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GOCOP to Institute Dotun Oladipo Prize for Online Journalism

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The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced plans to institute the Dotun Oladipo Prize for Online Journalism in memory of its former president.

GOCOP Deputy President Olumide Iyanda announced the initiative on behalf of the Guild during the service of songs for Oladipo in Lagos.

“I therefore wish to announce, on behalf of our President, the Executive Committee and the entire membership of GOCOP, our intention to institute the Dotun Oladipo Prize for Online Journalism.

“The prize will recognise outstanding online journalism in Nigeria and keep alive the values Dotun represented as a journalist, publisher and leader. The details will be worked out by the Guild in due course,” he said.

Oladipo died on August 25 at the age of 56. He was a founding member of GOCOP and served as president of the Guild from 2017 to 2021.

He was also the publisher of The Eagle Online, a position he held until his death.

Iyanda said Oladipo remained active in the affairs of the Guild after completing his tenure as president.

At the time of his death, he wasCchairman of the GOCOP Constitution Review Committee and was involved in arrangements for members travelling from outside Lagos for the Guild’s annual conference in October.

“At the time he died, he was Chairman of the GOCOP Constitution Review Committee and was arranging accommodation for members coming from outside Lagos for our annual conference in October.

“That was Dotun for you.

“He could be involved in the big decisions and still worry about where a colleague would sleep,” Iyanda said.

He also recalled that Oladipo had planned on the morning of his death to sign a guarantor’s form for a GOCOP member travelling outside the country.

“On the morning he died, he told me he was going to the office partly to sign a guarantor’s form for a GOCOP member travelling out of the country. He never got to sign it.

“Even on his last day, Dotun was thinking about what he could do for somebody else,” he said.

Iyanda described Oladipo as an important part of the Guild who played different roles in supporting members and resolving issues.

“He was a major artery of GOCOP. He was our dealmaker, our peacemaker and our joy giver,” he said.

On behalf of GOCOP President Danlami Nmodu,mni, the Executive Committee and members of the Guild, Iyanda extended condolences to Oladipo’s wife, Taiwo, their children and the entire family.

“To Taiwo and the children, thank you for sharing Dotun with us all these years. We know that the time he gave to GOCOP, his friends and so many other people was also time that belonged to you,” he said.

Among those at the service were Enugu State Commissioner for Information and pioneer GOCOP President, Malachy Agbo, immediate past GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, former Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) president and former presidential spokesman Femi Adesina, former NGE President and former Osun State Commissioner for Information, Funke Egbemode, former NGE President and Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Gbenga Adefaye, incumbent NGE President, Eze Anaba and Vice President of the International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria, Mr Fidelis Mba

Iyanda said GOCOP would continue to remember Oladipo for his service to the Guild and support for its members.

“We cannot replace him. We can only remember him and try to be there for others the way he was there for us. Dotun cared a lot. And he carried a lot. Sometimes too much. We will miss our President Emeritus terribly,” he said.

 

Leadway Unveils Bespoke Short-Term Cover for Businesses, Visitors to Nigeria Ahead of Festive Season

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L–R: Brand and Communications Manager, Leadway; Niyi Abiola, Global Tour Operator & Influencer, Chiamaka Obuekwe (Social Prefect); Head, Alternative Channels, Leadway Assurance, Juliet Okon; Head, Life Underwriting and Life Business, Leadway Assurance, Rosetta Aryeetey and Travel Creator, Lade Ibikunle, at the launch of the Leadway Arrival Pack in Lagos.

Leadway Assurance, one of Nigeria’s leading insurance providers and a member of Leadway Group, committed to delivering innovative insurance solutions, has unveiled Leadway Arrival Pack, a short-term insurance solution designed around the way people engage, celebrate and do business during Nigeria’s peak seasons.

The launch event, held in Lagos, brought together key stakeholders from across the travel, lifestyle, tourism, aviation, media and financial services sectors.

Discussions at the event highlighted the growing need for flexible insurance solutions tailored to diaspora Nigerians, business travellers, tourists, students and other short-term visitors, as well as the businesses that serve them during their stay in the country.

The Leadway Arrival Pack was developed as a seasonal insurance solution for periods when travel, gatherings and commercial activity naturally increase. It is designed to give visitors and participating businesses greater confidence and peace of mind by providing protection against unexpected disruptions and risks that may arise during short-term stays in Nigeria.

Traditional insurance plans are often structured around longer-term coverage, leaving individuals on brief visits with limited options for protection. With increasing international travel, diaspora homecomings, business visits and tourism activity, the need for flexible, temporary insurance solutions has become increasingly important.

Leadway Assurance is addressing this gap through the Arrival Pack, offering accessible short-term coverage tailored to the realities of temporary stays.

Speaking at the launch, Kikelomo Fischer, Executive Director, Retail & Partnership Leadway Assurance, said “Our primary objective in launching the Arrival Pack is to ensure that coming into Nigeria for a temporary visit or stay is defined by greater peace of mind, both for visitors and the businesses that serve them. International passenger movements into Nigeria increased from 4.33 million in 2024 to 4.85 million in 2025, representing about 12 per cent growth. As travel and commercial activity increase, so does exposure to unexpected risks. The Arrival Pack is designed to provide relevant protection during these periods, giving visitors greater confidence during their stay and businesses greater assurance as they serve them.”

As Leadway officially welcomes the 2026 festive season, December will serve as the flagship season for the Arrival Pack, aligning the product with one of the busiest periods for travel, homecomings, events and commercial activity in Nigeria.

Beyond December, the Arrival Pack is also designed for other seasonal peaks such as Easter and Eid, as well as similar periods when travel, gatherings and commercial activity naturally increase. The product is already available for purchase on Leadway’s website, giving visitors and businesses the opportunity to secure insurance coverage ahead of these high-activity periods.

The Arrival Pack policy reflects Leadway’s continued commitment to innovating around how people live, travel and do business, and evolving its solutions to remain relevant to changing customer needs.

 

About Leadway Group

Leadway is a financial services group with a strong market presence and expertise in insurance, pensions, asset management, trusteeship, and investment solutions.

Since 1970, Leadway has grown from a traditional insurer into a broad-based platform with interests across general and life insurance, pensions, wealth management, health insurance, and hospitality. For more than five decades, the Group has been known for reliability, integrity, innovation, and strong governance. It provides solutions that help individuals and institutions protect, grow, and transfer wealth.

Today, Leadway oversees a portfolio of businesses and is considered one of Nigeria’s most trusted and resilient financial services groups.

