News Agency of Nigeria
Canadian firm unveils investment opportunities for Nigerians
General News

Canadian firm unveils investment opportunities for Nigerians

By Lucy Ogalue
Golden Gate Investment Incorporated has unveiled a range of investment platforms designed to help Nigerians build sustainable wealth and access global opportunities.

Andrew Enofe, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, in a statement on Wednesday said that the initiative was aimed at providing secure and high-yield investment channels.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Golden Gate is a Canada-based wealth creation and real estate company.

According to Enofe, the initiative is tailored to meet the growing demand for international real estate participation among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

Enofe said the company had introduced four strategic investment pathways that combined profitability, stability and long-term value creation.

“At Golden Gate Investments Inc., we believe in building wealth with security, stability and long-term vision.

“Our goal is to make global investment accessible to Nigerians while offering them the confidence of partnering with a trusted and regulated institution,” he said.

According to him, the first opportunity is the Private Mortgage Fund which allows investors to earn steady returns through investments in Canadian mortgages backed by prime real estate.

This, he said, offers consistent income and capital protection.

“The second is Home Purchase in Canada which will enable Nigerians to own properties abroad with end-to-end support in acquisition, financing and property management.

“This will make it ideal for families and individuals seeking to expand their asset base internationally to do so

“The Real Estate Fund is another vehicle that provides investors with exposure to a professionally managed portfolio of high-performing Canadian properties.

“This fund offers diversification benefits and stable long-term growth to clients,” he said.

According to Enofe, the fourth initiative, Invest and Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency, allows Nigerians to grow their wealth while gaining the potential for Canadian permanent residency for themselves and their families.

“This programme goes beyond finance. It is about empowerment.

“We are offering Nigerians a chance to build global wealth while opening doors to international opportunities,” he said.

He gave an assurance that all investment options were structured under Canada’s transparent financial regulatory system, ensuring security and compliance for all participants.

He expressed the commitment of the company to bridging the gap between African investors and the global real estate market, while supporting wealth creation through reliable and innovation-driven platforms.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

FG bold reforms to boost private investment in infrastructure projects
General News

FG bold reforms to boost private investment in infrastructure projects

By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating private sector participation in infrastructure development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to this end, it has unveiled a series of reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at closing Nigeria’s multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure gap.

The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, said this at the Chief Executives Officers (CEOs) Roundtable, with the theme “The Future of Infrastructure Funding” in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that the infrastructure deficit estimated at more than three trillion dollars over the next 30 years, which presents a daunting challenge and a historic opportunity for economic transformation.

“The conversation before us is not merely about financing physical assets, it is about financing the future of national productivity, regional integration, and inclusive growth.”

Ewalefoh said that public resources alone could no longer fund the scale of investment required, adding that the future of Nigeria’s infrastructure must rest on innovative, private sector-led, and de-risked financing models that mobilised long-term capital and deliver sustainable value.

According to him, the ICRC is taking decisive steps to strengthen the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework through a new strategic direction anchored on six key pillars.

He said that the six pillars were time bound project delivery, inter-agency collaboration, service delivery optimisation, strategic partnerships, project categorisation, and innovative financing.

‘These pillars reflected the commission’s commitment to regulatory stability, efficiency, and collaboration, ensuring that Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions were transformed into bankable, deliverable outcomes that drive sustainable development,” Ewalefoh said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s recent policy reforms, notably the project approval thresholds, empowering MDAs to independently approve PPP projects below N20 billion, subject only to obtaining ICRC’s compliance certificate as a key prerequisite.

“This reform is not just an administrative adjustment, it is a strategic signal of trust and partnership.

“It will enable faster decision-making, decentralised implementation, and greater responsiveness to investor timelines,” he said.

Ewalefoh said that sustainable infrastructure funding would depend not only on capital availability but also on institutional credibility, policy coherence, and disciplined implementation.

He urged closer collaboration among government agencies, private investors, and development partners to create a flexible and inclusive financing ecosystem, that connects domestic pension and insurance funds to viable infrastructure assets through innovative risk-mitigation tools.

The director-general also acknowledged the critical role of development finance institutions and multilateral agencies such as the African Development Bank (AFDB) in catalysing investment through blended finance and guarantees.

