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Tag: Asia

  • International dialogue on forcibly replaced Ukrainian children, led by Ukraine, Canada and the European Union

    International dialogue on forcibly replaced Ukrainian children, led by Ukraine, Canada and the European Union

    • 63 countries and international organisations gathered in Brussels to discuss the long-term impact of war on children forcibly taken from their homeland.
    • Co-chaired by Ukraine and Canada, the Coalition discussed returning children, rehabilitation and reintegration as well as preventing the militarisation of children.
    • Discussions focused on uniting international efforts to protect children affected by the war, support their recovery, and facilitate safe reunification with their families and communities. 
    • Switzerland and Cyprus joined the Coalition, reflecting broader international engagement on child protection in conflict settings.

    The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children met in Brussels on Monday, bringing together representatives from 63 countries and international organisations to discuss international approaches to protecting children affected by armed conflict.

    The meeting, co-chaired by Ukraine, Canada and hosted by the European Union (EU), focused on how countries can work together to return forcibly deported children to their families, communities and cultural environments, while also supporting their long-term recovery and reintegration.

    Participants discussed approaches to child protection, rehabilitation, trauma recovery, access to education and the challenges faced by children exposed to militarisation, displacement and conflict-related disruption.

    The Coalition also discussed the importance of international coordination in supporting the safe return of children and ensuring systems are in place to help them recover from trauma of war and deportation and rebuild stable and peaceful lives. 

    Bring Kids Back UA, launched by President Zelenskyy in 2023 provides the national framework for Ukraine’s efforts to return children, support their recovery and reintegration. The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children serves as a platform for coordinating the diplomatic, humanitarian, legal, and informational efforts to achieve the objectives of Bring Kids Back UA – to ensure justice and safe return for thousands of deported children.

    Recruitment of children into armed activity, exposure to military training, and separating them from family and community can have long-lasting efforts on their wellbeing and identity. The involvement of children in war limits opportunity for a peaceful life and can – and has – cost lives. Coalition members emphasised the importance of rehabilitation programmes that prioritise psychological support, education, family and community reintegration. 

    HE Ms Tokozile Xasa, Ambassador of South African to the EU was in attendance, and the Coalition welcomed Switzerland and Cyprus as full members joining other countries including Argentina, Japan, Italy, the United States, Panama, Ireland and Ukraine, increasing the total membership to 49 members.

    Partners also discussed ongoing diplomatic engagement, support mechanisms for returned children and families, and the importance of sharing best practice on reintegration and recovery. The European Union, the US, Lithuania, the UK, Germany and Canada committed a combined USD$100m to ensure important work in supporting returned children and their families can continue.

    Coalition members agreed to coordinated sanctions, synchronised across members spanning Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania.

    Ukraine has officially confirmed over 20,000 cases of deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. The Russian Federation itself reported it had transferred 744,000 Ukrainian children from the territories it occupied.

    The safe return of Ukrainian children is an important step towards bringing peace to Ukraine, and broader European security. Only once children are safe in their homeland, can peace be meaningfully achieved. 

    Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed that international efforts are invaluable:

    “We speak not only about returning children — we speak about a triple return. Return every child, return Ukraine to every child, and return childhood to these children. Statements are not enough. Words of empathy are not enough. Actions, both political and legal, are needed to ensure accountability and bring our kids back home. And of course, the best thing we can bring to our children is peace.”

    The meeting followed a joint non-governmental organisations statement issued in late April in Ukraine, which set out 12 recommendations, including strengthening and expanding the use of legal mechanisms to protect affected children and continued political and economic pressure to ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children. 

    The Coalition aims to combine expertise and resources to raise international awareness and secure the children’s safe return. 

    The expansion of the Coalition’s membership, alongside significant new financial commitments, reflects a strengthened international effort to support Ukraine’s work to ensure every unlawfully taken child is accounted for, returned, and given the support needed to recover. 

  • Feature: Delta Grounds Lagos Flight, Passengers Stranded — But Where Is the Social Media Fury?

    Feature: Delta Grounds Lagos Flight, Passengers Stranded — But Where Is the Social Media Fury?

    By Fred Chukwuelobe

    Passengers scheduled to travel aboard Delta Airlines flight DL055 from Lagos to Atlanta were left stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after the American carrier abruptly cancelled the flight scheduled to depart at 11:45 a.m.

    According to information gathered from some of the affected passengers, the airline attributed the cancellation to a technical issue involving the operating aircraft in Atlanta, United States. In aviation, such situations are not unusual. Airlines across the world routinely delay or cancel flights whenever there are concerns about the airworthiness or safety of an aircraft. Safety, after all, remains the cornerstone of global aviation practice. No responsible airline is expected to operate equipment considered unsafe for passengers, crew, or cargo.

    However, beyond safety, there is another critical obligation airlines owe passengers – communication, transparency, and care during disruptions.

    What appeared striking in the Delta situation was not merely the cancellation itself, but the seeming absence of proper communication and passenger management. Some affected passengers alleged that they received little or no direct explanation from the airline and were simply advised to contact their booking agents. At the airport, the only visible personnel attending to passengers appeared to be staff of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), while Delta representatives remained largely invisible.

    Premium passengers, according to one of them whom I was seeing off, were only contacted at the airport upon arrival for check-in. They were informed that they would be accommodated on subsequent flights, subject to seat availability, or be downgraded to Economy Class. Economy passengers, however, were reportedly left to fend for themselves, struggling in queues in search of information about what to do next.

