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  • Former HFN President Backs Coordinated Health Reform

    Former HFN President Backs Coordinated Health Reform

    The former President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Dr Pamela Ajayi, has underscored the need for organised trust and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable health reform in Nigeria.

    Founder/Managing Director Synlab Nigeria, Ajayi, told the reporters on Monday in Abuja that meaningful reform in the health sector was rarely propelled by passion alone.

    She said, “It required deliberate coordination among private healthcare providers, government institutions, financiers, and development partners.

    Reflecting on her four-year tenure as HFN president, she noted that systemic progress in healthcare required structures strong enough to outlive individual leadership terms.

    According to her, health reform moves when trust is organised across providers, government, financiers, development partners, and the many voices within the private sector,” she said.

    ”Quiet but critical levers often shape the success or failure of reform efforts, including policy and process frameworks that ensure essential health inputs arrive on time.”

    Read Also: Medical Expert Praises President Tinubu’s Health Reforms

    She identified investment conditions, value-chain decisions, and quality systems as fundamental pillars in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.

    Ajayi explained that predictable policy environments and improved regulatory clarity were necessary to attract long-term private capital into healthcare.

    She added that strengthening local production capacity within the health value chain would reduce dependency on imports and improve system resilience.

    The former HFN president also emphasised the importance of robust quality assurance systems to protect patients as healthcare services expanded.

    ”As scale happens, quality systems must keep pace, safeguarding patients and maintaining confidence in the system,” she said.

    She expressed appreciation to the HFN Board of Trustees, executive members, and partners for supporting efforts to reposition the federation beyond advocacy into a platform focused on execution and measurable outcomes.

    She encouraged stakeholders operating within the healthcare ecosystem to participate in reform processes rather than remain observers.

     

    NAN

    Source: VON – https://von.gov.ng/former-hfn-president-backs-coordinated-health-reform/

  • Yohanna clinches LGAN President’s Inaugural kitty

    Yohanna clinches LGAN President’s Inaugural kitty

    By Victor Okoye

    Mercy Yohanna has emerged overall winner at the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President and 2025 -2027 Exco Inaugural Invitational Kitty in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, held at the Goodluck  Jonathan Golf Club, saw Yohanna, handicap 28, return 93 gross and 65 net to secure victory.

    Yohanna expressed gratitude to the organisers, describing her victory as encouraging and memorable.

    “I feel very excited winning this prestigious kitty. The competition was keen, and I had to stay focused throughout the round,” she said.

    She attributed her performance to discipline and consistency on the course.

    “I played to my handicap and remained patient. Every stroke counted, especially on the back nine,” Yohanna said.

    The winner commended the association’s leadership for organising a befitting tournament.

    “This event shows the commitment of the new executive to raising the standard of women’s golf in Nigeria,” she said.

    It was indeed a cagey affair in the Ladies Division One category as S.J. Marcus placed second on countback after carding 81 gross and 67 net.

    Justina Gideon won Best Gross with 73, while Pat Ozoemene claimed runner-up gross with 75.

    Lydia Anenga topped Division Two as Udoo Ugbor and Helen Mark won the Veteran Ladies and Veteran Women categories, respectively.

    In the  Men’s Division One category, A.O. Ayanbode returned 79 gross and 63 net to win, ahead of E.O. Alade.

    Chief Samuel Anyamele (Onwa) won the Super Veteran title and announced a N10 million donation to support Nigeria’s continental championship.

    The championship will hold from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7 at IBB International Golf and Country Club.

    Anyamele said hosting the All Africa Challenge Trophy offers Nigeria the opportunity to reshape its global image.

    “Hosting Africa is a big deal. It allows us to market Nigeria positively and correct negative perceptions,” he said.

    He described his donation as a patriotic contribution toward national development and collective responsibility.

    “Rome was not built in a day. We must support initiatives that will make Nigeria great. This is my widow’s mite for a noble cause,” Anyamele said.

    He urged government and private stakeholders to back the tournament, noting its scale is compared with the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

    “It is not easy to host over 20 countries. Government support is crucial to project Nigeria on the world stage,” he said.

