News Agency of Nigeria
Tinubu’s aide inaugurates remodelled Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA secretariat
Community

Tinubu’s aide inaugurates remodelled Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA secretariat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Friday unveiled a remodelled council secretariat and network of roads.

 

Inaugurating the edifice, the Principal Secretary to President Bola Tinubu, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, emphasised the need for purposeful grassroots governance that lifts the downtrodden.

 

Muri-Okunola, who was represented by Dr Kolawole Peregrino, the General Manager, Lagos State Printing Corporation (LSPC), praised the LCDA Chairman, Mr Fuad Atanda-Lawal, for his impactful leadership,saying he was a blessing to the people of the area.

 

“It is an honour for me to return to Ikoyi-Obalende, a place that shaped so much of where I am here today.

 

“This is not just inauguration of a building, we are witnessing the ultimate manifestation of what is possible when leadership is grounded in purpose, people and progress.

 

“But that is not all we celebrate today, we are also inaugurating a network of vital roads all in Ikoyi that connect communities and businesses,” Muri-Okunola said.

 

He added that the roads were not just physical assets, but economic, social, and civil assets that would serve as catalysts for the transformation of the area.

 

“These are not just infrastructure projects ,but the instruments of transformation,” he added.

 

According to him, Fuad has, in the past eight years, demonstrated courage, consistency, and a commitment to excellence.

 

“You are redefining the boundaries of local governance.

 

“This single transformation, this newly transformed secretariat, has proven to be not just modern structure, it is a symbol of a new social contract between the government and its people.

 

“A space built for performance and efficiency. Let it be known to all, this is what legacy looks like.

 

“Today we celebrate an administration that has left its mark. One that has not only kept its promises, but has pulled away for even greater achievements,” he said.

 

 

 

Advising the Chairman-elect, Mr Bola Oladunjoye, Muri-Okunola said, “the work ahead is clear.

 

“You are standing on strong shoulders, and with that comes the responsibility to sustain, to deepen, and to innovate even further.

 

“Let it be a new standard for what is possible when vision meets execution.”

 

Nothing that the outgoing chairman had done his best, Muri-Okunola urged the incoming chairman not to disappoint the party and the people.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, Atanda-Lawal, appreciated those who made governance and execution of various initiatives easy for his administration.

 

He said his team had to inconvenience themselves to please the people of the council and in order to deliver transformative governance in the area.

 

“We knew how this place was before. It was built as an area office and was abandoned for a very long time, up until when the council was relocated from Glover down to this place.

 

“This is not something that we are doing for ourselves, it is something that we are doing for the incoming administration, because we understand what it is to serve the people.

 

“So, today is a deeply personal one for me, not just because we are unveiling the modern secretariat, but because this moment marks the final chapter of our eight-year journey that we are privileged to lead.

 

“Eight years ago, I walked into this building as chairman for the very first time with a clarity of mind and a sense of purpose.

 

“Purpose rooted in service, in sacrifice, and in a deep belief that local government can and should work for the benefit of the people,” Atanda-Lawal said.

 

According to him, the building is his final message to the people of the Ikoyi-Obalende that he came, saw, served, and built.

 

“”So today, as I stand here for the last time in this capacity as the chairman, I don’t just leave behind a remodeled building, I leave behind a structure that speaks;a functional edifice that represents progress,

 

“This project is one with new facilities, a proper elevator, and a work environment that matches the quality of service our people deserve,” he added.

 

He said that the inauguration of reconstructed Oluwa Road, Maitama Sule Road and other roads in Ikoyi remained a testament of his resolve to leave behind a better Ikoyi-Obalende.

 

Speaking, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu, member representing Eti-Osa 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, who applauded Atanda-Lawal for making everyone proud, said the outgoing chairman had made Eti-Osa constituency a reference point in impactful grassroots governance.

 

Also, the Chairman of LASACO Assurance Plc, Mrs Olateju Philips, said that the outgoing chairman’s experience in the corporate world prepared him for impact at the council. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bolaji Buhari

 

 

 

 

Financial markets key to Nigeria’s economic transformation, says Expert
Economy/Business

Financial markets key to Nigeria’s economic transformation, says Expert

 

 

 

By Sandra Umeh/Adepote Arowojobe

 

Ms Olawunmi Ashafa, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), says Nigeria’s journey toward economic transformation demands more than ambition and requires strategic execution and the efficient mobilisation of capital.

