventilation, thoughtful layouts, reliable utilities, leisure facilities, smart home features, and strong security. It’s luxury that balances elegance with practicality.

Material costs have risen sharply in recent years. What procurement or design strategies help you preserve quality without pushing prices beyond what buyers can accept?

We rely on direct and data-driven procurement. Wherever possible, we buy straight from source, cutting out middlemen. Our partnership with Cutstruct Technology also gives us real-time price aggregation, as well as relying on them for supply of key construction materials by leveraging their wide pool of building material manufacturers..

This approach helps us manage costs without compromising on finishes. On the design side, we specify materials that are premium but also cost-efficient and sustainable long-term. The combination of smart sourcing and disciplined design allows us to maintain quality while keeping pricing attractive.

Premier Court in Lekki Phase 1 was delivered during a period of steep cost inflation. How did you adapt while maintaining your high-end standards?

That project tested our principles of lean operations and forward planning. We purchased essential materials early, hedging against inflation, and relied on long-standing partnerships with suppliers and contractors to keep costs stable and timelines intact.

Despite the volatility, we delivered Premier Court to our standards, which proved that disciplined planning and the right partnerships can make world-class delivery possible even in tough conditions.

Sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable in global real estate. How do you see eco-friendly and energy-efficient design fitting into Nigeria’s luxury developments?

Sustainability is fast becoming an expectation in our market too. Buyers increasingly want homes that are luxurious and environmentally responsible. That means solar solutions, water recycling, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials.

Beyond environmental benefits, these choices reduce running costs and make homes more reliable in Nigeria’s infrastructure environment. Over time, they will also protect long-term value, especially as ESG standards start shaping investment flows into real estate.

Government policy can be both a driver and a barrier to real estate growth. What specific reforms or support measures would most benefit the premium property segment?

Three areas stand out.

First, Nigeria needs a more transparent credit system to expand access to financing, beyond collateral-based lending. With reliable credit reporting, banks could lend at sustainable rates like in mature markets.

Second, collateral registries should be expanded to recognise presale contracts and receivables. This would allow developers to raise financing transparently against off-plan sales, giving both banks and buyers more confidence.

Finally, the government should deepen infrastructure partnerships with developers. When roads, power, and security are guaranteed around projects, it elevates entire neighbourhoods and supports property values.

Looking ahead, where do you see the most viable opportunities for growth in Nigeria’s luxury property market over the next five years?

Mixed-use, live-work-play developments will drive the next phase. The future of luxury is integrated environments that combine residences with high-end retail, dining, and leisure, offering exclusivity and convenience in one ecosystem.

In congested urban centres like Lagos, these developments solve practical challenges while delivering prestige, making them especially attractive to both local and diaspora buyers.

For emerging developers aiming to enter this space, what is the single most important discipline or mindset they must develop to succeed?

Differentiation. This is not a market where copycat projects succeed. Buyers expect uniqueness in design, lifestyle and value. Developers must commit to creating projects that stand out and consistently deliver on their promises.

Success in this space requires originality, hard work, and discipline. The luxury buyer is uncompromising, and only those who can meet that expectation with resilience and creativity will thrive.

‘Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.’ This African proverb underscores the truth that education remains the foundation of any nation’s development. In most parts of the world, it is treated as a fundamental human right and the bedrock of social mobility. Yet in Nigeria, education has been allowed to wither, and the consequences are becoming ever more visible.

The statistics alone are sobering. UNICEF estimates that 20.2 million Nigerian children are out of school, the highest number globally. Federal allocations to education remain dismal, at just 6.39 percent of the 2024 budget, far below UNESCO’s recommended 15-20 percent. Meanwhile, the country’s youth population continues to swell, with over 44 percent of Nigerians under the age of 15. In this mismatch between demand and supply lies the clearest evidence of systemic failure.

‘Nigeria’s education crisis is both a governance failure and an opportunity cost to the economy. No country has ever been able to achieve sustainable growth without investing in its people. Education is not a social service to be grudgingly funded; it is a strategic investment.’

Access denied

Poverty is the single biggest barrier to education in Nigeria. Families struggling to feed themselves cannot afford school fees, uniforms, or textbooks. For children in rural areas, the barriers are compounded by poor infrastructure: dilapidated classrooms, absent libraries, and a lack of basic sanitation. The result is a widening educational divide between urban and rural populations and between rich and poor.

