Mary Nnah

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the crippling effects of its persistent leadership deficit, from a struggling economy and weak institutions to rising unemployment, brain drain, and widespread hopelessness among its youth, Dominion City Church has announced a strategic intervention aimed at raising a new generation of transformational leaders capable of driving national rebirth.

The church is set to host its 2026 Next Level Conference with the theme “Empowerment for All-Round Dominion”, a four-day intensive gathering that will bring together global experts, societal reformers and thought leaders to interrogate Nigeria’s leadership crisis and chart a practical roadmap for sustainable transformation.

The conference is scheduled to hold from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Dominion City, Beside Lagos ������Ƶ School, Ajah, Lagos, with two sessions daily at 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Hosted by the General Overseer of Dominion City, Dr. David Ogbueli, the 2026 edition, according to organizers, has been deliberately crafted to go beyond a conventional religious gathering to become a leadership clinic for Nigeria’s future, coming at a time when the nation’s need for credible, competent and value-driven leadership has never been more urgent.

The church noted that Nigeria’s underdevelopment is not due to lack of human or natural resources. Still, largely a consequence of leadership failure across politics, business, ministry and the marketplace, stressing that until the leadership question is fixed, national transformation will remain elusive.

To drive this agenda, Dominion City is assembling a formidable lineup of distinguished speakers with proven track records in nation-building, economic reform and community transformation. Among them is Bishop Titus Masika (OGW) from Kenya, a renowned bishop and societal reformer celebrated for his grassroots development model that has transformed rural communities and lifted thousands out of poverty in East Africa.

Also billed to speak is Dr. David Sseppuuya, Uganda’s respected journalist, author, editor, and economic commentator, and former Editor-in-Chief of The New Vision, who will share deep insights on governance, economic advancement, media influence, and nation-building.

Other speakers on the bill include Dr. Niyi Adesanya, one of Africa’s most sought-after leadership development experts and business strategists, Dr. Chiefo Ejoforbi, Apostle Charles Osazuwa, Apostle Gbenga Adegbenro, and Dr. David Ogunshola, all of whom have mentored leaders across sectors.

The conference will also feature powerful music ministries from anointed ministers including Yinka Okeleye, David Nkennor, Rhema Unoha and Anthony Kani.

Organizers disclosed that over 15,000 participants are expected at this year’s conference, drawn from professional, entrepreneurial, ministry, corporate and political backgrounds from across Nigeria and beyond, all converging for spiritual renewal, leadership sharpening, marketplace transformation and practical empowerment.

The programme will explore critical themes such as reigning as priests and kings in society, financial and marketplace dominion, the Joseph and Esther Revolution as a model for influencing governance and economy from positions of excellence, advancement in business and career, building capacity to thrive in adversity, and excellence in leadership. In a direct response to Nigeria’s unemployment crisis and economic hardship, the conference will also incorporate a practical vocational and entrepreneurship training component that will equip participants with hands-on, income-generating skills in shoemaking, soap making, barbing, sewing and tailoring, Adire making, and the deployment of Artificial Intelligence for business growth and productivity.

According to the church, the skills track is designed to improve employability, encourage self-reliance, stimulate entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihoods, especially for young people who are currently locked out of the formal job market.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ogbueli, Dominion City has remained consistent in its commitment to the all-round development of its members and in delivering societal interventions with far-reaching impact, combining spiritual empowerment with practical solutions that address real-life challenges.

With Nigeria at a crossroads and the clamour for a new kind of leadership growing louder by the day, the 2026 Next Level Conference is being positioned as a timely and strategic platform to empower Nigerians for dominion in their families, organisations, businesses, communities and the nation at large.

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

As African organisations face economic uncertainty, technological change and increasing pressure to improve productivity, Strengths Africa Limited is calling for greater investment in the managers responsible for producing results.

The human capital consulting firm has launched an initiative to help organisations strengthen b managers at different levels, particularly employees who have moved into leadership roles without sufficient preparation for managing people, making decisions and driving performance.

The initiative addressess the growing challenge of the “accidental manager”: a high-performing employee who is promoted because of strong technical performance but is not adequately equipped to lead a team. Strengths Africa’s offering goes beyond conventional training. It combines management advisory, leadership training, practical workshops, post-training support and workplace frameworks designed to help managers apply what they learn.

Depending on an organisation’s needs, the firm works with HR teams and leadership to identify management gaps, design targeted interventions, develop practical tools and establish structures that support clearer accountability, stronger communication, better decision-making and improved team performance.

“Organisations that want stronger performance must start by strengthening the people responsible for leading it.” ~ Oluseye Adepoju. (Managing Director, Strengths Africa)

Strengths Africa believes that learning needs to be reinforced through practical application, follow-up and systems that enable managers to use new skills in their everyday roles. The initiative is designed to help organisations build managers who can communicate strategy clearly, manage performance, solve problems, make informed decisions and lead teams effectively.

Organisations and HR leads can engage Strengths Africa to assess their management needs and develop tailored interventions combining advisory support, training, workshops and post-training frameworks.

“True institutional transformation does not happen by chance; it is engineered through deliberate, sustained investment in the people who guide others,” the firm concluded.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has felicitated with Nigerians, residents of Oyo State and, particularly, the people of Oyo Central on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Ajadi, in his Independence Day message, saluted the resilience and determination of Nigerians in the face of the economic and social challenges confronting the country, urging citizens not to lose faith in the Nigerian project.

He said Nigeria’s ability to remain united despite its diversity and the difficulties experienced over the years was a reason for citizens to celebrate the country’s independence and look towards the future with renewed hope.

According to him, October 1 remains a significant date in the history of Nigeria because it marked the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1960. He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and other Nigerians whose contributions, he said, helped lay the foundation for the nation’s continued existence as one country.

Ajadi particularly acknowledged the contributions of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the development of the old Western Region, noting the region’s historical contributions to education, infrastructure and other areas of development.

“Despite the challenges we are facing as a nation, we must not lose faith in the Nigerian project. Nigeria has great potential and, with determination, unity and responsible leadership, the country can bounce back and regain its rightful place among the comity of nations,” Ajadi said.

The APM candidate also called on Nigerians to continue to promote peace, unity and national development, stressing that the task of building a better country requires the collective efforts of citizens, leaders and institutions.

He urged the people of Oyo Central Senatorial District to remain committed to the development of their communities and to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and prospects of residents across the district.

Ajadi also assured the people of the district of his commitment to effective representation, saying his aspiration was centred on bringing democratic dividends and development closer to the people.

He said the Independence anniversary should therefore be used not only as an occasion for celebration but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, appreciate its achievements and renew their commitment to building a more prosperous and united nation.

“Let us continue to believe in Nigeria. The future is bright, and with collective determination, peace and unity, we can build the Nigeria that our founding fathers envisioned,” he added.

As Nigerians across the country mark the anniversary, Ajadi called for continued patriotism, unity and commitment to the collective development of the nation, while extending his warm wishes to all Nigerians, the people of Oyo State and the electorate of Oyo Central Senatorial District.

By an author

For many Nigerians, buying land or a home is more than another financial transaction.

It can represent years of savings, delayed gratification and the hope of creating something that will remain valuable long after the money has been spent.

For Sadiq Ahmad Bello, that reality places a responsibility on those who work in the real estate industry.

As Group Managing Director of Citybirds Group, Bello has built his career around property, investment and helping people navigate decisions that can have long-term financial consequences.

His view is that real estate should not simply be about selling property. It should also be about building trust.

That distinction matters in a country where property ownership remains an important aspiration for millions of people, but where navigating documentation, ownership, development and investment decisions can sometimes be difficult.

Bello believes one of the most important responsibilities of a real estate professional is therefore helping clients understand what they are buying before asking them to commit their money.

That means paying attention to details.

In one of his public discussions on due diligence, Bello emphasised the importance of verifying the exact identity of the company involved in a transaction and ensuring that the information corresponds with the documents presented.

It may sound like a small detail, but in property transactions, small details can carry significant consequences.

For Bello, this is part of a larger principle: trust in business should not depend only on what someone says. It should also be supported by proper processes, documentation and transparency.

His journey into business, however, did not begin with real estate alone.

Years before his current leadership role, Bello was already exploring entrepreneurship, digital opportunities and ways young Nigerians could create economic opportunities for themselves.

That interest eventually developed into a career that has included sales, marketing, consulting and real estate.

