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Association Advocates Ban on Importation of Ready-made Garments, Urges FG to Protect Local Industry

Association Advocates Ban on Importation of Ready-made Garments, Urges FG to Protect Local Industry

Funmi Ogundare

The President of the Association of Women in Fashion Tech (WIFT), Mrs. Bukola Yekini Ajayi, has called on the Federal Government to stop the importation of ready-made garments into Nigeria, stressing that the influx of foreign clothing is stifling the growth of the local fashion and garment industry.

Speaking at the maiden Afro-EU Garment Innovation and Sustainability Summit, in Lagos, themed, ‘Bridging Continents through Fashion, Technology and Cultural Exchange’, in Lagos, Ajayi explained that the association, which has over 5,000 registered members across 28 states, is determined to protect African designs, heritage and culture from exploitation and counterfeiting.

“We must protect our designs, our forefathers’ work, and the African culture. Fashion is our heritage, passed from one generation to another, and it must not be lost to counterfeiters and unchecked importation. Enough is enough,” she stated.

She revealed that WIFT has developed solutions to safeguard members’ products against design theft and counterfeiting, citing recent cases such as fake Adire fabrics in circulation. “Before long, we might even begin to see counterfeit Aso-Oke. But under Women in Fashion Tech watch, that will not happen,” she said.

On financing, Ajayi urged the Federal Government to review funding policies for women entrepreneurs, explaining that many fashion business owners remain excluded from existing support schemes due to debt burdens.

She said loans received during the COVID-19 period, disbursed largely through online channels, have become a major stumbling block preventing women from accessing new funding opportunities.

“Instead of helping them, the COVID-19 support became a trap. Many women cannot forge ahead because of debts they are unable to repay, and this blocks them from accessing fresh funds. We implore government to intervene so that these women can move forward,” she appealed.

Ajayi reiterated that WIFT is building an ecosystem to address the value chain challenges in garment production, from textile supply to manufacturing, while pushing for policies that favour local designers.

Speaking with journalists, the Founder and President of the Central Eastern European and West African Business Association ( CEEWABA), Michael Dada, explained that innovation and high-level training are essential for Nigerian and African designers to penetrate the market as Europe is ready to embrace African fashion.

The summit, he noted, is designed to open European markets to African clothing brands, particularly from Nigeria, while also equipping designers with the technical expertise required to meet international standards.

“Globalisation has made Europe ready for African fashion. The only gap was that nobody was pioneering the effort. That was why we established the African Fashion hub, to promote African and European fashion and connect stakeholders who can bridge this gap,” Dada said.

In her remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose Medebem, who was represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Nana- Hauwa Adeeyo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment towards driving innovation and sustainability in Africa’s fashion and garment industry.

“Lagos is not just a market, Lagos is a hub of ideas and creativity,” the commissioner said, noting that the city’s diverse ecosystem of designers, entrepreneurs and technologists is redefining African fashion and positioning it on the global stage.

She emphasised on the state’s deliberate investments in fashion entrepreneurship, including the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), which has empowered thousands of young people and MSMEs with funding, training, and access to opportunities.

The commissioner called for stronger Afro-EU partnerships in addressing global challenges such as climate change, youth unemployment, and economic inequality through fashion innovation.

The UN Women Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs Beatrice Eyong, stated that her office supports women in the creative industry because they have the potential to grow the Nigerian economy, adding that technology is very important for them at all levels.

“If Nigeria prospers, Africa will also prosper. We work with governments to support economic policies to support men and women entrepreneur,” she stated.

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Funmi Ogundare The President of the Association of Women in Fashion Tech (WIFT), Mrs. Bukola Yekini Ajayi, has called on the Federal Government to stop the importation of ready-made garments
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Mowe Golf Town to Open Experience Centre, Holds N500m African Art Exhibition

Mowe Golf Town to Open Experience Centre, Holds N500m African Art Exhibition

Funmi Ogundare

Mowe Golf Town, a new eco-luxury community designed around a 9-hole waterfront golf course, will  on August 23, open its Experience Centre with a cultural and lifestyle showcase themed ‘ Mowe Golf Town Daycation’.

The project, developed by Legal City Homes and Properties in partnership with Gidi Real Estate Investment Limited, is positioned as a model for modern sustainable African living, blending eco-friendly residences, recreation and cultural heritage.