Cultural factors also exacerbate the problem. In northern Nigeria, child marriage and the almajiri system continue to deprive millions of children, especially girls, of formal schooling. When combined with economic inequality, these social norms deepen the exclusion crisis.

Quality without teachers

Even for those who manage to access school, the quality of learning is often dire. Nigeria’s student-teacher ratio in public primary schools is 53 to 1, according to UNESCO data, a figure that points to severe overcrowding. Teachers themselves are underpaid and demoralised, with little or no access to continuous professional development. Many enter the profession as a last resort, rather than a calling.

The result is predictable: Nigeria’s literacy and numeracy rates remain far below global averages. In 2022, the youth literacy rate was 72.8 percent, compared to the global average of over 90 percent. Without urgent reforms to teacher training, remuneration, and accountability, the quality gap will continue to widen.

A curriculum stuck in time

Nigeria’s curriculum is another silent crisis. Designed decades ago, it remains heavily theory-based, with little connection to the skills demanded by today’s economy. Graduates often leave school without digital skills, critical thinking abilities, or entrepreneurial capacity. The mismatch is glaring in a country where unemployment among degree holders remains stubbornly high.

Language barriers add to the problem, as policies on the language of instruction are inconsistently applied across regions. And with Nigeria’s population projected to hit 400 million by 2050, the system is simply not keeping up. Overcrowding is the norm, and each year, hundreds of thousands of qualified applicants are shut out of higher education because universities lack the capacity to admit them.

Learning under siege

The fragility of Nigeria’s education system is nowhere more visible than in the northeast, where Boko Haram’s campaign against ‘Western education’ has left hundreds of schools destroyed and thousands closed. Between 2014 and 2022, at least 1,680 students were abducted, according to SBM Intelligence. But the insecurity is no longer confined to Borno or Yobe: banditry in the northwest and farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt now routinely disrupt schooling. For displaced children, education is often the first casualty of conflict.

Corruption and mismanagement

Underlying many of these challenges is the cancer of corruption. From inflated contracts for school projects to the diversion of scholarship funds, resources meant for education often end up in private pockets. The consequences are not abstract: every stolen naira translates into classrooms without roofs, teachers without salaries, and children without textbooks. Until governance improves, funding increases alone will not fix Nigeria’s education crisis.

Pockets of innovation

Yet amid the gloom, there are glimmers of hope. Non-state actors, social enterprises, private schools, and NGOs are experimenting with models that work.

SKOT Impact Academy is pioneering blended learning approaches that integrate technology and entrepreneurship into secondary education, equipping students with the tools to compete globally. GiveBackGroup has created pathways for disadvantaged children by providing scholarships, mentorship, and community-led learning initiatives that directly address access barriers. Meanwhile, KEY Academy is reimagining early childhood education, focusing on creativity, leadership, and critical thinking, showing that quality can be built from the ground up.

These initiatives may be modest in scale compared to the enormity of Nigeria’s education crisis, but they offer important lessons: that innovation, accountability, and community-driven solutions can succeed where bureaucracy has failed. If supported through better policy frameworks and partnerships, they could become the seeds of wider transformation.

Where do we go from here?

Nigeria’s education crisis is both a governance failure and an opportunity cost to the economy. No country has ever been able to achieve sustainable growth without investing in its people. Education is not a social service to be grudgingly funded; it is a strategic investment.

The way forward must include a radical increase in funding, closer to UNESCO’s benchmark, alongside reforms that ensure money reaches classrooms. Teacher recruitment, training, and remuneration need an urgent overhaul. Curriculum reform must prioritise skills for the digital age. And most critically, the government must secure schools and communities from the violence that is robbing children of their right to learn.

But reform will not succeed without collaboration. Civil society, the private sector, and communities must be at the centre of designing and scaling solutions. The examples of SKOT Impact Academy, GiveBackGroup, and KEY Academy show what is possible. The task before Nigeria is to move from isolated bright spots to a system where quality education is the rule, not the exception.

Until then, the promise of Nigeria’s youthful population, its so-called ‘demographic dividend’, will remain a ticking time bomb.

PalmPay, Nigeria’s neobank, has unveiled the first set of winners in its Hustle Grant campaign. The campaign is a bold initiative designed to fuel the ambitions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.

Launched on August 28 and running until September 29th, the Hustle Grant is more than just funding; PalmPay promises to stand beside everyday Nigerians as they transform their hustle into thriving enterprises that create real impact in their communities.

