Emirati group G42 has received the green light from the United States to import the most advanced artificial intelligence chips, in a decision described by the White House as reflecting “deep trust” between the two countries. The approval accelerates the shift from planning to the actual implementation of the largest AI computing corridor between the UAE and the U.S.

The approval allows G42 to operate the Stargate UAE project – a 1-gigawatt computing complex being built by the company for OpenAI in partnership with Oracle, Cisco, NVIDIA, and SoftBank – and supports the largest U.S.-UAE AI campus, with a 5-gigawatt capacity, which will provide low-latency computing and inference for the entire region.

With this achievement, the UAE positions itself as a safe and reliable alternative to American and Asian data centers, consolidating its status as a new global AI hub that combines exceptional performance with geopolitical trust, marking a completely new phase in the global race for technological supremacy.

Bing Xiao, CEO of G42, said: “This announcement represents a truly pivotal moment. Today we move from planning to execution with strength, setting a new global standard for secure, high-performance computing. What we build in the UAE will be fully mirrored in the United States, ensuring performance and trust remain identical at every location.”

The chips will operate under the Regulated Technology Environment (RTE) framework developed by G42 and approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce, making the UAE the only country in the region to apply this level of compliance with U.S. export controls.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, stated that the decision “confirms the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Technology is not just a tool for progress; it is a platform for economic stability, regional security, and long-term cooperation. We are proud that the UAE has become Washington’s most trusted partner in this field.”

The decision also strengthens G42’s partnerships with Microsoft, AMD, Qualcomm, Cerebras, and others. The company already manages three of the world’s 500 most powerful supercomputers and recently launched Maximus-01 in New York, which ranked 20th globally upon activation.

The approval comes at a time when G42 already operates three of the world’s top 500 supercomputers, ranking second and third regionally. The company’s footprint now extends to Abu Dhabi, France, and several U.S. states, including California, Minnesota, Texas, and New York.

With this license, the UAE officially becomes the most secure and high-performance AI hub outside the United States, entering a new phase of the global race for secure massive-scale computing.

G42 is a leading global technology group specializing in the creation and development of AI technologies to shape a better future. Founded in Abu Dhabi, it operates worldwide and promotes AI as a central force for public benefit across various sectors.

Mariah Gift

SeamlessHR, Africa’s leading end-to-end HR technology company, has been named to the CB Insights’ eighth annual Fintech 100, recognising the 100 most promising private fintech companies in the world.

The 2025 Fintech 100 list celebrates early and mid-stage startups, redefining the global fintech landscape.

Leveraging the CB Insights Strategy Terminal, winners are selected based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including deal activity, industry partnerships, investor strength, hiring momentum, and private company performance signals such as commercial maturity and mosaic scores.

SeamlessHR was recognised in the HR and Payroll category, which highlights companies delivering innovative solutions that streamline HR processes, enhance workforce productivity, and advance financial inclusion.

SeamlessHR now joins a prestigious list of fintech companies such as Moniepoint, OPay, NALA, and Flutterwave, who have been featured on the Fintech 100 in previous years.Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Emmanuel Okeleji, CEO and Co-Founder, SeamlessHR said,

“Being named among the world’s top 100 fintech companies by CB Insights is a validation of our commitment to build world-class technology from Africa. As we continue to expand across the continent, we remain focused on creating technology that empowers businesses and people to work and live better.”Deji Lana, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, SeamlessHR, added,

“This recognition reinforces our vision to build technology that empowers people and transforms the way businesses operate. It’s a proud moment for our team, and a reminder of why we continue to push boundaries, innovate, and create solutions that make work more seamless for everyone.”

CB Insights is a global leader in predictive intelligence on private companies, enabling organisations to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and markets shaping the future of business.

The Fintech 100 features a diverse mix of companies across sectors such as financial operations, HR and payroll, wealth management, and digital asset solutions, among others.

Speaking on the 2025 Fintech 100 list, Laura Kennedy, Principal Analyst, CB Insights, commented, “This year’s Fintech 100 showcases a new generation of companies turning AI, automation and digital assets into the backbone of financial infrastructure.

This year’s winners are building the infrastructure that will shape the future of financial services.”

In 2024, SeamlessHR was recognised by the Financial Times as one of the fastest-growing African companies, highlighting its consistent trajectory of innovation and business growth.

Serving over 1,000 medium to large enterprises across Africa, SeamlessHR provides a robust, cloud-based platform that streamlines the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement.

With physical offices in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, the company combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional customer support to power the future of work across Africa and beyond.

To date, SeamlessHR has raised over $20 million in funding, backed by renowned investors such as the Gates Foundation and Helios Digital Ventures.

These investments continue to fuel the company’s rapid global expansion and the development of innovative products, including an embedded finance solution, reinforcing SeamlessHR’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, tech-driven HR solutions for businesses worldwide.

A Nigerian scholar, Dr. David Masagbor, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s education system, drawing from findings in his doctoral research at Rutgers University, United States.

Dr. Masagbor, who recently earned his PhD in Public Policy, said his study on “Engendering College Readiness in Underserved and Disadvantaged Students” provides practical lessons that could help developing nations, including Nigeria, improve academic outcomes among young learners.

Speaking on the relevance of his work to Nigeria, he said, “Our schools have bright students, but too often they lack the academic enrichment, guidance systems, and teacher support that sustain long-term excellence.”

His research focused on the LEAP Academy Charter School Network in Camden, New Jersey, and identified early enrichment, rigorous instruction, mentorship, and family engagement as critical factors that enable low-income and minority students to excel.

According to him, these lessons are directly applicable to Nigeria, where classrooms still struggle with inadequate teacher development, overstretched resources, and limited opportunities for creative or research-based learning.

“Countries like Singapore transformed their economies by investing in teacher quality, curriculum depth, and early interventions. Nigeria can do the same,” he said.

Dr. Masagbor outlined several recommendations, including the introduction of structured enrichment programs that develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills from junior secondary levels, stronger partnerships between schools and industries, and greater investment in teacher training and retention.

He also advocated for collaboration between public and private sectors to replicate successful education models such as LEAP’s “pipeline” system, where learning from preschool to high school is intentionally connected.

“The conversation must shift,” he said. “We can’t talk about economic growth without talking about education quality, teacher development, and early support systems.”

Dr. Masagbor’s international experience — spanning Fordham University (New York), University of Trento (Italy), Otto von Guericke University (Germany), and prior studies in Egypt — has informed his perspective on how governance and education intersect in developing countries.

