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Nigerian fashion designer and entrepreneur Alero Ebigbeyi is extending her business into garment manufacturing with the launch of Heych, an affordable ready-to-wear brand that places local production at the centre of its commercial strategy.

The venture marks a significant expansion for Ebigbeyi, whose career spans more than three decades in the design of sophisticated fashion for high-end clientele. Having established herself in the premium fashion segment, she is now taking her experience into a broader consumer market, with clothing for men and women.

At the heart of the expansion is a garment production factory in Lagos. Through the facility, Ebigbeyi is seeking to build domestic manufacturing capacity while responding to demand for contemporary clothing at more accessible prices. The strategy reflects a wider argument about the need for Nigeria to produce more of the goods it consumes and retain a greater share of the economic value generated by domestic demand.

For Ebigbeyi, the case for local production is both commercial and industrial. By manufacturing garments in Nigeria, Heych aims to reduce some of the costs associated with importing finished clothing, while creating a stronger connection between fashion design, production and the local market.

The investment comes at a time when the fashion and textile industries are increasingly recognised for their potential to support enterprise development, employment and economic diversification. Yet the sector’s contribution to industrial growth depends on more than creative talent. It requires investment in production infrastructure, skills, supply chains and the capacity to serve consumers at scale.

Heych is an attempt to address part of that challenge. Its model places Nigerian craftsmanship and manufacturing at the centre of the brand, while making a case for locally produced clothing among consumers accustomed to imported alternatives.

Ebigbeyi’s transition into this segment builds on an international career. Trained at the London College of Fashion, she has presented her designs at fashion events in London, New York and Paris. That experience in the premium market now informs her approach to ready-to-wear clothing, where the challenge is to combine design, quality and affordability without losing the individuality associated with her work.

The brand is positioned around versatility, contemporary style and accessibility. Its unisex offering also reflects changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger buyers who increasingly value comfort, functionality and personal expression in their clothing choices.

For Ebigbeyi, affordability should not mean a compromise in style or quality. Heych draws on her experience in luxury fashion to develop clothing for everyday use, extending the reach of her design expertise beyond a high-end clientele.

The venture also highlights the potential for women-led businesses to deepen their participation in manufacturing. Women have built a substantial presence across fashion design, styling and retail. Investment in garment production offers another route through which female entrepreneurs can contribute to industrial capacity, employment and value creation.

By moving further into manufacturing, Ebigbeyi is extending her role in the fashion industry beyond the creative process to the business of making and supplying garments. It is a shift that places greater emphasis on operational capacity and the economics of production.

The broader significance of the initiative lies in the relationship it seeks to establish between creative enterprise and productive investment. Nigeria’s fashion industry has considerable design talent and a large consumer market. Converting those advantages into sustainable industrial growth will require businesses that can connect creativity with local production and commercial scale.

Heych represents Ebigbeyi’s effort to build that connection. Its ambition is to make contemporary fashion more accessible while demonstrating the commercial potential of manufacturing garments locally.

For the designer, the future of Nigerian fashion will depend not only on the originality of its designs but also on the strength of the businesses and production systems behind them. Through Heych, she is seeking to make local manufacturing a more central part of that future.

Five small business entrepreneurs have received a N10 million grant each from Fire Data Limited to assist them grow their businesses and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria.

The entrepreneurs were picked after a Business Growth and Data Clarity (BGDC) session during which every participant went through a commercial framework and a real-time data profile was created for each business, connecting them to capital, advisory and business intelligence infrastructure.

Speaking at the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries, Lydia Emeka, founder of Fire Data Limited, said over 1,000 businesses applied, out of which the five successful five were selected.

She added that the initiative was to provide a platform for small businesses to grow, noting that a structure has been put in place to monitor the growth of the beneficiaries and how they use the grant.

‘We wanted to provide a platform that makes everybody grow as a unified system. It’s high time that we begin to grow as a unified system. These grant recipients were selected, not just because they could speak the best English but because of their ability and what the data from the back-end shows us,’ she said.

Lydia further said the company is targeting 5,000 SMEs in the future and called on more corporate organisations to support Fire Data to achieve its target.

One of the partners, Banire Olayinka, commended Lydia and Fire Data for empowering small business owners with the grant.

He also urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grant, grow their businesses and later support other small business owners.

‘We are witnessing the mindset of a young person who is highly intelligent, capable and genuinely compassionate. It takes an empathetic mindset to undertake something of this nature. We can change people’s mindsets and empower individuals to grow without necessarily depending on the government. We are also looking forward to creating opportunities for more people to benefit from grants and for the second cohort to emerge. This is how we can collectively reduce poverty and give more people the opportunity to achieve their dreams,’ Banire said.

One of the beneficiaries, Obiefule Lawrence, who owns a small confectionery, thanked Fire Data ‘for this opportunity and the gift of the grant.’

‘In times like this for businesses like ours, N10 million goes a long way. In the next year, we will grow. We are looking forward to the future in Nigeria’s business space,’ he said.

Olubunmi Badejo, who is into the fashion business, said she felt ‘blessed to be among the recipients of this grant.’

