Moghalu to traders: let’s unite to rescue state’s economy

The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Dr George Moghalu, has called on traders across the state to unite in rescuing Anambra’s economy from imminent collapse.

He described the current situation as a critical moment that demands honest, transparent, and visionary leadership.

Speaking during an interactive session with traders at the All Saints Cathedral Hall, Onitsha, Moghalu decried the unbearable tax regime, rising insecurity, and the neglect of markets by the current administration.

He commended the traders for their resilience and assured them that his government would restore dignity and prosperity to commerce in the state.

Moghalu promised that, if elected, his administration would modernise markets, end the exploitation of transport workers, and ensure transparency in all government dealings.

‘My administration will end the imposition of market leaders and allow traders to elect their representatives without government interference,’ he said.

Warning against returning the incumbent to office, he added, ‘If Soludo returns, he will not come with Aka Odo again-this time, he will come with a hammer.’

Moghalu, who was accompanied by his running mate, Mrs Ifeoma Okaro, reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Anambra’s economy through transparency, discipline, and innovation.

He emphasised that the market community remains the backbone of Anambra’s economy and will play a decisive role in restoring the state’s lost glory.

Earlier, traders at the event lamented multiple levies, daily extortions by agberos, and the harsh taxes imposed on businesses.

They recounted how motorcycle and tricycle operators, as well as bus drivers, are constantly harassed and forced to pay illegal tolls.

According to them, even when they park their keke and do not operate, they are still compelled to pay, describing the situation as wicked, insensitive, and unsustainable.

The traders further complained that despite the heavy taxes they pay, there has been no visible development or modernisation of markets, while industries continue to shut down across the state.

The event attracted market leaders, artisans, and business operators, including Jude Umennajiego, who represents Onitsha South II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, and Uche Okafor, among other dignitaries.

NIWA to develop Jabi Lake into world-class tourist hub

Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has announced plans to develop Jabi Lake into a world-class tourist hub in FCT.

The proposed project is expected to boost tourism and provide economic opportunities for Nigerians.

Oyebamiji noted that the project aims to transform the lake into a modern tourist hub in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and vision of FCT minister.

The NIWA chief spoke in Abuja yesterday after inspecting the lake in company of the agency’s management staff.

He noted that NIWA will partner private enterprises to develop the lake.

‘We want to develop, add value, and modernise Jabi Lake, an asset of Federal Government by the Inland Waterways Authority.

‘In line with Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and in line with the work of minister of FCT, we are partnering private enterprises to make sure we develop this place into a world-class tourist centre.

‘We are going to start after collaborations with other agencies and once the project is completed, Nigerians and the world are going to see a good tourist centre’.

Oyebamiji assured that the project will go through the necessary procurement processes, and interested investors can participate.

‘We have got three companies going to serve as a private enterprise, and we know that we have a procurement process. We are going to go through the procurement process and after that, we will start the project. At this stage, there is still an opportunity for interested investors to come in’.

He emphasised that NIWA is committed to collaborating withinterested parties and doing business with them after due diligence.

World Bank, BOI mull new development finance framework

The World Bank in partnership with the Bank of Industry, BOI has created a framework for development finance with an aim to accelerate job creation, unlock private capital, and deepen financial inclusion across the country.

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Matthew Verghis has emphasized the urgency of rethinking Nigeria’s development financial architecture to reflect changing global realities and domestic needs, stating that the partnership is to also chart a new development finance model to boast Nigeria’s economy.

Verghis disclosed at the second edition of the Bank of Industry Development Lecture Series in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Development Finance Imperatives: Rethinking Nigeria’s Path Forward,’ as he explains that Nigeria is at a turning point with clear signs of macroeconomic stability emerging from the government’s ongoing reform efforts.

He spoke on easing inflation, rising reserves, and growing industrial confidence as evidence that policy consistency and fiscal discipline were beginning to yield tangible results, he describes the removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a landmark achievement, signalling that the country’s financial system now meets international anti-money laundering standards.

