Today January 7, 2026 marks 15 years since the passing of a true legend, Prince Samuel Omitayo Adetola Adejuwon. A nation builder, community developer, and champion of socio-economic progress, he left an indelible mark on our community.

A serial entrepreneur, the Akayejo of St. Michael Church, Ijare and former Executive Chairman of Idanre/Ifedore local government in Old Ondo State , his achievements were nothing short of remarkable. His humility, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of others earned him the hearts of many.

We remember his tireless efforts to uplift the Ijare community and his contributions to the development of Old Idanre/Ifedore local government. His legacy continues to inspire us, and his impact will never be forgotten.

To the entire Ijare family, both at home and in the diaspora, we take comfort in the knowledge that his gentle soul rests in peace. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

Daddy, we cherish your iconic status. We love you, but God loves you more.
Prince Adebanjo Adejuwon
For The Entire Families

GAIA AFRICA, the continent’s premier private members’ club for women leaders, has officially opened its 2025/2026 Member Season, inviting a new cohort of visionary African women to join its growing community of influence, leadership, and collaboration.

This year’s member season launches alongside “The Unbowed”, GAIA AFRICA’s new storytelling series that highlights the lived experiences and defining moments of select GAIA AFRICA members; founders, executives, board directors, builders, policymakers, and innovators whose journeys reflect resilience, ambition, and leadership.

Speaking on the new member season, Olatowun Candide-Johnson, Founder & CEO of GAIA AFRICA, said: “At GAIA AFRICA, every member strengthens the fabric of who we are, a powerful community of women who lead with purpose, authenticity, and depth. As we welcome a new season of prospective members, The Unbowed series offers a glimpse into the extraordinary women who call GAIA AFRICA home, and the power of community when women gather.”

Through curated leadership experiences, business and investment opportunities, cross-industry collaboration, and a supportive environment designed for personal and professional growth, GAIA AFRICA continues to serve as a sanctuary for Africa’s most influential women.

The 2025/2026 Member Season runs from November 2025 to March 2026, featuring programming and stories that illuminate identity, leadership, culture, and the powerful network that defines GAIA AFRICA.

For more on the campaign, click .

About GAIA AFRICA

GAIA AFRICA is a private members’ business and social club for Africa’s most influential women leaders, visionaries at the helm of enterprise, influence, and impact. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, GAIA AFRICA provides a safe space for women decision-makers across industries to connect, collaborate, build, and advance. Through meaningful experiences, leadership development, business and investment opportunities, and culturally resonant programming, GAIA creates an environment purpose-built to elevate women and amplify their influence across the continent and beyond.

Oliseamaka Chiedu is a data and analytics leader with over 11 years of experience driving data engineering, business intelligence, and predictive analytics across high-growth organisations. She currently leads Data Architecture & Engineering at Flutterwave, where she builds scalable data platforms that underpin strategic decision-making across the business. In this interview, Chiedu discusses the critical importance of data intelligence for Africa and why the continent must shift from being a consumer to a producer of data-driven insight. Excerpts.

Africa is experiencing rapid digital transformation. From your vantage point, what role will data and analytics play in shaping Africa’s economic future?

Data and analytics will determine whether Africa’s digital transformation creates broad-based prosperity or simply digitizes existing inequalities. Across sectors finance, health, agriculture, energy decisions are becoming data-driven. The countries and companies that can generate, trust, and act on their own data will be better positioned to build resilient economies, attract investment, and design solutions that actually work in local contexts.

Importantly, data is no longer just an efficiency tool; it is strategic infrastructure. Africa’s economic future will depend on moving from being a consumer of insights generated elsewhere to being a producer of intelligence grounded in African realities.

You lead Data Architecture & Engineering at one of Africa’s biggest fintechs. What does it take to build scalable, secure, and reliable data infrastructure at that level?

At scale, data infrastructure is less about tools and more about discipline. You need clear data ownership, strong governance, and systems designed for reliability, not just speed. In fintech, especially, trust is non-negotiable—customers may never see your data systems, but they experience the consequences if they fail.

Building at that level means designing for volatility: fluctuating transaction volumes, regulatory change, and infrastructure constraints. It also means investing early in automation, security-by-design, and observability, so teams can move fast without breaking what matters most.

Many organisations collect data but struggle to use it effectively. What are the biggest barriers to data maturity among African businesses?

The biggest barrier is not data availability; it’s alignment. Many organisations collect data without a clear business question in mind, or treat data as a side function rather than a core asset.

There is also a skills translation gap technical teams may understand the data, but business leaders are not always equipped to turn insights into decisions. Finally, inconsistent infrastructure and poor data quality undermine trust, which makes teams fall back on instinct instead of evidence.

True data maturity happens when data, leadership, and decision-making are deliberately connected.

Talent remains one of the continent’s biggest gaps. What does Africa need to do differently to build a strong pipeline of data professionals?

Africa does not lack talent; it lacks pathways. We train people, but we do not always create environments where those skills can be applied, rewarded, and sustained locally.

Building a strong pipeline requires closer collaboration between industry, universities, and policymakers, as well as more entry-level and mid-career opportunities that allow people to grow without leaving the continent. It also means recognizing that mentorship and exposure matter just as much as technical instruction.

Retention is as important as training and that requires intentional investment in local ecosystems.

You’ve championed women in data and moderated high-profile conversations on AI. How can we ensure women and underrepresented groups are not left behind in the AI revolution?

Inclusion cannot be an afterthought. Women and underrepresented groups need access at the earliest stageseducation, tools, mentorship, and real decision-making roles.

AI systems reflect the people who build them. If women are absent from data collection, model design, and governance, their realities will be absent from the outputs. Practical steps include sponsorship, not just mentorship; funding women-led ventures; and ensuring representation in leadership and policy discussions.

Equity in AI is not only a fairness issue it directly affects the quality and relevance of the technology itself.

AI adoption is rising across Africa, but so are conversations about governance, ethics, and regulation. What should policymakers and business leaders prioritise?

The priority should be capacity, not just policy. Many African countries have strong ethical principles on paper, but limited ability to enforce them.

Policymakers need to invest in technical regulatory expertise and regional collaboration, while business leaders must embed ethics into product design rather than treating compliance as a checkbox. Data privacy, transparency, and accountability should be viewed as enablers of trust, not obstacles to innovation.

Good governance is what allows AI to scale responsibly.

For startups and SMEs that lack large budgets, what practical steps can they take to build data-driven cultures?

Start with clarity, not complexity. Define a small number of metrics that truly reflect business performance and build decision-making around them.

Use simple, reliable tools, focus on data quality early, and encourage teams to ask questions before building dashboards. Most importantly, leadership must model data-driven behavior, when leaders use data consistently, teams follow.

You don’t need a sophisticated stack to build a data culture; you need discipline and intent.

You’ve overseen major transformations—from data warehouses to automation frameworks. What lessons have you learned about driving organisational change intechnical environments?

Technology changes faster than people, so change management is always the hardest part. Successful transformation requires clear communication, incremental wins, and a deep respect for the people doing the work.

One key lesson is that resistance often signals uncertainty, not opposition. Bringing stakeholders along early, showing value quickly, and investing in enablement makes transformation sustainable.

Ultimately, technology succeeds when people trust it and see themselves in the future it creates.

What opportunities do you see for homegrown innovation in Africa’s data ecosystem over the next five years?

Africa has a unique opportunity to build data solutions for contexts that global platforms do not fully understandinformal economies, multilingual societies, infrastructure-light environments, and youth-driven markets.

We will see growth in local AI models, financial infrastructure, health and climate analytics, and cross-border data platforms. The most successful innovations will be those built with, not just for, African users.

This is where Africa can move from adoption to leadership.

Finally, what personal mission drives your work in data leadership, and what legacy do you hope to leave in Africa’s tech space?

My mission is to help shift Africa from being a source of raw data to a creator of intelligence and value. I care deeply about building systems, teams, and policies that allow African talentespecially women to thrive and lead.

The legacy I hope to leave is one where data and AI are tools of inclusion, not extraction, and where the next generation of African women and young professionals do not have to leave the continent to do world-class work. If they can build, decide, and lead confidently from here and see themselves reflected in the leaders who came before them then I will have done meaningful work.

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The inaugural edition of Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) represented a cultural festival as it brought together creators, executives, investors, policymakers and industry leaders for a six-day, multi-venue event. Featuring an impressive line-up of stars including Tiwa Savage, Teni, Don Jazzy, Yemi Alade, Waje and Sasha P.

Founder of Entertainment Week Africa, Deola Art Alade said the idea of the event was borne out of the vibrancy of Lagos as an economic, intellectual and artistic hub. “Our ambition over the coming years is for Entertainment Week Africa to establish itself as a critical part of the economic, intellectual and artistic capital of this great city. We’re delighted with the first steps towards that,” she stated.

The event, which positioned Lagos as a rising global centre for creative-economy innovation, held across several of the most notable venues for creative endeavours in Lagos, including the Livespot Entertarium, Eko Hotel, EbonyLife Place, Alliance Française and Heritage Place.

According to organisers, in just its first edition, the festival, themed “Close the Gap,” set a powerful foundation for pan-African creative mobility and global cultural exchange and served as both a challenge and a blueprint, uniting talent, capital, policy and platforms in one ecosystem.

At the Opening Night, dignitaries including Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade & Investment; Johnny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner; Olufolake Abdulrazaq First Lady of Kwara State; Toke Benson Awoyinka and the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture.

In his remarks, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, emphasised the festival’s diplomatic and economic significance. “Entertainment Week Africa represents a week of celebration, partnership and progress. By “Closing the Gap,” we are not just building bridges; we are creating highways for ideas, talent and investments to flow freely between Nigeria and the UK,” he stated.

Over the six days of the festival, from November 18th – 23rd, the event welcomed 28,683 pass-holders from 8+ countries and over 50 different industries across the conference, screen, music and interdisciplinary creator programme touch points.

A landmark gender-equity conversation with Yemi Alade, Waje, Qing Madi, Teni, Sasha P and Tiwa Savage spotlighted representation gaps, with sound bites such as “Out of the top 100 songs in Nigeria on Apple Music, there’s only one female song,” “The gap is too wide, we need to balance the scale” as music executive, Don Jazzy added: “We’re too masculine… It affects the numbers, the airplay, the clubs.”

In terms of numbers, the top four countries at the festival apart from Nigeria are Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, and the UK. Passes to the inaugural event were bought by 51 different industries, with the highest attendance coming from entertainment while sectors such as creators, advertising, music, technology, media, marketing, filmmaking were among those well represented. Others came from industries such as business consulting, events; design; public relations and communication services.

