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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have pledged to strengthen collaboration in tackling the growing menace of illicit trade and illegal financial flows across border routes linking states in northern Nigeria.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at protecting the nation’s economic interests and enhancing overall security.

Sa’ad Hanafi, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Kano Office, made the commitment on Tuesday during a one-day sensitisation workshop organised for members of the Kano business community. He noted that collaboration between the two agencies is essential, given their crucial roles as regulatory institutions.

He said that in renewing the existing inter-agency collaboration, the two federal agencies are also seeking the support of relevant stakeholders in the export and import sector to combat money laundering through trade.

Hanafi pointed out payment of tax as one of the critical legal obligations of stakeholders in the trade, investment, and commercial sectors, but reminded participants that EFCC and its sister agency are shining a spotlight on illicit financial and trade flows to safeguard the nation’s economic integrity.

He added that the workshop was designed to sensitise stakeholders on their role in maintaining legal compliance and to create awareness of the scourge of prevailing illicit financial flows and trade malpractices in the country.

According to him, the two agencies are also working in collaboration with the Kano Chamber of Commerce to advocate strict compliance with legal requirements and foster a conducive trade and investment environment.

‘We are here to protect the integrity of our financial system, safeguard our economy from the scourge of illicit financial flows and trade malpractices, and ensure that every citizen and corporate entity fulfils their legal obligations, including tax payments. ‘Tax evasion, submission of false declarations, and other financial malpractices are not just illegal; they are a disservice to our nation, depriving it of the resources needed for critical infrastructure and social services.

‘The EFCC, in collaboration with sister agencies, is increasingly deploying intelligence and technology to track and disrupt these sophisticated schemes’, he explained.

In his remarks, Patrick Umoh, Zonal Coordinator of Zone B Headquarters of the NCS, reaffirmed his command’s commitment to eradicating unethical practices in trade operations within the zone.

He highlighted the three-point agenda of Bashir Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, which focuses on maintaining a secure, efficient, and transparent environment for national progress, and assured that the Service remains dedicated to deploying all necessary measures to drive Nigeria’s economic growth. The Zonal Coordinator reiterated the Customs Service’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders and the business community through intelligence sharing aimed at curbing illicit practices in trade and commercial activities.

Meanwhile, Usman Darma, president of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Investment, Manufacture, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), said the role of the chamber is to promote and protect the interests of members and ensure compliance with regulations and government policies.

Darma pledged to collaborate with government agencies to promote an equitable business environment and an investment-friendly atmosphere in Kano.

New Zealand is set to launch two pathways for skilled foreign migrants in mid-2026.

The new pathways will cater to different segments of the labour market. The first targets migrants in skilled roles who meet specific experience and salary thresholds, while the second focuses on trades and technical workers who satisfy qualification, work experience, and wage requirements.

The new measures unveiled by Nicola Willis, economic growth minister, will address labour shortages by filling critical gaps in the workforce and stimulate a sluggish economy.

‘Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that were not available in the existing workforce,’ Willis said in a statement. The move comes as New Zealand faces record levels of emigration and declining economic output. According to Stats NZ, between July 2024 and July 2025, 73,400 New Zealanders left the country, compared with just 25,800 returning to live.

Erica Stanford, immigration minister also explained that the skilled work experience pathway was designed to help employers retain experienced workers ‘who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles.’

She added that the trades and technicians pathway recognises the practical expertise required in industries that rely on non-university qualifications, which are often highly valued in New Zealand. Part of a broader immigration strategy

The new policy forms part of a broader government effort to attract both talent and investment.

Earlier this year, the government relaxed visitor visa rules to welcome digital nomads remote workers, including social media influencers, provided they are employed by overseas companies.

In February, it also eased requirements for the Active Investor Plus visa, commonly known as the golden visa, which grants residency to wealthy foreigners willing to make substantial investments in the country.

Business groups have largely welcomed the latest announcement. as they believe the policy would enable employers to retain skilled workers, while Infrastructure NZ urged the government to bring forward the implementation date, citing urgent labour needs in key sectors.

However, not everyone in government is in support.

Winston Peters, foreign affairs minister and party leader criticised the policy, warning that New Zealand risked becoming ‘a stepping stone into Australia.’

‘We take them in, train them, up-skill them, look after their families, and then they emigrate,’ Peters said. He pointed to Stats NZ data showing that 35 percent of New Zealand citizens who migrated to Australia in 2024 were born overseas, arguing that the country needed ‘a smart immigration system that focuses on the needs of New Zealand employers, industry, and Kiwi workers, not policies that will lead to more immigration with no plan for our next generation.’