Ecobank: Driving Sale of Dangote Refinery Shares Across Africa for Retail, Institutional Investors

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Ecobank is enabling the sale of Dangote Petroleum Refinery shares across Africa, providing retail and institutional investors with convenient access to participate in the ongoing share offer through its extensive digital and branch banking channels. The offer opened on 14 September 2026 and is scheduled to close on 13 October 2026.

Through its extensive pan-African network and digital banking platforms across 33 African countries and international offices in London, Paris, Beijing and Dubai, Ecobank is providing investors with convenient access to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery share offer, further strengthening its role in connecting African investors with major investment opportunities across the continent.

In Nigeria, customers and non-customers can subscribe through the Ecobank Mobile App, Internet Banking, Ecobank website and any Ecobank branch nationwide.

The offer provides investors with an opportunity to acquire a stake in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, one of Africa’s significant industrial projects. The shares are available at ₦525 per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares.

Speaking on the offer, Austen Osokpor, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to connecting customers and the wider public with opportunities that support wealth creation and broader participation in the capital market.

He noted that Ecobank’s digital platforms and extensive branch network have been positioned to provide a seamless, convenient and accessible subscription experience for interested investors.

Prospective investors are encouraged to carefully read the Prospectus and seek professional advice where necessary before making any investment decision.

Interested members of the public can visit any Ecobank branch nationwide or subscribe through the Bank’s digital channels.

About Ecobank Nigeria

Ecobank Nigeria is a member of the Ecobank Group, a leading pan-African banking group with operations in 33 African countries and international offices in London, Paris, Beijing and Dubai.

With over 250 branches, approximately 50,000 agency banking locations and robust digital platforms, Ecobank provides accessible, affordable and convenient banking solutions to individuals and businesses.

With its extensive African network and deep understanding of local markets, Ecobank is strategically positioned to facilitate intra-African trade, investment and financial inclusion, while supporting the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

 

 

Ecobank, AD Consulting Unveil Nigeria’s Art, Architecture Icons in “The Convergence”

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Nigeria’s leading voices in art and architecture will converge in Lagos as AD Consulting partners with Ecobank Nigeria to present The Convergence: The Iconic Architect & the Icons of Art, a landmark cultural experience celebrating Nigeria’s creative excellence, heritage and legacy.

Scheduled to run from October 1 to 7, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event will bring together internationally acclaimed architect Olajumoke Adenowo, Founder of AD Consulting, and some of Nigeria’s most distinguished visual artists for an immersive exploration of the relationship between architecture, art and African heritage.

Among the artists whose works will feature are Abiodun Olaku, Bunmi Babatunde, Kehinde Adewuyi, Tayo Quaye, Mufu Onifade, Alex Nwokolo, Fidelis Odogwu, Kassi Nathalie, Dotun Popoola, Steve Ekpenisi, Collins Abinoro and Joshua Nmesirionye among others.

Speaking on the concept behind The Convergence, Olajumoke Adenowo, Founder, AD Consulting, said: “Architecture and art are two of the most enduring expressions of who we are as a people. They tell our stories, preserve our heritage and give form to the values we want to pass on to future generations. The Convergence brings these two powerful voices together to celebrate Nigeria’s extraordinary creative heritage while creating a space for new conversations about identity, beauty, ownership and legacy.”

She added: “This is not simply an exhibition. It is an intentional meeting of architecture, art and people who understand that some of the most valuable things we can leave behind are not merely possessions, but ideas, culture and a sense of who we are. Through NeoHeritage, The Convergence creates a contemporary expression of our heritage while looking confidently towards the future.”

Also speaking, Austen Osokpor, Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, said the partnership represents an opportunity to support African creative excellence while creating a platform where culture, creativity, private wealth and enterprise intersect.

According to Osokpor, “Africa’s wealth is not defined by financial capital alone. Our culture, creativity, intellectual capital and heritage are equally important assets that must be preserved, celebrated and passed on to future generations. The Convergence gives us an opportunity to support this broader definition of African wealth by bringing together exceptional artists, architects, collectors and cultural patrons in one powerful experience.”

He added: “For Ecobank, this is more than an event. It is about creating meaningful platforms that connect people, ideas and opportunities, while reinforcing our commitment to African excellence. We are delighted to partner with AD Consulting and Olajumoke Adenowo on an initiative that places Nigerian creativity firmly within the wider African and global cultural conversation.”

Unlike a conventional exhibition or art fair, The Convergence has been conceived as a platform for dialogue, exploring how art and architecture shape identity, preserve cultural memory and create enduring legacies.

At its heart is Adenowo’s Neo Heritage philosophy, which connects Africa’s rich cultural inheritance with contemporary creative expression. The experience is built around three design pillars: Light, Zeitgeist and The 4th Dimension.

The Convergence will open on October 1 with an exclusive Collectors & Patrons evening curated for invited collectors, patrons, high-net-worth individuals and distinguished guests.

The opening will provide an intimate opportunity to experience the exhibition, engage with participating artists and explore the works within a setting centred on art, architecture, ownership, cultural stewardship and legacy.

The programme will include curated viewing opportunities, conversations with artists and creative leaders, and experiences designed to foster meaningful connections among collectors, patrons, architects and cultural leaders.

The wider exhibition will continue from October 2 to 7, giving a broader audience the opportunity to experience the works and engage with the ideas underpinning The Convergence.

The programme will also feature a Patron’s Preview, Founders’ Cocktail featuring an Architecture Salon by AD Consulting, and a Collectors’ Circle, offering opportunities for private viewings and deeper engagement with the artists and their work.

Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Appoints Emmanuel Onwodi as COO

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The Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC) has announced the appointment of renowned Public-Private Partnership and infrastructure specialist, Dr. Emmanuel Onwodi, as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), strengthening its executive leadership as it advances the development and management of the critical Benin-Asaba highway corridor.

Onwodi, a chartered accountant, infrastructure finance specialist and former senior official of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), brings more than 25 years of professional experience covering infrastructure development, concession management, project finance, risk management, transport and logistics.

In his new role, he will help drive the operational execution of the Benin-Asaba Expressway concession, with responsibility for strengthening project delivery, coordinating key stakeholders and supporting the implementation of the concession company’s long-term objectives.

His mandate will also include promoting operational efficiency, maintaining the integrity of the concession framework and strengthening cooperation among government institutions, investors, contractors, lenders, communities and other stakeholders connected with the project.

The appointment brings to BAECC an executive who has spent a significant part of his career working at the intersection of government policy, private capital and major infrastructure development.

