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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the reopening of its student verification portal for a final 48-hour period to allow tertiary institutions that have yet to complete their student verification exercise to do so.

According to a statement signed by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, the portal will be accessible from 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, to 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

NELFUND explained that the extension is aimed at ensuring that all eligible students are duly captured and verified by their respective institutions as part of the ongoing 2024/2025 loan application process.

The Fund urged all institutions to take advantage of this final opportunity, warning that failure to complete the exercise within the stipulated period would lead to forfeiture of participation in the current loan cycle, a situation that would ultimately deny their students access to the education loan scheme.

‘This extension is intended to ensure that all eligible students are duly captured and verified by their respective institutions as part of the ongoing 2024/2025 NELFUND loan application process.

‘Institutions are strongly advised to make full use of this final opportunity. Failure to complete the verification process within the stipulated period will result in the affected institutions forfeiting participation in the current loan cycle, a situation that will, regrettably, disadvantage their students who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the loan scheme.

‘In the interest of transparency and accountability, the list of defaulting institutions will be published alongside this press release.,’ the statement reads

Reaffirming its commitment to equitable access to higher education, the Fund emphasised that it remains dedicated to ensuring efficient, transparent, and inclusive management of the Nigerian Education Loan Scheme to support students across the country.

Amidst growing concerns over Governors leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has assured that better materials will emerge to replace those defecting from the party

Mohammed, who is also the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, stated this on Saturday in Abuja, while speaking on the party’s preparations for the November 15 and 16 elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State

Mohammed noted that the party is deeply concerned at the rate at which Governors elected on the party’s platform are leaving to join the APC.

Also speaking on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Mohammed said the Governor is still with the PDP

‘ He has not left the party; he is still PDP. Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in. Certainly, he is still in PDP, and to me, he is still my deputy.’

Mohammed who also spoke on former President Goodluck Jonathan’s plans ahead of the 2027 election, assured that such ‘ big politicians’ are welcome, adding that ‘People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy’

This came ahead of the planned movement into the ruling party on Tuesday by Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, just few months after the Governors of Akwa Ibom and Delta States abandoned the party to join the ruling party

‘If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.

‘This defection would have been more devastating at the onset, but we have been talking and discussing.

Mohammed who is also the head of the Publicity sub committee for the convention, blamed the development on ‘ the leadership style of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything.

‘I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections. ‘Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division.

‘Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP, and the issue is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP. Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes.

He however assured that the party will continue to deliver, if members stand firm .

‘Nobody stops you from leaving, so that you can create another space for others to come around for governance.

‘ Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027.

*I am optimistic that we will get a new set of leaders in 2027 who will defeat the deceptive style of the APC by coming up with true leaders who will listen to Nigerians and address their challenges by the grace of God.

‘If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please don’t blame anybody at the governor’s level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control’

He assured that the party is addressing the issues of threats to the party’s convention squarely.

‘ Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. Some don’t even have leadership at the national level. We are the only ones intact-with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary.

He also noted that the PDP remains the only party with stable national leadership despite efforts to destabilise it.

‘ As a big party with a history since 1999, still with the same logo, colors, manifesto, and leadership, we should commend the National Working Committee for doing well despite limitations.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reached new agreements to strengthen cooperation on migration, criminal justice, and financial crime during the 2025 Nigeria-UK Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue (MJHA) held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Details of the meeting were contained in a joint communiqué signed by Asari Allotey for Nigeria and Asim Hafeez for the United Kingdom, and released to journalists on Friday.

The annual dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office, is part of an ongoing partnership aimed at promoting secure borders, fair migration, and the rule of law.

A key highlight of the 2025 Dialogue was the reaffirmation of both nations’ commitment to return individuals without legal status in each other’s territories, under the framework of the 2022 Migration Returns Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

‘Returning those that no longer have a legal right to remain in the UK is a top priority for the UK Government,’ the communiqué quoted the UK delegation as saying.

Both sides agreed to strengthen operational cooperation to ensure that all returns are conducted safely, humanely, and with respect for human rights.

The UK also announced progress in its electronic visa (e-visa) rollout, promising to extend the system across all visa categories by the time of the next MJHA meeting in 2026.

