News Agency of Nigeria
CIPE unveils Africa hub to strengthen private sector leadership
General News

CIPE unveils Africa hub to strengthen private sector leadership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe/Oluwatope Lawanson

 

The Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has launched its Africa Hub in Lagos to amplify private-sector leadership as a driver of democratic resilience and inclusive growth.

 

Mr Andrew Wilson, CIPE’s Global Executive Director, said the hub would bolster governance, promote private-sector-led solutions to corruption and inequitable growth.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is: ‘Catalysing Private Sector Led Growth for Democratic Stability in Africa’.

 

CIPE is an American non-profit organisation affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a core institute of the National Endowment for Democracy.

 

Wilson added that it also supports business associations to operate independently while cultivating trusted investment climates.

 

According to him, the hub is a continent-wide platform that empowers the private sector to drive economic growth, democratic accountability, and catalyse investment across Africa.

 

“The Africa Hub unites CIPE’s networks, expertise, and programmes to scale impact across the continent.

 

“With over 40 years of experience, CIPE has worked in more than 130 countries, including 23 in Africa, supporting over 530 African chambers, associations, and membership organisations.

 

“These partnerships enable entrepreneurs from informal traders in Zimbabwe to women business leaders in Ethiopia to shape policy while building organisations that improved governance, transparency, and competitiveness.

 

“The CIPE Africa Hub represents a new era of opportunity for the continent’s private sector.

 

“Our mission is to strengthen democracy worldwide through private enterprise and market-oriented reform.”

 

Wilson highlighted objectives of the CIPE’s new Hub which included; driving cross-border collaboration, supporting trade governance, and expanding programmes for women, youth, and MSMEs.

 

“By advancing integrity and innovation, the CIPE Africa Hub positions Africa’s private sector at the heart of shaping the continent’s democratic and economic future.”

 

Ms. Lola Adekanye, CIPE Africa Regional Director, said the Hub broadened governance, amplified business’s voice in policymaking.

 

According to her, it serves as a base for stakeholders to connect and share with each other.

 

She added that it helped build sustainable economies that benefitted communities across the continent.

 

“In bringing decades of experience and partnerships under one platform, we are creating a space where African business leaders can drive sustainable growth, boost democratic resilience, and expand inclusive economic opportunities across the region.”

 

Mr Gabriel Idahosa, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the Africa Hub offered a timely platform for businesses and associations to collaborate across border.

 

He noted that it built integrity into markets, and created the trust needed to attract investment and deepen democratic stability.

 

NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards, celebrating excellence and long-standing partnerships with the CIPE.

 

These awards acknowledged outstanding contributions and dedication to promoting private sector-led economic growth, democratic institutions, and market-oriented reforms.

 

Some of the recipients are, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FX360 Zimbabwe , Ms Lola Adekanye, CIPE Africa Regional Director among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Lagos Govt. honours exceptional teaching, non-teaching staff 
Education

Lagos Govt. honours exceptional teaching, non-teaching staff 

 

 

 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The Lagos State Government has honoured outstanding teaching and non-teaching staff in the Education District III with merit awards and cash gifts.

 

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Dr Olufunke Oyetola, congratulated the recipients at the 21st Annual Merit Award Ceremony organised by the Lagos State Education District III in Lagos on Tuesday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award ceremony has the theme, “Driving Excellence in Education for National Development”.

 

NAN reports further that Education District III is made up of Ikoyi, Lagos Island, Ibeju Lekki, Epe and Eti-Osa.

 

The awards given, which include various cash gifts and items, were for the junior and senior secondary schools categories.

 

Oyetola said the awards presented were for the Best School, Best Teacher, Best Principal, Best HoD, Best Vice-Principal, Best School Support Staff, Best District Staff in the Junior and Senior Schools Categories.

 

She said the first, second and third positions for best schools in the Junior Category were for the Lagos State Junior Model College, Badore; Elemoro Community Junior Secondary School and Iwerekun Community Junior Secondary School, Lakowe respectively.