Onwodi holds a Ph.D. in Risk Management in Public-Private Partnerships, with research focused on contingent liability risk, as well as an M.Sc. in Risk Management from Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom and a B.A. in International Accounting from the University of Northampton, UK.

He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria.

His professional qualifications span accounting, finance, infrastructure, logistics and management. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT).

He is also a Certified Public-Private Partnership Professional (CP3P), Chartered Financial Consultant (CFC) and Chartered Management Consultant (Ch.MC), alongside other professional memberships and fellowships.

Onwodi’s experience in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector includes about fourteen years of senior responsibilities at the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), where he rose to director-level positions covering Transport Infrastructure, Planning, Research and Statistics, and Special Projects.

During his public-sector career, he participated in the development, review and implementation of major PPP and infrastructure initiatives involving roads, railways, ports, aviation, energy, real estate and social infrastructure.

His experience also covers the structuring and negotiation of concession arrangements, project finance, financial modelling, risk allocation, contingent liabilities and the development of frameworks aimed at improving the bankability and long-term sustainability of infrastructure projects.

Among the major policy initiatives associated with his career are contributions to the Nigerian Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, the National Infrastructure Financing Policy and guidelines supporting PPP implementation across Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

His work has also extended to alternative infrastructure financing.

Onwodi served on the Inter-Agency Committee involved in developing Nigeria’s Sukuk bond framework, an initiative aimed at opening additional sources of capital for infrastructure development.

In the transport sector, his professional experience includes road concessions, national tolling frameworks, railway development, deep-sea ports, dry ports, truck transit parks and aviation infrastructure.

He participated in the negotiation and structuring of the Eastern and Western Railway concessions, valued at more than $2.2 billion, as well as work relating to high-speed rail business cases and transaction advisory.

His maritime infrastructure experience includes work connected with frameworks for the Badagry Deep-Sea Port, Ibom Deep-Sea Port and Bakassi Port, alongside broader maritime and logistics policy initiatives.

Onwodi has also been involved in PPP structuring and financial modelling for aviation and airport infrastructure, independent power projects, hydropower risk allocation and other energy-sector transactions.

His experience extends to urban and social infrastructure projects, including work relating to the National Theatre concession, Federal Secretariat PPP and infrastructure models in the health and education sectors.

In infrastructure finance and investment, he has participated in transactions designed to mobilise private capital for public projects, including the structuring of a transaction that attracted more than N41 billion in private investment into a single project.

He also contributed to the development of Direct Negotiation guidelines intended to reduce transaction timelines and associated costs in infrastructure procurement.

Beyond project development, Onwodi has built a profile in professional education and capacity development.

He currently serves as Director of Programme and Capacity Building for the PPP Practitioners Association of Nigeria (P3PAN) and is Branch Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Abuja.

He has delivered presentations and participated in professional engagements on PPPs, infrastructure finance, transport, risk management and concession development in Nigeria and internationally.

His engagements have included platforms associated with the World Association of Public-Private Partnerships, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and international conferences of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

He has also participated in conferences and professional programmes across Africa, Europe and North America and has appeared on television and other media platforms discussing infrastructure, PPPs and economic policy.

BAECC said Onwodi’s combination of public-sector experience, private infrastructure knowledge, financial expertise and familiarity with complex concession arrangements would support the company’s efforts to deliver the Benin-Asaba Expressway project.

His appointment comes at an important stage in the development of the corridor, where coordination among the concessionaire, government institutions, contractors, financiers, communities and road users remains central to successful delivery.

The Benin-Asaba Expressway is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership concession and is an important transport link connecting Edo and Delta states and facilitating the movement of people and goods between major parts of southern Nigeria.

The scale and long-term nature of the project require not only engineering capacity but also strong concession management, financing, risk allocation, logistics, stakeholder engagement and operational coordination.

These areas form a substantial part of Onwodi’s professional background.

The new COO has consistently advocated an approach to infrastructure development built around balanced risk allocation, transparent partnerships and effective project execution.

“Infrastructure is the bridge between vision and prosperity. Through balanced risk, transparent partnership, and rigorous execution, we turn concession agreements into lasting public value — for generations to come,” Onwodi said.

As Chief Operating Officer, he is expected to bring that philosophy into the day-to-day management of the concession while strengthening systems for monitoring project execution and coordinating the different interests involved in delivering the highway.

His mandate will include supporting timely project delivery, promoting adherence to contractual and operational requirements, strengthening stakeholder relationships and helping ensure that the concession produces sustainable value for road users, investors and the wider economy.

The company said the appointment reinforces its commitment to assembling the professional and technical leadership required to deliver the expressway to the standards expected of a major national infrastructure project.

With Onwodi joining its executive leadership, BAECC said its immediate priority remains effective execution of the concession and constructive engagement with all stakeholders towards delivering a safe, efficient and modern Benin-Asaba Expressway.

 

 

Continental Re Public Offer Highlights Pan-African Growth Opportunity

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The Continental Reinsurance Holdings Limited Public Offer continues to build momentum as investors take a closer look at one of Africa’s leading pan-African reinsurers and the long-term growth opportunity presented by the continent’s insurance sector.

The Public Offer, which opened on August 5, 2026, gives both retail and institutional investors the opportunity to participate in the continued growth of a business that has spent more than four decades supporting insurance markets across Africa.

As the first reinsurer to seek a listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange, the transaction represents an important milestone for both Continental Reinsurance and Botswana’s capital markets.

The transaction comprises US$126.1 million relating to the acquisition of existing shares and US$30 million in fresh primary capital for the Group, representing total IPO proceeds of approximately US$156.1 million.

The listing will strengthen Botswana’s position as a platform for pan-African financial services, with the Group’s Botswana-domiciled holding company accredited under the Botswana International Financial Services Centre framework. Following approval by the Botswana Stock Exchange of a revised offer timetable, the Public Offer now closes on 9 October 2026. Lawrence Mutsunge Nazare, Group Managing Director, said:

“The Public Offer gives investors an opportunity to understand our business, our markets and our future growth plans.  Continental Re has spent more than 40 years helping insurers across Africa absorb risk, build resilience and support economic growth. Through this Public Offer, we are inviting investors to participate in the next phase of that journey.

The US$30 million in fresh primary capital will strengthen our underwriting capacity, support solvency and rating resilience, and help scale our Alternative Solutions business. It will also support our aspiration to strengthen our financial strength rating over time, positioning Continental Re to serve even more clients across the continent. We believe our disciplined underwriting, strong governance, pan-African footprint and long-term growth strategy provide a compelling investment proposition, and we look forward to welcoming new shareholders.”