‘With the current economic situation, a N10m grant is a huge relief for any brand. I want to assure Fire Data that they are helping us to build a community of brands,’ she said.

On November 9, 1980, Lagos Television commenced operations under the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State. Forty-six years later, the station continues to reinvent itself, strengthening its position as the authentic voice of Lagos through quality broadcasting, improved infrastructure and an expanding digital presence. BUKOLA BAKARE writes.

Solape Lawrence is an avid reader and arts enthusiast who has lived in Lagos for more than four decades. An introvert who cherishes her close circle of friends and values her personal time, she enjoys keeping up with breaking news and watching wholesome entertainment on her favourite television stations, including Lagos Television (LTV).

With a broad smile and a nostalgic glint in her eyes, Lawrence recalls how she often hurried home in the late 1980s and early 1990s to tune in to Lagos Television. The familiar strains of Greek composer Vangelis’s Chariots of Fire would fill the airwaves, signalling that quality entertainment was about to begin.

For Lawrence and many other Lagos residents, LTV represents more than a television station. It evokes memories of an era when the station was a household name, providing news, entertainment and programmes that reflected the character and culture of Lagos.

Forty-six years after its establishment, Lagos Television continues to build on that legacy, navigating an increasingly competitive media environment while seeking to attract new audiences and strengthen its relevance.

In the beginning

Lagos Television is a state-owned television station located in the Agidingbi area of Ikeja, Lagos. Established in October 1980 under the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the station commenced operations on November 9 of that year, with a mandate to inform and entertain the public, promote cultural values and provide quality television broadcasting.

LTV became the second television station established by a state government in Nigeria, after the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). It also made history as the first television station in Nigeria to operate on both Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands.

Today, the station broadcasts on UHF Channel 35 and is available on pay television platforms, including DStv Channel 256 and GOtv Channel 120, as well as StarTimes. Its evolving distribution strategy also reflects the need to reach audiences beyond traditional television platforms.

A trusted brand through the years

Over the decades, Lagos Television has maintained its place in Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape through news, public affairs, cultural programming and entertainment.

Its mission is to deliver high-quality, relevant and inclusive television and digital content across broadcast, mobile and online platforms to inform, educate and entertain, while promoting the values, development and diverse cultures of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Its vision is to become Nigeria’s leading state-owned multimedia broadcasting network, renowned for credible news, compelling content and innovative digital services that inform, educate, entertain and inspire, while showcasing the excellence and vibrancy of Lagos State to the world.

In pursuit of these objectives, LTV serves its diverse audiences through news bulletins and a broad range of programmes, including The Conversation, Tori Tori, Sports Splash, City Scene, Issues and Trends, Pendulum, Legends, Little Sparks, Breakfast in Bed, Idile Alaayo, Kaaro Ojiire, Ibile Update, State on Focus and Lagos Transportation Agenda.

The diversity of its programming underscores the station’s ambition to cater to audiences across different age groups, interests and communities.

Commending the station as it marks its 46th anniversary, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State and APC governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, congratulated its management and staff, led by the General Manager, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, following his recent appearance on The Conversation.

Hamzat praised the condition of the station’s facilities and acknowledged the state government’s investment in sustaining the institution.

‘I entered this place (LTV), and it’s beautiful, nice and well-maintained, which speaks to some of the things that the government has done to sustain this institution. Therefore, we are happy that we are reaching Lagosians through Lagos Television,’ he said.

He added, ‘We wish you well and pray that you continue to do what you are doing, which is informing Lagosians. By doing that, you are deepening our democratic credentials, letting people know what is happening in government. Sometimes, you are critical, which is good. This lets us know where we need to improve as a government.’

He concluded with a light-hearted remark, congratulating the station and asking its management to invite him again when it turns 50.

Beyond broadcasting: Valuable event and rental facilities

Beyond its core broadcasting responsibilities, Lagos Television also manages a portfolio of event facilities that contribute to its commercial activities and provide venues for public and private engagements.

These include six halls and event spaces: De-Blue Roof, Combo Hall, Hall 1, Hall 2, Arena A and B, and the BOS Hall. The facilities cater to a range of events and functions, supporting the station’s efforts to diversify its revenue streams beyond conventional broadcasting.

With the support of the Lagos State Government, the management continues to maintain and position these facilities to attract event organisers, corporate organisations and other stakeholders.

The facilities represent an important component of LTV’s broader commercial potential, particularly as public broadcasters explore sustainable ways to finance operations, modernise infrastructure and improve service delivery.

The general manager speaks

Reflecting on the station’s 46-year journey, the General Manager, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, described it as one marked by great expectations, significant achievements and challenging periods. Nevertheless, he said LTV remained a legacy broadcast institution with a continuing role in Lagos State’s media landscape.

Oyekanmi noted that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had invested substantially in upgrading the station’s infrastructure and equipping it to compete more effectively with other television stations in Nigeria.

‘It’s been a tough journey, particularly if you recognise that we now have intense competition among Television Broadcast Stations across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, coupled with some of the limitations you sometimes find in state-owned organisations,’ he said.