 

“While the first, second and third positions for best schools in Senior Category are the Government Senior College, Epe; Community Senior High School, Lakowe and Epe Senior Grammar School, Epe.

 

“In the Best Teacher (Junior Category) the first, second and third positions are Mr Samuel Agboola of Girls’ Junior Academy, Lagos Island; Mrs Oluwakemi Ogundipe of Okesuna Juinor High School, Lagos Island and Mrs Temitope Gbodi of Epe Junior Grammar School, Epe.

 

“While in the Senior Category, the overall best teacher is Olamide Olaniyi of Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School; the second position is Olusegun Olusola of Lagos State Senior Model College, Agbowa and third, Abiodun Tijani of Lafiaji Senior High School,” she said.

 

The tutor-general said the awards were for teaching and non-teaching staff that had made significant contributions to the teaching profession in the state.

 

Oyetola said the honour bestowed on them was in line with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu “THEMES+ Agenda” for the huge investment in the Education Sector of the state.

 

She noted that the event highlighted the remarkable talents, dedication and hard work of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their respective areas.

 

The tutor-general said today they celebrated not just their success but also the passion and perseverance that had brought them here.

 

He said: “To all teaching and non-teaching staffers, we know that your impact extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. You shape the minds and hearts of your students, instill values and inspire dreams.

 

“Your dedication, hard work and commitment to work has earned our schools, Education District, and Lagos State Government direct awards and rewards both at the state and national levels.”

 

Oyetola also announced six best staff in the education district which are Temitope Odetunde, Adekunle Yunus and Mrs Oluwatoyin Atobajeun, among others.

 

Alhaji Kamal Bayewu, the Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for increasing the budgetary allocation to the Education Sector Year-on-Year (YoY);

 

Bayewu said the teachers were the builders of dreams, the bearers of knowledge, and the guardians of the future.

 

According to him, the legacy of the state government is not just in the subjects the teachers have taught, but in the lives they have touched and the dreams they have nurtured.

 

Also speaking, Prof. Mary Odukoya, a Professor of Environmental Geochemistry/Medical Geology, University of Lagos, said examination malpractice was not just an educational crime but a national crime against development.

 

Odukoya, who is the Guest Lecturer, said to drive true excellence, the state government must build a system where honesty was celebrated, hard work rewarded, and teachers are unwavering role models of integrity.

 

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate our teachers today, we must also confront a painful reality that threatens the very foundation of educational excellence -examination malpractice.

 

“Sadly, this menace is no longer restricted to desperate students alone. Increasingly, we hear troubling accounts of a few teachers and school officials.

 

“These personnel, instead of upholding the noble ethics of our profession, have compromised integrity by encouraging malpractice sometimes for financial gain, sometimes under pressure, and sometimes due to a weakened value system.

 

“When teachers, the very custodians of knowledge, aid students to cheat, we do not only destroy individual character – we also destroy the moral fabric of the nation.

 

“A student who cheats today, with the blessing of an unethical teacher, may one day become a doctor who cheats patients, an engineer who cuts corners,” she said.

 

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the best teacher (Senior Category) Mr Olamide Olaniyi of Magbon Alade Senior Grammar school thanked the state government for rewarding their achievement.

 

Olaniyi urged the state government to renew its resolve to drive excellence in education for national development.

 

“Let us continue to build schools that ignite curiosity. Let us train teachers who inspire greatness.

 

“Let us continue to foster policies that empower innovation and create a society where the teacher is honored, the learner is equipped, and the nation is transformed,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

NAN correspondent receives China-Nigeria friendship youth contribution award
General News

NAN correspondent receives China-Nigeria friendship youth contribution award

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Busayo Onijala-Omole, a Senior Correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has been honoured with the China-Nigeria Friendship Youth Contribution Award in Lagos.

 

 

 

The award was presented by Ms Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, during a diplomatic reception on Monday.

