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The landowners of Treasure Park and Garden Phase 2, City of David Estate, Shimawa, Ogun State, have faulted the management of Adron Homes and Properties Limited for claiming that they are the sole owners of the estate.

According to the landowners, the Adron Homes management erected a signpost at the entrance of the estate on Saturday, October 4, 2025, declaring it a private development owned and developed by the company.

‘We, the landowners of Treasure Park and Garden Phase 2, City of David Estate, Shimawa, Ogun State, who lawfully purchased plots, paid all required development fees and have constructed properties within the estate, wish to state that the notice was made in bad faith,’ Olabode Cole, a landowner, noted in a statement obtained by BusinessDay.

The landowners reminded the company that there is currently a suit pending before the High Court in Sagamu on the issue of ownership of Treasure Park and Garden Phase 2, City of David Estate, Shimawa, Ogun State.

They also notified members of the public that there is a subsisting legal action, praying the court to declare that the estate is jointly owned by all the property owners in the estate.

‘Adron Homes and Properties Limited cannot claim it is the sole owner of the estate. Moreover, the matter is currently undergoing adjudication before the High Court No. 5, Sagamu, Ogun State, in Suit No. HCS/482/2024,’ Cole said.

Continuing, he said, ‘until the court delivers a judgment in the suit, prospective purchasers, occupiers, and other interested parties are urged to take note that ownership of the estate is disputed and should verify title and other relevant facts independently.’

They explained that this notice is issued for information purposes by the landowners of Treasure Park and Garden Phase 2, City of David Estate, Shimawa, Ogun State.

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have thwarted a planned kidnapping and armed assault by suspected bandits in Byazhin Forest, a suburb of Abuja, recovering an AK-47 rifle and live ammunition during a late-night operation.

The operation, carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, was part of intensified efforts to curb the resurgence of banditry and kidnapping across border communities in the FCT, particularly Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada, where joint security patrols have recently been stepped up.

According to a statement on Tuesday by Josephine Adeh, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, the raid followed credible intelligence from the Force Headquarters’ Technical Intelligence Unit, which revealed that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, also known as ‘Mai Duna,’ was planning coordinated attacks on several villages near the Byazhin forest axis.

‘Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, on 10th October 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed tactical teams to mount an ambush along the suspected routes of the criminals.

‘At about 1:00 a.m. on October 11, the operatives reportedly intercepted two armed groups advancing toward their target area, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted about twenty minutes’, the statement said.

The police said the attackers were subdued and forced to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.

According to the statement, additional police and military reinforcements were deployed to secure the area, block possible escape routes, and comb the forest for fleeing suspects.

‘A subsequent search of the scene led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and thirty rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition’, it added.

The Command added that the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the operatives for their gallantry and quick response, describing the operation as a major success that prevented what could have been a serious security breach in the capital territory.

‘He further directed all medical facilities within the FCT and adjoining states to be on alert and report any person found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation immediately,’ the statement noted.

The police said they have intensified joint operations with the military and local vigilante groups to dismantle criminal hideouts and strengthen surveillance in forested border areas linking Abuja with Niger State.

In what appears to be one of the biggest political shakeups in Enugu State in recent years, Governor Peter Mbah and all members of his cabinet have officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The mass defection, which was confirmed on Monday, comes ahead of Mbah’s formal declaration to join the APC on Tuesday. For over two decades, Enugu has been known as a stronghold of the PDP, but this latest move may mark the end of that political era in the state.

Governor Mbah’s Senior Media Aide, Dan Nwomeh, announced the development in a video posted on his social media pages. The footage showed several top government officials including commissioners, advisers, and aides openly declaring their allegiance to the APC.

In the video, the officials could be heard chanting political slogans in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC. ‘We are now in APC; tomorrow is here; it is APC all the way; it is Jagaban all the way; from top to bottom,’ they declared enthusiastically.

Nwomeh captioned the post: ‘Enugu State Cabinet Members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah.’

Adding to the wave of defections, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the PDP and one-time contender for the position of National Secretary, also resigned from the party.