‘I will say that Lagos Television is doing creditably well and has done so over the last 46 years. It has been a journey of great impact. If you ask any of our ardent viewers, especially those within the communities in Lagos State, you will agree with me that the impact of Lagos Television continues to be felt all over the five divisions of Lagos State.

‘Having said that, since my assumption of duty as the General Manager, we have committed ourselves to see how well we can reposition Lagos Television within the context of the intense competition in the electronic media sector to ensure that Lagos Television remains a force to reckon with.’

According to him, the management has introduced new operational priorities and is building on the foundations laid in previous years to create new programme content, expand the station’s reach and improve free access to its content.

He explained that the state government had invested in the upgrade of the station’s building infrastructure, new transformers and antenna installations to strengthen terrestrial transmission and enable more residents to access LTV without relying exclusively on paid streaming platforms.

‘Under our leadership, we have been able to lay certain new ground rules, and we are trying to build on what we have laid in the past few months. We are trying to see how we can expand our reach to more viewers within and outside the state,’ he said.

‘The Lagos State Government has been very magnanimous in investing heavily in the upgrade of our building infrastructure, new transformers and the installation of new antennas that will give us leverage to broadcast on the free-to-air channel to every citizen in Lagos State.

‘What that means is that we do not have to rely solely on paid streaming platforms before Lagosians can access information via the Lagos Television platform.’

The planned strengthening of its free-to-air presence is significant for a public broadcaster whose mandate includes ensuring that information and public-interest programming remain accessible to residents across the state.

Taking LTV into the digital future

Recognising the changing habits of media consumers, the station has also begun to reposition its digital operations to reach audiences who increasingly access news and entertainment through smartphones, computers and social media platforms.

Oyekanmi disclosed that LTV’s Social Media Department had been re-engineered and renamed Lagos Television Digital Service, reflecting the management’s intention to expand the station’s digital footprint and explore new opportunities for content distribution.

‘Through this subsidiary of Lagos Television, we are now doing what other international broadcast stations do, such as streaming our content live on YouTube and other social media platforms,’ he said.

The initiative represents an important step towards extending LTV’s reach beyond conventional broadcasting, particularly among younger audiences and Lagos residents living outside the state.

Digital distribution also offers opportunities to improve audience engagement, make archival content more accessible and develop new commercial possibilities. Sustaining this transition, however, will require consistent content delivery, effective audience engagement and a clear strategy for growing digital platforms.

Investing in the next generation

Beyond its efforts to improve broadcasting and digital services, LTV is also looking towards the future by investing in young talent.

Oyekanmi said the management has also established the Lagos Television Broadcast and Media Academy, a structured training platform for interns, corps members and the station’s staff.

The proposed academy is intended to provide structured practical training opportunities for students in mass communication, advertising, public relations and other related disciplines, helping them acquire the skills and experience required to thrive in Nigeria’s creative and media industries.

‘In addition, we have realised that if we are to reposition Lagos Television for the future, we have to look back in time and engage with the younger generation within Lagos communities. That is why we established the Lagos Television Broadcast and Media Academy,’ he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, he said the station had traditionally accommodated about 30 interns per internship season before his assumption of office. The number has since increased considerably.

‘Right now, we have close to 250 of them who are going through rigorous training within the Lagos Television structure, and we hope to unleash this mass of young and creative minds into our creative space in Nigeria,’ he said.

He added that the initiative would enable the station to contribute not only to public information and entertainment but also to the professional development of young Nigerians seeking careers in broadcasting and related fields.

If effectively developed and sustained, the academy could strengthen LTV’s contribution to media capacity-building while creating a pipeline of skilled talent for the wider creative industry.

A special anniversary gift to Lagosians

As part of the station’s anniversary plans, Oyekanmi identified the expansion of its terrestrial broadcasting presence as one of the major highlights of the celebration.

He said the initiative was intended to restore the level of accessibility that once made Lagos Television a first-choice station for many households across the state.

‘[The initiative] will give unhindered access to all our teeming viewers and be our special gift to all Lagosians during our 46th anniversary celebrations,’ he said.

The emphasis on accessibility speaks to the enduring responsibilities of a state-owned broadcaster. While competition for audiences has intensified with the proliferation of private television stations and digital platforms, LTV’s public-service mandate remains central to its identity.

Its ability to fulfil that mandate will depend not only on improved transmission and infrastructure but also on the quality, credibility and relevance of its programming, as well as its capacity to adapt to changing audience expectations.

Building on a lasting legacy

Forty-six years after it first went on air, Lagos Television stands at a significant point in its history. Its legacy is rooted in decades of broadcasting, public information, entertainment and cultural representation. Its future, however, will be shaped by how effectively it combines that heritage with innovation, digital expansion, professional development and sustainable revenue generation.

The investments in infrastructure, the drive to improve terrestrial access, the reorganisation of digital operations and plans for a broadcast academy point towards a broader effort to reposition the station for a changing media environment.

For LTV, the task is to preserve the trust and recognition built over generations while delivering content that speaks to contemporary audiences in Lagos and beyond.

As the station celebrates its 46th anniversary, sustaining its legacy will require continued investment, institutional commitment, creativity and a willingness to evolve. With these elements in place, Lagos Television can strengthen its role as a credible public broadcaster and continue to tell the stories of Lagos to the world.

