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Kano state government has adopted a Gender-Responsive Education Budgeting (GREB) framework document designed for equitable and inclusive expenditure that will give priority to the education of Girl-Child in the state.

The document which was prepared by Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), a Kano based NGO, with support from the Malala Fund, is expected to translate into more enrollment of girls at the basic and secondary levels of education.

The document’s adoption was overseen by Suwaiba Saad Ahmad, the minister of state for education, during the Kano Girls’ Education Summit, which concluded over the weekend at the Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano.

The summit, organised under the Bridging Access to Girls’ Education (BAGE) project with the theme: ‘Investing in Her Future: Advancing Girls’ Education through Equitable Budgeting’, brought together policymakers, education stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and civil society groups to deliberate on sustainable strategies for financing girls’ education.

In his address, Sani Mohammed, executive director of BCAI, represented by Fatima Musa-Aliyu, the organisation’s chief operating officer, said the summit reaffirmed a collective vision for inclusive and transformative education in Kano.

‘At BCAI, we believe that education is more than a policy priority-it is a shared promise of dignity, opportunity and hope,’ he said.

Muhammad said BCAI’s experiences across Northern Nigeria have shown that education, especially for girls, is a powerful tool for community transformation.

He added that through collaboration with the Kano State Government and the support of the Malala Fund, the summit was able to shift discussions from access to accountability, and from policy to real transformation.

One of the major highlights of BCAI’s intervention, he noted, is the introduction of the Gender-Responsive Education Budgeting (GREB) Framework, designed to enhance equity, transparency and accountability in education financing.

‘The real success of this framework lies in its adoption and implementation by government, educators and communities. The future we seek for girls in Kano must be built collectively through leadership and shared responsibility,’ he added.

Earlier in her speech, Nabila Aguele, chief executive officer of the Malala Fund Nigeria, represented at the occasion, commended the Kano State Government for adopting the GREB framework, describing it as a major milestone in promoting gender equity in education.

‘This is a vital step towards building an inclusive and resilient education system that leaves no girl behind,’ she said, reaffirming the Malala Fund’s continued support to the state and civil society partners in ensuring every girl has access to quality education.

On his part, Ali Haruna-Makoda, Kano State Commissioner for Education, reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable education, describing it as key to social and economic transformation.

He noted that following the declaration of a state of emergency on education, the state increased its education budget from 29.75 percent in 2024 to 31.5 percent in 2025.

According to him, the government has restored boarding facilities in girls’ schools, recruited teachers, and provided free uniforms and transportation to boost enrollment and retention.

‘We have rehabilitated over 70 percent of the girls’ shuttle buses, expanded infrastructure across all 44 local government areas, and prioritised privacy-friendly facilities such as toilets for female students,’ the commissioner said.

He added that over 16,700 school security guards had been approved for recruitment across the state’s 44 LGAs under the Safe School Initiative to enhance student safety.

The summit also featured discussions on policy reforms, financing accountability, grassroots participation and collaborative approaches for sustaining progress in girls’ education.

The BAGE project, implemented by BCAI with support from the Malala Fund, seeks to promote equitable education financing and drive sustainable reforms that empower girls in Kano to learn, lead and thrive.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a public-facing crowdsourcing report and National Coverage Maps, which mark a major step in the country’s drive toward data-driven regulation and improved consumer experience in the telecommunications sector.

The project, launched in partnership with Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence and performance measurement, forms part of the NCC’s Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) crowdsourcing initiative.

With the new coverage maps and crowdsourced data tools, the NCC aims to make Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem more transparent, consumer-focused, and innovation-driven-ensuring that every Nigerian enjoys reliable, high-quality connectivity.

Chip Strange, chief strategy officer at Ookla, while speaking at the virtual launch event on Monday, described the initiative as a defining milestone for Nigeria’s telecom landscape.

‘When citizens can see and share performance data, it drives accountability and improvement. NCC’s data-driven regulation marks a defining milestone for Nigeria,’ Strange said. ‘We are proud to support NCC with benchmarking, global best practices, and capacity building through workshops and strategic guidance. Nigeria has the talent and ambition to set the telecommunication agenda in Africa and beyond.’

Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the NCC, emphasised that effective regulation in the 21st century must go beyond enforcement to focus on enlightenment and empowerment.

‘For consumers, the platform enables them to compare coverage that best meets their needs. For operators, it provides insights to improve latency and data quality. For policymakers and investors, it guides capital allocation to areas of highest impact,’ Maida said.

‘Our goal is to make telecoms more understandable and transparent so every Nigerian can see how connectivity affects their daily lives. This launch is a statement that must serve the public good,’ he stated.

Ali Benchekh, technical account manager at Ookla, noted that the data-driven insights will help drive transparency, build consumer trust, and improve Nigeria’s position in the global telecom index.

‘Nigeria’s network capacity for data services is generally strong, but capacity strain has been observed in major urban areas across all operators,’ Benchekh explained.

‘To relieve this strain, the most effective strategy is a multi-faceted approach that aggressively deploys 5G while optimizing existing 4G (LTE) capacity. Additionally, expanding 4G into semi-urban and rural areas is crucial to close the digital divide,’ he noted.

Benchekh added that improving latency and reducing jitter across networks will enhance stability and ensure high-quality experiences for real-time applications like streaming and online gaming.

Speaking on the next steps, Benchekh highlighted that addressing the coverage gaps in high-demand urban areas like Lagos and Abuja is essential to meet the growing demand from 5G-capable devices.

Edoyemi Ogoh, deputy director, technical standards at NCC, urged Nigerians to report network outages lasting more than 30 minutes as part of the Commission’s data collection efforts.

‘Outage reports are key to understanding service disruptions,’ Ogoh said, while explaining that the Call Setup Success Rate, a measure of call reliability, is calculated by dividing the number of successful call attempts by total call attempts.

Economic and social activities were on Monday partially disrupted in parts of Abuja as the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led to a sharp increase in transport fares, leaving many commuters stranded at major parks and bus stops.

Major taxi routes, particularly the Dutse Market/Zenith Bank taxi stop, saw hundreds of passengers stranded as passengers struggled for space to enter the few taxis that showed up.

Again, the available taxis had shot up their fares as they made their way amidst very tight traffic following the army blockade at the Dutse Alhaji market.

The protest, organised by Omoyele Sowore, in support of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reportedly began early in the morning, affecting movement along key routes including Nyanya-Karu, Mararaba-Apo, Garki, and Berger-Area 1.

As security operatives were deployed to strategic locations to forestall a breakdown of law and order, many commercial drivers took advantage of the situation, hiking transport fares by over 100 percent.

A trip from Nyanya to Berger Junction, which usually costs ?500, rose to ?1,200, while commuters from Mararaba to the Central Business District paid as much as ?1,500.

Many passengers, mostly civil servants and traders, were seen trekking long distances after waiting in vain for affordable transport.

‘I have been here since 7 a.m., but buses are not available, and those that come are charging outrageous amounts,’ lamented Chinyere Okonkwo, a trader at Wuse Market. ‘They said protesters blocked some roads, and drivers are scared of being caught up.’

Another commuter, Musa Ibrahim, said he had to walk from Nyanya to Kugbo before finding a cab. ‘I was told there’s tension around the city. The drivers are afraid, and those working are exploiting passengers,’ he said.

Although the protest was largely peaceful, heavy security presence was observed around the Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and Eagle Square, where protesters reportedly converged earlier in the day, chanting solidarity songs and demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), have yet to issue an official statement, but an officer at the Central Area Division confirmed that patrols were intensified to prevent any escalation.

The demonstration also caused temporary gridlock on major roads, particularly at AYA Roundabout, Wuse Zone 3, and Jabi, forcing many offices to open late as workers struggled to reach their workplaces.

Some ride-hailing services, including Bolt and Uber, reportedly suspended operations in parts of the city citing safety concerns.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign has continued to gather traction among his supporters, who argue that his prolonged detention despite court orders for his release constitutes a violation of human rights.

The Federal Government says it is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs annually through the launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.

This is as Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, said Kashim Shettima, would on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Abuja, flag off the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 and declare open a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation with the theme, ‘From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.’