According to the communiqué, the UK has offered to ‘support Nigerian business travellers and simplify visit visa applications,’ as part of broader efforts to promote trade and investment.

Nigeria, in turn, pledged to share updates on its own Nigeria e-visa project, which is being developed to facilitate easier entry for international visitors, investors, and business partners.

On migration management, both countries agreed to fast-track the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Organised Immigration Crime, which will focus on tackling irregular migration and border crimes.

The UK further pledged to expand training programmes for Nigerian immigration officers, particularly in the Organised Immigration Crime Unit, to ‘enable wider coverage and cascading of knowledge for enhanced responsiveness.’

Nigeria and the UK agreed to collaborate on a Strategic Serious Organised Crime Threat Analysis, the first of its kind in West Africa.

Officials described it as ‘a historic agreement that demonstrates the solid commitment between the two countries on combating serious organised crime.’

During the meeting, the UK also formally handed over the Brighter Futures PREVENT programme to Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The initiative, designed to steer vulnerable youth away from organised crime and extremism, will now be fully run by Nigerian agencies.

Nigeria pledged to sustain the momentum of the programme and provide updates on implementation at both federal and state levels at the next dialogue in 2026, while also calling for ‘continued UK support beyond March 2026.’

On extradition, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure faster processes and prevent offenders from escaping justice in either jurisdiction.

The communiqué noted that the UK would continue to share information with its courts regarding detention conditions in Nigeria, to maintain transparency in extradition cases.

They also resolved to hold quarterly technical meetings to review progress on extradition and broader criminal justice matters.

Discussions also focused on the Prisoner Transfer Agreement, with Nigeria calling for an update to align the document with current domestic laws, including the Nigerian Correctional Services Act 2019. Both countries committed to clarifying the process, timelines, and conditions governing the transfer and detention of prisoners.

To strengthen border and maritime security, the UK and Nigeria agreed to develop a new Memorandum of Understanding on Human Trafficking, while improving inter-agency cooperation on commodities trafficking, especially across the maritime domain.

The communiqué said both nations recognised ‘the importance of sustaining operational work on illicit commodities,’ with collaboration involving the Nigeria Customs Service, Navy, NDLEA, and UK law enforcement agencies.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria in tackling illicit finance and money laundering, and to help establish a Public-Private Partnership on financial crime to strengthen detection, investigation, and prosecution capacities.

Both countries also vowed to work together on global reforms aimed at reducing illicit financial flows, improving transparency in financial centres, and enhancing the regulation of professionals who enable corruption and kleptocracy.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom are committed to monitoring the implementation of all agreements through ongoing consultations and performance tracking.

A nonprofit organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI), has empowered 20 young women from underserved communities in Kwara State through its flagship programme, SheGrows Digital Bootcamp.

The 10-week bootcamp was designed to tackle socio-economic barriers faced by young women by equipping them with business, digital and soft skills relevant to today’s job market.

Supported by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), the programme also aimed to create a sustainable platform for young women to break the cycle of poverty, reduce dependence on external financial aid, and take control of their futures.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the participants, the organisation’s Executive Director, Nafisat Bakare, said the initiative provided participants with structured training sessions, mentorship, and hands-on learning activities to build competencies that would position them for self-employment or integration into the formal workforce. ‘The SheGrows Digital Bootcamp was created to empower girls and young women in underserved communities with digital, business, and life skills that enhance their employability, promote self-reliance, and foster long-term economic empowerment.

‘Over the course of the training, participants received practical instruction in areas such as social media management and advertising, graphic design, and essential life skills.

‘ Through group activities, interactive sessions, and personal assessments, they acquired foundational knowledge that can be directly applied to entrepreneurial or employment opportunities,’ she said.

Bakare added that the initiative would enable the beneficiaries to either secure decent jobs or start and scale their own ventures, thereby accessing economic opportunities, improving their livelihoods, and achieving financial independence.

John Ezeobi, foremost industrialist and business tycoon, is fast becoming one of the most respected young industrialists of Igbo extraction. His story is not only about personal success but also about lessons and inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here are four reasons young Nigerians should see him as a role model.