As New Zealand battles to retain talent and revive growth, the government’s new immigration pathways could prove pivotal, though political consensus on the country’s long-term migration strategy remains far from certain.

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has bagged Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year award at the BusinessDay 13th Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, held in Lagos recently.

The prestigious event is organized annually by BusinessDay, Nigeria’s foremost private-sector newspaper renowned for its authoritative analysis and independent reporting. The awards convene leading players across banking, fintech, and financial services.

Other notable winners at the event included:Opay – Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year; First Bank of Nigeria – Dominant Force in Inclusive Banking; Fidelity Bank – Export Finance Bank of the Year; Page Financials – Finance Company of the Year. CREDICORP – a Federal Government institution that has existed for 18 months – emerged alongside such established private-sector brands. The BusinessDay’s selection cites the Corporation’s speed of results, innovative products, and ‘ecosystem-first model’ as key factors in its decision, noting that ‘CREDICORP operates not to crowd out or compete with lenders, but to win by enabling them.’

Recognizing Transformative Impact: According to BusinessDay’s selection committee, CREDICORP was chosen following a data-driven evaluation of institutions redefining access, affordability, and innovation in Nigeria’s consumer credit ecosystem. A statement said CREDICORP has achieved measurable success in making consumer credit more affordable, driving down effective interest rates by as much as 20%, and enabling financial institutions to reach demographics historically excluded from formal lending – from artisans and civil servants to small traders and youth, with 65% of its beneficiaries being first-time successful borrowers.

The award also highlights CREDICORP’s pioneering innovation in product development, spanning the entire life spectrum of working Nigerians: YouthCred – for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and employed youth in general; Pensioners’ Credit – for retirees seeking liquidity and dignity in retirement;and multiple thematic programs in between, addressing credit for households, workers, and small business owners.

The statement further said that the Corporation’s credit interventions have been strategically directed at the pain points most affecting Nigerians’ quality of life, including: Mobility, and alternative energy for homes and micro enterprises through the Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) Fund, and local production and job creation through S.C.A.L.E. (Securing Consumer Access to Local Enterprises), which combines credit expansion with industrial deepening. It said these initiatives reflect what was described as a ‘double-bottom-line model that simultaneously empowers citizens and stimulates local enterprise.Despite financial operation for less than a year, CREDICORP has reached up to 180,000 Nigerians, facilitating access to life-enhancing goods and services – including vehicles, solar systems, home improvement and productive tools – financed with affordable credit.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has fired back at critics within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who once labelled him a traitor for supporting President Bola Tinubu, noting that many of those critics have now defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Wednesday at the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways on Abuja’s Outer Southern Expressway, Wike recalled how some governors now in the APC had previously accused him of betraying the PDP.

He said their defections show that his actions were not wrong and argued that instead of criticising him, they should recognise that he was ahead of the curve.

‘The recent defections from the PDP to the APC only vindicate my earlier decision to align with the ruling party. Their actions confirm that my political choice was the right one,’ Wike said.

‘I’ve been watching the same people on television and social media-those who said I wanted to destabilise the PDP and was working for the APC. Now they’ve all joined the APC. So, if that’s the case, they should thank me for helping them get there. I did a good job,’ Wike added.

BusinessDay reports that in the past two days, the PDP has seen several key defections. Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, left the party for the APC, citing a desire to support national development under President Bola Tinubu. Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, along with 19 members of the State House of Assembly, defected on Wednesday. These moves have reduced the number of PDP governors from 11 in October 2024 to 8 as of today, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike also commented on improvements in state finances under President Tinubu, noting that the days when governors struggled to pay salaries and fund projects are over. He said, ‘I was governor for eight years, and I remember having to approach banks just to fund projects. Sometimes, the monthly allocation couldn’t even cover salaries and allowances.’

He attributed the current financial stability in the states and the Federal Capital Territory to President Tinubu’s leadership.

‘Today, banks are no longer being approached by states-banks now seek out states. That shows how much things have changed. States can now pay salaries, run government operations, and still fund development projects,’ Wike added. He said the defections to the APC were based on practical governance outcomes, especially the improved financial capacity of the states.

‘If that’s the reason many are now supporting the President, then it makes sense. Governors no longer need to leave debts behind for their successors, which was common before. That is what leadership should achieve,’ he said.

Wike added that Nigeria needs leadership that is clear-headed and willing to make necessary decisions traits he believes President Tinubu is demonstrating.

