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Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, has called for urgent and coordinated public-private investment in digital infrastructure, innovation, and talent development, describing these as the foundation for inclusive growth and national competitiveness.

Speaking during the plenary session themed Smart Growth, Digital Leap, hosted by IHS Nigeria at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, Darwish said Nigeria cannot achieve its development aspirations without placing digital technology at the heart of its economic agenda.

‘We cannot successfully build a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria by 2030 without digital technology being a core driver and accelerator,’ Darwish said. ‘This is because digital infrastructure is no longer just about connectivity, it has become the backbone of national productivity.’

While Nigeria has recorded significant progress in the last decade, especially in internet penetration, e-commerce, mobile payments, and startup activity, Darwish warned that the country still faces serious gaps that risk undermining that momentum.

He pointed to inadequate rural internet access, persistent power supply issues, and uneven levels of digital literacy as some of the barriers holding back full digital inclusion.

‘Our country stands very tall as the most vibrant startup ecosystem in Africa and one of the elite creative communities in the world,’ he noted. ‘But despite the progress, Nigeria still grapples with infrastructural and skill gaps.’

The session, which brought together stakeholders from government, business, and civil society, focused on how to accelerate digital adoption and reduce inequality across value chains, sectors, and geographies.

Darwish stressed that only sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors can unlock the scale of investment needed to close infrastructure gaps and scale the innovation ecosystem.

‘To bridge this divide, stakeholders must invest in public-private partnerships,’ he said. ‘Government initiatives focused on expanding broadband coverage, coupled with community-based digital skills programs, can empower more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.’

According to Darwish, such partnerships would not only unlock productivity across key sectors but also attract new investment and position Nigeria as a future-ready economy.

He emphasized that digital infrastructure, innovation, and talent development should no longer be treated as peripheral interests, but as ‘core inputs and catalysts for growth.’

Darwish also outlined five key priorities for action, including identifying infrastructure and regulatory gaps, scaling broadband and rural connectivity, expanding innovation hubs across sectors like agriculture, health, and education, and building a digital skills pipeline aligned with industry needs.

He expressed confidence in the summit’s ability to foster alignment among key stakeholders on how best to channel investment and policy support into these areas. ‘I hope that at the end of this session, we can arrive at sector-wide alignment on where and how to scale digital infrastructure investments and a strengthened consensus among government, private sector, and development partners on coordinated investments for Nigeria’s digital transformation.’

Highlighting IHS Nigeria’s contributions, Darwish noted that the company operates over 16,000 telecom towers and has laid more than 15,000km of optic fibre across the country.

He said IHS is investing in green energy to power base stations, supporting innovation hubs, and backing upskilling programmes such as the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent initiative (3MTT) and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (Gen U).

‘For us at IHS Nigeria, we believe strongly that connectivity is a catalyst for socio-economic growth,’ he said. ‘We pride ourselves as Nigeria’s backbone of digital possibilities, playing a critical role in expanding network infrastructure and supporting telecom operators with sustainable, energy-efficient, and secure infrastructure solutions.’

Darwish urged stakeholders to match ambition with action, stressing that smart, inclusive growth will depend on how quickly the country can scale its digital capabilities.

Maintaining law and order across Nigeria’s vast 853,000 square kilometers requires disciplined and diligent police leadership, given its single police command structure within a federal administration. Such leadership isn’t simply a product of promotion; rather, it’s built on a broad range of experience and expertise gained from operational command in diverse departments, divisions, and commands.

Given the demands of this role, exceptional police officers with such a strong profile are rare. However, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found a standout candidate in Jonathan Towuru, who embodies the key attributes of a strong police officer. These include law enforcement skills such as crime prevention, investigation, and emergency response, as well as essential soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and ethical judgment – attributes that are particularly vital in today’s complex Nigeria.

Effective policing hinges on a strong partnership between the community and law enforcement, where officers serve as guardians and uphold public trust through integrity, consistency, and compassion in applying the law. This approach is guided by key principles, including fostering public trust and respect, promoting collaboration, ensuring fairness and consistency in enforcing rules for all communities, and holding officers accountable for misconduct to maintain confidence in the system.