A Business Built Across Africa

Continental Re provides composite reinsurance solutions to insurance companies across more than 50 African countries through six regional hubs in Gaborone, Lagos, Nairobi, Douala, Abidjan and Tunis. For more than four decades, the Group has helped insurers manage risk, strengthen resilience and respond when catastrophic events occur. Today, it serves more than 900 cedant, broker and counterparty relationships through a diversified portfolio spanning Property & Engineering, Casualty & Liability, Marine & Aviation, Energy & Political Risks, Agriculture and Life Insurance.

The Group’s differentiation lies not in balance-sheet scale but in its pan-African distribution network, four decades of market experience and proximity to cedants and brokers across multiple linguistic, regulatory and economic environments – competing on market knowledge, relevance and responsiveness rather than size alone.

Growth Capital Going to Work

Proceeds from the Public Offer will support Continental Re’s next phase of growth by:

  • Strengthening the Group’s capital base.
  • Expanding its Alternative Solutions business.
  • Supporting its aspiration toward a stronger financial strength rating over time.
  • Supporting continued investment in technology and operational capability across Africa.

The Group’s Alternative Solutions business is a key part of this strategy. It uses Continental Re’s pan-African distribution and underwriting capabilities to originate and structure African risks for placement with highly rated global capacity – generating fee, commission and underwriting income in a capital-efficient way, without requiring the Group to retain all the associated risk on its own balance sheet.

Continental Reinsurance delivered another year of resilient financial performance, including:

  • Insurance revenue: BWP 2.32 billion (USD 173.1 million)
  • Gross written premium: BWP 2.27 billion (USD 165.6 million)
  • Profit before tax: BWP 105.3 million (USD 9.7 million), representing growth of more than 50% year-on-year
  • Loss ratio: 33%
  • Combined ratio: Improved to 92% (from approximately 94% in the prior year)
  • Financial strength rating: AM Best B+ (Stable Outlook), with balance-sheet strength assessed as Very Strong

The Board intends to distribute between 40% and 60% of annual net income as dividends, subject to future performance and Board approval.

Africa’s Reinsurance Opportunity

Africa’s reinsurance market generated approximately USD 6.3 billion in gross premiums in 2024, having grown by 89% between 2015 and 2024. Despite this growth, Africa accounts for only 1.6% of global reinsurance premiums.

Insurance penetration across Africa remains approximately 2.8% of GDP, compared with a global average of around 6.8%, highlighting significant room for expansion.

Shares are available at BWP 1.00 per share, with a minimum application of 200 shares (BWP 200). Application forms are available through the Prospectus, via the Sponsoring Broker Motswedi Securities, the Botswana Stock Exchange, and Continental Reinsurance Holdings Limited offices, as well as online.

 

Who Is Watching Africa’s Reputation? ARP Unveils New Intelligence on Public Institutions in Africa

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Africa Reputation Pulse (ARP), a continental independent reputation intelligence and audit infrastructure, officially launches to give African institutions access to evidence led intelligence on how they are seen, trusted, represented and positioned across media, public narratives and generative AI environments.

ARP is not simply a media monitoring or media intelligence platform. It brings together reputation intelligence, institutional auditing, media intelligence, narrative analysis, peer benchmarking, risk intelligence and AI/GEO visibility into a single continental intelligence infrastructure designed to help African institutions understand and strengthen their reputation.

Built for Africa and focused on African institutional context, ARP provides open access reputation intelligence for public institutions, with dossiers continuously added across the continent. The platform launches with eight dossiers spanning public institutions, faith-based institutions and Africa’s ride hailing sector, with additional institutional audits to be published continuously.

The central proposition is simple: public institution reputation matters. Institutions that understand how they are perceived can identify reputation risks, benchmark themselves against peers, improve stakeholder trust and build the credibility required to compete more effectively, not only within Africa, but globally.

“Africa cannot compete globally while its institutions remain unable to see, measure and understand their own reputation,” said Philip Odiakose, Lead Analyst, ARP. “ARP is designed to make that intelligence accessible, evidence led and continuously available. This is a first step towards building a stronger reputation intelligence culture across Africa.”

ARP also addresses one of the most important challenges facing AI powered research: hallucination. AI can generate information that sounds authoritative without sufficient evidence. ARP therefore uses AI to assist with query processing and retrieval, while evidence, citations, historical records and analytical outputs are subject to human review and evidence controls. Where evidence does not exist, ARP’s position is to say so, rather than manufacture an answer.

The platform’s research and measurement approach draws on relevant AMEC resources, including Barcelona Principles 4.0, the Integrated Evaluation Framework and AMEC GEO resources. This is an attribution to and use of relevant professional resources.

ARP’s intelligence engine is powered by P+ Measurement Services, bringing specialist experience in reputation, media intelligence, measurement and auditing. Its role provides the research, measurement, review and analytical engine supporting the platform.

“Reputation intelligence must be treated as institutional infrastructure, not an occasional communications exercise,” said Mildred Kaunda, Strategic Advisor, ARP. “Africa needs institutions capable of understanding how trust is built, challenged and sustained. ARP creates a shared evidence base for that conversation.”

Public institutions can request full reputation dossiers free of charge, while the platform will continue publishing new intelligence as research progresses. Corporate and financial sector research is paid, helping to support the continued availability of public sector intelligence at no cost. Donations to research are also welcomed to expand continuous continental auditing and evidence generation.

ARP’s ambition is therefore larger than a launch: to build an enduring African reputation intelligence infrastructure that helps institutions see themselves clearly, improve continuously and compete globally with stronger reputations.

NLNG: Gas Industry Should Make Methane Reduction a Business Priority

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NLNG has urged the global gas industry to make methane reduction a business priority, saying every tonne of methane released into the atmosphere represents lost revenue and gas that could otherwise reach the market. The company said its experience shows that investment in reducing these losses can pay for itself while cutting emissions and improving plant efficiency.

Adeleye Falade, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, made the call at Gastech 2026 Exhibition and Conference in Bangkok during a panel titled “Capturing the Lost Opportunity: Driving Global Alignment on Methane Abatement Across Natural Gas Supply Chains.”

He said the NLNG approach starts with measuring methane losses and using the findings to guide investment in leak prevention and gas recovery, with independent verification to ensure credible reporting.