In a resignation letter dated October 13 and addressed to the PDP chairman in his Agbogugu Ward, Awgu Local Government Area, Udeh-Okoye said the party had ‘lost its moral compass and ideological direction.’

He expressed deep disappointment over what he described as the party’s departure from its founding principles.

‘The decision to quit the party did not come lightly,’ he wrote. ‘The PDP was an integral part of my political journey, offering me opportunities to contest and serve in various offices. For these privileges, I remain profoundly grateful.’

He added that remaining in the party had become ‘a matter of conscience,’ explaining that the PDP he once knew was no longer committed to democracy, accountability, and service to the people.

‘I am compelled to part ways with the PDP as I embark on a progressive journey dedicated to restoring the values of democracy, accountability, and service to the people,’ Udeh-Okoye said.

Udeh-Okoye’s resignation did not come as a surprise to many political watchers. He had been at the center of the party’s internal battles, particularly after his contest with Senator Samuel Anyanwu for the position of National Secretary. The controversy deepened existing cracks within the PDP and weakened its unity in the South-East.

Governor Mbah’s defection, along with that of his cabinet members, has sent shockwaves through the state’s political scene. For decades, the PDP has been the dominant force in Enugu politics, winning every governorship election since 1999.

Political observers believe the governor’s move could change that history and reshape the political alignment in the region.

‘This is not just about one man moving,’ said a political analyst based in Enugu. ‘It’s about the entire government structure of commissioners, advisers, and aides shifting allegiance. It sends a strong signal that the PDP’s dominance in Enugu is coming to an end.’

The timing of the defection is also significant. It comes as the APC seeks to strengthen its influence in the South-East, a region where it has struggled to gain traction over the years. With Mbah’s entry, analysts believe the ruling party may finally have a foothold in Enugu ahead of future elections.

For the PDP, the defection represents another major setback in the South-East. The party, which once enjoyed almost total control across the region, has seen its dominance gradually eroded by internal wrangling and leadership disputes.

In Enugu, the cracks became more visible during the 2023 elections, when factional disagreements nearly cost the party several legislative seats. Mbah’s defection may now deepen those wounds.

A PDP member who spoke anonymously expressed disappointment but not surprise. ‘The warning signs have been there for a while,’ he said. ‘The governor and some of his aides had been flirting with the APC for months. What we’re seeing now is just the official confirmation.’

Another party loyalist blamed the national leadership of the PDP for failing to address internal divisions. ‘Many members feel abandoned,’ he said. ‘The leadership has lost touch with the base, and people are simply moving where they think their political future is secure.’

Meanwhile, the APC leadership is said to be preparing an elaborate ceremony to welcome Governor Mbah and his team into the party. Sources close to the party say the event will take place in Enugu on Tuesday, with top APC figures from across the country expected to attend.

An APC chieftain in the state described the move as ‘a new dawn for Enugu politics.’

‘Governor Mbah’s decision to join the APC is a testament to President Tinubu’s growing influence in the South-East,’ he said. ‘This is just the beginning of greater things to come.’

With the defection, Enugu’s political landscape is set for a major realignment. The PDP, once seen as unshakable, may now struggle to maintain its hold in the state.

Political analysts say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the APC can consolidate its new gains or whether internal rivalries will undermine the governor’s move.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday welcomed the news of Shell’s $2 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) on a new gas project in the shallow offshore HI Field, in OML 144.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed that the new Non-Associated Gas (NAG) development project will deliver approximately 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) from 2028, equivalent to almost a third of the requirements of Nigeria LNG Limited’s Train 7 project.

He disclosed that this brings total significant upstream investment commitments through Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to over US $8 billion since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, underscoring the success of his reform agenda and the renewed confidence of global investors.

According to him, ‘ This investment decision is Nigeria’s third major oil and gas FID in the last 18 months, following the Ubeta Non-Associated Gas project and the Bonga North deepwater project. It marks yet another milestone in Nigeria’s journey to unlock its abundant gas resources for domestic and export use. The Ubeta and HI gas projects can supply up to 15 percent of the NLNG’s total feedgas requirements, covering Trains 1 to 7.’