 

 

 

The occasion marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, celebrated annually with significant cultural and diplomatic activities worldwide.

 

 

 

It also coincided with Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, symbolising the shared commitment of both nations to mutual respect, cultural exchange, and strengthened bilateral ties.

 

 

 

The award recognised Onijala’s consistent contributions to enhancing China-Nigeria relations through her journalistic professionalism, especially in promoting cross-cultural understanding and bilateral cooperation.

 

 

 

Diplomatic officials, government representatives, and members of the Nigerian media attended the event, which underscored the depth of Nigeria-China relations spanning several decades.

 

 

 

Responding, Onijala-Omole expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the spirit of cooperation and friendship between Nigeria and China.

 

 

 

“Nigeria and China are strategic partners in many areas,” she said, noting that such celebrations highlight the importance of sustained friendly exchanges between nations.

 

 

 

She emphasised that with China’s continued commitment to win-win partnerships, both countries can work together to build a stronger community with a shared future.

 

 

 

Onijala-Omole added that the recognition serves as motivation to continue fostering mutual understanding, collaboration, and shared growth through professional engagement and journalistic excellence.

 

 

 

The China-Nigeria Friendship Youth Contribution Award aims to inspire young professionals who demonstrate dedication towards promoting bilateral goodwill and strengthening cultural and diplomatic bonds. (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Ara urges Nigerians, media to amplify heritage for future generations
Culture & Tourism

Ara urges Nigerians, media to amplify heritage for future generations

 

 

 

By Joan Odafe

Nigeria’s foremost female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, has urged Nigerians, particularly the media and cultural stakeholders, to amplify Nigeria’s heritage for future generations.

 

Ara made the call at the Cultural Day event of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, News Agency of Nigeria (NUJ-NAN), Lagos Chapel on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

According to the drummer, culture is Nigeria’s identity, one of the nation’s greatest tools of diplomacy, and future economy.

 

She emphasised that when Nigerians begin to celebrate, and take traditions seriously, the world will reciprocate it.

 

“As Nigerians, we must understand that culture is not old-fashioned, it is our identity, our pride and our future.

 

“From our languages to our music, fashion, values and cuisine, these aspects of who we are must be preserved, celebrated and promoted,” she said.

 

Ara highlighted aspects of culture that must be preserved, including storytelling, language, food, crafts, traditional music and respect for elders.

 

Recalling her journey in life, education and career, she reflected on the gravity of names and heritage in shaping an individual’s life.

 

“Ara means wonder, mystery. The full meaning is Aralola, ” she said.

 

She advised that Nigerians be intentional when picking children’s names.

 

She further emphasised the role of the media in amplifying Nigeria’s heritage so future generations would not only inherit the culture but also wear it proudly as their strength.

 

“The media, you can make or break. The power is in your hands,” she said.

 

 

 

Also, the Head of Editorial Department, NAN, Lagos office, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, said culture was the foundation of identity.

 

Omowole decried the neglect of Nigerian indigenous languages, adding that some people, particularly the younger generation, took pride in not speaking it.

 

“Culture is who you are. Culture is your personal identity.

 

“Your destiny could be in that language you have neglected,” she said.

 

She urged youths to take advantage of digital platforms such as the internet and YouTube, where they could find teachers online to help reclaim their linguistic heritage.

 

Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief in NAN, described it as an aberration for individuals not to speak their dialect.

 

Okunzuwa noted that the loss of cultural values had caused the society to derail in a lot of aspects.

 

“Whether you are in or outside of your community, you should be able to speak your dialect.

 

“Culture is our way of life. Tradition is the way we are taught to live,” he said.

 

The Chairman of NAN NUJ, Mr Yunus Yusuf, also underscored the role of the media in promoting culture.

 

He described the NAN NUJ Cultural Day as an important platform to showcase and preserve Nigeria’s heritage.