    Yet, despite the frustration, the atmosphere at the airport remained unusually calm.

    There were no angry social media livestreams. No celebrities recording emotional videos. No trending hashtags calling for a boycott of Delta Airlines. No loud accusations that the airline was “wicked,” “insensitive,” or “incompetent.” The passengers simply endured the inconvenience quietly. If it were a Nigerian carrier, many passengers would have been demanding to be flown first in subsequent flights and holding the airline staff “hostage.” But now they are silent.

    That silence raises uncomfortable but important questions about public attitudes toward airlines in Nigeria.

    If the same incident had involved a Nigerian carrier, particularly a major indigenous airline, social media would almost certainly have erupted in outrage. Videos would flood TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X within minutes. Influencers and celebrities would issue emotional condemnations. Commentators would portray the airline as evidence of everything allegedly wrong with Nigeria.

    Why then do many Nigerian passengers react differently when foreign airlines are involved?

    This is not an attempt to excuse delays or cancellations by local airlines. Passengers have every right to express dissatisfaction whenever airlines fail to meet their obligations. Flight disruptions can be stressful, expensive, and emotionally draining. Airlines – whether Nigerian or foreign – must be held accountable for how they treat passengers during such situations.

    But fairness demands consistency.

    Delays and cancellations are not uniquely Nigerian problems. They are part of global aviation realities. Weather conditions, technical faults, operational limitations, air traffic congestion, crew issues, and safety concerns disrupt flights daily across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. What matters is how airlines manage the disruptions and how regulators enforce passenger rights.

    Only recently, an Air Peace flight from London Gatwick to Lagos suffered a bird strike, forcing the airline to ground the aircraft for mandatory safety inspections and maintenance. The airline communicated with passengers, provided hotel accommodation, and rebooked affected travellers on subsequent flights. Yet the incident generated massive social media outrage, amplified by celebrities and influencers, including Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele and an earlier video by reality TV personality, Tacha.

    The same level of public outrage is rarely directed at foreign carriers operating in Nigeria, even when passengers experience similar or worse treatment.

    This double standard deserves serious reflection.

    Why are Nigerian airlines subjected to intense public hostility while foreign operators often receive patience, understanding, or even silence? Is it an inferiority complex rooted in colonial mentality? Is it fear of visa implications or perceived repercussions from foreign countries? Or is it simply a deeply ingrained belief that foreign brands are automatically superior, regardless of how they behave?

    These are uncomfortable questions, but they must be asked honestly.

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also has a responsibility to ensure fairness and accountability across the board. Regulatory oversight should not appear selective. Foreign airlines operating in Nigeria must be subject to the same scrutiny and consumer protection standards as indigenous carriers. Passenger rights are universal and should not depend on the nationality of the airline involved.

    At the same time, Nigerians must resist the growing culture of indiscriminate social media demarketing targeted almost exclusively at local operators. Constructive criticism is legitimate. Deliberate campaigns designed to damage indigenous airlines while excusing foreign carriers are not.

    Nigeria cannot aspire to build globally competitive aviation brands if its own citizens consistently undermine them at every opportunity while romanticising foreign competitors that often operate under the same industry realities.

    Aviation is a difficult business worldwide. Delays happen. Technical faults happen. Cancellations happen. What should matter is professionalism, transparency, passenger care, and regulatory accountability — not the nationality of the airline involved.

    (c) Fred Chukwuelobe, fnipr

  • Dangote donates ₦550 million students’ hostel to FUTO

    Dangote donates ₦550 million students’ hostel to FUTO

    Founder and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, at the weekend, has pledged to construct a hostel valued at ₦550 million for the students at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.  He equally made a donation of N25 million to the students of the institution via their Student Union Government.

    Dangote was at the institution to deliver a public lecture on Enterprise, Leadership and Service to Humanity. The hostel, when completed, will help to alleviate the shortages of accommodation for students of FUTO.

    In his presentation, the foremost industrialist encouraged the students by sharing the history of his humble beginnings in business as a distributor of bagged cement and other items. He said that despite making money by trading in commodities, he decided to go embark on a backward integration process, producing locally, those goods he used to import.

    He started that importing finished products into Nigeria is equivalent to importing poverty, inflation and unemployment, while exporting raw materials. Importation of finished products creates jobs, prosperity and development in the exporting countries, he added.

    According to him, the decision to embrace manufacturing is to create jobs and add values to the raw materials that were usually exported. He said a major key in industrialisation is looking inwards, that investors in the industrial sector should come from the citizens. He added that he refuses to invest in Nigeria and Africa; no foreign investor will be willing to stake their funds here.

    Drawing examples from Asia, he said, ‘Asian economies are powered by Asians, not foreign investment. They are the ones who invested in their countries. They did not wait for foreigners to come and develop their economies.’

    Turning to the students, he said Nigerian youths are endowed with innovative spirit and could hold their own anywhere around the globe. He stated that many engineering graduates recruited and trained by Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser have been poached by companies in the Gulf region, which treat them as expatriates.

    He said, “We face significant economic and social challenges, but we also sit on enormous opportunity: a young and energetic population, abundant natural resources, and an entrepreneurial spirit that is unmatched across the continent. In my own journey through business and industry, entrepreneurship has proven to be one of the most powerful tools for turning challenges into opportunities. When young people are equipped with technical skills, mentorship, and access to capital, they do not just seek jobs – they create them. They build enterprises that diversify our economy beyond oil, strengthen local industries, and fuel sustainable development.”