    Anyamele highlighted golf tourism’s economic benefits, stressing that hotels, transporters, and small businesses would gain from the influx of visitors.

    “This is beyond sports. It is about economic growth, tourism, and national image. The benefits can not be overemphasised,” he said.

    LGAN President Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed expressed delight at the massive turnout of nearly 200 golfers at the 2025-2027 Inaugural Golf Kitty in Abuja.

    She described the Valentine’s Day-themed event as a celebration of love, unity, and sportsmanship.

    She applauded  dignitaries, sponsors and special guests of honour, including Engr. Andrew Yakubu, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Grace Ihonvbere, amongst several others for gracing the ceremonial tee-off.

    Ahmed reaffirmed her executive’s commitment to deepening growth, development and national participation in women’s golf across Nigeria.

    She highlighted Nigeria’s successful bid to host the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy, a biennial continental championship powered by R&A, scheduled for November 1–7.

    She said the tournament transcends LGAN, positioning Nigeria against the rest of Africa, while aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of unity through sports.

    Chairman of the event, Engr. Andrew Yakubu commended the executive for organisational excellence and pledged continued support.

    “This kitty reflects vision and capacity. I am confident LGAN will deliver a successful continental championship,” Yakubu said.

    AVM B.D. Solomon, Captain of Goodluck  Jonathan Golf Club and host of the event, expressed gratitude to LGAN for considering the club a worthy venue to host the kitty.

    “On behalf of the management and entire members of the Golf Club, we are honoured to host the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria President and 2025 -2027 Exco Inaugural Kitty.

    “It is always a privilege to provide a platform where excellence, unity, and sportsmanship thrive.

    “Today’s impressive turnout of nearly 200 golfers reflects the growing strength of women’s golf in Nigeria.

    “Our course was truly alive with talent, passion, and healthy competition.

    “We congratulate Mercy Yohanna and all category winners for their outstanding performances. Their achievements demonstrate the depth of talent within LGAN.

    “As a club, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote golf development, youth inclusion, and international competitiveness,” he said.

    LGAN Public Relations Officer Igbierebo Ogolo described the president’s leadership as unprecedented in the association’s history.

    “What our president has done is first of its kind. She has raised the bar very high for successive administrations,” Ogolo said.

    She noted that activities began with a world news conference and AACT logo unveiling at TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, followed by a retreat and the tournament proper.

    “With November approaching, we are fully prepared to host Africa and showcase Nigeria’s organisational strength and hospitality,” she said.

    Prince Vince Osawe was specially recognised and celebrated after he recorded a hole-in-one on Hole 13 and dedicated the feat to LGAN and his flight members.

    NAN reports that highlights included decoration of the new president and exco members and induction of AACT ambassadors.

    The members of the LGAN 2025 – 2027 Executive Committee include Lami Ahmed (President); Nkoyo Igunbor (1st Vice president, East); Ochuko Orogun (Zonal Vice president, South); and Melody Dzaan (Zonal Vice president, North).

    Others are Patience Ozoemene (Zonal Vice president, West); Rose Nyam (Honourable General Secretary); Wasilatu Abubakar (Treasurer); Igho Ugbegu (Financial/Subscription Secretary); Diana Osmond (Competition/Handicap Secretary); Ibierebo Ogolo (Public Relations Officer); and Evelyn Oyome (Ex-Officio).(NAN)

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

    Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/18/yohanna-clinches-lgan-presidents-inaugural-kitty/

  • Tinubu approves constitution of Anti-Doping Agency Board, backs Sports economy drive

    Tinubu approves constitution of Anti-Doping Agency Board, backs Sports economy drive

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Agency, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, said on Thursday.

    Dikko disclosed this to State House Correspondents after meeting the president at the State House, Abuja.

    He said Tinubu had earlier signed the Anti-Doping Bill into law after nearly 20 years of delay.

    “And now he has approved that the board of the Anti-Doping Agency of Nigeria should be constituted,” Dikko said.