 

He commended the guest artiste, Aralola, for her outstanding performance and for being a worthy ambassador of the nation’s rich cultural identity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Egbeda Lions Club donates to pupils in Lagos schools
Education

Egbeda Lions Club donates to pupils in Lagos schools

 

 

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Lagos Egbeda Lions Club has donated exercise books to pupils of Ore Ofe Nursery and Primary School, Agege, and State Primary School, Dopemu, as part of activities marking the World Literacy Day.

Mrs Ijeoma Udeh, President, Lagos Egbeda Lions Club, District 404B3 Nigeria, said the gesture was part of the club’s “Back-to-School” service project.

Udeh said that the donation was made to support the pupils, including those with special needs, and ease the burden on parents.

“You don’t send a child to a farm without giving the child the tools to work. In the same way, we believe every child should have the basic materials to learn comfortably in class.”

She said that the visit to Ore Ofe School revealed other needs such as equipping the school’s sick bay and reticulating its water supply.

She said the club would deliberate on further support for the school, adding that the project was part of the Lions Club International’s commitment to education, community development and global causes.

“Since July, when I became president, our club has carried out projects including free blood donation to the Lagos State Blood Bank.

“We also have activities lined up in areas such as pediatric, cancer awareness, diabetes, environment, hunger relief, disaster support, and vision care,” she added.

Mrs Masaku Abiola, Social Mobilisation Department, State Universal Basic Education Board, Agege Local Government Area, commended the club for the gesture.

“This support will make a “great impact” on the pupils, especially the vulnerable ones.

“We pray that these children will succeed in life and also help others in the future,” she said.

Precious Peter, a Primary Five pupil of Ore Ofe School, who spoke on behalf of his classmates, expressed gratitude to the donors.

“I am very happy and I appreciate this kind gesture. We will take good care of the books and use them for learning. My mother will be very happy about this,” she said.

 

Teachers and pupils of State Primary School, Dopemu, also commended the club and prayed for more blessings for the members of the club. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Yinusa  Ishola and Emmanuel Afonne

 

CIPE, UNILAG, NACCIMA unveil ACE certification programme  
General News

CIPE, UNILAG, NACCIMA unveil ACE certification programme  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe and Oluwatope Lawanson

 

The Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have launched  the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Certification programme in Nigeria.

 

 

 

Mr Andrew Wilson, CIPE’s Global Executive Director, said on Tuesday in Lagos that the initiative was designed to boost the capacity of chambers and associations.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ACE was launched by CIPE in partnership with UNILAG’s Human Resource Department and NACCIMA.

 

 

 

Wilson said chambers and associations remained the voice of business and a vital platform for shaping inclusive, market-driven policies.

 

 

 

He explained that ACE was created to strengthen governance, leadership, and operational effectiveness within business membership organisations in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

 

 

“The ACE programme is a crucial step towards organising the private sector voice for development.

 

 

 

“By equipping executives and managers with knowledge and tools, the programme aims to drive business growth and foster sustainable economic development,” Wilson said.

 

 

 

He noted that institutionalising ACE at UNILAG would create a platform for developing experts who could replicate the programme’s success across Africa.

 

 

 

Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, said the initiative would extend benefits across Africa by supporting trade growth and investment partnerships.

 

 

 

She explained that participants would gain skills in governance, finance, compliance, communication, digital systems, and anti-corruption through online and in-person sessions.

 

 

 

“Graduates of the programme will return to their chambers ready to train others in advocacy, coalition building, and best practices,” Ogunshola said.

 

 

 

Mrs Toki Mabogunje, Honourary Consul of Tanzania to Lagos, described ACE as a milestone in professionalising chamber management in Nigeria.

 

 

 

Mabogunje, a former President of LCCI, said the initiative would help address governance gaps, weak advocacy, and underdeveloped management systems.

 

 

 

She explained that the programme’s objectives included strengthening governance, financial sustainability, member engagement, and digital transformation within chambers and associations.

 

 

 

“Professionalisation of talent in chamber and association management is vital for effective advocacy, service delivery, and sustainability,” Mabogunje said.