The Vice President, on Monday, inaugurated the Project Steering Committee of the NJFP 2.0, with a charge to members to make sure the programme is inclusive, ensuring that the opportunity reaches every part of the country.

The NJFP, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the European Union (EU).

The program which was launched in 2022 to bridge the gap between skills, jobs, and enterprise, has already empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through the 12-month paid fellowships that build experience, confidence, and lasting career opportunities.

Inaugurating the Project Steering Committee, Shettima noted that the goal of the NJFP is to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young graduates with the required education but no job opportunity.

The programme, he said, represents ‘a deliberate attempt to translate the nation’s demographic strength into productive economic power, demonstrating that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion.’

He maintained that the NJFP is a Nigerian programme, shaped by national priorities and the nation’s sense of purpose, the VP told members of the Committee ‘to deepen that ownership, strengthen coordination across our institutions, and ensure that NJFP remains accountable to the ambitions of this administration.’

The Vice President also urged the Committee to work towards tangible outcomes and ensure inclusivity, VP Shettima said, ‘As we deliberate today, I encourage us to think not in terms of targets or figures alone, but in terms of outcomes that matter; young people whose lives change because this system works as intended.

‘We have an opportunity here to demonstrate what partnership done right can achieve: where government leads with clarity, partners contribute with confidence, and results speak for themselves. Therefore, let us approach our work with that understanding.

‘In scaling NJFP 2.0, inclusivity must remain at the heart of our design. Our young people are not a homogenous group; they live in different realities across regions, genders, and social backgrounds. We must ensure that this opportunity reaches every corner of the country – and that placements are tied to the sectors that will shape Nigeria’s future: agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.’

Gautier Mignot, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, expressed confidence that the programme would transform the lives of young Nigerians, saying the support of the Nigerian government will optimize the full mandate of the NJFP 2.0.

Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative, described the NJFP 2.0 as a part of a larger national and continental vision which the UNDP is proud to support, noting that the target is to work across Nigeria to build an ecosystem that creates jobs.

She applauded Vice President Shettima for spearheading the initiative, saying what young Nigerians need is investment opportunities and an enabling ecosystem to make use of their skills and expertise.

Earlier, Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, in his remarks, stated that the flag-off of the NJFP 2.0 on Wednesday, would also declare open the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation, themed: ‘From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.’

Speaking during a press conference at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the event scheduled to take place at the old banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Hadejia said the dialogue would bring together Federal and State policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss actionable strategies for expanding employment, supporting enterprise growth, and aligning youth skills with national priorities.’

He explained that building on the success of the NJFP, the second phase, NJFP 2.0, had been redesigned to respond to current economic realities and lessons learned from the first phase.

The target, he said, is to ‘put structures in place to sustain the deployment of at least 20,000 fellows annually’.

What’s the primary function of your office as Honorary Consul of Botswana?

As the Honorary Consul of Botswana in Lagos, my role is to promote bilateral trade and facilitate people-to-people engagements by actively introducing potential business partners, hosting sector-specific events, and ultimately, facilitating trade and investment flow. We operate as a commercial bridge, focusing squarely on the private sector.

How does the role of Honorary Consul differ from that of the High Commission in Abuja?

A Honorary Consul role is deliberately distinct from the High Commission in Abuja, which handles all formal diplomatic, political, and governmental aspects of the relationship-matters of state, security protocols, and policy negotiation.

How does your office’s focus on economic development and business facilitation complement the High Commission’s diplomatic efforts in Abuja?

By having the High Commission manage the formal diplomatic core in the capital, our Lagos office is free to focus intensively on the economic mandate, serving as a dynamic, hands-on liaison for the West African business hub. This specialization allows Botswana to engage Nigeria’s commercial engine directly, bypassing some of the typical diplomatic layers to accelerate market entry and B2B connections. Our value lies in execution and ground-level facilitation.

What specific initiatives or programs is your office implementing to facilitate trade and investment between Botswana and Nigeria, particularly in Lagos?