Raila Amolo Odinga spent a lifetime in the arena, challenging presidents, shaking up governments, rallying crowds and shaping the soul of Kenya’s modern democracy. His death at 80, on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India, has left a void in a nation whose political identity he helped forge.

Uhuru Kenyatta, former Kenyan president, captured the mood when he said Odinga’s passing had ‘left a silence that echoes across our nation.’ That silence is being filled by the sound of thousands pouring onto the streets of western Kenya and Nairobi, waving flags, lighting candles and singing songs of a man they simply called ‘Baba.’ Narendra Modi ,Indian prime minister described him as a ‘towering statesman and a cherished friend of India,’ while President William Ruto led the nation’s condolences, visiting Odinga’s widow Ida at their Nairobi home.

A career defined by defiance

For decades, Odinga stood as a symbol of opposition, not merely against individual presidents, but against the very idea of unquestioned power. A political mobiliser of unmatched skill, he ran for president five times but never claimed the top job. Yet each loss only seemed to amplify his influence.

Odinga famously rejected almost every electoral result he contested, insisting he had been denied victory. In 2017, Kenya’s Supreme Court validated his claims of electoral irregularities, annulling Uhuru Kenyatta’s win and ordering fresh polls, a first in Africa. Odinga boycotted the rerun, demanding reforms, but his moral victory was already etched in the country’s democratic record. His biggest test came earlier, the disputed 2007 election. As Odinga’s supporters took to the streets after he claimed he was cheated of victory by Mwai Kibaki, violence engulfed Kenya. More than 1,200 people were killed, and over 600,000 displaced in the country’s worst post-independence crisis. It ended only after international mediation led by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, which resulted in a power-sharing deal that made Odinga prime minister.

A statesman who knew when to fight and when to reconcile

Odinga’s political story was as much about conflict as it was about unexpected reconciliations. In 2018, a simple handshake between him and Kenyatta stunned the nation, calming tensions after months of protests and signalling a new political realignment.

And after losing the 2022 election to William Ruto, he eventually agreed to work with his rival, joining what the government called a ‘broad-based administration.’ Some criticised it as a betrayal of his opposition role. He defended it as an act of national interest, a step toward unity in the wake of deadly protests that had shaken the country. Earlier this year, Ruto’s government even backed Odinga’s bid to head the African Union Commission. He lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, but the campaign underlined his enduring continental stature. The making of ‘Baba’

Odinga’s political instincts were shaped long before he stepped onto the national stage. Born on January 7, 1945 in Kisumu, he was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president and a fierce critic of Jomo Kenyatta’s rule. Raila studied engineering in East Germany and returned home in the 1970s to teach at the University of Nairobi and run businesses.

His real fight began under President Daniel arap Moi’s one-party regime. Accused of involvement in a failed 1982 coup, Odinga spent nearly a decade in detention, often in harsh conditions. He became Kenya’s longest-serving political detainee.

His imprisonment, and his refusal to be silenced, turned him into a symbol of resistance. To many Kenyans, he embodied the struggle for multiparty democracy and human rights.

A populist who mastered the street

Odinga was not just a politician, he was a force of movement. His rallies, often electrifying, could pull in tens of thousands. His language was populist but sharp, weaving ordinary frustrations into political fire.

His supporters gave him nicknames that reflected his mythic status: ‘Baba’ (Father), ‘Agwambo’ (Act of God), and ‘Tinga’ (Tractor), drawn from his 1997 party symbol. He connected not through scripted speeches, but through a raw, street-level authenticity that cut across generations.

Even his critics acknowledged his unrivalled ability to set the national agenda. Whether protesting on the streets or sitting at negotiation tables, Odinga had a knack for making himself central to Kenya’s political story.

A legacy beyond the presidency

Despite never holding the presidency, Odinga’s shadow loomed over every administration since the 1990s. He shaped constitutional reforms, steered power-sharing deals and gave voice to millions who felt excluded from Kenya’s political elite.

He was also a man of contradictions, both a revolutionary and a political insider. He spent years in opposition but also served in government as energy minister and prime minister. He condemned state power but also negotiated with it.

His death leaves Kenya with a question many are asking openly: who can fill his shoes?

An era ends

Odinga died in Kerala, India, after collapsing during a morning walk. Doctors said he suffered a cardiac arrest. His death triggered an outpouring of grief not just from Kenya, but from across the continent and beyond.

He leaves behind a political legacy that is messy, powerful, complicated and undeniable. A man who never became president, yet shaped presidential politics more than anyone else in his generation.