Falade said the industry needed to shift the conversation from the cost of methane reduction to the value it creates, recognising that preventing gas losses serves both commercial and environmental objectives.

“Every tonne emitted is lost product, lost revenue and lost energy; gas we could have sold. Every molecule of methane avoided is both an emissions reduction and a recovered energy resource,” he said.

He cited NLNG’s new boil-off gas compressor and start-up gas recovery project as examples of investments that support this approach. Each project targets methane reductions of approximately 10–15%, and both have positive projected net present values, meaning their anticipated financial benefits exceed their costs over the life of the projects.

“The most compelling business case is the simplest one: the projects that cut our methane also pay for themselves. The same discipline that reduces methane also improves asset reliability and plant efficiency. The returns show up in more places than the emissions ledger.” Falade said.

He explained that credible measurement underpins NLNG’s investment decisions, which allows the company to identify methane losses, direct resources to the right interventions and assess the results. He said NLNG’s experience demonstrates that gas producers in developing economies can establish globally trusted emissions-reporting systems by investing in monitoring infrastructure, building reporting capabilities and submitting their data to independent scrutiny.

Falade highlighted NLNG’s Gold Standard recognition under the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 and said the company was the first in Africa to achieve Level 5 methane emissions reporting. He added that its measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system is independently assured by DNV in accordance with ISO 14064.

NLNG’s approach includes site-wide optical gas imaging, a structured Leak Detection and Repair programme, and the phased deployment of continuous monitoring and real-time dashboards across its plant and vessels. Falade added that credible measurement is a function of commitment and not a function of geography and NLNG has proved it can be done in Africa.

Falade noted that NLNG had not waited for perfect infrastructure before taking action. It had prioritised credible measurement, invested in appropriate technology and strengthened its reporting through independent verification. The lesson, he said, was to raise standards across the industry rather than lower expectations for producers in emerging economies.

He said methane reduction was also being built into the design of NLNG’s Train 7 project, which will increase LNG production capacity from 22 million to 30 million tonnes per annum.

At national level, Falade said NLNG’s longstanding role in monetising gas that would otherwise have been flared had helped reduce Nigeria’s gas-flaring rate from over 65% to under 20%. He described the conversion of wasted gas into a marketable product as the original commercial case for emissions abatement.

He added that credible emissions data increasingly matters beyond plant operations, as methane intensity influences procurement decisions, financing and buyer confidence. For NLNG, this means extending the discipline of measurement and reduction throughout its supply chain.

Through its formal Scope 3 Advocacy Plan, the company engages feed-gas suppliers and contractors to measure, disclose and reduce emissions. NLNG also sources verified upstream emissions data from its feed-gas producers and incorporates environmental, social and governance considerations, alongside emissions criteria, into supplier selection and evaluation.

Falade on regulation called for greater consistency across jurisdictions, noting that differences in measurement methods and reporting requirements make enforcement uneven and meaningful comparisons more difficult.

“The industry does not need weaker standards; it needs stronger, shared ones backed by real measurement,” Falade said.

Addressing the balance between climate ambition, energy access and affordability, he said NLNG’s operations support Nigeria’s goals of net-zero emissions by 2060 and zero routine flaring by 2030. He stressed that progress on emissions reduction must go hand in hand with meeting the energy needs of households and businesses.

“Developing economies cannot be asked to choose between economic development and emissions reduction. Both must progress together,” he said.

He said NLNG’s approach brings together the practical requirements of energy supply and emissions management: measure losses credibly, invest in recovering gas and apply the same standards across the value chain.

Falade was joined on the panel by Zubin Bamji of the World Bank, Niels Dijksman of Brunei LNG and Hiroyuki Mori of JOGMEC. The session was moderated by Dr. Carole Nakhle, an energy economist with Crystol Energy.

 

NAICOM: Recapitalisation Exercise a Huge Success as Operators Raise N1. 079tn to Meet Deadline

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Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has attributed the success of the recent recapitalisation exercise in the Nigerian insurance sector to the huge appetite for insurance investment in the country.

Evaluating the process and conclusion of the recent recapitalisation programme at a media roundtable in Lagos, Omosehin stated that 48 insurance companies and two reinsurers scaled the Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR) hurdle while six insurance firms had their operating licences revoked for failing to meet the MCR deadline of Friday, July 2026 as stipulated in the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) of 2025.s

Omosehin also added that operators generated over N1.079 trillion in the course of raising capital to achieve the MCR target.

“Across the global insurance sector, regulators periodically review capitalisation to ensure that operators possess the requisite capital base to meet their contractual obligations to policyholders. And NIIRA 2025 also gave room for strategic transformation of the insurance market in Nigeria, with adequate capital by operators as one of the key parameters.”

The NAICOM boss said the recapitalisation exercise embarked upon by the Commission was a major provision in the NIIRA 2025 legislation, which has strengthened the regulatory authority of the Commission.

He listed four major objectives of the recapitalisation exercise as:

  • Strengthen the financial capacity of the insurance market in Nigeria
  • Ensure adequate consumer protection of policyholders promptly and consistently
  • Enhance stability of the insurance industry against economic shock and uncertainty
  • Support sustainable growth of the Nigerian economy

The Nigerian regulator said the exercise generated positive outcomes in terms of enhanced interest in the insurance sector in the country by investors, improved resilience of the industry and has given policyholders a greater sense of protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

“The success recorded has demonstrated the huge appetite for insurance investment in Nigeria, signals what the future holds for the market, gives operators the latitude to keep substantial level of premiums within the country and further strengthens the foundation to ensure rapid growth of the insurance industry in the country.”

Omosehin made it clear that the exercise was not intended to eliminate any operator or operators as the process was guided strictly by law and long-term interest of operators and policyholders. He urged insurers that failed to meet the MCR deadline to explore the option of Mergers & Acquisition (M&A) in order to remain in business.

He said the Commission also expects the following benefits from the exercise:

  • Deepen insurance penetration across the country
  • Expand financial inclusion
  • Drive digital innovation-growth of Insurtech
  • Prioritise prompt claims settlement by insurers
  • Lead to the emergence of Risk-Based Supervision (RBS)

“Going forward, we are open to new licences provided the prospective entrants into the Nigerian insurance sector have value on the table. We expect the newly recapitalised entities to attract talent from other sectors to run profitably. The recapitalisation exercise was a great progress for the insurance market in Nigeria. We are making progress.”

NB: First published in Africa Ahead.