The milestones flowed well beyond numbers, countries and sectors. EWA 2025 delivered more than 35 panels, 22 workshops, 20 masterclasses, and 93 film screenings, tackling themes like distribution pipelines, creative entrepreneurship, emerging technology, youth culture, and cross-border mobility. Creators and young professionals moved fluidly through the different centres, as the Creators Hub, Creative Job Fair, Gen Z Republic, and the EWA Creative Marketplace drew large crowds.

In the realm of film offerings, highlights include the just released Chronicles of Afrobeat produced by Bankulli, Daniel Etim-Effiong’s wave-making The Herd, Dust to Dream produced by Mo Abudu and directed by Idris Elba, and Mama Nike & Magazine Dreams, accompanied by high-demand director sessions.

There was also a 4-day intensive Story Lab workshop for aspiring writers facilitated by Lani Aisida, Nicole Asinugo and Dami Elebe, and supported by Netflix, Amazon Prime, NdaniTV and Africa Magic. From 15 contenders, the session led to a shortlist of 8 participants which ended up producing 6 polished loglines and pitch-ready story concepts.

The Deal Room embodied the “Close the Gap” theme, with four days of mentorship, readiness labs and investor sessions. It received 178+ entries, with 9 companies making it to the accelerator programme after a series of interviews. Four of these companies: Aktivate, FriendnPal, Growwr and Sports Reels, were identified as fully ready to scale, with each attracting investor interest in the room. Beyond the numbers, founders hit key milestones: which was the first time of pitching to investors for many.

This momentum has already translated into continental success: Atsur, one of the startups that participated in the EWA Deal Room, recently won prize money after placing 4th among the five winners at the prestigious NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator pitch competition held in Rwanda, demonstrating EWA’s role in propelling African talent onto the global stage.

The Hackathon part of the event extended this impact through two days of product refinement, which saw the selection of 10 teams to build and iterate rapidly. Three standout companies; Musetter (Music Tech), Owambe (Fashion Tech) and Alaba (Music Tech) emerged from the sprint. Some of the investors that are supporting the Deal Room and Hackathon are Future Africa, Askya Investment Partners, Catalyst Fund and Consonance Invest.

Fashion programming also took centre stage, with 120+ entries, 10 emerging designers, all of whom showcased on the EWA Runway Coterie stage, spotlighting designers such as Korede James, Dust of the Earth, Nex by Necca, Josh Amor, PK Crochet, Estaz, David Black, Bernard Samuel and Sevon Dejana. Each of the designers presenting forward-thinking interpretations of contemporary African style.

The week also featured celebratory cultural moments, including Jokes & Jollof, where Lucky Chidiebere Obi, winner of Big Spoon 2025, received a ₦1 million prize and the announcement of his upcoming tour with Basketmouth.

The event was supported by sponsors including Livespot, Rent-A-Rig, Heineken, Lagos State Tourism, Pepsi, MTN, TikTok, British High Commission, High Commission of Canada, US Embassy, Essenza, Multichoice, Eko Hotel, EbonyLife Place and Alliance Française. Other industry partners are Blu Pictures, Netflix, Amazon Prime, NdaniTV, Africa Magic, Choc City, ONErpm, Vuga Music, Alec, Mad Solutions, Circuits Global Solutions, Africa Magic, Showmax, Wonder Media Kind, MBO Capital, Regal Stone Capital, Xchange, Empire, ONErpm, Virgin Music, WeTalkSound, Chocolate City, Rollingstone Africa, TechCabal, Marie Claire, ������Ƶ Insider Africa, News Central TV, Culture Custodian, ������Ƶ Day, BellaNaija, Olori Supergirl, Nollywire, Amplify Africa, Trace and CoolFM.

In her closing remarks, Tiwa Medubi, Managing Director of Livespot360 underscored the essence of the event, stating: “This year, under the theme ‘Close the Gap,’ we set out to do something very specific: bring talent, capital, policy and platforms into the same room – not in theory, but in practice.

“Across every lab, panel, showcase, screening and performance, one thing was clear: the gap between potential and reality is closing, because people are doing the work.”

The festival is due to return next year and run through November 17–22, 2026, with expanded pan-African programming and a continued commitment to accelerating creative-industry growth across the continent.

In what many described as a game changer in the history of cosmetics in Nigeria nay Africa, the world largest cosmetics company and global beauty giant, L’Oréal has launched its first L’Oréal-only travel retail boutique in Africa, right in Nigeria’s capital city.

The new space, created in partnership with Inter-African Marketing (IAM), a major distributor of luxury beauty brands across Sub-Saharan Africa and Dunes Duty Free, brings a world-class luxury shopping experience to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria’s second-busiest airport and a key gateway for regional and international travellers.

At the forefront of a revolution to engage travellers and drive desire, L’Oréal Travel Retail invites you to discover its vision of the future of the industry.

The 50-square-metre boutique opened on November 6, 2025 welcoming guests from across the beauty and aviation industries. It features some of L’Oréal’s most iconic brands — YSL, Giorgio Armani, Lancôme, Prada, Valentino, Mugler, Viktor and Rolf, Ralph Lauren, and Maison Margiela alongside skincare favourites La Roche-Posay, Vichy, and CeraVe.

Travel is back and booming and the appetite for beauty remains strong. L’Oréal, the undisputed leader in beauty, therefore, envisions a bright future for Travel Retail.

With a unique portfolio of 30 iconic international brands – from luxury to accessible brands, from dermocosmetics to haircare – and its unparalleled understanding of travellers, L’Oréal Travel Retail constantly innovates to “re-enchant” the shopping experience and deliver exceptional, unforgettable beauty moments, transforming every journey into an opportunity for discovery and delight.

“This store was created for today’s Nigerian traveller, sophisticated, confident, and curious,” said Patrick Richmond Utomoibor, L’Oréal Travel Retail Area Manager for Africa.

He continued: “It offers global luxury with an authentic touch, from personalised beauty consultations to design elements made by Nigerian artisans. Beyond beauty, this space reflects L’Oréal’s vision to promote sustainability and inclusivity, while shaping the future of travel retail experiences across Africa, where innovation meets authentic craftsmanship and responsible luxury”

According to Johnny Lakhwani, Commercial Director at Inter-African Marketing (IAM), the new boutique represents a huge step forward for African travel retail.

“This is the first L’Oréal-only boutique in any African airport,” he said. “It shows that Nigeria is ready for high-end beauty experiences that match what you’d find in Dubai or Paris. Our travellers have always had the interest and spending power, now they have the space that reflects it.

Located at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, which handles nearly three million passengers annually, the new boutique positions Abuja as a growing hub for luxury shopping and innovation in West Africa.

By investing in local production and premium retail experiences, L’Oréal and IAM are expanding access to global beauty while supporting Nigeria’s creative economy; from skilled artisans to beauty advisors trained to international standards.

About Inter-African Market (IAM)

Inter-African Marketing (IAM) is a leading distributor of luxury beauty brands in Sub-Saharan Africa, representing L’Oréal, Coty, LVMH, Puig, Chanel, and others. The company partners with airports and retailers across the region to bring world-class beauty and fragrance experiences to African consumers.

For enquiries:
Johnny Lakhwani – Commercial Director, Inter-African Marketing Ltd.
 johnny@interafricanmarketing.com

LINKEDIN HIGHLIGHTS

#LorealTravelRetail #AbujaAirport #LuxuryBeauty #Innovation #AfricanBeauty #TravelRetailAfrica #IntrAfricanMarketing #

Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved the appointment of a new Governing Board for the Lagos State University (LASU). All the appointments are effective from Friday October 31st, 2025. The approval letter signed on Friday by Mr. Bode Agoro, the state’s head of service stated that Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assented to the 11-man membership of the council. “In continuation of this administration’s commitment to improve the quality of education in the State-owned Higher Institutions, it is hereby notified for general information that Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, has approved the membership of the Lagos State University Governing Council,” the statement reads.

“Accordingly, The council will be headed by Babatunde Ogala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); while Oluseyi Badmus, Bode Makanjuola, Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo, Shaffudeen Amuwo, and Rafiu Adisa Ebiti will serve as members. Other members of the council include Kofo Durosimi Etti, Farouk Gumel, Adenike Akanbi, Biodun Hundeyin and Remi Desalu.

Reacting to the announcement, one of the members and chief executive officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Bode Makanjuola said he is honoured to be appointed as a member of the Lagos State University Governing Council. This appointment represents a huge honour and privilege to serve an institution that plays a pivotal role in shaping the futures of the students, faculty, and the broader community.
Speaking further, Bode thanks His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwoolu, for the trust and confidence placed in him just as he looks forward to contributing to LASU’s continued pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth.

He also commends and acknowledges the leadership and staff of LASU for their warm reception and unwavering dedication to the university’s mission.

Makanjuola reiterates his commitment to serve as he believes education is very key and important to the development of any society.

He also praises his family, mentors, friends and colleagues for their encouragement and support. “I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, servant leadership, and impactful governance.

From the board room to becoming a school administrator, Bode’s seed of intellectualism was first ignited at the ivy league Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State after which he proceeded to Kings College Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom for his advanced level between 1994-1996. He would later move to University of Leicester England between 1996-2000 where he read Mechanical Engineering, City University ������Ƶ School, England for Master’s degree in Shipping Trade and Finance.

Armed with solid academic degrees from reputable global universities, Bode began his career in 2000 as industrial trainee at Elder Dempster Nigeria. Right there, his future as a business mogul had been laid out. Between 2002 and 2006, he was LPG Trader/������Ƶ Development with Le Global Oilfield Services. In 2006-2007, he was Operations Director/Chartering Manager, Caverton Marine Limited, in 2007, he was an Executive Director, Caverton Offshore Support Group prior to his current role where he sits on the board of a number of bluechip companies. Since then he dabbled into the business world, navigating several commercial trading contracts with the NNPC, Nigerian LNG and a number of international trading companies.

Focused, diligent with an outstanding administrative skill, Bode is currently the chief executive officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG). COSG is a Nigerian company providing integrated marine and aviation logistics services, primarily to the oil and gas industry. Lately, the company has diversified into boat manufacturing to ease transportation problems by unveiling water transportation initiatives in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Under his leadership, COSG has witnessed tremendous growth, that has put Nigeria on the global map. In August 2024, the company announced a strategic partnership with ExploMar (Suzhou) Energy Technology Co. Ltd. of China. This partnership marked a significant step towards sustainable transportation in Nigeria, as Caverton Marine integrates electric outboard engines from ExploMar into the recently launched passenger ferries aptly named OMIBUS. And Caverton recently unveiled OMIBUS Electric Ferry built by the company, first of its kind in Nigeria to promote sustainable water transportation system.