He has also served as a United Nations summer associate, contributing to policy and digital-archiving projects for the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

While at Rutgers, he founded the Highfliers Program, which offers advanced tutoring, internships, and college application mentoring to students in Camden.

“The data already show improvements in standardized-test scores and student confidence,” he said. “It confirms what we know intuitively — when you challenge students and support them simultaneously, they rise.”

Dr. Masagbor believes Nigeria can achieve similar progress by creating academic pipelines that connect skill development, mentorship, and opportunity – not just isolated interventions

“The conversation must shift,” he insists. “We can’t talk about economic growth without talking about education quality, teacher development, and early support systems.”

For policymakers seeking evidence-based guidance, Dr. Masagbor’s research offers a blueprint: education reform that begins in the classroom but extends into the community.

In a world increasingly defined by innovation and knowledge economies, his message resonates: “To prepare a nation for the future, prepare its children to think.”

Stakeholders in agriculture, tourism, and Nigerians in diaspora are set to converge in the United Kingdom for the World Agritourism Summit on October 25, 2025.

The summit, themed “Promoting Sustainable Agriculture Through Tourism,” will take place at D5 Bexleyheath, United Kingdom, and is expected to attract policymakers, investors, and agricultural entrepreneurs from different parts of the world.

Organised by Xtralarge Farms & Resorts Nigeria in collaboration with Xtralarge Global Agritourism Ltd UK, the event has the backing of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Initiative.

Among dignitaries expected at the summit are the Mayor of Leeds, Mrs. Abigail Katung Marshal; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM; Senator Sabi Aliyu, Minister of State For Agriculture and Food Security; Dr. Seyi Davids; Akin Akinpelu; and Governor Temitope Akinlade.

According to the co-founder of Xtralarge Farms, Dr. Moji Davids, the summit aims to examine agriculture not just as a means of production, but as an enterprise capable of promoting culture, tourism, and sustainable economic development.

“We are inviting everyone into farming through the power of tourism,” Davids said. “Agritourism allows people to experience farming firsthand while creating economic opportunities and transforming agriculture into a lifestyle, legacy, and business.”

She disclosed that the summit will feature exhibitions, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at strengthening collaboration between farmers, investors, and policymakers.

“Agritourism is a bridge connecting rural communities to global opportunities. We are calling on Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in smart farming, agro-processing, and cultural tourism. This is a call to action for economic transformation.”

Organisers said the World Agritourism Summit will serve as a platform to advance discussions on how agriculture and tourism can jointly drive food security, job creation, and climate-conscious development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It will be recalled that a similar event held by Xtralarge Farms & Resorts Nigeria in Lagos in July recorded wide participation and positive feedback from stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

This year’s edition in the UK will also recognise individuals and organisations championing innovation in agritourism and sustainable farming practices across Africa and beyond.

The Old Grammarian Society” of the CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, has unveiled a new President and Executives to pilot its affairs for the next two years.

The move, according to the association, is part of its history to usher in a new administration every two years.

Speaking at the inauguration of OGS 2025 executive and presentation of certificate of incorporation to the newly-elected excos, the Sole administrator, OGS, Sir Oluwagbemiga Olagbaiye FCA, said, “Our vision is to maintain a social harmony among the members to rub minds, network through seminars and conferences.

“The society has always been there for ages, every two years, there is always an election to return a current executive or to change an existing executive.

“CMS Grammar School has been a trailblazer when it comes to giving back to society because if you look at the school, there are so many buildings that were funded or facilitated almost entirely by the Old Grammarians, whether individually or by a group.”

Also speaking, one of the Board of Directors, OGS, High Chief Bandele Babalola, said the new executives must sheath their swords to let peace and unity prevail in the school.

He urged the new excos to adhere strictly to the rules guiding the association while also prioritising integrity and dedication to the vision and mission of the society.

“The CMS grammar school must be one. The new excos cut across all sets. The Exco in place must do everything humanly possible to uplift and raise the Grammar School beyond the state it is in now and take it to greater heights.

“We are here now to inaugurate the duly elected members of the Exco that will pilot the affairs of the association in the next two years.

“This is not a job for the unprepared, and that is why a new election has been conducted, and we have a new President and his new excos.

“The first job on their hands now is to make peace with everybody in the society and take the school to greater heights and do not forget CMS Grammar School is the oldest secondary school in this country,” he averred.

On his part, the newly elected President, OGS, Dr. Dipe Arigbede, vowed to take the association to greater heights, prioritising the empowerment of its members.

“We have just been told that the Board of Trustees is in place. They are the owners of OGS. We are the managers that are being sworn in today to pilot the affairs of this great society that has been formed for almost 74 years.

“We will be leveraging on the past records of our forefathers. The OGS what we call the modus operandi, culture, norms and values.

“All the sets will be organised to function well. We have almost 54 sets including the old generation. We will bring back the old generation to tap into their experience so that the younger ones will see the values in them that the need to inculcate.

“We will also be organising skill acquisition programmes, trainings, seminars and conferences.

“We are going to invest in property outside the school premises, we will build a new secretariat, and of course, we will empower our members using the brand of the school’s name,” he noted.

Qoray Mobility and Energies Ltd has struck a strategic deal with AutoGig International to deliver aftersales support for electric vehicles (EVs) in Nigeria, a move that directly tackles one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: the lack of reliable technical care.

The partnership, signed at AutoGig’s Gbagada office in Lagos, will cover diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance for both Qoray and non-Qoray EV owners. By combining AutoGig’s expertise in automotive servicing with Qoray’s clean mobility push, both firms say they are setting the stage for a smoother transition to electric mobility in Nigeria.

“We wanted a partner that shared our bold vision for scaling the EV ecosystem,” said Akinkunmi Akingbogun, Vice President of Mobility at Qoray. “AutoGig stood out, particularly for their progress with EVs and their recognized expertise in technical training. For us, this is a perfect alignment.”

AutoGig’s CEO, Tope Bukola Ojo, called the partnership a boost for Nigeria’s clean transport ambitions. “We are excited to partner with Qoray in delivering trusted aftersales support for EV owners. With our strong reputation in human capital development and growing expertise in EV technology, we are well positioned to meet the market’s needs,” he said.

Analysts believe the move could ease what many describe as “range anxiety’s cousin,” the fear of inadequate servicing, which has slowed down wider EV adoption in Nigeria.