 

Ashafa made this known at a one-day training for journalists, held on Monday in Lagos.

 

NAN reports that the training was organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter, in collaboration with Chevron and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

 

She noted that the money market and capital markets are critical enablers for long-term development, offering concrete solutions to prevalent challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure deficits.

 

“These twin pillars of Nigeria’s financial system are not ‘silver bullets’, but they hold immense potential.

 

“By strategically harnessing their power, Nigeria can unlock capital, deepen financial inclusion, and foster sustainable growth,” Ashafa added.

 

She underscored that as Africa’s largest economy strives to diversify beyond oil and attract long-term investments, these markets are central to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and enduring economic future.

 

Ashafa highlighted key areas where money and capital markets could provide solution to include bridging the infrastructure gap, projected to cost three trillion dollars over the next three decades and can be significantly addressed through the capital market.

 

She pointed to the success of Sukuk bonds in funding road construction with transparent use of proceeds, and the potential of infrastructure bonds from the Debt Management Office (DMO) and private entities to attract long-term funding.

 

Others, she added, are financing the Private Sector, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which account for over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s employment, face chronic financing challenges.

 

Ashafa explained that the capital market offers vital alternatives through venture capital, private equity, and crowdfunding platforms.

 

She also highlighted the NGX’s Growth Board as crucial for fast-growing SMEs to access long-term capital, and noted the money market’s role in providing working capital to larger corporations via commercial papers.

 

She advocated for a more balanced market, with increased corporate debt issuance and reduced government borrowing, to improve monetary policy transmission and stimulate private sector growth.

 

On attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Ashafa stressed that a vibrant and transparent capital market is fundamental for building investor confidence and attracting the FDI needed for technology transfer, infrastructure, and job creation.

 

She called for improved FX management, clear monetary policy direction, and reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks to enhance the investment climate for both Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and direct investors.

 

According to her, fintechs are driving inclusion through technology and innovations that allow acccess to digital investment platforms.

 

Ashafa highlighted green finance as a powerful tool for transformation, especially as Nigeria is vulnerable to climate shocks.

 

She lauded the Federal Government’s issuance of green bonds for renewable energy and afforestation projects as a pioneering step and emphasised the importance of integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics into investment strategies.

 

To fully unlock this potential, Ashafa stressed that Nigeria must address regulatory bottlenecks and enhance market governance.

 

She urged institutions like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), CBN, PenCom, and NAICOM to work in synergy to ensure policy coherence and robust investor protection.

 

While acknowledging positive steps like the Finance Act and improvements in the Pension Fund Regulatory Framework, Ashafa explained that consistent implementation remains a key challenge.

 

She advocated simple listing requirements to reduce transaction costs, promote financial literacy, and incentivise innovation to accelerate growth.

 

“In a country battling high youth unemployment and inflation that erodes purchasing power, the opportunity cost of inaction is simply too great.

 

“It is time for Nigeria to decisively deepen its financial markets, embrace innovation, and create pathways for wealth creation beyond its traditional reliance on oil.

 

“If used effectively, the money market and capital market will not just support economic growth, they will drive a transformation that is truly inclusive, sustainable, and enduring for generations to come.”

 

Ealier in his welcome address, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, NUJ, Lagos chapter, said the training was coming at a time when the economy of the nation and business climate were undergoing surgery and rejuvenation by the Federal Government.

 

According to him, it is, therefore, imperative to collate all shades of opinions and views on how to bring the Nigeria economy back on track.

 

He emphasised the need for a realistic budget system.

 

He also commended the sponsors of the training, saying they had been consistent in supporting the union. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Folasade Adeniran

Empowerment roadmap ‘ll elevate Lagos women’s economic power – Commissioner 
General News

Empowerment roadmap ‘ll elevate Lagos women’s economic power – Commissioner 

 

By Kemi Akintokun and Ronke Ojediran

 

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has expressed optimism that the state’s newly-unveiled Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) roadmap will address systemic challenges limiting women participation in the economy.