As crowds mourn in the streets he once electrified, one thing is clear, Kenya’s story cannot be told without Raila Odinga. He was, and will remain, its perennial challenger, its unlikely unifier, and one of its most consequential sons.

The administration of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State has begun reviewing its existing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy document, in a bid to attract both local and foreign investors to the state.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Kano Investment Promotion Agency (KANINVEST), the review also aims to mobilise private sector funding to enhance infrastructure and drive economic development across the state.

KANINVEST stated that the policy review is in alignment with the administration’s commitment to accelerate the development of untapped resources through viable partnerships with interested local and foreign investors.

Usman Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PPP Policy Review Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs, confirmed the development during the opening session of a three-day PPP Policy and Manual Review Workshop held in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He said the reviewed manual, produced by a team of consultants, would help build confidence among citizens and prospective investors by ensuring transparency and competitiveness in future PPP engagements.

‘The review became necessary to resolve issues encountered in past PPP agreements and to establish a more sustainable framework that guarantees mutual benefits for both the government and investors,’ Mohammed added.

He urged participants to work diligently and contribute meaningfully to the development of a strategic document aimed at achieving lasting economic prosperity for the people of Kano State.

In his remarks, Muhammad Nazir Halliru, director-general of KANINVEST, described the PPP model as one of the most dependable sources of alternative funding for infrastructure development, reaffirming the state’s commitment to producing a policy and manual that meet international standards. ‘The revised policy will help dispel fears and build trust among both the public and potential investors, creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment,’ Halliru said.

Salisu Kabo Muhammad, member of the Kano State House of Assembly, who represented the legislature at the workshop, commended the initiative and said lawmakers fully support efforts to develop a robust PPP framework capable of driving economic and social progress across the state. Auwalu Hamza, representative of Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), said he was confident the workshop would produce a viable and forward-looking document capable of transforming PPP investment in the state.

Similarly, Nufi Barnabas, the lead consultant, commended the state government’s commitment and noted that his team had worked tirelessly to deliver a comprehensive policy framework that aligns with international best practices.

In his closing remarks, Halliru thanked participants, partners, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their support, expressing optimism that the reviewed policy would serve as a cornerstone for economic growth and sustainable development in Kano.

Recently, Kano State hosted a regional empowerment training for women farmers in the northwest part of Nigeria geared at unlocking their full participation in the development of the agriculture sector.

The one-day workshop with the theme ‘Shifting Mindsets Toward Entrepreneurship Across Agricultural Value Chains’ was organised by Micro Development Consulting Limited (MDCL), in partnership with major national institutions in the country.

‘Developing a step-by-step finance access guide (through MDCL and NABG) to help women navigate ACGSF and other funding opportunities, and follow-up mentoring and coaching sessions to support participants in implementing their action plans, were recommended.’

A total of 56 participants, including 28 women and 3 male agripreneurs drawn from the states in the region, attended the workshop series held at ‘Tribes by Meena’, in Kano metropolis.

The empowerment programme was designed to achieve three core objectives, namely, to build women’s leadership, business, and entrepreneurship capacities, as well as to facilitate linkages to financial institutions, input providers, and produce markets, and to support the development of sustainable women-led business networks and market hubs.

It was facilitated by resource persons drawn from major public institutions and organisations, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, Nigerian Agribusiness Group, and

As well as the participation of private business concerns, like the Nigerian Agribusiness Group, NIRSAL Plc, Jaiz Bank Plc, Dala Microfinance Bank, and some notable women agribusiness entrepreneurs.

During the event, agribusiness stakeholders deliberated on opportunities and challenges in strengthening women’s participation in the agricultural value chain and, at the end, were impacted with an entrepreneurial mindset, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and practical strategies for empowerment in the agricultural value chain.

What motivated the programme:

Declaring the activity open, Furera Isma Jumare, founder of MDCL, said the event was organised and designed to empower the participants, who are drawn from Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, to amplify their voices for inclusion in the Nigerian agriculture space.

She stated that the programme was also designed to enable the participants to appreciate the huge opportunities which agriculture offers to them along the value chains, noting that a lot of women seem not to understand the opportunities opened to them in the sector.

‘We want the women to know that in each of the agriculture value chains there are opportunities, from inputs to production, to processing, to distribution, to marketing, and some other activities, like aggregation, logistics, and even up to export.

‘So, we did this so that the women in the agribusiness can scale and move up to a level so that they can make money in their business. In this workshop, we brought together a total of 46 women from the three targeted states.

