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West Africa’s Private Sector Leaders Pledge Support for WAllS in Sierra Leone

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President Julius Maada Bio and Tony O. Elumelu, Co-Chair the second meeting of the WAIIS Private Sector Advisory Board in Lagos, with the support of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the region’s leading investors and financial institutions move from advocacy to capital mobilisation ahead of the 17–18 November, 2026 Summit in Sierra Leone.

West Africa’s foremost business leaders and financial institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to converting the region’s vast economic potential into bankable investments, competitive industries and jobs, following the second meeting of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) Private Sector Advisory Board in Lagos.

Co-chaired by His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the meeting convened the Board’s members — representing the region’s largest industrial conglomerates, energy and mining companies, and development finance and banking institutions. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended in person, underscoring the host state’s support for the initiative.

The Advisory Board is mandated to place the private sector at the centre of regional integration: identifying investable projects, mobilising African and international capital, and advising governments on the policy actions required to unlock transactions. The meeting focused on the four anchor sectors of the Summit: energy trade and industrialisation; strategic minerals; agribusiness; and digital transformation.

Ahead of the Lagos meeting, President Bio also met in New York with His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal and current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, to brief him on WAIIS preparations and reaffirm the Summit’s alignment with ECOWAS priorities on regional integration, investment and private‑sector mobilisation.

A Single Market of 400 Million People 

President Bio outlined WAIIS as a platform to consolidate a regional market of more than 400 million people and to mobilise businesses from West Africa and across the world to deepen trade, investment and economic co-operation.

“West Africa is very serious about ECOWAS, and ECOWAS has been around for 50 years. But in those 50 years we have not done enough to integrate and build a consolidated market,” President Bio said. “We must bring together a common market that serves the more than 400 million people we have. That is why I am mobilising the private sector in West Africa and around the world to come together and get serious about a free market in West Africa.”

In emphasising the need for execution, President Bio called on the Private Sector Advisory Board to “transform ideas into partnerships, partnerships into investments, and investments into lasting prosperity for our continent.”

With the Summit less than two months away, the President called on the Board to move from advocacy to active mobilisation- “engaging prospective investors directly, matching them with viable projects, and identifying the financing gaps, policy decisions and other interventions required to move transactions forward.”

Mr. Tony Elumelu, Co-Chair and host, said the initiative reflected the President’s determination to make his leadership of ECOWAS count.

“When he became Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State, His Excellency decided to make a significant and impactful difference, and he decided to mobilise the private sector,” Mr. Elumelu said. “He approached us, one by one. He wants his tenure to be impactful and he wants all of us to come together. He has brought his team to Lagos for the sole purpose of letting us plan how, through our various businesses and enterprises, we can work together to transform West Africa. That is what we are committed to.”

Speaking on behalf of the African private sector, he added: “We are happy that our political leaders are beginning to bring all of us together so that we can be much more impactful. Today is about the talk that leads to action. This is consistent with our aspirations to create jobs for our young people. No one in this sub-region needs to be poor. We have all it takes to be prosperous, and we hope this marks the beginning of that prosperity for all.”

Board members endorsed the approach and committed to mobilising capital alongside the region’s leading financial institutions — including the Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Africa50, and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) — each represented on the Board.

“We received 170 project submissions and have selected 26 real projects worth more than $10 billion from over ten countries. By Freetown on 17–18 November, we expect that portfolio to reach $15 billion or more. This is not a one-off. We will keep tracking whether the investment flows arrive and what makes them happen,” said Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Special Envoy for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 and Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF).

The Private Sector Responds 

“For the first time, the global megatrends of energy security, food security, minerals, and demographics all meet in Africa, and integration is how we unlock that market. Plans succeed only when they outlast leaders. We are committed to sustaining this initiative well beyond the summit,” says Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Oliver Alawuba, Managing Director and Group CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) underscored that “Dangote Refinery’s success shows what domestic capital can do: Nigerian and regional banks financed it. With UBA in nine West African countries outside Nigeria, we stand ready to mobilise the resources needed for bankable projects.”

Representing Aliko Dangote, who had earlier taken President Bio on a conducted tour of his Petroleum Refinery, at Ibeju – Lekki, Lagos, Dr. Mahmud Hassan, Group Chief Economist – Dangote Group stressed that “power is the binding constraint on West Africa’s industrialisation. Through the Power ECOWAS Initiative, the ECOWAS Business Council will build a regional power corridor financed by domestic capital, so that where one country’s value chain stops, the next country’s begins.”

Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in transforming our resources into industries, infrastructure and lasting economic value. WAIIS embodies a vision I firmly believe in mobilizing capital, strengthening regional integration and translating Africa’s potential into bankable investments. I commend His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, for championing this initiative and thank him for personally engaging with private-sector leaders in Nigeria. His leadership demonstrates the commitment required to turn ambition into meaningful economic progress.” said Adewale Tinubu, CON, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC.

“West Africa must move beyond potential and emerge as a leading global economic hub. Through WAIIS, the private sector is converting that potential into investment and impact, driven by innovation, industrialisation, and shared prosperity,” said Apostle Folorunso Alakija, Executive Vice Chair, FA Oil Limited.

“This is not about speeches; it is about developing projects. Afreximbank sets aside up to $5 million per transaction for project preparation. Working with partner lenders and local banks, we aim to grow the pool of bankable projects across the region,” Kudakwashe Matereke, Director- Regional Operations, Anglophone Africa, Afreximbank.

