Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) has announced its highly anticipated return with the ‘Detty December Edition’, set to take place on December 20-21, 2025, at the JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos.

The 2025 edition marks a bold new chapter for the continent’s largest showcase of African design – transforming it into a full-scale fashion festival that celebrates style, commerce, culture, and creativity in one unforgettable Lagos experience.

‘Fashion is a language of identity, and Africa’s long-neglected voices deserve to be heard on the global stage,’ said Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, Founder and Executive Director of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria.

‘With the Detty December Edition, we are turning Lagos into a festival ground where heritage, commerce, innovation and celebration meet under one roof. Naming the JRandle Centre as our home for this edition allows us to weave fashion directly into heritage, showing that what we wear, how we create, and where we gather are all facets of our culture.’

Over the years, AFWN and its sister platforms have hosted more than 3,000 designers and attracted over 90,000 visitors, including buyers, fashion professionals, and global media. The 2025 Detty December Edition will expand the AFWN experience beyond traditional runway formats, reimagining it as a vibrant, interactive festival.

Attendees can expect curated runway shows featuring established and emerging designers, a designer marketplace, live music and DJ sets, immersive cultural activations, sustainability showcases, and exclusive after-party experiences that capture the energy of Lagos’s famous December season.

The choice of venue – the JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History – underscores AFWN’s commitment to positioning African fashion within its cultural and historical context.

‘Detty December is our bold statement that fashion is celebration, commerce and culture,’ said Elizabeth Igwe, Communications and PR Director, AFWN 2025.

‘This edition reunites designers, buyers, creatives and international guests to celebrate African creativity in an unforgettable festival format, while amplifying new voices and commercial opportunities for our designers.’

The Detty December Edition reaffirms AFWN’s mission to bridge heritage and modernity – showing that African fashion is not just about aesthetics, but a vehicle for cultural continuity, economic opportunity, and social identity.

The JRandle Centre’s vibrant architecture and cultural programming make it an ideal backdrop for a fashion festival that is as much about storytelling as it is about style.

Attendance at the event is free, but advance registration is required to ensure proper guest management, traffic flow, and security.

Details regarding designer submissions, volunteer opportunities, and accreditation will be announced on AFWN’s official website and social media channels. For media accreditation and interview requests, all inquiries should be directed to Elizabeth Miller PR, the official communications representative for AFWN 2025, via their social media platforms.

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) is a pioneering platform that celebrates African fashion, spotlights emerging and established designers, and connects creativity with commerce and culture.

Founded by Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, AFWN serves as a catalyst for African fashion’s global growth – blending runway showcases, business opportunities, and cultural expression to create one of the most dynamic fashion movements on the continent.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai has said that it successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in the Ngamdu general area, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade.

Business Day reports that the Super Camp Ngamudu the military base in Kaga local government area came heavy attacks by outlawed ISWAP fighters.

In a statement by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri on Friday.

According to him, he revealed four soldiers were killed and others sustained serious injuries by the terrorists group during a daring attack on the base.

He said, ‘The terrorists employed Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices, targeting troops and own platforms. Despite the intensity of the attack, troops held their ground and responded with superior firepower, inflicting significant losses on the terrorists.

‘Unfortunately, own troops recorded 4 x Killed in Action (KIA) and 5 x Wounded in Action (WIA). Additionally, some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) sustained varying degrees of damage during the encounter.

‘The terrorists attempted to prevent reinforcements and inflict further casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu-Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR). This necessitated a temporary closure of the MSR, as engineers swiftly responded to clear 3 IED-laden spots. Following successful clearance, the MSR has now been reopened to both military and civilian movement.

‘In response to the attack, troops were immediately resupplied with critical logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations and restore full mobility. Credible intelligence confirms heavy terrorist casualties, with reports indicating mass burials of about 15 bodies conveyed in pushcarts by the terrorists for burial around Bula Wura, near Wasaram.

‘As part of continued efforts to dominate the area, 29 Task Force Brigade has launched fighting patrols and exploitation operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of action and consolidating operational gains.

‘The gallantry and resilience of the troops have been commended and the public assured that normalcy would be sustained with operations ongoing to maintain peace and security in the area,’ the statement concluded.

Bartholomew Bede, media aide to former Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam, has dismissed rumours that his principal is defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claim as ‘an unholy rumour without substance.’