‘We called the programme Workshop number one, so this is the first workshop on the agricultural value chain. For years, our group has been holding different workshops, but we re-strategised as a business group to focus now on agriculture, especially now, when the Federal Government is placing emphasis on food self-sufficiency.

‘We have a plan to make this workshop a quarterly event; we will be moving from the level of appreciation of the importance of agriculture to scaling it to how to level opportunities in the value chain,’ Furera explained. Resource persons/facilitators:

Furera Isma Jumare – CEO, MDCL; Dr Aminu A. Fagge – CDA – BUK; Maimuna Kida – Bank of Agriculture (BOA); Samira Sani – Bank of Industry (BOI); Bashir Garba – Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Jafar Muhammad – Central Bank of Nigeria; Sadiya Bashir Karaye – Dala Microfinance Bank.

Others are Muhammad Ahmed (Jaiz Bank Plc), Faiza Kabir Adamu (NIRSAL Plc), Jafar Umar (Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG)), Amina P. Abubakar (agribusiness entrepreneur), Habiba Umaru Sule-Dalhatu (agribusiness entrepreneur), and Hajara Usman Nagado (agribusiness entrepreneur).

Summary of key presentation:

Aminu Fagge delivered the key lecture, which focused on how women can develop an entrepreneurial mindset in agriculture, which emphasised the urgent need to shift from subsistence farming, which is primarily for survival, to agribusinesses, showing how small ventures can be scaled through innovation and good resource management.

He introduced the principles of agripreneurship, which include innovation, risk-taking and efficient use of resources, and explained how these principles could be applied across the agricultural value chain from production to processing, packaging and marketing.

He acknowledged the challenges women face, including limited access to finance, poor infrastructure, climate change and market inefficiencies, but argued that these should be seen as opportunities for women to innovate and create solutions.

According to him, when women adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, the benefits extend beyond individual gain to include rural development, job creation, higher household incomes and environmental sustainability. He encouraged participants to embrace networks, join cooperatives and leverage technology as strategies for building competitive and sustainable agribusiness.

Fagge concluded his presentation and reaffirmed that women are not just contributors but key drivers of agricultural transformation. By adopting entrepreneurial thinking, exploring organic farming, and adding value to their products, women could secure sustainable livelihoods and build resilient agribusinesses. MDCL remains committed to supporting this transformation.

Presentations by Financial Institutions:

Central Bank of Nigeria

Bashir Garba, representing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), introduced participants to the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF). He explained that the fund was established to increase lending to farmers by banks. According to him, through this scheme, both individuals and cooperatives could access loans of up to fifty million naira, depending on the activity and availability of collateral. He clarified that civil servants were also eligible, with their salaries serving as collateral.

Garba highlighted that CBN was actively reaching local farmers by conducting sensitisation programmes in collaboration with commercial banks and other organisations while encouraging participants to engage directly with banks to explore available opportunities and emphasised that institutions like MDCL could support participants in applying to secure financial support. He concluded by urging women to embrace agriculture and access financial opportunities provided by the CBN to scale their agribusiness ventures. Bank Of Agriculture (BOA)

Maimuna Kida, representing the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), explained that the institution was established by law as Nigeria’s foremost agricultural development finance institution. She highlighted that women had always been active participants across the agricultural value chain in Nigeria and that BOA’s mandate is to promote and finance agricultural enterprises, with a strong emphasis on enhancing women’s participation in agribusiness.

She explained that the bank provides financial support to a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals and cooperatives, between the ages of 18 and 65. While small-scale farmers form a large part of their clientele, the BOA also supports medium and larger agricultural enterprises. To access loans, applicants are required to present guarantors and deposit ten percent (10%) of the loan amount.

Bank Of Industry (BOI)

Samira Sani from the Bank of Industry (BOI) explained that the institution provides financial support to both established businesses and start-ups across different sectors, including agribusiness. She emphasised that for an applicant to access BOI facilities, the business must be formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

She highlighted that BOI has different funding mechanisms designed to support entrepreneurs at various stages. Among these is the National Fund for SMEs, which she noted is easier to access and tailored to the needs of small-scale businesses. To improve accessibility, BOI allows two applicants applying together to serve as each other’s guarantor, which reduces the barrier of securing external guarantors.

On loan terms, she stated that the interest rate is 9%, with repayment periods ranging from three months to three years, depending on the nature and size of the loan. Muhammad Ahmed from Jaiz Bank Plc explained that applicants must first maintain an account with the bank to qualify for financing. He emphasised that the bank ensures applicants are genuinely engaged in business activities before granting any loan facility.