    He challenged the students to be innovative and creative, ready to learn and adapt so as to be able to add value to society. Drawing on examples from China, he told the students that China has the largest number of engineers, making it the leading centre of manufacturing and industrial development.

  • Adeleye Falade Assumes Office as NLNG’s MD/CEO

    Adeleye Falade Assumes Office as NLNG’s MD/CEO

    Adeleye Falade has officially assumed office as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG. He took up the role on Wednesday at the company’s Corporate Head Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, succeeding Philip Mshelbila, who was recently appointed Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

    Falade brings nearly three decades of experience in the global oil and gas industry, with extensive leadership exposure across the LNG and petroleum value chain. Over the course of his career within the Shell Group, he has built a distinguished record across upstream and midstream operations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and Africa.

    His professional expertise spans gas and petroleum operations, production optimisation, engineering, operational excellence, business improvement, and change management. He has also held several senior technical and leadership roles within Shell and its affiliated companies, gaining broad exposure to complex operational environments, multinational joint ventures, and the management of diverse, multicultural teams.

    Prior to his appointment as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Falade served as Managing Director of Brunei LNG Sendirian Berhad, a position he assumed in April 2024. In that role, he led one of the world’s established LNG producers and oversaw strategic operational delivery within Brunei’s LNG sector.

    Earlier in 2023, he was appointed Country Chair for Shell Namibia, where he provided strategic leadership for Shell’s operations and stakeholder engagement in the country.

    Before taking on these international leadership assignments, Falade held key senior roles at NLNG. Between May 2019 and September 2023, he served as General Manager, Production, where he was responsible for ensuring production reliability, plant performance, and operational safety across NLNG’s world-class LNG facilities on Bonny Island.

    Earlier in his career, he served as Operations Manager at NLNG from July 2015 to May 2018, overseeing plant operations and operational performance. He later moved to the Netherlands as Regional Asset Management System (AMS) Implementation Manager at Shell in The Hague between May 2018 and April 2019. In that role, he led the deployment of asset management systems aimed at improving operational efficiency and reliability across Shell’s global assets.

    Falade has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the University of Ibadan. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Henley Business School, University of Reading, United Kingdom, further strengthening his strategic and leadership capabilities in the global energy sector.

    Falade is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

    Falade assumes leadership of NLNG at a pivotal time for the company and the global LNG industry. The company recently secured long-term Gas Supply Agreements (GSAs) with six third-party suppliers to strengthen feedgas supply to its Bonny Island trains. This comes as the Train 7 expansion project nears completion, a development expected to significantly boost NLNG’s production capacity and reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global LNG market.

    Fadale joins a fully Nigerian management team at NLNG, demonstrating the company’s sustained commitment to developing indigenous leadership and strengthening local capacity within the organisation.

  • WTD: Theatre Challenges Leaders to Choose Peace Over Conflict

    WTD: Theatre Challenges Leaders to Choose Peace Over Conflict

    In the past few years, no continent of the world has enjoyed enduring peace for an entire year. The spate of wars, insurgence, and ethnic confrontations, around the world attest to the sad reality that humanity is on a journey of self-annihilation, and that if the world will come to an end as some religions claim, man will play a major role in this predicted apocalypse. The evidences are around us. They stare us in the face when we wake up and play in our dreams, when we close our eyes in sleep. As the great English playwright, William Shakespeare, lamented, Act II, Scene 2, of one of his plays, Macbeth, after Macbeth murders King Duncan, “Sleep no more! Macbeth hath murdered sleep”.

    Sadly, Shakespeare’s lament echoes four hundred and three years later as humanity has not only continued its murderous acts but we have perfected and are still perfecting ways and means to kill our fellows for reasons that even the beast of the wild will be ashamed to imagine. Daily, nations are building sophisticated war tools capable of wiping out an entire race thousands of miles away. Nations compete to outdo one another in the race to build technologies capable of reaching places far removed from them at the speed of light.

    These murderous and bestial acts are enabled by organisations that were established to prevent or stop man from sinking to the level of beasts. The failure of these organisations to keep man in check reveals the sad truth that man never learns from history. As we witness the horrible killings of children and other defenceless and vulnerable members of society in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, we call on world leaders to rethink and reflect on history. We call on them to humanize themselves with the profound thoughts of our playwrights across millennia.

    Since the dawn of civilisation, the theatre has warned us of the dire consequences of war and other forms of conflict for our humanity. From Greek and Roman playwrights to those of the Medieval period, from England to Ireland, from America to Africa, humanity has been called by the theatre to shun wars and embrace peace and dialogue. Humanity must retrace its steps and heed the warnings of past and contemporary dramatists who have shown, time and time again, that man must rein in his primordial instincts if the world is to be a peaceful and better place for us and generations yet unborn.

    Therefore, as we celebrate World Theatre Day 2026, the theme of this celebration, “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”, reminds us, most poignantly, that at the end of every war, at the end of every killing, humanity and not the vanquished, loses. The theme reminds us that wars never end on the battlefield but at discussion tables.

    The Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists calls on leaders all over the world, particularly African leaders to act in the best interests of their people and deliver on their promises to their people. This is a way to prevent conflicts. They are enjoined to understand that in any society where only a few feed fat on the resources of the land, war and discontent are inevitable. The wars, ethnic conflicts, religious extremism, and corruption on the continent can only end when leaders lead with justice and selflessness. This is the message that the theatre has preached for thousands of years. It is the same message that the theatre is preaching today.