Today, his work at Citybirds Group places him in an industry closely connected to one of Nigeria’s most important long-term challenges: how growing cities provide people with places to live, work and invest.

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Bello believes conversations about national development should therefore extend beyond government projects.

Private businesses also shape cities.

Developers determine what gets built. Professionals influence how transactions are conducted. Entrepreneurs create jobs. Investors provide capital. And the standards adopted by businesses eventually affect the communities around them.

For Bello, this makes integrity particularly important in real estate.

A property may be marketed today, but its consequences can remain for decades.

The decisions made during acquisition, documentation and development can affect not only the first buyer but families, investors and communities that come afterwards.

That long-term perspective has influenced how Bello thinks about his own role in the industry.

Rather than seeing the work simply as moving properties from sellers to buyers, he wants to contribute to a real estate environment in which people are better informed about the decisions they make.

It is also why he continues to speak about due diligence and responsible investment.

Nigeria’s property sector presents significant opportunities, particularly as cities expand and the demand for housing, commercial spaces and organised communities continues to evolve.

But Bello believes opportunity must be accompanied by responsibility.

For real estate businesses, that means developing credibility before asking customers for trust.

For investors, it means resisting the temptation to make major decisions based only on attractive marketing or promises of returns.

And for professionals in the industry, it means understanding that every transaction contributes either positively or negatively to public confidence in the sector.

At Citybirds Group, where Bello serves as Group Managing Director, that philosophy is increasingly connected to a broader ambition around property development and investment.

But he also sees his role beyond the company.

Part of his work is helping people understand real estate better, particularly the importance of asking questions, checking documentation and knowing exactly what they are investing in.

It is a simple idea, but one that reflects a larger vision for Nigeria’s business environment.

A stronger economy requires more than successful companies. It requires companies that people can trust.

And stronger cities require more than buildings. They require responsible decisions about what is built, where it is built and the value it creates for the people who eventually occupy those spaces.

At 66, Nigeria remains a country with enormous entrepreneurial energy and significant development needs.

Bello believes bridging that gap will require more Nigerians to see business not only as an opportunity to make money, but also as an opportunity to solve problems and create lasting value.

For him, real estate is one place where that responsibility is especially visible.

A transaction may end when the documents are signed.

But what is built — and the trust behind it — can remain for generations.

ESV Adetoro Clement Olayinka

The real estate sector is one of the most important components of Nigeria’s economy, providing housing, commercial spaces, employment opportunities and investment avenues. However, the sector’s ability to deliver sustainable value depends not only on government policies and private investment but also on the strength of professional institutions that guide its operations.
Professional bodies play an important role in establishing standards, promoting ethical conduct and strengthening the capacity of practitioners. In a sector involving large financial transactions and long-term investments, professionalism is essential for protecting investors, property owners, tenants and other stakeholders.

One of the most important contributions of professional bodies is the promotion of standards. Real estate transactions require accuracy in valuation, documentation, property management, development and agency services. Professional institutions can develop and promote standards that help practitioners deliver consistent and reliable services. Where standards are properly enforced, they can reduce disputes and improve confidence in the property market.

Professional bodies also have an important responsibility in promoting ethical conduct. Real estate professionals frequently handle significant sums of money and sensitive information belonging to clients. Strong ethical guidelines can help prevent conflicts of interest, misrepresentation, fraudulent transactions and other practices that damage public confidence. Beyond establishing codes of conduct, professional bodies must ensure that breaches are investigated and appropriately addressed.
Another critical area is continuous professional development. The real estate industry is changing rapidly due to technology, changing consumer behaviour, new financing models, sustainability requirements and evolving regulations. Professional bodies can help practitioners remain relevant by providing training, seminars, conferences, certifications and access to industry knowledge.

Their role also extends to policy engagement. Real estate professionals operate within a regulatory environment shaped by land policies, taxation, planning regulations, housing policies and financial regulations. Professional bodies possess practical knowledge of the industry and can provide policymakers with informed perspectives on how proposed regulations may affect developers, investors, property owners and consumers.

Effective engagement between professional bodies and government can therefore contribute to better policymaking. Instead of regulations being developed without sufficient understanding of market realities, practitioners can provide evidence-based recommendations that encourage investment while protecting public interests.

Professional bodies can also contribute to research and reliable industry data.
Nigeria’s property market needs accurate information on rental values, property prices, housing demand, construction costs and investment trends. Better data can support more informed decisions by investors, developers, policymakers and financial institutions.

Another area that deserves greater attention is public education. Many Nigerians enter property transactions without adequate knowledge of title documentation, valuation, development approvals or the risks associated with informal transactions. Professional bodies can use their platforms to educate the public and encourage people to seek qualified professionals when buying, selling, developing or managing property.

However, the effectiveness of professional bodies ultimately depends on how actively they enforce their responsibilities. Membership should not merely be a qualification or status symbol. It should represent competence, accountability and adherence to established standards.

As Nigeria’s real estate sector continues to expand, professional bodies must position themselves as partners in building a more transparent, ethical and efficient property market. Their responsibilities go beyond representing practitioners; they also include protecting public confidence, supporting policymakers, developing professional capacity and encouraging sustainable practices.

A stronger relationship among professional bodies, government, developers, investors and consumers will be essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s real estate sector. With effective leadership, stronger standards and meaningful industry engagement, professional institutions can help transform the sector into a more trusted, organised and sustainable pillar of the Nigerian economy.
Clement, a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer, is a member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.

Nanoy Homes Limited has reinforced its engagement with its growing network of affiliate partners, rewarding seven partners with ₦50,000 each at the second edition of its Inner Circle engagement programme in Abuja.

The cash rewards, totalling ₦350,000, were presented during the event held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, which brought together affiliate partners, members of management and stakeholders for business engagement, project updates, networking, recognition and entertainment.

Held under the theme, “Connecting, Growing, and Achieving More Together,” Inner Circle 2.0 provided a platform for Nanoy Homes to engage directly with its affiliate network while unveiling incentives and providing updates on its property portfolio.

A major highlight of the gathering was an announcement by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nanoy Homes, Gaiya Joseph Thomas, introducing a new property ownership incentive for affiliates.

Under the initiative, an affiliate who successfully sells 10 plots in any of the company’s locations will receive one plot free in their own name.

Joseph said the initiative was designed to give affiliates an opportunity to benefit directly from the property sales they generate.

“We don’t want our affiliates to only help us sell property and watch other people become property owners. If you are helping us move these properties, we want you to have an opportunity to own one too. That is why we are saying that when you sell 10 plots, you get one plot in your name,” he said.

According to him, the initiative reflects the company’s broader approach of creating opportunities for its affiliate network to share in its growth.

The event also provided an opportunity for the company to highlight two ongoing performance-based sales campaigns — the Grand Prix Race 26 and the ₦1 Million Miles Sprint.

Under the ₦1 Million Miles Sprint, running from September 1 to October 31, 2026, the first affiliate to achieve ₦120 million in qualifying sales from Eco View, Karsana; Orbit Residences by Milton City, Karsana; and Nanoy Peninsula, Ketti-Kabusa, will receive a 2012 Toyota Corolla.

The Grand Prix Race 26, which runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, offers a 2014 Toyota Corolla to the first affiliate to achieve ₦120 million in qualifying sales across Nanoy Homes’ available locations.

The two campaigns have added a performance-based competitive element to the company’s affiliate programme, with partners pursuing specified sales targets in return for tangible rewards.

Beyond the incentives, affiliates used the gathering to share their experiences working with Nanoy Homes, particularly around the company’s relationship with partners and commission payments.

One affiliate described Nanoy Homes as “the best company I have ever partnered with,” while another highlighted the company’s commission process.

“One of the things I appreciate about Nanoy Homes is that when you make sales, you don’t have to spend your time chasing people around. Your commission is processed instantly after due confirmation of transaction. That gives you confidence to continue working,” the affiliate said.

In her welcome address, the General Manager, Administration, Mrs Morenikeji Ogidan, emphasised the importance of building a strong relationship between the company and its affiliate partners.

“Our affiliates are an important part of the Nanoy Homes story. We want them to feel that they are not simply outside partners bringing business to us, but members of a growing community whose contributions are recognised and valued,” Ogidan said.

The programme featured affiliate onboarding, an exclusive project update, the introduction of Nanoy Apartments, presentations on the two sales campaigns, interactive activities and a raffle draw.

The Projects team also briefed affiliates on developments within the company’s portfolio, while the introduction of Nanoy Apartments gave participants insight into the company’s expanding real estate offerings.