Recall that in 2024, Tinubu had issued targeted directives as part of the industry reform coordinated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

These directives have introduced unprecedented fiscal incentives, regulatory clarity, operating process simplification, cutting contracting costs, and reducing approval cycle times.

These reforms, now embedded in legislation, have restored investor confidence and repositioned Nigeria as a competitive investment destination.

The three landmark FIDs-the HI and Ubeta gas projects, and Bonga North deepwater-represent blueprint projects selected and unlocked by the Federal Government to drive the implementation of the presidential directives. Specifically, the development of the HI gas field-discovered four decades ago, in 1985-is being enabled by Presidential Directive 40, which introduced a competitive fiscal framework for Non-Associated Gas in onshore and shallow offshore fields.

Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Energy, said ‘With the Ubeta FID and now the HI FID, we have secured the gas supply needed to make NLNG Train 7 not just possible, but transformative.

‘These projects will significantly strengthen the reliability of Nigeria’s LNG exports to global markets while expanding LPG supply for domestic use – reducing imports, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and advancing clean cooking access for millions of Nigerian households. And this is only the beginning; more FIDs are on the horizon, proving that with the right policies in place, investment and impact follow.’

Peter Costello, Shell’s Upstream President, said, ‘Following recent investment decisions related to the Bonga deep-water development, today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector, with a focus on Deepwater and Integrated Gas. This Upstream project will help Shell grow our leading Integrated Gas portfolio, while supporting Nigeria’s plans to become a more significant player in the global LNG market.’

The NLNG Train 7 project will expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity by 8 million metric tonnes annually, 35 percent of current production. In addition to reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global gas supply value chain, it will expand domestic gas supply, support job creation, catalyse economic growth, and stimulate SMEs in host communities.

President Tinubu reiterates his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Nigeria’s domestic and foreign investors.

‘This major FID announcement by Shell, their second in one year, is a clear validation of our wide-ranging reform efforts and a signal to the world that Nigeria is fully open for business and investment.’

When it was apparent that the tenure of Bolaji Agbede as the acting Group CEO of Access Holdings was coming to an end early this year, the Board of the company launched a meticulous search for her replacement. Agbese took over soon after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe in February 2024, and with her steady hands and calm composure, she led the company in those sad and difficult months. The emphasis was therefore on getting a man or woman with the requisite technical competence and impressive leadership qualities who embodies the ideals of the Access Group to succeed her. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, board chairman and a major shareholder, was particularly interested in the personality fit of the candidate because he realises how important it is and how well it impacts leadership style, team dynamics and company culture. Many candidates were considered, and eventually, Innocent Ike, a former staff member of Access Bank, was picked for many reasons. Ike is a typical dyed-in-the-wool Access Warrior (that’s what staffers call themselves). As a young trainee, Ike worked under Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in GT Bank in the 1990s and was one of the few young GT staffers who moved with Aig-Imoukhuede and the late Herbert Wigwe to Access in March 2002. Another young trainee who also moved with them from GT is Roosevelt Ogbonna, the CEO of Access Bank Plc (I am sure that by now my readers know the difference between Access Holdings Plc and Access Bank Plc).

‘In the military, a warrior returning home typically means he’s completed his mission, duty or time in service and is coming back to his family, community or homeland. It can symbolise a transition from a state of conflict or battle to one of rest or retirement.’

Aig-Imoukhuede and Wigwe had launched a hostile takeover of the small, nondescript bank and quickly assumed its ownership and management in 2002. In just over a decade, they had grown the bank to become one of the top five in the country, and today it is the biggest in assets and customer base and one of the nation’s most profitable banks. Innocent Ike was an important member of the family throughout this growth stage, holding many responsibilities and climbing rapidly to the peak as General Manager in charge of the FCT and the Northern markets. In that role, he managed the bank’s commercial and public sector portfolios and contributed significantly to its profitability. In addition, Ike grew his contacts among the nation’s political and business elites, a major consideration in any senior-level recruitment the world over. When I joined the bank in June 2008, it was easy to spot him as one of those who would end up at the top someday, somewhere.