  • INNOFEST 2026 MEA: LG Electronics accelerates Expansion with AI-enabled Innovations

    INNOFEST 2026 MEA: LG Electronics accelerates Expansion with AI-enabled Innovations

    …LG Reaffirms Commitment to AdvancingAI-DrivenLiving Through Local Market Insight

    LG Electronics (LG), a leader in AI-powered solutions for the home, outlined plans to accelerate growth in emerging markets at LG InnoFest 2026 MEA, with a primary focus on the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and additional attention to Latin America and Asia. The event, held in Abu Dhabi, provided a forum to share LG’s strategic direction and market outlook with regional partners.

    More than 250 B2C and B2B partners and media representatives from across the MEA attended the event. InnoFest 2026 MEA served as a platform for LG to share its strategic direction with industry leaders and innovators, and to reconfirm its commitment to leading the premium market through cutting-edge technology and product innovation.

    At the exhibition, LG presented a range of AI-enabled home products designed to enhance everyday living. The showcase included washing machines that optimize wash cycles based on load weight, fabric composition and soiling level, refrigerators that adjust temperature settings based on usage patterns, and air conditioners that automatically respond to real-time room conditions. LG also displayed its premium TV lineup, including the ultra-thin Wallpaper OLED TV with True Wireless technology. Equipped with AI, the company’s TVs deliver enhanced picture quality and sound while providing personalized content through the company’s always-evolving webOS platform.

    These AI-driven advancements reflect LG’s vision to create a seamless smart home ecosystem that adapts to user lifestyles. Ultimately, the company seeks to realize the “Zero Labor Home,” where customers are liberated from the burden of household chores to spend more time on what truly matters.

    LG also announced its intention to broaden its MEA product portfolio by introducing additional mid- and entry-level offerings to reach a wider range of consumers. Reinforcing its commitment to addressing the unique needs of consumers across the region, the company will be introducing new products that cater specifically to local preferences, such as top freezers, chest freezers, and twin-tube washing machines. LG is also expanding its lineup of built-in kitchen appliances to support diverse housing and lifestyle needs across the region.

    In response to increasing competition, LG emphasized its focus on strengthening both sales and service capabilities through market-specific insights. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to localized service enhancement through its “Our Promise” initiative, which includes service programs adapted to the needs and expectations of individual markets.

    “LG InnoFest 2026 MEA provided an opportunity to share how we are approaching innovation and growth in this region,” said Phil Jung, region representative of LG Electronics’ Middle East and Africa Region. “By combining AI-enabled technologies with a deeper understanding of local needs, we aim to deliver solutions that are practical, relevant, and valuable for consumers across the MEA region.”

    Through continued investment in product development, local partnerships, and service infrastructure, LG plans to further strengthen its presence in the MEA market while solidifying its position as a trusted premium brand.

  • Nigeria Sets the Stage for Global Regulatory Technology Leadership as 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Heads to Abuja

    Nigeria Sets the Stage for Global Regulatory Technology Leadership as 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Heads to Abuja

    Under the distinguished patronage of the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), with the collaboration of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo will convene global leaders in policy, finance, and technology from 20th to 22nd May 2026 at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Nigeria.


    Anchored on the theme, “BUILDING TRUST, INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLICY FOR A BORDERLESS ECONOMY,” the conference is positioned as a premier global platform for shaping the future of trusted digital financial systems, cross-border trade, and regulatory innovation.


    The event will bring together heads of government and regulatory agencies, central banks, financial intelligence units, multinational financial institutions, technology leaders, investors, and policy architects to align strategy around the infrastructure, governance, and digital trust frameworks required to unlock Africa’s full participation in the global digital economy.

    “Regulatory technology is no longer optional. It has become the backbone of secure, inclusive, and sustainable economic systems. The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo represents Nigeria’s commitment to leadership in shaping global standards for trust, transparency, and cross-border economic collaboration,” Cyril Okoroigwe, Chair Organizing Committee. 

    A central highlight of the event will be the hosting of the prestigious Global Startup World Cup Tournament – Regional Challenge, providing African startups with a world-class stage to pitch their solutions before an international panel of judges, venture capitalists, and industry experts. Winners of the regional challenge will proceed to compete at the grand finale in Silicon Valley, for a $1,000,000 investment prize, unlocking access to global investors, accelerators, and strategic partnerships.

    “By bringing the Startup World Cup Regional Challenge to Abuja, we are not only showcasing African innovation, but connecting it directly to global capital, mentorship, and markets,” Graham Olasukanmi Lawal, Director Partnerships, Regtech Africa.

    The three-day event, which provides strategic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration will feature strategic ministerial dialogues, closed-door executive roundtables, investment-focused breakout sessions, technology showcases, and curated networking platforms designed to foster impactful public–private partnerships.
    

    Sponsorship and Strategic Partnership Opportunities
    

    Public and private sector organizations, multinational corporations, development finance institutions, technology firms, and venture funds are invited to participate as strategic sponsors and partners. Curated partnership opportunities are available across policy leadership, infrastructure development, innovation acceleration, and market expansion pillars.

    
    “This is a rare opportunity for forward-looking institutions to align their brands with the future of regulation, trust infrastructure, and borderless digital commerce in Africa and beyond,” Mr. Lawal noted.