With over 35 years of transformative leadership, DIG Towuru has redefined policing excellence in Nigeria and beyond. His extensive experience in leadership roles across various crucial operations and departments has earned him a reputation as a standout leader. Serving in multiple geo-political zones, Towuru’s career trajectory is marked by notable postings, including Assistant Commissioner of Police, State CID in Enugu (2011); Deputy Force Secretary II, Force Headquarters, Abuja (2012); Deputy Commandant, Police College, Maiduguri, Borno State (2014); Commissioner of Police, Western Port, Apapa, Lagos (2022); and Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River State. Throughout his career, Towuru has honed his skills in building strong relationships between communities and law enforcement officers

As the head of The Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Towuru’s leadership skills shone brightly. FCID, Nigeria Police’s highest investigating arm, is responsible for probing and prosecuting serious and complex crimes nationally and internationally, while coordinating crime investigations and prosecution across the force. Under Towuru’s stewardship, the FCID pioneered Nigeria’s most advanced investigative ecosystem, harnessing cutting-edge forensics, inter-agency fusion centers, and AI-driven crime analytics. His leadership has been marked by high-stakes crisis response, transnational crime dismantling, and mentorship of Africa’s next-generation security leaders.

DIG Jonathan Towuru’s appointment as Commander Director of the Nigeria Section at the International Police Academy – UNIPOL was a fitting international recognition of his outstanding contributions to policing. The academy described him as a master strategist who has ‘redefined policing excellence in Nigeria and beyond,’ with a career marked by innovation, integrity and institutional impact in national security, criminal justice reform and international counterterrorism. Some of his notable achievements include exceptional contributions to national security, law enforcement leadership, and international cooperation, notably designing Nigeria’s intelligence-driven policing model that reduced violent crime by 40% in operational commands. He has held various leadership positions and received several awards and recognitions for his service, including a Presidential Commendation for foiling electoral violence plots in 2023 and being featured by the UNODC for his work on port security innovation. Overall, DIG Towuru’s appointment to the International Police Academy – UNIPOL is a testament to his dedication to advancing policing standards and his commitment to public service.

DIG Jonathan Towuru has been instrumental in Nigeria’s law enforcement advancements, playing a key role in establishing the country’s digital forensic hub and successfully solving over 500 high-profile cybercrimes. His expertise extends beyond Nigeria, having advised five African governments on police modernization. Notably, he made significant contributions to counterinsurgency efforts, training over 2,000 officers in counterinsurgency tactics under his leadership and authoring the Force’s Community Policing Doctrine.

His appointment as Deputy Inspector General of Police on January 8, 2025, representing the South-South zone and serving as a member of the senior Police Management Team, marked a significant milestone. Shortly after, on January 22, 2025, he was redeployed to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), aimed at enhancing the department’s capabilities in tackling complex criminal investigations and improving crime management nationwide.

As DIG Jonathan Towuru continues to lead and innovate in law enforcement, his dedication to safety, security, and community trust remains unwavering. With a career spanning decades and numerous achievements, he sets a shining example for future generations of law enforcement leaders. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire a safer, more secure Nigeria for all.

As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural reform, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has distributed inputs and equipment to over 500 smallholder farmers in Edo State.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, flagged off the distribution of inputs to farmers on Tuesday in Benin City.

Kyari, represented by Perpetual Iyere-Usiahon, assistant director in the ministry, said the exercise was geared towards encouraging all-around farming activities in the state as well as in the country.

He also said that it was in line with the federal government

policy to boost food security in the country.

He added that it was one of the many programmes and projects rolled out by the ministry to address some of the challenges of farmers and make food available, accessible and affordable to all Nigerians.

According to him, the various inputs for distribution to farmers are part of our efforts in increasing food production and mitigating the food crisis in the country.

The minister posited that one of the ways to address some of the challenges is the facilitation of agro-inputs and basic farm machinery to small-scale farmers, who are constrained by the high market cost of the essential inputs, and also need assistance.

He listed some of the inputs and equipment distributed to the farmers to include knapsack sprayer, growth enhancers, rice destoners, power tillers, as well as cocopeat and bucket.

Kyari explained that the items are distributed to farmers through commodity associations, cooperative groups, farmers with special needs bodies and women groups.

He noted that the distribution was part of the ministry’s programme to increase agricultural production and ensure food security in the country.