In a statement issued Friday, Bede said the former governor’s attendance at a dinner hosted by Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi was purely a social courtesy, not a political alignment.

‘Moments ago, I received calls from well-meaning Benuelites and leaders, alerting me to trending news suggesting that Senator Suswam has joined the APC,’ Bede said. ‘Some even claimed he would be formally received by Governor Alia at the Government House banquet. I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence, as it doesn’t represent Suswam’s interest or that of his supporters.’

Bede clarified that the invitation was extended to all key stakeholders in Benue, irrespective of party affiliation.

‘Two days ago, Governor Alia respectfully invited Senator Suswam, among other stakeholders, to a state banquet scheduled for October 10, 2025,’ he explained. ‘As a former governor and stakeholder in the Benue project, it was only courteous for him to attend.’

He stressed that there was no indication that the dinner was a political event or a defection ceremony.

‘The former governor advises his supporters and well-wishers to disregard this rumour,’ Bede said, calling it ‘baseless, aimless, and a lie from the deepest pit of hell.’

The rapid resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks across sections of Borno State suggests a resurging necessity for a rapid change of approach to, and re-strategizing of, the terror war in the North-East.

In fact, civil society organizations, which have condemned in strong terms the resurgence of terror activities, have warned that the situation could return the state to the dark and hopeless 2014-2018 days when the military had to shut down roads and communication networks in an effort to incapacitate or, at least, weaken, the terrorists’ reorganization and mobilization strategies.

The urgency for change of approach and strategy is highly imperative, not only to enable Borno State government safeguard and consolidate the significant success it has achieved in the resettlement of returnee communities in their ancestral abodes, but also to check further advances by the terrorists who seem hell-bent on reconquering liberated territories.

Liberation of all territories, (except Guzamala, Abadam, and parts of Marte and Kukawa) hitherto under the grips of the terrorists by the Nigerian military and the multinational joint task force restored the sufficient security that facilitated the state government’s reconstruction and resettlement programme tailored towards the rapid rebuilding of the state economy.

The current resurgence of terror activities across the Northern, the Central and parts of the Southern zones of the state glaringly shows the determination of the terrorists to halt the programme.

In the last one month the terrorists carried out four attacks in Gwoza alone. Just few days ago, Kirawa a Nigeria/Cameroon border community came under heavy attacks by the terrorists, killing two residents and abducting many others.

Most-frightening of the resurging attacks was that of Darjamal, Bama Local Government Area, where the terrorists killed about 60 returnees at a resettlement camp.

Along with these resurging attacks, and, apparently to ensure that the returnees do not pick up their pieces and rebuild their economic lives, the terrorists engaged in a massive kidnapping of farmers, to scare away the returnees from conducting their main economic activity.

Borno State government and the hitherto displaced communities it is returning home are both determined to ensure the return of the state to a secure and prosperous life. The returnee communities are, in fact, showing commendable resilience and determination and help the state restore it’s economic prosperity.

The terrorists seem determined to ensure nothing of this sort happens. The successful implementation of reconstruction and resettlement programme might empower the returnee communities to gradually chase the terrorists out of the Nigerian territory. The terrorists will never want to see this.

If the terrorists, with the current resurgence of attacks, win the battle against the state’s reconstruction and resettlement programmes, it means Nigeria and its military have lost the terror war.

Therefore, the Nigerian government and its military should deploy advanced military technology for information and intelligence gathering, and advanced military hardwares to unleash a higher power against the naughty terrorists.

As the Borno govt reopens towns and villages to facilitate the successful implementation of reconstruction and resettlement there is a need for aggressive volunteers, like the civilian JTF personnel, recruitment to compliment military efforts, especially in such border towns Kirawa and Malamfatori.

Prolonged closure of Biu-Damboa inflicting pain on Southern dwellers

BusinessDay finding shows that the Southern part of Borno is known for massive production of grains, beans, milets, maize, wheat, sorghum, guinea corn and other cereals, which constituted huge agricultural produce, that are being transported to various locations including Lagos-Abuja-Enugu-Port Harcourt- Asaba- Kaduna, among other parts of the Country.

Before now, the journey of 187 kilometres from Biu town, the biggest town in Southern part to Maiduguri, the epicentre of insurgency, used to be a two-hour drive, but it is now a nine-hour drive due to persistent terrorists attacks and total closure of the highway between Damboa and Biu for motorists more than two years ago, which is negatively affecting prices of grains in the markets due to high cost of transportation.

