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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and look beyond present challenges as the nation celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In his goodwill message on Tuesday, Abbas said Nigeria’s journey through a chequered history points to a brighter future of unity and prosperity.

He noted that the country is richly blessed with human and natural resources and called for collective efforts, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political differences, to build ‘a nation of our dreams.’

The Speaker expressed confidence that with the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria remains on the right path to reclaiming its position as Africa’s biggest economy.

While acknowledging current security and socio-economic challenges, Abbas urged Nigerians to remain steadfast, prayerful, and patriotic.

He assured that the 10th House of Representatives will continue to deliver accountable leadership, good governance, and dividends of democracy, especially to grassroots communities.

Abbas wished all Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary.

Land remains one of the most valuable assets in the world today, contributing to economic growth at an unprecedented rate across global landscapes.

Cities around the world like Monaco, where land costs an average of $100,000 – $120,000 for a square metre, Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, and Paris, to mention a few, have witnessed a dramatic growth as a result of land investments.

The Lagos State’s experience of land’s capability to improve local economy is not different from the experiences of the wealthy cities (by land value) mentioned above.

As Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos State is grappling with unchecked population growth, rapid urbanisation, which among other things birthed the need for increasing security of land ownership.

The state has witnessed, in time past, violent land grabbing cases, fraudulent misrepresentation in title perfection, cloning of titles, and documents theft, which has cast doubts in the minds of the general public about the state’s capability in running a smooth, efficient, and reliable land administration.

Title perfection, which is the process of converting an imperfect landholding into a legally recognised, registrable, and defensible title, is crucial for individuals, families, developers, and corporate organisations.

It fosters land-based investments, and ensures, among other things, security of tenure, reduces disputes, and enhances the value of real estate assets by making them acceptable for mortgage, investment, and development.

In Lagos State, however, the path to title perfection has become a long, costly, and sometimes frustrating journey. Although very rare, title perfection trip, which should last a maximum of one calendar year could take forever.

At the heart of title perfection process in Lagos State and across Nigeria lies a controversial group: the middlemen. These middlemen include lawyers, estate agents (both educated and semi-literate), and estate surveyors and valuers.

Their involvement has become both indispensable and problematic, shaping how land title perfection is perceived and practised.

While some middlemen provide legitimate guidance, others thrive on exploiting loopholes, inefficiencies, and applicants’ ignorance.

This paper interrogates the problems posed by middlemen in Lagos’ title perfection process, the impact on applicants and the government, and the possible reforms that can sanitise the system for the benefit of all stakeholders.

At first glance, the role of middlemen appears justifiable. Land title perfection involves multitude of stages, and cumbersome process, and would be requiring different application documents, payments of statutory fees (such as consent assessment, stamp duties, and registration fee), surveys, charting, and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy or Governor’s Consent. These procedures are highly technical, bureaucratic, and time-consuming.

Given the complexity, many applicants, whether individuals, families, or corporate bodies-turn to middlemen for assistance. Lawyers are often engaged for drafting, legal interpretations, and processing. Estate surveyors and valuers guide on property-related documentation and valuation requirements. Agents and informal facilitators offer ‘connections’ within the Lands Bureau. In practice, the middleman has become the bridge between the landowner and the Lands Bureau.

Yet, instead of easing the process, this arrangement has bred distortions, bottlenecks, and corruption.

What nature of problems do the middlemen cause in title perfection process in Lagos State? A few ones are:

One of the major criticisms of middlemen is the sharp escalation in the cost of title perfection. Statutory fees in Lagos are already high compared to other states in Nigeria. When applicants engage middlemen, additional charges are imposed-sometimes arbitrary, sometimes exploitative. What should ordinarily cost millions of naira in statutory charges ends up being inflated to double or triple the official amount. For ordinary landowners, this makes perfection nearly impossible.

Middlemen thrive on applicants’ ignorance of procedures. Many title seekers are not informed about the official steps, documentation, and fees involved. This knowledge gap is exploited by middlemen who withhold information, manipulate timelines, and justify arbitrary costs. There are cases when middlemen will put their personal details at places on application forms where applicant’s details are needed. This sharp practice and more, leave applicants at the mercy of middlemen, without direct knowledge of what transpires within the Lands Bureau.