“The task before us is unmistakably clear to translate our infrastructure aspirations into tangible, financeable, and deliverable outcomes that strengthen investor confidence and secure a resilient, prosperous future for our nation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese Erica William

Government unveils blueprint to revitalise public assets, drive economic growth
General News

Government unveils blueprint to revitalise public assets, drive economic growth

By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has identified a set of conditions necessary to improve the performance of public assets, attract investment inflows and generate stronger economic growth across key sectors.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, made this known in Abuja during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit interactive session, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Akume was represented by retired Permanent Secretary in the office of the SGF, Mr Olusegun Adekunle.

He said that the under performance of public assets could be reversed through strong policies that stimulate private capital inflow and good governance practices.

He also cited asset management systems that limit value extraction, robust legal and regulatory frameworks devoid of fragmentation, and efficient institutional coherence.

He said that these conditions would soar performance of public assets, stimulate investment inflows and bring about high positive impact on the economy.

Akume said that the country was endowed with public assets, including land, infrastructure, state-owned enterprises and strategic institutions.

According to him, if effectively manage, they can become platforms for wealth creation and prosperity.

“Many of these assets remain underexplored and perform below their potentials,” he said.

The SGF said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu recognised the economic potential of effective asset management.

He said that the government had taken decisive steps to strengthen the institutional framework for managing public assets.

“The boldest manifestation is the strengthening of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), which signifies combined institutional, legal and regulatory reforms.

“MOFI is responsible for managing and optimising the government’s portfolio of assets, including investments, estates and rights to grow national wealth and prosperity,” Akume said.

He said that by empowering MOFI, the government aimed to build a central institution for public asset managemen

He said that the institution was capable of unlocking non-tax revenues, strengthening fiscal sustainability and attracting private capital to close Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.

The SGF said that these invariably translated into jobs, growth and improved quality of life for citizens.

Also speaking, Mr Kyari Bukar, Chairman of the Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reform and Economic Development, said that effective public asset management was a key driver of economic transformation.

“Managing an asset literally means running it so that value is created or produced out of those assets.

“The proper entities that are very good at doing that are in the private sector.

“I am not saying that the government should shirk all responsibility, but it can attract investors to put the assets to productive use in a way that benefits both parties,” he said.

Bukar said that private participation in asset management offered mutual benefits, especially when properly structured.

He called for consolidation and proper record-keeping of all public assets, stressing the need for coordination among ministries, departments and agencies.

“We need to have all of those entities come in, collaborate and have a common understanding.

“That way, we will then have a harmonised view of all the assets Nigeria owns,” Bukar said.

He called for open collaboration among government agencies, private investors and development partners to craft an effective national framework for public asset management.

“When an investor puts money into a dormant asset, that asset becomes valuable, generating income for both sides. It is a win-win situation.

“Once an asset becomes productive, it pays taxes, creates jobs and contributes to closing fiscal and financial gaps in the economy,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Unity, openness key to peace in Nigeria – Presidential aide
General News

Unity, openness key to peace in Nigeria – Presidential aide

By Thompson Yamput

Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), says unity, openness and solidarity are key to achieving lasting peace in Nigeria.

 

Essiet stated this on Wednesday in Lokoja at a community workshop and inauguration of Community-Based Peace Structures in Kogi.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event brought together more than 200 stakeholders from the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi for the inauguration of the peace structures in the state.

 

Essiet said that leaders and citizens must embrace unity and inclusiveness to sustain peace across communities.

“When no one is left behind, development becomes truly sustainable, and peace becomes lasting in all communities and in Nigeria as a whole,” she said.

 

She urged participants to work collectively for a peaceful and prosperous Kogi, adding that the initiative would be replicated across all states in the North Central zone as directed by President Bola Tinubu.

 

“We are collaborating with the North Central Development Commission to sustain dialogue, strengthen community voices and ensure that peace-building efforts translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, security and livelihoods,” she said.

 

According to her, Tinubu is passionate about entrenching peace and security as foundations for economic growth and development.

 

“Building social cohesion is not a one-off event; it is a continuous journey that requires patience, inclusiveness and commitment,” she added.

In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing peace across the state, saying that efforts were ongoing to rid communities of criminal elements.

 

Ododo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Arike-Ayoade, urged residents to desist from aiding criminals by supplying them with food and other items.