According to data, eight LGAs affected by closure in the Southern part comprising of Damboa, Biu, Chibok, Askira-Uba, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, Kwaya- Kusar and leading to Adamawa, Taraba and Gombe states produce at least 500,000 tons of crops annually, even with Gwoza, which was badly affected by terrorists activities, having tagged the Caliphate (Headquarters) of Boko-Haram between 2014 and 2015 where they administered their heinous campaigns.

The people of areas are predominantly farmers who cultivate and produce large grains, especially the most-sought-after ‘honey beans and big white beans’, transported to different part of the country including: Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kaduna, Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Ibadan and beyond the shores of the country.

‘This Damboa-Biu road is an economic lifeline for the people, we cant claimed victory over terrorists and left a vital road like this to be abandoned to terrorists for over two years. I think there is need for political wills from both President Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to rise and save Southern part from being permanently cut off from state capital.’ A top politician from the zone echoed.

Kirawa a border community on verge of taken over by terrorists

Following Boko Haram terrorists continues to intensify attacks, the District head of Kirawa, Abdulrahman Abubakar and other residents of the community in Borno state have boarded trucks in high numbers to seek refuge in Cameroon villages.

Business Day gathered that some of the residents are also currently displaced to Maiduguri, the state capital and Pulka, a nearby community where there is Nigerian military presence.

The sudden displacement follows a recent boko haram attack on the Kirawa community, under Gwoza local government area of Borno state where several houses including the palace of the district head, Alhaji, Abdulrahman Abubakar was burnt down

Yakubu Mabba Ali Kirawa, the Chairman Kirawa Development Association, said the community is currently deserted as everyone ran out for safety, urging for the establishment of a brigade in the community, saying the situation has gotten out of hand.

‘As at yesterday evening, I was informed that many of our people boarded trucks to Cameroon communities, particularly in one market there. While some returned to Pulka, a Nigerian community where there are soldiers. Being a border community where it is just a river that separates us and Cameroon, we are requesting the federal government to establish a brigade and increase military deployment ‘ he said

Lending his voice, the Senator, representing Borno South Senatorial districts, Ali Ndume had recently lamented the absence of Nigerian soldiers in the community, a situation which he said has been escalating attack in the border community

Likewise, the Senator raised the alarm after suspected Boko Haram terriorist ambushed some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force including motorists along Kirawa-Pulka road on Friday, killing one and Injuring many others .

Reacting to the incident, Ndume described it as ‘disheartening’, while sympathizing with the victims,’It is very disheartening that I received a distress call that some armed Boko Haram terrorists laid ambush on motorists and passengers along Kirawa-Pulka road yesterday. The victims were escorted by few members of Civilian Joint Task Force as there are no military escort due to dislodgement of Camerounian troops based in Kirawa last month.

While calling on the military authorities to safeguarde the area, he said:’Let me also appeal to the military authorities to deploy troops, even it is a platoon to safeguard Kirawa and its people, because, my people are now living in perpetual fear since dislodgement of Cameroonian troops based in Kirawa last month’. Ndume said

Zulum visit to Niger Republic strengthen Trans-Border security

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum undertook a working visit to Diffa Region of Niger Republic to discuss issues related to trans border security.

The visit, which included a high-level security and economic delegation, focused on strengthening the existing collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, particularly around the shores of Lake Chad.

Zulum was received by the Governor of Diffa, Brigadier General Mahamaduo Ibrahim Bagadoma, and other senior officials. The leaders held closed-door meetings centered on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the recent gains that have pushed insurgents out of many of their former strongholds.

Zulum outlined plan to leverage the improved security situation to facilitate the return of thousands of displaced farmers to the vast and fertile agricultural lands around Dutchi town within the Lake Chad basin.

The Oyo State Government has expressed worry over the low repayment rate of the 2024 Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) loans disbursed to farmers across the state.

Taofik Akeugberu, the chairman of the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS), stated this in a meeting with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) held at the Corporation’s Board Room, Ibadan.

Speaking on the status of the 2024 SAFER loan repayments, the Chairman disclosed that the Corporation only received 36 per cent of the total loan repayment from the benefiting farmers.