In this first round, four outstanding entrepreneurs emerged from thousands of entries, each receiving N500,000 to scale their dreams. The winners, a prolific community builder in Kebbi State, two budding fashion designers in Lagos and Jos, and a farmer, embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that drives Nigeria’s economy. With this support, they can now take their ideas from the ground up, creating impact that ripples beyond their personal success.

Entrepreneurs across the country continue to submit their entries on social media with the hashtag #PalmPayHustleGrant. From these, the top entries will be shortlisted, with four more winners set to be announced in the final round.

Let’s talk about the Global Debt Initiative, which is taking centre stage at GITFiC.

Over the past years, we noticed that solutions designed outside Africa for Africans were not helping the continent’s financial architecture.

This highlighted the need for an integrated, indigenous African financial architecture, cooked by Africans, made for Africans, and implemented by Africans. This vision gave birth to the Global Debt Initiative last year, bringing together specially invited stakeholders for its inaugural edition.

The process began with initial foresights, which we then presented to our stakeholders, organised in tiers. Our tier-four global stakeholders included the African Development Bank, engaged through a published position paper, the United Nations via the office of the Secretary-General, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, and other tier-one and tier-two partners. These discussions were fruitful, with the African Development Bank contributing significantly under the guidance of the then-president’s appointed vice president.

The Secretary-General also contributed, delegating UNECA’s West African Director to act on his behalf. Numerous other stakeholders provided input as well.

Today, this collaborative effort has resulted in a holistic position paper that laid the foundation for the entire Global Debt Initiative conversation.

One challenge Africa faces is the credit rating issue. Are we bringing both borrowers and lenders into the conversation? Are they part of what is happening here?

When we began this conversation last year, we reached out to major global credit rating agencies, SandP, Moody’s, and Fitch, inviting them multiple times to join the discussion.

But developing an African solution that gains global acceptance is no easy task. In one 45-50-minute session with Fitch, they made it clear that even the African Union cannot compel their participation. Such conversations, they said, are simply not in their interest.

Still, the African Union, through its F4 structure, plans to establish an African Credit Rating Agency, integrated with the African Stock Exchange and the African Central Bank. At the AU conference in Accra last year, Nigeria even presented the proposed headquarters for the Central Bank, signalling strong continental progress.

While we may eventually not need global agencies, we still rely on them now; they determine international borrowing limits and convey our economic performance to the world. Even when unfavourable, their assessments set the global narrative.

At GITFIC, we counter this by publishing monthly debt situation reports with robust statistics for all 54 African member states, challenging the conventional international narratives.

Let’s talk about the AfCFTA Tertiary Student Congress, which is a major highlight of what is going on during GITFIC.

If you have followed GITFIC closely, you would know that we have been part of the AfCFTA conversation since 2018 in Kigali. The very nomenclature of AfCFTA inspired the third edition of our conference at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa in 2019.

At that event, we pledged that we would never relent in our activities around the AfCFTA until it became impactful, until it reached the peak of its goals. We committed ourselves not to let go. Since then, we have carried out several sensitisation initiatives across Ghana and in other African countries, organising multiple international conferences. At these gatherings, we brought in experts, chief trade negotiators, and central as well as regional banks. For instance, when the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) was launched, we brought stakeholders to Accra to discuss its implications. We have worked with every major actor you could think of in the ecosystem to ensure that education and sensitisation organising around the African Continental Free Trade Area became part and parcel of daily economic discourse.

We also introduced the tertiary student clubs, which currently exist in universities across Ghana and Togo, and we are gradually expanding to other member states. The aim is to enhance youth involvement in AfCFTA through the educational sector.

That’s not all. Earlier this year, in March, at the World Bank office in Accra, we launched a curriculum on the AfCFTA. Stakeholders gathered to discuss and review the curriculum, which was designed to be adopted by universities across the African continent. At present, three universities are already teaching this curriculum, and more institutions are applying to adopt it. We are rolling out this adoption in phases.

The need to extend sensitisation further among the youth is what inspired the creation of the AfCFTA Tertiary Student Congress. This congress will provide a centralised platform every year for universities to send student representatives. These students will engage in deep discussions on policies and policy-related issues within Africa’s education sector, particularly how they intersect with the sustainability of the AfCFTA. Each congress will also serve as an opportunity to elect new executives for the various student clubs annually.

This is what led to the establishment of the inaugural Tertiary Student Congress, which is being integrated into the second Global Debt Initiative conversation this October.