According to him, ‘It is a signal that Nigeria’s anti-money laundering structures now meet international benchmarks, as a single step that enhances investor trust and strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth. Poverty and unemployment remain persistent challenges, noting that millions of Nigerians are yet to feel the benefits of macroeconomic reforms.

‘We are seeing progress in stabilization, but the purchasing power of citizens remains weak because inflation is still high, to sustain these reforms, we must focus on policies that drive job creation and increase access to finance. It is important for Nigeria to adopt a new model of development finance that mobilizes private capital and leverages digital innovation, the need to fill existing gaps in infrastructure and enterprise funding’.

He argued that traditional models in which governments and donors directly fund infrastructure are no longer sufficient to meet Nigeria’s enormous needs, estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually, stating that if the country follows conventional financing approaches it will not take them close to the infrastructure or enterprise goals, he explained that the country needs a shift, one that treats development finance not as an end in itself, but as a tool for structural transformation.

Speaking, BOI Chairman, Dr. Mansur Muhtar called for deeper collaboration among public institutions, private investors, and development partners to create an environment conducive to inclusive and sustainable growth, assuring that BOI remains committed to its mandate of driving industrialization and supporting businesses through innovative and responsible lending.

Why we dumped ‘crisis-ridden’ PDP for APC-Peretei

‘From today, there is only one party in Ondo State – the APC. Perhaps from the graveyard, there may be one or two shrill sounds, but they are mere echoes,’ he declared.

However, Peretei said that the Nigeria Workstation-a grassroots media advocacy, research, and strategy group made up of former members of the PDP, SDP, and AA – decided to align with the ‘progressive family’ under the APC to advance the cause of development and inclusion.

He lauded both Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Ondo APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, for their leadership and open-door policy, noting that the governor played a major role in making the unification possible and ensures smooth transition.

The former PDP spokesman also thanked the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whom he described as ‘the Rock of Gibraltar’ of President Tinubu’s administration, for his strategic guidance and encouragement that made the merger successful.

‘So, the significance of today will be felt in the next round of elections. Our supporters across the state are ready to work for the continued success of the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ Peretei said.

He also expressed appreciation to Ambassador Sola Iji, Commissioner for Environment Dr. Tob Loko, and several other party leaders for their support and goodwill messages.

The Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by Hon. Muyiwa Asagunla, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, commended the defectors for making what he described as a bold and patriotic move, urging the people of Ondo State to unite behind President Tinubu’s administration.

Adetimehin, who represented the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda assured the new members of equal treatment within the party.

He emphasised that the APC remains committed to inclusive governance, describing the defection as a major boost to the party’s strength ahead of future elections.

‘Our doors are wide open. This party is big enough to accommodate everyone willing to work for progress. Together, we will continue to build on the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President,’ he said.

The former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State Kennedy Peretei, has revealed that the deep ‘internal crisis’ within the opposition party forced him and others to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Peretei had led several prominent opposition figures from various political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Alliance (AA), under the umbrella of Nigeria Workstation to the ruling APC.

Among the defectors are the erstwhile Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government and SDP chieftain, Olutope Adebambo; and Mrs Rachael Ajayi, the 2020 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the SDP.

Others include Blessing Ologun, immediate past Assistant Ondo Treasurer of the PDP, and Omotayo Obolo, popularly known as Mitchel, a former Special Assistant to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

Speaking on Friday at an event to officially welcome the defectors to the APC, Peretie added that the lack of purposeful leadership compelled him and others to defect to the APC to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

He explained that their decision was also informed by the failure of opposition parties to provide credible leadership, strategic direction, and coordinated efforts capable of winning elections and forming government.

According to him, the decision to join the APC stemmed from the need to be part of a focused and coordinated political structure capable of winning elections and driving real development in the state.

‘Politics is about who gets what, when, and how. If you are in politics and not in government, you are just in a social club. When the leadership of the opposition is not deliberate, coordinated, and focused on how to win elections and form government, there is no justification for remaining there.

‘Let me take my reference from Harold Laswell’s definition of politics as ‘who gets what, when and how.’ If you are in politics and not in government, you are just in a social club.

‘I do not mean Nigeria should be a one-party state, but when opposition parties lack deliberate, coordinated, and focused leadership, then there is no justification for remaining in such opposition,’ he added.