    He said the move met a key requirement of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and strengthened Nigeria’s clean sport status.

    Dikko said the visit was to brief the president on the achievements recorded in 2025 and outline plans for 2026.

    “Mr President is very happy, he’s very excited with the progress,” he said.

    According to him, the commission won about 375 medals across sports in 2025.

    He said the sector contributed about 1.2 per cent to GDP in the third quarter of 2025 and attracted about N50 billion in private funding.

    “Last year, we induced almost about 140,000 jobs, both direct, indirect, and induced,” Dikko said.

    He said the NSC was implementing the Renewed Hope initiative to reposition sports as a driver of economic growth.

    Dikko said discussions with Tinubu also focused on fast-tracking sports infrastructure nationwide.

    On grassroots development, he said, the commission had introduced Invited Junior Athletes at the National Sports Festival.

    “We created what we call the Invited Junior Athletes as a 38th state,” he said.

    He added that Intermediate Games for under-18 and under-20 athletes had been introduced, alongside collaboration with the Ministry of Education to revive school sports.

    Dikko said the federations must demonstrate grassroots programmes before receiving support for international competitions.

    “If you are not showing us what you are doing on the grassroots and the domestic scene, we can’t support you,” he said.

    On Nigeria’s World Cup case, he said, the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation had submitted reported breaches to FIFA.

    “The relevant bodies of FIFA are dealing with it… we are confident we have a good case,” Dikko said.

    He, however, said the commission was more focused on future competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nation’s (AFCON) and the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) slated for March in Morocco.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highpoint of the event was the presentation of a customised Super Eagles jersey to Tinubu by Dikko, a gesture honouring his steadfast support for sports development in the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

    Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/20/tinubu-approves-constitution-of-anti-doping-agency-board-backs-sports-economy-drive/

  • Arsenal Thrashes Tottenham In Dominant North London Derby

    Arsenal Thrashes Tottenham In Dominant North London Derby

    Arsenal delivered a statement performance as they thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 4–1 in a thrilling North London derby on Sunday, easing concerns over their Premier League title charge.

    The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Eberechi Eze showed superb athleticism to volley home after a cross from Bukayo Saka bounced invitingly in the box.

    Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze (10) scores against Tottenham Hotspur.

    Spurs responded almost immediately as Randal Kolo Muani capitalised on a rare error by Declan Rice to fire past David Raya and level the contest.

    Arsenal quickly regained control early in the second half when Viktor Gyökeres restored the visitors’ lead with a sublime curling effort from Jurrien Timber’s pass.

    Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres celebrates goal.

    Eze then punished slack defending to tap in his second of the afternoon, his fifth goal in two games against Spurs, silencing the home crowd. 3-1!!

    Gyökeres sealed the emphatic victory in stoppage time, completing his brace and sparking jubilant scenes among the travelling supporters.

    Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres scores goal.

    Eze, who had not scored since his hat-trick in the reverse fixture in November, struck in each half, while Viktor Gyökeres also bagged a brace to move Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

    City, however, have a game in hand.

    The win lifts Arsenal to 61 points from 28 matches, strengthening their pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004.

    Tottenham, meanwhile, remain 16th, just four points above the relegation zone, in a difficult start for new manager Igor Tudor, who took charge for the first time.

    Sundays’s Premier League results

    Crystal Palace 1-0 Wolves

    Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool

    Sunderland 1-3 Fulham

    Tottenham Hotspur 1-4 Arsenal.

    Source: VON – https://von.gov.ng/arsenal-thrashes-tottenham-in-dominant-north-london-derby/

  • Enyimba Holds Rivers United In NPFL Encounter

    The highly anticipated clash between two of the Nigeria Premier Football League’s (NPFL) heavyweights ended in a stalemate, as Rivers United and Enyimba FC played out a 1-1 draw, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The game began with high intensity, as both teams looked to establish dominance in the midfield. However, Enyimba opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Abiodun Joseph.

    Rivers United, playing in front of their home fans, restored parity two minutes before halftime courtesy of a strike by Aniekeme Okon.