 

 

 

The state’s  Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs Bola Dada, gave the assurance at the unveiling of the roadmap on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WEE roadmap was unveiled by Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in domestication of the National WEE Policy and Action Plan.

 

The National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy and Action Plan is a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing gender inequality and promoting women participation in the economy.

 

Launched in May 2023, the policy focuses on key areas such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, traditional labour markets, emerging industries, and education/skills development, with the goal of boosting women’s economic advancement.

 

Dada described the roadmap as a significant step in ensuring inclusive growth, gender equity, and sustainable economic development.

 

“Today is not just the unveiling of a policy; it is the affirmation of a collective resolve to break barriers, expand opportunities and elevate the economic power of women across Lagos State.

 

 

 

“This roadmap offers a well-defined strategy to address the systemic challenges limiting women’s participation in the economy, from limited access to finance and skills, to gender-based constraints in both traditional and emerging sectors.

 

 

 

“These are not just lofty aspirations, they reflect a concrete agenda designed to uplift the economic standing of women and drive inclusive growth in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said

 

 

 

She said that the policy was anchored on five strategic pillars to address challenges limiting women in the society.

 

She identified the goals to include enhancing access to finance and tools for women in agriculture, addressing cultural and economic barries, and breaking gender stereotypes.

 

 

 

The others, according to Dada, are helping women in education and skills aquisition to overcome socio-economic challenges, and promoting access to credit, technology and business development services for women in entrepreneurship.

 

 

 

The commissioner said that WAPA would continue to collaborate with the Office of the SDGs, technical and development partners to translate the WEE roadmap into real programmes, measurable outcomes and a lasting change.

 

 

 

“At WAPA, we see this roadmap as a launchpad to expand our vocational training programmes, strengthen micro-enterprise support, foster public-private partnerships, and drive policy advocacy for women in the informal sector.

 

 

 

“When we empower a woman, we uplift a household, strengthen the economy, and build a more prosperous Lagos,” she said.

 

 

 

She commended Sanwo-Olu for promoting gender-inclusive policies.

 

 

 

Dada also thanked the Minister of Women Affairs for championing the National WEE Policy and creating a solid foundation for its domestication by states.

 

 

 

She urged Nigerians to embrace the policy for a desired change. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Daleko traders resist FCCPC illegal rebranded rice enforcement
Economy/Business

Daleko traders resist FCCPC illegal rebranded rice enforcement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kazeem Akande

 

Traders in Daleko Market, Mushin, Lagos State, on Wednesday prevented officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from carrying out an enforcement exercise regarding the illegal sale of rebranded rice.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of traders at Daleko Market came out of their shops, obstructing FCCPC officials from performing their duty.

 

Mrs Margaret Aboluwade, the FCCPC Southwest Zonal Coordinator, during the enforcement exercise, told newsmen that the market leadership and the traders would face the wrath of the law.

 

“The traders resisted us from carrying out our constitutional responsibility. We’ll get to our headquarters, and the needful will be done.

 

“We will not say what will happen now, but I know that the needful will be done. Also, some of them alleged that they’re not the only ones selling rebranded Stallion and Cap rice products.

 

“As we all know, these companies have folded up or left the country since 2015, and we still see their rice products in the market to date.

 

NAN also report that traders also restricted the FCCPC officials from sealing shops displaying these illegal products.

 

“They obstructed the officials from carrying out the exercise due to their population in the market, but we don’t want it to result in violence or market violence.

 

“Both Stallion and Cap rice are no longer in the market; they are not functioning any longer. What they do is get local rice and rebrand it as Stallion or Cap rice,” Aboluwade noted.

 

According to her, they rebrand Nigerian rice and expired imported products by packaging them and selling them to innocent consumers.

 

The zonal coordinator further explained that the FCCPC would not relent in it mandate to protect the interest of consumers.

 

“We are here to protect the rights of consumers, the reason why we are here is to seal up shops,to seal up selling Cap rice, because we know they are not authentic rice,” she emphasised.

 

One of the market leaders, who chose not to be named, said that the matter would be resolved by both the government and the market stakeholders.

 

She added that efforts would be made to curtail the illegal activities in the market, as the leadership would ensure the market is free from the alleged rebranding.