Qoray has built its profile as a clean energy and mobility solutions provider focused on electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and renewable power. AutoGig International, with its nationwide servicing network and its training arm, Autogig Academy, has become one of the country’s leading names in automotive repairs and technician development, now extending its footprint in EV technology.

Maria Tanwa 

Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Dr. Dòwòti Désir—known as Queen Mother Sêmévo I—is much more than a traditional spiritual leader. A Pan-Africanist and cultural diplomat of Haitian and African-American descent, she carries the weight and pride of her ancestors with grace and purpose. Since her enthronement in 2020 as Kpodjito, or Mother of the Leopard, she has served as Ambassador-at-Large for the High Council of Kings of Benin, a role she assumed in 2022. She is also the visionary founder and Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Corps Agoodjié of the African Diaspora, an organization dedicated to fostering social justice and cultural renewal among women of African heritage worldwide.

Queen Mother Sêmévo I’s story begins in a household steeped in revolutionary ideas and rich cultural heritage. Born to a Cuban mother and a Marxist physician father, her upbringing was shaped by political discourse and spiritual practice. Yet her identity transcends conventional borders. “Am I African-American, or am I an African in the Americas?” she asks, emphasizing the deeper, geo-spiritual connection that defines her existence. For her, identity is not limited to nationality but is a bridge between continents, cultures, and histories.

Her Haitian-American roots reflect a proud legacy of African resilience and activism. Haiti’s historic role in supporting liberation movements across the Americas is a source of deep pride for her family. Her maternal lineage traces back to Cuba, with DNA from Cameroon and Congo. But it is on her father’s side that the direct link to West Africa is most vivid—through her great-grandmother, who hailed from the Kingdom of Danxomé, present-day Benin.

The stories she heard as a child of the Dahomeyan kings—Glele, Ghezo, and Béhanzin—left a lasting impression. “Even at four years old, I vowed never to forget those names,” she recalls. When her family moved to the United States, her father pointed to Dahomey on a map of Africa and said, “This is where our people are from.” This moment became a defining one in her life, forging an unbreakable bond to the land.

Spiritually, Queen Mother Sêmévo I is a High Priestess, or Manbo Asogwe, of Vodou—a tradition she has faithfully served for nearly three decades. Her connection to Benin is not only ancestral but deeply spiritual. Over more than 25 years, she has visited Benin many times, embracing it as her ancestral home.

Her commitment to cultural preservation and Pan-African unity recently led her to collaborate with Stories by Roots, a cultural advocacy organization dedicated to reshaping the African Diaspora narrative. Led by cultural strategist Brekwald A. Degoh III, Stories by Roots challenges the traditional tales of forced displacement by highlighting the voluntary return of Afro-descendants to Africa. Their work connects scientists, artists, and scholars tied to the Kingdom of Danxomé, reminiscent of Ghana’s transformative “Year of Return” in 2019.

As a brand ambassador for Stories by Roots, Queen Mother Sêmévo I aligns her efforts with those of the Royal Palace of the African Diaspora, fostering dialogue and cooperation between Africans on the continent and their Diaspora counterparts. She envisions a future built on cultural dignity, economic collaboration, and mutual respect.

This vision gained momentum with Benin’s historic 2024 law granting citizenship to Afro-descendants worldwide. Signed into law on September 2, 2024, the legislation marks a milestone in reparative justice, offering legal recognition that extends beyond symbolic gestures. Queen Mother Sêmévo I applauds the law but also cautions that it is just the beginning.

“Citizenship must come with political rights, access to civil service, land, and business opportunities,” she explains. “We must not romanticize repatriation. True integration requires embracing local languages, spiritual practices, and cultural norms—social acculturation, not assimilation.”

She stresses that Beninese citizens also need to understand the diversity within the Diaspora, which is far broader than popular media often depicts. Many returnees bring valuable skills, investments, and a sincere desire to contribute to their ancestral homeland.

The Queen Mother advocates for a strategic, intentional approach to Pan-African unity, one that demands hard work and clear governance. For her, Pan-Africanism is not merely an ideal but a shared responsibility requiring dialogue, infrastructure development, and civil liberties.

Even if physical return is not possible for all, she believes the Diaspora must actively support African initiatives through cultural exchange and economic partnership. To that end, during her first year as Queen Mother, she founded the Imperial Corps Agoodjié of the African Diaspora, an initiative empowering women through education, leadership workshops, and spiritual pilgrimages. With programs already held in the U.S. and Benin, plans are underway to expand to Colombia and Cameroon in 2026.

Queen Mother Sêmévo I’s journey is a testament to the power of ancestry, spirituality, and revolutionary thought to shape a vibrant, connected future for Africans and their descendants worldwide.

Rotary Clubs in Nigeria have urged Nigeria’s economic managers to invest more in polio vaccination to sustain the country’s progress in eradicating the disease.

Although Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, the Rotary Clubs emphasised that continuous efforts are needed to prevent any resurgence.

President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Emmanuel Efuntayo, made the call during Rotary Family Health Days held in conjunction with World Polio Day.

He called on the federal government to partner with non-governmental organisations to enhance funding aimed at improving citizens’ health and welfare.

He highlighted the importance of the ongoing vaccinations and medical programmes for the well-being of Nigerians.

The Rotary Family Health Days event co-hosted by the Rotary Club of Lagos and Rotary Club of Dolphin Estate saw all three clubs conducting vaccinations and health checks at the Primary health centres in Ikoyi obalande, and Iru Victoria Island LCDA. Besides polio vaccines, the initiative provided screenings for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, high blood pressure, as well as free medical services and medications.

President Efuntayo of the Rotary Club of Lagos stated that Rotary’s health initiatives aim to fill gaps in the healthcare system, particularly for those below the poverty line.

He called on the government to support and fund regular health checkups for underserved populations.

“The Rotary Club has already spent over N1 million on the first phase of this health initiative, targeting 1,000 beneficiaries,” he said.

A past president of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Nike Miyaki, emphasised the importance of early detection in treating breast and cervical cancers.

She highlighted how devastating breast cancer can be for those affected and underscored the Rotary Club’s commitment to preventive care and early screening.

Additionally, the Rotary Club’s medical coordinator, Douglas Jumbo, stressed the importance of combating malaria, a prevalent disease in the region.

He noted that the Rotary Club aims to provide malaria treatments, especially for those living below the poverty line, and emphasised that the programme is a national initiative running across various districts in Nigeria.

The charter president of the Rotary Club of Dolphin Estate, Oyebola Adeyanju, praised the state government for its partnership in raising awareness about health issues.

Adeyanju emphasised the need for more people to understand their health status and seek preventive care.