    Neither side could find the decisive blow to secure all three points, ultimately settling for a point apiece.

    The result leaves both sides reflecting on missed opportunities in what was a high-octane encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

    Sunday’s NPFL results

    Katsina United 0-0 Rangers
    Abia Warriors 1-0 Kwara United
    Kano Pillars 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
    Plateau United 4-1 Shooting Stars
    Kun Khalifat FC 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
    Rivers United 1-1 Enyimba
    Ikorodu City 1-1 Bayelsa United
    Nasarawa United 1-0 Bendel Insurance.

    Source: VON – https://von.gov.ng/enyimba-holds-rivers-united-in-npfl-encounter/

  • Students express confidence in GMO, want more enlightenment campaign

    Students express confidence in GMO, want more enlightenment campaign

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Students of the University of Abuja have expressed confidence in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) following an intensive interactive session held at Abuja campus on Friday.

    The forum, designed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and public perception, provided a platform for students to engage directly with experts on the safety and benefits of biotechnology.

    Two students, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed satisfaction with the transformative power of education and the shift from skepticism to advocacy among the scientific student community.

    Afuye Nathaniel, a Master of Science (Msc.) student of botany, said the workshop served as a turning point, moving him from limited knowledge to enlightenment and a readiness to support the technology.

    “A technical takeaway was the realisation that GMO crops have the same shelf life as conventional seeds, debunking a common myth that they spoil differently or behave unnaturally,” he said.

    Nathaniel highlighted a disconnect between scientific reality and public perception.

    He said the general public held a different, often incorrect, mindset compared to the facts presented in the workshop.

    Duru Loveth, another MSc. student of Environmental Biology, expressed delight about being converted from a skeptic into an advocate through evidence-based learning.

    She said the workshop shifted her stance from a passive observer to a potential active partner, expressing a direct interest in professional collaboration with GMO proponents.

    According to her, she became enlightened because specific, critical questions were answered, proving that transparent dialogue is the most effective tool for changing mindsets.

    Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, Vice- Chancellor of UniAbuja, remarked that educational institutions and students were critical messengers of a technology-driven agricultural revolution in Nigeria.

    He described students as the primary ambassadors who must carry the message of GMO benefits back to their local communities.

    Represented by Prof. Dankishiya Salihu, Dean, Faculty of Science, the V-C said achieving food security in Nigeria is impossible through traditional methods.

    According to him, modern agricultural technology is the only viable solution.

    He said that a key justification for GMOs is that environmental degradation caused by human activities had depleted the soil and climate to the point where traditional seeds could no longer produce sufficient yields.

    Fawehinmi said that agricultural technology was framed not just as a temporary fix but as a permanent system required to sustain the nation’s food needs into the future.

    Earlier, Dr Jean-Baptiste Tignegre, Regional Representative of  African Agricultural Technology Foundation, (AATF), said in spite of the successful release and commercialisation of GM crops misinformation and disinformation surrounding biotechnology –related crops exists.

    “Inaccurate narratives, fear-based messaging, and misleading information risk undermining public confidence, scientific progress, and farmer access to beneficial technologies,’’ he said.

    Tignegre outlined a strategic commitment to transparency and scientific literacy within the Nigerian academic sector.

    He said the session would provide accurate, evidence-based information on the life cycle of GMOs, specifically focusing on how they are regulated, tested for safety, and officially approved within the Nigerian legal framework.

    He added that the session was a mission to replace fear and misinformation with a rigorous, science-first approach to agricultural biotechnology.

    Dr Liadi Tella, of the Faculty of Agriculture, presented a paper on Myth of Accepting GMOs.

    He said that GMOs were the essential solution to Nigeria’s dual crisis of food scarcity and chemical contamination.(NAN)

    Edited by Uche Anunne

    Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/21/students-express-confidence-in-gmo-want-more-enlightenment-campaign/

  • Indigenous supermarkets key to Nigeria’s economic growth- Kupoluyi

    Indigenous supermarkets key to Nigeria’s economic growth- Kupoluyi

     

     

    By Rukayat Moisemhe

     

    President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Leye Kupoluyi, says the rise of indigenous supermarkets is a vital driver for Nigeria’s economic independence and inclusive growth.