Bukola Bakare is the personal assistant to the general manager of Lagos Television.

The global telecommunications industry is heading towards a major policy reset as 194 countries gather in Doha, Qatar, to determine the leadership, investment priorities and regulatory direction that will shape the digital economy over the next four years.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), which opened on Monday, comes at a critical moment for the technology and communications industry, with rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), expanding satellite connectivity and growing competition for radio-frequency spectrum reshaping the global digital landscape.

Over the next three weeks, delegates will elect the leadership of the United Nations specialised agency, review its strategic and financial priorities for 2028 to 2031, and negotiate policies affecting the development and management of global telecommunications infrastructure.

The decisions are expected to influence how countries coordinate spectrum resources, regulate emerging technologies, expand broadband infrastructure and mobilise investment to close persistent connectivity gaps. The stakes are considerable. About two billion people worldwide remain without internet access, even as AI applications, satellite-based services and other digital technologies create new demands for reliable and affordable connectivity.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU secretary-general, said the conference presents an opportunity to strengthen the organisation’s capacity to help member states navigate technological changes while ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach everyone.

The ITU plays a central role in the global telecommunications ecosystem through its coordination of radio frequencies and satellite orbits, development of international technical standards and support for digital development.

These responsibilities have become increasingly important as telecommunications networks extend beyond traditional mobile and fibre infrastructure into satellite systems, connected devices and AI-enabled services.

One of the most consequential issues before delegates is the future of global spectrum management. Radio-frequency spectrum is a finite resource essential for mobile broadband, satellite communications, broadcasting, aviation and other critical services.

The growing demand for spectrum, particularly as countries expand 5G networks and prepare for future generations of mobile technology, is increasing the importance of international coordination to prevent interference and ensure efficient use of available frequencies.

Satellite connectivity is also gaining prominence as governments and private operators explore ways to extend broadband access to remote and underserved communities. However, the expansion of space-based communications raises questions around orbital sustainability, frequency coordination and the equitable use of shared resources.

AI presents another significant challenge for policymakers. Its growing deployment across telecommunications networks, public services and businesses is creating opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery, but also raises concerns around infrastructure capacity, standards, accessibility and the widening digital divide.

For developing economies, including countries across Africa, the outcome of these discussions could influence the cost and availability of digital infrastructure, investment opportunities and access to emerging technologies.

The leadership elections, scheduled to begin on November 12, will be particularly important in determining how the ITU responds to these competing priorities.

Member States will elect the secretary-general, deputy secretary-general and directors of the organisation’s Radiocommunication, Telecommunication Standardization and Telecommunication Development bureaux.

The conference will subsequently elect 12 members of the Radio Regulations Board, which oversees the application and interpretation of the international treaty governing radio-frequency spectrum use. Another 48 countries will be elected to the ITU Council, the organisation’s governing body between plenipotentiary conferences.

Beyond the elections, delegates will approve the ITU’s strategic and financial plans for 2028 to 2031, setting the organisation’s policy priorities and resource commitments for the next four years.

Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, Chair-Designate of PP-26 and president of Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority, said the conference was taking place at a pivotal time for the ICT industry, with technological developments creating opportunities as well as challenges requiring stronger international cooperation.

He said the decisions reached in Doha should strengthen the ITU’s ability to support member states, expand connectivity and bridge the digital divide.

Qatar’s minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, said hosting the conference reflected the country’s commitment to international cooperation and shaping the future of telecommunications.

The conference is expected to attract about 3,000 participants, including government officials, regulators and industry representatives, with discussions covering digital infrastructure resilience, emergency communications, space-based connectivity, investment and the application of emerging technologies.

Its co-location with Mobile World Congress 2026 Doha, which runs from November 8 to 10, is also expected to bring policymakers and industry leaders together to discuss innovation, investment and the future of telecommunications.

For African economies, the discussions carry particular significance. The continent’s ambitions to expand broadband access, develop digital industries and attract investment in data infrastructure depend partly on international standards, spectrum coordination and affordable access to connectivity technologies.

The ITU’s next four-year policy cycle will therefore provide an important framework for how developing countries participate in the global digital economy.

The conference will also feature ministerial discussions and dedicated activities aimed at improving the participation of women and young people in digital transformation.

Ultimately, the decisions in Doha will determine not only who leads the ITU but also how the organisation balances the interests of established technology markets and developing economies as AI, satellite communications and spectrum demand reshape the global telecommunications industry.

Lifecard International Investment Limited has begun reallocating land to subscribers at its Spectacular Estate in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, following government intervention that forced the relocation of the original property, as the real estate company moves to address complaints over delayed allocations and unresolved property investments.

The exercise, conducted on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at a replacement site in Ilamija, beside Alaro City, involved 12 subscribers who had completed payment for their properties.

The company said the new location offered better access and terrain than the previous site, which was reportedly affected by waterlogging and accessibility challenges.

The reallocation represents an attempt by Lifecard to resolve one of the outstanding issues confronting subscribers whose expectations of taking possession of their properties were disrupted by the relocation.

Onu Uche, chief executive officer of Lifecard, said the company reorganised the estate following engagements with the Lagos State Government and had commenced physical handovers to eligible subscribers.