Ezeobi’s rise is a true reflection of resilience and vision. Coming from a middle-class family, he founded Zobis in 2006 while still a university student, starting with little savings of just ?1,350.

His first supply netted him ?8,000 in profit, which became the seed for what has now grown into Zobis Cables Nigeria Limited, a household name in the electrical manufacturing industry. From that humble beginning, he quietly built his empire, transmuting from a small-time trader into a formidable industrialist.

He is focused, unlike many of his contemporaries in this ‘Dorime’ generation who chase fame and frivolities, the 41-year-old billionaire lives a simple and disciplined lifestyle. He has consciously shunned distractions, awards, and unnecessary flamboyance, preferring to channel his energy into building sustainable businesses.

Even his memberships of social clubs are strategic, used as platforms for networking and advancing his business interests rather than for leisure. His focus and clarity of purpose remain one of his greatest assets.

He is Courageous. Few people of his age and background would dare to dream at the scale Ezeobi does. From starting as a trader in Onitsha, he took the bold step into full-scale manufacturing. Today, Zobis has offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Aba, a cable factory in Anambra sitting on a large expanse of land and a state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Abuja.

His moves suggest a man with continental ambitions, determined to solve Africa’s electricity challenges while also diversifying into real estate, oil and gas. For him, true wealth lies in solving problems and adding value.

He is an Investor and an Employer

While many lament Nigeria’s harsh economic climate, Ezeobi continues to expand and invest. Zobis has become not just a success story but also one of Anambra’s biggest job providers. Through his businesses, countless Nigerians have found employment and training opportunities.

For him, empowerment is central to Africa’s development, and he believes strongly that investment in people, especially through jobs and skills, is the only way to transform society.

For these reasons and more, John Ezeobi stands out as a shining example for aspiring entrepreneurs, a living proof that discipline, courage, focus, and resilience can turn small beginnings into global success stories. Ezeobi’s story is indeed a great source of inspiration!

Risk management practitioners, economic experts and industry leaders have called for urgent institutional reforms, stronger data systems, and ethical governance to safeguard Nigeria’s economy from recurring global disruptions and internal vulnerabilities.

The call was made at the 24th Annual International Conference of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) held in Lagos, according to a communiqué issued by the institute at the end of the event.

The conference, themed ‘Global Risks, Local Solutions,’ brought together policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions.

In his opening address, Kevin Ugwuoke, president and Chairman of CRMI Council, noted the need for Nigeria to move from reactive policymaking to a proactive, risk-based framework that anticipates and mitigates shocks. ‘Nigeria’s competitiveness and fiscal stability depend on how we anticipate, prepare for, and mitigate shocks,’ Ugwuoke said. ‘When managed intelligently, risk becomes the foundation for sustainable growth. CRMI’s ongoing advocacy, including the National Risk Management Bill before the National Assembly, seeks to institutionalise risk governance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with annual risk reporting becoming mandatory for transparency and accountability.’

Delivering a paper on ‘Global Risk Outlook,’ Chinyere Almona, Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), identified climate shocks, inflationary pressures, and weak governance as major factors undermining investor confidence and economic stability.

She warned that inequality and low institutional trust continue to widen Nigeria’s poverty gap, with over 133 million Nigerians multidimensionally poor and 30 million facing acute food insecurity.

‘Resilience is not built on slogans but on deliberate investments in people, systems, and governance,’ Almona said. ‘Subnational leaders, businesses, and communities must proactively assess and mitigate risks. Effective Nigerian responses must be homegrown and tailored to local realities.’

The Statistician-General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Semiu Adeniran, also underscored Nigeria’s structural imbalances, revealing that the services sector contributed 55.52 percent of GDP in 2024, followed by agriculture and industry. He noted that the informal sector still accounts for 42 percent of output, limiting fiscal capacity and policy reach.

Adeniran described the ongoing brain drain as a ‘human capital risk,’ noting that Nigeria lost about 3.6 million professionals to migration between 2022 and 2023, weakening productivity and innovation.

‘Global risks such as slowing GDP growth, inflation, and migration are affecting Nigeria’s economy,’ he said. ‘Technological disruptions like AI threaten low-skilled jobs, while climate change and insecurity in the Sahel have reduced agricultural productivity. Local solutions include investing in data, formalising the economy, and developing industrial value chains.’ He urged policymakers to use the rebased GDP data as a guide for reforms, saying it provides clearer insights for inclusive growth.

