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Olusi Canvasses Skills Devt for Economic Growth, Reaffirms Support for Artisans

Olusi Canvasses Skills Devt for Economic Growth, Reaffirms Support for Artisans

James Emejo in Abuja

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Bank of Industry (BoI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian artisans and technicians, which he described as the backbone of inclusive economic growth and future of industrial development.
The BoI chief executive spoke at the Nigerian Artisans Leadership Summit 2025, with the theme, “Unlocking the Inherent Potential of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians” in Abuja.
He said the development finance institution views the country’s over 12 million artisans as key drivers of grassroots enterprise and national transformation.
Represented by BoI Executive Director, Public Sector and Intervention Programmes, Ms Mabel Ndagi, Olusi said the theme goes to the heart of inclusive development – and speaks to a vision of Nigeria, where “talent is not wasted due to lack of support, where enterprise is not stifled by lack of access, and where informal skills are not excluded from formal opportunities”.
According to him, the challenges faced by artisans – such as limited access to affordable finance, lack of research and development, outdated equipment, inadequate training, poor business structures, and minimal export participation required urgent and structured intervention.
To address these systemic issues, he said the bank is anchoring its 2025–2027 Corporate Strategy on six thematic pillars.
These include strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, promoting youth empowerment and skills development, expanding opportunities within the digital economy, advancing climate resilience and sustainability initiatives, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring gender inclusion across all interventions.
He said, “These focus areas are not just bureaucratic categories—they are lenses through which we are reimagining support for artisans and grassroots entrepreneurs.”
The BoI boss further underscored the bank’s mission to provide both financial and advisory support to Nigerian enterprises that sustain local economies and catalyze national growth.
He said, “Our vision as a development finance institution is to transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape by empowering the enterprises that power this nation. At the heart of this vision are artisans and grassroots entrepreneurs like you.”
He stressed that development cannot be outsourced or imported, adding that, “It must be built by hand, by skill, by passion, and by purpose. That is what artisans represent. That is what BOI supports. That is the future we must shape together.”
The Artisan Leadership Summit marked another step in BOI’s broader drive to deepen financial inclusion, promote sustainable livelihoods, and unlock the untapped potential across Nigeria’s informal sector.
The summit brought together leaders of the artisan community, development partners, government representatives, and stakeholders to spotlight the challenges faced by craftsmen, while also charting a new course for their empowerment and integration into the formal economy.

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James Emejo in Abuja Managing Director/Chief Executive, Bank of Industry (BoI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian artisans and technicians, which he described as

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SWAgCo, BATNF to Launch Sustainable Maize Devt Project for Farmers in Ekiti

SWAgCo, BATNF to Launch Sustainable Maize Devt Project for Farmers in Ekiti

Sunday Okobi

In a significant move to boost agricultural development in the South-west, the South West Agricultural Company Limited (SWAgCo), the agribusiness subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), in collaboration with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has launched a support initiative targeting over 100 smallholder maize farmers at the Odu’a Agro Industrial Hub in Oke-Ako Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The flag-off ceremony, which took place yesterday at the Odu’a Agro-Industrial Hub in Oke-Ako, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was graced by the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, alongside traditional rulers, government officials, and key stakeholders from the agricultural sector.

The project, titled: ‘Sustainable Development of Maize Micro-Enterprise Farmers in Ekiti State,’ is aimed at enhancing maize productivity, improve access to quality inputs and extension services and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The project is being implemented by Westlink Integrated Agriculture Limited, the operating subsidiary of SWAgCo Limited.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, appreciated the move as timely and transformative, stating that: “The initiative aligns perfectly with the administration’s vision to empower farmers and drive inclusive economic growth.”

 He commended the Odu’a Investment, BATNF and SWAgCo for bringing this vision to reality at Oke-Ako.

Oyebanji noted that Ekiti State is open for business, especially in agribusiness where the combination of fertile land, hardworking farmers, supportive government policies and an array of agriculture offering tertiary institutions creates as an ideal conditions for agribusiness to thrive.

The Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, said that the project is a manifestation of OICL’s commitment to strategic partnerships that deliver impact. According to him, “This maize cultivation initiative, in partnership with BATNF, is a shining example of what can be achieved when strong institutions work together with purposeful partners. This hub at Oke- Ako Ekiti will be more than a production site. It is a platform designed to bring together actors across the agricultural value chain: from land development and input suppliers to mechanization, processing, storage, and logistics services.

“It will foster inclusive growth, unlock job opportunities for our youth and women, and stimulate local economic development.”

He also positioned the project within OICL’s broader commitment to regional development, saying: “This project represents our dedication to investing in ventures that unlock socio-economic value across the Southwest region.”

Also, the Chairman of SWAgCo, Mr. Owolabi Salami, reiterated SWAgCo’s mission to scale sustainable agricultural development. According to him, SWAgCo was established to serve as a catalyst for agro-industrial transformation and supporting these 100 maize farmers is just one step in our broader mission to reposition agriculture as a commercially viable and youth-inclusive sector.”

The General Manager of BATNF, Mr. Oludare Odusanya,  who spoke on the Foundation’s role in supporting small holder farmers in rural communities, noted that “the project reflects our core belief that smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of development; they are key drivers of it.”

He said that BATNF is committed to empowering rural communities with tools, training, and technologies need to thrive.

OICL Group Independent Director and member of the BATNF Technical Committee, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, added that beyond productivity, the project is about restoring dignity to farming. “This is about giving farmers a reason to stay on the land, believe in their work, and to pass that hope on to the next generation. Chief Segun Ojo, a Group Director in Odu’a, also laid credence to the fact that Odu’a, through SwagCo, is doing the right thing, and seeing it launched in Oke Ako is a moment of profound pride.

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Sunday Okobi In a significant move to boost agricultural development in the South-west, the South West Agricultural Company Limited (SWAgCo), the agribusiness subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), in

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Lagos LG Poll: PDP Flags Off Campaign, Says Party Not Dead

Lagos LG Poll: PDP Flags Off Campaign, Says Party Not Dead

Segun James

Ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, the former Deputy National Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Chief Olabode George,  has charged the party’s candidates in the election to challenge the status quo and be bold to take on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at their supposed stronghold.

George, who stated this at the commencement of  the PDP campaigns with the presentation of flags to its candidates, urged them to prove to nay sayers that the PDP is not dead in the state.

In his address to the party faithful, the Atona Oodua charged the candidates and others to be courageous as they go for the campaign.

 He likened PDP to an Iroko tree that would not be uprooted in the country.

 “I will join you as humanly possible to campaign to our people. I know the LASIEC, the electoral commission was packaged by the state government, but above all the contestants, put Almighty God before you, He will lead you there. Even if they manipulate the results, let the vibration wake up Lagos.”

“For those who are contesting, be courageous because you are serving the Almighty God. God told us in the holy books, you must be a servant leader.”

“The essence of today is to convince the Lagos electorate that the rumours that have been flying around is most irresponsible statement that any sane person would say. How can an Iroko tree die. The only political party that is Iroko is PDP,” Gorge boasted.

Speaking on the hardship in the country, George said: “Don’t be afraid, go and campaign. There are millions who are suffering.

“The younger generation  in the north are now revolting. They asked them to go to school but they are back but there is no job because education makes people easy to govern but difficult to enslave.”

While criticising the barrage of defectors into the APC, George stated: “I feel for those who are defecting  to APC. APC is a congregation of strange bed fellows, hurriedly packaged and put together. What has the APC government done to warrant any recognition in this country? Compare all the economic indices now to when the PDP was in government,” he queried.

In his comment, former Chairman of  the party in Lagos State, Sunday Olaifa said: “Without the support of Bode George, PDP would not have participated in the local government election. When we came to him to complain, he personally took us to LASIEC office and now we are participating.”

Olaifa, who is the Vice Chairman South-west of PDP, added: “This election is winnable. This is the moment we have been waiting for.”

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Segun James Ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, the former Deputy National Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Chief Olabode George,  has charged the party’s

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Anambra CP Admonishes Operatives on Firearm Use

Anambra CP Admonishes Operatives on Firearm Use

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has admonished operatives in the state on exercising extreme care in the use of their firearms.