A major highlight of the launch will be a private African art exhibition valued at over N500 million, curated by Dayo Adetunmbi, CEO of Heavy Lifting Limited. The collection will feature works from celebrated artists including Bruce Onobrakpeya, David H. Dale, Abiodun Olaku and Kolade Oshinawo, underscoring the intersection of real estate and culture.

The Daycation event will also witness the unveiling of The Green Residences, a collection of smart, eco-friendly homes and the introduction of the Creek View Land offering, expanding investment opportunities within the community. Guests will enjoy curated leisure activities such as scooter rides, sip-and-paint sessions, and relaxation zones.

Speaking ahead of the opening, the Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) of Legal City Homes and Properties, Labake Adetumbi, stated that the development represents a new direction for urban living.

“Mowe Golf Town is more than a residential community; it is an ecosystem that combines sustainability, culture and leisure to deliver long-term value for investors and comfort for residents,” Adetumbi said.

Located opposite Christopher University in Mowe, about 45 minutes from Lagos, the community, she noted, is designed to serve as both a residential hub and a leisure destination for city dwellers seeking comfort, recreation and modern green living.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on sustainable cities, clean energy, climate action and responsible consumption.

“With its mix of golf, art, eco-friendly housing and cultural experiences, Mowe Golf Town is envisioned as a year-round destination for residents and visitors alike,” Adetumbi said.

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Funmi Ogundare Mowe Golf Town, a new eco-luxury community designed around a 9-hole waterfront golf course, will  on August 23, open its Experience Centre with a cultural and lifestyle showcase
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UNILAG VC Calls for Responsible Tech Governance to Curb Fraud, Disinformation 

UNILAG VC Calls for Responsible Tech Governance to Curb Fraud, Disinformation 

Funmi Ogundare 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Thursday, said there was an urgent need for responsible governance in the use of technology.

She warned that while digitisation has opened new frontiers of knowledge, it has also created avenues for fraud, slander and disinformation.

Ogunsola made the call at the 12th Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial lecture held at the institution, themed ‘Tech Governance in 2025: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility.’

She emphasised the challenge facing universities in ensuring that students genuinely acquire knowledge rather than merely exploiting digital tools to beat the system. 

According to her, higher institutions must work harder to ensure graduates are well-grounded and able to contribute meaningfully to society.

She described the theme as both timely and apt, given the fast-paced nature of technological change.

“The world is speeding ahead. Knowledge and information are generated at unprecedented rates. What we learn today can be obsolete tomorrow,” the VC said. “The internet has democratised knowledge, but with it comes responsibility. It has given us opportunities for great development, but also opened the door to fraud, slander and misuse.”

Ogunsola also commended UNILAG alumni for their consistent support in sustaining the university’s growth through mentorship, infrastructure and donations. “No university can grow without its alumni,” she stated. “You are not only our ambassadors, you are the bridge to ensuring that our legacies into the next generation not only abide, but continue to grow.”

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Surajudeen Bashiru, who spoke on the theme, noted that while technology has become the backbone of modern society, with Artificial Intelligence, e-commerce, e-banking, e-voting, e-learning, social media, and cloud computing transforming industries and everyday life, it also presents new threats when misused.

“Responsible use of technology means protecting personal data, safeguarding the public from harmful content, and preventing its exploitation for fraud, insecurity, subversion and instability,” he stated

Bashiru stressed that no responsible government can allow technology to be applied in ways that jeopardise national security, unity, or socio-economic stability. Drawing from human rights jurisprudence, he explained the balance required between freedom and regulation: “The freedom of your fist stops where my nose begins.”

According to him, a sound regulatory framework is necessary to guide innovation, ensuring that technology becomes a force for development and security rather than sabotage. “Tech governance focuses on setting rules that encourage innovation while protecting citizens from abuse,” he added.

He argued that as Nigeria integrates further into the global digital economy, the importance of governance in technology cannot be overstated, as poor regulation leaves vulnerabilities with implications beyond national borders.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of the Alumni Association, Hon. Owoeye Adedeji, said the lecture was organised to recognise the invaluable contributions of Sofoluwe who was the 10th VC of the institution.

He added that the branch also used the occasion to raise some funds to assist some departments as a way of giving back to the university.

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Funmi Ogundare  The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Thursday, said there was an urgent need for responsible governance in the use of technology. She warned
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Lagos Embarks on Landmark Transition to Circular Waste Management

Lagos Embarks on Landmark Transition to Circular Waste Management

The Lagos State Government has said it is embarking on a landmark transition to a circular waste management system.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this on Thursday on his verified Facebook page.