‘After we had some engagement with the Lagos State Government and our property was relocated from where it was to this current location, we reorganised another location for our clients. Today, we are handing over the properties to them so they can take possession of their lands and continue development,’ Uche said.

He said the company had completed allocations for subscribers who had fully paid for their properties, while those with outstanding payments were not included in the exercise.

Although 12 subscribers attended the allocation on Saturday, some affected customers could not participate because they were outside Nigeria and had no representatives available to receive the properties on their behalf.

Uche said the company was working to accommodate other eligible subscribers, adding that allocation letters were being issued while survey plans and deeds of assignment were expected to be ready within approximately 10 working days.

The company expects to deliver the outstanding title documents within two weeks, a commitment that will be important in determining whether the physical reallocation translates into the documentation subscribers need to establish and secure their property interests.

Uche said fencing work was ongoing to protect the relocated properties against encroachment, while some subscribers had begun discussing arrangements to fence their individual plots. He added that Lifecard was also working on infrastructure and access roads for other properties affected by delays.

The company maintained that it did not anticipate further government-related problems at the replacement location.

At a press conference ahead of the allocation exercises, Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu, chief executive officer of Lifecard International Investment, acknowledged delays in property allocations and infrastructure delivery but rejected allegations that the company had sold nonexistent properties or abandoned subscribers.

She attributed the challenges to several factors, including government intervention, land disputes, flooding, encroachment, rising construction costs and difficulties accessing relocated estates.

Ibhakhomu said the company had engaged land vendors, contractors and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding cases, while promising to communicate the next steps to subscribers whose allocations could not be completed immediately.

She also apologised to affected subscribers, acknowledging shortcomings in the company’s planning, management and communication, and said Lifecard was reviewing its complaint-resolution procedures.

‘Our responsibility goes beyond acquiring land. It includes ensuring that subscribers receive the allocations, documentation and other benefits due to them under their respective agreements,’ she said.

Lifecard has consequently announced a series of physical site visits and allocation exercises across six estates in Lagos and Abuja as part of its efforts to address outstanding complaints.

Following Spectacular Estate, the company scheduled an allocation exercise at Eden Court for November 7 and Sprint Estate for November 13. Prosper Abuja is scheduled for November 14, while Advantage Estate is expected to hold its exercise on November 21. Physical engagements with subscribers at Grand Haven and Wealth Garden are scheduled for December 7.

The programme suggests that the Spectacular Estate exercise is part of a broader effort to address subscriber concerns across the company’s portfolio.

Ibhakhomu said Lifecard was prepared to make relevant land acquisition records and agreements available for examination through appropriate channels, subject to legal and confidentiality requirements.

The company has maintained that it remains committed to resolving outstanding cases and fulfilling its contractual obligations.

For now, the two-week timeline for delivering survey plans and deeds of assignment, alongside the scheduled allocation exercises at other estates, will provide measurable indicators of whether Lifecard can turn its assurances into tangible outcomes for affected subscribers.

As Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management (ACATM) marks its 10th anniversary, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, reflects on a journey that began in one small room and now touches lives across Africa and beyond.

Describing the last ten years as a remarkable journey of faith, resilience, growth and impact, Gideon recalled that the College started in one small room with just 12 students at its first induction ceremony and graduated only 113 students at its maiden convocation.

Today, he said, the institution has certified over 7,000 aviation, travel and tourism professionals in the last decade. To God be the glory for how far He has brought us, he added.

For Gideon, the greatest achievement of ACATM is not just the number of professionals trained, but the lives transformed and the careers helped built.

He said he has personally encountered former Cabin Crew students working onboard commercial flights, and other graduates serving as Flight Dispatchers, Airport Ground Handlers, Protocol Officers, Customer Service Professionals and leaders in various travel organisations.

Across Nigeria’s travel industry, he noted, it is increasingly difficult to find a travel company without an Aeroport graduate, whether as an employee, manager or business owner. In fact, he said, the demand for graduates has sometimes exceeded the number of students available for job placements. That, he said, is impact.

One of his proudest moments, he revealed, is meeting former students who are now successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in different countries, including at prestigious international industry events such as Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and World Travel Market in London.

Those encounters, he said, remind him that what started in a small room has grown into a platform producing professionals and business leaders with global relevance.

Over the years, ACATM has welcomed students from across Nigeria and countries including Ghana, Benin Republic, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, The Gambia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Through a strategic partnership with a Cameroonian company, the College has also established a liaison presence in Cameroon, strengthening its regional reach. We are no longer just a Nigerian college, Gideon said. We are becoming a West African, and indeed global, institution.

On infrastructure and student welfare, Gideon said the College has continued to invest in its infrastructure and student experience. Its recently established Aeroport Student Residence, offering Standard and Deluxe accommodation, is another milestone in its commitment to providing a conducive learning environment. We want our students to learn in comfort, live in dignity, and focus fully on building their careers, he said.

As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, ACATM is awarding N10 million worth of scholarships to deserving students, reaffirming its commitment to making professional training and career opportunities more accessible. We were once small, Gideon explained. We know what it means for someone to be given an opportunity. This is our way of giving back and opening doors for the next generation.