During a panel on Food Security and Agricultural Resilience, Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI) disclosed that the bank is expanding climate adaptation financing and dry-season farming programmes to support smallholder farmers. He said BOI’s cluster-based lending model links farmers with processors and cooperatives to improve market access and credit availability.

Similarly, Oluwaseun Faleye, Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) represented by Dayo Alao, urged institutions to adapt to fast-evolving global risks such as wars, cyberattacks, pandemics, and climate change.

‘Our social and economic resilience depends on strong governance systems, effective data use, and ethical leadership,’ he said.

Also speaking, Bonaventure Okhaimo, Managing Director of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC) called for collaboration between chief risk officers and financial institutions to support underserved sectors through inclusive financial risk management.

‘By partnering with NCGC, institutions can help drive sustainable support for local businesses and contribute to national economic resilience,’ Okhaimo stated.

On regulatory safeguards, Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a presentation titled ‘Unravelling Ponzi Schemes: Protecting Investors and Strengthening the Regulatory Framework,’ urged risk managers to collaborate with regulators to detect and prevent fraudulent schemes. Represented by John Abel Briggs, SEC’s Lagos Controller, Agama noted that the 2025 Investment and Securities Act now prescribes a minimum 10-year jail term or N20 million fine for Ponzi operators, empowering the SEC to freeze assets and work with the EFCC.

‘Risk managers must identify early warning signs – unrealistic returns, fake documentation, and referral-based recruitment are key red flags,’ Briggs warned.

Regional speakers from Ghana, Benin, and Togo also shared insights on Africa’s vulnerabilities, calling for stronger regional integration and policy stability to navigate global economic shifts.

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the country’s lead agency responsible for the promotion of non-oil export, has observed that Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings will increase if cashew farmers add value to their produce.

Nonye Ayeni, executive director/chief executive officer of NEPC, made this observation in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, at a day workshop on development and production of quality cashew nut for export, organised by the Abia State Coordinating Office of the Council.

Currently, Nigeria is the 6th largest producer of cashew, and the global demand for cashew has been growing at 7-10% annually, which provides great opportunities for local investors to leverage on.

The NEPC Chief Executive noted that the cashew business is rewarding and more profitable, especially with value addition, through effective processing to global quality and standard, including other specific market buyer requirements, namely, packaging and kernel grade.

Ayeni, who was represented at the forum by Okechukwu Amaechi, acting State coordinator, NEPC, Abia State, however, regretted that despite huge potentials inherent in cashew nut and its derivatives, the sub-sector is yet to experience the required growth, due to lack of skills, aged plantations and inability to add value to the product.

In order to increase production and develop its markets, she noted that cashew nuts and their production, technology have to be promoted among the farmers, processors and other stakeholders.

According to her, adding value to Cashew nuts by processing them into cashew kernels and packaging them for export would reduce exploitation by the foreign buyers and other middlemen.

‘It is patinent to note that if cashew nut is properly processed, packaged and exported, it would not only generate foreign exchange, but also create jobs for the unemployed youths’.

Ayeni explained that the NEPC, over the years, has employed several promotional strategies aimed at motivating stakeholders in the oil sector, stressing that the hosting of the export workshop was a strategy to educate stakeholders in the cashew nut sub-sector on how to progress from exporting raw cashew nuts to processed cashew (kernels).

‘Certainly, stakeholders in the sub-sector will discover the hidden treasure in the sub-sector and so redevelop and adapt their production techniques and products to meet requirements of the international markets in terms of hervesting processing, storage, preservation and packaging’, she stated.

Chioma Nnorom, State coordinator, Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC), Umuahia, Abia State, said that the RMRDC recognises the potential of cashew as a strategic non-oil export commodity capable of driving industrial growth, job creation and rural development.

She said that the workshop aligns perfectly with RMRDCs. mandate to promote value addition and ensure sustainable utilisation of Nigeria’s raw materials.