What outcomes are you expecting from the students themselves?

The students will be directly involved in policy matters related to intra-African trade. They will participate in discussions around entrepreneurship and industrialisation, because young people are at the centre of Africa’s future. When they leave school and graduate, the question is: how can they incorporate these principles into their daily lives to strengthen intra-African and inter-African trade?

If you don’t involve students at this formative stage, if you don’t immerse them, and I use that word deliberately, into AfCFTA, you risk losing out on sustainability. You also risk limiting the initiative from reaching its full potential. So, these are the activities we want to instill in the students: policy on intra-African trade, policy on industrialisation, policy on entrepreneurship, policy on education, and policy coherence.

In short, policy is the recurring theme. We want students to own these discussions, benefit from them, and then use them to their advantage after graduation.

Invitations have already gone out through diplomatic channels to universities across the continent and even to African institutions in the diaspora. The students will come to Accra to discuss AfCFTA, explore its opportunities, and define their roles in ensuring its realisation. They must make sure that AfCFTA does not end up as another nine-day wonder or a myth.

Look at the European Union; it took them nearly 30 years to build their union into what it is today. However, in Africa, we believe that we can achieve progress much faster because we have an energetic, educated, and well-equipped youth population. This is why we are gathering students for the first-ever Tertiary Student Congress on the African continent: to instill ownership of AfCFTA in them, promote the expansion of student clubs, and support the adoption of the AfCFTA curriculum in more universities.

How will the outcomes of GITFIC be monitored after the conference?

We have a peer review team that handles follow-up. If you check our website, you’ll see that each year, after our annual meetings, we publish both an action plan and a communiqué. The action plan outlines responsibilities: who is to do what, which stakeholder or partner is expected to carry out which task, and timelines for delivery.

The peer review team monitors these activities closely and ensures implementation. For example, under our ‘GITFIC Agenda 2031’, which encompasses both the Global Debt Initiative and the AfCFTA Implementation Initiative, there is a dedicated committee serving as the peer review backbone. This committee ensures that every action plan under both initiatives is brought to its logical conclusion with tangible success stories and impact outcomes.

The point is to prevent our resolutions from ending up shelved in offices and libraries. And that approach has been successful year after year, which is why we continue to get concrete results.

How do you envision GITFIC’s role in shaping debt, trade, and finance policy, not just in Ghana, but across Africa, in the next five to ten years?

Well, as I mentioned earlier, we have the ‘GITFIC Agenda 2031’. It is a six-year development plan that has been formally adopted by the government and integrated into Ghana’s 50-year development plan. The National Development Planning Commission is leading its implementation, with full support to make it succeed.

Within these six years, we expect member states to drastically reduce their debt levels to create fiscal space for economic growth. That is the priority. Second, we aim to establish the most practicable debt sustainability mechanisms through the creation of debt clubs and creditor clubs. You asked earlier whether creditors themselves are engaged. Yes, they are.

For example, in a meeting we had just last week with the United Nations, organised by the Chief of Cabinet of the Secretary-General, we discussed how the UN could help facilitate meetings with creditors, including the Paris Club, multilateral creditors, bilateral creditors, and both private and public lenders. These engagements will continue in the coming weeks and months after the second conference, as we explore practical solutions.

Interestingly, when the Secretary-General himself joined the Global Debt Initiative, his call exceeded our expectations. He said, ‘Is it possible for us to have another round of 100 per cent debt cancellation?’ and he believed our platform could serve as the pathway to that outcome. That is why the UN has aligned itself with the initiative, aiming to spearhead and champion a new wave of debt cancellation.

So, as we expand our engagements with both creditors and debtor nations, initially focused on Africa but now also including the Global South, our objectives are clear: reduce debt drastically, implement strong debt management practices, and ensure nations do not relapse into unsustainable borrowing.

In a display of corporate social responsibility, Purch Gadgets marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with a free medical outreach and feeding initiative for residents of Medical Road and surrounding communities in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The event, which drew more than 500 residents, featured free medical check-ups, including blood sugar and blood pressure tests, alongside the provision of medication for patients.

Henry Nnadike, CEO of Purch Gadgets, said the initiative stemmed from the company’s passion to give back to the community since its establishment in 2015.

‘We’ve discovered that people don’t prioritise their health, and many are too busy to visit hospitals for check-ups. Our goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians, and today’s event is a testament to that commitment,’ he said. Many residents expressed gratitude for the outreach, with some diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes receiving free medication and counselling on managing their conditions. The initiative also raised awareness on the importance of regular health checks and preventive care.