He noted that Jaiz Bank finances a wide range of businesses and provides different financing mechanisms tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs. Among these is Murabaha. This product supports the purchase of machinery, equipment, or input; and Hijara: This product is designed to support business expansion and innovation.

He assured participants that Jaiz Bank Plc. remained committed to supporting women in agribusiness through ethical and inclusive financial products that promote growth and sustainability.

Dala Microfinance Bank

Sadiya Bashir Karaye, the MFB’s MD, explained her organisation’s flexible and easy-to-access loan schemes, designed to meet the needs of women in agribusiness. She noted that the loans required minimal collateral, making them more attainable for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs.

She also explained the adashi (contribution scheme) that enables women to pool resources together to support one another’s agribusiness and livelihood needs and emphasised the vital role of microfinance institutions in breaking down barriers that prevent women from entering and sustaining agribusiness ventures.

NIRSAL Plc:

Faiza Kabir Adamu of NIRSAL Plc. first clarified that NIRSAL Plc. was distinct from NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (MFB), explaining that NIRSAL MFB provides a minimum of N50,000 in loans. NIRSAL Plc.

She noted that NIRSAL guarantees large-scale loans of up to N500 million, all targeted within the agricultural value chain. She highlighted NIRSAL’s role in providing credit risk guarantees that de-risk agricultural lending, thereby encouraging commercial banks and other financial institutions to lend to agribusinesses.

She also reiterated that NIRSAL Plc. does not directly give out loans or physical resources but instead provides risk guarantees and insurance products that protect both farmers and lenders.

Her presentation underscored that women agripreneurs stand to benefit significantly from NIRSAL’s intervention, as these mechanisms reduce barriers to accessing finance, lower risks, and promote confidence in scaling agribusiness ventures.

Presentation on entrepreneurship and mentoring:

Jafar Umar of the NABG delivered a comprehensive presentation on the dynamics of agribusiness and the critical role women could play within its ecosystem. He began by emphasising that, like any other business, agribusiness must be fundamentally profit-driven. When asked, participants described agribusiness using terms such as ‘sustainability’ and ‘flexibility’. He stated that productivity is the ultimate aim of every business and should remain central to its strategies.

A key highlight of his presentation was his encouraging participants to join experienced entrepreneurs and established networks, rather than trying to navigate challenges alone. He explained that leveraging the knowledge, mentorship, and structure of those already successful in agribusiness would make their own journey easier, faster, and more sustainable.

Importantly, he reminded participants that membership in such platforms often requires a financial commitment, urging them to ‘shine their eyes’ and carefully evaluate the organisation they join. He concluded by announcing that NABG and MDCL will collaborate to create easier pathways for women in agribusiness, helping them to build confidence, scale sustainably, and access the support needed to grow their ventures.

Entrepreneurship, mentoring, and storytelling session:

The mentoring session was one of the most engaging parts of the workshop, allowing participants to hear directly from experienced entrepreneurs about their journeys, lessons learnt, and the importance of resilience, innovation, and collaboration in agribusiness.

Habiba Umaru Sule-Dalhatu and Hajara Usman Nagado shared their journeys to becoming entrepreneurs. Both lawyers embarked on establishing Pelican Oils Limited (a palm oil processing company) and NAGAB Farms Limited (producers of Kuli Krakers), respectively. They both took their time to respond to questions asked by the participants, some of whom also narrated their journeys into agriculture and the challenges they were facing.

Amina Pindar Abubakar did a presentation on her ‘backyard farming’, showing her different species of edible vegetables, tubers and fruit. She explained that in her residence, she had over 800 sacks in which she had planted crops.

Participants’ engagement:

Participants were highly engaged throughout the workshop, as they asked relevant questions, shared experiences, and demonstrated enthusiasm to apply what they learnt.

Key areas of engagement included

Debating seedless vs. seed plants and GMO vs. organic seeds/plants. Seeking clarity on accessing ACGSF funds, particularly for civil servants and cooperatives. Asking how CBN was sensitising local farmers and exploring how MDCL and NABG could partner with the financial institutions present to ease access to finance. Networking actively, exchanging contacts, and discussing possible collaborations. Sharing personal stories made the sessions interactive and inspiring.