He further added that the exercise was the ministry’s policy towards delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister, however, reassured farmers that the federal government has demonstrated total political will to transform the Agricultural sector of our dear country by prioritising food security.

‘Since our assumption of office on 21 August, 2023, we have examined what needs to change and what we need to do to realign existing initiatives and programmes that are on course to be in line with the core mandate of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

‘Accordingly, and going forward, we commit to ensuring that all our sectoral programmes and initiatives of the Government in the area are completely aligned to achieve the Presidential priority.

‘To achieve this, the federal and state governments are continually engaged towards addressing all issues affecting national food security.

‘We also remain committed to promoting and creating synergies

with Non-Governmental Organisations and the private sector to enhance efforts at ensuring food security. Economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

‘In this respect, the ministry has considered the implementation of short-term plans and support mechanisms to make essential farm inputs more affordable and accessible to farmers through a transparent and accountable process,’ he said.

Earlier in her remarks, Patricia Imade, the Edo State coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, noted that with the inputs and equipment, the farmers are empowered to increase their yields, improve their livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s food security.

I described the distribution of farm inputs as a critical component of the ministry’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity and food security

She urged farmers to make optimal use of the inputs and to follow best practices in their farming activities.

She also encouraged them to take advantage of the various support services available to them, including extension services, training, and credit facilities.

The state coordinator, however, appealed to the farmers to work with the ministry to make a meaningful impact on the agricultural sector and contribute to the nation’s food security.

In separate interviews, Omobude Agho and Leon Esebanmen, chairman of EDOCSO Investment Limited and Owan Agrarian Cooperative Limited, commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the free inputs and equipment.

The duo also appreciated the Edo State Coordinator of the Ministry for her efforts in ensuring that farmers in the state benefited from the federal government programmes.

For too long, taxation in Nigeria has been viewed with suspicion-an opaque process where citizens pay, sometimes reluctantly, with little confidence in how fairly their contributions are assessed or applied.

President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping 2025 tax reforms, however, may mark a turning point in this story. Central to the reforms is the creation of the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO), a body designed to mediate disputes, protect taxpayer rights, and bring a fresh sense of fairness and accountability into Nigeria’s tax system.

This is no small development. For decades, taxpayers have often felt at the mercy of tax authorities-sometimes bullied, sometimes ignored, and often entangled in endless litigation.

On the other hand, tax agencies, especially the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), have battled with low compliance, widespread evasion, and public mistrust. If well implemented, the Ombud could be the bridge that finally narrows this gap of distrust.

At its core, the Ombud is a mediator. It offers a low-cost, simple, and non-judicial platform for resolving complaints-whether against overzealous tax officials, arbitrary assessments, or bureaucratic delays. Unlike the courts, which are expensive and painfully slow, the Ombud promises quicker resolution without a financial burden on taxpayers.

This matters in a country where ordinary business owners and individuals are often intimidated by tax disputes. By guaranteeing a channel to seek redress without fear of reprisals, the Ombud strengthens confidence in the system. A taxpayer who believes the system will treat them fairly is far more likely to comply voluntarily.

But the Ombud is not just about protecting citizens. It also helps the tax authorities themselves. By filtering grievances before they escalate into costly litigation, the Ombud will reduce the pressure on already overburdened tax tribunals and courts. It provides useful feedback to FIRS and other revenue agencies to improve service delivery, identify systemic flaws, and refine policy implementation. In effect, it makes the tax system more efficient for both sides.

The Legal Backbone

The Office of the Tax Ombud is established under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, one of four major pieces of tax legislation signed by the President. Others include the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025.

The Act grants the Ombud sweeping powers: the right to investigate complaints, review decisions of tax authorities, enter and inspect premises, summon individuals, recommend corrective measures, and even institute legal proceedings on behalf of taxpayers. Crucially, it also empowers the Ombud to act as a watchdog against arbitrary fiscal policies-reporting such policies to the National Assembly if necessary.

This is significant. For once, there will be an independent channel to check abuse of power, not just within tax agencies but even in broader fiscal policy.

Still, there are clear limitations. The Ombud cannot interpret tax laws beyond operational issues, cannot meddle in cases already before courts, and cannot determine liabilities or assessments. In other words, it is not a substitute for tax tribunals or the judiciary. Its role is mediation, oversight, and systemic improvement-not adjudication.