He urged all beneficiaries to fulfil their loan obligations to ensure the sustainability of the programme, noting that the low repayment rate had significantly affected the corporation’s ability to disburse funds for subsequent phases of the loan scheme.

According to him, ‘The SAfER loan initiative was designed to empower our farmers and strengthen food production across the state. However, the sustainability of this programme depends on prompt repayment by beneficiaries. When farmers refuse to repay, it limits our capacity to assist others who are equally in need of support.’

The ACCOS chairman appealed to all beneficiaries to honour their loan obligations, emphasising that the SAfER loan was not a grant but a revolving facility meant to benefit more farmers in Oyo State.

He admonished the financial institutions to intensify efforts in recovering the outstanding loan by engaging guarantors and adopting all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the loan repayment terms.

He reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to strengthen agricultural financing and promote food security across Oyo State.

George Martins of Randalpha Microfinance Bank, in his response, who spoke on behalf of the financial institutions, explained that the banks have been making concerted efforts to recover the loans.

He, however, attributed the delay in repayment to the decline in agricultural produce prices and the impact of climate change on farmers’ productivity.

Martins assured the corporation of the financial institutions’ readiness to collaborate closely with ACCOS to ensure full recovery of the outstanding loans while also supporting farmers to remain productive and financially responsible.

Participating financial institutions under the SAfER loan scheme include the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), SEAP Microfinance Bank, Osanta Microfinance Bank, OnibuOre Microfinance Bank, Multivest Microfinance Bank, Igbo-Ora Microfinance Bank, Ifedapo Microfinance Bank, and Randalpha Microfinance Bank

Adewole Adebayo, Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has lamented that more than six decades years after the country’s independence, the country has been moving in circles.

Stressing that not much has been achieved, he said the elites have failed to wake up to the militant wing to go and get their uniform and take over the leadership of the country.

He bemoaned the level of rot in the system, ranging from pervasive crimes to corruption, insecurity, inflation and poverty, among others, attributing the development to poor leadership.

He decried the acceptance of evil in the system as a way of life, saying, ‘I think all the crimes, vices, and evil that could be committed is already permitted under the system. There’s no need for you to break it, it’s already performing. So, they all remain there and we, who are democrats, are happy that we have had a broken civilian system.’

Amid the lamentation of the country’s journey so far, Adebayo expressed hope of a greater tomorrow as he drew analogy between 1960 when the independence journey started and today.

He said: ‘We started the journey in October 1960 on foot but we didn’t walk diligently. We were just joking around with it. So we haven’t got to the destination.

‘But, luckily for us, the journey that was started on foot, we now have cars to continue, we have aircraft to continue. So, there is hope in the horizon.’

He, however, blamed all the country’s woes, ranging from insecurity to corruption and poor infrastructural development among others, to poor leadership.

Painting a lucid picture of how poor the situation is, he said: ‘In Nigeria, you can be a pastor, a bishop or a general overseer without being a Christian. And you can be a chief imam without being a Muslim; you are just holding the position because the society permits that.

‘In the same vein, you can be a professor without being an academic because it’s just a title for you to go and claim something or to massage your ego.

‘You can be a senior advocate or a judge, without knowing justice, without paying your workers. You can be molesting and harassing your domestic staff and you achieve justice and nobody cares. You don’t have a sense of justice, but you are the one who decides over justice for the whole country. And nobody cares. So, you’re going to have a senior police officer who steals and nothing happens.’

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, largest economy, and one of the continent’s leading contributors to trade, investment, and professional services. Yet paradoxically, most major Africa-wide conferences – from Africa Energy Week to Mining Indaba, Africa Fintech Summit, and Africa Oil Week – are hosted not in Nigeria, but in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nairobi, or Kigali.

Despite Nigerian firms and delegates forming a substantial proportion of attendees and sponsors, these events consistently bypass Nigeria as a venue. This imbalance is not only economic but symbolic: it reflects a growing perception that Nigeria is a participant, not a platform, in shaping Africa’s future.

This white paper examines the dimensions of this paradox, using data from recent continental events and insights gathered during the author’s participation at Africa Energy Week 2025 in Cape Town.

It argues that Nigeria’s absence as a host destination stems from structural, regulatory, and perceptual barriers rather than lack of capacity. The paper concludes with a policy and strategy framework to reposition Nigeria as a viable and preferred conference hub within Africa.