 

 

 

She added that stronger chambers and associations would help the private sector influence pro-business policies, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve infrastructure.

 

 

 

“This would create a more conducive environment for business growth, investment, and job creation,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Gates Foundation commits 2m to fight AIDS, TB, malaria
Health

Gates Foundation commits $912m to fight AIDS, TB, malaria

 

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

The Gates Foundation has pledged 912 million dollars  over the next three years to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

 

The foundation urged governments to take crucial decisions that could affect the lives of millions of people.

 

Bill Gates, Chair of the foundation, said the Global Fund was one of the most effective lifesaving initiatives, noting it had saved more than 70 million lives since its creation in 2002.

 

Speaking at the 2025 Goalkeepers event on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Gates said the fund had reduced deaths from AIDS, TB, and malaria by more than 60 per cent, while strengthening global health security.

 

According to him, each dollar invested in the Global Fund delivers an estimated $19 in health and economic returns.

 

He disclosed that the new pledge brings the foundation’s total commitments to $4.9 billion since 2002, making it one of its largest investments.

 

Gates explained that the pledge was designed to galvanise governments, philanthropists, and the private sector to contribute greatly to the Fund’s Eighth Replenishment, co-hosted by South Africa and the United Kingdom.

 

The replenishment cycle ends in November.

 

“With millions of lives on the line, the level of investment in the Global Fund over the next three years will determine whether the world saves lives, curbs HIV, TB, and malaria, and bolsters economies and global health security.

 

“An entire generation is alive today thanks to the world’s generosity, smart investments, and the hard work of governments and Global Fund partners. Now, we must go further so the next generation grows up in a world where no child dies from preventable causes,” he said.

 

The Goalkeepers event, attended by over 1,000 government, philanthropy, and private-sector leaders, focused on reigniting a shared commitment to saving children’s lives.

 

Gates urged leaders to seize the opportunity to make some of the deadliest childhood diseases history by 2045.

 

“Humanity is at a crossroads. With millions of children’s lives at stake, global leaders have a once-in-a-generation chance to do something extraordinary. The choices they make now, whether to cut health aid or to give children the chance to live healthy lives, will shape the future,” Gates said.

 

He observed that many donor countries had slashed global health budgets due to domestic challenges, high debt levels, and ageing populations.

 

Citing the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), he noted that global development assistance for health (DAH) fell by 21 per cent between 2024 and 2025, reaching a 15-year low.

 

Gates warned that if current cuts hold, they could reverse decades of progress that halved child mortality since 2000, from 10 million to less than five million deaths annually.

 

Albeit shrinking budgets, he said the roadmap for progress remained clear: sustained investments, innovative health solutions, and strong primary healthcare systems.

 

Findings by the Gates Foundation and IHME show that continued investments and scaled innovations could cut child deaths in half again over the next 20 years.

 

“We have a roadmap for saving millions of children and making some of the deadliest childhood diseases history by 2045. I urge world leaders to invest in the health of all people, especially children, to deliver this future,” Gates said.

 

The roadmap calls for renewed commitments to proven initiatives such as the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to help countries make cost-effective health decisions, access vaccines and medicines, and transition to self-reliance.

 

It also recommends prioritising primary healthcare to detect and treat childhood illnesses early, investing in research and development, and deploying breakthrough innovations.

 

These include new malaria-prevention tools, single-dose malaria treatments, long-acting HIV drugs, maternal vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus and group B streptococcus, and the use of artificial intelligence for faster and cheaper delivery of medicines. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Champion Breweries unveils capital raise plans to boost growth
Business

Champion Breweries unveils capital raise plans to boost growth

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

Champion Breweries Plc says it plans to embark on a three-phase capital raise plan to boost expansion and drive profitability.

Its Managing Director, Dr Inalegwu Adoga, made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the company’s “Fact Behind the Figures’’ presentation at the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX).