Mild-mannered and affable, Ike picks his words carefully and speaks almost with a stutter. He was appointed CEO of Polaris Bank in 2020 and served in that role until 2022. During his tenure, he launched VULTe, the bank’s award-winning digital banking platform. I visited him at Polaris Head Office in August 2021. As soon as I was ushered into his office, I exclaimed, ‘Igwe!’ – I have been addressing him that way since I first met him. We discussed for over an hour, and I was struck by his warmth and openness. He told me of his tutelage under Aig (that’s how Chairman Aig-Imoukhuede is fondly called by staff members, friends and associates) and all that he had learnt from the Access culture. Here he was as the CEO of another bank, paying tributes to his former boss. Aig-Imoukhuede himself had buried his mother days earlier, and Ike had led a delegation of some warriors to pay him a condolence visit at his Ikoyi office. Gratitude is not very common in banking. It’s an industry where arrogance, competition and greed could detract some.

Now as Group CEO of Access Holdings, the warrior has returned home. In the military, a warrior returning home typically means he’s completed his mission, duty or time in service and is coming back to his family, community or homeland. It can symbolise a transition from a state of conflict or battle to one of rest or retirement. But in Access Nation, a warrior returning home means a former staff member returning to the bank to assume new roles or responsibilities. Ike has his job cut out for him. In the immediate term, he is to drive the group’s 2023-2028 business growth strategies in the next three years and deliver value and higher returns to stakeholders. The plans include further expansions in Africa and other important markets beyond Africa. Ike is to focus on cost optimisation by ensuring that the company’s massive size delivers higher values through synergies across businesses. Late last year, Access Holdings completed its recapitalisation and emerged as the nation’s first bank to meet the new N500 billion minimum capital base. I have no doubt that Ike will rise to the occasion. Igwe! May your tenure be successful!

That a country’s development is dependent on its having good and visionary political leadership is a truism that cannot be controverted. In today’s world, no country can rise above the aspirations, dreams, and visions of its political leaders. For example, Chairman Mao Tse Tung laid the ideological framework and groundwork for the development of China. And the Singaporean leader, Lee Kuan Yew, a political ideologue and visionary, ignited the technological and economic development of Singapore. Malaysia, which was at par with Nigeria when Nigeria became politically independent in 1960, has prospered under good political leadership, too.

Incredibly, these aforementioned countries are not as endowed as Nigeria. Yet, they have outpaced Nigeria in economic, technological, and political development. For all our human and material resources, coupled with our possession of many waters (seas, lakes, ponds, and rivers), large landmass, and equable weather conditions, Nigeria has not become a truly developed nation-state.

The leadership crisis is the bane of Nigeria. It is our Achilles’ heel. Nigeria’s journey to sustainable national development is dogged by inept and unpatriotic political leadership. Didn’t the best novelist from Africa, Chinua Achebe, diagnose Nigeria’s problem as the failure of leadership?

I could not agree more with Chinua Achebe regarding his political diagnosis and prognosis of Nigeria, as it is obvious to the generality of Nigerians that a leadership problem is at the root of our national malaise. Until 1998, Nigeria had alternated between having vicious and despotic military regimes and being ruled by clueless political leaders, who were ethnic chauvinists and religious bigots. The military rulers ruled with an iron fist, violating our fundamental human rights, while the political leaders deepened our ethnic and religious fissures and brought about the ruination of our economy.

However, sadly, since the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999, our lot as Nigerians has not improved; neither has Nigeria realised its potential. Today, Nigeria is confronted with infrastructural rot and deficit. And its economy is in the doldrums and in a tailspin; consequently, millions of Nigerians have been rendered destitute.