And early this year in Abuja, the company collaborated for the formalisation of NNPC shipping joint venture UNITY Shipping Worldwide, a joint venture that brought together NNPCL, Caverton and Stena Bulk, a Swedish shipping company.

It was an exciting week for the World Bank, the IMF and partners at the just-concluded Annual Meetings in Washington DC. Of course, Nigeria staged an investment road show, important meetings with partners and investors while the non-governmental organisations were also part of crucial sessions and meetings on the sidelines. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, a Nigerian civil society leader and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), also joined the conversation, calling for urgent reforms in global financial governance and Africa’s debt management systems while warning that the continent faces a worsening fiscal crisis which demands urgent action of domestic and international dimensions. OLUFUNKE OLAODE reports

You joined the global conversations which centered on critical areas like debts, tax reforms and of course, Artificial Intelligence. What is your major takeaway from the session?

The major takeaway for me, which is also part of the major conversation around the civil society cycle, is the issues of debts and debt sustainability. This area is very critical because most countries in Africa and Nigeria in particular, are suffering from the burden of debts and spending. And we noted that it is not possible to sustain the kind of debt that Nigeria is taking, given the fact that most of the loans we are taking are not channeled towards real development and investment. They are channelled towards consumption and there is no accountability around those debts. So, the debt profile for Nigeria is worrisome and this applies to many countries in Africa and is of a great concern to all of us that are actually conversing and advocating for more transparency in the debt issue, as well as some of the debts that we believe need to be cancelled because those debts were not actually meant for the good use of the people. So, we have been calling for debt cancellation.

In your own view, how do you think a nation can take care of its needs in the face of the need for massive infrastructural development?

Nigeria is blessed with natural resources; we just need to harness our resources by blocking all wastage and loopholes. As a nation, we do not have to patronise these multilateral organisations through reckless borrowing and that is why we have been telling the IMF and the World Bank that they need to actually begin to review constant requests for loan from African countries. We have also insisted that civil society need to be involved, for proper monitoring of this debt, because shamelessly, even many of our national legislative houses and parliaments across Africa don’t actually know the content or the details of the debts arrangements that the executives of these countries keep piling up. Therefore, they are not able to exercise any oversight on how those loans and debts are being utilised. This is one of the major issues we are concerned with, along with inflation, rising cost of living, because the purchasing power of the people is very poor. Citizens of many countries are so poor that they are unable to take care of basic things. This is worrisome. Many countries in Africa have withdrawn subsidies, meaning no subsidy in the healthcare system, no subsidy in education, no subsidy in transportation facilities or even agriculture. This makes it difficult for people to really survive. And some of the conditions for granting loans are subsidy removal, ironically, countries in the developed world still maintains subsidies for their citizens such as food, transportation, education, agriculture, etc. African nations need to go back to the basics.

A strong economy drives investments, so how would you rate the state of the Nigerian economy and its impact at the moment?

One of the issues with Nigeria is its economy, which has continuously remained monolistic. Many countries around the world have diversified their economies by embracing technology but in Nigeria, we still rely on the oil and gas sector to grow the economy but oil thieves and illegal miners are stifling efforts to reach the sector’s full potential. Honestly, Nigeria has not been able to provide leadership in that direction. Closely linked to that is the fact that investors are unable to come because we do not have the required infrastructure that will truly aid any entity that wants to truly invest in Nigeria. The energy sector is seriously underperforming because we are not able to generate the required electricity, road infrastructure is also very poor. More importantly, security is also a big challenge.

The G-24 came up with this very strong position about the debt crisis affecting most of the developing countries. And the stance is that the debt structure is skewed to a point that it becomes like an entanglement for these economies and there are no exit points. Do you agree with that alignment?

The current debt trap faced by developing nations is structural injustice that perpetuates poverty and dependency. It is true because of the fact that the African countries have refused to block leakages. The illicit financial outflow from Africa is so alarming, so worrisome, as it runs into several billions of dollars annually, which would have been used to develop Africa. There would have been no need for us to be borrowing money if we had blocked leakages. If corruption can be tackled, certainly there will not be a reason for us to constantly come to borrow. Most of Nigeria’s borrowings are being channelled into recurrent expenditure, rather than productive investments that could generate growth, employment, and sustainable development. Most of the loans we take are not for development but for consumption. There is little or no accountability around them, civil society must be involved in monitoring these debts, especially when even lawmakers lack access to full disclosure. It is worrisome to the extent that we are even going to commercial banks to borrow, which ensure higher interests to be paid. So, the G-24 is right because the Africans are the ones who have become very vulnerable to corruption, they have refused to put in place a system that can prevent money laundering, illicit financial outflow, and outright looting in these countries. As a result of this, money meant for infrastructural development, health care, boosting education and supporting small and medium businesses is not there. They constantly rush to borrow but sadly, the funds are not being used to address issues of economic development, or dealing with the poverty, or dealing with the infrastructural deficit. What is always prioritised is wasteful spending. And if you continue with that, you will perpetually continue to borrow, like the case of Nigeria.

You had earlier mentioned the position of the civil society on reforming the IMF and the World Bank and their processes. And it would seem like you are borrowing a leaf from the Spring Meetings, in which the American government came up with a very strong position about these institutions reforming themselves and going back to their original mandates. Are you on the same wavelength with the American government in this regard?

This is the position that civil society had been pushing, both in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular, that there are no transparency and accountable processes in these institutions. And there is no equal representation at that high level in terms of the decision making mechanism. Therefore, there is need to totally, if you like, review the foundation document of why this very important agency or institutions were set up. So, I believe that we need to agree that there’s need for proper reforms where there will be equal opportunity to participate and to contribute to these institutions. As it is now, it belongs to some few countries, and Africans are more of like just coming to endorse and take whatever they are given, peanuts, whereas with the resources that African nations have, look at Nigeria for instance, they should not be involved in this kind of begging lifestyle.

And lastly, in terms of infrastructure, you have also pointed out the need for Nigeria and the rest of Africa to pay attention to Artificial Intelligence, the emerging technology the whole world is tilting towards. And then we find that developing countries are just about 26% in coverage, just as put forward by the IMF, one will begin to wonder if we have the backbone for the infrastructure that will help us leverage on what artificial intelligence is bringing to the global economic space as a country, or perhaps as the Sub-Saharan region?

African nations, and Nigeria in particular, must continue to invest in education, science and technology, because all these developments you see, if you do not have the required knowledge and capacity, you cannot operationalise them. So, it is important that we give priority to issues around quality education, affordable education, accessible education. Because if these citizens are not able to assess or obtain the required knowledge and skill, they will not be able to process any artificial intelligence, which is where the world is moving to. It is important that education is actually properly revived in the country. Sadly, the policy makers in Nigeria have continued to make life, in terms of education, very difficult. I know education is largely inaccessible today, as it is not affordable. Education is being treated with the laxity that you see, no commitment to investing in our higher learning institutions.

The universities don’t undertake researches anymore; there is no laboratory that are actually functional. And around most of the West, they invest a lot in their educational sector, in their universities, every new innovation is coming from the university because of investment in research. In the case of Africa, in the case of Nigeria, the laboratories are dead, there are no equipped libraries, there is no any proper research that the lecturers are conducting because there are no grants for them to embark on such.

So there is no way you can beat the Western world who have prioritised education and provided the enabling environments for education to strive, for knowledge to be developed and utilised so that they can excel in technology, in science, computer science and others. That is how you can only remedy the situation. Secondly, the public officials, the elites in Nigeria and many countries in Africa have decided to send their children to universities abroad, leaving public institutions dead. They need to see what they can do to revive financing of education.
That is why we have been talking about financing for development in Nigeria and Africa. CISLAC has been pushing and advocating that we must finance development, effective development for growth and, you know, development in Nigeria. And it is only through that, that you can overcome the challenges you have in the health sector, in agriculture, innovative knowledge that countries invest in. But when you neglect the financing of development to prioritise reckless and irresponsible spending, and also divert money to private accounts, there is no way we can catch up with the rest of the world.

Drone Soccer, a new sporting activity which combines the excitement of sports with technology and aspects of aeronautical engineering, made its debut in Lagos on Friday, Friday, October 17, 2025. Sponsored by Caverton Helicopters, a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group under the banner of the Federation of International Drone Soccer Association (FIDA Nigeria), the event created an exciting buzz in the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
According to Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, who was represented by Ifeoluwa Ogunlaja, Deputy Director of Sports, drone soccer is a unique sport which combines elements of community engagement, STEM and inclusion.
In his opening remarks, President of FIDA Nigeria, Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola, welcomed participants to the inauguration of Drone Soccer in Lagos State and training of officials, describing it as the beginning of a new era.
“Today marks a new chapter in the intersection of sports, science, and innovation in Nigeria. Drone Soccer is not just another game —it is a fusion of technology, teamwork, and talent, where players control flying drones enclosed in protective cages to compete in a goal-based, high-energy sport. Beyond the excitement of competition, Drone Soccer introduces young people to STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through sports. It challenges the mind, builds confidence, and ignites curiosity about robotics, programming, and aeronautics.”
According to Makanjuola, it is instructive that the sport is taking off in Lagos, which he described as Nigeria’s centre of excellence, innovation, and youth development while praising the visionary leadership of the Lagos State Sports Commission under Mr. Lekan Fatodu. He posited that the collaboration between FIDA Nigeria Drone Soccer and the Lagos State Sports Commission represents a strategic partnership that will empower youth, enhance digital literacy, and open pathways to new global opportunities, he stated.
“At FIDA Nigeria, our objective is to create awareness about the sport. It’s a relatively new sport, and we have chosen to have engagement with the Lagos State Sports Commission, because we all know Lagos is the pioneer of many things in Nigeria. Just about two weeks ago, we had the E1 Lagos GP, the electric boat racing competition, which was the first in Africa and from what I heard, they’re going to be coming back for the next five years. So, for us with drone soccer, we feel it’s the same, especially because it’s targeted at the new normal, which is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is part of the drone technology, and STEM for children. At the World Cup which held in South Korea last month, we realised a high number of Asian children and teenagers that have been integrated into the sport, and it gets them ready for the next level. We believe in Africa and Nigeria as well, that’s where we plan to target young children so that they can be prepared for the future,” Makanjuola stated.
Speaking further, he praised Caverton for throwing its weight behind the sport, which is in alignment with the company’s visionary direction. “Caverton has always been a pioneer in many areas of operations; the first indigenous helicopter company to start operations in the oil and gas industry. Prior to that, we were also one of the first shipping companies to start bringing in LPG into Nigeria through Lagos. As such, we saw this as an opportunity because we moved into drone technology a while back as we now conduct agricultural drones training for some farmers, in partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) regarding reverse engineering and some other projects. When we came across drone soccer, we realised it is another pioneer sport which we are capable of promoting, not just Nigeria, but in West Africa. And we are grateful to the Chairman, Board and management of Caverton for the support. As you can see, we already have 102 people being trained to become umpires, referees and officials and we know that we’re going to have more when we start reaching out to schools.”
Also speaking, Ese Obukonise, General Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, said Nigeria can tap into the early comer advantage as one of the two official countries registered with the global drone soccer association in Africa.
“Drone soccer is taking an international dimension, the first World Cup held in South Korea just last month and Nigeria was able to participate in it. The event was an eye-opener for us and the game has actually exposed us to not just the leisure part of it but the technological development part as well. This is a very good development, and I want to Caverton Helicopters for the sponsorship to ensure that Nigeria is registered as a member,” Obukonise submitted.
According to him, Morocco was the other country from Africa at the World Cup out of the 25 official members around the globe, with Asia, North America, South America and Europe well represented, noting that FIDA Nigeria requires the support of government to spread the sports to nook and crannies of Nigeria.
One of the participants, Tobiloba Ogunlaja, said the game is exciting and demands more mental, rather than physical, concentration and energy. “I feel so excited about drone soccer. It’s just the very first time and I can tell you I now have a sport that I’m passionate about. I plan to back to them on how I can be a proper professional in the sport, I want more of this in Nigeria and I hope it gets more exposure, investors and that government focuses on it because of its huge potential.

ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading international art fair and a trailblazing force in global contemporary culture, has unveiled its landmark 10-Year Impact Report. Along with the report, organisers also announced programme highlights for the momentous 2025 edition, billed for Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos from November 6-9.
Over the past decade, ART X Lagos has established itself as a transformative platform that has redefined how African creativity is experienced and positioned on the global stage. Apart from growing far beyond the limits of a traditional art fair, Art X Lagos has welcomed over 700,000 visitors from 170 countries and championed over 500 of Africa’s leading artists in the course of the past 10 years.
“As we mark ten years of ART X Lagos, we honour the countless artists, curators, gallerists, collectors, and audiences who have shaped this journey with us,” said Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Chairman and Founder. “This report not only reflects what we have achieved in our first decade, but sets out our intent for the future — to deepen our role as a catalyst for Africa’s creative future, and to amplify the global presence of African voices,” she added.
Since its launch, ART X Lagos has served as the catalyst for Lagos’ art week — now the highlight of Nigeria’s annual art season — inspiring a city-wide celebration that has firmly positioned Lagos among the world’s most vibrant cultural capitals.
The Impact Report, according to the organisers, stands as a testament to the influence of Art X Lagos, capturing the voices of artists, gallerists, and cultural leaders who articulate how ART X Lagos has transformed the global conversation around African creativity.
“This is a fair that has succeeded in transforming the futures of both artists and collectors. It has had an unmeasurable economic regenerative effect, and it has increased exponentially the cultural capital of Lagos,” Yinka Shonibare CBE, Artist, Founder GAS Foundation, submitted.
Wale Lawal, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Republic, said “ART X Lagos has been nothing short of transformative. Over the last decade, I’ve witnessed the fair reignite both local and regional interest in Lagos as a critical creative hub.”
The view is shared by Maria Varnava, Founder & Director Tiwani Contemporary, who stated: “ART X has become a new cultural language for Africa that is contemporary, rooted and resolutely forward looking.”
The tenth edition of ART X Lagos will hold under the theme: “Imagining Otherwise, No Matter The Tide,” as the anniversary edition addresses how – when we imagine future of Lagos, and life more broadly in urban, global centres – human imagination can assist us in our attempt to create healthy, spatialities. The theme considers the ways people, individually and collectively, have the agency to act, to imagine and cultivate our shared place in the world to imagine new possibilities for community, identity, and shared futures.
As part of the programme, 2025 will present landmark exhibitions, special commissions, and cross-disciplinary platforms, with confirmed highlights including a rare exhibition of J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere’s photographs from the 1950s through to the ‘70s along with new installations by Nigerian artists, Nengi Omuku and Temitayo Ogunbiyi. In addition, this year’s fair will see the return of The ART X Library—a dedicated space for literature with a special spotlight on Bruce Onobrakpeya—alongside ART X Live!, its innovative music platform; ART X Cinema, a showcase dedicated to artistically-minded independent African filmmaking; and ART X Talks, which features exceptional African and diasporic talent, and has previously included keynote speakers such as El Anatsui, Njideka Akunyili-Crosby, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Wangechi Mutu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ibrahim Mahama and more.
As part of its commitment to the next generation, ART X Lagos this year launched Resonance, an annual residency programme in partnership with the Embassy of France in Nigeria and the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, and will host the fifth edition of Art Across Borders, spotlighting dynamic pan-African and diasporic artists under 50.

A thriving Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Health Assur Limited, has announced a major re-launch as part of its 10th anniversary celebration.

The organization unveiled an expanded Board of Directors, a dynamic new management team, and a renewed strategic focus on health technology and retail healthcare solutions.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Health Assur Limited, Dr. Frank Ekhalufoh, said the re-launch marked a significant turning point in its mission to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and technology-driven for Nigerians.

According to him, Health Assur’s reconstituted board now brings together leading professionals with expertise across healthcare, finance, law, technology, and corporate governance.

The company, he added, was committed to innovation, governance, and inclusivity.

“This 10-year milestone is not just about where we’ve been, but where we’re going. Our expanded Board and management team reflect our renewed commitment to governance and innovation. With a stronger retail presence and tech-enabled solutions, we are building a healthier, more inclusive future for all Nigerians,” he said.

As part of its transformation strategy, Dr Ekhalufor said, Health Assur is introducing a retail HMO model designed to bring affordable health insurance closer to underserved Nigerians.

The initiative, he said, targets SMEs, informal sector workers, and families, offering flexible, low-cost, and scalable health plans that will help bridge the gap in healthcare access for millions.
He said: “There is also a major investment in digital health platforms aimed at simplifying access to healthcare services. Through telemedicine, app-based enrolment, digital claims management, and wellness-focused products such as Lafia Lifestyle and Lafia Moms, we plan to provide seamless, technology-enabled healthcare experiences for its enrollees. Since its establishment in 2015, Health Assur has earned a reputation for reliability and excellence in healthcare financing. With this re-launch, our company is charting a bold path toward sustainable, inclusive, and tech-driven healthcare delivery. It should be noted that our new strategy aligns with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022 and global healthcare best practices, reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare nationwide.”

Funke Olaode

The German Consulate General under the leadership of its new Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Daniel Krull hosted a commemorative event to mark the 35th anniversary of the unification of Germany, celebrated annually as the Day of German Unity.

The Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit), celebrated every year on October 3rd, marks the official unification of East and West Germany in 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall. It stands as a national holiday and a symbol of freedom, democracy, and unity.

This year’s event themed “Celebrating What Unites Us held on Thursday 9th October 2025, brought together diplomatic representatives, government officials, business leaders, cultural figures, members of the German-Nigerian community and friends of Germany to reflect on the significance of unity, peace and international cooperation.

In his remarks, Daniel Krull, stated: “In the spirit of this year’s official National Day theme, “Celebrating what unites us”, I would like to flag to the people of the city- Lagos – that we Germans, the German government, industry and scientific community are prepared and looking forward to join forces with our Nigerian partners to help to unleash the full economic potential of the City of Excellence and beyond.”

He illustrated the broad spectrum of engagements that unite Nigeria and Germany, including creative arts, cinema, fashion, music sports and so on. He further emphasized the continued relevance of unity and solidarity in a world facing global challenges.

The evening featured a rich cultural programme, showcasing elements of both German and Nigerian traditions, including music, art, cuisine and a speech that highlighted the shared values of democracy, peace and cooperation.

At the well-attended gathering, guests were treated to a contemporary dance performance and poetry performance that highlighted unity, showcasing how cultural and human connections rebuild bridges across time and history.

Special acknowledgments were made to long-standing bilateral collaborations in education, science and research, business, energy transition and culture.

The event also spotlighted ongoing initiatives supported by the German government in Nigeria, including skills development, renewable energy and bilateral trade relations.

The theme, “Celebrating What Unites Us,” resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the idea that unity is not only a historical achievement but also a present-day mission that transcends borders.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its determination to tackle energy poverty with a high-level Stakeholder Engagement forum towards the implementation of the National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 initiative.
The government-led forum, which is a critical step towards tackling energy poverty, will hold on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 through the Federal Ministry of Power and the Federal Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
Tagged Mission 300, the initiative is championed by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, with key support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and SEforALL.
The project is geared towards achieving the ambitious goal of connecting 300 million people across Africa to electricity by 2030, alongside other African countries, with Nigeria as one of twelve countries selected for the first phase of Mission 300 implementation and has committed to bold reforms to expand energy access, scale up renewable energy and attract private sector investment. To drive this effort, the government has established a high-level Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit to oversee and coordinate the delivery of Mission 300 targets.
To propel coordinated action and unlock investment, the Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit, through the Stakeholder Forum, will bring together senior government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss progress and showcase implementation efforts for Nigeria’s National Energy Compact, launched at the Dar es Salaam Energy Summit in January 2025.
The Compact outlines clear, investable targets: doubling the annual electricity access growth rate from 4% to 9% and increasing access to clean cooking solutions from 22% to 25% per year. These targets signal Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal energy access by 2030 and creating a predictable, results-driven environment for energy investments.
The forum focuses on the five strategic pillars of Nigeria’s Mission 300 Compact, each designed to unlock investment and drive market transformation:
Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Expansion to create a bankable pipeline of grid and off-grid projects through least-cost planning and technical capacity building.
Last-Mile Access to open new markets by extending electrification to underserved communities. Clean Cooking to promote the widespread adoption of clean cooking solutions to reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels. Financially Viable Utilities to improve creditworthiness and attract capital into the power sector. Private Sector Participation through clear incentives, de-risking mechanisms, and enabling policies. Regional Integration to scale investment opportunities across borders and enhance power trade.
“Nigeria is showing real leadership in driving forward the ambition of Mission 300. Its progress shows what is possible when political will, bold reforms, and clear, investment-ready targets come together. The African Development Bank is proud to stand with Nigeria to help translate this ambition into reality, mobilizing funding, strengthening institutions, and unlocking private capital to ensure millions more gain access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.” said Wale Shonibare, Director, Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation, African Development Bank
Speaking ahead of the forum, the Honourable Minister of Power, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment: “Mission 300 is more than an initiative – it is a transformative opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s energy future. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all Nigerians and we invite all stakeholders across government, development, private sector, and civil society to join this critical initiative to build an inclusive and resilient energy sector for Nigeria.
“Much of what’s driving Mission 300 started here in Nigeria, from reforms to the Nigeria Electrification Project. Nigeria is showing what’s possible at scale and speed. But without power, the country risks losing $11 billion in economic growth each year, not because their youth lack ambition, but because they lack electricity. The good news? Change is already happening. From launching Africa’s first costed Energy Transition Plan to building the world’s largest energy access results-based financing programme, Nigeria is proving that African-led solutions can power the future.” Said Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy.