Adoga, who outlined the company’s growth strategy and sustainability agenda, said the programme would be executed through public offer and rights issues, debt capital raise, and strategic acquisitions.

He said in view of the company’s acquisition of an energy drink, the rights issue was neccesary to aid its expansion.

Adoga explained that under the first phase, Champion Breweries would raise up to N42 billion through a public offer of new shares to the general public.

He added that the company would also undertake a rights issue to its existing shareholders with a target of up to N16 billion.

“The proceeds will be used for the strategic acquisition of bullet, and to meet working capital requirements,” he said.

The second phase, Adoga noted, involved a debt capital raise through a bond issuance.

“We plan to establish a N45 billion bond issuance programme and issue a N30 billion five-year unsecured Series 1 Bond,” he said.

He explained that proceeds from the bond would be channelled into investments in business resources such as returnable packaging materials, enterprise resource planning systems, other software applications, and capital expenditure expansion.

The third phase, he said, focused on acquisition.

“The company is pursuing the acquisition of a target beverage asset holding company.

“This will enable Champion Breweries to scale, inorganically grow its offerings, expand footprint, and enhance earnings,” he said.

Adoga assured shareholders and stakeholders that the programme was designed to position the company for long-term growth and competitiveness in Nigeria’s beverage industry.

Earlier, Mr ImoAbasi Jacob, Chairman of Champion Breweries, said the company was investing in a sustainability strategy focused on delivering positive impact.

“We are investing significantly in transitioning the entire brewery to solar power, with battery and gas backup.

“The team is also evaluating opportunities to convert diesel trucks to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

“We are also making significant investments in sustainable water treatment to ensure access to clean water while minimising environmental impact.

“We have reduced the amount of plastic waste arising from the company, thereby cutting down significantly on plastic bottles,” he said.

Giving an account of the company’s financials for the first half of the year, Mr Rasheed Adebiyi, Chief Financial Officer of Champion Breweries, said the company recorded a 111 per cent growth in gross profit from N3.73 billion in 2024 to N7.89 billion.

He said revenue also grew by 67 per cent, from N9.54 billion to N15.93 billion.

Also speaking, Mr Jude Chiemeka, Managing Director of the NGX, commended Champion Breweries for its responsible business practices.

Chiemeka said that the company’s market capitalisation had risen to N145 billion and that it had paid N8.26 billion in dividends to shareholders from 2021 to 2024.

He added that the company also paid N2.4 billion in taxes to the federal government within the same period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Organisation, stakeholders call for Climate-Smart investment
Environment

Organisation, stakeholders call for Climate-Smart investment

 

 

 

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

 

The African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) and investment stakeholders have urged prioritisation of climate-smart investing to enhance sustainability in Africa.

 

 

 

The call was made at the AVPA West Africa Regional Convening on Monday at Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AVPA drives Africa’s sustainable growth by unlocking capital for social impacts across the continent.

 

 

 

Its mission is to increase capital flow into African social investments and ensure effective deployment for maximum impact.

 

 

 

AVPA empowers impact actors by offering a robust platform to connect, share insights, influence policy, and scale interventions for greater impact.

 

 

 

At the Convening, themed Unlocking Catalytic Capital for Climate-Smart Investing in West Africa, stakeholders discussed financing opportunities for smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs.

 

 

 

Mrs Tokunbo Ishmael, Co-founder and Managing Director of Alitheia Capital, stressed the need for adequate policy reforms to boost local climate-smart financing.

 

 

 

She said Nigeria must adopt regulations that mobilise capital effectively while government creates the enabling environment, infrastructure, and energy systems for sustainable growth.

 

 

 

Ishmael noted that energy remains a major production cost, and climate-smart investments can drive cleaner energy adoption, lowering costs and improving livelihoods.

 

 

 

She added that climate-smart initiatives help reduce food wastage, improve agricultural value chains, and ensure produce moves effectively from farms to households and markets.