Outcome and achievements of the workshop:

The workshop produced tangible outcomes, including: Networking and Partnerships: Participants connected with each other and facilitators, establishing potential collaborations. Action Plans: Three groups developed and submitted practical agribusiness challenges being faced and opportunities available to pursue beyond the workshop. Mindset Shift: Participants embraced the shift from subsistence farming to agribusiness thinking. Commitment to Growth: Women expressed determination to strengthen their ventures and apply their new knowledge, and the participants agreed that they should form the 1st cohort of a series of workshops that would guide them as they pursue various activities along different agricultural value chains.

Recommendation and next steps:

Developing a step-by-step finance access guide (through MDCL and NABG) to help women navigate ACGSF and other funding opportunities, and follow-up mentoring and coaching sessions to support participants in implementing their action plans, were recommended.

Also, the need to explore peer learning platforms (e.g., WhatsApp groups, cooperatives) for participants to share progress and opportunities and the need to engage more financial institutions and value-chain actors to expand women’s access to markets and resources were emphasised, as well as the need to convene business clinics in collaboration with CBN, financial institutions and relevant bodies such as CAC, NAFDAC, SMEDAN and FIRS.

The need to leverage social media would ensure participants follow MDCL’s official handles for updates, and there is a need for real-time social media updates during events to increase visibility and attract potential collaborators and partners, in addition to creating an instant WhatsApp group during each workshop to foster immediate networking, ensure participants stay connected, and facilitate future communication.

Conclusion:

Participants demonstrated strong interest in agribusiness financing, raising critical questions on access to credit, seed technology, and the role of GMO vs. organic seeds. The financial institution provided insights into loan schemes, eligibility requirements, and the importance of cooperatives, collateral, and financial literacy.

Resource persons emphasised that agribusiness must remain profit-driven, encouraging women to leverage networks, mentorship, and collaboration. Storytelling by women agripreneurs inspired participants to embrace innovation, resilience, proper packaging, and peer-to-peer support.

The workshop ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring women have improved access to finance, markets, and knowledge resources. It was concluded that with innovation, networking, and resilience, women can thrive in Nigeria’s agribusiness.

Women farmers in the northern part of Nigeria have been challenged to position themselves as a valuable tool in the ongoing quest for national food security through exploring the vast agricultural potential available in the region. opportunity

In order to do this, it has been suggested that they can become vital players in Nigerian agricultural development along the value chain by shifting away from practising agriculture as a subsistence activity to embracing it as a business.

This is the major takeaway from a one-day workshop with the theme ‘Ready to Take Your Agribusiness to the Next Level’, organised by Micro Development Consulting Limited (MDCL), a women’s development support company.

Zainab Manzzo, founder of Zahir Farm, based in Kano State, who was one of the participants in the programme, while speaking on the benefits of the event, said that empowerment training has opened her eyes to how she can harness the opportunities that are available in the agriculture sector in Nigeria.

Also, Tina Musa, who is a commodity aggregator, stated that she will be leveraging the empowerment gained to explore available windows of opportunities in the exportation of processed agro-products.

The United Kingdom has announced new immigration reforms that will require migrants to demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency before being allowed to live and work in the country.

Under the new rules, applicants for skilled worker, scale-up, and high potential individual (HPI) visas will need to attain at least a B2 standard in English, equivalent to A-level proficiency, an upgrade from the current B1 level, which aligns with GCSE standard.

The measure, which takes effect on 8 January 2026, is part of the government plan to cut migration levels and strengthen social integration.

Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, said the government’s decision reflects its commitment to ensuring that migrants can fully participate in British society.

She stated that people coming to the UK must learn the language and contribute meaningfully to the national community.

‘This country has always welcomed those who come here and contribute. But it is unacceptable for migrants to arrive without learning our language or being able to engage in our national life’, Mahmood said.

Under the new policy, applicants will be tested in person across four areas, speaking, listening, reading, and writing, at Home Office-approved centres.

Their results will be verified before a visa is issued. The change will primarily affect those seeking skilled worker visas, scale-up visas for fast-growing businesses, and high potential individual visas available to recent graduates from top global universities. Skilled worker visa holders must be employed by approved companies and earn at least £41,700 a year, or the ‘going rate’ for their role, whichever is higher.

According to the British Council, individuals who reach B2 level can understand complex texts on various topics, express themselves fluently and spontaneously, and write detailed, coherent text on a wide range of subjects. The Home Office said additional English proficiency requirements for other visa routes and family dependants will be introduced in the near future.

The new language requirement is part of immigration white paper released in May, which seeks to make the UK’s immigration system ‘controlled, selective and fair.’

Home Office estimates suggest that the measures could reduce annual migration by up to 100,000 people. Net migration fell to 431,000 in 2024.