Looking ahead to the next decade, Gideon said the vision is to position ACATM among Africa’s leading institutions for aviation, travel and tourism education.

He envisions greater geographical expansion, stronger international partnerships, enhanced training infrastructure, technology-driven learning and more opportunities for graduates to compete and lead globally.

Ultimately, he said, success will not be measured merely by the size of the institution, but by the number of lives transformed, careers established, businesses created and leaders raised through its platforms. Our first decade was about building a foundation and proving that the vision was possible, he said. The next decade will be about expanding that vision, deepening our impact and building a lasting legacy.

In closing, Gideon expressed gratitude to everyone who has been part of the Aeroport story – students, parents, staff, partners, and friends. To God be the glory, he said

The world will once again converge under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Antalya, Trkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. This year’s event, COP 31, is expected to focus on ten priority themes, including Clean Energy Transition and Electrification, Zero Waste and Methane Reduction, Climate-Resilient Cities and Green Industrialisation, Youth and Education, and Food Security.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is an annual forum where the Conference of the Parties (COP), the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), convenes to review the Convention’s implementation and negotiate measures to address climate change. The forum has become the most important platform for collective action against climate change.

Although the conference began as a global response to increasing scientific evidence of rising temperatures, it has become an annual gathering where governments, businesses, investors, civil society organisations, and international institutions negotiate the future of climate policy.

There is no doubt that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible across the globe. Rising temperatures have triggered more frequent and intense heatwaves. Similarly, extreme weather events such as devastating floods, prolonged droughts, violent storms, and widespread wildfires have become commonplace. These events leave communities to grapple with loss of life, damaged infrastructure, and significant economic setbacks. The changing climatic conditions are also disrupting agriculture, reducing crop yields, and threatening food security for millions of people.

Although Africa contributes only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions, it has played an active role in climate negotiations since the inception of COP. This is because the continent remains among the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts. Prolonged droughts, severe flooding, desertification, coastal erosion, rising temperatures, and food insecurity have made climate change central to Africa’s development agenda. Consequently, African countries have consistently used the COP process to advocate for climate justice, adaptation support, financial assistance, and technology transfer.

Nigeria became a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1994 and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2004. Nigeria has increasingly aligned its domestic policies with international climate commitments while simultaneously advocating for an equitable transition that recognises Africa’s developmental realities.

Over the years, Nigeria has submitted and updated its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. It has also developed national climate policies, established institutions dedicated to climate governance, and enacted the Climate Change Act 2021. The Act provides a framework to coordinate climate action across government institutions and advance Nigeria’s long-term climate ambitions.

Nigeria ranks among the world’s largest gas-flaring nations. The practice, which involves burning natural gas associated with crude oil production, has been a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Communities in oil-producing regions have long complained of the negative effects of gas flaring, including air pollution, health concerns, and damage to agricultural livelihoods.

Nigeria has implemented several regulatory measures to curb gas flaring. Successive laws, including the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) and the 2023 Gas Flaring Regulations, have further strengthened penalties and prohibited routine flaring.

Policy reforms have also been introduced to reduce gas flaring and promote the commercial use of associated gas. These initiatives have encouraged investment in gas gathering, processing, and utilisation projects.

Nigeria’s efforts to curb gas flaring have yielded notable results. Although the problem has not been eliminated, the volume of gas flared has reportedly decreased dramatically from 80% to 7% over the past 35 years. Stricter regulatory oversight, increased collaboration among government agencies and operators, and growing recognition that reducing flaring offers both environmental and economic benefits have driven this progress.

Unlike many developed countries that built their economies on fossil fuels, Nigeria still faced widespread energy poverty. Millions of households and businesses lack reliable access to electricity, making rapid decarbonisation difficult. Therefore, some argue that natural gas should serve as a transition fuel while renewable energy capacity is expanded and modernised.

Renewable energy is gradually becoming one of the most visible aspects of Nigeria’s climate strategy. Investment in solar energy, mini-grids, clean cooking technologies, and other renewable-energy solutions has increased.

Despite being a major oil and gas producer, Nigeria still experiences significant electricity shortages. Large parts of the population rely on expensive, polluting diesel or petrol generators for daily energy needs. Renewable energy therefore presents an opportunity not only to reduce emissions but also to improve energy access, stimulate economic development, and enhance energy security.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan represents the most comprehensive expression of the country’s climate and energy ambitions. Launched following Nigeria’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, the plan seeks to address the dual challenges of climate change and energy poverty. It outlines pathways to expand clean energy, improve energy efficiency, modernise transportation systems, increase industrial sustainability, and reduce emissions across key sectors of the economy.