Moreover, education, which is the cornerstone of national development, has been neglected by successive civilian governments in Nigeria. Did their budgetary allocations for education meet the UNESCO stipulation that a country’s budgetary allocation for education should be twenty-six percent of its national budget? Yet, we are not unaware that a functional educational system is a fillip to the birthing of educational institutions, which will become bastions of scientific, political, technological, and economic knowledge.

But here in Nigeria, our political leaders are not political visionaries and ideologues. Rather, they are thieving politicians who are destitute of probity and leadership qualities. And they have warped views of political leadership. They perceive their occupation of exalted political posts as opportunities to loot our exchequer so as to become rich. Some past state governors in Nigeria, such as James Ibori, Rev. Jolly Nyame, and Joshua Dariye, who cooked the financial books of their states, were prosecuted and jailed. And till now, a majority of our political leaders, who operate at different governmental strata, are dipping their hands in the government’s coffers.

But we still have political leaders and appointees who exhibit exemplary behaviour. They are actuated by the desire to transform Nigeria positively and better the lot of the common man. And they perform their duties with patriotic fervour. They are not cut from the same cloth as our corrupt, inept, and unpatriotic political leaders. Those politicians are few and far between, however.

Among that rare breed of politicians is Engr. Eric Anyamene. Trained as an engineer at the University of Portharcourt, he went ahead to earn an MSc in Management and Administrative Studies and an MBA from the School of Management at the University of Texas in Dallas.

Armed with many years of experience as an engineer, he was drafted into the executive cabinet of Gov. Bala Mohammed, who is the governor of Bauchi State. Engr Eric Anyamene, who hails from Obosi, Anambra State, was appointed Senior Special Assistant (Strategy and Communication) to Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. And he has been discharging his duties with panache and élan to the admiration of his boss, Gov. Bala Mohammed.

Not only is Engr Eric Anyamene making significant contributions to the smooth governance of Bauchi state by Gov. Bala Mohammed, but he is also engaged in the execution of projects for the benefit of his Anambra people. The Eric Anyamene Foundation, of which he is the founder, has been giving financial assistance to ailing geriatrics. In the recent past, the Foundation had made monetary donations to churches to aid their ecclesiastical works.

More so, his awareness that our developmental initiatives can be driven only by well-educated Nigerians informed his decision to institute a scholarship scheme for brilliant students who are from poor homes. So far, Udemba Emmanuel, Obi Chisom, and Onyedika Mgbemena, who are undergraduate students in different Nigerian universities, are beneficiaries of his scholarship scheme.

Nigeria can realise its potential and take its pride of place among the comity of nations if Engr. Eric Anyamene and his ilk are helped to access political power. If elected into political offices, their worldviews and perceptions of political leadership will influence their leadership styles and put Nigeria on the trajectory of irreversible technological and economic advancement.

Until we get it right, politically, Nigeria will continue to go round in circles. And it will remain the butt of jokes among the comity of nations unless and until we muster the political will to elect patriotic politicians who possess leadership qualities and probity into exalted political positions.

Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd. has been here since independence, and Nigeria will be 65 years old on October 1st. What would you say about your firm’s journey from independence to date?

Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) has grown alongside the nation as a trusted partner. For 65 years, we have refreshed generations of Nigerians with iconic beverages, becoming part of everyday life at home, at work and in moments of national pride. From our first plant in Ijora, we have expanded to nine state-of-the-art facilities across Nigeria, consistently delivering products that meet global standards while reflecting local tastes. This balance of quality, reliability and cultural relevance is what has made our brands truly Nigerian.

Our commitment goes beyond refreshment. Through initiatives like the Pepsi Football Academy, we have discovered and nurtured local football talent that went on to shine globally. In music and entertainment, our partnerships with leading artists and platforms have helped define Nigerian pop culture for decades. Legendary moments such as Lekki Sunsplash and our long-standing sponsorship of Big Brother Naija, AMVCA, Rhythm Unplugged, and the Lagos City Marathon are part of this cultural legacy.

We have also invested in education and leadership, notably through the Seven-Up Harvard Business School Scholarship, now in its second decade, supporting future Nigerian leaders to gain world-class knowledge.