     

     

     

    Kupoluyi made the assertion at the opening of The Mart Supermarket, Isheri Branch on Sunday in Lagos.

     

     

     

    According to him, Nigerian-owned retail chains are successfully reclaiming a sector once dominated by foreign brands.

     

     

     

    He described the expansion as a strategic move to fill the gap left by disappearing neighbuorhood shops while providing better access to essential goods.

     

     

     

    “This is not a corner shop. It is a full supermarket owned by Nigerians, providing everything from groceries and meat to electronics, all in one place,” he said.

     

     

     

    According to him, such investments promote domestic economic participation by Nigerians and reduce the need for long-distance travel to access basic household needs.

     

     

     

    Kupoluyi also noted that the supermarket would generate employment opportunities, including cashiers, accountants and other support staff, thereby contributing to job creation.

     

     

     

    “This is how we grow the economy; by Nigerians investing for the benefit of Nigerians,” he said.

     

     

     

    Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun State, Mr Adebola Sofela said the strategic opening of The Mart regional outlets was a clear demonstration of vision, resilience and what private-sector-led investment could achieve.

     

     

     

    Represented by a Commercial Officer, Ogun State Government, Mr Kehinde Omitogun, the commissioner said the establishment of the flagship store in OPIC was aimed at strengthening the commercial services of the rapidly growing corridors.

     

     

     

    He said beyond providing modern retail services, the outlet would generate meaningful employment opportunities particularly for the youth, in alignment with the vision of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

     

     

     

    “The governor’s vision place strong emphasis on job creation, youth empowerment and private sector led economic growth.

     

     

     

    “As a ministry, we remain committed to creating enabling environment, where businesses can thrive through investor friendly policies, infrastructure development and continuous engagement with stakeholders,” he said.

     

     

     

    Sofela commended the management of The Mart Supermarket for creating value for the host community and empowering the youths and locals with jobs and employment opportunities.

     

     

     

    In her remarks, Mrs ‘Layo Bakare-Okeowo, Founder, The Mart Supermarket, urged commercial banks and the Federal Government to provide genuine single-digit interest rate financing to support local manufacturers and boost Made-in-Nigeria products.

     

     

     

    Bakare-Okeowo, also Chief Executive Officer, FAE Envelopes, expressing her passion for manufacturing, emphasised the need for sustained encouragement and patronage to improve production quality and scale operations.

     

     

     

    She expressed concern over claims by some banks over the single-digit interest rate loan offer to manufacturers, stating that such facilities were largely inaccessible in practice.

     

     

     

    She added that in some cases, loan approvals were communicated verbally without formal offer letters.

     

     

     

    Bakare-Okeowo urged banks to be transparent about challenges affecting lending to manufacturers and to address them internally.

     

     

     

    “We are not asking them to finance supermarkets. What we are saying is: finance manufacturers at single-digit interest rates,” she said.

     

     

     

    She also called on the government to demonstrate stronger political will in supporting the manufacturing sector, particularly when businesses face operational difficulties.

     

     

     

    While acknowledging recent exchange rate stability, Bakare-Okeowo stressed that high interest rates remained a major constraint to industrial growth.

     

     

     

    She appealed to banks and policymakers to encourage local production, noting that manufacturing in Nigeria required resilience and strong institutional support.

     

     

     

    “It takes the grace of God to be a manufacturer in this country. The banks should please encourage us and support Made-in-Nigeria products,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

    Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/09/indigenous-supermarkets-key-to-nigerias-economic-growth-kupoluyi/

  • Universal Insurance shareholders approve N15bn capital raise

    Universal Insurance shareholders approve N15bn capital raise

     

    By Taiye Olayemi

     

    Shareholders of Universal Insurance Plc have approved resolutions authorising the company to raise up to N15 billion in fresh capital to meet the minimum capital requirement set by regulators.