Sceptics may argue that these limitations weaken the Ombud’s bite. But in truth, this balance is necessary. If the Ombud were empowered to replace courts entirely, it would risk overreach and constitutional conflict. Instead, its strength lies in providing quick, fair remedies for everyday grievances, while leaving complex legal disputes to formal judicial processes.

The Ombud’s greatest promise lies in cultural transformation. Nigeria has historically struggled with tax compliance. Too many citizens view taxes not as a civic duty but as a burden imposed by an unaccountable state. By embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability in tax administration, the Ombud could begin reshaping this perception.

As Mrs Lovette Ononuga of the FIRS Taxpayer Services Department aptly put it, the Ombud reflects the government’s recognition of taxpayers’ crucial role in national development.

When citizens feel respected and protected, they are more likely to see themselves as partners in governance rather than victims of exploitation. This aligns neatly with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, which places inclusiveness and fairness at the heart of economic reforms.

The Ombudsman model is not new. Sweden pioneered it in 1809, and over time, the idea spread worldwide, taking root in banking, insurance, and taxation. Nigeria’s adoption of a tax ombud follows this global trend. As FIRS official Olufemi Olarinde observed, countries established ombudsmen to enhance taxpayer rights and ensure fairness in administration. Nigeria is simply joining a global best practice, albeit belatedly.

Yet, our context is unique. Unlike countries with higher tax-to-GDP ratios, Nigeria’s tax base remains narrow, and distrust between the government and citizens is high. That means expectations must be managed. The Ombud is not a magic wand. It will not instantly transform Nigeria into a tax-compliant nation. But it can gradually build trust-the missing ingredient in our fiscal system.

Implementation will be the true test. For the Ombud to succeed, it must be independent, transparent, and accessible. Nigerians are wary of institutions that exist only on paper. If the Ombud becomes just another bureaucratic office-slow, compromised, and beholden to political interests; its promise will evaporate.

Moreover, awareness campaigns are critical. Many taxpayers still do not know their rights, let alone the existence of the Ombud. Without aggressive taxpayer education, the office risks being underutilised.

President Tinubu’s new tax regime, and particularly the creation of the Tax Ombud, is a bold experiment in fairness. It seeks to strike a delicate balance: empowering taxpayers without undermining revenue authorities, offering redress without clogging the courts, and promoting compliance without coercion.

Will it work? That depends not just on legislation but on political will, institutional integrity, and public awareness. If executed faithfully, the Ombud could become one of the most citizen-friendly innovations in Nigeria’s fiscal history. If not, it risks being another reform lost in translation.

For now, Nigerians should cautiously welcome this development. At long last, taxpayers may have a voice loud enough to be heard-and an ally strong enough to matter.

The Forum of National Women Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria (NWLFPPN), in collaboration with National Youth Leaders have called on the leadership of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to expedite passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before it.

Rising from a strategic meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, the women and youth leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing gender inclusion in governance and politics.

In a joint statement signed by Amina Darasimi Bryhm, the president of the Forum, the leaders described the Reserved Seats Bill as a ‘national imperative’ that would address Nigeria’s long-standing gender imbalance in elective offices and strengthen democracy through inclusive representation.

‘Political parties are the gateway to leadership and governance, and as custodians of political participation, we are duty-bound to lead the campaign for equitable representation,’ Bryhm said.

The Forum emphasized that women form the backbone of Nigeria’s democracy and must be accorded proportional representation through constitutional reform. It pledged to intensify advocacy and sensitization across political parties to ensure understanding and support for the Bill.

The statement urged members of the National Assembly to ‘make history’ by giving the Bill speedy passage, stressing that ‘the time for promises is over – the time for action is now.’

It also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Executive Arm of Government to back the proposed law once passed, describing such support as a demonstration of leadership, fairness, and national commitment to inclusion

The Forum said it would continue working with political parties to publicly endorse the Bill and promote internal reforms that advance women’s participation. It also called on civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth organizations, and faith leaders to mobilize in solidarity until the Bill becomes law.

‘This is not a fight against men but a call to partnership. Empowering women empowers families and strengthens communities,’ the statement read.