Beyond energy generation, Nigeria has pursued other climate-related initiatives that complement its efforts on gas flaring and renewable energy. These include afforestation programmes to combat desertification, climate-smart agricultural practices to improve food security, improved waste management initiatives, and measures to enhance resilience against floods and other extreme weather events. The National Forest Policy, 2019, provides that the overall objective of the national forest policy is to achieve sustainable management of forests and forest resources that would ensure a sustainable increase in the economic, social and environmental benefits for the present and future generations. One objective under the National Environmental (Desertification Control and Drought Mitigation) Regulations, 2011 is to attain the 25% national forest cover prescribed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

For Nigeria, the 2026 conference offers an opportunity to showcase progress on reducing gas flaring, expanding renewable energy, implementing its Energy Transition Plan, and advancing sustainable environmental practices. It also offers a platform to strengthen calls for climate finance and technology partnerships that can help the country achieve both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Nigeria has demonstrated that meaningful progress depends not only on international agreements but also on practical domestic measures that improve lives, create opportunities and build resilience. Ultimately, the success of the 2026 conference will be judged by its ability to accelerate implementation, mobilise investment and transform climate commitments into real-world outcomes for nations such as Nigeria and for the millions of people whose future depends on a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.

Moses Omorogbe, LLB, BL, LLM, is the company secretary/legal adviser of Linkage Assurance Plc.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has assured investors and sundry builders that they will no longer witness the spate of building demolitions and collapses that defined the state’s housing development landscape in the recent past.

This, the agency explained, is because they are now nipping both demolitions and collapses in the bud through constructive engagement with developers and investors at the every stage of development, pointing out the necessary precautions that must be taken.

LASBCA had, before now, garnered notoriety for bringing people’s buildings down with their angry bulldozers. The agency was widely condemned for looking away while construction progressed through various stages of completion, only to come for demolition when the buildings are completed and, in some cases, occupied.

Today, that story has changed, according to Florence Gbaye, LASBCA’s General Manager (GM). ‘Our work goes beyond regulations, inspections and enforcement. It is about protecting lives, safeguarding investments and ensuring that every building provides a safe environment for the people who live and work in it, the GM revealed.

Gbaye spoke at the 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards Day organized by the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) with the theme, ‘Re-Imagining Housing: Sustainability, Facility Management and Innovative Building Materials.’

She noted that building a better Lagos requires proper planning, quality materials, regular maintenance, professional involvement, and strict adherence to approved building standards.

‘At LASBCA, we remain committed to promoting building safety and compliance. However, we recognise that government cannot achieve this alone. Property owners, developers, built environment professionals, the media and members of the public all have important roles to play,’ she said.

She commended PEWAN for its contribution to public awareness, pointing out that, through responsible reporting and constructive engagement, the media can help people understand that building regulations are not meant to frustrate their aspirations, but to protect their lives, families and investments.

‘Our collective goal should be a Lagos where building safety becomes a shared responsibility, compliance becomes a culture, and everyone can live and work in buildings they can trust,’ Gbaye stated.

She assured that as Lagosians look towards the future, they should remember that the true measure of development is not just the number of buildings constructed, but the safety, quality, and value the buildings bring to their communities.

Earlier in her opening speech, Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, the PEWAN chairman, had noted that rigorous quality control, appropriate standards and strict compliance with building regulations must support innovation, warning that affordability must never come at the expense of safety.

The chairman added that addressing Nigeria’s housing challenge requires more than building more houses. ‘It requires smarter planning, sustainable construction methods, innovative financing, and policies that make decent housing accessible to low- and middle-income earners,’ she stated.

She assured that, as journalists reporting on property and environment, ‘our responsibility goes beyond property market transactions; we are also committed to educating the public, investigating challenges in the housing sector, highlighting successful innovations, and holding policymakers and developers accountable.

Our stories will continue to promote transparency, discourage building approval violations, and encourage investment in sustainable housing solutions.’

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Access Holdings Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to expand trade finance and strengthen access to regional and international markets for businesses across Africa.

The agreement, signed on November 4, 2026, on the sidelines of the Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS) in Luanda, Angola, is expected to reinforce the financial capacity of Access Group, enabling it to increase funding for businesses, facilitate cross-border transactions and support trade flows across its markets.

The partnership is also part of Access Holdings’ broader capital-raising programme, through which the financial services group is seeking to attract development finance institutions and other long-term investors to support its expansion and sustain growth across Africa.

The transaction is significant for the Group as it seeks to leverage its growing continental presence to deepen financing for African enterprises, particularly businesses seeking to participate in regional and international trade.

Africa continues to face a significant trade financing gap, with limited access to affordable long-term capital constraining the ability of businesses to expand production, penetrate new markets and participate effectively in cross-border commerce.

By strengthening Access Group’s capital base, the IFC partnership is expected to improve its capacity to finance enterprises and trade-related activities, potentially supporting businesses that require funding to import inputs, expand operations and access new markets.

The agreement was signed by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman of Access Holdings; Ethiopis Tafara, IFC regional vice president for Africa; and Roosevelt Ogbonna, managing director and chief executive officer of Access Bank Plc.

Aig-Imoukhuede said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to building stronger African financial institutions capable of supporting the continent’s economic development.

‘Our partnership with IFC has always been anchored on a shared belief that strong African financial institutions are essential to Africa’s growth. This investment is a vote of confidence in the institution we have built and in the direction we are taking it,’ he said.

He noted that having established a significant presence across African markets, the Group was now focused on translating its continental scale into greater economic value through increased financing for businesses and trade.