On his part, the president Rotary Club of Lagos, Rtn Adetunji Lamidi, stated that the Family health day affords Rotary the opportunity to help the community thrive through a proper health awareness programme.

“As the president of the Rotary Club of Lagos, I strongly emphasize the significance of community service and social responsibility.

“Our club’s mission is to make a positive impact on our community, promoting peace, understanding, and progress. Initiatives like this embody the Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self,’ demonstrating our commitment to creating lasting change.

“Let us continue to work together, inspiring others to join us in building a better world, one project at a time,” he urged

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Alaba Aderinkola, expressed gratitude for the free medical services, stating that she received medications and eyeglasses at no cost, which would have been expensive otherwise.

Services offered at the Rotary Family Health Days included screenings and treatments for malaria, HIV, hypertension, and tuberculosis, among others

Friends of Amaka Amakom are celebrating her birth anniversary and extolling her impacts on humanity and footprints in the energy sector of the economy.

Prominent among her well-wisher is Engineer Ojo Abdulqadri who is also a big player in the LPG sector of oil and gas.

In a lengthy worded post, Abdulqadri described Amakom, a native of Nsugbe in Anambra State, as an exceptional character who exudes genuine love and care to people around her.

The post reads in parts: “”As we navigate the complexities of life, we encounter a myriad of individuals, but only a select few leave an indelible mark on our existence. While some people exemplify genuine love and care, others masquerade with feigned sincerity.

” The legendary 2Face even had a disillusioning experience with one particular Amaka, prompting him to lament in his song “Amaka Disappoint Me”. However, I have had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary Amaka, whose remarkable character and unwavering reliability have never faltered .

“On this special day, I extend warmest wishes to the authentic and exceptional Amaka, who has not only been a true friend but also a sister in every sense of the word. May your birthday be as remarkable as you are!”

Amakom is a renowned administrator whose tireless efforts and visionary leadership is leaving an indelible mark on the business world.

Abdulqadri added “So let us celebrate this woman—this daring, focused, and goal-oriented force of nature. Let us learn from her example and dare to dream bigger, focus harder, and pursue our goals with unrelenting determination. For in doing so, we honor not only her remarkable achievements, but the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us.

In 2024, Covenant Chukwudi, a visionary digital platform architect, founded ������Ƶ Desk to tackle a pressing issue faced by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria – the cumbersome process of government and permit filings. With a passion to build innovative solutions, Covenant aimed to create a seamless and affordable platform for businesses to access essential services.

In a statement by Covenant Chukwudi the director, he said “ we recognized the struggles SMEs faced in navigating the complex registration and filing processes, often resulting in wasted time, resources, and missed opportunities, and as such we envisioned a platform that would simplify these tasks, making it easier for businesses to focus on growth and development.”

������Ƶ Desk is committed to providing low-cost, efficient, and reliable registration and filing services to SMEs. By leveraging technology and expertise, the platform aims to bridge the gap between businesses and government agencies, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The Company offers a range of services, including:
CAC business name registration from ₦5,000, Seamless registrations and government filings & Expert support and guidance.

By providing affordable and accessible services, ������Ƶ Desk seeks to empower SMEs, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. With a user-friendly platform and dedicated team, the brand is poised to make a significant impact in the business community.

Under Covenant’s leadership, ������Ƶ Desk is committed to continuous innovation, expansion of services, and strategic partnerships. The brand envisions a future where SMEs can thrive, unfettered by bureaucratic hurdles, and is dedicated to making that vision a reality.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Africa Methodist Council (AMC) has charged African Governments on the continent to reduce their over dependence on foreign aids, noting that Africa must begin to look inwards for all its needs.

The President of AMC and Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Reverend Paul Boafo, yesterday stated this while addressing journalists on the sidelines of its heads of conference summit and Africa Methodist Women’s conference in Lagos with the theme: ‘A revitalised Methodist movement for the transformation of Africa’s socio-political and economic landscape’.

He lamented that over the years, Africa has been over-dependent on foreign aids such as manpower, health care, education, agriculture and the likes, advising them that sourcing for these services locally are far cheaper compared to relying on foreign aids.

The cleric also stated the need for African Governments to deepen its level of cooperation and network to change the economic narrative of Africa.

According to him, “This is why Africans can help Africans. We should learn from ourselves and by doing so, it makes it simpler and cheaper. Meanwhile, in Africa, if you come to places like Nigeria, they have hospitals. The church has hospitals and schools, and the church has other things that are being manned by Nigerians or Africans and not by foreigners.”

He added: “So, at this conference, we will be learning from ourselves to know the kind of projects we can do together and the knowledge we can share and transfer.”

Speaking on the theme, he said the Methodist people right from the very beginning have been known to be catalysts in society, bringing about transformation, innovation development and working with the marginalised in society to see to the needs of the poor and needy.

He noted that as a church, it is seeking new ways and ideas to remain relevant in society.

The cleric lamented over the increasing rate of theologies taking advantage of people’s vulnerabilities to cart away with their hard earned resources.

“And so if as Methodists, we know the truth, and we can preach the truth and present Christ as part of this conference, how do we then go back knowing the ills and the evils in society to address it in our communities, so that our people will be informed, so that our people would be equipped to know the truth from the false theologies that are going on?” He asked.

Also speaking, the Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, said it has always been the dream of the Methodist for Africa to be united properly, saying that the forum is an opportunity for brainstorming and reasoning together to address critical issues to have a common vision of being seen as true preachers of the gospel.

“The society needs us, and we must give the society the best that would be achieved from this meeting. So, as Africa and Africans we need to sit down together to look at issues that would bring about the desirable state of Christianity in our continent,” he said.

According to him, some of the challenges hindering Africa’s progress is the lack of selfless leaders, noting that the incessant cases of coup d’etat on the continent are as a result of greed and selfish interest.

He also called on the need to revisit the African youth exchange platform, saying that African Governments must not lose sight of the initiative aimed at fostering youth knowledge transfer on the continent.

“We must not lose sight of this initiative. It will help us not to depend on other continents for survival. It is time for us to look at ways to be self-sufficient. Whatever we need to take care of ourselves is within us,” he added.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has expressed worry over what it termed the present administration’s inadequate policies and implementation mechanisms.

The 59th president of the Institute, Innocent Okwuosa, who spoke at a press briefing yesterday, stated that the Tinubu administration has been wrong in policy implementation, calling on the government to put a human face to some of the inconsistent policies that have been churned out over the past one year.