Wahab said the transition was in alignment with the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration’s THEMES+ Agenda.

According to him, the government has initiated a major transition from a linear waste management system to a circular model anchored on innovation, sustainability and strategic partnerships.

He said the new approach was designed to ensure that waste is not merely collected and dumped, but transformed into resources that contribute to energy generation, recycling and sustainable development.

He noted that as part of the transition, the state had signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with reputable organisations.

He listed the organisations as Harvest Waste Consortium (Netherlands), Lafarge Africa Plc and JONSPONG Group of Companies.

He said Harvest Waste Consortium would deploy advanced waste treatment technology capable of converting almost 3,000 tonnes of waste daily into energy.

He added that the state government would collaborate with Lafarge Africa Plc on the collection and processing of non-recyclable combustible waste across the state and landfill sites.

JONSPONG Group of Companies will support the treatment of solid and liquid waste, as well as the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility aimed at easing pressure on landfills,” he said.

He said the collaborations were complemented by the state’s modular processing efforts, all of which are geared towards one ambitious goal; achieving zero waste to landfill.

“This will enable the government to begin the gradual decommissioning of landfill sites across Lagos State.

“This administration has never relented in its drive for a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.

“The partnerships we are forging today represent another milestone in our journey towards a truly circular economy for waste management,” Wahab said.

He added that the government had reaffirmed its commitment to continue adopting world-class innovations and sustainable solutions that would safeguard public health, protect the environment, and ensure a greater Lagos for generations to come. (NAN)

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The Lagos State Government has said it is embarking on a landmark transition to a circular waste management system. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab,
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Emzor Pharmaceutical Successfully Repays Debut Series 1 Commercial Paper

Emzor Pharmaceutical Successfully Repays Debut Series 1 Commercial Paper

* Bolsters commitment to local manufacturing, health security

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Emzor), a leading light in the Nigerian pharmaceutical sector, is pleased to announce the successful repayment of its inaugural Series 1 Commercial Paper. 

Originally issued in November 2024, under its N10 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme, the N5.13 billion note matured on August 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s capital markets journey. 

This fulfilment and the continued retention of its investment grade credit rating of A- with a stable outlook (GCR), further reinforces Emzor’s credibility and financial discipline in Nigeria’s investment landscape. Beyond this financial triumph, Emzor continues to drive innovation, quality, self-reliance and excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The company has successfully scaled up Local API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) Production with a $23 million transformative investment. Situated in Sagamu, Ogun State, the $23 million API plant is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. This venture is set to bolster Nigeria’s drug self-sufficiency by reducing import reliance and lowering production costs, especially for vital medicines like antimalarials and HIV/AIDS antiretrovirals.  

The API Plant, nearing completion, was initially slated for opening in Q1-2024, but the timeline has been revised to early 2026, owing to fiscal, monetary and regulatory complexities. Despite these pressures, the project is advancing swiftly, with over 90% of civil engineering works completed and critical production equipment already installed, The API R&D laboratory has already developed and synthesized five antimalarial API’s in anticipation of full-scale production.

Emzor Pharmaceutical continues to sustainably champion Drug Safety with Innovative Track-and-Trace Technology, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to quality and consumer safety, Emzor has rolled out an advanced ERP, Oracle, as well as track-and-trace software system across its supply chain. These solutions support lean manufacturing, tighten inventory management and strengthen market surveillance, helping to eliminate substandard and counterfeit medications, especially in underserved areas.

The company has remained unwavering in promoting Manufacturing Resilience and Regional Outreach. At a recent ECOWAS@50 summit in Lagos, Emzor reaffirmed its pivotal role in enhancing medicine security across the continent. Notably, the company now has over 200 registered products manufactured across several factory sites, and distributes to all Nigerian states and to West Africa, including direct exports to Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The company commends government for Policies Bolstering Local Pharma Production.  Emzor is one of the beneficiaries of a landmark policy move by Nigeria’s government, which exempts pharmaceutical raw materials from import duties and VAT for two years. This regulatory support aims to stimulate local production, making essential medicines more affordable.  This also adds to the bold and extensive backward integration strategy that Emzor is vigorously pursuing.  In addition, a new economic directive known as ‘The Nigeria-First Policy’, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in May this year, mandates all federal ministries, departments and agencies to prioritise procurement of locally manufactured goods, improving the outlook for the supply of Emzor’s products during public tenders.