Introduction: The Paradox of Participation Without Hosting

In October 2025, I attended Africa Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town – Africa’s premier oil, gas, and energy investment event. Thousands of delegates filled the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC): ministers, CEOs, financiers, engineers, and journalists.

Listening to the sessions, it was evident that Nigeria’s voice, companies, and capital dominated the conversations. Nigerian delegates led panel sessions, Nigerian firms like Oando Energy Services and First EandP sponsored key sessions, and Nigerian consultants, contractors, and investors packed the halls.

Yet, the event was not held in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt – the epicentres of Africa’s largest oil and gas industry.

This paradox extends beyond energy. African summits on mining, innovation, finance, agriculture, and even creative industries regularly bypass Nigeria, despite its market size and professional depth. It is not normal, and it is time to fix it.

The Scale of Nigeria’s Underrepresentation as Host

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Nigeria 14th in Africa in 2023 for hosting international meetings – well behind South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, and even Uganda. By comparison:

Major Annual Africa-Wide Conferences Hosted ICCA Rank (2023)

Estimated Meetings Economic Impact

South Africa

Africa Energy Week, Mining Indaba, Investing in African Mining, AfricaCom

1 R388.5 million (2023)

Kenya

Africa Climate Summit, Africa Tech Summit 3 US$85 million (est.)

Rwanda

Africa CEO Forum, Transform Africa Summit 5 US$60 million (est.)

Nigeria

Few continental events (mostly local/regional) 14. US$10 million (est.)

Source: South African Tourism and ICCA Reports (2023)

The disparity is striking. Nigeria, which accounts for roughly 18% of Africa’s GDP and over 200 million consumers, captures less than 2% of the continent’s conference economy.

Case Study: Africa Energy Week (AEW)

Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Organiser: African Energy Chamber

Attendance: Over 5,000 participants (2022-2025 editions)

Sponsors: TotalEnergies, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Oando, Halliburton, Schlumberger, etc.

Nigerian Presence: Among top five national delegations by headcount and sponsorship.

At the 2025 edition, Nigerian delegates filled numerous panels, from ‘Gas as the Transition Fuel for Africa’ to ‘Local Content in Upstream Operations.’ Nigerian firms exhibited prominently, and the Nigerian flag was visible across multiple stands.

Yet, as several participants privately asked: Why isn’t this event happening in Lagos or Abuja, closer to the heartbeat of Africa’s oil and gas sector?

The answer lies not in capacity, but in confidence and coordination.

Why Nigeria Is Bypassed: Root Causes

Perception and Risk Premium

International organisers view Nigeria as complex – citing concerns over logistics, electricity reliability, urban congestion, and bureaucratic delays. South Africa, Rwanda, and Kenya have cultivated reputations of predictability, even if their challenges are comparable.

Lack of Institutional Support

Countries that host major summits have dedicated ‘Convention Bureaus’ or Event Support Offices that provide incentives, guarantee ministerial attendance, and ensure seamless logistics. Nigeria lacks such a coordinating body, leaving event bids to fragmented private efforts.

Infrastructure Gaps

While Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt boast capable venues (Eko Convention Centre, Abuja ICC), they often lack the seamless ecosystem – from customs clearance to airport transfers – that high-value international events demand.

Currency and Regulatory Uncertainty

Organisers worry about forex instability, import duty unpredictability, and sudden regulatory shifts. Payments for booths, sponsorships, or logistics are often denominated in foreign currency, but repatriation is difficult.

Branding Deficit

South Africa’s ‘Meetings Africa’ and Rwanda’s ‘Kigali Convention Bureau’ aggressively market their destinations as conference capitals. Nigeria’s tourism marketing is largely inward-looking, missing opportunities to position itself as a continental convening power.

Economic and Strategic Costs of Non-Hosting

The absence of large-scale conference tourism has both tangible and intangible costs:

Revenue Loss: A single international event with 3,000-5,000 delegates generate between US$10-30 million in direct and indirect spending (hotels, catering, taxis, local events).

Job Creation: South Africa’s meetings industry supports over 750 jobs annually per major event cycle.

Soft Power Erosion: Nations that host shape the narratives, policy framing, and media coverage – a strategic advantage Nigeria currently forfeits.

Capacity Deficit: Local logistics, event management, and hospitality firms miss the opportunity to scale to international standards.

Hosting major events is thus both an economic and diplomatic instrument. It is a form of economic statecraft – one Nigeria must wield.