Fielding questions from journalists about President Tinubu’s first year in office, he said the President has done very well in churning out economic policies, but lamented that these policies were still being challenged by lack of effective implementation.

In his words, “They have been very wrong in implementation and you can see that we still have policy inadequacies.

“For instance, the fuel subsidy removal that was announced the first day in office, we expected that subsequently, the government should have taken some action to ameliorate the suffering of the masses.

“The hike on electricity tariffs also came at a time when the masses are suffering from the effects of exchange rate and fuel subsidy. We expected that the implementation should have been done with a human face to those policies.”

He, however, urged the federal government to refer back to the tenets of some of the agencies for accountability and transparency created by President Olusegun Obasanjo ‘s regime to check against bad behaviour in public offices

“The President has done very well in churning out economic policies and there is a very long list of what the President has done in terms of those policies, but there have been some implementation challenges and neglect in some areas,” he added.

“Just because we are accountants and we always focus on accountability, I expect this government to progress on what Obasanjo has done especially when the President himself is an accountant so that we can hold people accountable for what they do, because we see a situation where there are no consequences for bad behaviour and I think this is an aspect the government needs to pay much attention to,” he advised.

“There have been inconsistencies in policies, policy reversals and when you begin to have policy reversals it is an indication that there is no consistency in government. It could also mean that there were no consultations before those policies were churned out.

“One other area is the budget that were based on some assumptions that no longer hold, for instance, there is a N800 to the dollar exchange rate in the budget, but today dollar is about N1500 to the dollar and as per the oil production which was put at 1.8 million barrel per day, so we are saying that the government should revisit the budget and cut down on expenses on the cost of running the government,” he averred.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Lagos State Government has lauded Jumia for its investment drive in Nigeria’s e-Commerce industry.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, explained that Jumia’s significant milestone achievements have revolutionised the entire logistics and e-commerce landscape in Nigeria and Africa at large.

The governor stated this during the launch of Jumia’s integrated warehouse in Lagos.

Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, he said Jumia’s journey in Nigeria has been nothing short of extraordinary, pointing out that from simple beginnings, it has grown into a leading ecommerce revolutionising the way Nigerians shop and do business. 

He added that the new warehouse with its cutting edge technology and vast capacity will significantly enhance Jumia’s ability to serve its customers efficiently while also meeting the ever-growing demands of the ecommerce sector.

“It is a bold economic step forward in ensuring that goods can be delivered faster, more reliably and at a lower cost. We are proud to support initiatives that drive economic growth and provide employment opportunities for our people. This warehouse will create numerous jobs, and provide skill development opportunities further strengthening our local workforce,” he stated.

He, however, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish with robust infrastructure, favorable policies and unwavering support.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jumia Nigeria, Sunil Natraj, said the launch of its integrated warehouse marks a key moment for Jumia Nigeria, stressing that it also consolidates its operations under one roof.

On his part, the Chief Supply Chain Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Richmond Otu, said the warehouse would eliminate the need for first-mile transportation between multiple warehouses and sorting centers, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions thereby demonstrating Jumia’s commitment to sustainability.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has stated that agritourism would generate foreign exchange and boost food production in Nigeria.

The Minister who made this known at the Celebration of 2024 Inaugural World Agritourism Day themed “Food Security for All” in Abuja recently, said agritourism would also enhance the agricultural sector, encourage both local and foreign investors as well as achieve food and nutrition security.

He stated that the development of agritourism would lead to agricultural revolution, encourage industrialisation for wealth and job creation, as well as growth in the non-oil sector.

Abdullahi noted that agritourism comprises a range of activities, including farm tours, agriculture festivals, farm stays, and educational programmes that connect visitors with the agricultural landscape.

He added: “It will benefit farmers ,who gain additional income, tourists who gain insights into agricultural activities relating to Agritourism ranging from farm tours and workshops to seasonal festivals and tastings of farm produced ,among others.”

Gilbert Ekugbe

Champions Breweries Plc has expressed optimism in the Nigerian market despite the harsh terrain for doing business in the country.

In a statement, the company said going forward into 2024, it remains committed to navigating the dynamic business environment with resilience and strategic foresight.

The company’s Managing Director, Dr. Inalegwu Adoga, said its current theme, ‘Excellence, the New Frontier,’ encapsulates its commitment to business transformation through continuous improvements and innovation.

“By focusing on operational, quality, commercial, and brand excellence, we are chasing new frontiers of organisational excellence and driving our company forward in every aspect to stay competitive as a formidable market leader in our domain,” Adoga said.

The statement also announced the impressive financial performance and strategic milestones it achieved during the fiscal year in 2023.

Speaking during its 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, the company’s Chairman, Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacob, stated that its audited financial results for 2023 revealed remarkable progress, with substantial gains across various financial metrics.

“Champion Breweries Plc experienced a significant surge in revenue, reaching N12.7 billion, propelled by robust market demand and strategic expansion initiatives.

“Furthermore, the company’s profit after tax surged to an impressive N1.58 billion, demonstrating its capability to generate sustainable profits and create value for stakeholders,” he noted.

He stressed that despite facing economic challenges such as cash shortages, fuel subsidy removal, and currency fluctuations, Champion Breweries Plc exhibited resilience and adaptability throughout the year.

The company successfully launched three new products, implemented cost-saving measures, and commissioned a new Mash Filter, showcasing its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

Moreover, Champion Breweries Plc remains actively engaged in community initiatives, exemplified by the impactful “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign, emphasizing inclusivity and social responsibility.

In addition to its financial achievements, Jacob announced a strategic acquisition that would further enhance the company’s market position and growth prospects.

He revealed that EnjoyCorp Limited, one of the leading holding companies in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors, has acquired 100 per cent of Heineken B.V.’s shareholding in The Raysun Nigeria Company Limited, including an 86.5 per cent stake in Champion Breweries Plc. This acquisition will strengthen Champion Breweries Plc’s market position and opens new avenues for growth and collaboration.

“We extend our appreciation to Heineken for its invaluable contribution to Champion Breweries Plc and welcome EnjoyCorp’s commitment to our growth trajectory,” added Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacob. “With this acquisition, we are confident in our ability to drive sustainable growth and value for all stakeholders,” he added.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has announced plans to revive moribund fish terminals in the country.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known a tour of the institute of Marine and Technology in Lagos.

According to him, discussions are ongoing with investors on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement of also establishing fish harbours across the country.