He stressed that politics should be defined by purpose and results, not endless internal squabbles, describing their defection as marking the collapse of ‘the last plank of opposition’ in Ondo State.

Why workforce must include caregiving, by Lagos Commissioner

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has called for renewed investment in the care economy, describing care as the ‘foundation of national development’ and a key driver of productivity and social inclusion.

Ogunlende said this while delivering a keynote address at the Creative Care Council’s ‘National Day of Care’ event in Lagos, organised by Caring Africa, an advocacy initiative led by Blessing Adesiyan.

The gathering brought together policymakers, medical experts, creative industry leaders and social development advocates to advance conversations around formalising care work as a vital part of Nigeria’s economic and social infrastructure.

Speaking on the theme; ‘It Starts With Care,’ the commissioner said care was not sentimental or secondary, but a structural necessity that supported families, workplaces and economies.

‘Care is the foundation of our economy, the very infrastructure that supports our cities and national development. When families lack care, when aging parents receive no formal support, and when care work is informal and undervalued, the cost is huge. It shows up in lost productivity, gender inequality and wasted human potential.’ Ogunlende said.

He noted that through Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the government had continued to provide services and protection for children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

‘We manage over 15 homes and institutions, including correctional and elderly care homes,’ he said. ‘Just recently, we rescued a young lady who went missing from Lekki to Ikorodu. That’s part of what we do daily.’

Ogunlende said Lagos State’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which adds Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Youth Development to its core priorities, reflects the government’s commitment to embedding care in governance.

‘Care is the new oil,’ he said. ‘Not everyone will see its value immediately, but those who do and invest in it will reap its benefits. If we are serious about unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential, we must invest in the care economy, one that works for every child, every caregiver, and every older adult.’

Founder of Caring Africa, Blessing Adesiyan, shared a deeply personal story that inspired her advocacy for the care economy.

Recounting how she cared for her late father in the United States, she described care work as ‘quiet labour’ that sustained life but was often unpaid and undervalued.

‘That day was one of quiet labour, the kind of work that doesn’t earn income or recognition, but is driven by love and responsibility. Before any worker leaves home, there’s someone who wakes a child, ties their shoelaces, and packs their lunch. Care runs the economy before the economy even wakes up.’ Adesiyan recalled.

She emphasised that care work, parenting, nursing, cooking and caregiving, should be recognised as labour deserving of value and reward.

‘If we want a truly prosperous Nigeria, we must acknowledge that care is not just personal, it’s a national priority. Childcare, paid leave, elder care, these are the building blocks of a nation that truly values its people,’ she said.

Adesiyan called for public and private sector partnerships to build systems that make care affordable, accessible, and dignified. She also challenged the misconception that caregiving is ‘women’s work.’

‘Care is not a woman’s job. It is the work that makes every other kind of work possible,’ she said. ‘If we can care for our people, we can care for our progress.’

A consultant paediatrician and member of the Creative Care Council, Dr. Ayodele Renner, highlighted the health risks caregivers face, particularly women who shoulder the bulk of care responsibilities in Nigerian homes.

‘Women bear the disproportionate burden of care. In the short term, this can lead to burnout and anxiety. In the long term, it may cause insomnia, depression and reduced productivity. When we support care, we protect the health and well-being of caregivers.’ Dr. Renner said.

He stressed the need to institutionalise care as part of workplace policies, social protection programmes, and national health plans.

‘Care is infrastructure,’ he added. ‘When families have access to care, breadwinners can be more productive, and societies become stronger.’

When Habeeb Okunola hosts Alaafin Owoade

Despite being relatively young, High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola MON, OFR, the Akosin of Yorubaland, is far from inexperienced in the complexities of Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. Through unwavering dedication and hard work, he has built an impressive fortune that not only sustains him but also positions him as a pivotal figure in various sectors across the nation. While many of his contemporaries continue to struggle to establish themselves or seek opportunities abroad, Habeeb made a conscious decision to return to Nigeria after completing his master’s degree. This choice led him to establish a company that is now redefining the narrative around indigenous businesses thriving in Nigeria’s challenging environment.