As Nigeria turns 65, we celebrate both the nation’s journey and our own evolution into a key player in Nigerian manufacturing. What remains constant is our mission: to refresh and inspire a youthful lifestyle.

How do you handle your status as a multinational company in a developing country like Nigeria?

Operating as a multinational in Nigeria is both a responsibility and a privilege. For us, presence here is not just about business, it is about purpose and partnership. Our operations are designed to inspire people while improving lives, with sustainability, inclusivity, and trust at the heart of all we do.

Yes, Nigeria has its challenges, but it also has unmatched energy, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. We navigate the environment through innovation, cultural relevance, and deep community engagement. We see ourselves not only as a global brand but as a proudly Nigerian company, rooted in the people, passion, and possibilities of this country.

The soft drinks industry is characterised by strict regulations; how do you handle your relationship with the industry regulators? What are the regulations that you want the nation to revisit?

At SBC, we see regulators as partners in ensuring consumer safety, industry integrity, and national progress. Our relationship with agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, FCCPC, and the Federal Ministry of Environment is built on transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility. We proactively engage with regulators and industry associations, like MAN, NECA, AFBTE, and FBRA, ensuring compliance while also contributing technical expertise that helps shape forward-looking policies. Our belief is that collaboration between the private and public sectors is the surest path to a fair and globally competitive business environment in Nigeria.

Competition in the industry is very high. How prepared is your firm to handle disruptions?

Competition and disruption are constant features of the FMCG sector. Our readiness lies in our deep-rooted commitment to long-term value, innovation, and the refreshment of the Naija spirit. We focus on offering value to consumers, providing quality products, and ensuring that no matter the disruption, our consumers can always rely on us.

News of product adulteration emerges from time to time as unscrupulous individuals make products in the names of the leading brands in the country. How do you address this challenge?

At SBC, consumer safety and brand integrity are non-negotiable. We take the threat of product adulteration very seriously and have put in place robust quality control systems and secure packaging to help consumers easily identify original SBC products.

We also work closely with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and industry associations to detect and eliminate fake products from circulation. Additionally, we run awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to spot counterfeit goods and report suspicious activity.

Our goal is to protect our consumers, uphold the trust they place in us, and ensure that every bottle with the SBC name delivers the safety, quality, and refreshment they expect and deserve, and I am proud to note that on September 30, 2025, SBC was recognised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency as a valuable stakeholder in advancing consumer protection in Lagos State.

Environmental challenges are some of the issues that define the soft drinks industry. How does Seven Up contribute to making the environment safe?

At SBC, we are resolute on impact, which includes how we care for the environment. This commitment is visible through several initiatives we have taken up, backed by great ideas and purposeful activities led by our team, to inspire better and quality living for all Nigerians.

Our environmental efforts are part of our broader impact vision, which touches areas such as community development, education, health, sports, arts, and entertainment, but also extends deeply into sustainability, circular economy, and climate action.

We have led environmental initiatives across the country, including:

Our ‘One Staff, One Tree’ Project: In partnership with the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) and the Eco-Restoration Foundation (ERF), SBC launched this ambitious initiative to plant 2,500 trees across Nigeria. This includes a donation of 1,000 trees to the ‘Lekki Million Trees’ project to support reforestation and land restoration.

Our Green Skills School Challenge and Sustainability Week: SBC hosted a Sustainability Week and launched the Green Skills School Challenge, where students from 18 schools showcased innovative recycling and waste management projects. This initiative has empowered the next generation with practical skills in the circular economy, climate action, and responsible production.

Active Membership in the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA): As a founding member of the FBRA, SBC is observing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within Nigeria’s beverage sector, promoting waste reduction, recycling, and cleaner production processes.

Reduction of Plastic Footprint and Water Conservation: As outlined on our corporate website, we are committed to reducing plastic use, conserving water, and embedding sustainable practices into every part of our operations.

Introduction of recycled materials into our product packaging: 30% of the resins used to make our plastic bottles is made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).