Emzor’s timely repayment of its debut commercial paper underscores its robust financial management, while its strategic initiatives — ranging from cutting-edge infrastructure to digital integrity systems — highlight its leadership in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical evolution. As the company nears completion of its landmark API facility and continues to expand its footprint, Emzor remains at the vanguard of building resilient, accessible healthcare across Africa.

Established over 45 years ago in 1977 by Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli, Emzor began as Emzor Chemists Limited, a modest retail pharmacy and has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most esteemed pharmaceutical manufacturers. Over the past four decades, the company has grown into a pan-African force with world-class, ISO- and NAFDAC-approved facilities ensuring quality, availability and affordability of healthcare products across the continent.  Successful inspections by international agencies have also opened the way for Emzor’s products to be supplied to international agencies in recognition of the high quality manufacturing standards.

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* Bolsters commitment to local manufacturing, health securityEmzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Emzor), a leading light in the Nigerian pharmaceutical sector, is pleased to announce the successful repayment of its inaugural
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RMAFC Begins Remuneration Packages for Office Holders

RMAFC Begins Remuneration Packages for Office Holders

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a review of remuneration packages for political, public and judicial office holders across the country.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Head, Information and Public Relations Unit of the RMAFC, Mrs Maryam Yusuf.

The Chairman of the Remuneration and Monetisation Committee, RMAFC, Mr Mohammed Usman, disclosed this at a retreat organised by the commission in Kano.

Usman said that the importance of the assignment was for the growth of Nigeria’s governance structure.

According to him, the review is aimed at harmonising reports in the bid to review the remuneration packages for political, public and judicial office holders across the country.

“The effort is also a significant move towards the implementation of one of the commission`s core mandates,’’ he said.

The committee chairman said that the 1999 constitution (as amended) empowered the commission to determine appropriate remuneration for political, public and judicial office holders at all levels.

He noted that the commission had earlier taken some steps towards the review of the remuneration package to reflect prevailing economic realities.

“The RMAFC carefully considered a wide range of perspectives, including memoranda from stakeholders, public hearings and ministerial submissions, while also drawing from economic indicators and remuneration practices in other countries,” Usman said.

He explained that the review process was not only about figures but also about sustainability and affordability.

He added that the commission has equally analysed the capacity of the government to implement the review package, ensuring that recommendations remain fair, realistic and sustainable.

Usman said that the committee was directed to harmonise the earlier report and subsequent addendum into a single document, to provide a clear and comprehensive framework for implementation.

He appealed to members to bring their diverse experience and knowledge to bear, adding that the retreat would produce outcomes that were balanced and beneficial to all.

“I implore everyone to contribute towards achieving the purpose of our gathering, given our varied knowledge and wealth of experience.

“The retreat is expected to set a sustainable framework for political, public and judicial office holders’ remuneration in line with the mandate of the commission,” he said. (NAN)

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The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a review of remuneration packages for political, public and judicial office holders across the country. This is contained in a
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NELFUND Issues New Guidelines on Upkeep Loan Disbursement

NELFUND Issues New Guidelines on Upkeep Loan Disbursement

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said that upkeep loan disbursement is now strictly tied to the academic session of each institution.

NELFUND disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

“In line with this directive, students shall only be entitled to upkeep loans for their current academic session.

“Upon the conclusion of an institution’s academic year, upkeep payments for that session shall automatically cease,” she said.

According to Oluwatuyi, students who transition into a new academic year would no longer receive upkeep disbursements for the preceding session.

She further said interested loan applicants were required to apply for the loan at the beginning of every academic session to be eligible for both institutional charges and upkeep for that particular session.

“To ensure accuracy and transparency, the NELFUND loan portal is being automated to reflect this adjustment.

“The portal will henceforth display only the upkeep loans that have been collected by each student within the relevant session,” she added.

Oluwatuyi advised institutions to upload their academic calendars and session information in a timely manner to guarantee that their students received the full upkeep benefits due to them for an entire academic year.

“NELFUND remains committed to its mandate of providing accessible, transparent and efficient loan support to Nigerian students, and counts on the cooperation of all stakeholders in the smooth implementation of this directive.

“For further inquiries or assistance, please contact us via email at info@nelf.gov.ng or reach out through our official social media platforms, and X (formerly Twitter),” she said.

“Other contacts include @nelfund, Instagram: @nelfund and Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund.” (NAN)

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said that upkeep loan disbursement is now strictly tied to the academic session of each institution. NELFUND disclosed this in a statement in
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