Lagos is the undisputed commercial capital of West Africa. Botswana recognizes that while political relations are established in Abuja, true economic growth and diversification-the lifeblood of our future-must be forged here, where the industries, the capital, and the entrepreneurial energy reside. Our mandate is to cut through bureaucratic red tape where possible, de-risk potential partnerships for our domestic investors, and ensure that Nigerian entrepreneurs who are interested in Botswana find a direct, commercial pathway rather than solely a diplomatic one.

How do you measure the success of the office’s efforts in promoting trade between Botswana and Nigeria, particularly in Lagos?

It’s about being pragmatic: trade thrives in Lagos; diplomacy is centered in Abuja. The office is positioned to ensure Botswana gets a significant share of that trade, offering a dedicated resource for business facilitation that Abuja cannot practically provide amidst its formal state duties.

What historical factors contributed to Botswana’s economic success?

Botswana’s economic narrative is truly unique in Africa. Following independence in 1966, the nation’s economy was fundamentally built on strong exports of diamonds and beef. The discovery and subsequent highly-managed extraction of diamond wealth provided the country with a profound advantage. When we look at that history, it reveals the strategic foresight of our early leadership. Botswana successfully used its diamond wealth to fund public services and extensive infrastructure projects. This disciplined investment transformed the nation from one of the world’s poorest countries in the 1960s into a stable, upper-middle-income nation today-a testament to resource governance.

The earlier discussion about promoting bilateral trade between Nigeria and Botswana leads me to ask: What current challenges drive Botswana’s efforts to diversify trade relationships Nigeria?

The principal challenge Botswana now faces is a weakening global diamond market. While the industry remains robust, the need for economic resilience is paramount. This market volatility creates an urgent, strategic mandate for the nation to diversify its economy, moving beyond a reliance on mineral resources, and reposition its economic partnerships. Botswana is now actively seeking to build new sectors in tourism, finance, logistics, and agriculture. Nigeria, with its immense market size, energy, and capital, is a natural and high-priority partner in this diversification strategy. We are moving from a single-pillar economy to one supported by multiple, resilient sectors.

How do you see Botswana’s livestock industry collaborating with Nigeria, particularly in terms of technology and expertise sharing?

Botswana is home to an impressive 5 million heads of cattle. This figure dwarfs the country’s human population. This large livestock population is the backbone of Botswana’s agricultural sector and supports its status as a significant beef producer on the African continent, with a strong international reputation for quality. While diamond revenue funds the country’s infrastructure, the cattle industry has long sustained vast portions of our rural economy. Now, we are looking at opportunities with Nigeria not just for trade in finished goods, but in agricultural technology and expertise transfer, leveraging that enormous livestock asset.

How do you navigate the differences in operational pace and business culture between Botswana and Nigeria to ensure successful partnerships?

The contrast in operational pace is perhaps our most consistent point of management. Botswana is a relatively insular country with a deliberate, measured pace. Botswana’s national character values precision, long-term stability, and cautious planning. This measured approach, while excellent for governance and stability, can sometimes clash with Nigeria’s characteristically fast-paced nature and entrepreneurial approach to execution.

What strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication and collaboration between Botswana’s measured approach and Nigeria’s fast-paced business environment?

Well, as you know, Nigerian business operates at speed, valuing immediate traction and quick pivots. Bridging this gap requires constant management, transparency, and educating both sides on the other’s operational culture. We strive to ensure that our measured speed is not interpreted as lack of interest, and Nigeria’s dynamism is not perceived as instability.

You mention that progress has been moderated. What two significant factors have moderated the progress of trade between Nigeria and Botswana?

Beyond the general economic shifts, two practical factors have significantly moderated the pace of engagement. The first is Botswana’s inherent national characteristic: its deliberate national pace, which can naturally slow down the time required for formalizing large-scale agreements. The second, and more tactical, is its strategic visa processes. While vital for the country’s security and governance, these processes can sometimes slow down the ease of travel and commercial engagement, making it harder for Nigerian businesses to conduct quick exploratory visits.

Can you tell us about the leadership behind Botswana’s relationship with Nigeria, specifically Her Excellency Madam Philda Kereng, High Commissioner of Botswana to Nigeria and her key areas of focus for collaboration?