Retail experience is set to be redefined in Lagos as adidas in partnership with LATC unveils the largest adidas store in Africa on the 2nd of July 2025. The store sits elegantly on a prime waterfront location on Lekki Admiralty

What began as an abandoned pavilion on the banks of the Lagos Lagoon has metamorphosed into Africa’s largest adidas store. The 1,359-square-meter adidas Lekki store stands as a testament to vision, collaboration, and respect for local culture.

Before the gleaming aluminium façades and state-of-the-art facilities, this location held a different kind of magic. When LATC started exploring the site in 2021, in the wake of the pandemic, they were met with a nostalgic scene of children gathering to fold and fly paper planes, their handmade creations gliding gracefully over the lagoon. This simple yet powerful expression of creativity and freedom would go on to inspire the architectural facade and cultural spirit that define adidas Lekki today.

The adidas and LATC partnership journey began in 2018 with the launch of the adidas store in Ikeja City Mall through LATC’s retail subsidiary; BrandCo. The partnership has waxed stronger through the years and has led to the launch of six stores across Nigeria (Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja)and an e-commerce platform. adidas.com/ng 

LATC is a multi-industry conglomerate with footprints across marine logistics, agriculture, real estate and retail, and its mission extends beyond bringing global brands to Nigeria. The company is committed to fundamentally transforming the retail experience across the country by investing in world-class infrastructure and setting new standards for excellence.  The brand promise of LATC, “We are in the business of making impact” comes alive in every expression. This philosophy aligns perfectly with adidas’ global vision while remaining deeply rooted in the Nigerian context. 

This partnership thrives on its deep respect for Nigerian culture. adidas Lekki embodies adidas’ commitment to understanding local shopping behaviours and preferences, embracing Nigerian music, art, film, and technology. The relationship between LATC and adidas has been meticulously cultivated to ensure that global retail excellence meets authentic Nigerian expression.

The adidas Lekki waterfront store stands as a vibrant intersection of global brand excellence and rich local culture, delivering on adidas’ ethos by celebrating the power of sport and style to unite communities. The store seamlessly integrates global innovation with local cultural expressions, offering collections that resonate with Nigeria’s bold fashion identity, athletic spirit, and creative energy. The space is not just a store, it is a cultural hub where global meets local, and where adidas’ belief in the unifying power of sport and creativity comes to life.

Lagosians are in for more than just a shopping experience as the adidas Lekki store will immerse everyone that walks through its door in a curated universe of apparel, footwear and accessories, cultural artistic curation by Nigerian artists, a relaxing waterfront deck with a scenic view and padel courts among others. 

The adidas Lekki flagship is deeply rooted in community and will host activities ranging from sunrise yoga sessions, community hangouts, special events, brand activations, youth clinic, community tournaments among others.

In partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), Absa, is set to host Thorns and Crown, a solo exhibition by Badru Taofeek, one of the 2022 Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassadors. The exhibition, described as a powerful and intricately constructed showcase, holds at Alliance Française in Lagos and forms part of Absa’s 2025 Pan-African Gallery Exhibition Series — a platform spotlighting rising voices in African contemporary art across five nations.

Now in its 39th year, Absa ��’A�ٱ������� is one of Africa’s longest-running and most prestigious visual arts development programmes and as part of their ��’A�ٱ�������journey, each Ambassador receives funding, mentorship and a fully sponsored solo exhibition, serving as a professional platform designed to elevate their practice and bring their stories to new audiences.

Thorns and Crown is a deeply reflective body of work that interrogates the unseen labour of leadership and the delicate balance between visibility, expectation and inner struggle. Through a richly-layered collection of hand embroidery, bronze sculpture and textile installations, Taofeek invites viewers into an emotional landscape where reverence and responsibility coexist.

At the centre of the exhibition is the Yoruba beaded crown — a traditional emblem of power, beauty and cultural continuity. In Taofeek’s hands, however, the crown becomes something more: a symbol of sacrifice, loneliness and unspoken emotional weight. Stitched human forms rendered in skin-tone threads, trousers adorned with Adire Eleko patterns, and contemplative bronze figures create a symbolic vocabulary of tension and resilience.

About the exhibition, Taofeek says: “To lead is to stand at the centre, but often alone, adding: “These works reflect that solitude — the beauty and the burden. “The beaded crown has always fascinated me. It holds history and honour, but also pressure. In this body of work, I’ve tried to unpick the duality of leadership — how it is both admired and quietly endured.”

More than a personal statement, the exhibition is a contribution to a broader pan-African narrative that Absa is committed to shaping through its ��’A�ٱ������� platform.

“B�������’s&�Բ�����;Thorns and Crown is a poignant and timely exploration of identity, vulnerability and tradition,” says Sadiq Abu, Country Chief Executive Officer of the Absa Group in Nigeria. “It’s a body of work that asks us to look beyond the surface of success and consider the emotional weight behind leadership — a theme that resonates not only in the cultural space but also within the broader business and societal context in Nigeria today. At Absa, we believe that creativity and commerce are not mutually exclusive — both are vital drivers of progress and innovation. Through the Absa ��’A�ٱ�������, we are proud to support artists like Badru Taofeek who are reshaping narratives and challenging perceptions. This exhibition reflects the richness of Nigerian talent and underscores our commitment to empowering Africa’s future leaders — in the arts, in business and beyond.”

“At Absa, we believe that sustainable progress is built on a foundation of integrity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage, adds Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman, Absa Group Nigeria. “Badru Taofeek’s ‘Thorns and Crown’ exhibition embodies these values, offering a poignant exploration of leadership’s dualities—its burdens and its honours. Through this platform, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering voices that challenge perceptions and inspire transformation across Africa.”

Marc Brébant, Director of Alliance Française de Lagos, adds, “With over 300 cultural events proposed to 50,000 people each year, Alliance Française de Lagos is one of the most important cultural centres on the continent. At Alliance Française de Lagos, we believe every exhibition is a chance to tell our stories differently. Our partnership with Absa, now in its second year, continues to create meaningful platforms for emerging African artists like Badru Taofeek to share their stories, challenge narratives, and inspire audiences. We are especially proud to partner with the Absa ��’A�ٱ������� programme, which for nearly 40 years has played a pivotal role in promoting pan-African emerging artists to wider audiences. This solo exhibition is a celebration of Badru’s creative journey and a testament to the richness of cross-cultural exchange between Nigeria, South Africa, and the wider continent. We are honoured to be part of this initiative nurturing the next generation of African voices in the arts.”

The exhibition will run from June 7 to 28 June, 2025 at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos. Featuring the artiste and 2022 Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassador, Badru Taofeek, the exhibition will be free and open to the public. 

Further exhibitions in the series will feature Emmanuel Idowu, a 2023 Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassador, at the same venue in Lagos in July as he offers an introspective take on modern African identity, blending storytelling, symbolism, and vibrant colour to interrogate notions of belonging, memory, and transformation within the city’s ever-changing landscape. Also on the roster is GandorCollins, a 2022 Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassador, whose work bridges the historical and the contemporary, drawing from Ghana’s past to reflect on its evolving artistic future at the Dikan Art Centre, Ghana in July and Adelheid Franciwicz, a 2021 Absa ��’A�ٱ�������Ambassador, slated for AVA Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa in August who is exploring themes of identity, displacement, and belonging in an exhibition that reflects on the personal and collective architectures of home.

Bulumko Mbete, a 2023 Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Gerard Sekoto winner will be up at the Willem Humpries Art Gallery, Kimberley in September as she continues her exploration of memory, inheritance, and material storytelling with her solo exhibition, Like the sky, I’ve been too quiet while Joe Gayi, a 2023 Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassador will hold an exhibition at the Amasaka Gallery in Uganda in November, focusing on sensitivity and detail as he captures the essence of Uganda’s natural and cultural landscapes.

Edward Lawerh, a 2023 Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassador, is also billed to exhibit at the Dikan Art Centre in Ghana in November), with works that consider the intersection of tradition and modernity while exploring how knowledge, symbols, and practice adapt in the digital age.

About the Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassador Exhibition Series
The Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Gallery Exhibition Series is a pan-African programme of solo exhibitions by ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassadors — young visual artists selected for their bold perspectives and cultural insight. These exhibitions are more than milestones — they are platforms for storytelling, identity and creative evolution. Absa believes that Your Story Matters — and through this series, it reaffirms its commitment to being a catalyst for African creativity, culture and progress. #WeSeeYourStory #YourStoryMatters

About Absa ��’A�ٱ�������

Absa ��’A�ٱ������� is a pan-African art competition that affords winning artists with the relevant skills sets the opportunity to develop and thrive in their chosen practice. It is hosted by Absa in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA). Every year emerging visual artists from across Africa are given the opportunity to showcase their talents through Absa ��’A�ٱ�������. The competition offers them a platform to explore personal narratives, themes and contemporary issues, while setting the stage to bring their ideas to life. Previous Absa ��’A�ٱ������� Ambassadors have unfailingly been able to develop their careers and, ultimately, to present their work on the global stage.