 

“We are widows and single mothers; this is the business we do to cater for our family, and we will put more effort into sanitising the rice business in the market,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

CSCS inaugurates custodian portal to enhance digital access, operational efficiency
Economy/Business

CSCS inaugurates custodian portal to enhance digital access, operational efficiency

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, has launched its Custodian Portal, a user-centric digital solution designed to optimise custodian operations through intuitive, secure, and efficient features.

 

Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CSCS, made this known in a statement on Monday.

 

The CSCS is a Public Limited Company with a diversified shareholder base, which serve as the Central Securities Depository for the Nigerian Capital Market.

 

It serves as the Central Depository for Equities, Commercial Papers, Corporate Bonds, Sub-National Bonds, certain Sovereign Bonds like the FGN Sukuk and the FGN Savings Bond, Equity-traded Funds, Real Estate Investment Trusts, Mutual funds and Commodities.

 

Jalo-Waziri said that the custodian portal offered a streamlined experience for market participants with powerful tools that facilitate comprehensive portfolio and trade management, document tracking, share transfer operations, client symbol search, and real-time access to vital data.

 

He explained that the portal designed to operate through a flexible subscription-based model, empowered users to manage their records effortlessly and securely through convenient payment channels such as GTPay and Paystack.

 

According to him, digital transformation remains at the core of our strategy to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of Nigeria’s capital market services.

 

“The custodian portal is a significant leap in that direction, offering custodians a centralised platform to manage critical processes in real-time.

 

“We are excited about the value this innovation brings to our stakeholders, and we will continue to evolve the platform in line with users’ needs and industry trends.”

 

The CEO also explained that the portal was designed with user experience in mind with feature tools like portfolio viewing and downloads in PDF or Excel format.

 

He further said that it also featured tracking of stock movements across date ranges, inbox messaging and request tracking, as well as robust user management capabilities including role assignment and status tracking.

 

Similarly, Tobe Nnadozie, Divisional Head, Business Technology and Digital Innovation, CSCS Plc, said that the portal aligned with CSCS’s drive to automate the market.

 

“In addition to the normal features, the platform is a part of an omnichannel platform for custodians, and includes API services.

 

“It also connects to the market-wide workflow, which CSCS has built to ensure secured communication and approvals across all major stakeholders in the market.

 

“The platform is well secured with best-of-breed cybersecurity solutions and our SOC,” he said.

 

The Custodian Portal reinforces CSCS’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline back-office functions and support a more agile, data-driven capital market ecosystem.

 

All custodians in the Nigerian capital market have now been successfully on-boarded on the Custodian Portal, marking a significant milestone in CSCS’s ongoing drive to enhance collaboration, standardise operational processes, and promote digital adoption across the market. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Deborah Coker

Tunji-Ojo, Chrisland MD inspire graduating 2025 Class to drive success, make impact  
Education

Tunji-Ojo, Chrisland MD inspire graduating 2025 Class to drive success, make impact  

 

 

 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged the graduating Class of 2025 from Chrisland Schools to identify and pursue their life’s purpose to achieve success.

 

Speaking at a joint valedictory service held in Lagos, the Minister advised the graduating students to set clear timelines for their ambitions.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event celebrated the graduation of 327 students from five Chrisland Schools campuses.

 

The campuses are Chrisland College, Idimu; Chrisland High School, VGC; Chrisland High School, Ikeja; Chrisland High School, Lekki; and Chrisland High School, Festac.

 

All graduates were formally inducted into the Chrisland Alumni network.

 

The Class of 2025 celebrated under the theme, ‘Empowered to Soar, Equipped to Conquer’.

 

Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the graduates, advised: “You need to have a timeline to achieve success”.

 

He urged them to consider fundamental questions such as: “what is your purpose? How do you want to achieve the purpose? When do you want to achieve your purpose?”.

 

Speaking, the Managing Director of Chrisland Schools, Mrs Ibironke Adeyemi, challenged the graduating Class of 2025 to utilise their academic and leadership experiences to create a significant positive impact in their subsequent educational journeys and beyond.

 

Adeyemi said: “I celebrate these diligent, disciplined and dedicated students as they bow out after their successful sojourn in Chrisland.