She said that RMRDC has made some key achievements towards the development and production of Cashew in Nigeria, like the donation of a Cashew Nutshell Oil Extractor to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).

She noted that the donation was part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between RMRDC and ABSU, aimed at enhancing value addition in extracting oil from cashew nut shells.

Also in 2015-2016 and also in 2020 planting seasons, RMRDC distributed ‘Jumbo’ cashew seeds/improved cashew varieties across States to replace old/low-yielding trees, thus boosting production.

Policy advocacy and strategic value chain planning.

‘RMRDC has emphasized utilization of non-kernel parts of Cashew (shell liquid, kernel oil among others) for industrial uses (Paints, propeliants , feed among other products), thereby briadning what ‘Value’ means beyond just exporting raw kernels’, she stated.

The well-attended workshop attracted leaders of the National Association of Cashew Farmers, Abia State chapter and cashew farmers from Umunneochi and Isukwuato LGAs.

Illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, and foreigners are amongst those granted pardon and clemency and approved by the National Council of State, on Thursday.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement containing the list of those granted clemency, said Mamman Vatsa, Akubo, and Magaji Garba, amongst those granted pardon by President Bola Tinubu.

The list of capital offenders, including Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight, was also among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mercy on Thursday.

President Tinubu had granted clemency to most of them based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.

The statement said the President forgave some due to old age, the acquisition of new vocational skills, or enrollment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

According to him, ‘President Tinubu also corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists. In all, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, had recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died.

The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

Fagbemi presented the committee’s report at the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The list includes Nweke Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine, and Nwogu Peters, aged 67, serving a One-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013, Anastasia Nwaoba, aged 63. Already served a sentence for fraud.

Others include Hussaini Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the case by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) case, Ayinla Alanamu, age 63, who was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.

Farouk Lawan, aged 62, who was also sentenced to five years in 2021 for corrupt practices and had served the sentence, was also granted a pardon, amongst others.

Sanya, a book by Oyin Olugbile, has won the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, which is focused on prose fiction.

The book beat two other shortlisted titles to clinch the NLNG-sponsored Prize valued at $100,000.

Sanya’s feat at the Prize, which is one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honours, came from its selection among the 252 novels by the judges, further making it to the 11 longlist and the three shortlisted titles.

While announcing the novel as the winner at the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Grand Award Night in Lagos, on October 10, 2025, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, a professor and chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, noted that Sanya won because of Olugbile’s mythology retelling approach, which she described as distinct and daring for casting Sango as a female and for the projection of Yoruba mythology through a story that captivates and meanders into a fantastical world.

She noted further that Olugbile achieved this through lucid and straightforward language, making for easy reading.

‘We were impressed by the quality of the shortlisted books written by three writers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The books, Sanya by Oyin Olugbile; The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma, both published by Masobe Books; and This Motherless Land by Nikki May, published by Narrative Landscape, indicate an improvement in the quality of local publishing,’ she said.

‘After much careful assessments and deliberations, we concluded that very little separates the novels and each is a potential winner of the award. However, Oyin Olugbile’s Sanya slightly takes the edge and is therefore our pick as the winner of the 2025 ‘Nigeria Prize for Literature’.

Also, Masobe Books, a Nigerian publishing company, was in the spotlight as two of its published novels made the 3 shortlist, while one of them eventually won the prestigious literary prize.

It would be recalled that five novels from Masobe Books were among the 11 longlisted in this year’s Prize, speaking volumes on the reputation of the publishing firm.

Apart from the Nigeria Prize for Literature, earlier, Okwudiri Anasiudu emerged as the winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism. Anasiudu won for his submissions titled Afropolitan Identity and Afrodiasporic Otherness in Selected African Novels; Allegorical Conjectures in Helon Habila’s Measuring Time; and Mimetic Designs in Helon Habila’s Oil on Water. The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism comes with a $10,000 prize money.

Sadly, there was no winner for the Nigeria Prize for Science this year, according to Barth Nnaji, a professor and chairman of the Advisory Board for the science prize.

Speaking at the awards, Philip Mshelbila, managing director and CEO, NLNG, highlighted the enduring influence of literature, describing The Nigeria Prize for Literature as ‘a reminder of the power of words to shape identity and deepen understanding.