Carbon Emission Reduction: We practice energy sobriety and our energy mix is from renewable/low impact sources.

Through these efforts and more, since 2021 SBC has achieved a 25% increase in water use efficiency as well as a 34% reduction in C02 emissions, and SBC remains committed to making Nigeria safer, greener, and more sustainable for the future of our planet.

Naira float and subsidy removal affected a number of businesses in Nigeria. What measures did you introduce to minimise the effects of these policies without putting too much burden on the consumers?

Despite macroeconomic pressures, our promise to consumers has not changed. We continue to deliver quality beverages at affordable prices across all segments. By listening closely to consumer needs, rolling out value-driven campaigns, and offering a wide portfolio for different wallets, we ensure Nigerians can always access the brands they love.

Technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and others, have greatly influenced the corporate world all over the globe. How does your firm cope with these new challenges?

We see technological innovation not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to reimagine how we work, connect, and serve. The rise of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and other digital advancements has accelerated transformation across industries, and we are embracing this evolution with intention and purpose.

We are gradually integrating intelligent systems into various aspects of our operations, from data-driven supply chain optimisation and smart manufacturing to consumer insights and predictive analytics that help us stay ahead of market trends. These technologies allow us to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and make faster, more informed decisions that ultimately benefit our consumers.

At the heart of this adoption is our culture of innovation, creating a hub where ideas, data, and technology converge to drive better outcomes for the Nigerian people. We invest in training and upskilling our workforce to ensure they are equipped for the digital future while also maintaining our human touch, because for us, people will always remain central to progress.

The year is running to an end, and traditionally, this is the time that consumers benefit from organizations such as yours. What should the Nigerian consumers expect from your firm this time around?

As we approach the end of the year, SBC remains committed to being a part of the moments that matter most to Nigerians. This is a special time for us, as it gives us the opportunity to connect more deeply with our consumers and deliver even more value through the brands they know and love.

Nigerians can expect a vibrant season filled with exciting brand activations and limited-edition experiences designed to bring refreshment, joy, and shared memories. Across our portfolio, from 7UP and Pepsi to Aquafina and Supa Komando, we are rolling out creative campaigns and seasonal offerings that reflect the energy, resilience, and spirit of the Nigerian people.

As always, we will continue to deliver the quality, taste, and consistency our consumers expect while finding fresh and innovative ways to reward, and appreciate them. This season, Nigerians can count on SBC to bring the extra spark to their year-end festivities, because for 65 years, we’ve been more than just a beverage company; we’ve been a part of the moments that make the season unforgettable.

What other information would you like to pass to your current and prospective consumers?

The Nigerian people have remained loyal, trusting us to provide refreshing beverages for 65 years, for which we are extremely grateful. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment remains the same. We are dedicated to delivering quality, innovation, and refreshment you can trust. You can expect more exciting products, more meaningful engagement, and more ways to enjoy the brands you love, whether it’s 7UP, Pepsi, Aquafina, Teem, Mirinda, or Supa Komando.

Emmanuel Udofia, the former Primate of The African Church, has described the late Uma Ukpai as a man fully given to the gospel and the things of God.

Udofia made this known in response to the announcement made by the family about the transition to glory of the prominent evangelist.

Until his death, Uma Ukpai was the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

‘The Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai was a gift of God to our generation, not only to the church but also to our generation. Because there are so many people, even outside the church, that have benefited from his light,’ Udofia told BusinessDay.

According to him, Ukpai’s death is a loss to Nigerians and the Church at large. ‘So when it comes to the church, he was a man that by the grace of God was dedicated to the work of God,’ Udofia said.

Joseph Ojo, the presiding Archbishop of Calvary Kingdom Church (CKC), told BusinessDay that Ukpai was never obsessed with ambition. ‘Since the call of God came upon his life, he never turned back.

‘He began as a member, a minister in the Assemblies of God; he never left to start a church,’ Ojo said.