 

“They have received world-class education, empowered to soar and equipped to conquer,” Adeyemi remarked.

 

She encouraged the new alumni to reflect on their journey in the institution and leverage the learnings.

 

“During the course of your journey in Chrisland, you attended various enriching academic and leadership programmes at local and international levels, which have transformed you into adept problem-solvers and forward-thinking leaders.

 

“Leverage those experiences to pursue your dreams and create a positive impact in your next educational chapter and beyond.”

 

The Guest Speaker, Mrs Phoebe Dami-Asolo, a distinguished alumna and current Senior Franchise Director at Coca-Cola, reminded the graduates that their power to succeed was within.

 

“Give your best in any field you find yourself.

 

“Regardless of age, gender or colour, you have been equipped with everything you need to succeed,” she said.

 

Dami-Asolo also encouraged them to build strong relationships by bonding with their peers, growing their network, empathising with others, and generally shining the light together.

 

In her valedictory speech, Joana Eke, the valedictorian of the Class of 2025, expressed gratitude to the institution’s founder, Dr Winifred Awosika, for her “unwavering vision to empower young minds through quality education.

 

She also extended appreciation to the apex management for sustaining the vision.

 

“Your dedication to our growth, encouragement and guidance helped shape us.

 

“Our success today is a testament to vision, intentionality and the power of a supportive academic environment,” Eke said,

 

Spiritual guidance was also offered by the Lord Bishop, Diocese of Ijebu, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rev. Peter Oludipe, and Prof. Luqman Adedeji, Head of the Department of Art Education, University of Lagos.

 

In their separate exhortations, they admonished the graduates to “live right and put God first in all their pursuits”.

 

A Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to Canada, Amb. Adeyinka Asekun, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, commended the “Chrisland brand’’.

 

He encouraged the graduating students “to endeavour to always spend quality time and accord God their highest priority’’.

 

He also urged them “to espouse the right values and develop the kind of character that will take them far in life”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Firm bags ISO certification for quality management
General News

Firm bags ISO certification for quality management

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

Coronation Registrars Ltd., a subsidiary of Coronation Group, has received the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Certification.

 

In a statement by the company on Thursday, this recognised certification resulted from the company’s commitment to operational rigor, client-centered service delivery, and a culture of continuous improvement.

 

ISO 9001:2015 is the global standard for quality management systems.

 

It emphasises risk-based thinking, performance metrics, leadership responsibility, and process consistency.

 

The certification process included an in-depth, independent assessment of Coronation Registrars’ policies, internal controls, client engagement systems, and strategic execution.

 

Speaking on the achievement, Oluseyi Owoturo, Managing Director of Coronation Registrars, said that the ISO 9001:2015 certification was not just a milestone but a public declaration of he company’s promise to uphold excellence.

 

“It validates the discipline behind our operations, the rigor of our service culture, and our relentless focus on creating value for our clients and stakeholders,” Owoturo stated.

 

Owoturo explained that the certification would further reinforce client confidence in Coronation Registrars’ suite of offerings, including its Coronation Virtual and ShareholderLive platforms.

 

He noted that as the capital market continues to evolve, Coronation Registrars is redefining excellence by aligning its operations with globally accepted quality standards.

 

“Coronation Virtual delivers secure, seamless e-meeting solutions tailored for listed companies, regulators, and stakeholders, enabling efficient decision-making, voting, and real-time collaboration across geographies.

 

“ShareholderLive offers a robust digital interface that empowers shareholders to monitor, manage, and optimise their holdings with complete transparency and accuracy,” Owoturo added.

 

Also, Olubanke James, Head of Customer Experience at Coronation Registrars, said that achieving this certification took months of system refinement, stakeholder engagement, and internal audits.

 

Acording to her, it signals that our internal processes meet the world’s most stringent quality standards.

 

“It also reflects our ability to deliver standardised, scalable, and high-integrity services.

 

“This accomplishment marks a pivotal step in the company’s journey to become Africa’s most trusted registrar services partner.

 

“It further reaffirms Coronation’s broader mission; to provide transformational solutions to Africa’s challenges and create sustainable wealth for generations to come,” James said.