The activities of middlemen have entrenched corruption in the system. Instead of following due process, some middlemen resort to informal payments, bribery, and ‘man-know-man’ tactics to fast-track applications. This undermines institutional integrity, frustrates honest applicants, and encourages a vicious cycle where only those who can afford ‘extra’ payments get results.

Ironically, middlemen do not always speed up the process. In many cases, files are delayed or even lost because middlemen operate through informal channels rather than official routes. Applicants who refuse to pay additional charges often suffer endless delays. The inefficiency feeds a perception that title perfection in Lagos is designed to frustrate ordinary citizens.

While lawyers and estate surveyors are trained professionals, the system is also flooded with unqualified agents and touts who pose as facilitators. Many of these semi-literate middlemen mislead applicants, file incomplete documentation, and collect fees without delivering results. Their activities deepen the crisis of trust in the land administration system.

The middlemen crisis has dual consequences. For the government, it translates into loss of revenue, since informal payments often bypass official channels. It also undermines Lagos State’s vision of becoming a global smart city with efficient land administration.

For applicants, the consequences are financial and emotional. Exorbitant costs discourage many landowners from perfecting their titles, leading to a large number of unregistered properties in Lagos.

This perpetuates land disputes, weakens collateral value for mortgage financing, and reduces confidence in real estate investments. The emotional toll of repeated delays, endless demands for money, and uncertain outcomes cannot be ignored.

The challenges posed by middlemen are not insurmountable. With deliberate reforms, Lagos State can reduce reliance on middlemen, improve efficiency, and restore confidence in the land title perfection process.

The government must deepen the ongoing digital reforms in the Lands Bureau. A fully automated, transparent, and user-friendly platform where applicants can submit documents, track progress, and make payments directly will drastically reduce human interference. Online dashboards showing real-time application status can eliminate reliance on middlemen.

Applicants need to be educated about the steps, costs, and timelines involved in title perfection. Regular sensitisation through newspapers, radio, and community forums can close the knowledge gap that middlemen exploit. A citizen who understands the process is less vulnerable to exploitation.

Lagos can establish one-stop centres where all land perfection processes-survey charting, valuation, consent, stamping, and registration-are coordinated. This reduces the run-around across multiple offices and curtails opportunities for middlemen to hijack the process.

While lawyers and Estate Surveyors are legitimate players, their activities in title perfection need to be better regulated by their professional bodies to ensure transparency and fairness. Unqualified agents and touts should be weeded out through enforcement and public warnings.

The high cost of perfection in Lagos fuels the demand for shortcuts. A review of statutory fees to make them more affordable will encourage compliance. When official fees are fair and predictable, the incentive to patronise middlemen diminishes.

The Lands Bureau must strengthen internal monitoring systems. Staff found colluding with middlemen should face disciplinary actions. Anonymous whistleblowing channels and audits can also help check corruption.

In conclusion, land title perfection is not merely a bureaucratic exercise-it is the foundation of property rights, investment confidence, and urban development in Lagos State. Yet, the overwhelming role of middlemen has turned the process into a burden for many applicants. While middlemen emerged to fill gaps created by bureaucracy, they have become part of the problem, inflating costs, encouraging corruption, and undermining trust.

For Lagos State to achieve its ambition of transparent land administration, bold reforms must be undertaken. Digitalisation, public education, regulatory enforcement, and fee rationalisation will go a long way in reducing reliance on middlemen. By making the process efficient, affordable, and transparent, Lagos can ensure that landowners perfect their titles with confidence and without exploitation.

The crisis of middlemen should no longer define title perfection in Lagos. It is time for the government, professionals, and the public to embrace a new order where land title perfection is transparent, affordable, and truly accessible to all.

Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has called on Nigerian leaders at all levels, to rise to the responsibility of delivering on the long-deferred hopes of citizens, saying the burden of failed leadership continues to weigh heavily on the people.