Nanoy Homes’ portfolio includes developments in several Abuja growth corridors, including Eco View and Orbit Residences by Milton City in Karsana, as well as Nanoy Peninsula in Ketti-Kabusa.

The event concluded with the raffle draw, where seven participants received ₦50,000 each, followed by closing remarks and prayer.

For Nanoy Homes, the Inner Circle 2.0 gathering served as more than an affiliate engagement event. It provided a platform to communicate the company’s approach to recognising performance, strengthening relationships and creating additional opportunities for its sales partners.

With ₦350,000 distributed in cash rewards, two ongoing ₦120 million sales competitions offering Toyota Corolla prizes, and the newly announced incentive of one free plot after the sale of 10 plots, the company is expanding the range of rewards available within its affiliate network.

The programme ended with the company reiterating its theme of “Connecting, Growing, and Achieving More Together,” as it continues to position its affiliate partners as an important part of its business development strategy.

The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) has announced a month-long programme of activities to commemorate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of advancing internet interconnection, encouraging the localisation of Internet traffic and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Themed: ‘20 Years of Building Nigeria’s Internet’, the anniversary programme will celebrate the people, institutions and partnerships that have contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s internet ecosystem, while creating opportunities to develop the skills, talent, infrastructure and partnerships required for its next phase.

Established in 2006, IXPN was created as a neutral platform through which Internet Service Providers, telecommunications operators, content providers, data centres and other network operators can exchange Internet traffic locally. Over the past two decades, IXPN has evolved alongside Nigeria’s Internet ecosystem, providing critical interconnection infrastructure and enabling participating networks to exchange traffic more efficiently within the country.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Chief Executive Officer of IXPN, Muhammed Rudman, said: “IXPN@20 is more than a celebration of an organisation. It is an opportunity to recognise the people, institutions and partnerships that have contributed to the development of Internet interconnection in Nigeria over the past two decades, while preparing the next generation to take Nigeria’s Internet forward.
“From a relatively small interconnection initiative in 2006, IXPN has grown into an important component of Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure. As we celebrate this milestone, our focus is not only on where we have come from, but also on the skills, infrastructure, partnerships and people that will be required for the next twenty years.”

A central focus of IXPN@20 will be developing the next generation of professionals who will build and operate Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure. The anniversary programme will include the Student Internet Infrastructure Discovery Programme, bringing together approximately 100 students from universities and other tertiary institutions offering ICT-related programmes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

In collaboration with the Nigeria IPv6 Council, IXPN will also partner with AFRINIC to deliver an IPv6 Capacity-Building Programme for network operators, engineers, universities and other technical stakeholders. The practical training programme will strengthen the technical skills required to support IPv6 deployment and help prepare Nigerian networks for continued Internet growth.

Another major component of the anniversary programme will be the IXPN@20 Women in Internet Infrastructure Forum, designed to recognise women contributing to the Internet ecosystem while encouraging more women to pursue careers in the infrastructure that powers the digital economy.

The anniversary programme will also feature the Nigeria Peering and Interconnection Forum, convening network operators, content providers, data centres, regulators and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of peering, interconnection, routing, resilience and local-content delivery in Nigeria.

The anniversary programme will culminate in the IXPN@20 Grand Gala Dinner and Excellence & Legacy Awards, scheduled for Friday, 30 October 2026, in Lagos.
The invitation-only event will bring together key figures and institutions from government, regulation, telecommunications, Internet service provision, content networks, data centres, academia, the technical community, media and the wider digital ecosystem.
The evening will feature the premiere of the IXPN@20 anniversary documentary and the presentation of the IXPN@20 Excellence & Legacy Awards, recognising individuals and institutions whose contributions have played important roles in IXPN’s establishment, growth and impact.

The six award categories are:
IXPN Founding Members Legacy Award; Pioneer Content Network Award; Strategic Data Centre Partnership Award; Distinguished Contribution to Internet Exchange Development Award; Government & Regulatory Champion Award; and Distinguished Contribution to Internet Journalism Award

While IXPN@20 will celebrate the organisation’s history, the anniversary programme will also provide a platform for discussing the future of Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure.

ESV Adetoro Clement Olayinka

Taxation is an essential component of every modern economy. Governments rely on tax revenues to provide infrastructure, maintain public services, and create an enabling environment for businesses and citizens. In the real estate sector, however, taxation plays a dual role. While it generates much-needed revenue for government, it also directly influences investment decisions, housing affordability, property development, and overall market growth.

Nigeria’s real estate industry has long been recognised as one of the sectors with the potential to drive economic expansion, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet, despite its immense potential, the sector continues to face several challenges, one of which is the growing burden of multiple taxes and levies.

Developers and investors often encounter a wide range of charges at different levels of government. These include land use charges, development levies, building approval fees, consent fees, stamp duties, withholding taxes, capital gains taxes, and numerous administrative charges. While each tax may have a legitimate basis, the cumulative effect can significantly increase the cost of property development and ownership.

The consequences are far-reaching. Increased development costs are ultimately transferred to homebuyers and tenants. This raises property prices and rental costs, making housing less affordable for millions of Nigerians. At a time when the country is battling a substantial housing deficit, policies that unintentionally increase the cost of housing deserve careful review.

Beyond affordability concerns, excessive or poorly coordinated taxation can discourage investment. Real estate projects require substantial capital and often take years to deliver returns. Investors prefer markets where costs are predictable and regulatory frameworks are transparent. Multiple taxation, overlapping charges, and inconsistent implementation of tax policies can create uncertainty that discourages both domestic and foreign investment.

However, the conversation should not be about eliminating taxes. Rather, it should focus on creating a smarter and more efficient tax system that supports growth while ensuring government revenues are protected. Taxation should serve as a tool for economic development, not merely a mechanism for revenue collection.

Globally, many successful economies use tax incentives to encourage specific types of real estate investment. Affordable housing projects, urban regeneration schemes, green buildings, and infrastructure developments often benefit from tax credits, exemptions, or reduced rates. Such incentives help attract private-sector capital while advancing broader social and economic goals.
Nigeria can adopt similar strategies to unlock greater investment in housing and infrastructure. Governments could introduce targeted tax reliefs for developers building affordable homes, creating mixed-income communities, or investing in underserved areas. Such measures would not only stimulate construction activities but also support national housing objectives.

Equally important is the need to simplify tax administration. Technology offers opportunities to streamline payment processes, improve transparency, and reduce disputes between taxpayers and authorities. A digital, harmonized tax system would improve compliance while reducing the administrative burden on businesses and investors.

Stakeholder engagement must also be strengthened. Policymakers, tax authorities, developers, professional bodies, and investors should work together to design tax policies that reflect market realities. Sustainable growth is more likely when those affected by policies are involved in shaping them.
Ultimately, the success of Nigeria’s real estate sector will depend not only on access to land, finance, and infrastructure but also on the effectiveness of its tax policies. A balanced approach that promotes compliance, encourages investment, and supports housing affordability can unlock new opportunities for growth. If properly structured, taxation can become a powerful catalyst for a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable real estate market in Nigeria.

Clement, a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer, is a member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Schneider Electric has called for new financing models to accelerate renewable energy deployment across West Africa, arguing that projects aimed at improving electricity access, particularly in the health sector, need to move beyond donor-funded pilots towards commercially sustainable investments.

The company’s Regional Head of Access to Energy for West Africa, Tolutope Dada, made the call during a panel discussion in Abuja with the Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency and the World Health Organisation’s lead on Climate, Health and Environment.

The discussion focused on how unreliable electricity affects healthcare delivery, including vaccine cold chains, diagnostics, and surgical services.

Dada said financing models for powering health facilities needed to incorporate blended finance and shared risk among governments, private investors and development partners to make renewable energy projects more sustainable.

Schneider Electric said its Access to Energy programme, launched in 2009, had reached more than 61 million people globally, surpassing its initial target of 50 million beneficiaries.

The company said it was working towards reaching 100 million people by 2030 through its Access to Energy portfolio, which includes the Mobiya, Homaya and Villaya product lines.

According to the company, the solutions use EcoStruxure-enabled remote monitoring and control and are deployed across sectors including healthcare, education, water, agriculture and microenterprise in underserved communities.

In Nigeria, Schneider Electric has deployed solar and microgrid solutions in partnership with local distributors and development agencies as part of efforts to improve access to electricity.