‘Winning the Prize is recognition of scaling the highest heights of literature. All the shortlisted books this evening are works of the highest calibre,’ he said.

He also revealed that The Nigeria Prize for Science will be renamed ‘The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.’ He said the new name reflects NLNG’s belief that progress depends as much on creativity and fresh thinking as on technology and infrastructure.

In another revelation, Mshelbila announced that NLNG would be resting The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism and introducing a new Prize category, ‘The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts,’ with a focus on Documentary Film. He stressed that the new Prize would inspire a new generation of storytellers to inform, challenge, and connect Nigerians more deeply to who they are as a nation and who they can become.

The NLNG boss also unveiled a new book, ‘Voices of Our Leaders,’ a commemorative book on NLNG’s history and progress over three decades. He noted that the book captures the voices of some of those who have guided NLNG’s journey from dream to reality.

Industry leaders and government representatives have urged young innovators to transform their clean-energy ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses capable of driving Africa’s transition to a green economy.

The call came as the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) and Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) celebrated the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the GreenLabs Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge in Lagos.

Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, executive director, CADEF, while delivering her keynote address, praised the graduates for their creativity and commitment to building sustainable solutions that address Nigeria’s energy and environmental challenges.

‘This embodies my vision of a Nigeria where we become producers, not just consumers; innovators, not imitators. We must go beyond the narrative and become the narrative leading innovation that drives sustainable growth across our country’, Ndukwe-Okafor said.

She announced that applications for Cohort 2 of the GreenLabs Innovation Challenge Incubator will soon open under the theme ‘Food Systems – Green Energy, Green Economy, and Food Security.’

Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Olufolake Kasunmu, the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, congratulated the graduates for their creativity and encouraged them to keep developing technologies that support Lagos State’s green economy and smart city agenda.

‘Your contributions are vital to Lagos’ vision of becoming a smart, energy-efficient city,’ Kasunmu, who was represented by Engr. Kanike Ahmed Abayomi, assistant director, engineering and IT infrastructure unit, affirmed.

Mrs. Sorun Sayo Olohejeveri, deputy director, Lagos state Ministry of Youth and Social Development, delivered the goodwill message of Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the permanent secretary. Oke-Osanyintolu commended the graduates’ commitment to mastering renewable-energy skills and positioning themselves as leaders in Nigeria’s sustainable future.

‘Renewable energy is not just beneficial, it is essential,’ she said, assuring participants of the Ministry’s continued support in fostering youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. In her remarks, Sellah Bogonko, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA), hailed the graduates as pioneers of Africa’s green future.

‘Africa’s greatest resource is its people especially its young innovators. What we are seeing here today is not just a graduation; it is a movement of young Africans designing the future of clean energy and sustainability,’ Bogonko said.

She reaffirmed JLA’s commitment to scaling the GreenLabs model across Africa, empowering youth to transform ideas into sustainable businesses that drive green growth and climate resilience.

Adding a private-sector perspective, Mr. Olufunsho Peters, chief executive officer of Infinion Technologies Limited, delivered a deeply inspiring address that resonated with the young entrepreneurs. He described the graduates as energy architects with the potential to reshape Nigeria’s renewable-energy landscape, urging them to approach their next phase with innovation, resilience, and agility.

‘Your graduation today is not an ending, it’s the beginning of a new sprint. Every business must evolve. Keep innovating, because the market will catch up faster than you expect,’ Peters said.

Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey, Peters shared how starting a tech business in Lagos years ago without structured incubation or mentorship came with daunting challenges, from limited funding and infrastructure to a lack of business guidance. He explained that initiatives like GreenLabs are now bridging those gaps by providing mentorship, exposure, and access to networks that help startups succeed faster and smarter.

‘What you have today, the structure, mentorship, and support are game changers. Use them well. Technology and innovation will keep redefining industries. The ability to adapt, reinvent, and collaborate will determine who leads the future,’ he advised.

Peters encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and to use technology as a tool for solving Africa’s most pressing energy and development challenges. ‘Don’t wait for ideal conditions. Innovation thrives on imperfection. Build, fail fast, learn faster, and keep pushing boundaries,’ he added.