 

 

Stanbic IBTC Reinforces Capital Markets Leadership Through Dangote Refinery IPO

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Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has reinforced its position as a leading end-to-end financial services provider through its pivotal role in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, one of the most significant transactions in Nigeria’s capital market history.

Through its subsidiaries, Stanbic IBTC is serving as Joint Lead Issuing House, Joint Stockbroker and Receiving Bank for the transaction, underscoring the Group’s ability to provide integrated financial solutions across advisory, execution, distribution and investor access.

The IPO represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s capital market and offers investors the opportunity to participate in the growth of one of Africa’s largest integrated refining and petrochemical businesses.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony held in Lagos, Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said:

“The Dangote Refinery IPO is a landmark transaction that reflects the depth and growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market. We are proud to play a key role in facilitating investor participation through secure, seamless and accessible banking channels while supporting a transaction that contributes meaningfully to economic growth and industrial development.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Aliko Dangote, GCON, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, described the IPO as a defining milestone in the evolution of the refinery and a unique opportunity to broaden ownership of one of Africa’s most strategic industrial assets. He noted that the offer is designed to enable a wider community of investors to participate directly in the refinery’s future growth, value creation and contribution to Africa’s energy security.

Also commenting on the transaction, David Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, highlighted the refinery’s transformative impact on Nigeria’s energy landscape and its role in supporting industrial development. He noted that the IPO provides investors with an opportunity to participate in the next phase of the refinery’s growth journey as it continues to expand capacity and create long term economic value.

Commenting on the significance of the transaction, Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, said:

“As Joint Lead Issuing House, we are pleased to support a transaction of this scale and strategic importance. Our role reflects Stanbic IBTC Capital’s extensive experience in structuring and executing complex capital market transactions that help businesses unlock value and access long-term growth capital.”

Also speaking, Bunmi Olarinoye, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, said:

“We remain committed to deepening participation in Nigeria’s capital market by providing investors with efficient and reliable access to investment opportunities. Through our stockbroking expertise and digital capabilities, we are making it easier for investors to participate in this landmark offering.”

Stanbic IBTC’s involvement in the transaction highlights the strength of its integrated financial services model, which brings together investment banking, banking and stockbroking capabilities to deliver seamless solutions for issuers and investors alike.

With a longstanding track record of advising on and executing many of Nigeria’s most notable capital market transactions, Stanbic IBTC continues to play a critical role in connecting businesses to capital, facilitating wealth creation and supporting sustainable economic growth.

CBN Bags NES Distinguished Organisation Award for Economic Reforms

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has received the Nigerian Economic Society’s (NES) Distinguished Organisation Award in recognition of its institutional reforms and contributions to Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability and economic development.

The award was presented at the 67th Annual Conference of the NES, held in Abuja from September 7 to 10, 2026.

Director of the Monetary Policy Department at the CBN, Dr. Victor Oboh, received the award on behalf of the Governor of the bank, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso.

The recognition comes amid a series of reforms undertaken by the apex bank across the monetary, foreign exchange and financial sectors over the past three years.

Among the measures highlighted were reforms to the foreign exchange market, the clearance of longstanding foreign exchange obligations, the cessation of Ways and Means financing to the federal government, the implementation of the Payment System Vision 2028, and the recapitalisation of the Nigerian banking industry, aimed at creating a stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive financial system.

According to the organisers, the reforms have improved key macroeconomic indicators, including easing inflationary pressures, strengthening external reserves, and greater stability in the foreign exchange market.

It also noted that the premium between the official and parallel foreign exchange markets had narrowed to less than two per cent, and that remittance and capital inflows, as well as investor confidence, had improved.

The CBN attributed the developments to ongoing policy measures to restore confidence in the economy and to strengthen the country’s monetary and financial system.

The NES recognition follows the CBN’s recent emergence as Global Central Bank of the Year, further bolstering international recognition of its reform programme and policy initiatives.

Speaking on the NES award, Cardoso described the recognition as an endorsement of the institution’s commitment to excellence, resilience and national development.

“The Distinguished Organisation Award is a testament to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of excellence, institutional resilience, and commitment to national development,” the governor said.

He added that the award reinforced the bank’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, a stronger financial system and sustainable economic growth.

“As it continues to implement reforms and innovate to fulfil its mandate, the CBN remains firmly committed to building a stronger economy and a brighter future for Nigeria,” Cardoso said.

Leadway Assurance Backs ISSP Initiative to Deepen Insurance Penetration, Consumer Trust

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Leadway Assurance, Nigeria’s leading insurance services provider and a subsidiary of Leadway Group, a foremost non-banking financial services and wellbeing conglomerate, has thrown its weight behind efforts to advance Nigeria’s insurance industry through its sponsorship and support of the launch of the Insurance Sector Strengthening Programme (ISSP), a five-year initiative.

The programme, held in Abuja, was designed to address key challenges limiting insurance growth in Nigeria, including low public awareness, weak consumer confidence, inadequate distribution, capacity constraints, and limited insurance adoption among women, young people, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The ISSP seeks to increase Nigeria’s insurance penetration from the current 0.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 1.5 per cent by 2028, with a broader target of 10 per cent by 2031.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive of NAICOM, Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, said the programme would provide a coordinated framework to translate industry reforms into measurable improvements in insurance coverage and consumer confidence.

According to him, “The ISSP initiative will focus on six key areas: advocacy and policy, awareness and education, capacity building, gender inclusion, youth engagement, and MSME and value-chain development. Efforts to expand insurance coverage must be supported by strong underwriting standards, good corporate governance, effective claims administration, transparency and adequate policyholder protection. Regulation must serve as both a shield for policyholders and a compass for responsible market development.”

Supporting the initiative, the Head, Commercial Division, Leadway Assurance, Mr. Olawale Alao, described the ISSP as a timely intervention capable of tackling both the structural and perception-related challenges confronting the industry. Alao said the programme offered stakeholders a structured platform to identify market gaps and develop practical solutions to improve public understanding and participation.

He said its success would largely depend on changing the perception of insurance from an optional financial product to an essential part of everyday life and financial planning.’

“Over the next five years, we believe this initiative can deepen awareness, particularly among young Nigerians, build stronger trust in the sector and encourage more people to see insurance as an essential tool for protection and financial resilience,” he said.

Alao said increasing the number of policyholders alone would not be sufficient, stressing that Nigerians must also understand the value of insurance and be able to incorporate it into their everyday financial decisions. He added that stronger awareness and confidence in insurance would be particularly important among younger Nigerians, who represent a major part of the country’s future consumer and investment base.