Bakare, Akinyanmi, Kolajo, others felicitate with leading Nigerian law firm
Tope Adebayo LP, a full-service law firm based in Lagos, has moved into a newly built spectacular office from the former GRA office also in Ikeja. An office opening event for the new office, located on the third floor of The Phoenix, a high-rise edifice on Mobolaji-Bank Anthoy Way, took place on March 11, 2025.
Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Citadel Global Community Church prayed for the firm, partners and over the new office. The respected cleric said the secret of staying on the path of truth is simple and contained in the Bible, precisely in 1 Timothy 1 v 8. While casting his mind back to his days as a practicing lawyer, Pastor Bakare said there were cases he refused to take no matter the money involved. “There were cases I didn’t take and I didn’t need to take in those days,” he stated.
Pastor Bakare prayed for partners and other members of staff that they will be on the same page in all matters to aid the firm’s further growth. According to him, the next level of blessings is making sure one stays in tune with God. “When God began to bless me, then I found the secret of ensuring that I stay in a position of not going down. And it’s in Isaiah, 22 v 8’’, says the man of God.
Speaking about the new office, the principal partner of the firm, Tope Adebayo, said it was based on the realisation that one must continuously seek better ways of doing things.
“So, you must realise that whatever you don’t treasure cannot confer benefits on you and one way to demonstrate that you treasure a vision or idea is to put in resources to back that idea, especially when God has been gracious to you. You need to use available resources to create an environment for the legal practitioners and other members of staff to practice their craft better and make it easier for clients to interact with us.
“Before now, we used to queue for the only conference room at our former office, especially when we have more than two meetings at the same time. It was always a struggle to plan meetings for the different practice groups in the firm. So, we decided that to put more money in the practice to make it easier for us to serve our Clients. Thus, this office is essentially created to enhance service delivery to our clients,” he said.
Speaking further, Adebayo said he has always been driven by the idea of focusing on building his practice given the values he imbibed during his days at Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
“It has always been a part of me, from when myself and my colleagues Mr. Wolemi Esan SAN and Mr. Kunle Adegoke SAN started practice at what was then Olaniwun Ajayi & Co. There’s something that environment does to you, it has a way of conditioning your thinking and Professor Olaniwun Ajayi, then a Dr, did a lot to shape our view.
On his own, Wolemi Esan, SAN, a professional colleague and friend of the firm’s principal partner, said: “This is a beautiful day, a beautiful day in the sense that Tope Adebayo is someone that we have grown together in the profession. I have known him for over 20 years and looking at where he is coming from and where is today, one cannot but be extremely happy. And the other day, I was telling him that it is very fitting that he has moved into a building that is called the Phoenix, because if you know the phoenix, the mystical bird that reinvents itself every time. Same for Tope (Adebayo), when you think you know him and have seen him and the glory of God in his life, he becomes something else that is even greater than what you thought was great.”
Also speaking, Seyi Olawumi, the immediate past chairman of NBA, Ikeja Branch, said Tope Adebayo is one of the pillars of the branch. He also said he was elated when he was invited to the office opening event. “I knew that I was coming to see something more beautiful, by his choice of office when he said I should come and celebrate with him today. That is because of the standard of even his former office. I am very happy and like I said, Tope Adebayo is one of our pillars in Ikeja Branch of the NBA and pray that he will continue to grow and wax stronger while praying that other members will record such achievements.
Other notable clients and associates of the firm present at the event include Mr Lekan Akinyanmi, CEO, Lekoil Nigeria Limited; Mr. Samuel Kolajo, Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Owena Oil & Gas Ltd, Mr. Seyi Olawumi, the immediate past chairman of NBA, Ikeja Branch; Afolabi Kuti SAN, Kunle Adegoke SAN, and Wolemi Esan SAN, Deputy Manging Partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP.

The family of the late board room titan and foremost accountant, Justin Olabode Emanuel (Esq) has announced his funeral rites. According to a press statement signed by his wife, Mrs. Anana Bode Emanuel, activities celebrating his life and times will kick off on the evening of Tuesday 18th February 2025 with a Night of Tributes at Muson Centre,

Onikan, Lagos, where family and friends will play glowing tributes to the accomplished accountant. Christian Wake Keep and Service of Songs will hold on Thursday 20th February at Harbour Point, Victoria lsland, Lagos. Time is 5pm. A week long ceremony celebrating this man of distinction would be rounded off with a funeral service on Friday 21st February 2025 at Holy Cross Cathedral, Catholic Mission Street on Lagos Island. Time is 10am. Private interment and reception will follow immediately after the service.

Born on April 20th, 1935 into the Distinguished Family of Pa Lydio Durojaiye Emanuel of the Brazillian Quarters, a renowned and pioneer Pharamacist and his mother Alhaja Nusirat Amope Shonibare the daughter of a Muslim Cleric and Imam both of Lagos Island.

The late Bode Emanuel had distinguished himself early and his intellectual acumen shone brilliantly at the famous St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos, where he was a student from 1947 – 1952. He would later proceed to Articles with Binder Hamlyn & Co., London, United Kingdom, from 1955 – 1959 where he was trained as an accountant. In 1959, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales and later Member – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The board room Titan, a man of distinction lived a fulfilled and accomplished life. And if the need ever arises to compile the names of the movers and shakers of the social and corporate scenes in Nigeria, his name would feature prominently because of his commitment and contributions in his field. He made a huge success of them all-as an entrepreneur and boardroom magnate. The list of companies of which he was chairman is only matched by those in which he was a director of significant shareholder. His business interests vaulted beyond the borders of Nigeria into Europe-UK; France; Italy etc.

As a seasoned administrator with vast experience, he served as the Chairman of the Board of many local and international corporate organizations. These include: BoriniProno & Co. Limited, Trevi Foundations of Nigeria Limited, Foundation Construction Limited, Saipem (Nigeria) Limited, Hogg Robinson Nigeria Limited, and Grand Cereals Limited. Aside St Gregory’s College Old Boys Association, he was a board member of, Nigerian Life & Provident Company Limited, Sterling Assurance Company Limited, Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited – Publishers of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Books and Publications in Africa – amongst others.

During his career, the late Emanuel headed or founded several notable business and professional bodies including being a foremost member of the Ikoyi Club, Boat Club, Metropolitan Club, Yoruba Tennis Club and founding member of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) ������Ƶ Group Nigeria, which he rose to become its 4th Chairman in 2022.The late titan also received several awards across the borders. He was bestowed with Commendatore della Reppublica Italiano (Republic of Italy), African Insurance Organisation Award in appreciation of the Exceptional Contribution towards the development of Insurance in Africa., Melvin Jones Award for contribution to International Lionism, Honorary Doctorate Degreee of Science (D.Sc.) by Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

Emanuel is survived by a vast array of family members, friends and colleagues, including his beloved wife and confidante, Mrs Anana Bode Emanuel. The entrepreneur will be sorely missed.

Funke Olaode

Nigerian businesses have been urged to fully embrace the ethos of corporate governance in their operations as a sure path to sustainability in the long-term. This is the focus of a report by Tope Adebayo LP, a full-service law firm in Nigeria.
In a report under the firm’s Good Governance Series titled Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness, the law firm urged companies to establish effective corporate governance structure in their organisations to ensure regulatory compliance, earn credibility in the industry, boost investor confidence and trust of stakeholders.
Using Theranos, a start-up founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Holmes which achieved a valuation of about $10 billion before its founder faced fraud charges in 2018 as a case study, the report examined the impact of a deficient corporate governance structure on board effectiveness and the sustainability of the Company.

“The primary responsibility for ensuring good corporate governance in companies lies with the Board. Thus, the composition of a company’s Board should be one that can guide a company to become effective and also sustainable. The Board of Theranos was largely criticised for its composition, and lack in diversity of thought, backgrounds, skills, experiences and expertise needed to drive the Company and perform its oversight function effectively. The Board was composed mainly of politicians and military heads,” the report states.
On how a vibrant management team, company secretary, board and others can propel a company towards sustainability, the report added: “An effective board is pivotal in steering a company towards its goals by providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to its management team. However, creating a robust company culture is fundamental to achieving true board effectiveness. A culture of trust and open communication is essential for fostering an environment where informed decision-making and effective challenge of management can occur. Corporate culture underpins how boards operate and interact. It shapes the behaviours, values, and practices within an organization, directly influencing the board’s ability to function effectively. A strong culture promotes transparency, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving, which are critical for navigating complex business challenges and making strategic decisions.”
In conclusion, the report focuses on how a company secretary, given the individual’s knowledge of legal matters and strategic thinking, is central to effective corporate governance structure and success.
“Effective governance goes beyond procedural rules, it requires a culture of trust and open communication to facilitate informed decision-making and effective challenges to management. Additionally, we must consider the role of the company secretary, this sometimes-hidden figure within the board plays an amazing role in aiding the board and management to be effective. For the company secretary to be effective, a diverse skill set is required, including strong communication, legal knowledge, and strategic thinking. This integrated approach of strong board culture and the strategic role of the CoSec ensures long-term company success and effective governance,” it adds.

Caverton Marine Limited has announced the signing of a landmark concession agreement with Naval Dockyard Limited dwelling on the management, overhaul, and leasing of the boat building GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Warehouse. The signing ceremony, which held at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria lsland, Lagos on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, marked a significant advancement in the development of Nigeria’s marine infrastructure.

The pivotal agreement underscores the dedication of Caverton Marine, a subsidiary of the Caverton Group, to enhancing local production capabilities for high-quality vessels, including GRP ferries, security boats, fishing vessels, and leisure crafts.

Speaking at ceremony, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu praised the collaboration between Caverton Marine and Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL). According to him, the collaboration has been on the front burner for the past one year, leading to the approval by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla and that of the Board of Director having seen the potential of Caverton Marine’s partnership with Naval Dockyard Limited.

“We are happy that this is happening under our watch. This is very historic transformative, a landmark development in the history of Naval Dockyard because we believe in capability and capacity of Caverton Marine as a company of high repute that can deliver. All over the world today, there are three things that companies prioritize if you want to move your entity forward. I call it three Cs: Collaboration, cooperation and coordination, which if combined together, it will give significant results that can’t be achieved as a single entity. And that is why you see company merging, partnering and cooperating together because when you come together you are stronger.

“That is what we are witnessing today. Caverton Marine will join us in the yard where they will operate in the GRP workshop and I believe the collaboration is going to change the face of what we are doing here. We have been concentrating on building steel ships and Caverton Marine is on the building of Glass Reinforced Plastics GRP. And I want to believe that this partnership will enable us to do bigger thing in our various phases. I see lots of potentials coming up from this agreement signing today and we are very hopeful that it will be very beneficial to all the stakeholders, the Caverton Group, the Naval Dockyard Limited and of course, the Nigerian Navy and indeed our nation. In this era of Marine and Blue Economy, this is a major milestone and I believe this is just the beginning of great things.”

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, said: “Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the signing of a concession agreement between Caverton Marine Limited and Naval Dockyard Limited for the development of the dockyard GRP Warehouses. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of the Naval Dockyard, Nigeria’s foremost ship building and repair yard, and a hub of Nacala engineering. Your tireless dedication to promoting and developing shipbuilding design and maintenance in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa is commendable and reflects a shared vision for the future of our maritime industry.