The company said its participation in the Abuja panel formed part of its broader engagement with regional health and energy stakeholders on expanding access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity.

Schneider Electric has positioned Access to Energy as part of its wider sustainability strategy, alongside its work in decarbonisation and industrial automation, while continuing to participate in policy and industry discussions on electricity access across the region.

ESV Toyin Olatunbosun-Ajala

Real estate is a long-term investment, and confidence is one of its most important foundations. When uncertainty surrounds the broader economy, investors and property buyers often become more cautious about committing substantial capital. With Nigeria approaching the 2027 general elections, the relationship between electoral uncertainty and property transactions deserves closer attention.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the 2027 elections, providing a defined electoral calendar. The Commission initially fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and State House of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027. However, INEC’s current online election calendar now lists January 16, 2027 and February 6, 2027 respectively. This difference reinforces why investors and industry stakeholders need to rely on official updates when planning around the electoral cycle.

For the property market, uncertainty can affect the speed at which transactions are concluded. Buyers who might otherwise purchase land, houses or commercial properties may choose to delay decisions until there is greater clarity about the economic and policy environment. Similarly, developers may stagger new projects, particularly those requiring substantial financing and long development periods.
This does not necessarily mean that real estate activity stops during election periods. Rather, the market can become more selective. Industry reporting on Nigeria’s 2026 property outlook has identified pre-election uncertainty as one factor weighing on investment decisions, while noting that growth may vary across different property segments.

Abuja provides an important example because its property market is closely connected to government activity, diplomatic missions, businesses and the movement of professionals. Reports on the capital’s market have indicated that investors may adopt a more cautious approach ahead of the 2027 polls as they assess political and economic risks.

Another factor is financing. Property transactions frequently depend on access to mortgages, construction finance and private capital. When investors become more cautious, financing decisions can take longer and developers may become more conservative with their spending. This can affect the pace at which new housing and commercial developments reach the market.

Election-related uncertainty can also influence expectations about infrastructure and urban development. Developers often consider future roads, transportation networks, public facilities and government development plans when selecting locations. Any uncertainty surrounding future policy priorities can therefore influence decisions about where and when to invest.
However, property remains a physical asset with long-term utility. People will continue to need homes, offices, warehouses, retail spaces and other forms of real estate regardless of the electoral cycle. This means that transactions driven by genuine housing and business needs may continue even when discretionary investment activity becomes more cautious.

The responsibility, therefore, extends beyond investors. Government agencies can help reduce uncertainty by maintaining clear policies, transparent land administration and predictable regulatory processes. Financial institutions and developers can also support market confidence by providing clear information about financing, project timelines and transaction requirements.

The 2027 elections will form part of Nigeria’s broader economic environment, but they should not be viewed in isolation. Interest rates, inflation, construction costs, infrastructure, household incomes and regulatory policies will also influence property transactions.

For the real estate industry, the central lesson is the importance of confidence and predictability. A stable policy environment can encourage transactions, while uncertainty can lead some participants to postpone major decisions. As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections, maintaining transparency and continuity in the property market will be important for sustaining investment and supporting long-term real estate development.

ESV Toyin Olatunbosun-Ajala

Over the last two decades, Abuja has evolved from a carefully planned administrative capital into one of Africa’s fastest-growing real estate markets. From luxury residential estates and commercial developments to mixed-use projects and satellite town expansions, the city continues to attract investors, developers, and homebuyers seeking opportunities in a dynamic property market. The ongoing real estate boom in Abuja reflects both the city’s economic importance and the growing demand for quality housing and business spaces.

Several factors have contributed to this remarkable growth. As Nigeria’s seat of government, Abuja remains a major destination for public institutions, diplomatic missions, multinational organizations, and private sector businesses. The steady influx of professionals, entrepreneurs, and government officials has created sustained demand for residential and commercial properties across the city.
Infrastructure development has also played a significant role. Road expansions, improved transportation networks, and the growth of satellite districts have opened new areas for development. Locations that were once considered distant from the city centre are increasingly becoming attractive destinations for homebuyers and investors.

Districts such as Lugbe, Lokogoma, Kuje, Gwarinpa, Kubwa, and parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council have witnessed significant residential growth as buyers search for relatively affordable alternatives to the city’s premium districts.

The rise of private estate developments has further accelerated market expansion. Gated communities offering modern amenities, improved security, and reliable infrastructure continue to attract middle- and high-income earners. For many residents, these developments provide a practical solution to challenges associated with public infrastructure and urban services.

Another notable trend is the growing interest in real estate as an investment asset. Economic uncertainties and fluctuations in traditional investment options have encouraged many Nigerians to view property as a relatively stable store of value. Investors are increasingly acquiring land and housing units not only for personal use but also for rental income and long-term capital appreciation.
While the boom presents enormous opportunities, it also raises important questions about sustainability and inclusiveness. Rising property values have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many low- and middle-income earners. In several parts of the city, housing prices have grown at a pace that significantly outstrips income growth, widening the affordability gap.

Urban planning concerns also deserve attention. Rapid development without adequate supporting infrastructure can place pressure on roads, water supply systems, drainage networks, healthcare facilities, and schools. As Abuja continues to expand, authorities must ensure that development is guided by sound planning principles that preserve the city’s original vision while accommodating future growth.
Affordable housing remains another critical challenge. Much of the current development activity is concentrated in middle- and upper-income segments, leaving a significant portion of the population underserved. Addressing this imbalance will require stronger collaboration between government and private developers, as well as policies that encourage the delivery of affordable housing at scale.
Abuja’s real estate boom is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most significant urban success stories. The city continues to attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors.
However, the true measure of success will not be the number of luxury estates or high-rise developments alone. It will be the ability to build a property market that is inclusive, sustainable, and capable of meeting the housing needs of a growing population. Achieving that balance will determine whether Abuja’s real estate boom remains a lasting engine of growth for decades to come.

For many sales and commercial professionals, visiting a store is a routine part of the job. But according to Founder and Principal Consultant of DKO Consulting, Dolapo Otegbayi, the real value of a store visit depends on what happens beyond simply showing up.

That thinking is at the heart of Know Your Store: A Practical Guide to Better Store Visits, a digital eBook and the first publication in DKO Consulting’s new series, DKO Commercial Pocket Guides.

Launched recently, the guide represents a move by Otegbayi to translate more than 25 years of experience across sales, marketing and commercial leadership into practical resources for business owners, entrepreneurs and commercial teams.

The significance of the guide lies in its focus on turning observation into actionable commercial intelligence. A store visit can provide valuable information about how products are displayed, what customers are responding to, how competitors are positioned and where opportunities or problems exist. However, these insights are useful only when people know what to observe, what questions to ask and how to interpret what they see.

Otegbayi’s approach therefore points to a broader challenge in commercial organisations: the gap between collecting market information and actually using it to improve decisions.

Rather than presenting store visits as mere monitoring exercises, Know Your Store positions them as opportunities for learning and better decision-making. At the heart of the guide is the DKO Store Visit Roadmap – PREPARE, OBSERVE, ENGAGE, DIAGNOSE and ACT – a practical framework designed to help users “see more, ask better questions and get more value from every store visit.”

The launch also signals a new extension of DKO Consulting’s work. Alongside its advisory practice, the firm is beginning to package practical commercial experience and thinking into accessible resources that professionals, business owners and commercial teams can use directly.

Know Your Store is Guide No. 01 in the DKO Commercial Pocket Guides series, marking the beginning of a wider body of practical commercial resources designed to make commercial knowledge easier to access, understand and apply.

DKO Consulting’s guiding statement is “Strategy. Execution. Impact.” – a philosophy reflected in the guide’s emphasis on moving beyond observation to action.

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

West Africa must accelerate investment in gas infrastructure and improve project execution if the region is to convert its natural gas resources into sustained production and attract further capital, Regional Segment Leader for Energies and Chemicals at Schneider Electric West Africa, Iretomiwa Odusote, has said.

Odusote said the region’s gas outlook would increasingly depend not only on the availability of reserves but also on how quickly operators could bring projects into production, maintain reliable operations and improve efficiency over the life of their assets.

Her comments come as Nigeria advances a new wave of gas investment, including the Final Investment Decision taken by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria and AMNI International Petroleum Development Company for the Ima Gas Development Project.

The offshore project, located across OMLs 112 and 117 near Bonny Island, is expected to produce about 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day at plateau, with first gas targeted for 2028.