    The conference is expected to attract thousands of participants from across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

    

  • Nigeria is the gateway to Africa, make it your home. NACCIMA Boss, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, Assures Diaspora Returnees

    Nigeria is the gateway to Africa, make it your home. NACCIMA Boss, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, Assures Diaspora Returnees

    The National President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, has called on all African Returnees from the Diaspora, to embrace Nigeria and make the country, their home place.

    Speaking, while delivering his goodwill message at the grand opening of the IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS 2025 at La Campagne Tropicana Forest River And Beach Resort, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, who is the leader of the Organised Private Sector, started by commending Tourism Icon, Otunba Dr Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, the Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Brand and the Founder of IPADA INITIATIVES and IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS, for his doggedness over 40 years in putting together activations, to bring Africa together.

    “These wonderful visions and initiatives that he has put up are indeed worthy of commendation. I want you all to know that Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye is also the Chairperson of the NACCIMA Creative Economy. NACCIMA for the benefit of all of us who are here, is the National Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture. NACCIMA is at the forefront of pushing for the development of this great country, Nigeria.

    “We have taken a position to support Mr President Bola Tinubu in achieving a one trillion dollar economy by 2030. We are convinced and confident that one of the major contributors to the economy, is the creative sector. And that is why I am particularly supportive of all that the creative sector, can do because, it is the lowest hanging fruit for all of us. So I want to commend all Initiatives in the creative sector. Be it music, theatre, content, we need to get it going quickly, as this gets Nigeria on the International platform, on a good stage.

    “I recall in my travels around the world that it is Nigerian artistes that are always mentioned to me, either in football, music, in theatre and so on, it is the Nigerian artistes that gets mentioned first, even before people in government and other private sectors.

    “So I commend those of you who have come from far and near, and assure you that Nigeria is home. Make it your home because Nigeria is a gateway to Africa. I welcome you all on behalf of NACCIMA. Here we have over over 100 Chambers of Commerce, all over the country. I welcome all of you. I also use this opportunity to welcome Her Majesty, Queen Aruk II, Obongawan Barrister Marie Ikpeme Erete, as a Mother of culture, who has come all the way from Cross River State of Nigeria, to celebrate with us tonight, not forgetting the Kings and other traditional rulers and dignitaries from far and wide. I thank you, especially also, all of you that have travelled all the way from Brazil, Europe, Asia, America and every other places in Africa, to be part of this great celebration.

    Not done, the NACCIMA President also went on to thank the creatives present, including Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade’s son, who brought a live band, to entertain into the night, at the grand opening ceremony.

    “And because this is all about creativity, I want to commend Emperor Ade and his band for giving us an opportunity of a good dance time this evening. Indeed, he is a chip of the old block; he has really brought back good memories of our years gone by.

    “I thank you all for coming, God bless IPADA INITIATIVES, God bless La Campagne Tropicana, God bless NACCIMA and God continue to bless our great country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and continue to protect all our defence forces,” he added.

  • NLNG Pushes for Africans to Secure Energy Future

    NLNG Pushes for Africans to Secure Energy Future

    NLNG has urged Africans to move beyond the role of raw material suppliers and become key players in the global LNG market.

    Speaking during a keynote address titled “The Role of African LNG in a Dynamic Export Market” at the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in South Africa, the Company’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, stated that Africa was not a bystander in this conversation on energy security, affordability, and sustainability. He also said Africa was a rising pillar of global supply, and that Nigeria has a duty to lead.

    He stressed that with more than 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, about six percent of the total global reserves, Africa has the resources, the position and the ambition to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.

    Osobu highlighted Nigeria’s role as the continent’s LNG pioneer, pointing to the NLNG Train 7 expansion project, which will grow the company’s capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA, as a demonstration of sustained leadership.

    “Our  investment in expansion shows that Nigeria is driving LNG growth not only for exports but also for domestic industries and energy access. We must prove that Africa can deliver LNG that is secure, competitive, and sustainable,” he added.

    Osobu noted that emerging LNG frontiers across the continent collectively represent more than 45 MTPA of potential new supply. With these additions, Africa’s LNG output could rise from about 70 MTPA today to 120 MTPA by 2035, further consolidating the continent’s standing as a global LNG hub, he added.

    While noting Africa’s strategic advantage—shorter shipping routes to Europe and Asia—Osobu warned that competitiveness, financing, and domestic responsibility remain Africa’s biggest hurdles. He pointed out that the U.S. and Qatar rapidly expand LNG capacities, while financiers increasingly demand low-carbon and decarbonised LNG projects.

    He stressed that Africa’s LNG journey must strike a balance between reliably supplying the world, catalysing African industrialisation, and demonstrating sustainability in line with global decarbonisation goals.

    Organised by the African Energy Chamber, Africa Energy Week 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape Africa’s energy future.

  • Dangote Refinery Expands Global Reach with Asia Export as Nigeria’s Fuel Logistics Face Local Disruptions

    Dangote Refinery Expands Global Reach with Asia Export as Nigeria’s Fuel Logistics Face Local Disruptions

    Dangote Refinery is making significant strides both globally and locally. For the first time, a 90,000 metric ton cargo of gasoline from the refinery will be exported beyond West Africa, heading to Asia via Mercuria, reflecting the company’s growing international presence and production stability. Simultaneously, the refinery has announced plans to begin nationwide distribution of petrol and diesel starting August 15, leveraging 4,000 CNG-powered tankers and a wide-reaching logistics network to ease delivery and reduce costs. This move comes amid a fuel scarcity scare in Lagos caused by a standoff between tanker drivers and the Lagos State Government over a controversial N12,500 truck fee under the new E-Call Up system, designed to manage traffic and logistics in the Lekki-Epe corridor. Stakeholders like NARTO and IPMAN argue that the fee is too high and the policy rollout premature, warning of halted fuel loading unless a compromise is reached.