In his Independence Day message to Nigerians on October 1, 2025, Kachikwu reflected on the country’s journey since independence, urging a sober evaluation of its achievements and failings.

‘Independence Day is our national day of individual and collective evaluation of our nationhood. We look at how far we have come and the whys and wherefores of our mistakes and missteps,’ he said.

Kachikwu lamented that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers had yet to translate into the nation they envisioned.

‘On this day, I can’t help but think of the sacrifices of our heroes past and wonder what they would say if they saw the Nigeria they laboured and sacrificed for in the here and now of October 1st, 2025,’ he noted.

He further praised ordinary Nigerians for their resilience despite years of unfulfilled promises, saying, ‘The majority of our people who are helpless and hapless are the burden bearers of decades of mostly failed leadership.

‘In their voicelessness they continue to carry the weight of our nation’s many problems, for were they to ever vent their collective frustrations, our country would implode’

‘As they search fruitlessly for their inheritance in the promise that was and is Nigeria, they continue to sacrificially tolerate and forgive the many failed promises of our leaders.

Today, I celebrate the heroism and patriotism of the Nigerian people who have kept the peace in spite of hope deferred. The good book says hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12).’

While wishing Nigerians a peaceful celebration and renewed hope in the nation, Kachikwu emphasized that many Nigerians were questioning whether current leaders could truly deliver the Nigeria of their dreams.

‘The question most Nigerians are asking of their leaders today is when will their desires come? When will the Nigeria of their dreams emerge? When will this nation work for everyone irrespective of tribe, tongue and religion?

‘From generation to generation, father after father has sold the promise of a better Nigeria to son after son. Today, they collectively ask their leaders; are you the ones to usher in a better Nigeria or should we look to another?,’ he noted.

Five aspirants contesting for the position of President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) have signed a Peace Accord, pledging to accept the outcome of the forthcoming election.

The accord, signed on Monday at the Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja, is aimed at fostering harmony and ensuring a peaceful atmosphere during the NYCN national elective congress, scheduled for October 5-8, 2025, in Abuja.

Chairman of the NYCN National Transition Committee (NTC), Prince Gbenga Adedamola, who announced a progress report at the ceremony, said the committee has been working closely with the Congress Planning and Electoral Committees to guarantee a credible process.

He noted that the congress, themed ‘Redemption Congress: Repositioning the Youth Council for Greatness,’ marks a fresh chapter in NYCN’s history, following the dissolution of two factional executive councils earlier in August 2025.

The aspirants expressed confidence in the process and reaffirmed their commitment to the unity and progress of the organization.

‘This Congress aims to reposition the NYCN for greater impact and effectiveness in advocating for youth development in Nigeria,’ Adedamola said.

He further explained that the NTC has secured a convenient location in Abuja for the national congress, with adequate security arrangements in place to ensure a smooth and successful event.

‘This development marks a significant milestone in the organisation’s efforts to promote youth development and empowerment in Nigeria.

‘The NYCN leadership expresses heartfelt gratitude to State Chapters and Voluntary Youth Organisations for their unwavering support and dedication, past leaders and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and guidance, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for its supervisory role in ensuring transparency and accountability.

‘These efforts underscore the NYCN’s commitment to promoting youth development and empowerment in Nigeria,’ he added.

ýThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the police to suspend the planned enforcement of tint permits until its lawsuit challenging the policy is resolved.

In a statement on Tuesday, NBA Publicity Secretary Bridget Edokwe said continuing with the enforcement would undermine the judicial process and potentially render the court’s decision ineffective.

‘It is important to stress that once the legality of a government policy or action has been challenged before a court of competent jurisdiction, prudence, respect for the rule of law, fairness and the courts demand that the parties maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter.

‘The Police, being a creation of law and an institution entrusted with the protection of rights, ought to err on the side of caution by allowing the judicial process to run its full course.

‘Continuing with enforcement despite a pending legal challenge risks rendering the entire suit nugatory and amounts to undermining the authority of the courts.

‘More worrisome is the possibility that the court may ultimately uphold the plaintiff’s prayers and nullify the tint permit policy for being illegal.