Orutugu made the admonishment when he visited Police Mobile Force 29 Squadron at Amansea, Awka, where the deceased police officer, Inspector Amaechi Okolie, who was shot by his 10-year-old son, served.

The commissioner also visited the family of the deceased, where he made financial contribution to the family.

Inspector Okolie was two days ago shot dead by his son while fiddling with his service rifle, without knowing it was fully loaded. His second son, a six years old boy was equally wounded as a result of the incident.

A statement issued by the state Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the commissioner was at Amansea to condole with the family members and officers and men of the Squadron over the sad incident of the loss of Inspector Okolie and bullet injury to one of his sons.

Ikenga said: “The CP, during the visit, described the Police Mobile Force as his Alma Mater, and reminded the officers of the importance of adhering to Police Operational Protocol, especially in their line of duty.

“He emphasized the need for teamwork, and encouraged the personnel to remain focused and dedicated to their duties, despite the loss.

“CP Orutugu’s visit to the Police Mobile Squadron at Amansea demonstrates his commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel of the Command.

“He also supported the deceased’s family with a welfare package and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured son who is currently receiving attention in the hospital.”

Ikenga said the commissioner was received on behalf of the officers of the Squadron by their Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Nasiru Adamu Kaila, who expressed gratitude to Orutugu for visiting the base and showing empathy towards the officers, especially at this moment of grief.

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David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has admonished operatives in the state on exercising extreme care in the use of their firearms. Orutugu made

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Ondo Tertiary Institutions Shut Down as Workers Protest Unpaid Wages, Arrears

Ondo Tertiary Institutions Shut Down as Workers Protest Unpaid Wages, Arrears

Fidelis David in Akure

Academic and non-academic activities across all Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions are expected to grind to a halt as workers under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ondo State Tertiary Institutions begin a 14-day warning strike.

The institutions affected include Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA); Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH); University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED); and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO).

In a communique signed by Olutayo Ogungbeni, chairman, JAC-ODSTI, and Kunle Akinwonmi, secretary, JAC-ODSTI,  issued yesterday, the unions comprising SSANU, NASU, NAAT, and SSANIP, cited failure by the state government to implement the national minimum wage, pay salary arrears, and release outstanding wage awards, among other grievances. They also highlighted the government’s delay in paying gratuities to retired workers and six months’ unpaid salaries for RUGIPO staff.

“We met with the governor on May 1, 2025. Promises were made, but nothing has been done. The government is playing politics with our lives and the future of education in Ondo State,” the communique read.

It added: “Having realised that the state government is playing politics with our lives and the lives of our children in all the state-owned institutions as well as tertiary education sector in Ondo State, we have no other alternative than to direct our members to embark on a 14-day warning strike (at first instance) with effect from 12:00 midnight of June 19, 2025.

Besides, the unions warned that the 14-day strike would be total and uncompromising.

“Kindly note that the 14-day warning strike shall be total, hence, no concession is given to any of our members to perform any official duties during the period of this warning strike and any of our members found in their offices during this warning strike shall be seen as saboteurs and shall be treated as such,” it stated.

The committee urged traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and religious leaders in the state to intervene before the situation escalates into a prolonged academic shutdown.

“We are not out to destroy education in the state, but we refuse to continue in silence while our members suffer,” they added.

If no response is received from the government within the 14-day window, the unions hinted that a full-blown, indefinite strike could follow, potentially crippling the state’s higher education system.

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Fidelis David in Akure Academic and non-academic activities across all Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions are expected to grind to a halt as workers under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ondo

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Olukoyede: EFCC’ll Never Allow Relooting of Recovered Assets

Olukoyede: EFCC’ll Never Allow Relooting of Recovered Assets

John Shiklam in Kaduna 

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede,  has vowed that the Commission would never allowed the re-looting of  recovered assets. 

Olukoyede stated this yesterday during a visit to the main campus of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State. 

The institution initially known as Nok University was a  established in 2021 as a private institution by Anthony Hassan, a retired Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Health.