TotalEnergies said the field would be developed with a single platform linked by a 22-kilometre pipeline to Nigeria LNG, with production expected to provide about one-third of the gas required for the ongoing Train 7 expansion.

AMNI puts the estimated development cost at about $1.108bn, with independently confirmed gross reserves of about 1.28 trillion cubic feet of non-associated gas. The project is designed to sustain production at about 350 million standard cubic feet per day for at least eight years.

The investment decision marks a shift from identifying gas resources to executing infrastructure capable of delivering commercial production, a transition Odusote said would be increasingly important to West Africa’s competitiveness.
According to Odusote, “Possessing abundant gas reserves alone is no longer enough,”

She said operators faced growing pressure to commercialise projects quickly and generate returns on the large amounts of capital required to develop gas infrastructure.

According to her, three factors would increasingly determine whether gas developments succeed: the speed at which projects reach first gas, operational safety and reliability, and sustained production efficiency over the life of the asset.

The pressure to deliver projects efficiently comes as the global LNG market expands. The International Gas Union said global LNG trade reached a record 437 million tonnes in 2025, rising 6.3 per cent from the previous year, with the United States and Qatar among the major sources of additional supply. Mauritania and Senegal also joined the ranks of LNG exporters during the year.

For West African producers, the expansion means new projects are entering a market where developers are competing for capital and customers with gas developments across other producing regions.

“Gas projects are capital intensive by nature,” Odusote said. “Once projects receive final investment approval, operators face immediate pressure to begin production and commercialise output quickly.”

She said reaching first gas on schedule was therefore important not only to the economics of individual projects but also to the region’s ability to attract future investment.

However, production start-up would only mark the beginning of the challenge, she said. Operators would also need to maintain reliable output while managing energy consumption, equipment performance, maintenance requirements and operating costs.

Odusote pointed to fragmented operational data, limited visibility across production processes, inefficient energy use and reactive maintenance as some of the weaknesses that could affect performance in gas facilities.

She argued that greater access to real-time operational information could help operators monitor equipment health, energy consumption, production efficiency and process performance across facilities.

“When operators can monitor equipment health, energy consumption, production efficiency and process performance from a unified operational view, they are better positioned to identify bottlenecks early, optimise performance and minimise unplanned downtime,” she wrote.

The approach reflects a wider move in the energy industry to combine physical infrastructure with automation and digital systems, rather than treating them as separate components of project development.

According to Odusote, electrification, process automation, safety systems and digital technologies had traditionally been designed and delivered as separate workstreams, often involving different vendors.

While the systems could operate independently, she said fragmented delivery could increase project complexity and create integration challenges that persisted beyond construction.

“An integrated approach could give engineering, procurement and construction companies and asset owners greater coordination during project delivery while leaving operators with systems that are easier to maintain, optimise and expand,” she said.

She said the issue was particularly relevant to projects such as Ima, which were moving from investment decisions into engineering, procurement and construction.

The Ima project is being financed by a consortium of seven banks, while Nigerian financial institutions are providing more than 70 per cent of the financing, according to TotalEnergies and AMNI. All four major construction packages are expected to be executed by Nigerian contractors.

The project is also designed with no routine flaring and permanent methane detection and monitoring, according to TotalEnergies.

Beyond Nigeria, Senegal and Mauritania entered the LNG export market in 2025 through the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, adding new producers to an African LNG market that includes Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and Angola.

Ghana, meanwhile, continues to focus on the use of domestic gas for power generation and industrial development.

Odusote said the developments were expanding West Africa’s role in global gas markets while placing greater emphasis on whether producers could deliver projects on schedule and maintain production after commissioning.

she said, “The next generation of successful gas projects will be distinguished not only by the size of their reserves but also by how quickly they achieve first gas, how consistently they operate, and how effectively they leverage integrated infrastructure and digital technologies to sustain production over decades.”

The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF), in collaboration with businesses within the Zinox Group, Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies Limited and Konga Group, has commissioned state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Centres at Gbagada Senior Grammar School and Lanre Awolokun High School, both in Gbagada, Lagos State.

Speaking at the event, chairman of the foundation, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, thanked the teachers and students for their warm reception and commended the school communities for their commitment to education. He urged the students to understand that success requires patience, discipline and hard work. He advised students of the two schools to use the platforms to cause positive disruption and become the new wealth creators of the nation, individuals who can defend their wealth and earn the status

of certified global citizens. “This is my prayer for you, as I now see myself as part of these two schools,” he said.

He also appealed to the federal government and subnational governments to prioritise education and ensure that knowledge workers are among the highest-paid professionals in the country. “An angry or hungry teacher cannot deliver quality content to students. We must consciously raise the quality of education to save this nation,” he added.

Mary Nnah

Nigerian singer-songwriter Atela is set to take the stage at the 9th Seoul Africa Festival, scheduled to hold on October 24, 2026, at the Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, South Korea.

The performance will see the Abuja-based soul-pop artist, who has been professionally active since 2015, bring his distinctive sound to an international audience at one of Seoul’s most prominent celebrations of African culture.

Atela gained national recognition as the first runner-up of Nigerian Idol 2021, a breakthrough that brought his music to a wider audience across the country.

Since then, he has continued to steadily build his career through consistent music releases and compelling live performances, drawing deep inspiration from personal experiences, love and loss to shape his soulful and contemporary sound.

The Seoul Africa Festival, which was established in 2016, is a cultural platform dedicated to showcasing the diversity and richness of Africa through music, dance, fashion, food and creative expression. Over the years, the festival has grown into a key gathering that brings together African communities living in Korea, Korean audiences, and international visitors from around the world for a vibrant celebration of African culture and creativity.

This year’s event marks the ninth edition of the festival, and Atela will be joining a lineup of artists and performers from across Africa and beyond who are expected to thrill attendees with diverse cultural showcases.

For Atela, the upcoming Seoul performance represents another significant step in his growing international journey, as he continues to expand his reach beyond Nigeria and introduce his soulful sound and contemporary take on African music to a new audience in South Korea.

…Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Reposition Advertising Industry
Tolaram Group has reaffirmed commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the growth and development of Nigeria’s advertising industry, as the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) prepares for the 2026 National Advertising Conference.

The 2026 conference is expected to bring together brands, media owners, advertising practitioners and other stakeholders to examine emerging challenges and opportunities while developing practical strategies for repositioning the marketing communications industry for sustainable growth.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos on the 2026 National Advertising Conference and the Advertising Standards and Recognition Awards (ASRA), ARCON Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, represented by the Director of Regulations, Eme Akande, noted that the conference would go beyond conversations to focus on practical ideas and reforms capable of strengthening the competitiveness of the sector and unlocking new opportunities.

He said the theme of the 2026 conference, “Repositioning Marketing Communications Industry for the Next Frontier,” reflects the need for the industry to continuously adapt to changes in the business and communications environment.

“There is a need for repositioning. Because if you don’t reposition in your own sector, then you will be left behind,” he revealed.

Chairman of the National Advertising Conference Organising Committee, Tunji Adeyinka, remarked that the conference would provide an opportunity to examine critical developments shaping the industry, including the outcomes of a cross functional committee examining the regulation of digital marketing and artificial intelligence.

He also highlighted the relationship between marketing communications and Nigeria’s expanding creative economy, noting the importance of ensuring that the advertising industry remains relevant to broader developments within the creative sector.

For Tolaram Group, the conference represents more than a corporate sponsorship opportunity. The company views its continued participation as part of its broader commitment to contributing to conversations that shape the future of the industry.

Group Media Manager of Tolaram, Adeola Amosun, maintained that the company was pleased to remain involved in initiatives that provide platforms for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify ways of advancing the sector.

“As a business, we are always excited to be part of how we move the industry forward, how we shape discussions that advance the industry. That is why we are part of it,” Amosun added.
He noted that Tolaram’s support for the National Advertising Conference had continued over the past three years, stressing that the company’s consistency was driven by the value the platform delivers to the industry and its stakeholders.

“Again, it is important for us to show consistency. We have been partners for the past three years. We cannot afford not to come on board again because value has been delivered,” he said.
Amosun also commended ARCON’s efforts to strengthen regulation and professionalism within Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem, noting that effective regulation remains important to creating a healthy and competitive industry.

His comments underscore Tolaram’s position as a brand stakeholder that sees value in contributing to the development of the wider marketing communications ecosystem, rather than focusing solely on its own commercial interests.