Her Excellency, Madam Philda Kereng’s leadership has been instrumental in setting a clear, modern agenda for the relationship. Leveraging her professional background as a former Minister of Tourism, she has demonstrated a keen and intentional interest in fostering partnerships that are forward-looking and people-centered. Specifically, her identified areas of collaboration center on youth development and the creative economy.

She sees Nigeria’s dynamic film, music, and technology sectors, powered by its youth population, as a key blueprint for Botswana’s diversification. This focus moves beyond traditional resource extraction to knowledge-based, high-value-add industries, creating opportunities for joint ventures in areas like filmmaking, digital services, and cultural exchange.

Your appointment as Honorary Consul of Botswana to Lagos was formalized in 2020. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your work as Honorary Consul?

The pandemic delivered a significant setback to the initial momentum we had built. The COVID-19 pandemic severely limited in-person progress in 2020, freezing official visits and physical trade missions. This was a substantial hurdle for a role fundamentally based on face-to-face introductions.

How did your office adapt to the challenges it presented?

The office adapted swiftly by moving its core work entirely to digital platforms. We began utilizing virtual conferencing and digital tools to host B2B meetings, conduct sector presentations, and maintain engagement with key stakeholders in both nations. Crucially, this method of digital engagement was so effective that it has been sustained ever since, demonstrating a valuable long-term shift in how we approach relationship-building, making us more efficient and resilient to future travel disruptions.

Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Katsina State on Monday for a two-day working visit.

His aircraft landed at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina, at about 5:00 p.m.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima is expected to commission the newly completed dualised Central Mosque-Kiddies roundabout road and launch the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA), a digital initiative aimed at linking farmers with experts, markets, and suppliers.

He will also formally inaugurate the 9th National MSME Clinic, a platform that brings together entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies to promote and strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.

The Vice President was welcomed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, along with Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Nasir Yahaya Daura, Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, among other senior government officials.

In his entourage were Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; Senator Muntari Dandutse; and Abdullahi Aliyu, who represents the Musawa/Matazu federal constituency.

Also present at the airport to receive the Vice President were representatives of the Daura Emirate, the representative of the Emir of Katsina, the Kauran Katsina, as well as members of the Katsina State Executive Council and other dignitaries.

Combined team of security agencies have locked down strategic entry and exit points within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially the city center, where Omoyele Sowore and his free Nnamdi Kanu group are staging their protests.

This is just as the security agencies have restricted access to the Presidential Villa, the nation’s seat of power.

The measures, BusinessDay gathered is aimed at keeping the protesters away from the seat of power.

Recall that Sowore had indicated that the protest will move to the Presidential Villa, to drop their message, asking the President to release Nnamdi Kanu who has been held by the security since June, 2021.

BusinessDay checks also revealed that as early as 4 am on Monday morning, the combined team of security agencies had sealed off the roads.

They however allow people with genuine businesses to move about their activities.

The Embassy of the United States of America, had ahead of the protest, issued an advisory asking it’s citizens to stay away from the city center.

Some 20 women-led nano and micro businesses in Rivers State have run into good fortune provided by the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).

The PHCCIMA is led for the first time by a female president, Chineyere Nwoga, who assumed office in November 2024.

The empowerment was part of activities in Port Harcourt to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, on October 17, 2025. It included Financial Literacy session with the theme: ‘From Classroom to Boardroom,’ and ‘Essay Competition’ for selected secondary schools in the state.

Nwoga, noted that the PHCCIMA despite the abundance of wealth, natural and human resources and extraordinary technological advancements, poverty has remained a nagging and persistent challenge that confronts the society.

She bemoaned latest reports on poverty where 131m people are now below poverty line and the over 700m that are hungry in the world. She said; ‘Over 700 million people globally still go to bed very hungry. Over 700 million people still cannot afford basic education, still don’t have decent housing. The number is increasing on daily basis.’

Nwoga however pointed out that one of the most unfortunate aspects of poverty is the loss of dignity and the drowning of potentials and talents. ‘That is what poverty does to us. There is no dignity in poverty today.