According to Ojo, Ukpai knew what God called him for and pursued it with vigour, grace, and great fulfilment. ‘He started with the evangelical ministry all these years. So, he was a man who knew what God called him for. And his impact is not only within this country, or continents, but across the globe,’ Ojo said.

The UUEA ministry was focus on faith, healing, and spiritual leadership, and was also known for large city-wide crusades, prophetic teaching. The late evangelist was also a founding member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), with his Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade of 1985 helping to pave the way for its formation.

Abubakar Dantsoho, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has made known his plans to change Africa’s ports procedures following his inauguration as Vice President, Africa, of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

At the World Ports Conference in Japan, Dantsoho said his tenure will prioritise ‘effective policy implementation, regional cooperation, and enhanced trade facilitation’ among African ports with a focus on innovation and automation.

He said his leadership will ‘infuse greater action behind the necessity of full automation of African ports as the most veritable tool for elimination of barriers to trade,’ and push for ‘reinvention and prosperity in turbulent times’ through port innovativeness capable of attracting sustainable investments, even in high-risk environments.

But he noted that unified action among African port authorities and stakeholders will be central to overcoming persistent challenges in policy and technological adoption.

‘This responsibility has fired up my resolve to galvanise national and regional policy action steps geared towards institutionalising ports’ eco-friendliness in line with the dictates of IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program,’ he said.

Leveraging his concurrent role as President of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC), Dantsoho pledged to intensify collaboration among African ports while championing full automation as a catalyst for efficiency and trade growth.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will unveil its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) on Tuesday (today), October 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. time, during a hybrid press briefing at the annual meetings of the World Bank/ IMF, in Washington, USA.

The report will present the IMF’s updated assessment of global economic developments and prospects, providing key insights into the state of the world economy and growth projections for individual regions and countries.

The press briefing will feature Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department; Petya Koeva Brooks, Deputy Director, Research Department; and Denis Igan, Division Chief, Research Department. The WEO, one of the IMF’s flagship publications, is widely regarded as a leading source of analysis and forecasts on global economic performance.

Also scheduled for release on the same day is the Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR), which will be launched at 10:15 a.m. Washington, D.C. time. The GFSR assesses key risks and vulnerabilities affecting the international financial system and offers policy recommendations aimed at strengthening global financial resilience. The hybrid briefing for the GFSR will also take place at the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C.

In addition, the IMF will hold a press conference on the Fiscal Monitor on Wednesday, October 15, at 8:45 a.m. Washington, D.C. time. The Fiscal Monitor evaluates global fiscal developments and public finance strategies, providing insights into fiscal sustainability across economies. The session will be led by Vitor Gaspar, Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department; Era Dabla-Norris, Deputy Director, Fiscal Affairs Department; and Davide Furceri, Division Chief, Fiscal Affairs Department. Annexes with country-specific fiscal data will be released at the start of the press conference.

Meanwhile, the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four on International Monetary Affairs and Development (G-24) will hold its press conference on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in Meeting Halls A and B. The G-24 serves as a platform for developing countries to coordinate their positions on international monetary and development finance issues. This year’s G-24 Ministers, Central Bank Governors, and Deputies meeting will focus on the theme ‘Structural Transformation Policies for Unlocking Growth Potential.’

A formal communiqué will be issued immediately before the press conference, outlining the G-24’s position on key global economic and financial matters. In addition to the main theme, the communiqué will cover global economic conditions, macroeconomic and financial stability, international liquidity and financing, debt sustainability, climate finance, international tax cooperation, the global trading system, and the role of Multilateral Development Banks in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. It will also address ongoing discussions on IMF quota and governance reforms, as well as the World Bank’s Evolution Roadmap.

The G-24 membership includes countries from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia. African members include Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. From Latin America and the Caribbean, members include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Asian members include India, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Syria, while China will participate as a special invitee.

The G-24 leadership for 2025 comprises Pablo Quirno, Secretary of Finance at the Ministry of Economy, Argentina, serving as Chair; Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria, as First Vice-Chair; and Jameel Ahmad, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, as Second Vice-Chair. Iyabo Masha serves as the Director of the G-24 Secretariat.