The 2026 National Advertising Conference is therefore expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine how the industry can respond to technological disruption, evolving consumer behaviour, digital marketing, artificial intelligence and the changing relationship between advertising and the creative economy.

As ARCON and industry stakeholders prepare for the conference, the emphasis is increasingly shifting from simply identifying challenges to developing practical responses that can strengthen the industry’s capacity to compete and create new opportunities.

For Tolaram, its continued partnership with the conference reflects a commitment to remaining part of that conversation and supporting platforms that create value for the advertising industry, its practitioners, partners and brands.

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, conversations about the country’s future often return to familiar questions: What should we build? Where should we invest? And what kind of country are we preparing for the next generation?

For Abdullahi Yusuf Kurfi, CEO of 1010 Group, these questions are closely connected to the way Nigerians think about real estate.

Property is often discussed simply in terms of buying land, developing houses and earning returns. But Kurfi believes real estate should also be viewed through a longer lens: as part of how cities grow, wealth is preserved and communities take shape.

“Real estate is not only about what a property is worth today. You have to think about the people who will use it, the environment around it and what that location could become over time,” he says.

It is a perspective shaped by his experience across real estate, finance, investment and contracts.

Through 1010 Group, Kurfi has been involved in building a real estate business focused on identifying opportunities, developing properties and creating value for clients and investors. His approach places emphasis on understanding an opportunity properly before committing capital to it.

In a country where rapid urbanisation continues to create demand for housing, commercial spaces and infrastructure, he believes the private sector has an important role to play.

But growth, in his view, must be accompanied by greater professionalism.

For investors, this means looking beyond excitement around a location and paying closer attention to documentation, value, development potential and the people behind a transaction.

For developers, it means thinking beyond selling property to building organisations and projects capable of creating lasting value.

And for the wider industry, it means developing stronger systems, transparency and standards that can increase confidence in Nigerian real estate.

As Nigeria enters another year of independence, Kurfi sees an opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to think beyond immediate returns.

The decisions being made today about land, housing, infrastructure and investment will influence what Nigerian cities look like decades from now.

That makes real estate more than a commercial opportunity. It also makes it a responsibility.

“We are not only investing in property. In many ways, we are investing in what Nigeria will look like tomorrow,” Kurfi says.

For him, that is where the bigger opportunity lies: building patiently, investing thoughtfully and creating assets that continue to hold value long after the original transaction is complete.

At 66, Nigeria remains a country with enormous challenges, but also enormous possibilities.

And perhaps one of the responsibilities of its entrepreneurs is to ensure that what they build today is still creating value when the country celebrates many more years of independence.

The Akeweje Obinrin of Regberegbe Okunrin Akile Ijebu (1992-1994), Chief Mrs. Ore-Oluwa Johnson, has congratulated the newly elected leaders of the age-grade group, pledging support for their leadership.

In a congratulatory message, Chief Johnson, who is also the Yeye Obaneye Currency Akile Ijebu, celebrated the emergence of Giwa Hassan Odunayo Hassan (HOH) as Giwa Egbe, Akile Hammed Amusa as Otun Giwa, and Akile Idowu Quadri as Eta Giwa.

According to her, the new executive council will strengthen the brotherhood, preserve the cultural heritage of Ijebuland and advance its development.

“As your Akeweje, I celebrate your emergence and look forward to supporting your leadership as we work together to strengthen our brotherhood, preserve our heritage and advance the development of Ijebuland,” she said.

Chief Johnson also used the opportunity to call on eligible members of the Ijebu community to join the prestigious Regberegbe.

She invited Ijebu indigenes, spouses of indigenes, those who attended school in Ijebu and property owners in Ijebuland who fall within the 1992-1994 age group to become part of the group.

She noted that the Egbe provides a platform to connect with like-minded professionals, expand networks, build meaningful relationships and contribute to initiatives that promote the growth and development of Ijebuland.

“Together, we can harness our collective talents, professional expertise and resources to build a stronger, more prosperous Ijebu for generations to come,” she added.

She congratulated the newly elected executives once again and prayed that their tenure would bring unity, wisdom and lasting progress.

“Same Roots. Stronger Bonds. Brighter Tomorrow. Unity, Tradition, Progress – Ijebu Agbe Wa O,” the statement concluded.

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, kitchenware brand CookEX, distributed by ShopEX TV, has unveiled its new CookEX Titan Steel 13-piece cookware collection.

The brand said the launch celebrates the evolution of the Nigerian kitchen, which it described as central to family life, tradition and togetherness over the past 66 years.

According to ShopEX TV, while Nigerian homes have evolved with modern appliances and contemporary kitchen designs, the demands of Nigerian cooking – from jollof rice, egusi, ogbono and afang to efo riro, pepper soup and moi moi – remain high, requiring durable and versatile cookware.

The company disclosed that the CookEX Titan Steel collection was designed with those realities in mind.

It said the collection combines Triple-Layer Construction with stainless steel and an aluminium core for even heat distribution, Laser-Etched Armor Matrix Technology for durability and Honeycomb Non-Stick Protection for smoother cooking and easier food release.

ShopEX TV said the product campaign, themed “Our First Kitchen,” is built around the idea of new beginnings, from newly married couples setting up their first kitchen to families building traditions around meals.

“The best cookware isn’t the cookware you are afraid to use. It is the cookware that becomes part of your everyday routine,” the company stated.

The brand noted that the CookEX Titan Steel infomercial is currently airing on TVC News, with the campaign also live across social media platforms.

It added that the 13-piece collection is available through ShopEX TV.

ShopEX TV said the launch is its contribution to the next chapter of Nigerian homes at 66, describing the collection as built for the meals, memories and moments that define family life.

From producing more than 40 films to leading Netflix’s “The Covenant,” Uzee Usman is more and more becoming a visible bridge between Nollywood and the international film community.

There is a new conversation taking place around Nigerian cinema one that extends beyond box-office figures, streaming numbers and red carpets. At the centre of it is Usman. He is an actor, filmmaker and producer whose plethora of work is placing him at the intersection of entertainment, social storytelling and international collaboration.

Usman has established himself as one of the creative forces within contemporary Nollywood. But his ambitions now appear to extend well beyond Nigeria.

His recent international engagements, including an invitation to speak to students at Toronto Film School, as well as his visibility around the recently concluded Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), have brought renewed attention to his work and the stories he has spent years telling.

For Usman, however, the international interest is not simply about recognition.

It is about what Nigerian filmmakers can contribute to the global cinematic conversation.

He enthused: “I love telling realistic stories– stories that people can connect with, stories that reflect our realities and allow audiences to see beyond stereotypes.”

Usman believes film can do more than entertain. In a country as culturally and geographically diverse as Nigeria, he sees storytelling as an opportunity to create understanding.

His advocacy for peace, particularly in Northern Nigeria, has become an important part of his creative identity.

Rather than approaching difficult subjects solely through political rhetoric, Usman uses characters, human experiences and emotionally driven narratives to encourage audiences to see the humanity behind issues that may seemingly appear distant or abstract.

For him, filmmaking can become a language through which people from different communities understand one another.

“Peace can be advocated through storytelling. When you tell people’s stories honestly and allow audiences to understand the human beings behind the headlines, you create room for empathy.”

It is this combination of entertainment and social responsibility that has helped distinguish his approach to filmmaking.

Meanwhile, Usman’s growing international profile has also been strengthened by his work on Netflix’s “The Covenant,” where he played the lead role of Scourge.

The production exposed his work to a wider global audience and contributed to the growing international interest surrounding his career.

His appearance in the series came after years of building a reputation within Nollywood not simply as an actor, but as a producer and storyteller with a substantial body of work.

Now, with “The Covenant” Season 2 expected in November, attention is again turning toward his next chapter.

For Usman, the international interest is not a reason to abandon Nollywood. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity to open more doors for Nigerian filmmakers.

“I Want to Bridge the Gap Between Nollywood and Hollywood”

One of Usman’s clearest ambitions is to create stronger creative connections between the Nigerian and American film industries.

He believes Nigerian filmmakers possess stories, talent and cultural perspectives that can contribute meaningfully to the international market, while Hollywood offers infrastructure, technology, financing and global distribution opportunities that can create new possibilities for African filmmakers.

His vision is not simply for Nigerian cinema to be consumed internationally, but for Nigerian creatives to participate more actively in international filmmaking.

“I want to bridge the gap between Nollywood and Hollywood. There is so much talent and so many stories in Nigeria, and I believe there is an opportunity for both industries to learn from each other and create together.”