‘More people are being drawn into poverty in the face of the very difficult times. The more time we spend talking about this, the more people are drawn into poverty. The more people get poorer.

‘So what should we do about this situation? What can we do to provide quality education, affordable housing, access to healthcare and all the SDG goals? Are we doing enough? Are we ready to do more?’

Nwoga said PHCCIMA is keyed into the SDG goals. ‘And this event today is a fine example of that. Creating opportunities and platforms to engage in practical solutions is our mainstay, that’s our business in the Chamber of Commerce.’

She pointed out that the initiative, ‘From Boardroom to Classroom,’ is targeted towards shifting mindsets and planning for the future.

‘The goal is to create a bunch of entrepreneurial opportunities for our young people who will lead us tomorrow.

‘So today, we encourage the young people to kindle their interest in entrepreneurial skills beyond making money. Entrepreneurship comes with a beautiful sense of self-reliance and a great sense of purpose. We want to help raise a generation of independent minds and game changers,’ she said.

Nwoga emphasized the role of women in social development. She stressed this as the chamber extended grants to 20 women-led nano and micro businesses in the state.

She pointed out that conversation around repositioning the society for greater development must recognise the need to empower women.

‘No society can progress if more than half of the population lack access to economic independence. More than half of the population are made up of women.

‘Women are not asking for handouts. We are asking for access to tools of empowerment and self-development. We know how to make things work. Whatever is given to us, we multiply. When you give us money to go and buy tomato and pepper, we give you a pot of stew. So we are skilled at multiplying things positively that are put in our care. And we are determined to make things work,’ she said.

Pacqueens Irabor, Regional Manager, South-South and South East, Bank of Industry (BOI), pointed out that, ‘Poverty is not the lack of cash or lack of capital. Poverty is the lack of sufficient will and discipline to do that which you know is right.

He said entrepreneurs should be problem-solvers, and not crowd-chasers who follow every emerging trend and business.

Irabor urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities for funding available at the Bank of Industry, adding that the bank had recorded a total risk asset of N12.2 billion in the South-South within the last nine months of the year.

Edughom Hanson, Treasurer (PHCCIMA) and Managing Director (Wider Perspectives), in her speech, explored the core principles of ‘Financial Literacy.’

She identified smart saving strategies and stressed the value of building an emergency fund early enough, especially for young people who aspire to be entrepreneurs.

Hanson urged the participants to understand that, ‘You don’t have to wait till you start to earning a lot of money before building the saving culture.

‘You should also set realistic and measurable financial goals using the SMART framework, which is abbreviation for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reliable and Time-bound Goals,’ she said.

Participants, Hanson said, should also understand how to avoid common money mistakes and develop habits that promote financial discipline and long-term growth.

‘You should be able to adopt a proactive mindset toward financial decision making and take actionable steps toward financial independence,’ she said.

Jack Daboikiabo, Chairman, PHCCIMA’s SMEs and NGOs Trade Group, said PHCCIMA is passionate about growing young and aspiring entrepreneurs, whom he described as ‘the future of the country.’

He noted the high level of poverty in the society, while urging participants, particularly the young among them, to take advantage of opportunities presented by the programme and PHCCIMA to improve themselves.

One highlight of the PHCCIMA event was the presentation of the two co-founders of StayWoke App, Akachukwu Blessed Nwachukwu and Ifunanya Gabrielle Okoye, both aged 10.

Their app, which focuses on keeping drivers awake, in a bid to reduce road accidents, won an international competition, and became a major point of celebration for participants at the PHCCIMA event.

The Regional Economic Department of the French Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have launched a technical cooperation project to enhance Nigeria’s capacity in personal data protection.

The initiative marks a new phase in the growing partnership between both countries in digital governance and regulatory development.

The project builds on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023, which established a legal framework for safeguarding citizens’ personal information. Through this cooperation, the NDPC will receive technical support to improve its institutional and operational systems. This includes training for officials, developing compliance audit methods, and designing practical tools for enforcement and awareness.

France, known for its data protection experience through bodies such as the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) and Expertise France, will provide guidance and share best practices to strengthen Nigeria’s regulatory processes.