In addition, Purch Gadgets provided meals for more than 500 less privileged members of the community. The feeding programme, aimed at supporting those in need, brought joy and relief to participants.

The company also used the occasion to launch its new cassette air conditioner, designed to consume low energy and address Nigeria’s energy challenges. Nnadike emphasised that Purch Gadgets’ mission is to integrate technology with sustainable energy efficiency.

Renowned entrepreneur Cletus Uzoezie Oragwa, founder of Zenco Group, unveiled the product and congratulated Purch Gadgets on its achievement, wishing the company greater success.

The event concluded with the distribution of food items to residents, reinforcing Purch Gadgets’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and its drive to make a tangible difference in Nigerian communities.

The inaugural Africa E-commerce Summit in Lagos brought together policymakers, innovators, and business leaders to chart the course for Africa’s digital trade future, emphasizing robust regulation, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration.

Held alongside the launch of e-commerce pioneer Saudat Salami’s memoir, Selling Pepper Online, the summit underscored the transformative potential of digital trade for the continent’s economy.

The summit opened with a high-level panel on E-commerce Regulations, Policy Frameworks, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), moderated by Ms. Ifeoma Oma Ehiri, technical advisor at GIZ. Panelists, including trade policy experts, customs officials, and agricultural leaders, explored how streamlined regulations and infrastructure could unlock Africa’s digital trade ecosystem.

Bernard Tayo, head of project at GIZ, highlighted AfCFTA’s role, stating, ‘It creates a structure that allows Africans to trade among themselves with limited obstacles. Digital trade makes it even easier, enabling businesses to reach customers without moving from their base.’

Nigeria’s advancements were spotlighted by Ijeoma Ayoka, chief superintendent of Customs, who detailed the new Unified Customs Management System (UCMS). The system streamlines electronic goods declarations and accelerates parcel processing, empowering SMEs to participate in cross-border e-commerce.

Meanwhile, Oluranti Oviebo, director at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the need for cold rooms, conditioning centers, and farmer training to scale agri-ecommerce, alongside private-sector partnerships to bolster food systems.

A regional perspective came from ECOWAS, which, with GIZ support, is harmonizing e-commerce policies across its 12 member states to facilitate smoother intra-African trade.

A second panel on Grocery Delivery, Agriculture, and Accelerating Growth showcased how innovations in logistics and digital platforms are driving job creation and SME growth, critical components of Africa’s digital economy.

The summit’s discussions were grounded by the inspiring story of Saudat Salami, who launched Nigeria’s first online grocery platform, TV Shop, in 2001 with just $15, later scaling Easyshop Easycook into Africa’s first online grocery delivery service.

Marking her 50th birthday, Salami launched her memoir, Selling Pepper Online, sharing lessons on overcoming challenges in sourcing, logistics, and capital-raising.

She urged greater collaboration, saying, ‘We cannot build the future alone. We need policy, infrastructure, investment, and partnerships. This summit is our lighthouse, a call to action.’

Participants agreed that Africa’s e-commerce future hinges on innovation, inclusive policies, and the active involvement of women, youth, and SMEs. By addressing regulatory and infrastructural gaps, the summit laid a foundation for a thriving digital economy, with AfCFTA as a key enabler.

President Bola Tinubu will in continuation of his tour of states, on Saturday, visit Jos, Plateau State, where he will meet a cross section of religious leaders.

Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the President, while in the Plateau State capital, will also attend the funeral prayers in honour of Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the APC National Chairman, Nantewe Yilwatda. The President’s meeting with Church Leaders across the North, is expected to take place at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nigeria COCIN, in Jos.

Onanuga said that President Tinubu will return to Lagos on the same day after the visit. Recall that the President recently embarked on visit to states, as part of his efforts to build unity and strengthen social cohesion.

The visit had started with Kaduna, thereafter, he was in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital to attend the coronation of Rashid Ladoja as the Olubadan. He was also in Owerri, the Imo State capital to launch legacy projects built by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

How will refining capacity directly impact Africa’s long-term energy security under the summit’s theme, ‘Refining – Key to Energy Security in Africa’?