Also speaking on this initiative, Team Lead of the ISSP Design Team and Managing Director of EMDI Capacity Development Ltd., Bukola Ifemade, called for urgent and coordinated action to unlock the trillion-naira potential of Nigeria’s insurance sector.

“This flag-off marks the beginning of this mobilisation. Success will require strong partnerships and a sustained commitment to innovation and inclusion,” he said.

The ISSP executive summary estimates that only about five per cent of Nigeria’s population currently has insurance coverage, while 78 per cent lack basic insurance knowledge. Women account for 32 per cent of policyholders, people aged 18 to 35 make up less than 20 per cent of the industry’s customer base, and insurance penetration among MSMEs is estimated at eight per cent. To address these gaps, the programme will target five million members of the general population, two million women entrepreneurs and decision-makers, 1.5 million young Nigerians and 250,000 MSMEs across Nigeria.

For Leadway, supporting the ISSP aligns with its commitment to building a formidable insurance industry by enhancing awareness, building consumer confidence, and making financial protection more accessible to individuals, families, and businesses.

About Leadway Assurance

Leadway Assurance is one of Nigeria’s foremost non-banking financial services groups, offering diversified solutions across insurance, pensions, health, and asset management.

Founded in 1970, the company has built a legacy of trust and innovation, serving millions of individuals and businesses across Nigeria and West Africa.

 

RMB Nigeria Advises on BOI’s N274.18bn Domestic Bond Issuance

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L-R: Head, Debts Capital Markets, RMB Nigeria, Laju Atake; Executive Director and Treasurer, RMB Nigeria; Yetunde Ogunremi;  Executive Secretary, Bank of Industry, Olufunlola Salami; Executive Director, Corporate Finance, Sustainability & Investments, Bank of Industry, Rotimi Akinde; Executive Director, Public Sector and Intervention Program, Bank of Industry, Mabel Ndagi; General Manager/Divisional Head, Corporate Finance and Advisory Services, Bank of Industry, Ayo Bajomo; Legal Advisor, Bank of Industry, IretiOluwa Daramola; Executive Director, RMB Nigeria, Head of Investment Banking, Broader Africa, Chidi Iwuchukwu; Senior Relationship Manager, RMB Nigeria, Titilope Olatunji and, Group Head, Debt Capital Markets, Bank of Industry, Faruk Hamidu at the signing ceremony of Bank of Industry’s Landmark N274.18 Billon Inaugural Domestic Bond Issuance. 

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Nigeria acted as Joint Issuing House on the successful issuance of the Bank of Industry’s (BOI) inaugural domestic Naira-denominated ₦274.18 billion 5-Year Fixed Rate Bond due 2031, marking the largest debt capital markets issuance by a Development Finance Institution (DFI) in Nigeria, based on publicly available market data.

The transaction was oversubscribed, with BOI initially seeking to raise ₦250 billion. Strong investor demand enabled the Bank to upsize the issuance to ₦274.18 billion, reflecting market confidence in BOI’s mandate, financial strength, and role in supporting Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.

The bond attracted participation from a broad spectrum of institutional investors, including pension fund administrators, banks, insurance companies, asset managers, development finance institutions, and other institutional investors.

The outcome reflects the depth of liquidity in Nigeria’s domestic capital markets and the capacity of local investors to support large-scale, long-term financing transactions.

The transaction further strengthens RMB’s longstanding relationship with BOI. RMB previously acted as Financial Adviser on BOI’s inaugural Eurobond issuance and supported the establishment of its domestic bond programme, reinforcing its role as a trusted adviser on significant capital raising transactions.

“This transaction demonstrates the ability of Nigeria’s capital markets to mobilise long-term capital at scale,” said Chidi Iwuchukwu, Executive Director and Head of Investment Banking, Broader Africa, RMB Nigeria. “BOI plays an important role in advancing industrialisation, enterprise growth, and job creation. We are pleased to have partnered with the Bank on this issuance and remain focused on delivering financing solutions that support sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and across the broader African continent.”

“Supporting inaugural issuers and significant capital markets transactions is a core strength of RMB’s debt capital markets franchise,” said Laju Atake, Head of Debt Capital Markets, RMB Nigeria. “Over the past nine months, we have advised five distinct issuers on their debut debt capital markets transactions in Nigeria. BOI’s domestic bond issuance reflects the continued development of Nigeria’s capital markets and the importance of efficient access to long-term capital for leading institutions.”

RMB extended its appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, professional advisers, transaction parties, investors, and other market participants whose support contributed to the successful execution of the issuance.

The Bank also congratulated the Board, Management, and staff of the Bank of Industry on the successful transaction and thanked BOI for its continued trust in RMB.

The transaction adds to RMB’s work with BOI across both international and domestic capital markets and supports the continued mobilisation of long-term capital for sustainable economic development.

 

About RMB Nigeria Limited

RMB Nigeria Limited, a member of the FirstRand Group, is a leading African Corporate and Investment Bank. RMB Nigeria provides clients with innovative, value-added solutions across advisory, funding, trading, corporate banking, and principal investing.

 

LG Electronics Highlights Seven Home Appliances at IFA 2026

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As routines and lifestyles evolve across Europe, consumers are reassessing how their home appliances support everyday life and fit with the reality of limited living space. Recent industry research points to growing interest in smart major domestic appliances, while identifying energy efficiency, convenience, multifunctionality and space savings as important factors in purchasing decisions and product innovation.

At IFA 2026, LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing seven home appliances that reflect these evolving consumer needs. The company’s booth highlights how advances in AI, energy efficiency and space-conscious design can support more convenient and efficient living across European homes.

Featured products include a refrigerator with voice recognition based on Large Language Model (LLM) technology, a washing machine that uses up to 70 percent less energy than the minimum requirement for an A-grade rating in Europe, an all-in-one laundry solution designed for European living spaces and more. Together, the lineup illustrates LG’s approach to smarter, more efficient everyday home experiences.

#1. A Refrigerator That Understands Natural Language

The next-generation LG SIGNATURE refrigerator brings LLM-based conversational AI to premium kitchens, offering a look at the expanding role of AI appliances in LG’s AI Home vision. Through natural voice interactions, visitors to the booth can experience a range of intelligent features, including guidance on how to best store ingredients.

A new 6.8-inch LCD display supports LG’s AI-powered cooling management for optimal freshness, while AI Fresh monitors temperature fluctuations based on user patterns and can pre-cool the interior up to two hours before an anticipated door opening.