That philosophy could potentially lead to future production partnerships and collaborations between Usman and international filmmakers.

Perhaps one of the most significant recent developments in Usman’s international journey was his invitation to Toronto Film School, where he engaged with students studying the craft and business of filmmaking.

Rather than speaking to them simply as a celebrity, Usman approached the engagement from the perspective of a working filmmaker who has spent years navigating the Nigerian film industry.

He shared his experiences in production, acting, storytelling and the realities of building a career in cinema.

He spoke about the importance of telling realistic and distinctive stories, encouraging emerging filmmakers to develop their own voices rather than simply reproducing what is already popular.

For the students, the session offered an opportunity to hear directly from a filmmaker who has built his career in one of Africa’s most dynamic film industries.

For Usman, it was also an opportunity to inspire the next generation of filmmakers.

There is a recurring theme running through Usman’s career: stories should have a reason to exist.

Whether he is working as an actor, producer or creative storyteller, his work increasingly reflects a desire to tell Nigerian stories in ways that can travel beyond Nigeria.

His advocacy for peace, his interest in realistic storytelling and his desire to connect Nollywood with Hollywood all point toward the same objective using cinema as a platform for cultural exchange.

And that may explain why international attention is increasingly turning toward him.

The question is no longer simply whether Nollywood can produce stars who become known internationally.

It is whether filmmakers like Uzee Usman can become creative bridges between African cinema and the wider global film industry.

With another chapter of The Covenant ahead, recent international engagements already behind him and a growing interest in his storytelling philosophy, Usman appears to be entering a new phase of his career.

One in which the audience is no longer limited to Nigeria. And the stories are no longer expected to stay within one border.

For Usman, the future appears to be about collaboration—bringing Nigerian stories to wider audiences while creating opportunities for international filmmakers to engage with Nollywood on a deeper level.

A Hollywood-Nollywood production collaboration involving the filmmaker could therefore be a natural extension of the direction he is already pursuing.

But regardless of where the next production takes him, one message remains central to his philosophy:

Film can entertain, film can educate and film can bring people closer together. That is the story Uzee Usman is taking to the world.

The story unfolding at the National Assembly Library this week is no longer simply about books, shelves and archived documents. It is becoming a wider conversation about how Nigeria remembers its legislative past, how lawmakers access information in the present and how ordinary citizens will understand the laws that shape their lives in the years ahead.

That conversation took centre stage on Monday, September 28 as the National Assembly Library opened its 2026 Library Week in Abuja under the theme, “Parliamentary Memory: Connecting Records, Legislation and the People.” What began as a programme designed to expose legislators, legislative aides and parliamentary staff to the enormous resources of the National Assembly Library has, within the first days, opened a much bigger discussion about digital access, the preservation of legislative records and the relationship between Parliament and the people.

The opening was formally declared by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Osita Ngwu, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
The gathering brought together lawmakers, parliamentary officials, diplomats, academics and other stakeholders around a subject that is rarely placed at the centre of public debate but is fundamental to the workings of any legislature: reliable institutional memory.

For the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Rt. Hon. Henry Nwawuba, the library is much more than a physical collection of publications. He has positioned it as the knowledge infrastructure of the legislature and a repository of the records through which Nigeria’s democratic and legislative journey can be understood.

His message has been consistent without institutional memory, every generation risks beginning again. With properly preserved records, however, one administration can build on the work of another instead of losing valuable knowledge to time.

That philosophy is now being translated into concrete initiatives. Nwawuba disclosed that the National Assembly Library is deepening the digitisation of parliamentary records while upgrading its electronic library and working towards a mobile application that would make legislative information easier to access. The planned digital infrastructure is expected to provide access to authoritative materials such as Order Papers, Votes and Proceedings, committee reports, Acts passed by the National Assembly, gazetted laws and oversight manuals.

Perhaps one of the most striking announcements from the week is the plan to make Nigerian legislation available in indigenous languages, including Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.
The objective, according to Nwawuba, is to take legislative information beyond the traditional users of parliamentary documents and make it easier for more Nigerians to understand laws that affect their everyday lives.

The library is also working on a Bills Tracker, which will allow users to follow the movement of Bills through the legislative process. Alongside this, it is developing infographics, audiovisual materials and video explainers intended to simplify Bills, Acts and legislative procedures for the wider public. These measures place the library at the intersection of parliamentary research, technology and public information at a time when access to verified information has become increasingly important.

The question of trust has equally featured prominently in the discussions. Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, warned of the dangers posed by incomplete, outdated, altered or unauthorised legislative documents circulating as though they were official records.
He argued that as parliamentary records become increasingly digitised, systems must be capable not only of making information accessible but also of preserving their authenticity and traceability.

That concern gives particular meaning to this year’s theme. Parliamentary memory is not simply about preserving yesterday’s documents; it is about ensuring that the records from which laws, policies and institutional decisions are understood remain accurate, accessible and trustworthy.
The issue has become even more significant in an information environment shaped by misinformation, disinformation and rapidly developing artificial intelligence technologies.
Ngwu, representing the Senate President at the opening, urged lawmakers to make greater use of the library’s resources in confronting these challenges.

The House of Representatives has also underscored the historical importance of legislative records. Ihonvbere stated that a legislature’s strength should not be measured only by the laws it passes, but also by how effectively it documents its activities, preserves institutional knowledge and makes that knowledge available to future generations.

Against that backdrop, the National Assembly Library Week is steadily becoming a meeting point between Parliament’s history and its future. The programme was conceived to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, promote utilisation of the Library’s resources, strengthen fact-checking and source verification, advance open Parliament and deepen partnerships with institutions including UNESCO, the National Library of Nigeria, the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Library Association, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, academic libraries, fact-checking organisations and development partners.

For Nigeria Media Expert, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, the development represents a significant conversation about the place of reliable information in modern parliamentary practice, particularly at a time when citizens increasingly depend on digital platforms to understand public institutions and the laws that govern them.

The significance of the week will move into another dimension tomorrow, October 1, as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
According to the programme announced by the National Assembly Library, the day’s activities will form part of the concluding phase of the Library Week and will include the Independence Day Anniversary Night, coming after the symposium, stakeholders’ engagement, capacity development and awards components of the programme.

It is a fitting convergence. As Nigeria celebrates the passage of another year of nationhood, the National Assembly Library is using the occasion to draw attention to another form of national inheritance the records of the country’s legislative journey.
From the documents that captured parliamentary debates and decisions of earlier generations to the digital systems being developed for lawmakers and citizens today, the institution is making the case that a democracy cannot afford to lose its memory.

And that may ultimately be the most enduring message of the 2026 National Assembly Library Week: legislation does not end when a Bill becomes an Act, and parliamentary history does not end when a sitting is adjourned. Records preserve the reasons behind decisions, information allows citizens to understand them, and access creates a bridge between the institution of Parliament and the people it represents.

As the week reaches its Independence Day climax, the National Assembly Library, under Nwawuba’s leadership, is placing that bridge at the centre of its institutional mission connecting records to legislation, legislation to knowledge, and knowledge to the Nigerian people.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with ELSPAZIO NIG LTD, has commenced a 5-day intensive capacity building program on Renewable Energy Integration for Oil and Gas Installations for 50 youths in Benin, Edo State.

The training, which began on September 28 and will run through October 2, 2026, is currently underway in Benin City.

The programme is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and emerging skills on integrating renewable energy solutions into traditional oil and gas operations —a critical step towards energy transition, sustainability, and reducing carbon footprint in the industry.

According to the organizers, the training will cover key areas such as solar and hybrid systems for oilfield installations, energy efficiency, sustainable energy design, regulatory frameworks, and the future of cleaner energy within Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem.

Speaking at the commencement, facilitators from Elspazio emphasized the importance of preparing Nigerian youths for the evolving energy landscape, where renewable integration is no longer optional but essential for operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

The initiative is part of NCDMB’s continuous commitment to youth empowerment, human capital development, and driving Nigerian Content through strategic partnerships that promote innovation and sustainability in the oil and gas sector.

Participants expressed optimism and enthusiasm as the training progresses with hands-on sessions and expert-led engagements.

PlotWeaver Limited and Endow Technologies Limited, the company behind EndowPay, have agreed to develop a multilingual payment experience that lets customers use everyday financial services in the languages they speak.