    Money Market 

    Market liquidity closed the week at a credit balance of ₦181 billion, marking a significant decline of ₦1.039 trillion from Thursday’s levels. The drop was largely driven by NTB auction settlements and the maturity of FX derivatives between the Apex bank and certain commercial banks. The Open Buy Back (OBB) rate and the Overnight (OVN) rate closed at 28.17% and 28.92%, respectively. 



    FGN Treasury Bills Market

    The FGN Treasury Bills Market witnessed a mildly active week, kicking off with an OMO auction notice announcement from the CBN, floating ₦600bn across the 155-day and 204-day bills. At the auction, a total of ₦1.07 trillion was allotted out of a ₦1.15 subscription. Stop rate remained unchanged at 24.20% on the 155-day while the 204-day bill declined by 5ps to 24.59%. Sequel to the auction, the 6 Jan OMO bill was seen quoted 23.65/23.56%. At the NTB auction this week, the DMO offered and sold N162.02bn out of a total subscription of N1.23trn. Stop rates on the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day bill declined by 18bps, 15bps and 51bps to close at 17.80%, 18.35% and 18.84%. Furthermore, we’ve seen the newly issued 364 day bill exchange hands at 18.10%. Week-on-week, the average benchmark yield declined by 22bps to 20.36%
     
    We expect a similar session.



    FGN Bond Market

    The FGN Bonds Market started off the week on a quiet note, albeit bullish with trades consummated on the 33s and 42s at 19.30% and 17.80%. Furthermore, the DMO released the bond offer circular featuring the reopening of the 29s and new 32s in contrast to new issuances of 30s and 32s previously. Market was characterized by a downward trend in yields across as trades were consummated as low as 18.85% on both 31s and 33s. Week-on-week, the average benchmark yield appreciated by 27bps to 18.23%

    We expect a calm session as focus shifts to the bond auction.



    FGN Eurobond Market

    The bulls dominated the FGN Eurobonds Market at the start of the week despite the raging Israel-Iran tensions. As optimism faded over the de-escalation of the Israel-Iran war and Fed comments regarding higher inflation and lower growth concerns, sentiments reversed. On the macro front, the U.S Retail Sales posted the biggest drop in four months, contracting by 0.9% vs a 0.7% contraction forecast. Week-on-week, the average benchmark yield declined by 36bps to 8.65%

    We expect the bears to dominate.



    Currency Market

    The value of the Naira to the dollar declined by 97bps to close at ₦1547.36/$ at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market Window (NFEM).



    Equities Market

    The local bourse ended the day with the benchmark NGX All-Share Index (ASI) appreciating by 24bps to close at 118,138.20. Market capitalization also increased, closing at ₦73.05 trillion. Market breadth was positive at 1.46x.  

    Meanwhile, trading activity was robust on the day, as the volume of shares traded decreased by 41.52% to 522.81 million units, while the total value of shares traded decreased by 10.65% to ₦19.68 billion. 

    Reflecting the week’s performance, the NGX All-Share Index recorded a 0.71% appreciation, as notable gains in ELLAHLAKES (+28.43%), GTCO (+19.65%) and BETAGLAS (+19.43%) were partially offset by declines in NNFM (-17.19%), SUNUASSUR (-12.81%), and VFDGROUP (-11.76%). Overall, the NGX has posted a year-to-date gain of 14.78%. Other notable indices are the NGX Top 30 Index (0.30%; 2.99% 1WK; 14.42% YTD), NGX Banking Index (1.65%; 3.79% 1WK; 16.34% YTD), NGX Oil & Gas Index (-0.16%; 6.25% 1WK; -7.80% YTD), and NGX Insurance Index (-1.07%; 3.57% 1WK; 0.54% YTD).

  • Samer Chedid succeeds Mauricio Alarcón as CEO of Nestlé Central And West Africa

    Samer Chedid succeeds Mauricio Alarcón as CEO of Nestlé Central And West Africa

    Samer Chedid, CEO of Nestlé Indonesia has been appointed CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa (CWAR) replacing Mauricio Alarcón who has taken on a new role within the Nestlé group.  

    A business leader with diverse experiences across Nestlé including Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Mr. Chedid is no stranger to CWAR as he previously served as Country Manager for Nestlé Ghana.

    In his new role, he will steer affairs of the business across 25 countries in CWAR.

    “I am delighted to return to a region that has been a part of my career within the Nestlé group. Together with our resilient team of over 5,000 employees, I will continue to advance our purpose through innovation, high-quality product offerings, and meaningful partnerships. Our goal is to enhance livelihoods, promote community development, and maintain our commitment to environmental stewardship”, Mr. Chedid commenting on his appointment said.

    Mr. Chedid joined Nestlé in 1998 as a Sales Development Manager. He was later appointed Head of Channel Category Sales Development for Nestlé Middle East Region before his assignment as General Business Manager in Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai. He then moved to CWAR as Country Manager, Ghana then returned to the Middle East as Nestlé Middle East Region Sales Director. He was later appointed Country Manager, Saudi Arabia and eventually promoted to become CEO, Nestlé Pakistan.