 

“When we stop supplying them with the things they need in the bushes, the criminals will abandon their evil trade,” he said.

 

He also appealed to youths to shun crime and embrace hard work, describing it as the only path to sustainable success.

 

The governor commended Essiet for her commitment to promoting peace and security in Kogi and the North Central region.

 

Also speaking, Dr Usman Oba’i, the Ejeh of Dekina and Chairman, Dekina Local Government Traditional Council, commended the initiative and pledged the support of traditional rulers toward sustaining peace in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

Commission synergises with Surveyor-General on data sharing
General News

Commission synergises with Surveyor-General on data sharing

By Kayode Adebiyi

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) has stated that it is collaborating with the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) on data sharing to fulfil the commission’s mandate.

This is contained in a statement signed and made available by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Fatima Yusuf, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Executive Director of NIWRMC, Dr Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to OSGOF.

Aminu-Zaria said his commission had identified areas of synergy and leverage on the expertise, knowledge, and data of OSGoF.

“We want to launch a joint pilot project in selected hydrological areas to test our collaboration models. We also want to accurately delineate and validate river basins and catchments using authoritative geospatial data.

“We need to conduct joint training and workshops to build capacity in modern geospatial and water management technologies to enable us to discharge our roles in capacity building,” he said.

The Executive Director emphasised the importance of authoritative boundary data to support the arbitration of water-related conflicts and disputes.

Responding, the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin promised his office’s support to NIWRMC in providing technological equipment to gather accurate data for water resources management.

The NIWRMC was established in 2007 to ensure the efficient and equitable delivery of water for productive and sustainable domestic consumption, environmental benefit, and economic use. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NIWRMC, NGSA form strategic partnership on regulatory functions
General News

NIWRMC, NGSA form strategic partnership on regulatory functions

By Kayode Adebiyi

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to ensure NGSA’s technical outputs directly support NIWRMC’s regulatory functions.

In a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Fatima Yusuf, on Wednesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of NIWRMC, Dr Abdulmumini Aminu-Zaria, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NGSA.

Aminu-Zaria said during the visit that the partnership aims to combine NGSA’s assessment of geogenic contaminants with NIWRMC’s monitoring to create a comprehensive water quality surveillance system.

“We need to establish data sharing protocols and interoperable databases to link hydrological, geological, and regulatory information and to provide geotechnical and hydrological assessments to guide NIWRMC’s regulatory decisions on water infrastructure.”

Aminu-Zaria also said NIWRMC wants to collaboratively monitor and map geological hazards to inform and strengthen its regulatory plans for flood and drought management.

“We need to launch joint pilot projects in selected catchments to conduct groundwater assessment and urban water sustainability studies,” he said.

The Executive Director called for the two organisations to conduct a joint training and establish a technical working group to build capacity in integrated water geology management.

He also solicited a formalisation of the partnership through a memorandum of understanding and a joint technical committee.

The Director-General of NGSA, Prof Olusegun Ige, assured Aminu-Zaria that the agency has the capacity to support NIWRMC to deliver on its mandate. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

UN Tourism, ETF to establish tourism academy in Lagos
Entertainment

UN Tourism, ETF to establish tourism academy in Lagos

By Joshua Olomu
UN Tourism, the global apex body for tourism, and Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) are set to establish a tourism academy in Lagos.

The initiative, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, is  to jointly promote Lagos  as Africa’s premier tourism hub.

NAN also reports that the decision was reached by the two organisations during a roundtable in Lagos.

According to them, the initiative is part of efforts toward the realisation of ETF’s objectives.

These include showcasing tourism opportunities that abound in Lagos State.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, led the foundation’s delegation to the meeting.

Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, who led the  UN Tourism delegation, noted  that Lagos has everything to make it Africa’s tourism hub.

These, he said, include its fashion, music, festivals, gastronomy and nightlife.

He pledged to work with ETF in developing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure in Lagos.

Pololikashvili also accepted ETF’s invitation to serve as the Patron and honorary member of the foundation.

This was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainable tourism development worldwide.

Earlier, Mohammed told the visiting UN delegation that the issue of insecurity in Nigeria had been grossly exaggerated.

He said tourists who recently visited the country often expressed regret for believing false and negative narratives about Nigeria.