Refining capacity is central to Africa’s long-term energy security. Despite being a major crude oil producer, the continent’s reliance on imported fuels exposes economies to price volatility, supply disruptions, and foreign exchange pressures. By refining more at home, we can ensure a consistent supply, reduce import dependency, and retain significant economic value locally. Expanding refining also stimulates industrialisation, job creation, and regional trade under AfCFTA. For Nigeria and Africa, building modern, efficient refineries is not just about energy; it is about sovereignty, stability, and sustainable growth. The summit will focus on mobilising collaboration to make this vision a practical reality.

What specific policy reforms are most urgent to unlock the growth of both modular and large-scale refineries in Nigeria?

To unlock Nigeria’s refining potential, urgent policy reforms must focus on creating a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. Firstly, fiscal incentives such as tax reliefs, access to credit, and guarantees are critical to de-risk investments. Secondly, ensuring crude oil supply at competitive pricing is essential to sustain operations. Ultimately, policies must foster public-private collaboration, promote local content development, and align with global environmental standards. These reforms will not only attract capital but also accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency and regional refining leadership.

How is CORAN working with the government to ensure investor-friendly policies that balance local capacity building with global competitiveness?

CORAN is actively engaging the government at multiple levels to shape policies that make Nigeria’s refining sector attractive to investors while safeguarding national interests. We advocate for a regulatory framework that guarantees ease of entry, fair competition, and reliable access to crude. At the same time, we emphasise local capacity building by promoting skills development, indigenous technology adoption, and participation of local firms in the value chain. Through continuous dialogue, policy recommendations, and joint task forces, we ensure reforms align with global best practices while fostering an environment where investors thrive and Nigeria strengthens its refining and energy security base.

What innovative financing or de-risking strategies will the summit highlight to attract local and international investors to capital-intensive refining projects?

Refining requires significant capital, and attracting investment means addressing risk head-on. At the CORAN Summit 2025, we will spotlight innovative financing models such as blended finance, public-private partnerships, and long-term offtake agreements that provide certainty for investors. We are also engaging development finance institutions and regional banks to create de-risking instruments, including credit guarantees and insurance frameworks. Importantly, policy clarity and reliable crude supply will be highlighted as non-financial enablers of investor confidence. By combining financial innovation with regulatory reforms, we aim to unlock both local and international capital flows into Nigeria’s refining sector, accelerating self-sufficiency and energy security.

How can private sector participation be scaled up, and what role does CORAN play in bridging investors with regulators and operators?

CORAN is actively engaging the government at multiple levels to shape policies that make Nigeria’s refining sector attractive to investors while safeguarding national interests. We advocate for a regulatory framework that guarantees ease of entry, fair competition, and reliable access to crude. At the same time, we emphasise local capacity building by promoting skills development, indigenous technology adoption, and participation of local firms in the value chain. Through continuous dialogue, policy recommendations, we ensure reforms align with global best practices while fostering an environment where investors thrive and Nigeria strengthens its refining and energy security base.

What opportunities exist for integrating petrochemicals and refining to maximize value addition locally?

Integrating petrochemicals with refining presents a tremendous opportunity to maximise value addition in Nigeria. Beyond producing fuels, modern refineries can generate feedstocks for petrochemical industries that support plastics, fertilisers, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. This integration diversifies revenue streams, reduces import dependence, and fosters industrial growth across multiple sectors. For Nigeria, it means creating jobs, stimulating SMEs, and positioning the country as a regional hub for energy and industrial products. At CORAN, we are driving conversations on policies and investments that encourage the co-location of refineries and petrochemical plants, ensuring we capture full value from our crude oil resources for sustainable development.

With the AfCFTA in place, how do you envision regional cooperation shaping Africa’s refining landscape beyond Nigeria?

The AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity to build a truly integrated African refining and energy market. By reducing trade barriers, harmonising standards, and encouraging cross-border investment, we can create a regional value chain that benefits all. Nigeria, with its refining capacity, can supply neighboring markets, while also importing specialised products from other African countries. This cooperation will reduce reliance on overseas imports, stabilise supply, and strengthen intra-African trade. CORAN envisions partnerships where infrastructure, financing, and expertise are shared, making Africa self-reliant in energy. The summit will highlight how regional collaboration can accelerate growth and secure the continent’s energy future.

What role can Nigeria realistically play in positioning itself as the refining hub of Africa?