‘Having built scale across Africa, our task now is to turn that scale into value: for the businesses we finance, the trade we facilitate and the communities we serve.

‘Strengthening Access Group’s capital base deepens its role as a bridge between Africa and global markets, enabling us to mobilise more trade finance and investment for African enterprises,’ he added.

The chairman described the agreement as an important milestone in the Group’s broader efforts to attract long-term capital from investors aligned with its growth ambitions.

For IFC, the partnership reinforces its strategy of mobilising private-sector investment through financial institutions to address financing constraints, strengthen African financial markets and support enterprise development.

Ethiopis Tafara, IFC regional vice president for Africa, said improving access to trade finance remained critical to helping African businesses expand beyond domestic markets, generate employment and contribute to economic growth.

‘Expanding access to trade finance is essential to helping African businesses grow, reach new markets, and create jobs. Across the World Bank Group, we are working to mobilise private capital, strengthen financial markets, and create the conditions for private sector-led growth,’ he said.

‘This partnership with Access Group will help channel more financing to businesses across the continent and translate Africa’s entrepreneurial potential into greater economic opportunity.’

The partnership comes amid increasing efforts by African financial institutions to mobilise international development capital to address the continent’s financing needs, particularly in trade, infrastructure and private-sector development.

For Access Holdings, attracting development finance institutions could provide an additional source of long-term funding to support its ambition of becoming a leading financial services group across Africa and other international markets.

The Group has pursued an expansion strategy built around strengthening its banking operations, growing its presence in African markets and connecting businesses to international financial networks.

However, converting this expansion into sustainable returns will depend partly on its ability to deepen lending, support trade flows and build stronger relationships with businesses operating across the continent.

The IFC partnership is expected to support that ambition by strengthening the Group’s financial capacity and expanding the resources available to finance businesses.

than 1,000 organisations in Nigeria issue rewards, incentives and loyalty value to their employees, customers, distributors and partners, with recipients redeeming that value across more than 400 merchant partners with over 1,100 store locations.

More than 1.3 million rewards have been redeemed through the platform, and twice as much reward value has been issued through it since the start of 2024 as in the entire decade before, according to the company’s Beyond Cash report on Nigeria’s corporate rewards economy. SureGifts operates in Nigeria and Kenya.

The infrastructure connects three groups: the organisations that give value, the people who receive it, and the merchants where it is spent.

Organisations issue value in bulk by uploading recipient lists to a business dashboard, or by integrating through SureGifts’ APIs.

Recipients receive their vouchers by email and redeem them in-store or online. Redemptions are settled with merchants, and organisations receive reports on delivery and redemption, giving finance, HR and procurement teams a clear record of issuance, delivery and redemption.

That infrastructure is used across business functions: HR teams for staff recognition and welfare, sales teams for performance incentives, marketing teams for customer promotions and loyalty, and commercial teams for distributor and channel rewards.

SureGifts’ product suite includes e-vouchers, physical gift cards, bundle and custom gifting, a gift voucher API, and distribution programmes. Platforms and other rewards providers can also use SureGifts’ gift voucher API to trigger rewards from inside their own products, such as HR tools, fintech apps and loyalty programmes, while SureGifts handles issuance, delivery and redemption. Interswitch, for example, has incorporated SureGifts vouchers into its digital promotions platform, broadening the rewards available for customer campaigns through access to SureGifts’ voucher infrastructure and merchant network.

Some other organisations running structured reward programmes with SureGifts include MTN, NLNG, Leadway, Nigerian Bottling Company and HBM Nigeria Plc.

Kingsley Ogwuche, Commercial Director, West and Central Africa, Campari Group, said, ‘SureGifts cards have enabled us to deliver more flexible, engaging, and impactful reward experiences across our trade, customer, and consumer promotions. The platform simplifies reward fulfilment, improves participant satisfaction, and provides recipients with the freedom of choice, making it a valuable solution for supporting the growth of the Campari portfolio in Nigeria.’

Merchants on the network gain customers they might not otherwise reach. Olabode Abraham, Head of Finance, Jendol Superstores, said, ‘SureGifts has positively influenced Jendol Superstores by increasing our footfall and expanding our customer base. Individuals who previously did not shop with us have now observed that Jendol is listed on SureGifts, which has encouraged them to patronise our establishment and has resulted in repeated engagement with our services.’

David Fisayo, the Managing Director of SureGifts, said more than a decade of operating this infrastructure has shown that organisations want rewards to serve a clear purpose, while recipients want the freedom to choose.

‘The real work in rewards is connecting what a business wants to achieve with something people actually value. We have spent more than a decade building that connection. Our network supports organisations running their own programmes and other providers building rewards into their products,’ David said.

He added that the same principle already underpins employer reward programmes and has wider relevance for public agencies and other institutions: value can serve a defined purpose while recipients retain meaningful choice. David discussed this principle on the Future of Money stage at Moonshot 2026, the technology conference organised by TechCabal in Lagos.

SureGifts is Nigeria’s leading enterprise platform for rewards, incentives and loyalty. Since 2014, it has served more than 1,000 corporate clients and partners with over 400 merchants across Nigeria and Kenya, powering one of Africa’s largest merchant-backed rewards ecosystems.