    The approvals were given at the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), according to a statement signed on Monday by the Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, Chinedu Onyilimba.

     

    Under the resolutions, shareholders empowered the Board of Directors to raise the funds through public offers, private placements, rights issues or other approved methods in the Nigerian or international capital markets, subject to regulatory approvals.

     

    The board was also authorised to revalidate and issue the company’s authorised but unissued 14 billion ordinary shares for the exercise and, where necessary, increase the share capital to accommodate the fund-raising.

     

    In addition, shareholders approved the listing of any securities issued on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. or other approved markets and empowered the board to appoint advisers, engage regulators, execute relevant documents and complete all statutory filings.

     

    Amendments to the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association required to reflect the new share capital structure were also approved, while all prior actions taken in connection with the capital-raising process were ratified.

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Olawunmi Ashafa

    Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/10/universal-insurance-shareholders-approve-n15bn-capital-raise/

  • ECN, APC back NIEEE as Adegboye assumes office

    ECN, APC back NIEEE as Adegboye assumes office

     

    By Taiye Olayemi

     

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has pledged support to the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) following the inauguration of its 22nd President, Dr Felix Adegboye, in Lagos.

    Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the commission, described the investiture as a landmark and praised the outgoing leadership for its contributions to the institute.

    He stressed engineers’ strategic role in national development, particularly within the power sector, and assured the institute of sustained collaboration with the commission.

    “We are very proud of the outgoing leadership and we believe in the initiatives of the new president.

    “You can count on the Energy Commission of Nigeria. We will support the institute in addressing challenges and achieving its objectives,” he said.

    Abdullahi also congratulated award recipients, noting that their efforts had advanced engineering practice and strengthened national development.

    Also speaking, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting the institute.

    Represented by Mr Vonkur Nankpak, a member of NIEEE, said engineers remained central to technological innovation and infrastructure growth across the country.

    He assured the institute of continued partnership between the party and the engineering community to promote education, research and sustainable national progress.

    Chairman of the occasion, Mr Tomi Araromi, said Nigeria’s ambition to lead in the digital economy was constrained by persistent energy and infrastructure challenges.

    Araromi, founder of iRecharge Tech Innovations, said a thriving digital economy depended on reliable electricity and resilient infrastructure.

    “The digital economy cannot thrive on blackouts. Data centres cannot function without stable and renewable power, while emerging technologies depend on reliable systems.

    “As engineers, you are not just problem-solvers but foundational architects of the digital economy.

    “Your work in ensuring stable power, robust telecommunications and innovative solutions will drive future tech start-ups and innovations across sectors,” he said.

    He urged closer collaboration among engineers, scientists, regulators and innovators to deliver sustainable, technology-driven solutions.

    Delivering the lecture, Dr Oluremi Okunade, Managing Director of Xerox Nigeria Ltd., highlighted urgent gaps in skills, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure across West Africa.

    He stressed the need for home-grown solutions, noting shortages of network engineers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists and embedded systems engineers.

    Okunade warned that many talented professionals were migrating abroad for better opportunities, weakening the region’s capacity.

    He also raised concerns over rising cybercrime, scams and data breaches, which he said continued to erode trust in digital services.

    “Building a resilient digital economy requires secure systems and strong institutions,” he said.

    Okunade further cited fragmentation and weak connectivity among government platforms and organisations as barriers to productivity.

    “These are not reasons to be discouraged. They are precisely the engineering challenges that this institute is uniquely positioned to help solve,” he said.

     

    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

    Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/23/ecn-apc-back-nieee-as-adegboye-assumes-office/

  • Strengthen intra-continental trade, democratic resilience, stakeholders urge African countries

    Strengthen intra-continental trade, democratic resilience, stakeholders urge African countries

    Some stakeholders have urged African countries to strengthen intra-continental trade and democratic resilience as the era of traditional development assistance gradually declines.

    They gave the advice on Monday in Abuja at the public presentation of a policy publication titled Beyond Aid and Fear, organised by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Nigeria.