    Mr. Chedid is recognized for his strong leadership and strategic mindset, his passion for people and for building strong and effective teams.

  • Codix Pharma expands into high-impact diagnostics with new Codix Bio Facility in Sagamu

    Codix Pharma expands into high-impact diagnostics with new Codix Bio Facility in Sagamu

    In a groundbreaking development for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, Codix Pharma Ltd has announced the imminent commissioning of Codix Bio Ltd, a state-of-the-art in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State.

    This marks a major step toward reducing Africa’s reliance on imported rapid diagnostic test kits, over 90% of which are currently sourced from Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.

    The facility, which will be the first of its scale in Nigeria and the second of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, is expected to commence operations in May 2025. Codix Bio will manufacture critical diagnostic tools including malaria, HIV, and hepatitis B and C test kits, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in medical diagnostics manufacturing.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos Chief Operating Officer of Codix Pharma, Mary Ogangwu said: “This is bigger than us. It is about what is possible for Africa.

    “For over two decades, Nigeria has imported these kits. Codix Bio is our answer to that dependency, a local solution to a continental problem.”

    Codix Pharma, founded in 2008, initially focused on pharmaceuticals, particularly for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, recognizing a more urgent gap in timely and accurate diagnosis, the company pivoted toward medical diagnostics. Codix Bio represents a culmination of years of strategic backward integration aimed at localizing medical device production.

    The new facility follows the successful launch of Colexa Biosensor in December 2023, the first factory for manufacturing blood glucose meters and strips in sub-Saharan Africa. Together, the two plants form a major component of Codix Pharma’s vision to become a leading health tech company in Africa by 2030.

    According to Ogangwu, Codix Bio has been developed with global quality benchmarks in mind. “We are committed to meeting WHO prequalification standards and US FDA regulations. Our focus is on quality, safety, and efficacy,” she said.

    Olanrewaju Balaja, General Manager of Plant Operations at Codix Bio Ltd, emphasized the factory’s adherence to international standards such as ISO 13485 and the WHO’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). “We are creating diagnostic kits that meet the same standards as those approved by the world’s top health regulators. This will allow us not just to serve Nigeria but to export to West Africa and beyond.”

    The factory has completed its design, construction, and utility installation phases, including clean-room environments and air filtration systems. The company is now in the final qualification and validation stages ahead of commissioning.

    This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to boost local pharmaceutical and medical device production. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, recently unveiled a national plan to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported healthcare products. Under this policy, local manufacturers are now exempt from tariffs on pharmaceutical equipment and supplies.

    Nigeria aims to increase local production of pharmaceuticals to 70% and IVDs to 30% by 2030. Codix Bio is expected to play a pivotal role in this transition, offering a reliable domestic alternative to imported diagnostics and helping reduce stockouts, diagnostic delays, and treatment errors.

    The establishment of Codix Bio also reflects the World Health Organization’s call for increased local production of health technologies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO’s Local Production Forum advocates for regional self-reliance in manufacturing to improve access, affordability, and global health security.

    “This is not just a facility, it’s a symbol of what is achievable when innovation meets the right intention. African problems can indeed have African solutions, said Ogangwu.

    With the support of regulators such as NAFDAC and the federal government’s health industrialization agenda, Codix Bio is poised to reshape the continent’s medical diagnostics landscape, starting from Nigeria.

  • JTI celebrates International Women’s Day, reiterates commitment to Gender Equality.

    JTI celebrates International Women’s Day, reiterates commitment to Gender Equality.

    As part of the celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, the women of JTI Nigeria gathered for a business luncheon at Bon Appetite, Victoria Island, where they engaged in insightful conversations about challenges, opportunities, and strategies to enhance gender diversity across the organisation.

    More than just a celebration, the event served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions on breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and driving lasting change for women in the workplace and beyond.

    Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Yemisi Agweye, Legal Director, JTI Nigeria, highlighted remarkable progress women have made in the workplace, noting that this was indeed the time to #AcceleateEmpowerment, to ensure that women remain at the forefront across all functions. She encouraged women in JTI to continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of female leaders.

    Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Olatoun Oladele, P&C Business Support Manager, reinforced JTI Nigeria’s commitment to bridging gender gaps, particularly in male-dominated roles, “Women are stepping into roles previously dominated by men, and they are excelling. We are seeing great results from women who have taken on these challenges, proving that they are more than ready to lead and deliver”, she noted.

    Other participants at the event commended JTI Nigeria for its intentional approach to inclusivity and empowerment, which has ensured that gender equality is recognized as a strategic driver in the journey to achieving its global Vision#1.

    Japan Tobacco International, JTI, is a leading international tobacco, e-cigarette and nicotine pouch company with operations in over 130 countries, and about 46,000 employees globally. JTI has been recognized as a Top Global Employer for 10 consecutive years with regional certifications in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Middle East.

  • Tantalizers Plc embarks on Blue Economy Expansion, Acquires 10 Trawlers and Partners with US-Based Marine Group

    Tantalizers Plc embarks on Blue Economy Expansion, Acquires 10 Trawlers and Partners with US-Based Marine Group

    Tantalizers Plc, a household name in Nigeria’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, has officially announced its expansion into Nigeria’s blue economy sector with the acquisition of 10 fully equipped modern trawlers and the signing of a landmark
    partnership agreement with a renowned US-based marine Group and Consortium led by Mr. Charles Quinn, the Consortium Chairman.