Comparative Advantage: Why Nigeria Should Lead

Despite current challenges, Nigeria possesses immense structural advantages:

Market Size: Africa’s largest energy market, fintech ecosystem, and creative industry.

Connectivity: Multiple international airports and hubs, with growing regional links.

Private Sector Depth: Strong domestic corporate sponsors (banks, telecoms, oil firms).

Venue Capacity: Existing infrastructure in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and emerging facilities in Uyo and Owerri.

Talent Base: A large pool of professional event planners, media, and security experts.

These assets are underutilised because they lack a coherent policy and institutional platform to attract international events.

Voices from the Field

‘Nigerians make up 30-40 percent of the delegates at some of these continental energy events, yet we never meet on Nigerian soil. That needs to change.’

– Industry delegate, AEW 2025, Cape Town.

‘Conference tourism is one of the easiest ways to show a nation is open for business. When you host, the world comes to you, not the other way around.’

– African Energy Chamber representative.

‘The infrastructure exists in Lagos; what’s missing is political will and unified coordination.’

– Event management professional, Lagos.

These voices echo what many industry participants feel: Nigeria is ready – but it must organize itself.

Policy Recommendations: Building Nigeria’s Conference Diplomacy

Establish a National Strategic Events and Conferences Office (NSECO)

A dedicated inter-ministerial body should be set up under the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism – coordinating with Trade, Industry, Foreign Affairs, and Aviation – to:

Bid for continental and global events;

Provide financial guarantees or risk-sharing;

Coordinate logistics, visas, and security.

Incentivise Hosting and Sponsorship

Offer tax incentives to Nigerian corporations that sponsor or co-host major Africa-wide events locally.

Develop a Conference Hosting Fund for seed grants and infrastructure subsidies.

Upgrade Key Venues

Fast-track certification and capacity upgrades for:

Eko Convention Centre, Lagos

Abuja International Conference Centre

Oba Akenzua Centre, Benin

Port Harcourt Trade Fair Complex

These can be branded as ‘Conference Ready’ under an international rating system.

Streamline Visa and Customs Protocols

Implement a ‘Conference Visa’ valid for up to 30 days with expedited approval.

Simplify temporary importation of exhibition materials through bonded conference zones.

Create Signature Annual Events

Nigeria should bid to host or create:

Africa Energy Week – Nigeria Edition

Africa Manufacturing and Industrialisation Forum

Pan-African Local Content Summit

Africa Fintech and Creative Economy

Conference

Build Partnerships with Global Organisers

Engage global conference players (DMG Events, Informa, Hyve Group) through PPPs, offering infrastructure and regulatory assurance in exchange for co-branding rights.

Leverage Nigerian Embassies and Diaspora

Empower embassies and trade missions to pitch Nigeria as a host destination during global meetings.

Risks and Mitigation Strategies

The successful implementation of the National Strategic Events and Conference Office (NSECO) will require proactive management of several potential risks. Security incidents pose a high risk and will be addressed through partnerships with professional event security providers, comprehensive insurance coverage, and the establishment of clear emergency response protocols.

Currency volatility, which carries a medium risk, will be mitigated by allowing contracts to be denominated in foreign currencies and by securing foreign exchange protection facilities. Bureaucratic delays-considered a high risk-will be minimised through the creation of a one-stop NSECO fast-track unit to streamline approvals and coordination.

To cushion the impact of possible initial financial losses (a medium risk), the programme will leverage public seed funding and strategic donor partnerships. Reputation management risks, also rated high, will be mitigated through a robust public relations and crisis communication plan designed to uphold confidence and transparency.

Implementation Timeline

The rollout of the NSECO initiative will be executed in three key phases. Phase 1 (0-6 months) will focus on stakeholder consultations, the formal establishment of the NSECO, and the approval of the overarching policy framework, culminating in the publication of the National Events Strategy White Paper. Phase 2 (6-18 months) will involve comprehensive venue audits, strategic marketing activities, and the submission of Nigeria’s initial bids to host two to three major Africa-wide conferences. Phase 3 (18-36 months) will see the hosting of Nigeria’s first flagship event-such as Africa Energy Week Nigeria-followed by an evaluation of its economic and reputational impact and the development of a long-term annual events calendar

Conclusion: From Attendance to Ownership

Nigeria’s absence as host in the continental conference circuit is not a reflection of incapacity, but of coordination failure.