 

She noted that as the capital markets become more technology-driven and regulatory expectations continue to rise, Coronation Registrars is investing in the future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Minister lauds engineers’ contributions to infrastructure development
General News

Minister lauds engineers’ contributions to infrastructure development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has inaugurated the remodelled phase two office of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), commending the contributions of engineers to infrastructure development.

 

Goronyo gave the commendation while inaugurating the reception area of the National Engineering Centre (NEC) Headquarters front office on Thursday in Abuja.

 

The minister praised the NSE’s professionalism and expertise in shaping the nation’s engineering landscape.

 

He said that the NSE’s efforts aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising the importance of excellence in infrastructure development.

 

He commended the NSE’s leadership, led by its President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, for the vision and commitment to advancing the engineering profession.

 

“I hereby inaugurate the remodelled front office of the NSE. This is the hard work, commitment and resilience of our President, Margaret Oguntala and the council members to showcase professionalism, engineering architecture, the vision of the society.

 

“I cannot thank her enough. The NSE is one professional body that is adding value to the socio-economic development of this nation.

 

“It is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda clearly demonstrating the vision and the commitment of the engineering profession.”

 

Goronyo underscored the significance of empowering engineers to drive national development by providing a platform for professional growth and innovation.

 

“The NSE is playing a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s future,” he said

 

In her remarks, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, the NSE President and Chairman-in-Council, said the inauguration of the remodelled NSE office marked a new chapter in the Society’s history.

 

Oguntala said it symbolised NSE’s commitment to excellence and innovation in engineering.

 

“I’m so excited that we are able to do this today.

 

“When we came into office, we came in with purpose to unveiling a five-point agenda that is based on five pillars.

 

Oguntala explained that the pillars crafted for the empowerment and advancement of engineering in Nigeria included: membership development by upskilling of members, leveraging collaborations, advancement of innovations among others.

 

“We have done our best to ensure that we touch on each of the pillars and this remodelling is part of rebirthing NSE for the growth, advancement, and empowerment of engineers in Nigeria.

 

“The way people see you or perceive you makes a lot of difference in how they relate with you.

 

“Engineering is about excellence. So, we want to look excellently to the world and the first place is our front office.

 

“So, when you come in, that is your first point of call and you must know, even from here, that the Nigerian Society of Engineers means excellence and we are also more encouraged to deliver excellent and quality engineering service,”she said

 

The Project architect, Hauwa Abubakar, explained that the project was designed to portray an excellent and welcoming ambience that represented the vision envisaged for the society.

 

“What we did was to create a space that is welcoming for the society, upgrading their rest room areas, creating a private space and a general lounge area where people could be comfortable when they visit the society.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Inclusive leadership key to Nigeria’s progress – Don
General News

Inclusive leadership key to Nigeria’s progress – Don

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean at Lagos Business School, has called for genuine inclusive leadership, stating Nigeria’s economy requires more than token representation to progress.

She made this call during the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria’s induction ceremony for new members held Thursday night in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event was ‘Diversity in the Boardroom: Moving Beyond Tokenism’.

Tokenism refers to symbolic gestures, like hiring a few individuals from under-represented groups to create a false appearance of equality within the workplace.

David-West emphasised that inclusion should go beyond optics or ticking boxes. She described diversity as vital to both business success and governance.

She said inclusion must empower all voices to actively shape board-level decisions and overall organisational direction.

She noted that companies with more women on their boards often report better financial performance across several metrics.

A 20 per cent rise in female board membership, she said, correlates with a four per cent increase in Return on Assets (RoA).

According to her, this shows that diversity not only boosts innovation but also drives profitability and competitiveness.

“Closing gender gaps could contribute an extra $229 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025,” she added.

She explained that diverse teams offer more creativity and problem-solving capacity, enhancing business adaptability in changing markets.

David-West listed key barriers to inclusion: entrenched social norms, patriarchy, lack of readiness, and weak policy enforcement.

Other issues include data deficiencies, lack of accountability, recruitment bias, and limited access to leadership networks.

She urged organisations to move beyond numbers and token efforts by setting measurable diversity goals and monitoring outcomes.

She called for the cultivation of a diverse talent pipeline and for assessing real impact beyond surface-level representation.

She said, “We must define and track clear goals for diversity and inclusion to drive accountability and consistent progress.