Where others see obstacles, Habeeb identifies untapped opportunities. He skillfully utilizes his negotiation skills and extensive network to foster collaboration across different regions of Nigeria. Today, as the President of CINI Holdings, he is not just creating wealth for himself; he is making significant investments in multiple business portfolios that emphasize entrepreneurship and business development, particularly among the youth demographic. His enthusiasm for youth empowerment has garnered recognition and respect from notable figures, including the late Alaafin Adeyemi, who honored him with the prestigious title of Akosin of Yorubaland. Additionally, he was bestowed the title of Taiyese of Iseyin Land by the Aseyi of Iseyin, further solidifying his influence in the region.

As a High Chief of Yorubaland, Habeeb is deeply committed to the peace and stability of the South-West and Nigeria as a whole. His collaborations with various traditional leaders have enabled him to leverage his extensive connections to facilitate development initiatives. This dedication caught the attention of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, who recognized Habeeb’s potential as a transformative leader. Alaafin expressed his desire to foster a new era of partnership between the throne and its chiefs, emphasizing a mutual commitment to uplift the Yoruba people and preserve their rich cultural heritage.

Nigerians lose N300.2b to fraudulent schemes, says SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that Nigerians have lost an estimated N300.2 billion to fraudulent investment schemes in recent years, prompting the Commission to intensify its enforcement and investor protection measures across the financial sector.

This disclosure was made yesterday by AbdulRasheed Dan-Abu, Head of Fintech and Innovation Department at the SEC, during the 2025 Journalists Academy organised by the Commission in Abuja.

Dan-Abu said the figure was compiled from investigations into some of Nigeria’s most notorious Ponzi and illegal investment schemes, which have devastated households and small investors across the country.

According to him, ‘The losses, drawn from investigations into some of the country’s most notorious Ponzi and illegal investment schemes, reveal the devastating financial and social impact of these operations on households and small investors. The SEC’s estimates cover several collapsed schemes that had promised investors extraordinarily high and unsustainable returns.’

A breakdown of the figures showed that MMM Nigeria accounted for about N18 billion, while Nospecto Oil and Gas defrauded investors of roughly N45 billion. The MBA Forex and Capital Investment Ltd scheme wiped out N213 billion in investor funds before its collapse, while Chinmark Group, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Business, and Famzhi Interbiz Ltd collectively cost Nigerians over N24 billion.

The SEC noted that these figures do not capture all fraudulent entities, as other unregistered schemes have caused additional losses running into tens of billions of naira.

Financial analysts believe the real losses could be significantly higher, given that many victims – particularly those in rural communities – fail to report their experiences to regulators or law enforcement agencies.

‘These figures represent only a portion of the total losses suffered by the investing public,’ a source at the Commission disclosed. ‘The actual losses could be far more significant given the number of unreported cases and the proliferation of online schemes that evade regulatory scrutiny.’

Disturbed by the persistence of these fraudulent operations, the SEC said it has intensified its regulatory crackdown to protect investors and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

According to the Commission, its new strategy combines investor education, strict enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration. It includes partnerships with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to identify and freeze accounts linked to illegal investment operators.

Under this renewed enforcement drive, the SEC has secured court orders to shut down unregistered entities, initiated prosecution of their operators, and issued investor alerts naming firms engaged in unlawful solicitation. The Commission has also strengthened its technology-driven surveillance systems to track suspicious online investment advertisements, particularly across social media platforms.

‘The Commission remains committed to protecting investors through proactive regulation and strict enforcement actions against those who exploit public trust for illicit gain,’ SEC officials stated.

The Commission is also expanding its public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of unregistered investment schemes and the importance of verifying the registration status of any investment operator.

‘The public is strongly advised to always confirm the registration status of any investment firm before engaging in financial transactions,’ the SEC urged. ‘Investor education remains one of the most effective deterrents to financial fraud.’