The nation that supplies the brains, sponsors, and delegates of Africa’s major gatherings should not remain a guest in its own continental story.

The next frontier of Nigerian leadership in Africa lies not only in commerce or oil production but in convening power – the ability to gather the world around African issues on Nigerian soil.

Let Nigeria move from participant to platform, from attendance to ownership, from Cape Town halls to Lagos waterfronts and Abuja corridors.

The world is ready to come – if Nigeria invites it confidently.

The federal government has taken a step toward transforming classroom learning with the launch of the Digitalisation of Public Schools Initiative and the nationwide distribution of Interactive Smart Boards to public schools.

According to a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, director, press and public relations, ministry of education, the initiative was unveiled by Maruf Tunji Alausa, minister of education, at Queen’s College, Lagos.

Speaking at the launch, Alausa, described the initiative as a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to embrace the future of learning. He emphasised that the project represents more than a technological milestone; it is a transformation of how teaching and learning will be experienced in Nigerian classrooms.

‘The shift from chalkboards to smart boards represents a transition from traditional directional learning to dynamic, interactive, and technology-enabled classrooms.

‘Every child, regardless of background or location, will now have access to modern, quality education that prepares them for the knowledge-driven global economy,’ he stated.

The minister highlighted several federal initiatives that complement this transformation, including the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI) for evidence-based planning, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) for certificate authentication, and the $40 million Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to strengthen ICT infrastructure in 10 universities and expand hybrid learning.

He added that through the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, the Ministry is ensuring that the benefits of digital education extend to basic and secondary levels, with broadband connectivity, teacher training, and the distribution of digital tools across all states.

‘Through initiatives such as the National EdTech Strategy, digital literacy training for teachers and learners, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence and robotics into our curriculum, we are building an education system that meets the demands of the digital economy,’ he said.

In her remarks, Aisha Garba, executive secretary of UBEC, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that technology serves as an enabler of inclusive and equitable education.

She explained that the Commission is leading efforts to digitalize teaching and learning across basic schools nationwide. ‘Interactive Smart Boards will transform the classroom experience by making lessons dynamic, visual, and participatory. Teachers will integrate multimedia content, while students will engage through touch and interaction, making learning a true experience of discovery,’ she noted.

She further outlined UBEC’s ongoing interventions, including the distribution of over 60,000 tablets to teachers under the BESDA-AF project, collaboration with NITDA to develop a Digital Literacy Curriculum, and establishment of Digital Learning Centres across all geopolitical zones.

She also mentioned the creation of a Department for Data and AI in Education and the upgrading of the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja into a national hub for digital content development and teacher support.

Also speaking, Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, chairman of Lagos State SUBEB commended the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC for their proactive partnership with state governments, describing the initiative as a landmark step in aligning national and sub-national efforts to bridge the digital divide.

He noted that Lagos State’s existing Innovate Eko STEAM Programme provides a strong foundation for this collaboration, which will further strengthen digital learning infrastructure nationwide.

On her part, Obabori, principal of Queen’s College, Lagos, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, UBEC, and all partners for their leadership and vision in championing this transformation.

She commended teachers and students for their enthusiasm in embracing the new digital tools and urged continued collaboration to ensure sustainability and impact.

‘The digitalisation of public schools represents the government’s enduring commitment to innovation, data-driven education, and social inclusion not just an initiative but a new era in Nigerian education, one that promises renewed hope for every student, empowered teachers, and stronger institutions ready to drive national development,’ the statement read.

The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Olatunde Isaac (Honoris Causa), marking a historic milestone as one of the first-ever Honorary Fellowships to be bestowed in the Association’s over five-decade history.

Another recipient of the Honorary Fellowship Award is Alagba Alao Adedayo, publisher of Alaroye Newspaper, a leading Yoruba-language publication.

The Fellowship Award was also conferred on Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, a renowned linguist and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Professor Oladele Awobuluyi, former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University; and distinguished scholars including Professor Oluyemisi Adebowale, Professor Adebisi Ogunsina, Professor Duro Adeleke, Professor Jibola Abiodun, and Professor Adedotun Ogundeji.

The historic award, presented during YSAN’s Annual Conference in Ilorin, celebrates Dr. Olatunde’s exceptional contributions to the promotion of Yoruba language, culture, and scholarship.