In his words, “Fishing is an important aspect of what we want to do as a ministry in terms of contribution to food security because they are a major source of protein. We are going to be talking more on how best to increase the output from the fishery sector.”

“We will be talking about activating the fish terminals that have gone moribund in some parts of Nigeria. We are currently talking to an investor on a PPP basis on the possibility of establishing a fish harbour. These are all geared towards increasing the production of fish both for local consumption and export,” he said.

He also stated that plans are ongoing to ensure that stakeholders in the fishery businesses are supported and protected 

He urged the Institute to step up its ante to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to the economic growth of Nigeria, job creation, improve livelihood and environmental sustainability.

The minister also stated the need to build local capacity and productivity to satisfy local consumption. 

Gilbert Ekugbe 

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has stated that Nigeria’s coca export accounted for 29 per cent of total agricultural export valued at N1.24 trillion in 2023.

According to him, cocoa also represented 5.6 per cent of total non-oil exports recorded in 2023.

Kyari stated this during a courtesy visit by the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC) in Abuja.

He stated that in January 2024, a tonne of cocoa bean was valued at N1.8 million while it is being valued at N11.2million per tonne presently in the Nigerian market. 

“This implies that cocoa development in Nigeria is economically viable for investment both locally and internationally,” he said.

He however stated that NCMC is also to guarantee quality, transparency and sustainability in the cocoa value chain, maintaining that the establishment of NCMC is premised on the importance of cocoa to the economy of Nigeria. 

“It is on record that Nigeria generated N356.16 billion worth of cocoa beans and its allied products in 2023 which makes it the highest agricultural contributor to the GDP,” he stressed.

“I was made to understand that the NCMC is in a good position to implement the National Cocoa Plan being championed by both Federal Ministries of Agriculture & Food Security and Industry, Trade and Investment. This is with a view to boosting the production of Cocoa and for Nigeria to take its rightful place in the league of Cocoa producing countries in the world,” he noted.

On the issue of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) threats to Nigerian cocoa, he pledged the commitment of the Ministry to support the European Union (EU) to embark on the assessment as was done for other cocoa producing countries

“Also, it is noteworthy that the African Development Fund (AFDB) has funds to support the development of cocoa in Nigeria as mentioned by the NCMC Chairman. Therefore, this Ministry will work through the NCMC to access this fund for the development of the Cocoa sector and the implementation of the National Cocoa Plan (2023-2032),” he assured.

“I therefore urge this all-important noble Committee to put all hands-on deck to champion the way forward for Nigerian cocoa thereby achieving all set objectives of NCMC,” he implored.

Speaking on the brief on NCMC, the Chairman NCMC and Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Abdullahi Abubakar, said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security approved the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC), a national coordinating body expected to guarantee quality, traceability, transparency, and sustainability in Cocoa Value Chain on 2nd August 2022 for the purpose of developing a framework for the regulation and monitoring of Cocoa sector’s activities. 

He added that the NCMC at their inaugural meeting came up with a draft bill for the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Board/Commission for the management of cocoa value chain in the country.

“The NCMC shall establish a data bank for all Multinational Companies and Exporters of Cocoa Beans from Nigerian Ports,” he stated 

On the achievements recorded so far, he said NCMC has been able to bring together relevant stakeholders towards chatting a new direction for the cocoa sector and has held three previous meetings out of which two were sponsored by Outspan Nigeria Limited and Traceability and Resilience in Agriculture & Ecosystem (TRACE) project respectively. In view of the funding challenge of NCMC, we seek the support of HMA towards funding of the Committee activities. 

“NCMC has enabled a proper coordination within the cocoa industry which was lacking due to non-regulation of the cocoa sector in Nigeria, unlike Ghana with full regulation while Cote d’Ivoire has partial regulation,” he averred.

He also pointed out the need for the implementation of the 10 year National Cocoa Plan (2023-2032) by the NCMC.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has emphasised on the need for governments across the globe to invest massively in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise agri-food systems.

The Director General, FAO, QU Dongyu, explained that AI and the ongoing digital revolution would inevitably transform the world and its agrifood systems, while also solve global challenges.

Dongyu at the ������Ƶ Federations of the G7 (B7) meeting in Rome, said AI is not just a technological shift, but a force driving fundamental economic and social transformation at the broadest level, stressing that AI recognizes its power to bring potential benefits to a wide range of populations and to contribute to improved efficiency and sustainability.

He noted that, “Digital agriculture can revolutionise how we produce, distribute and consume food.” 

He also highlighted the potential benefits for farmers and stakeholders across agrifood systems to include improved pricing data, minimising food loss and waste, enhancing food safety and stimulating adoption of better seeds, fertilizer and sustainable practices.

The Director-General emphasised the central role that data plays in AI and digital technologies, noting that quality data is needed to train innovative tools and to accelerate actions such as agrifood systems transformation. 

Qu also urged private-sector actors to increase their ambition for climate action and to show more accountability towards their supply chains and the communities in the countries from which they source, buy and sell their products

“Another absolutely critical area for collaboration and harmonisation of approaches is in the energy sector. Decarbonization by 2050 is “simply not possible” without addressing energy consumption across agrifood systems,” the Director-General said.

The FAO Director-General spoke at a session focused on charting new courses for cross-border global cooperation, joined by Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

To broaden the positive impact of such enabling innovations, FAO is working closely with all partners, including governments, academia, the private sector, civil society and international organizations, advocating for a robust approach with targeted, coherent and comprehensive strategies and actions implemented in synergy and in compliance with ethical principles.

“FAO has a formidable database in FAOSTAT, data is central to FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and has an innovation lab to experiment with new sources and methods. One takeaway from those initiatives is that data ecosystems require significant investment and effective collaboration. FAO stands ready to engage and partner with the B7 group and the private sector in this area,” Qu said.

Gilbert Ekugbe and Ugo Aliogo

The Chief of Mission the Taiwan Government in Nigeria, Andy Liu, yesterday, stated that the trade volume between Nigeria and Taiwan stood at $500 million in 2023.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2024 Taiwan ������Ƶ Forum in Nigeria, he stated that the trade volume declined from $1 billion in 2021, to $500 million after imports from Nigeria matched Taiwan’s demand for imported agricultural products from Nigeria.

According to him, Taiwan was a net importer of Nigeria’s agricultural products especially sesame seeds, maintaining that despite the decline in trade volume, Nigeria still remained a destination for Taiwanese businesses.

In his words, “The highest peak of trade reached about $1 billion in 2021. It was the peak of the COVID 19 with Nigerian enjoying a trade surplus trading with Taiwan. We imported more of Nigeria’s agricultural products such as sesame beside from oil related products.