 

 

 

On her part, Ms Jette Bjerrum, Consul of Denmark, said her country seeks viable climate-smart projects to invest in for sustainability.

 

 

 

Bjerrum emphasised that climate adaptation and green growth are shared ambitions, with West Africa offering vast opportunities.

 

 

 

She explained that Denmark supports agriculture, food production, water management, forest restoration, biodiversity, and renewable energy, including monitoring systems for early warnings.

 

 

 

According to her, climate-friendly solutions are not only necessary but can also be profitable, driving good business opportunities.

 

 

 

Bjerrum disclosed that Denmark is currently implementing finance programmes, called “Africa Billion”, focused on climate-friendly solutions.

 

 

 

Dr Rufus Idris, AGRA Nigeria Country Director, said financing farmers to adopt climate-smart innovations is critical to addressing climate change.

 

 

 

He noted that Nigerian farmers require improved seeds, better technology, and innovations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, but financing remains a challenge.

 

 

 

Idris urged government to create an enabling environment for climate-smart investments to thrive and benefit farmers.

 

 

 

Mr Habib Nuhu, Head of Research at Shell Foundation UK, reiterated that climate-smart financing must be prioritised through public-private partnerships.

 

 

 

Nuhu stressed the need to move beyond grants towards private capital solutions that can support millions of smallholder farmers.

 

 

 

He said clean energy and climate-smart tools must target low-income populations who need them most.

 

 

 

Another stakeholder, Ms Nela Duke-Ekpenyong, Managing Partner of Obudu Capital, highlighted the importance of awareness and knowledge-sharing.

 

 

 

She said farmers must understand that climate-smart technologies are designed to benefit them, ensuring ownership and involvement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Spotify unveils new documentary, “Afrobeats: Culture in Motion”
Entertainment

Spotify unveils new documentary, “Afrobeats: Culture in Motion”

 

 

By Oladele Eniola

 

Spotify has unveiled a global project tagged: “Afrobeats: Culture in Motion”, which documents the genre’s evolution over the last five years and the people propelling its forward momentum.

 

 

 

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

 

 

 

Okumu said the initiative highlights how Afrobeats had grown from a regional sound into a global cultural force, generating over 240 million discoveries on Spotify worldwide in the last 12 months alone.

 

 

 

“The launch is centered on a new Spotify documentary, Culture in Motion, which follows the next generation of Afrobeats artistes.

 

 

 

“This is complemented by an immersive microsite on Spotify’s newsroom that breaks down movement across five key pillars using exclusive interviews, context and fresh Spotify listening data,” she said.

 

 

 

According to her, microsite’s data offers a deep dive into the genre’s remarkable transformation.

 

 

 

She said that the sound of Afrobeats was becoming more emotionally resonant, with introspective and emotionally charged vocals now accounting for 38 per cent of global streams.

 

 

 

“Its reach is expanding rapidly, with listenership in Latin America growing by more than 180 per cent year-over-year, and streams in Brazil alone are up 500 per cent since 2020.

 

 

 

“Female artistes are also at the forefront of the genre’s global success, with Tems becoming the first African female artiste to surpass one billion Spotify streams for a single track.

 

 

 

“At the same time, the visual language of Afrobeats is shaping global culture, while fan communities are playing a vital role in discovery, acting as the new tastemakers and driving the genre’s growth in real time,” Okumu said.

 

 

 

She noted that over 180 million hours of Afrobeats had been streamed in Nigeria this year alone, with the genre’s passion most evident in the top three streaming cities: Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

 

 

 

“Nigerian Gen Z listeners connect with Afrobeats on a deeper level, with their top three listening moods for the genre being “whiny”, “island vibes”, and “playful”.

 

 

 

“This passion has also fueled a powerful, community-driven movement that started in Nigeria, with fan-made Afrobeats playlists growing by nearly 3,000 percent in the last decade worldwide.

 

 

 

“Notably, a new sub-genre, Afro-Adura, has seen incredible growth with streams increasing over 4,000 percent,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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