He cited ‘Detty December’, a cultural phenomenon that had placed Lagos on the global tourism map as a clear evidence of the city’s vibrancy and appeal as a preferred destination.

He noted that more than 20,000 events are held in Lagos monthly, underscoring the need for purpose-built event centres and related facilities to support the city’s dynamic entertainment and creative industries.

According to him, such infrastructure would allow global music stars like
Burna Boy, Davido and Whizkid to stage major concerts locally rather than taking such opportunities abroad.

The former minister said Eko Tourism Foundation was established to create an inclusive forum for government and private sector collaboration on tourism in Nigeria.

“It is to serve as a partner of choice for both local and international stakeholders in the tourism industry and to champion the global marketing of Destination Lagos.

He said by  extension, Destination Nigeria would serve as a driver of sustainable socio-economic development.

Other members of the ETF’s delegation included Erelu Abiola Dosumu, member, Board of Trustees and Dr Tunde Lawrenson, Secretary, Board of Trustees and Governing Council.

Others included Mr Karl Hala, member, Governing Council; Ms. Abiola Adelana, Treasurer, Governing Council and Ms. Sharon Ashinze, Assistant Secretary, Governing Council.

The UN Tourism Secretary-General was accompanied by Elcia Grandcourt, Director, Regional Department for Africa; Shirin El Tayan, Chief of Protocol and Kojo Bentum-Williams, Communications Senior expert.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Abuja Fair: Participants throng Dangote Pavilion on special Day
General News

Abuja Fair: Participants throng Dangote Pavilion on special Day

 

The pavilion of the Dangote Group became a mecca on Saturday as participants swarmed around the company at the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair.

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) had projected that the 2025 Fair will attract over 100,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

Visitors to the company’s pavilion expressed interest in Dangote Refinery and the Group’s wide range of products.

A visitor, Peter Abdul, who spoke to newsmen at the Dangote booth, said he was particularly fascinated by the company’s range of products, especially its sugar, cement, fertiliser, and salt.

A participant from Kano, Ibrahim Rogo, expressed interest in exploring opportunities in petroleum and polypropylene trading, noting that he had collected the company’s contact information for further engagement.

Members of the diplomatic corps also visited the company’s pavilion to inquire about Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, a leading truck manufacturing and assembly company under the Dangote Group.

The company is known for enhancing local capacity in logistics and transportation.

Speaking earlier, representative of the company, Hashem Ahmed, said: “Every bag of cement, every tonne of fertiliser, every litre of petroleum product, and every grain of sugar you consume from Dangote represents more than just a product.

“It represents a job for a Nigerian, a contract for a local supplier, an opportunity for a small business, and a step toward a more prosperous Nigeria.”

Hashem, a General Manager, said the company’s business partners, and mostly distributors, have contributed to unlocking its potential.

“I appreciate our esteemed business partners and dedicated dealers of Dangote products here in Abuja and across Nigeria. Your commitment, trust, and resilience have been central to the success of our brand.”

He commended the Abuja Chamber of Commerce for organising the Trade Fair, and for the theme: “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation”, adding that it resonates with the vision and mission of the Dangote Group.

The President of the Chamber, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said ACCI is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Dangote Group.

Obegolu said: “As a member of our Chamber, the Dangote Group has consistently contributed to the growth and visibility of the Abuja International Trade Fair.

“Their presence here today, with their impressive pavilion and diverse product showcase, is a testament to their commitment to trade promotion and to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.”

He added that the Dangote Group, through its operations in cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, agriculture, and energy, has consistently demonstrated that sustainability and innovation are not just aspirations but practical business strategies.

“Their investments in local value addition, backward integration, and renewable energy solutions directly align with the Chamber’s vision for a competitive and self-reliant Nigerian economy,” he said.

He thanked the Group’s President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his vision and steadfastness in fixing the Nigerian economy.

“With our four Centres, the Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), the Business Entrepreneurship and Skills Technology (BEST) Centre, the Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC), and the Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC), alongside over 16 active Trade Groups, we provide holistic support to businesses.