“This partnership underscores Caverton Marine’s commitment to enhancing local production capabilities for high-quality vessels, including GRP ferries, security boats, fishing vessels, and leisure crafts. Our collaboration with the Naval Dockyard aims to revitalize the GRP manufacturing capacity, transforming it into a world-class facility that embraces innovative manufacturing processes and fosters capacity development and training for our workforce.”

While stating that the landmark agreement focuses on the management, overhaul, and leasing of the GRP Warehouse, Makanjuola said the initiative marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s marine infrastructure and serves as a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy.

“The GRP Warehouse will not only enable us to fulfill large-scale boat-building contracts but also allow us to penetrate new markets across Sub-Saharan Africa and establish strategic partnerships that will elevate our operations. This endeavor highlights the crucial role of private sector collaboration with the Naval Dockyard in advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhancing our blue economy,” the Caverton Offshore Support Group boss added.

Also present at the epoch event were Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola, Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Mina Oforiokuma, a director and company secretary, Barr. Amaka Obiora, all of Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG) and Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard, Abolaji Orederu, Managing Director/Accountable Manager, Caverton Helicopters, Captain Ibrahim Bello, Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Adeola Adedeji, Mr. Ayo Omueti amongst other dignitaries.

The GRP Warehouse will serve as a cornerstone of Caverton Marine’s growth strategy, enabling the company to fulfil large-scale boat-building contracts, penetrate new markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, and establish strategic partnerships. This initiative highlights the crucial role of private sector collaboration with the Naval Dockyard in advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector and blue economy.

Renowned to provide safe water transportation that will significantly reduce environmental hazards, Caverton Marine has demonstrated its commitment leading the way in water transport safety and expanding connectivity across Nigeria’s waterways. Early this year, it delivered the aptly named OMIBUS 40-passengers ferries to Lagos State government and is presently developing an electric version of the ferry as well as a security vessel prototype and other vessel types.

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Funke Olaode

In a recent press statement issued by the organisers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), research has revealed that in order to meet the UN Tourism Sustainability Goals, more investment must be embraced. The importance of increasing the amount of investment in sustainable developments was highlighted in an exclusive report for Arabian Travel Market by Digital Tourism Think Tank. The research also underlined the fact that between 2023 and 2050, tourism is expected to increase energy consumption by 154%, water by 152% and waste by 251%.

In an exclusive whitepaper produced for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) highlighted that only 15% of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to tourism are on track to be achieved by 2030 according to the body, underscoring the need for more action to be taken across the sector.

Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) is a global thought leadership platform for the tourism industry, bringing together destinations, academia, corporate leaders and start-ups to drive tourism transformation. Connecting 1000s of industry professionals each year through flagship events, industry research, membership and advisory services, the DTTT represents a unique community at the forefront of the key trends and shifts impacting the industry today.

The calls for more funding and investment became imperative based on United Nations (UN) research, in a business-as-usual scenario, by 2050, tourism could generate a 154% increase in energy consumption, a 131% increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a 152% increase in water consumption, and a 251% increase in solid waste, underscoring the importance of increasing investment in sustainable development. Furthermore, Visa and Oxford Economics research has revealed that consumers face insufficient information and a lack of transparency about sustainable travel options.

Addressing these challenges, the whitepaper Exploring the Future of Tourism Technology utilised the insights from the ATM Innovation Wall during the 2024 edition of the show. The unique physical platform encouraged industry professionals to share their ideas, concerns and solutions for the future of tourism. Key takeaways proposed ranged from gamified recycling programmes to hyper-personalised travel experiences that emphasise cultural immersion, demonstrating the breadth of creative thinking required.

Participants highlighted the urgent need for systemic, collective action to transition tourism toward a circular and regenerative model. Proposed solutions included leveraging innovative technologies for resource optimisation, aligning businesses with local communities to ensure equitable economic benefits, and promoting transformative initiatives like cultural immersion experiences.

Highlighting the importance of the path towards a sustainable future, Nicholas Hall, Founder and CEO, Digital Tourism Think Tank, said: “The discussions around sustainability in tourism with people who visited the ATM Innovation Wall highlighted the multifaceted nature of the challenges we face. The path towards a sustainable future requires a multi-pronged approach, from managing plastic waste to fostering responsible travel behaviour and ensuring tourism benefits local communities.

“A key takeaway was the importance of considering diverse perspectives. Sustainable tourism cannot be achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders across the industry, from tech giants to local communities, we can leverage a wider range of expertise and perspectives to develop effective solutions,” he added.

Governments have undertaken several initiatives and strategies throughout the GCC to focus on tourism and sustainability. These include the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, the Saudi Vision 2030, the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, the Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, the Omani National Tourism Strategy, and the Kuwait 2035 Vision.

Sustainable tourism will remain a key area of focus during the 2025 edition of ATM, which takes place under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”. Several sessions are designed to share sustainable practices and address the ethical methods driving the sustainable tourism agenda.

Speaking about its organisation’s readiness to provide a vital platform for the tourism industry to advance its sustainability goals, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market said Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is proud to throw its weight by fostering collaboration as ATM encourages the development of region-specific sustainability frameworks that integrate environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

“The event highlights the importance of investing in innovative resource management technologies and forging cross-industry partnerships to promote a thriving circular economy. Moreover, ATM advocates for community-driven tourism strategies that empower local populations, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance destination resilience. Together, we can drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future for global tourism.”

In 2023, as part of ATM’s 30th annual event celebrations, the show initiated 30 short-, medium- and long-term sustainability goals. The 2024 edition introduced various measures, such as using fully recyclable carpet and PVC-free vinyl for all signage and graphics. Working closely with the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM diverted 48% of waste from landfill, up from 5% the previous year.

Staff training was also provided, as were initiatives with Sparklo, a global cleantech company promoting recycling through reverse vending machines (RVM). As a result, over 2,200 bottles and cans were collected, averting 300kg of CO2 emissions.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.

Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and

tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. The event attracted over 47,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors (including 6,000+ high-value buyers) and over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries. This one week-long festival of event will hold from April 28 April to 4 May, 2025. The ATM has been a melting point platform, providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector which includes Start-Up Competition, Influencers’ Event, GBTA ������Ƶ Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. In addition to ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.

Funke Olaode
In celebration of International Men’s Day 2024, Tope Adebayo LP, a Lagos-based law firm, has urged society to focus more on mental health awareness for men in the legal profession.

In a statement heralding the day, the firm states: “International Men’s Day (IMD), celebrated on 19th November each year, is an opportunity to recognise the contributions and challenges of men across the globe. The theme for this year’s IMD is “Men’s Health Champions” which centres on the promotion of men’s mental health, a critical issue that has often been neglected. Men face unique societal pressures that can significantly impact their emotional well-being, particularly those working in high-pressure fields like law, where balancing professional and personal demands is a common struggle.”

Further noting the need to pay attention to male lawyers’ mental health, the firm says factors like intense workloads, high expectations, and competitive atmosphere in the legal profession are compounded by traditional norms that emphasise strength, fortitude and success, thereby discouraging men from seeking help.
“Men’s mental health is often overshadowed by societal expectations that men should be resilient, unemotional, and capable of handling stress. These expectations can lead to men internalising struggles, potentially resulting in burnout, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Despite recent progress in reducing the stigma around mental health, men are still significantly less likely to seek therapy or counseling compared to women.
“Statistics reveal the gravity of the issue. A 2021 report indicates that men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. While women are more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety, men are often underdiagnosed because their emotional distress tends to manifest as anger, irritability, or risk-taking behaviors rather than sadness. This disparity highlights a gap in mental health support for men, particularly in industries where stress is a constant companion, such as law,” the statement further notes.
In the legal terrain, widely noted as a high-stress field, these issues are heightened by long working hours, high client demands, and constant pressure to perform at exceptional levels. “Lawyers frequently deal with emotionally charged cases, ethical dilemmas, and immense workloads that can lead to exhaustion and chronic stress. For many, the pressure to win cases or meet clients’ expectations comes at the expense of their mental health. Legal work often involves adversarial environments, reinforcing traditional masculine ideals of toughness and aggression. As a result, male lawyers may feel uncomfortable acknowledging struggles with anxiety, depression, or burnout, fearing it could be perceived as weakness or incompetence.
“A study by the American Bar Association (ABA) revealed alarming levels of mental health issues within the legal community. It found that 28% of lawyers reported symptoms of depression, 19% experienced symptoms of anxiety, and 11.4% of lawyers had suicidal thoughts.”
As a way out, the firm outlines flexible work policies, mental health initiatives, and remote work options which law firms, legal institutions, and individual lawyers can adopt to promote mental well-being and foster a work culture prioritising balance over burnout.
Other recommendations include reducing stigma around mental health, providing access to mental health resources, promoting healthy work environments, and normalising conversations around mental health.

…as Jumat Service Holds Today

Funke Olaode

Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos Deputy Governor, will be the Special Guest of Honour at the Lecture commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Crescent Bearers (1939), Lagos, an association of like minded gentlemen of Lagos origin founded back in 1939 by young Muslim men from Lagos Island.

The event, which combines with a luncheon, will be chaired by Professor Tajudeen O. Gbadamosi of the University of Lagos whilst Mrs. Maryam Lemu, an Islamic motivational speaker and Head of Administration at New Horizons College, Niger State, will deliver the keynote lecture with the theme: Islam and Family Values – Building A Nation of Citizens.

As part of the celebration, a Jumat service will hold today, Friday November 15, 2024 at the Crescent Bearers (1939), Lagos Masjid in Abijo, off the Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos.
The vision of the association was driven by a desire to “promote western education for Muslims for their collective improvement and upward social mobility in a colonial society in which Muslims not only experienced marginalisation but were also typically held up to ridicule and suffered social opprobrium for their religious beliefs and cultural attachments.”

With this objective in mind, a group of 16 young Muslim men who came from families indigenous to Lagos Island, founded The Crescent Bearers on November 11, 1939. The founding fathers were Mobolaji Odunewu, S.M. Onigbanjo, I.A.S. Adewale, A. Fatayi-Williams, M.R.B. Ottun, M.N. Ola Aboaba, M.O. Ekunsumi, N.A. Kekere-Ekun and R.A. Gbajumo. Others include Ade Thanni, A.W. Williams, K.B. Shomade, T.A.B. Oki, K.A. Fashola, S.A. Fashola (who died as Olorunsola) and Hamzat O. Balogun.

Also widely known as CB, the association has remained faithful to the objectives of the founding fathers and lofty ideals of Islam 85 years on. Some of the association’s achievements include the award of scholarships to over 450 students in tertiary institutions across the State.

Still acting as a bridge for the sectional divide and competing tendencies not only among its members, but also between the various Islamic sects in Lagos, the association is going strong, with a maximum of 30 members, fostering its ideals among members and the wider Muslim Ummah in Lagos through religious and community-centred educational, religious and socio-cultural activities.