“In 2021, we had a huge demand for agriculture products for our food processing industries.”

“In 2022, the trade declined because the provider of the Nigerian food products had already matched our demand, so from 2022 to 2023, we experienced a declined to about $500 million which is still a great value because the both countries are still trading so we might see some level of increase in the nearest future,” he assured.

He bemoaned the high level of adulteration of Taiwanese products, saying Taiwan has been suffering all kinds of counterfeit and piracy all over the world.

He stated that to address the challenge, the Taiwanese government had been sending delegates to different parts of the world to showcase the quality of Taiwanese products.

“We have been having our delegates visiting the world to prove that we are victims of piracy, but we are going to use the platform to show that we have good and quality products so as to let the world know who are true providers of these quality goods. “We are very glad to come to Nigeria to demonstrate who is the true owner of quality brands, the most unfortunate thing is that counterfeiters always come to different countries and run away when they have made their profits, but our suppliers would stay to provide good quality products, but also provide after sale services,” he said.

“We are here to provide our services and also guarantee the quality of our products,” he assured.

Also speaking, President, Globe Industries Corporation, David Hwang, blamed the influx of counterfeited products from China for the decline of profit margins.

“Our businesses are going down because of counterfeited products. We found out that these adulterated products are cheaper than the original products and this is hitting deep into our profit margins.

“We are here to find partners so that we can do business in a different way that will benefit both international and local businesses,” he said.

On his part, the Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Sola Obadimu, said one key attribute about Taiwan was that they were focused on African businesses, assuring that that the quality of their products was guaranteed.

He assured that NACCIMA would continue to work with Taiwanese companies to drive business growth for both countries.

“We will continue to interact with Taiwanese companies while we would also work behind the scenes,” he assured.

Gilbert Ekugbe 

Development partners have announced plans to pledge towards the annual $4 billion needed to provide clean cooking access for 250 million African women by 2030.

According to a statement sourced from African Development Bank (AfDB), the pledge which would be made at the Clean Cooking Summit to be held on today, May 14^th, in Paris, aims to drive significant change in clean cooking access for the nearly one billion Africans using polluting fuels, which cause the premature deaths of approximately half a million women and children every year.

The African Development Bank Group President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina is expected co-chair the Clean Cooking Summit, alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, and International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol.

According to the statement, women and girls spend up to five hours a day collecting fuel and cooking which leaves little time for education, social or economic activities, lamenting that worldwide, the annual economic cost of women and girls’time searching for fuel wood is estimated at $800 billion while the health costs are as high as $1.4 trillion

The report added that the capital investment needed to ensure universal clean cooking access in Africa by 2030 is accessible, pointing out that the $4 billion needed annually is a small fraction of the $2.8 trillion invested globally in energy each year.

The statement added that the summit aims to mobilize this much-needed finance, saying that it brings together governments, development partners, private companies and NGOs to make concrete commitments and develop action-oriented strategies to accelerate progress on clean cooking.

“They are expected to pledge increased funding for clean cooking, with development partners committing to allocate a higher share of their energy portfolios and to work through private capital arms to bring more financing,” the report stated.

It stated that governments will prioritise clean cooking in national planning, create funded implementation programs, and introduce proven policies to support scaling clean cooking solutions.

On his part, the AfDB boss has committed the Bank’s strong support and outlined a three-pronged approach to achieve universal clean cooking access in Africa. 

“It entails governments directing at least 5 per cent of their annual energy investments towards clean cooking solutions and having multilateral and development finance institutions set aside a significant share of their annual energy financing for clean cooking solutions, including concessional blended financing and guarantees,” he said.

At COP28, Adesina said that the Bank Group would channel $2 billion for clean cooking over the next decade and also joined global leaders in rallying around the Africa Women Clean Cooking Support Program launched by Tanzania’s President Suluhu Hassan.

Gilbert Ekugbe 

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has lamented that about 40 per cent of food crops are lost due to plant and pest diseases every year.

According to a statement obtained from its website, the staggering loss affects global food security and agriculture, the main source of income for many vulnerable rural communities.

FAO also stated that climate change and weather extremes are also impacting plant health and altering ecosystems, while creating new niches for pests to thrive.

To commemorate this year’s International Day of Plant Health FAO is shining light on the importance of leveraging innovation to protect plants, which are indispensable essential for sustaining life on earth.

“This year’s observance focuses on the many innovations that cut across areas where plant health is crucial such as plant pest monitoring to protect agricultural production and digital systems to ensure the safe international trade in plants. We have no option but to leverage innovation, technological advancements and tools to protect plants,” said FAO Deputy Director-General, Beth Bechdol.

“The unprecedented global challenges we face, such as the unrelenting climate crisis, demand innovative approaches and digital technologies to support countries with stronger pest surveillance and early warning systems,” she added.

The UN-designated International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) is a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020. Ever since then it has been raising global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development. This year’s celebrations at FAO include a high-level event.

International travel and trade, which has tripled in volume in the last decade, has led to increased interconnectedness among countries and regions. This underlines the importance of ensuring that people, goods and commodities crossing borders do not carry pests and diseases affecting plants, animals and humans.

Through the IPPC, FAO is implementing the Africa Phytosanitary Programme to build capacities and supporting countries in using the latest scientific evidence and digital technology in detecting plant pests.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The World Bank has stated that $260 billion annual investment would be required to reduce global agri-food emissions by half in the next six years.

According to a statement obtained from the World Bank’s website, the annual investment is also critical to achieve the net zero emissions by 2050.

The multilateral institution also revealed that payoffs for investing in cutting agrifood emissions are even much bigger than the costs.

The report added: “Twice as much money is spent yearly on agricultural subsidies, many of which harm the environment. While cutting wasteful subsidies can finance some of this investment, additional financing is essential to get to net zero.”

The World Bank stressed that making these investments would lead to more than $4 trillion in benefits, from improvements in human health, food and nutrition security, better quality jobs and profits for farmers, to more carbon retained in forests and soils.

The statement added that the global agrifood system presented a huge opportunity to cut almost a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions through affordable and readily available actions, while continuing to feed a growing population.

“While the food on your table may taste good, it is also a hefty slice of the climate change emissions pie. The good news is that the global food system can heal the planet –making soils, ecosystems, and people healthier, while keeping carbon in the ground. This is within reach in our lifetimes, but countries must act now: simply changing how middle-income countries use land, such as forests and ecosystems, for food production can cut agrifood emissions by a third by 2030,” the World Bank Senior Managing Director, Axel van Trotsenburg, said.