A major component of the partnership will be a Study Tour to France later this year. The visit will enable NDPC officials to interact with French and European agencies involved in data protection, digital regulation, and public administration.

The cooperation is expected to support Nigeria’s goal of building trust in its digital ecosystem and ensuring that data protection becomes an integral part of public and private sector operations. It also reflects a shared commitment by both countries to promote responsible data governance and strengthen citizens’ rights in the digital age.

Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), one of Nigeria’s paint manufacturers, reported stronger earnings from its main business operations, as reflected in its latest financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2025.

The company’s focus on improving operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and deepening its product penetration is paying off, and the numbers tell the story.

According to CAP’s unaudited financial statement, the company’s revenue grew by 29 percent to N20.09 billion in the first half of 2025, from N15.61 billion in the same period of 2024. This growth was driven almost entirely by sales of paint products, which contributed N20.05 billion, reaffirming that CAP’s core business remains its most profitable engine.

Operating profit nearly doubled to N3.18 billion, representing a 95 percent year-on-year increase, while profit before tax rose 41 percent to N3.78 billion. Profit after tax followed a similar trajectory, increasing to N2.53 billion from N1.79 billion the previous year. Earnings per share improved from 220 kobo to 311 kobo, signaling stronger returns to shareholders.

A refocus on core operations

Over the past year, CAP has intensified its focus on paint production, streamlining non-core activities while optimising its manufacturing and distribution processes.

The company’s paints segment, which includes decorative coatings and industrial finishes, remains its main revenue contributor. This strategic focus has helped it navigate a challenging operating environment marked by high input costs and inflationary pressures.

By emphasising local production and efficient sourcing of raw materials, CAP has managed to keep its cost of sales in check. The company’s cost of sales rose 13 percent to N11.37 billion, much lower than its 29 percent revenue growth, indicating improved cost efficiency and better pricing power. As a result, gross profit surged 57 percent to N8.72 billion from N5.56 billion in H1 2024.

While finance income declined 43 percent to N601 million due to lower foreign exchange gains compared with the prior year, CAP maintained minimal finance costs of N726,000 during the period, reflecting its low-debt position. The company continues to rely on internally generated funds rather than borrowings, maintaining financial stability in a volatile economic environment.

Strengthening distribution and market reach

A key part of CAP’s success lies in its expanding distribution network and brand visibility. The company continues to invest in marketing and sales initiatives that drive consumer engagement, dealer incentives, and retail expansion across Nigeria. Selling and marketing expenses grew to N2.12 billion from N1.52 billion, reflecting sustained investments in brand activation and customer loyalty programmes.

Through its long-standing relationship with distributors and franchise owners of its flagship brands, Dulux and Caplux, CAP has maintained a strong market presence across the decorative paints segment. Its network of color centers and retail outlets has been instrumental in deepening market penetration and driving higher volumes.

Cost management and efficiency gains

Administrative expenses increased by 37 percent to N3.65 billion, a rise attributed to higher personnel costs and inflation-driven expenses such as energy, logistics, and professional services. However, the company’s ability to expand revenue faster than expenses indicates effective cost control.

Notably, CAP’s operating profit margin improved to 15.8 percent, up from 10.4 percent a year earlier, showing enhanced profitability from its core activities. This improvement comes amid disciplined management of working capital, better inventory control, and stronger cash flow generation.

The company’s cash from operating activities rose sharply to N2.43 billion from just N53.8 million in the same period last year. Its cash and cash equivalents nearly doubled to N7.59 billion, strengthening liquidity and supporting dividend payouts and reinvestment in business operations.

CAP’s balance sheet also reflects a company in solid financial health. Total equity rose 5 percent to N11.21 billion, while total assets increased to N20.42 billion, up from N16.76 billion in June 2024. The company’s net asset per share climbed 32 percent to N13.76, compared to N10.43 last year, evidence of growing shareholder value.

Additions to property, plant, and equipment were modest at N652.9 million, as the company shifted focus from expansion to maximizing existing capacity and improving asset utilisation. This capital discipline supports sustainable profitability without overextending resources.