‘If that happens, the Police would have subjected citizens to avoidable hardship without remedy and unlawful enforcement in defiance of the very rule of law they are sworn to protect.’

The police, however, have insisted that only a court order can stop the enforcement, which is scheduled to begin on October 2.

Police spokesman Banjamin Hundeyin said: ‘Only an order of court can stop the enforcement of an existing law.

‘There is no such order! Mere service of court papers is not equal to a court order. Enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass law commences as planned on Thursday, 2 October 2025.’

The Police in Ebonyi State have arrested three suspects in connection with a gunshot incident that disrupted the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.

The incident occurred on Monday at the College of Agricultural Science campus during the announcement of election results, when gunshots were reportedly fired to disperse students.

According to the report, a student was hit by a stray bullet and rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for urgent treatment.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, naming the suspects as Lawrence Azubuike, Ibe Kenneth, and Njoku Joshua. He added that a locally made pistol was recovered.

Ukandu said the suspects remain in custody and will be arraigned after investigations.

He further noted that the Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, has assured the public of the command’s commitment to peace and security, urging officers to remain professional and accountable while intensifying efforts to curb crime, especially as the festive season approaches.

Ahead of the maiden State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conference slated to begin Thursday, Lagos State Government has unveiled popular Comedian, Oluseyitan Aletile alias Seyi Law as Ambassador.

The unveiling was done by the Permanent Secretary (PS) Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu and the General Manager, Lagos State Command and Control Centre (C3), Femi Giwa, after a road show to drum public support for the conference, yesterday.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, Seyi Law was chosen as ambassador to give the youths an icon to look up to, adding that plans had commenced to train young people working as area boys as local emergency responders in order to get them off the streets.

The Nation reports that the roadshow which commenced at the agency’s office in Alausa, proceeded to the Fire and Rescue Services before moving to the relevant stakeholder ministries inside the state secretariat on Awolowo Way and back to the C3.

In an interview with reporters after the roadshow, Oke-Osanyintolu said that LASEMA, NEMA and other stakehodlers were committed to emplacing a robust national emegency response strategy.

He said the goal was to ensure that across the country, emergency workers understood the importance of saving lives and efficiently utilising the golden hour.

The LASEMA boss said already President Bola Tinubu, through his policies, has shown that the safety and security of Nigerians were paramount to him.

He re-emphasised that the 112 national emergency number was currently working, adding that part of the deliverables from the conference would be to sync emergncy responsiveness at state and local government levels so that the SEMAs in all the states of the country would be in tune with global best practices.

‘I want to assure the good people of Lagos that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has put everything in place to ensure a smooth summit for a more resilient Nigeria as it was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that created LASEMA when he was the Lagos State Governor, so we are fully ready for the task ahead and we promise participants a more fulfilling time in Lagos,’ he said.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental relations,Gbenga Oyerinde, during a brief interview in front of his ministry, said the SEMA summit was for participants to brainstorm with relevant stakeholders’ on efficient disaster management.

‘This administration has invested heavily in emergency and disaster management in ensuring the protection of lives and property of the residents of the state, so we are inviting all stakeholders’, professionals and the general public to join us for the three days SEMA conference to chart a new course for national emergency management for the benefit of all Nigerians,’ he said.

Representatives of NEMA, Fire Service, LASAMBUS, Health, among others participated in the walk for the summit awareness with the theme Strengthening a sub-national emergency management for a resilient Nigeria.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has procured 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and commenced the construction of ultra-modern terminals and bus stations across the state.

Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this on Tuesday during a joint press briefing with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and the Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.

Umanah also revealed that about 771km of roads are currently at various stages of construction, while 31 completed bridges are set for commissioning.

He noted that the achievements reflect the progress made under Governor Umo Eno’s administration in just two years, across sectors guided by the ARISE Agenda, as Akwa Ibom marks its 38th anniversary.

In the aviation sector, the commissioner said, ‘The aviation sector continues to soar with the acquisition of four new aircraft for Ibom Air, construction of the Aviation Village, and completion of the new Terminal Building and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Victor Attah International Airport.