Moses Itauma has been handed a golden opportunity to fight for his first world title after the World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered him to challenge Kubrat Pulev for the WBA (Regular) heavyweight championship, DAZN reports.

The 19-year-old prodigy, widely tipped as one of boxing’s brightest prospects, has struggled to secure an opponent for his scheduled December 13 return, where he will share the card with veteran Derek Chisora. Itauma was previously linked with Croatian contender Filip Hrgovic, who outpointed David Adeleye on the same night Itauma demolished Dillian Whyte in less than a round back in August.

However, promoter Frank Warren later confirmed that Hrgovic had priced himself out of the bout, forcing Itauma’s camp to explore other opponents, including Michael Hunter and Adeleye. Now, the WBA has stepped in, ordering Pulev to make a mandatory defence of his title against Itauma, who currently holds the No.1 ranking in the WBA heavyweight division.

The sanctioning body has given both camps 30 days to reach an agreement, with a purse bid scheduled for November 14 if no deal is finalised.

‘The Committee requires Pulev to engage in a mandatory title defence against the next leading available contender and WBA #1 ranked contender, Moses Itauma.’

Pulev, 44, captured the WBA (Regular) belt in December last year after defeating Mahmoud Charr.

The Bulgarian veteran, who has shared the ring with former world champions Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua, was initially set to defend the title against Michael Hunter, but the fight fell through after Hunter signed to face Jarrell Miller instead.

Seriake Dickson, former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, has criticised the defection of Governor Douye Diri and other politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of ‘running away from the mess they created.’

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, after the announcement of the defection of Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State governor, Dickson described the wave of defections as ‘unfortunate and politically self-serving,’ arguing that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on the existence of multiple parties, not a one-party system.

‘I am where I have been. I am where I am. I don’t believe Nigeria should be a one-party state,’ Dickson said. ‘As a soldier of democracy, I’m used to the ups and downs of political life. I remain steadfast in the PDP, working with colleagues to solve the problems within the party.’

The former governor revealed that Diri had consulted him ‘several times’ before leaving the PDP but said he was never convinced of the need to defect, especially as a second-term governor.

‘To his credit, he consulted me several times,’ Dickson said. ‘But I was not convinced because I saw no compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect. Whatever they are pursuing or whatever is pursuing them, it belittles our democracy and endangers our multiparty system.’ He blamed the crisis in the PDP on the failure of its leadership to provide direction and resolve internal conflicts.

‘The governors and members of the working committee who created this mess are now bailing out instead of fixing the problem. It’s very sad. It makes Nigeria look small and makes our democracy look ridiculous,’ he said.

Citing Ghana as an example of political stability, Dickson said, ‘When President Mahama lost elections, he stayed in his party. When Akufo-Addo’s party later lost, they stayed. That’s democracy. In Nigeria, politicians decamp at the slightest opportunity. It’s political class suicide.’

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, noting that the party gave the Niger Delta people and the Ijaw nation national recognition.

‘I remain standing in the PDP, the party that gave my people the opportunity to produce a Vice President, an Acting President, and a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This other party cannot do that,’ he said.

Dickson, however, added that being in opposition does not mean opposing every action of the government. He declared his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‘Being in opposition does not mean we must fight everything coming from the government,’ he stated. ‘In this instance, I will be voting to support the nomination of Professor Amupitan as Chairman of INEC.’

The senator explained that his decision followed due consultation and verification of claims linking Amupitan to partisan politics.

‘I have made inquiries and spoken to senior lawyers across the country.

‘There is confusion between Professor Amupitan of the University of Jos and another professor from Lagos. There is no evidence that Professor Amupitan was part of the President’s legal team,’ Dickson clarified.

He commended Tinubu’s choice of nominee, noting that for the first time, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law has been nominated for the position.

‘It’s exciting. A person of his caliber, being both a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate, should understand that elections are not about cooking up figures and telling people to go to court,’ Dickson said.

‘He should know there is the judgment of men, of God, and of posterity.’

He pledged to work with his colleagues on the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters to ensure Amupitan’s confirmation and to push for further electoral reforms.

‘As a member of the Electoral Committee and of the Senate, I will work to ensure that the reforms we are championing see the light of day, and that Professor Amupitan understands his place in history,’ he said.

Dickson concluded by stressing that democracy without opposition is no democracy at all.

‘If we don’t succeed in saving the PDP, we’ll take a collective decision, but not to join the ruling party.

‘There must be opposition. A democracy without opposition ceases to be a democracy; it becomes a dictatorship,’ he said.