Dan-Abu expressed optimism that the SEC’s tougher stance, coupled with its collaboration with security agencies, would significantly reduce the spread of Ponzi operations that have long preyed on unsuspecting citizens.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the SEC, represented by Mrs. Efe Ebelo, Head of External Relations, noted that over 80 million Nigerians are involved in crypto-related activities – a figure that reflects both the opportunities and the risks in the rapidly expanding digital asset market.

‘We are among the world’s top adopters of digital assets, with more than one-third of our population participating in crypto-related activity,’ Agama said. ‘This reflects the creativity of our young people, our deep mobile connectivity, and the hunger for inclusion.’

However, he warned that the same growth has also ‘created a fertile ground for exploitation,’ pointing to the rise in scams, phishing attacks, fake wallet applications, and ransomware schemes targeting unsuspecting users.

‘These threats show an urgent truth: without robust regulation, innovation can quickly become vulnerability. Regulation is not about restriction; it is about building trust and ensuring that innovation serves progress, not predation,’ Agama stated.

He explained that regulators worldwide face similar challenges in balancing innovation and investor protection. ‘Clamp down too hard, and innovation migrates offshore; regulate too softly, and systemic risks multiply,’ he said.

Agama cited global regulatory frameworks such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 15, the European Union’s 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) and MiCA framework, and ongoing enforcement actions in the United States as examples of how digital finance is being brought under stricter oversight globally.

He said Nigeria is not lagging behind, as the SEC in 2022 issued Rules on the Issuance, Offering, and Custody of Digital Assets, which define virtual assets as securities and establish a licensing framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

These rules, he explained, rest on three key principles. First, all VASPs operating in Nigeria must register and obtain SEC approval. Second, they are required to comply with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing obligations and cooperate with the NFIU in line with FATF standards. Third, VASPs must maintain real-time transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious or high-value activities.

Agama added that to strengthen enforcement, the SEC collaborates closely with the CBN and EFCC to freeze illicit digital wallets and recover criminal proceeds. Through partnerships with blockchain analytics firms, the Commission now deploys advanced monitoring tools to trace transactions, detect fraud, and enhance cybersecurity oversight.

He concluded that virtual assets hold vast potential to promote inclusion and attract investment, but innovation must always be guided by integrity.

‘Virtual assets hold immense potential to expand inclusion, mobilize investment, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in digital finance,’ Agama said. ‘But innovation must never outpace integrity.’

As the SEC sustains its enforcement drive, stakeholders are optimistic that the Commission’s balanced approach – combining investor education, regulatory vigilance, and technological supervision – will help restore public confidence and reduce the recurring cycle of investor exploitation in Nigeria’s capital market.

AMAN: Why we are celebrating at 30, by Enebeli

President of Artiste Managers Association in Nigeria, AMAN, Collins Ifeanyi Onwuneme Ajereh Enebeli a.k.a. Mavin Grandpa Worldwide (MGW) has given reasons why the association is rolling out the drums to celebrate its 30th anniversary of existence in grand style.

The show tagged ‘AMAN @ 30 Awards’ is billed for the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotels and suites on Wednesday November 26, 2025.

‘We can’t afford to keep quiet about this milestone’ Mavin Grandpa noted with a tinge of pride in a recent encounter.

‘An association that has lasted through three decades in Nigeria is not a baby’ he continues.

A quick pointer to the fact that AMAN is serious about its 30th anniversary is that in 2023, the first edition of the AMAN awards held at the Fantasia Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria while this year, 2025, the Artiste Managers Association In Nigeria (AMAN) award will hold at the Grand Ball room of Eko Hotels. This is no doubt an upgrade. We see this as a milestone worth celebrating. And heavily too according to our limits.

‘As part of our celebration, a careful meritorious selection of credible, influential, distinguished and impactful Nigerians have been listed for the prestigious AMAN awards which is a major highlight of the event of the evening.

‘The AMAN awards is designed to recognize, appreciate, and reward hard work and excellence within the creative industries in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.’

Mavin Grandpa Worldwide hinted excitedly, ‘the beauty of AMAN awards 2025 event is that it is a double barrel celebration of AMAN@30 and the 2nd edition of the AMAN awards. What is more, we have surprises for our guests..including a longer award list made possible by the board of Governors for the AMAN Awards.