“Inclusion must not become a checklist. True diversity brings innovation, accountability, and long-term sustainability in governance and development.”

CIoD President, Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, described the event’s theme as more than a slogan — it was a call to act and commit.

Oyebanji said diversity discussions often stop at statistics, with little regard for real representation or structural inclusion.

He noted the trend of placing one woman or one minority figure in leadership simply to satisfy compliance requirements.

“Representation is only a beginning. Tokenism burdens the individual without giving them real influence to enact meaningful change,” he said.

Addressing the inductees, Oyebanji described them as part of a vibrant, forward-looking professional community.

He praised their fresh perspectives and unique experiences, which he believes would enrich CIoD Nigeria’s collective journey.

He urged them to stay committed to CIoD’s growth, supporting ethical and sustainable business practices across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NCC unveils famework to unlock pathways for digital growth
Science & Tech

NCC unveils famework to unlock pathways for digital growth

 

 

 

By Jessica Dogo

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled its General Authorisation Framework (GAF) to enhance growth in the industry and empower underserved communities.

 

The commission did the unveiling during a stakeholder engagement for the Nigerian Telecoms Industry on Thursday in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event brought together key players from the telecommunications sector to discuss the future of digital innovation in Nigeria.

 

The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said that the sector had become a symbol of innovation and progress, revolutionising communication, improving access to information, and reshaping business operations.

 

Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, highlighted the tremendous progress made in the telecommunications sector over the past 24 years.

 

He said that the sector was at a turning point, where disruptive innovations were accelerating the evolution of the communications ecosystem.

 

“This progress has been driven by the rapid uptake of mobile technologies, surging data consumption and an increasing appetite for digital services.

 

“We are now at a turning point where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling.

 

“Broadband Penetration continues to grow, while digital literacy is on the rise,” he said.

 

According to him, these are creating a solid foundation for a vibrant digital economy driven by accessibility, innovation and inclusivity.

 

Maida said that technological innovation was accelerating across the world, and across the nation.

 

He emphasised the need for a regulatory paradigm that was not only responsive but enabling.

 

He said that it would allow innovators to experiment without unnecessary restrictions, adding that the framework is introduced as a key initiative to achieve this goal.

 

“The framework has introduced three key instruments that would provide a platform for innovators to test and validate their ideas, assess risk, and measure outcomes before deployment.

 

“The success of the framework depends on the active participation of stakeholders, including mobile network operators, service providers, infrastructure companies, OEMs, startups, civil society and academia,” he said.

 

The EVC said that the framework aimed to promote inclusive innovation, expanding access, closing connectivity gaps and empowering underserved communities.

 

“This is an objective that lies at the core of the NCC’s latest initiative, the General Authorisation Framework.

 

“By adopting this approach, we are providing a platform for innovators of various sizes, whether they are startups or established companies, to demonstrate feasibility, assess risk, and measure outcomes before deployment.

 

“This model encourages experimentation and responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer rights and public interest,” he said.

 

Maida expressed optimism that the stakeholder engagement would spark curiosity, refine the collective vision and accelerate the journey towards a more connected, innovative and prosperous Nigeria.

 

He called for collaboration and partnership to refine the approach and ensure that it worked for Nigeria.

 

He said that the future of Nigeria’s digital economy was unfolding rapidly, with the communications sector at the heart of this future.

 

Earlier, NCC’s Director, Licensing and Authorisation Department, Mr Usman Mamman, said that GAF was the outcome of extensive research, cross-departmental collaboration and evaluation of global best practices, and local industry dynamics.

 

Mamman described it as a flexible and forward-looking approach to licensing that promotes innovation while ensuring regulatory oversight, consumer protection and market integrity.

 

According to him, the NCC conducted an internal review of recent service applications and pilot proposals, revealing a growing need for a flexible pathway to test new and emerging ideas.

 

He said that a benchmark study was also carried out to learn from other countries, including the UK’s Ofcom Sandbox model and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (MDA) testbeds.

 

“This shows a growing need for a flexible and well-structured pathway to test new and emerging ideas,” he said.

 

He called on stakeholders to ensure that the framework becomes a solid bridge between innovation and regulation, between start-up visionaries and established players, and between present limitations and future possibilities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email