The women leaders commended development partners for their ongoing support and urged them to sustain collaboration through advocacy, technical assistance, and empowerment initiatives for women in politics.

Reiterating their stance for equity and progress, the Forum declared that the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill must not be delayed.

‘This is not just legislation; it is a rallying point for justice, democracy, and nation-building,’ the statement concluded.

Fielding questions from the media on what women were bringing to the table, the President noted that being on the table would ensure that the interests of women, children and persons with disabilities are protected. She however noted that for that to happen ‘women have to be on the table.’

The women leaders noted that in their efforts to bring women to the table. They were determined to ensure women with capacity and integrity are carefully supported to run in future elections.

In an era of institutional fragility and divided leadership, Prince Blessing Lawal, Founder and President of the Global Socio-Economic and Financial Evolution Network (GSFEN), which includes the GSFEN Business School, the academic arm of GSFEN Worldwide UK, leads a coalition of more than 1,500 Peace Ambassadors from 97 countries.

The organisation works closely with the United Nations to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has built a network that connects people and systems across continents with one shared purpose, creating a peaceful, inclusive and economically empowered world.

Lawal also serves as Senior Manager of Education for the International Teachers Association (ITA) UK, extending his influence beyond organisational boundaries. His work represents a model where academia, governance, civil society and diplomacy align to produce measurable outcomes that benefit communities and nations alike.

GSFEN operates as an ecosystem that links public policy with local action. It goes beyond advocacy by implementing programmes that improve financial literacy, promote youth development and drive social innovation. Through partnerships with governments, universities, international agencies and non-profit organisations, GSFEN applies the United Nations’ call for ‘global partnerships for sustainable development.’ It builds cooperation between experts and citizens, ensuring that global goals are translated into local realities.

Lawal often says that ‘vision without structure remains a dream, and structure without passion becomes bureaucracy.’ This belief defines GSFEN’s working model, which combines purpose with organisation. Every initiative, from financial education to peace leadership, is designed around sustainability and accountability. This disciplined yet inclusive approach has earned GSFEN recognition as a trusted partner for governments, institutions and development agencies across continents.

At the centre of GSFEN’s activities is the Peace Ambassador Programme, which brings together representatives from over 97 countries. These ambassadors promote peace, leadership and socio-economic development within their communities. Through training, mentorship and cross-cultural dialogue, they advance financial inclusion, civic responsibility and conflict resolution. Each ambassador serves as both a messenger and an implementer, translating international frameworks like the SDGs into practical community action.

Lawal’s leadership is grounded in partnership. He sees institutions as parts of a shared global system rather than separate entities. Under his direction, GSFEN collaborates with universities for research, with governments for policy frameworks, with civil society for implementation and with private enterprises for innovation and funding. This multi-sector collaboration ensures that projects are sustainable and scalable.

He believes that economic empowerment is the foundation of peace. As a Verified Educator with Harvard Business Impact Education, Lawal combines academic knowledge with practical solutions. GSFEN promotes financial literacy, youth innovation and social entrepreneurship, helping individuals and communities participate meaningfully in economic growth. Its approach shifts development thinking from dependency to empowerment and self-sufficiency.

In today’s world, institutional credibility depends on impact, adaptability and alignment with human needs. Under Lawal’s leadership, GSFEN has shown that visionary leadership can turn an idea into an institution and an institution into a global movement. From international conferences to community projects, GSFEN demonstrates that progress happens when vision is matched with structure and purpose.

Lawal’s work stands as an example of how to build systems that endure institutions that translate ideas into impact and hope into tangible results. His leadership continues to remind policymakers, academics and development practitioners that meaningful change begins when institutions think globally, act locally and serve humanity collectively.

The Federal Government has announced plans to harness the potential of local government wards to drive national development.

Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit.

According to him, efforts are currently ongoing to review the national development plan, with programs targeted at mapping all 8,809 wards of the local government councils in order to harness the unique potentials in the wards.

‘All we need to do is to understand what you want us to do, and we will be humble to ensure. And we are having this discussion when we are reviewing the national development plan. So we are putting in place the 2026 to 2030 national development.

‘And we are going to do a number of unusual things. We have started, first, we are going to map all the 8,809 wards of the council because they have unique opportunities, unique potentials. That we believe, if understood and encouraged, more value can be generated from what is done in those wards.