“In this mission, the partnership with the Dangote Group has been invaluable in deepening trade, expanding opportunities, and advocating for a friendlier business environment,” he added.(NAN)

Federation of African Agencies pledges more opportunities for African storytelling
Foreign

Federation of African Agencies pledges more opportunities for African storytelling

By Anthony Alabi
The Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) has pledged to provide more opportunities for photojournalists in order to adequately tell the African stories.
The President of FAAPA and Director-General of the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP), Mr Fouad Arif, said this on Friday at the end of a 5-day photojournalism training in Rabat, Morocco.
He said that training was aimed to empower African photographers to tell the continent’s stories with authenticity and creativity.
He said the seminar’s objectives were “totally met,” reaffirming FAAPA’s commitment to building professional capacity across African newsrooms.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Arif said participants would have opportunities to cover more major events in Morocco.
These including the Cannes competition later this year and the FIFA World Cup, while Marrakech will host FAAPA’s next General Assembly.
He urged the journalists to stay connected through digital platforms, submit entries for the FAAPA Photography Awards, and continue promoting Africa’s image through powerful storytelling.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Dr Josephine Essomba, commended the organisers for the “perfect” training conditions and praised the collaborative teaching model adopted throughout the seminar.
She highlighted the importance of Africans telling their own stories, adding that the workshop reinforced the need for journalists to portray the continent’s beauty, diversity, and resilience.
The participants also thanked MAP for its hospitality and for providing a conducive learning environment.
In his remarks, Mr Thierry Gouignon, a resource person and photojournalist from Côte d’Ivoire, said the training underscored the importance of visual storytelling in shaping Africa’s image.
“Through this profession, photojournalists can better tell the lives of Africans. It is a challenge to be present, to be as realistic as possible,” he said, urging participants to combine journalism and photography to strengthen their storytelling skills.
Gouignon called on FAAPA to replicate similar training sessions across the continent to help journalists exceed public expectations.
Another participant, Ms Isabel Bento, a multimedia journalist from the Namibia Press Agency, described the course as “more in-depth and enlightening” than previous photography workshops she had attended.
She suggested that future editions include more English and Portuguese translations to ensure inclusivity among non-French speaking participants.
Bento expressed gratitude to FAAPA and MAP for the opportunity, noting that the training had equipped her with new techniques and ethical insights to improve her storytelling through photography.
“We are very grateful for the platform, and I believe it will help us become better photojournalists capable of telling Africa’s great stories through images,” she said.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
Tinubu rehabilitated me after rebels cut off my hands– CCD Director
General News

Tinubu rehabilitated me after rebels cut off my hands– CCD Director

By Alex Enebeli

The Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Mr David Anyaele, has revealed how President Bola Tinubu rehabilitated him after Sierra Leone rebels amputated his hands in 1999.

 

Anyaele spoke on Friday evening during the Nkata Umuibe, a monthly speakers’ series organised by the Centre for Memories (CFM), Enugu, with the theme ‘Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya’.

 

He explained that the assailants were fighters of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), which waged war in Sierra Leone between 1991 and 2002.

 

The disability rights activist said he wrote to various governments, including Southeast governors, seeking support after his ordeal was televised, but his requests were rejected.

 

According to him, he later sent the same appeal to then Lagos governor Bola Tinubu, who directed doctors to examine him.

 

Medical reports recommended overseas treatment, leading to his rehabilitation in Germany, where artificial hands were fitted.

 

“I must thank the Tinubu administration and the good people of Lagos State for their hospitality,” Anyaele said.

 

He lamented that living with disability in Igboland often meant enduring discrimination and neglect.

 

Recounting his ordeal, Anyaele said he was on a business trip to Freetown when he was attacked solely because he was Nigerian.

 

He recalled that his pleas not to be mutilated were ignored, stressing that many Nigerians faced similar inhuman treatment during Sierra Leone’s civil war.

 

He said Nigerian-led ECOMOG troops rescued him while he lay in pain and rushed him to hospital, saving his life.

 

“That experience changed my world as I suddenly found myself in the disability community, without knowing what the future held,” he said.

 

He added that he was subjected to stigma, discrimination, isolation, and exclusion because of his disability.

 

Appealing to Igbos, Anyaele urged them not to discriminate against persons with disabilities but to embrace inclusion, noting disability could happen to anyone anytime.

 

He commended Gov. Alex Otti for establishing the Abia State Disability Commission and urged Gov. Peter Mbah to replicate it in Enugu State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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