The statement added that low-income countries could chart a different way forward by avoiding the mistakes made by richer countries and seizing climate-smart opportunities for greener and more competitive economies.

“Preserving and restoring forests would promote sustainable economic development in low-income countries given that more than half of their agrifood emissions come from clearing forests to produce food.

“Action should happen across all countries to get to net zero, through a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions in food systems, including in fertilizers and energy, crop and livestock production, and packaging and distribution across the value chain from farm to table,” World Bank averred.

Gilbert Ekugbe

DKT Nigeria has expressed concerns over the high rate of unwanted pregnancies in the country.

In a statement, DKT added that to checkmate the high level of unwanted pregnancies in the community, it organised an outreach programme to give women the power to take charge of their reproductive health and advance the well-being of their families.

According to reports, the rate of unwanted or unintended pregnancies in Nigeria is substantial, ranging from around 11 per cent to over 25 per cent in some regions, with a high proportion of these pregnancies ending in unsafe abortions due to the country’s restrictive abortion laws.

The statement also stated that the outreach was to close the knowledge gap among women of reproductive age in low-income areas, raise awareness on the use of modern contraceptives, especially Intrauterine devices (IUDs).

The Hospital Sales and Clinical Service Team, led by Mrs. Faustina Ekundare, gave a comprehensive health talk to women in Makoko and performed free vital checks on them.

She said residents who were willing to adopt a family planning method were also given free contraceptive services along with appropriate counseling from the knowledgeable DKT team.

Ekundare stated that, “The primary aim of this initiative is not just about preventing unplanned pregnancies, saying that the main goal of the outreach is to foster a positive culture of informed choices and empower individuals to take charge of their health and future.

“Our outreach embodies the belief that every person deserves the right to plan their family on their terms, ensuring a brighter, healthier tomorrow for all.”

In addition to continuing to inform communities about the advantages of family planning and providing them with a full range of contraceptive services, DKT Nigeria is committed to carrying out more outreach programs and training initiatives in other underserved regions of the country to ensure that every provider is well-equipped with adequate training and family planning products.

The outreach was conducted in memory of Phil Harvey, the founder of DKT International, an American philanthropist who established programmes like DKT to provide subsidised contraceptives to underdeveloped and impoverished nations.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Senior Pastor, Foursquare Gospel Church (FGC) Jebako, (A city on the Hill), Reverend. Mike Oluwadipe, has listed some steps Christians must follow to become devoted to God.

According to him, commitment and loyalty are the critical virtues required of Christians to become devoted to God.

The Reverend during his sermon themed “A devoted family” at FGC’s May Thanksgiving service at the church’s auditorium, also identified honesty, integrity, patience, faithfulness, compassion and consistency as other qualities Christians must possess in large quantity to win the heart of God.

Speaking on the theme, he said a devoted family is a committed, faithful and a true family with penchant for doing God’s will on earth.
“Devotedness, commitment and loyalty are critical for family to move forward,” he stated.

He bemoaned the current high rate of divorce in believers, stressing that a lot of families have shattered in less than six months into marriage due to inability to sacrifice their time, heart and resources for God.

“We must be flexible and develop a sacrificial heart to make our families work. Devotion, faithfulness and commitment should be vertical (toward God) and horizontal (towards man). There is nothing too little to commit to God. “The best way to demonstrate your devotion to God is to be devoted to the people we see around us,” he urged.

In his words, “We must live exemplary lives. Christians must live a transparent life.

The quest to make money has made so many families crash, but we must delight in the Lord who has given us the little and would eventually make it plentiful.”

He charged Christian families to remain devoted for the world to be a beautiful place, while also calling on fathers to take charge of their responsibilities in their respective families to remain connected to God’s blessings and riches on earth.

Reverend Michael Abiodun Oluwadipe is a Pastor by call. His primary education date back to 1968. By 1976, he had graduated from Secondary Modern School before graduating from Teachers’ Training College in 1981, College of Education in 1986 and later University Education in 1995.

He has worked in the church as a Cadet Counsellor, Teens Counsellor, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Secretary, Usher etc before he had the call of God on him in 1995.

In the year 2000, he attended the LIFE Theological Seminary Ikorodu where he was trained to teach and preach the word of God. He was ordained a Reverend in the year 2007 to the glory of God.

Gilbert Ekugbe 

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index (FPI) has showed that world food commodity prices edged higher in April as a result of rising meat prices and modest upticks for vegetable oils and cereals that offset decreases for sugar and dairy products.

The UN food body’s FPI, which tracked monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally traded food commodities, averaged 119.1 points in April, up 0.3 percent from its revised March level, while down 9.6 percent from its year-on-year level.

The FAO Cereal Price Index rose 0.3 per cent from March, ending a three-month declining trajectory while global wheat export prices stabilised in April as strong competition among major exporters offset concerns about unfavorable crop conditions in parts of the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United States of America. 

FAO attributed the increase in maize export prices to high demand amidst mounting logistical infrastructural damages in Ukraine and concerns about the production in Brazil ahead of the main harvest while its All-Rice Price Index declined by 1.8 per cent, due largely to falls in Indica quotations driven by harvest pressure.

The statement also attributed the 0.3 per cent increase in March to higher quotations for sunflower and rapeseed oil offseted slightly lower prices for palm and soy oil.

The FAO Meat Price Index increased by 1.6 per cent in April from the previous month, as international poultry, bovine and ovine meat prices all rose as world pig meat prices fell marginally, reflecting slack internal demand in Western Europe and persistently lacklustre demand from leading importers, especially China.

Its Sugar Price Index declined 4.4 per cent from March to stand 14.7 per cent below its April 2023 level, saying that the decrease was mostly related to improved global supply prospects, notably due to larger-than-previously-anticipated outputs in India and Thailand and improved weather conditions in Brazil.

FAO noted that its Dairy Price Index decreased marginally, by 0.3 per cent, ending six consecutive months of increases, led by sluggish spot import demand for skim milk powder and by lower world cheese prices, impacted by the strengthening of the United States dollar. 

World butter prices, by contrast, increased amid steady import demand.

For its 2024 forecast for wheat, it also released a new cereal supply and demand brief, slightly raising its forecast for the world total cereal production in 2023 to 2 846 million tonnes, a 1.2 per cent increase from the previous year, maintaining that the revision primarily reflects new information from Myanmar and Pakistan.