    This strategic move is in line with Tantalizers Plc’s ongoing diversification strategy aimed at leveraging new growth opportunities across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy The acquisition of the 10 trawlers, fitted with modern technology to support deep-sea fishing operations, marks a significant milestone in the company’s entry into the Blue Economy Space — a sector increasingly recognized globally as a major driver of sustainable economic development. These vessels by the MOU executed between Tantalizers Plc and the Consortium is scheduled to be delivered to Nigeria from their current base in Honduras and New Bedford, USA by May 2025. The emerging Tantalizers’ subsidiary, Tantalizers Fisheries Limited will deploy the trawlers to
    boost commercial fishing operations and enhance Nigeria’s position in the global seafood value chain.

    In furtherance of this bold initiative, Tantalizers Plc has formalized the strategic MOU with the American fisheries consortium, with decades of experience in sustainable fishing, seafood processing, and global distribution of prawns, shrimps, scallops
    among others.

    The MOU establishes a framework for technical collaboration, operational capacity building, and export market access, all of which will strengthen Tantalizers’ position in the evolving Nigerian Blue Economy space. The partnership will also involve technology transfer, compliance with global best practices in sustainable fishing, and adherence to international seafood processing standards, ensuring Nigerian seafood products meet global export requirements.

    According to the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Tantalizers Plc, Mr. Rob Speijer, a Dutch national, who signed the MOU on behalf of the company at the signing ceremony in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA “this acquisition and partnership will transform Tantalizers Plc into a Nigerian multinational and deepen our in-road to a fully diversified “foodtainment conglomerate” with interests spanning entertainment, quick-service restaurant chain, fisheries, seafood processing and export”

    Also, Mr. Charlie Quinn, Chairman of Quinn Fisheries and Harvester Fishing based in New Bedford MA, also stated that “Nigeria has always been on our mind as a good source of protein for the American market, this partnership and delivery of initial 10 trawlers provides us with strong foothold into the rich aquatic resources in the West African Ocean. We are super excited seeing this dream come true at Tantalizers plc”

    Meanwhile, Tantalizers Plc has also commenced preparatory work to establish a world-class seafood processing and cold chain facility in Nigeria to support its deep-sea fishing operations. This facility will ensure value addition, quality control, and product traceability, all of which are critical for accessing premium export markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.

    The Board of Directors of Tantalizers Plc expresses its appreciation to all shareholders, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support as the company embarks on this exciting new chapter

  • ‘The Man Died’ nominated for the Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles, February 4-17

    ‘The Man Died’ nominated for the Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles, February 4-17

    … Wins awards at AFRIFF, ENIFF and LAFF

    The Man Died, the feature film inspired by Wole Soyinka’s prison notes of same title, has been nominated for the award of “Best Feature Narrative” at the 33rd Pan African Film and Arts Festival, which holds February 4-17 in Los Angeles, USA, on the theme, Dream Beyond.

    The good news was contained in a letter signed by Miki Goral, the festival’s Filmmaker Liaison & Research Director, on behalf of the PAFF directorate.  Dated January 28, 2025, the letter reads in part: “I am happy to inform you that The Man Died has been nominated for the “juried Best Feature Narrative at the Pan African Film Festival.”

    An earlier letter from the directorate had hinted that the 105 minutes feature will be screened on February 12 and 14 at the Culver Theatre, Culver city, California. It is the film’s first appearance in the United States, having done London, UK twice, and North Africa twice, among others.

    Established in 1992 by Hollywood veterans, Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja’Net DuBois (“Good Times”), and Ayuko Babu, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) has, according to its website, remained “dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. For over 30 years, PAFF has been the international beacon for the African diaspora film and arts communities. Every year, it showcases over 200 new high-quality Black films from the U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the South Pacific, Canada, and increasingly, Asia.

    The latest news is coming on the heels of recent accomplishments of the film, which has so far won three awards, including the latest at the 14th Luxor African Film Festival in Upper Egypt, earlier this month, where it won “Best African Film That Tackle An Important African Issue.” Thirty-five of the hundreds of entries from 150 countries, competed in various categories of the final stage of the festival founded in 2010.

    Before Luxor, the film had clinched Best Screenplay trophies at both the African International film Festival, AFRIFF, (November 3-9, Lagos), and at the 35th Carthage International Film Festival, held November 14-21 in Tunis. It had also won Best Audience Choice Award at the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, ENIFF, Enugu, November 27-30.

    The film stars a coterie of renowned names on the Nigerian screen, including Wale Ojo as Wole, Sam Dede as Yisa, Norbert Young (Prison Superintendent), Francis Onwochei (Prison Controller) and Edmund Enaibe as Commissioner; as well as international actors, London-UK-based Christiana Oshunniyi (Laide Soyinka), and Los Angeles, USA-based Abraham Awam-Amkpa (Johnson), among others.

    Meanwhile in continuation of its global tour, The Man Died, has also been selected for the Jo’Burg Film Festival, holding March 11-16. It is being considered for special screenings at educational institutions in Florence, Italy; Abu Dhabi in the UAE; Oxford University, UK, as well as at New York University, Harvard University, and at Ithaca College, all in the USA, among others. This is as it is also being reviewed by at least three major global streaming platforms, and international distribution channels.