An Abuja federal high court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had in June 2024, issued a final order of forfeiture of the university to the federal government, after it was established that Hassan used illicit public funds to establish it. 

Hassan was also found guilty of using proceeds of corruption to establish  a water factory, hotel, and an event centre.

Olukoyede said good governance was a possibility in Nigeria, adding that Nigerians must enjoy the proceed of accountability. 

“This is a testimony that good governance is a possibility in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given us a marching order to go and ensure delivery of good governance and he has provided the leadership directly and indirectly, by actions and by words.”

“Never in the history of this country are we going to allow recovered assets to be relooted again. So, this is a testimony of accountability, it is a testimony of transparency, it is a testimony of judicious use of recovered asset,” he said.  The EFCC boss stated further that, “Nigerians deserve to enjoy the proceeds of accountability and that is why we decided to give this (institution) back to the people.” 

“After recovery, we feel the people of the immediate community must be the first beneficiaries. So, it is important for us to appreciate the leadership of Mr. President because this has not been happening before.”

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John Shiklam in Kaduna  Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede,  has vowed that the Commission would never allowed the re-looting of  recovered assets.  Olukoyede stated this yesterday during

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Nigeria Finalises Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates

Nigeria Finalises Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigerian government has finalised arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in Israel and Iran as crisis between the two nations has escalated with incessant bombings.

The arrangements by the Nigerian government was communicated yesterday in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries. 

“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.

“The ministry commends the efforts put in place by our Missions in Tel Aviv,  Israel and Tehran, Iran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian community in these difficult times. 

“We wish to assure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.

“In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of civilians.”

“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability.”

The government promised to provide further updates from time to time through official channels as operations progress.

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Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Nigerian government has finalised arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in Israel and Iran as crisis between the two nations has escalated with incessant

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Finance Minister to Attend PEARL Awards 30th Anniversary Summit

Finance Minister to Attend PEARL Awards 30th Anniversary Summit

Raheem Akingbolu

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has been confirmed as the Special Guest of Honour at the PEARL Awards 30th Anniversary Corporate Summit, scheduled to hold next week Tuesday, in Lagos.

According to a statement signed by the PEARL Awards Project Manager, Mr. Olisemeka Obi, the summit will feature Dr. Biodun Adedipe, a renowned economist and management consultant, as the Lead Speaker. Adedope is expected to deliver key insights on the theme: “Built to Last: Roadmap for Corporate Nigeria.”

Also expected at the event are: Hon. James Faleke, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, NGX Group, and Mr. Emomotimi John Agama, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The statement also quoted the Awards President and CEO, Mr. Tayo Orekoya, emphasising that the summit’s faculty has been carefully curated to provide participants with practical and time-tested strategies for building enduring, legacy-driven businesses.

“We have just a few organizations in Nigeria that have lasted up to 100 years, and even at that, most were founded by foreigners,” Mr. Orekoya noted. “This summit is aimed at identifying the right pathway to organizational longevity and sustainability in the Nigerian corporate landscape.”

The panel of distinguished panelists will include: Dr. (Mrs.) Toyin Sanni, CEO/MD, Emerging Africa Group, Dr. (Mrs.) Owen Diana Omogiafo, President/CEO, Transcorp International, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, MD/CEO, Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) as well as Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, MD/CEO, First Registrars & Investor Services Ltd.

The summit will bring together top CEOs, corporate executives, and key stakeholders in the Nigerian economy, providing a robust platform for knowledge sharing, strategic dialogue, and peer networking.

One of the highlights of the event will be the public presentation and launch of the second edition of “Winning Strategies of Nigeria’s Corporate Giants,” a publication showcasing the success stories of leading Nigerian business founders and corporate trailblazers.

This Corporate Summit serves as a prelude to the 2025 PEARL Awards Nite, which will hold on 30th November 2025. Endorsed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since 2003, the PEARL Awards remains Nigeria’s most credible and respected platform for recognizing corporate excellence and performance.

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Raheem Akingbolu The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has been confirmed as the Special Guest of Honour at the PEARL Awards 30th