    The Resident Representative of FES Nigeria, Mr Lennart Oestergaard, said that the publication marked the organisation’s first activity for the year and underscored the urgency of rethinking Africa’s development trajectory amid shifting global dynamics.

    Oestergaard said that FES, founded in 1925 in Germany and operating in Nigeria for 50 years, was celebrating its 100th anniversary.

    According to him, global consensus around development cooperation is weakening, especially in Europe and the United States, where domestic political pressures and right-wing populism are reshaping foreign aid policies.

    He said that debates in Germany, including positions canvassed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), mirror trends in other Western countries where development budgets are being reduced or restructured to align with domestic priorities.

    Oestergaard expressed hope that future cooperation would be anchored on mutual benefit and equitable partnerships rather than unilateral aid flows.

    He also emphasised the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing intra-African trade as critical to the continent’s long-term development.

    Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, the Director of Research and Statistics, Mr Oluremi Oniyide, described the publication as timely.

    Ahmed said that Africa was already operating in a “post-Official Development Assistance (ODA) epoch.

    He said that aid flow to developing countries had continued to decline below the UN’s 0.7 per cent benchmark of donor countries’ Gross National Income.

    According to him, development assistance has increasingly become transactional and tied to conditions that may undermine Africa’s aspirations and competitiveness.

    “In this epoch of post-ODA, Africa must recalibrate its approach to funding the aspirations and flagship programmes of the African Union Agenda 2063.

    “We must review and reconsider approaches to safely navigate this period and turn this challenge into opportunity,” he said.

    He emphasised the need for homegrown solutions, domestic resource mobilisation and stronger continental coordination to actualise Agenda 2063.

    The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said that Africa’s share of global exports stood at about 2.2 per cent in 2023, while intra-African trade remained approximately 14.8 per cent.

    Kalu, represented by his Special Adviser on International Relations, Dr Mabel Aderonke, described the figures as indicators of structural vulnerabilities requiring deliberate fiscal and legislative reforms.

    “The first response must be fiscal sovereignty. No nation can sustainably build its future on external financing subject to shifting political currents.

    “Aid can complement development; it can not anchor it,” he said.

    Kalu said that the 10th House of Representatives was advancing fiscal reforms, public finance accountability measures and business environment legislation to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness.

    He said that trade integration under the AfCFTA must be equitable and supported by infrastructure, removal of non-tariff barriers and protection for smaller economies.

    She also stressed the importance of governance reforms, institutional accountability and youth-focused initiatives such as apprenticeship schemes to enhance productivity.

    Presenting the publication, its co-authore, Mrs Aderonke Ige, said that the book examined how rising right-wing populism in the Global North had reconfigured the political economy of development.

    Ige, who co-authored the work with a Kenyan scholar, Churchill Othieno, said that the publication was not an anti-Western critique but a structural analysis of shifting global power dynamics.

    “At the centre of this conversation is “power and agency”. Africa must transition from external dependency to fiscal sovereignty and regional resilience.

    “We are not positioning Africa as a victim. Africa has agency and must strategically reposition itself,” she said.

    According to her, development cooperation and trade have increasingly become instruments of domestic political agenda in donor countries, often linked to migration control and electoral cycles.

    She cautioned against authoritarian emulation on the continent, noting that democratic resilience was a strategic asset rather than a Western export.

    Ige outlined key recommendations in the publication, including strengthening peer review mechanisms under the African Union, expanding domestic resource mobilisation, deepening regional integration and promoting innovation-led growth.

    She said that the work also proposed a “progressive playbook” for African governments, non-state actors and external partners to foster equitable and sustainable cooperation.

    The event featured robust discussions among policymakers, diplomats and development experts on Africa’s preparedness to navigate the evolving global order.

    Stakeholders agreed that while the decline in traditional aid posed challenges, it also presented an opportunity for Africa to pursue fiscal independence, strengthen intra-African trade and reinforce democratic governance as foundations for sustainable development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/KAE
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    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

    Source: NAN – https://nannews.ng/2026/02/23/strengthen-intra-continental-trade-democratic-resilience-stakeholders-urge-african-countries/