‘It has been done elsewhere. Therefore, we have a planning hub. And then we can also unify the government because we assure the local government that understanding your wards is as important as the federal level understanding it,’ he said.

Bagudu speaking further, said that in a bid to boost productivity and economic growth, Nigeria’s federal, state, and local governments are coming together to leverage their constitutional responsibilities.

The minister who called for private sector collaboration to drive productivity in the country, stressed that these wards are centers of prosperity, noting that Nigeria currently have major productivity in a more decentralized manner.

‘We are struggling with getting all the funding we require, but we believe assistance is systemic and already within the mandate areas of many institutions that are represented here, whether universities or research departments or banks or trade associations.

‘So we need support with capacity building, and it can be helpful in improving measurement and understanding. But more importantly, we also recognize the coordinating mechanism of the federation, because Nigeria is a constitutional federation of three levels of government, federal, state, and local government, and each of them have a constitutional responsibility to some of the areas of productivity and growth.

‘There is resources out there belonging to you that we can do it together. We have reached out to, for example, many institutions are providing and supporting us with technical support, you know, that we incorporate part of the changes,’ he said.

Stakeholders at the session stressed on the need for government to boost partnerships with private sector, through incentives.

‘But incentivize the private sector to begin to invest in free education as a social responsibility. Because millions of our kids cannot go to school today.

‘Like the new tax reform starting in January 1st. If you give the private sector enough incentive, they will invest in education. There is need to incentivize the private sector to begin to invest in free education as a social responsibility. Because millions of our kids cannot go to school today,’ a participant told the conference.

Ensuring financial leadership in uncertain times is a major role of finance managers that cannot be ignored. If not for anything, it protects a business and accelerate its growth.

When global companies speak about the complexities of doing business in Africa, few challenges loom larger than foreign exchange (FX) volatility, inflationary pressure, and regulatory uncertainty.

Amid these challenges limiting businesses, most finance leaders are weathering the storm and ensuring better returns for stakeholders.

Amongst those that demonstrated how strategic thinking, disciplined execution, and bold financial stewardship cannot only protect a business but also accelerate its growth is John Olajide, who served as Country Finance Manager for Lipton Nigeria.

Olajide was appointed during a period of significant transition for the continent’s most prominent consumer goods companies.

His financial management leadership proved instrumental in transforming the company from a legacy division of a multinational into a high-performing standalone business, achieving record profitability despite one of the most volatile macro-economic climates in decades.

When Lipton Nigeria separated from Unilever, it faced daunting financial headwinds. Currency instability, foreign exchange scarcity, and rising input costs posed existential risks to operations and profitability.

Today, Lipton Nigeria stands as a stronger, more agile, and more profitable business – a testament to the vision, resilience, and strategic brilliance of the finance leader who helped steer it through one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Under Olajide leadership, Lipton Nigeria introduced rigorous financial governance practices, including advanced forecasting models, scenario-planning frameworks, and real-time performance dashboards. These tools empowered leadership teams with better decision-making capabilities, improved working-capital control, and strengthened overall financial resilience.

His focus on aligning operational decisions with financial outcomes fostered a performance-driven culture, allowing the company to respond swiftly to market changes while maintaining strong financial health.

As the company’s first finance head in its new independent structure, Olajide was entrusted with designing the financial foundation that would sustain the business beyond the shadow of its former parent company.

He built this foundation from the ground up – implementing governance frameworks, financial reporting standards, and liquidity strategies tailored to Nigeria’s economic realities. His leadership ensured that the company maintained operational stability during the critical transition period, positioning it for sustained growth.

One of Olajide most impactful contributions was the development of an innovative foreign exchange (FX) sourcing and risk-mitigation strategy that unlocked over $100 million in FX liquidity.

At a time when many manufacturers were forced to scale back operations due to severe foreign currency shortages, Olajide approach ensured uninterrupted access to imported raw materials and equipment.

By cultivating strategic partnerships with major financial institutions and designing robust treasury models, he insulated the business from FX shocks and allowed production to run at full capacity across five world-class factories producing soaps, detergents, savoury foods, tea, and toothpaste.

This strategic foresight was pivotal – it protected the company’s supply chain, safeguarded thousands of local jobs, and strengthened relationships with suppliers and distributors throughout the region.