On security, he said, ‘In security, the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, recruitment of 4,500 community watch personnel, provision of gunboats and patrol vehicles, and creation of a Security and Command Centre have strengthened the State’s safety architecture’.

Speaking on tourism, the commissioner said, ‘ecological remediation of 70 hectares of gullies and construction of the ARISE Resort are underway, alongside works at the 5,000-capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and Hotel and the ARISE Shopping City.

‘In training and empowerment, more than 10,000 youths and SMEs have benefited, and the administration is constructing a 2,000-capacity Amphi-Theatre to host the Annual Christmas Unplugged Event.

‘In addition, the newly established ?100 million Creative Industry Fund is being deployed to strengthen talent development, drive capacity building, and expand opportunities for the entertainment and film sector, thereby positioning Akwa Ibom as a creative hub in Nigeria.

‘In roads and bridges, over 771 kilometres of roads are at various stages of construction, and 31 bridges have been completed.

Umanah disclosed that, ‘In agriculture, the State has established the Ibom Model Farm, rolled out the Arise Home Farms Scheme and the Back-to-Farm Initiative, while distributing inputs to farmers.

‘In healthcare, there are now functional health centres across all LGAs, a State Health Insurance Scheme, a 350-bed International Hospital under development, an Emergency Ambulance Service, a Medical Oxygen Production Plant, and an expanded workforce of medical personnel’.

Leaders of the Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organizations in Nigeria (FASON) on Sunday paid royal homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.

The delegation, led by FASON National Amir Sheikh Tajudeen Abdul Kareem Al Adabiyy, included the West Africa President of JIBWIS Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Vice President of the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria Sheikh Isa Solahudeen Akindele, and other prominent Islamic scholars.

They were joined by traditional rulers such as Oba Abdul Azeez Olatubosun Adebanji, the Akire of Ikire Ile, and Oba Qazeem Ilufemiloye I, the Olowu of Owu Ile, alongside academics including Professor Mutiullah Olasupo of the University of Abuja.

Sheikh Al Adabiyy said the visit was to offer prayers for the monarchs’ long life and successful reigns. Akindele, in his remarks, also appealed to the Olubadan to help curb land-grabbing challenges in Ibadanland.

‘We pray to Almighty God to grant you a long time and good health. We pray to God to give you the wisdom to direct the affairs successfully.

He said, ‘God will allow you to implement the good visions you have for this city and Nigeria in general. Many things that are not good are happening in the city, such as land grabbing. You have said that you will tackle these problems, God will give you the wisdom to do it’.

During the visit to the Alaafin, Sheik Al Adabiyy informed that the visit became necessary to pray for the traditional rulers.

While in Oyo, the group was received by the Khadeemul Musleemuun of Oyo Kingdom, Sheikh Daud Tijani Igi Ogun, and Aare Musulumi of Oyo, Alhaji Kamarise, in a brief but colourful reception at the JIBWIS group of school, a multilingual event anchored by Sheikh Tajudeen Imam of Prince and Princess Central Mosque, Abuja.

Sheik Al Adabiyy, while speaking, said, ‘We have come from different parts of the country; we have people who came from Abuja and other parts of the country here. The purpose of the visits is to pray for you for a long life and a successful reign

‘We are here to greet you, we are here to pray for you. We have been doing it when you were not there, we are now doing it in your presence. What we want is for God to grant you a long life’.

The Olubadan and the Alaafin, in their separate remarks, said that they were happy to receive the leaders of the Islamic organisation.

They thanked the organisation for the visit.

They urged them to continue in their prayers to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.

In the backdrop of the ongoing UNGA 80, prominent African leaders gathered at the World Trade Center in New York City on Friday for Africa Breakfast Convos (ABC), a high-profile official side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Hosted by global communications firm Allison Worldwide, in partnership with The King’s Trust Group, and African public relations company Black House Media (BHM), the breakfast event brought together executives from across Africa and the U.S. to discuss strategies for Africa-led innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

The event featured an exclusive fireside chat with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Chairman of Access Holdings, Chairman of Coronation Group, Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, and member of the Kings Trust Africa Advisory Board, who shared insights into Africa’s investment landscape, spotlighting opportunities to bridge African entrepreneurs with global capital.