Some of the achievements of the association include the maintenance and refurbishment of Crescent Bearers Mourners’ pavilions in some cemeteries, charitable support to improve educational facilities and infrastructure in Muslim-owned schools across the state and building of an Islamic centre, along with the funding of research papers in support of the education of Muslims in Lagos.

In commemoration of the association’s 80th anniversary celebration, the association of gentlemen also built and handed over the internationally-acclaimed CB 1939 Lagos Masjid to the Abijo community in Abijo GRA, Lekki, Lagos.
In all its engagements, CB continues to foster the lofty ideals of Islam via mutual understanding, interest and co-operation among members to promote the total education of the Muslim child by way of scholarship awards to deserving Muslim students of Lagos State origin.

…Sustainable energy and development trailblazer receives yet another prestigious award

TIME has named the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, in its 2024 TIME100 Climate, recognising the 100 most innovative leaders driving business climate action. The recognition is yet another prestigious honour for Damilola Ogunbiyi, a sustainable energy and development trailblazer.

She was recognised for being a steadfast voice and champion of the Global South, and for her passion to accelerate a just and equitable energy transition. Leading with global advocacy, thought leadership, and advisory support, the CEO of SEforALL has championed greater climate action through the lens of decarbonizing energy systems.

While reflecting on the recognition, Francesco Starace, Chair, Governance Board of SEforALL, said: “Sustainable energy is a key solution if we are to tackle the climate crisis and usher in a greener, brighter future. Damilola has been an impactful leader demonstrating that change can happen in record time, if there is dedication and focus. As a Governance Board, we congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”
In her remarks, Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, stated: “This is not just a recognition of my work and my amazing colleagues at SEforALL, but of the entire team of people that have supported the vision of accelerating action on climate change and energy poverty – focused on not leaving anyone behind!”

This TIME100 recognition is one among many other awards that Ogunbiyi has received in the last two years –a reflection of the transformative work she has done during her first term at SEforALL, and as the UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General.

In September 2024, she received the First Class Order of Zayed II from the UAE President in recognition of her contribution to the success of the climate conference, COP28. She was also honoured with the Global Female Leadership Impact (GFLI) Award in the same month. In March 2024, she was recognised as a trailblazer in her field by the Reuters’ Trailblazing Women in Climate and the Reuters’ Trailblazing Women in Energy.
Last year, she received the Energy Institute President’s Award in recognition of her continued role in solving critical global issues.
Damilola Ogunbiyi has been at the helm of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) since January 2020. Under her leadership, the organisation has made great strides to enable just, equitable and sustainable energy transitions that ensure better quality of life and opportunities for people living in developing regions. During this period, SEforALL has supported over 90 countries globally, and secured commitments of more than $1.3 trillion in energy finance.
Sustainable Energy for All is an independent organization, hosted by UNOPS, with a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. We work at the intersection of energy, climate, and development. We collaborate with governments and partners worldwide to end energy poverty, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions, and combat climate change.

…celebrates 50 Years of artistic collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria

Funke Olaode

In commemoration of 50 years of artistic collaborations between the United States and Nigeria, the U.S. Mission honored three legendary Nigerian artists: Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Prof. Bruce Onobrakpey. The trio were bestowed with the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The award recognized the three iconic artists, who first traveled to the United States over 50 years ago, as participants of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The ceremony gathered a distinguished audience, including political and business leaders, diplomats, academic figures, arts curators and collectors, as well as alumni of various U.S. government exchange programs.

U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills presented each of the artists with a commemorative certificate, honoring their exceptional commitment to their artistic craft, dedicated mentorship of emerging creatives, and invaluable contributions that have strengthened the bonds between the people of the United States and Nigeria. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Mills noted that the U.S. government is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that nurture cultural exchange, promote artistic expression, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen the capacity of Nigerian artists and professionals across the creative industries. He highlighted the role of U.S. government exchange program alumni in having a positive impact on their communities in many fields, including the creative economy.

“Art has the power to connect people and communities across the world,” Ambassador Mills said. “This is why we supported these programs 50 years ago, we support them now, and we will continue supporting them far into the future.” 

One of the awardees, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, founder of Nigeria’s renowned Nike Art Gallery, has mentored students worldwide in the traditional art of adire and batik. Her works are displayed internationally, including at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC. “Participating in the U.S. government exchange program has significantly impacted my life, opening up new opportunities and perspectives that have shaped my career path and personal development,” Chief Davies-Okundaye said. 

“I am very happy to see this day,” awardee and celebrated bead painter, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, said of the recognition. “Going to the U.S. on an exchange program 50 years ago in 1974, was truly transformative, giving me an opportunity to share my work widely and mentor the next generation of artists.” Chief Buraimoh’s artwork has been exhibited globally, and he has taught at prestigious institutions, including the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

At 92, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya continues to be a towering figure in the Nigerian visual art scene, working across painting, printmaking, installation, and sculpture. He noted that the award recognition is a challenge to up-and-coming artist to remain dedicated to their craft. “I am very excited and encouraged. I will continue to pay it forward by nurturing future talent in the industry,” he added. Notable as the illustrator for Chinua Achebe’s No Longer at Ease, Professor Onobrakpeya has exhibited globally, including the current exhibition “The Mask and the Sword” at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and remains one of West Africa’s most celebrated 20th century artists.

Organized by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Rele Arts Foundation; Lauren Tate Baeza, Curator of African Art at the High Museum of Art; with support from Delta Airlines, the event highlighted the historic U.S.-Nigeria people-to-people connections in the visual arts as well as the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta. 

Africa’s premier entertainment event, Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) 2024, is set to make a splash on the Nigerian entertainment scene from December 10th to 15th, inviting the world to experience the energy and creativity of Africa’s thriving entertainment landscape.

Focusing on the theme, “Connecting Tides,” the event explores the dynamic intersection of AI, technology, and storytelling across creative expressions. It explores how African creatives can blend cutting-edge innovation with cultural authenticity to captivate and resonate with global audiences.

With over 5,000 creatives, innovators, and industry leaders expected to attend from across the African continent and beyond, EWL 2024 will showcase the best of Africa’s talent in music, film, art, fashion, and technology while focusing on building sustainable futures and empowering new voices.

According to Deola Art Alade, Group CEO Livespot360 and Co-Founder of Livespot Foundation, the vision of the event is anchored on shaping the world through empowering young talents with practical creative expressions.

“The vision is to create real impact. EWL 2024 isn’t just about celebrating talent, it’s about equipping creatives with practical tools to succeed globally,” she stated.

Building on the success of previous editions, EWL 2024 will shine the spotlight on LABSPOT Creative Skills and Enterprise Development (CSED) – an initiative dedicated to continuous training and enterprise development for youth and women in the creative sector.

Through LABSPOT CSED, this year’s extensive lineup of masterclasses and workshops will provide valuable insights and hands-on learning for participants looking to grow and excel in their creative careers.

In addition to its educational components, EWL 2024 also offers an unparalleled entertainment lineup with Art Exhibitions, Music Performances, Film screenings and Fashion shows, which will transform Lagos into a vibrant playground of creativity.

In her remarks, Tiwa Medubi, Managing Director of Livespot360 said, “EWL is about creating bridges – between local talent and global opportunities, between creatives and the tools they need to succeed. It’s a space for growth, collaboration, and impact, and we can’t wait to see the magic that unfolds this year.”

The Marketplace will also provide a platform for small businesses, featuring pop-up shops, merchandise booths, and exhibition spaces where visitors can support local brands and discover new talent.

EWL 2024 will also offer an unforgettable pop-up nightlife experience with Club X and Livespot X Concert.

Being the perfect melting pot for creativity, EWL 2024 is opening its doors to creatives, storytellers, innovators, investors and fans of African entertainment. EWL is an initiative of Livespot Foundation*

Caverton Marine Limited was one of the most notable companies who participated at the 48th Annual Interferry Conference in Marrakech, Morocco last month. The conference, which drew participants from across the world, held from October 26 to 30, 2024 at the Palais des Congrès in the north African country.
With the theme: “Safety, Security, and Sustainability,” it was attended by maritime professionals and safety experts with the focus on pressing issues facing the ferry industry, with a spotlight on the African industry. Caverton Marine was represented by two delegates, one of whom delivered a keynote address titled “Electrifying Nigeria’s Inland Waterways: A Case Study of Lagos State” which provided insights into innovative strategies by the company to enhance sustainability in ferry operations while advocating for cleaner, greener transportation solutions in Nigeria.
The annual conference kicked off with a welcome address by Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry along with industry officials in Morocco, including Minister of Transport, Mohammed Abdeljalil and Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali, dwelling on the importance of collaboration between governments and private sector players in advancing maritime safety and sustainability.
Lt. David Okafor, a delegate of Caverton Marine, made a presentation titled “Electrifying Nigeria’s Inland Waterway Vessels Using Market Forces,” detailing the company’s novel initiative to develop electric waterbuses.
“This project, known as the OMIBUS, aims to reduce operational costs while enhancing safety and environmental sustainability on Lagos State’s inland waterways. It is a testament to Caverton’s commitment to innovative design and environmental responsibility,” Okafor stated.
Speakers at the conference, which featured a series of sessions addressing various facets of the ferry industry, include Bud Darr from MSC, who discussed the impact of greenhouse gas regulations. On his own, Claire Womersley from HFW, dissected safety and security challenges within the industry as the discourse emphasised the global ferry sector’s commitment towards aligning with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s Net Zero emissions policy by 2050.
The Africa Ferry Safety Workshop was one of the highlights of the conference, sustaining the momentum of the successful April 2024 seminar in Dar es Salaam. The workshop’s objective is to develop actionable strategies for improving safety standards across African ferry operations as participants engaged in roundtable discussions to enhance crew training, sharing best practices, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency.
Caverton’s involvement in these discussions positions the company as a leader in promoting maritime safety and sustainability in Africa. The workshop also targets a collaborative approach to establish a comprehensive African Ferry Safety Program to address the high incidence of maritime accidents on the continent.
Okafor, who contributed as a judge on the World Ferry Safety Association (WFSA)’s panel recognising innovative ideas for the annual student competition which awarded students from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh in Indonesia for their RoPax vessel concept, spoke further.
“Caverton Marine’s participation in the Interferry Conference not only underscored its commitment to safety and sustainability but also positioned the company as a forward-thinking leader in the African maritime landscape. As the ferry industry continues to evolve, Caverton Marine is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a safer, greener future for waterborne transportation,” he added.