The partnership will bring PlotWeaver’s voice infrastructure and its Àdùnní agent to EndowPay’s AI-powered financial solutions platform and existing customer channels. The first step is a planned two-week WhatsApp pilot, beginning with airtime, data and electricity purchases by voice note or text. Àdùnní will understand the request, guide the customer through confirmation and respond in the same language.

The pilot will also test support for common questions, including transaction status, electricity tokens and wallet funding. Requests that need a person will be handed to EndowPay’s support team with the conversation context attached.

“What matters most to me is our ability to unlock markets and create opportunities that were not there before,” said Wole Fagbohun, Founder and CEO of PlotWeaver. “Someone should be able to buy airtime, pay an electricity bill or ask where their money has gone by speaking naturally. We are building the infrastructure that lets African innovators make that possible for everyday people. This partnership is a step towards putting it in their hands.”

“AI should not be a premium feature reserved for people who already understand complex financial technology,” said Okunola Orogun, Co-founder and CEO of Endow Technologies Limited. “At EndowPay, we are building an AI-native financial platform that puts AI to practical use for grassroots users – in the languages, channels and everyday financial moments that matter to them – while still serving digitally sophisticated customers, merchants and businesses with the speed, intelligence and infrastructure they expect. This partnership moves us closer to making financial technology more intuitive, inclusive and genuinely useful across every tier of the market.”

PlotWeaver will provide the language and voice layer. EndowPay will continue to execute transactions through its own systems, including its existing payment authorisation and fraud controls. PlotWeaver will not move customer funds.

The teams are targeting a pilot launch within ten business days of receiving the integration access and materials required from EndowPay. They will assess how accurately voice requests are understood, how quickly common support issues are resolved and how many customers complete a purchase using a voice note.

Following the pilot, the companies intend to evaluate further uses across Telegram, local-language SMS, phone-based payments and spoken confirmations for bill gifting. These features will be introduced in phases based on customer demand and the results of the pilot.

PlotWeaver builds voice infrastructure for African languages. Its STORM-OS platform supports speech recognition, speech synthesis, translation and voice agents designed for the languages and code-switching people use in everyday life. PlotWeaver is Nigerian-founded and London-registered.

EndowPay is an AI-native financial solutions platform reimagining how people and businesses interact with money by combining intelligent automation, modern payments infrastructure, and embedded financial services into one seamless ecosystem designed to make financial transactions smarter, faster, and radically more intuitive.

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, a Coalition of civil society groups led by Civil Society for Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for their efforts towards restoring peace and strengthening national security.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja after a solidarity rally to mark independence day, the National Coordinator, Dr. Kabiru Muhammed said the courage, coordination and operational commitment of the Armed Forces, police, intelligence agencies and other security formations have contributed to increased pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal networks.

The group noted that under President Tinubu, security agencies have intensified intelligence-led and technology driven operations, with greater emphasis on inter agency coordination which have helped to drastically reduce all forms of insecurity across the country.

The Coalition particularly commended the leadership of the security chiefs for taking operational responsibility in addressing emerging threats, noting that the President has continued to provide political direction and additional support for the security architecture.

“Under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations, joint deployments, surveillance, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging threats”, the address noted.

The Coalition also welcomed the Federal Government’s investments in infrastructure, education, energy, youth development, technology and economic reforms, describing these areas as important components of the country’s broader transformation agenda.

According to the Coalition, “the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, although accompanied by significant adjustments and hardships for citizens, have been aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges and creating a more sustainable foundation for the delivery of democratic dividends in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda” .

The Coalition also commended the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive, including ongoing road and rail projects across the country, with more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation, alongside ongoing railway modernisation.

The Coalition said developments in the energy sector also deserved recognition, particularly efforts to expand domestic refining capacity, strengthen the power sector and promote alternative energy initiatives such as Compressed Natural Gas, adding that investments in electricity infrastructure, renewable energy and efforts to address legacy debts within the power sector are ongoing.

On human capital development, the group noted the establishment and expansion of programmes designed to improve access to education, housing, healthcare and economic opportunities. It specifically acknowledged the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which the Presidency said had provided higher-education financing to more than 1.5 million students, as well as federal housing initiatives targeted at expanding access to affordable accommodation and creating employment.

While commending the administration, the group urged the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “to sustain its efforts and ensure that the gains of ongoing reforms translate into improved living conditions, employment opportunities, food security, affordable transportation, reliable electricity and better access to education and healthcare” .

The Coalition further called on Nigerians to support security agencies with useful information, promote peaceful coexistence and remain committed to national unity.

The Coalition congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the Independence anniversary, expressing optimism that sustained reforms, effective security operations and responsible citizenship would contribute to a safer, stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

By Tolulope Oke

The YBI Group founder on earning a living and the experiences that changed what he wanted from it

Some prospective vendors at TruckVille offered to pay twice the usual rate for a space to sell shisha. Yahaya Buhari Ali says he turned them down.

He had a family-friendly place in mind, and his test for it was personal. If he would be uncomfortable seeing his own child or sibling take part in an activity, he did not want TruckVille to provide it.

A visit to a popular food court in Abuja had helped shape his thinking. He says the alcohol sales and club-style weekends did not fit the environment he wanted for families.

Ali, known as Sir YB, is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of YBI Group. He calls his approach to work and life Balanced Success. Money matters in it, alongside his faith, health and relationships.

He remembers when much smaller amounts of money made a difference. As a student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, he would leave his hostel on Sunday mornings to collect ₦6,000 from a game shop he owned. His monthly allowance was ₦5,000. He remembers feeling proud of himself and comfortable with the income.

The shop had started with a conversation at home. During a midsemester break in his second year, he told his mother he needed to start a business. She agreed, on one condition: it must not affect his studies. That left him looking for something he could afford to start and have somebody else run.

His first calculation was simple. A PlayStation 2 cost ₦12,000, and a television was about ₦8,000. He thought he needed ₦20,000. After buying them, he began to notice what was missing. Where was the shop? Where would people sit? What about fans and the other things customers would need?

He rented an uncompleted building. The equipment came out in the morning and was taken away at night. There was no generator, electricity was unreliable, and control pads needed repairs. He kept putting some of the takings back into whatever needed fixing.

Eventually, he saved enough to rent a proper shop nearby, a move he places in 2012. He later added another television and console. He agreed that the operator would set aside ₦1,000 for him each day from Monday to Saturday, keep anything above that amount, and keep all of Sunday’s takings. That was how Ali came to collect ₦6,000 a week while staying in the hostel.

The arrangement left him free to study. Some of his customers, however, were missing school to be there. Children would come to play or watch others playing during lesson time, and that troubled him.

His elder brother had given him three things to consider when choosing a business: what God says about it, its effect on the customer and whether it can make a profit. Ali says that advice stayed with him as he thought about the shop. He needed the income and recalls praying for a better opportunity. The move was gradual: he took the business to the university campus, where adult students came to relax after lectures.

Another opportunity grew out of shirts he had branded for himself. A friend who was a student association’s social director liked them and asked him to supply the association. Ali accepted the order. Then he discovered that the chosen design needed a specially made shirt, while his usual printer only branded ready-made clothing.

He was close to giving the money back when he looked again at the sample and noticed an Ahmadu Bello University logo. A cousin studying there put him in touch with the relevant department president. That connection led him to Daga, a maker in Zaria, who could produce the shirts. More orders followed. So did late deliveries and details that were missed.

Today, his business work includes branding and printing. YBI Multimedia describes its services as including digital marketing, email marketing and web design. Ali also speaks and writes about entrepreneurship. His public appearances include TEDxBayeroUniversity, where he gave a talk titled “Entrepreneurship; A Web of Lies, Myths and Opportunities”.

He once hoped to become a billionaire before he turned 30. That was what success looked like to him.

A period of illness made him think again. Lying sick, he imagined having reached that target and still facing the end of his life. “Am I prepared to meet my Creator?” he asked himself. He wondered how his family, friends and team would remember him, and began to think more deeply about his health and the people in his life.

“That was the turning point in my life,” he says.

What he now calls Balanced Success brings together spirituality, relationships, health, personal development and wealth. His Islamic faith guides how he approaches those five areas. Building a business and earning money still have a place. So do the people who share his life and the health that allows him to get on with it.

He shares short reflections on business, life, goals and money. He describes himself as a work in progress in applying these ideas. At TruckVille, he says the extra money on offer would have come with an activity he did not want the project to accommodate.

For vendors seeking a cabin, he puts it plainly: “We have values, and if you are breaking any, we won’t give you a cabin.”