‘Unlocking Africa’s youth potential, connecting entrepreneurs to global markets, and ensuring inclusive growth are not just aspirations – they are imperatives if Africa is to shape the 21st century,’ he stated.

Following the fireside, Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa, Allison Worldwide, who moderated the session with Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised the importance of building platforms like ABC to amplify African innovation.

‘This is our third annual UNGA event and the second in The Africa Breakfast Conversation series. Our goal with all our events is to not only create the space for candid conversations but also a space for high-level connections that lead to action and impact. Our vision is that our events contribute to positioning Africa as a driver of global sustainable development,’ she said.

The discussions at the event highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a significant driver of future growth, with nearly 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. By 2030, one in five people globally will be African, underscoring the continent’s central role in shaping the world’s future.

A panel titled Generation Potential – Powering Africa’s Youth Through Nutrition, Skills, Access and Opportunity featured insights from Shalom Ndiku, Director of Policy, Food4Education; H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone; Geoffrey Kasangaki, CEO, Asante Africa Foundation; Abeiku Greene, Outgoing Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana; and Ben Ovio, Chief Responsibility Executive, ENDIP International.

The panelists discussed how nutrition, education, and youth skills development can fuel Africa’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on the collaboration with Allison and BHM for this edition of the Africa Breakfast Conversation (ABC), The King’s Trust commented: ‘We are proud to support forums like ABC that put youth, innovation, and opportunity at the centre of Africa’s development agenda. Today was a chance for us to convene, to learn what we are doing right, but more importantly, to learn where we can do more to invest in Generation Potential.’

The second panel, Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI and Finance, featured Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa; Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO, BHM; and Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News Central TV.

The session, moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President, Goldman Sachs, explored how Africa’s growing tech and creative ecosystems are shaping global industries, from fintech to artificial intelligence and media.

Speaking on the significance of the right investment in Africa, Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO of BHM, said, ‘This gathering is an opportunity to have the right conversations about our continent – the opportunities and the challenges. We’re providing guests with a space where conversations can flow freely, turning ideas into impactful initiatives that foster sustainable growth across Africa.’

Throughout the event, speakers underscored the importance of cross-sector partnerships, diaspora engagement, and long-term investment in Africa’s growth. According to recent data from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign direct investment flows to Africa stood at $50 billion in 2024, representing 3.7 percent of global FDI and reflecting continued confidence in the continent’s potential.

The Africa Breakfast Convos aligned with the UNGA 80s’ broader focus on global progress and sustainable development. As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism about Africa’s future and its ability to lead in critical sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and youth-driven innovation – setting the stage for deeper collaboration and continued investment in the continent’s sustainable development.

Allison is a global integrated marketing and communications agency, with operations across 50 markets throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and positive change for clients, colleagues, and communities. With a diverse range of expertise and a forward-looking mindset, Allison delivers game-changing results that make a lasting impact. Allison is owned by Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), one of the fastest growing and most influential marketing and communications networks in the world. Agency partners leverage Stagwell’s technology, data analytics, insights and strategic consulting solutions to drive measurable results and optimize return on marketing investment for more than 1,700 clients worldwide.

BHM is a media and communications services company, home to public relations and reputation management consultancy BlackHouse Media (UK and Nigeria); Pan African communications advisory firm, ID Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, etc); and marketing technology platform, Plaqad. BHM was named one of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2023 and 2024 by the Financial Times.

The King’s Trust Group is a global network of support for young people, established by His Majesty King Charles III, our Royal Founding President. Our mission is to work for young people. Together with our partners, we empower young people to build the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work. We do this through programmes focused on Education, Employment and Enterprise. We are active in over 20 countries. Since 1976, we have supported over 1.3 million young people to change their lives for the better. ‘The King’s Trust Group’ includes The King’s Trust Group Company and its charitable subsidiaries – King’s Trust International, King’s Trust USA, King’s Trust Canada, King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand and King’s Trust Australia – plus The King’s Trust in the UK.