#2. A Washer That Uses Up to 70 Percent Less Energy Than the A-Grade Rating Requirement

LG’s latest washing machine, scheduled for a European launch this year, combines AI-powered fabric care with energy-efficient performance, using up to 70 percent less energy than the minimum requirement for an A-grade rating. It is paired with a premium dryer that achieves an A-grade rating under the latest energy standards.

Powered by LG’s Direct Drive Motor and Dual Inverter Heat Pump™ technology, the washer and dryer deliver high efficiency and dependable performance. Notably, LG’s Direct Drive Motor technology has been independently certified by TÜV Rheinland for up to 30 years of operation. AI Wash and AI Dry further enhance fabric care by automatically detecting fabric types and adjusting cycles accordingly.

#3. An All-In-One Laundry Solution Tailored for European Homes

LG’s new flagship 25-inch WashTower expands the company’s single-body washer-dryer lineup. The new size sits between LG’s existing 24-inch and 27-inch models, providing an option tailored specifically for European living spaces and furniture configurations.

Building on a WashTower lineup with global sales exceeding 3.2 million units, the new model features LG’s Inverter Direct Drive™ technology in both the washer and dryer, delivering reliable performance, enhanced durability and precise fabric care.

#4. A Full-Capacity Refrigerator That Fits Your Space

Designed for space-conscious kitchens, LG’s new Fit & Max French-door refrigerator features a Zero Clearance design that enables a flush fit alongside cabinetry. A new 6.8-inch LCD display enhances usability, while the Full Convert Drawer offers flexible storage for refrigeration and freezing.

Dual FRESHConverter+ further helps optimize food preservation with independently controlled compartments that can be set to different preset temperature modes for various food types. Recognized by the 2026 iF and Red Dot Design Awards, the appliance is featured in an interactive booth zone highlighting its versatile food storage capabilities.

#5. A Dishwasher That Cleans and Dries Dishes in Just One Hour

The Fit & Max dishwasher combines a seamless built-in design with a 1-Hour Wash & Dry cycle for efficient everyday use. QuadWash™ Pro uses micro-bubbles to help detergent penetrate food residue, while Hybrid Air Dry improves air circulation to shorten drying time and reduce energy consumption.

AI SenseClean™ uses a digital turbidity sensor to detect soil levels, then automatically adjusts water temperature, cycle time and detergent amount to deliver optimized cleaning and energy efficiency. Key models across the new lineup, spanning both premium and volume segments, achieve an A-grade energy rating. 

#6. The Hair Dryer That Combines Fast Drying With Advanced Hair Care

LG’s first hair dryer combines fast drying with technologies designed to help protect hair from heat damage. Powered by LG’s patented Triple Airfluidics™ technology, it generates a high-velocity, multi-dimensional airflow for quick results. Optimized temperature control and the AirGlide brush effect work together to retain moisture, minimize heat exposure and smooth hair during styling.

The ergonomic, lightweight body is comparable in weight to a cup of coffee for everyday use, while a patented Rotating Plug™ offers easier power connection. Storage solutions include magnetic nozzles designed for one-handed attachment, a space-saving simple cradle and a Luxury Combo Case that serves as both a stand and storage case. 

#7. The Kitchen Hood With Touch-Free Convenience

The downdraft hood captures smoke and odors directly at the cooking surface, while optimized airflow and motor control support effective extraction with quiet operation. A built-in motion sensor enables touch-free control of extraction power, and its minimalist front-glass design maintains a clean, open aesthetic in the kitchen, offering users an intuitive balance of practical performance and refined design. Its combination of discreet ventilation, touch-free control and minimalist design helps create more flexible and visually integrated kitchen environments, particularly in open-plan living spaces.

Africa Sustainability Forum 2026: Driving Conversations on Green Growth, Shared Prosperity

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TheNumbersNG.com, a data-driven and analytical online news and media organisation, has announced the hosting of its inaugural sustainability discussion -The Africa Sustainability Forum (ASF) 2026.

The forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, regulators, investors, development partners and sustainability professionals to explore practical solutions for advancing sustainable development across the continent.

The forum, scheduled for October 20, 2026, at Oriental Hotels, Lagos, will be held under the theme, “Sustainable Futures: Driving Just Transitions, Green Growth and Shared Prosperity.”

According to the organisers, the forum is designed to move sustainability conversations beyond commitments and declarations towards practical action, partnerships and measurable impact.

The event will focus on some of the critical issues shaping Africa’s economic and environmental future, including sustainable manufacturing, climate action, responsible consumption, circular economy, green finance, digital sustainability, inclusive value chains, women’s participation and youth empowerment.

Speaking with the media, Elvis Eromosele, Lead Coordinator of the Africa Sustainability Forum, said the forum was conceived as a platform for stakeholders to examine how Africa can pursue economic growth while addressing environmental challenges and ensuring that the benefits of development are broadly shared.

According to Eromosele, “The Africa Sustainability Forum is designed not simply as a conference, but as a platform for ideas, partnerships and action. Africa needs to translate sustainability ambitions into measurable impact, and that requires businesses, governments, investors and development partners to work together.”

He added that the forum would provide an opportunity for organisations to showcase sustainability initiatives, exchange knowledge and build partnerships capable of delivering long-term impact.

“We want to create a space where businesses, policymakers, investors, and development organisations can identify practical solutions, forge partnerships, and move from talking about sustainability to implementing it,” he said.

Eromosele noted that Africa’s sustainability transition would require greater private-sector participation, particularly in areas such as responsible production, renewable energy, waste reduction, circularity, local sourcing and community development.

The forum will feature executive leadership sessions, keynote presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, and stakeholder networking. It will also provide opportunities for participating organisations to demonstrate sustainability projects and engage directly with policymakers, investors, corporate executives, and development partners.

The organisers have created several leveraging opportunities through which businesses and institutions can participate according to their strategic interests. These include categorised partnerships, alongside dedicated sponsorship opportunities for climate action, digital sustainability, green finance, circular economy, women in sustainability, and sustainability leadership.

Eromosele said the organisers were particularly interested in partnerships that could strengthen conversations around sustainable manufacturing, responsible consumption, circularity, local value chains, youth empowerment, and community development.

“Sustainable development cannot be achieved by one sector alone. It requires collaboration and shared responsibility. The Africa Sustainability Forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders to connect their ambitions with practical solutions that can contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Africa,” Eromosele said.

The Africa Sustainability Forum 2026 is hosted by TheNumbersNG.com and is expected to culminate in stronger stakeholder commitments and actionable ideas for advancing sustainable development across Africa.

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