Founded in 1970, YSAN remains Nigeria’s foremost scholarly body committed to the study, preservation, and advancement of Yoruba language, literature, and culture. This year’s ceremony marked a significant moment in its legacy as it honored individuals who have bridged traditional scholarship with modern innovation.

A respected scholar, community leader, and Wikimedia advocate, Olatunde Isaac was recognized for his pioneering efforts in Yoruba language revitalization through research, digital documentation, and community engagement.

As a leading figure in the Yoruba Wikimedia community, he has spearheaded initiatives expanding access to free knowledge in Yoruba, significantly contributing to the growth and visibility of the Yoruba Wikipedia, one of Africa’s most-read small-language Wikipedias.

In his remarks, YSAN President, Olumuyiwa Temitope, who also serves as Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, described the recognition as an acknowledgement of Isaac’s trailblazing role in Yoruba language promotion, noting that, ‘Olatunde Isaac stands out for bridging the gap between academia, technology, and cultural heritage.’

While receiving the award, Olatunde expressed heartfelt gratitude, dedicating the honour to volunteers contributing to Yoruba Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. ‘This award is not just a personal achievement but a call to do more for our language, our people, and our shared heritage,’ he stated, reaffirming his commitment to advancing research, partnerships, and mentorship for young Yoruba scholars.

The conference also featured scholarly paper presentations, cultural displays, and panel discussions on strengthening indigenous language education and research in Nigeria.

With this honor, Olatunde Isaac joins the ranks of YSAN’s first-ever Honorary Fellows, a recognition that underscores his exceptional contributions to Yoruba language promotion and cultural advancement.

Chocolate City Group has launched a $1 million Founders Fund targeting Nigeria’s creative startups at its 20th anniversary celebration.

Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy officially launched the fund before 500 creative industry stakeholders, international partners, and media representatives.

The fund will provide equity investment and operational mentorship to early-stage companies across music, film, and creative technology.

The initiative comes as Nigeria’s creative economy is projected to reach $15 billion in value by 2025, yet entrepreneurs continue to struggle accessing traditional financing.

Co-founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo, both celebrating their 50th birthdays, structured the fund to address gaps they experienced building Chocolate City into one of Africa’s few successful independent entertainment companies.

‘The reality on ground is that financial institutions struggle to understand creative businesses. Investors want immediate returns, so young entrepreneurs with genuine potential get stuck,’ said Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group.

‘To solve this, we’re providing patient capital from people who’ve built sustainable creative businesses in this market. The fund targets companies that combine creative vision with business discipline.’

Paul Okeugo, Vice-Chairman, emphasised the operational support model.

‘Capital alone doesn’t build successful companies. We’re offering hands-on mentorship in rights management, contract negotiation, and sustainable business practices. These are the structures that allowed us to remain independent while competing globally.’

Minister Musawa welcomed the initiative. ‘Private sector investment is critical for creative economy development. Nigeria’s creative industries can contribute significantly to economic diversification and youth employment, but entrepreneurs need partners who understand both the creative and business dimensions. This fund demonstrates the leadership we need from successful Nigerian companies.’

Co-Creation Hub (CCHub), Africa’s leading creative ecosystem enabler, will serve as the programme and implementation partner for the fund, managing applications, due diligence, and ongoing portfolio support.

Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director of CCHub, outlined the partnership approach. ‘We understand what creative entrepreneurs need to scale sustainably. This partnership combines Chocolate City’s industry knowledge with our startup development infrastructure to create comprehensive support for creative entrepreneurs.’

Gbenga Hassan, Managing Partner of Argentil Capital Management Limited, described the investment thesis. ‘Nigeria’s creative economy shows strong fundamentals with 63 percent annual growth in music streaming revenue and increasing global market penetration. Nollywood alone produces over 2,500 films annually, making it the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, yet struggles to access structured financing.

‘The Founders Fund addresses this real market inefficiency where viable businesses in both music and film cannot access appropriate financing.’

Chocolate City has developed artists including M.I. Abaga, Ice Prince, CKay, Blaqbonez, and Young Jonn while maintaining operational independence and securing strategic partnerships with Warner Music.

Fund applications open later this month, targeting startups and companies with demonstrated traction, clear business models, and potential for job creation. Selection criteria prioritise sustainability over rapid scale, reflecting the founders’ two-decade experience building profitable creative businesses in emerging markets.