Nigeria is uniquely positioned to become Africa’s refining hub, given its vast crude oil reserves, growing private investment in refineries, and strategic geographic location. With both modular and large-scale refineries coming onstream, Nigeria can not only meet domestic demand but also serve regional markets under AfCFTA. To achieve this, we must ensure consistent policy support, reliable crude supply, and competitive operating conditions. CORAN’s role is to align industry stakeholders and government toward this shared vision. By scaling capacity, driving efficiency, and promoting regional partnerships, Nigeria can realistically anchor Africa’s refining transformation and strengthen continental energy security.

Beyond energy security, how will increased refining capacity create jobs, build skills, and drive broader economic benefits for Nigerians and Africans?

Increased refining capacity goes far beyond energy security-it is a catalyst for economic transformation. Every refinery project creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from construction to operations and supply chains. It drives demand for skilled labor, encouraging training, research, and capacity development in engineering, technology, and management. Beyond jobs, refining stimulates local industries by providing feedstocks for petrochemicals, fertilisers, plastics, and other value-added products. This strengthens SMEs, boosts exports, and reduces import dependence. For Nigerians and Africans, the broader benefit is inclusive growth-more opportunities, stronger industries, and a resilient economy anchored on sustainable local value creation.

As the world transitions toward cleaner energy, how is CORAN ensuring that Africa’s refining growth aligns with sustainability and climate goals?

CORAN recognises that Africa’s refining growth must align with global sustainability and climate goals. We are advocating for investment in modern, cleaner refining technologies that minimise emissions, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. At the same time, we encourage integration of renewable energy and carbon-reduction practices within refinery operations. Through policy engagement, we emphasise balancing energy security with climate commitments, ensuring that refining expansion does not come at the cost of sustainability. By driving innovation, promoting best practices, and collaborating with international partners, CORAN is ensuring Africa’s refining future is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

The National Leadership Conference (NLC) is proud to announce a high-impact strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria at the just concluded National Leadership Conference 2025. This collaboration defines a shared commitment to developing leadership capital, promoting inclusive economic growth, and driving sustainable development across the nation.

The partnership with the UNDP, a leading global development organization, brings a focus on poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, and building resilience to the NLC platform, complementing the recently announced alliance with the European Union. By joining forces, the NLC and the UNDP created a formidable alliance to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through transformative leadership.

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, the UNDP helps nations to build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet. In Nigeria, the UNDP is a trusted partner for development, working across governance, inclusive growth, and climate resilience to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms. Elsie Attafuah Delivers Key Insights

The Conference was honored to host the graced presence of Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Nigeria. Ms. Attafuah’s participation signifies the high-level commitment of the UNDP to this partnership and the importance of the conference’s theme in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Ms. Attafuah, a visionary leader with over two decades of global experience in programme development, strategic management, and partnerships brokering, delivered a compelling keynote address. Her extensive background spans sectors including climate change, green growth, good governance, youth, and gender empowerment. Her expertise in international financing mechanisms and her strategic approach to organizational development make her a powerful voice on how to transition development ideas into impactful policy and action.

UNDP’s Contribution to Leadership and the Nigerian Ecosystem

The UNDP’s engagement with the NLC is intrinsically linked to its core mandate of supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve its national development priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organisation’s contribution is centered on building a new generation of leaders who are equipped to address complex, interconnected development challenges.

The UNDP drives thought leadership through initiatives such as the biennial Human Development Report and its focus on structural transformation, which advocates for building a culture of innovation, catalysing the green economy, and strengthening good governance. Through programmes like the Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), the UNDP supports:

Youth Empowerment and Innovation: By investing in innovation hubs and skills development, the UNDP is creating a national pipeline of talent and empowering young Nigerians to become entrepreneurs and problem-solvers, thereby transforming the innovation ecosystem.

Good Governance and Institutional Capacity: The UNDP supports efforts to build legitimate institutions, promote transparency, and enhance leadership skills across public and private sectors to ensure development is inclusive and effective.

Economic Diversification and Green Growth: The organisation is instrumental in supporting the transition to a sustainable, diversified economy, leveraging clean energy and other green solutions as a catalyst for job creation and resilience.

In line with the conference’s focus on leadership capital, Ms. Attafuah spoke on the UNDP’s global and local experience – on how bold, visionary, and service-oriented leadership is essential for structural transformation in Nigeria. Her address highlighted the need for leaders who can promote a culture of cooperation, bridge societal divides, and champion human-centered development, making her insights indispensable for all conference delegates.

This partnership with the UNDP solidifies the National Leadership Conference 2025 as the premier platform for promoting transformative leadership and charting a course for a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Nigeria.