Federal Fire Service to deploy technology assets to combat fire incidents

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode Adeyemi has declared that effective fire services across Nigeria depends largely on available technology innovations and infrastructures.

He said the Federal Fire Service would prioritise the strengthening of its digital infrastructures and ensure the training of its personnel to achieve maximum results in fire fighting and rescue operations.

Adeyemi said the FFS would commit its resources to deployments of digital assets that can stand the test of time in fire fighting in line with global best practices and standards.

He added that attention would focus on infrastructures that would prevent data loss and cause security breaches, noting that compromised data could hamper efficient fire service delivery in Nigeria.

The Fire Service boss spoke during the 2025 Cyber Security Awareness Day organised by the Information and communication Technology (ICT), Unit of the Federal Fire Service, (FFS).

The programme had the theme: ‘Advancing the Cause of Cyber Security in the Operations of Federal Fire Service and Sustainable Practice Among Personnel.’

He said there is a critical connection between cyber security and effective fire service delivery, pointing out that it is an integral component of fire service delivery.

The Fire Service boss said the significance of cyber security in today’s technologically advancing world, stating that ‘this core mission is now inextricably linked to the security of our digital infrastructure.

Adeyemi, who was represented by the Deputy Controller General in Charge of Policy , Planning, Research and Statistics, (PPRS), Ijeoma Okidi, said that the Federal Fire Service’s digital transformation aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s e-reform mandate and enhances operational efficiency.

He however warned of the new responsibilities that come with the reforms saying, ‘I urge every officer to take personal ownership of digital security.’

While commending the ICT Unit and the planning committee for championing the digital revolution in line with the recent charge of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during the launch of the INTERAS, (Interior Electronic Records and Archiving System), platform, Adeyemi encouraged personnel to integrate knowledge from the program into their daily activities.

The Controller General stressed that cyber security is a shared responsibility within the service, saying that the management of the FFS is fully committed to improving digital defenses,.

The Head of the ICT Unit, Chief Superintendent of Fire, (CSF) Sarah Hassan said the commitment of stakeholders remain paramount to the success of the organisation, stressing that such commitment is needed to drive a safer and more resilient environment.

‘Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a shared responsibility that underpins the effectiveness of our Service.

‘Every officer from command to field must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the systems and information that supports our operations,’ She stated.

Participants at the event were drawn from the Nigerian Army, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), amongst others institutions.

Festival to herald Ooni’s 10th coronation

SloweGanzi International has launched ÀSÉ10: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity, a celebration of Yoruba heritage, global reconnection, and 10 years of leadership of Arolé Odùduwà, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojájá II, the 51st Ooni of Ife.

Holding from November 30 to December 7, this inaugural marks a defining moment for Yoruba culture. It will unite Yoruba in diaspora in a celebration of identity, creativity, and shared heritage.

The organisers said ÀSÉ10 is a platform to showcase the depth of Yoruba heritage through art, music, scholarship, spirituality, and enterprise. It also seeks to inspire reconnection among the Yoruba diaspora while strengthening Pan-African unity through culture and creativity.

The festival coincides with the 10th coronation of Ooni, whose reign has been marked by peace, youth empowerment, and cultural pride.

Spanning Lagos to Ile-Ife, ÀSÉ10 will feature cultural exhibitions, art installations, film premieres, academic forums, music performances, fashion showcases, culinary festivals, and sacred ceremonies. A royal banquet and fireworks display will crown the week’s activities, offering guests an experience of Yoruba artistry and hospitality.

In addition, the festival will unveil the Legacy Project – Yoruba History and Arts Museum, a visionary cultural institution to be established in Ile-Ife. The project aims to preserve and promote Yoruba art, history, and philosophy for generations to come.

A representative of SloweGanzi International described ÀSÉ10 as a call to reconnect, rediscover, and reassert the power of Yoruba heritage as a global force for unity and peace.’

Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, said ‘over these 10 years, His Majesty has reimagined traditional leadership – not as an artifact of the past, but as a living, evolving anchor for culture, unity, and development.’