Beyond managing risk, Olajide spearheaded a comprehensive profitability turnaround. Through a combination of margin optimisation, cost-efficiency programs, supplier renegotiations, and pricing strategy realignment, he increased the company’s gross margin from 28 percent in 2021 to over 40 percent by 2023 – one of the most dramatic improvements in the company’s history.

His financial strategy focused not only on cutting costs but also on unlocking structural value. By improving capital allocation, enhancing cost visibility, and aligning financial metrics with commercial priorities, John turned profitability into a strategic advantage, enabling the business to reinvest in innovation, capacity expansion, and market growth.

In a region where foreign exchange scarcity, inflation, and regulatory complexity often constrain business growth, his work demonstrates that with the right financial strategies, even the most volatile environments can become platforms for profitability and scale.

Olajide achievements in Nigeria represent more than corporate milestones – they reflect the transformative power of strategic finance leadership in emerging markets.

Stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have identified agricultural technology (AgriTech) and open data platforms as essential tools for advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly in promoting inclusion and improving rural development.

Speaking at the session titled ‘Design Workshops Building Productive Sectors: Investing in the Digital Economy’ during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG) in Abuja,

Toluwaleke Adenmosun, senior partner at Verraki, said agriculture offers an opportunity for digital transformation.

‘Some groups proposed open data platforms to improve the sourcing of agricultural commodities, while others emphasized the use of AgriTech to simplify and formalize the agricultural value chain,’ she said.

Adenmosun also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in tax and levy structures affecting businesses. She called for digital tools to streamline compliance.

‘Industry players face challenges not only with formal taxes but also with various levies and charges. A simple platform that outlines required payments and confirms when they are made can be implemented quickly and would address this,’ she said.

She added that successful implementation requires clear leadership, whether from the public or private sector.

‘It’s not solely a government responsibility. Someone must take ownership, drive execution, and raise awareness among farmers and stakeholders,’ she said.

Participants also noted the need for awareness campaigns, as many farmers remain unaware of digital tools that can boost productivity and improve market access.

Olabode Ojo, vice president of Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), a subsidiary of IHS Towers Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure in underserved areas.

‘At GICL and IHS, our goal is to provide the infrastructure to support Nigeria’s digital economy,’ said Ojo.

He noted that the company has deployed over 600 rural connectivity sites across 26 states and installed more than 16,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, supporting mobile technologies such as 2G, 3G, and 4G.

‘People in these areas now have access to education, healthcare, and digital financial services,’ he said. ‘This supports broader development.’

Ojo also referenced government plans led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure and establish 7,000 rural telephony sites.

‘These plans are ambitious but achievable,’ he said. ‘We are ready to collaborate with the government to help make them a reality.’

While agriculture is not GICL’s core focus, Ojo acknowledged its role in the digital economy and the importance of infrastructure in enabling farmers’ access to data.

‘These goals are within reach with collaboration from all stakeholders,’ he said. ‘We must stay focused and work together to achieve them.’

With continued investment from both public and private sectors, stakeholders agreed that AgriTech, open data, and rural connectivity are vital to building a more inclusive digital economy in Nigeria.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, has commissioned a 72-unit housing complex, comprising two and three-bedroom apartments, for teachers in Mafa local government area of the state.

The project is part of efforts by Zulum’s administration to address the critical shortage of teachers’ accommodations and improve welfare in the education sector.

The commissioning ceremony, which was held on Tuesday, was part of the administration’s ongoing efforts towards revitalising education, particularly in rural communities that were affected by over a decade of insurgency.

Zulum, while presenting the keys to the beneficiaries, said the welfare of teachers is paramount to achieving qualitative education.

According to the governor, providing decent and secured housing is one of his administration’s key priorities.

The newly commissioned complex comprises 24 two-bedroom semi-detached units and 48 units of eight blocks, three-storey buildings, three bedrooms, and basic amenities. Each unit was designed to provide a comfortable and dignified living space for teaching staff and their families.

Earlier, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commissioner for education, science, technology and innovation, explained that the beneficiaries were selected from primary and secondary schools.

Wakilbe commended Governor Zulum for prioritising the welfare of teachers by providing them with a decent accommodation.