Governments Must Match Private Ambition 

Board members stressed that private sector ambition must be matched by decisive government action. “Governments must provide the policy certainty, regulatory efficiency and security required to give investors the confidence to commit capital for the lon- term, emphasised Mr. Elumelu.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked President Bio and Mr. Elumelu for driving the initiative and underscored the importance of industrialisation and free movement of goods and services in building a truly integrated West African market.

“When we create that single platform where we can integrate and work together, then investors can come in. At the end of the day, it is business to business. As political leaders, our role is to create that environment and give the assurances that we are ready, and we are ready for business.”

The meeting reaffirmed a shared conviction: West Africa has the scale, resources, talent and entrepreneurial capacity to become one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions and the Summit in November must deliver transactions, not declarations.

About the Summit 

The inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit will take place on 17–18 November 2026 at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, Sierra Leone, bringing together heads of state, investors and business leaders to advance investment across energy, strategic minerals, agribusiness and digital transformation.

The WAIIS Private Sector Advisory Board 

  • Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings
  • Aliko Dangote, Group President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group
  • Apostle Folorunso Alakija, Executive Vice Chair, FA Limited
  • Samuel Dossou-Aworet, Founding Chairman, Petrolin Group
  • George Elombi, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank
  • Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman/CEO, BUA Group
  • Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC
  • Samaila Zubairu, ONL, President & Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance Corporation
  • Alain Ebobissé, Chief Executive Officer, Africa50
  • Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor, Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
  • Paulo Gomes, Founder and Chairman, Orango Investment Corporation
  • Benedict Okey Oramah, Chairman, Africa Trading Minerals (ATMIN)
  • Habib Yérim Sow, Group Chairman & CEO, Teyliom Group 

ABOUT WAIIS 

WAIIS is an action-oriented regional investment platform convened under President Bio’s leadership to move priority opportunities from policy and pipeline into capital, contracts and implementation.

It brings governments, investors, buyers, project sponsors and technical partners together across four pillars, supported by a dedicated secretariat tasked with tracking commitments from Deal Rooms and advancing projects year-round until 2030. 

 

Chika Okeke-Agulu’s Freedom Bird Explores Art, Memory, Migration, Nigeria’s Political History Through a Contemporary Lens at YSMA

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The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, and SMO Contemporary Art are set to present Chika Okeke-Agulu: Freedom Bird, a major survey of the Nigerian artist and scholar’s practice spanning more than three decades, from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.

Curated by Iheanyi Onwuegbucha, with Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago as Associate Curator, the retrospective solo exhibition will bring together paintings, drawings and sculptures alongside selected poems, diary entries, photographs and archival materials that illuminate the intellectual, political and personal contexts behind the artist’s work.

The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to encounter Chika Okeke-Agulu first and foremost as an artist, whose more than three decades of studio practice have evolved alongside his influential work as a scholar, critic and curator of African art.

His artistic practice emerged during the turbulence of military rule in the 1980s and 1990s, engaging questions of repression, civic life, democratic struggle and the position of artists and intellectuals in a changing Nigeria.

His subsequent migration to the United States introduced further questions of exile, memory, displacement and belonging into his artistic vocabulary.

Since the early 1990s, Okeke-Agulu’s artistic practice has been presented in solo, collaborative and group exhibitions across Nigeria, the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, including exhibitions at the National Museum in Lagos, Goethe-Institut Lagos, Whitechapel Art Gallery in London, the first Johannesburg Biennale and the Newark Museum, among others.

The title, Freedom Bird, is drawn from a recurring motif in Okeke-Agulu’s visual and poetic vocabulary and speaks to freedom as an aspiration continually negotiated through political struggle, personal memory and artistic expression.

Across works produced from the late 1980s to the present, the exhibition traces an evolving artistic language through which the artist reflects on Nigeria’s post-colonial experience, from military dictatorship and democratic aspiration to civic fracture, migration and the continuing movement of Nigerians in search of new futures.

For YSMA, the decision to host Freedom Bird is deeply connected to the museum’s identity as an educational museum– an institution committed not merely to displaying artworks, but to creating opportunities for audiences to encounter art through research, context, critical inquiry and dialogue.

The exhibition brings together artistic practice and scholarship in an especially powerful way: Okeke-Agulu has spent decades simultaneously making art and producing some of the most influential scholarship on Nigerian and African modern and contemporary art.

An artist, art historian, critic, curator, published poet and educator, Okeke-Agulu is currently the Robert Schirmer Professor of Art and Archaeology and African American Studies at Princeton University and Director of its Africa World Initiative.

He has taught extensively on modern and contemporary African art and historiography, curated major exhibitions internationally, and authored or co-authored influential studies of artists including El Anatsui, Yusuf Grillo and Obiora Udechukwu. He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2022 and served as Slade Professor of Fine Art at the University of Oxford in 2023.

It is this intersection of studio practice and scholarship that makes the exhibition particularly significant. Freedom Bird provides an opportunity for students, researchers, artists, educators and the wider public to engage with the work of a major Nigerian artist while also exploring the ideas, histories and intellectual questions that have shaped his practice within a museum setting.

Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, described the exhibition as a natural extension of the museum’s educational mission in his words:

“YSMA was conceived as a museum where art is not simply seen, but studied, questioned and understood. Freedom Bird embodies that philosophy in an exceptional way because Chika Okeke-Agulu’s artistic practice and intellectual work are inseparable from some of the most important conversations about Nigerian and African art today. Bringing this exhibition to YSMA gives us the opportunity to place the artist, his work and the historical questions that shaped them in conversation with our students, researchers and the wider public. It is precisely the kind of exhibition that demonstrates what an educational museum can contribute to the cultural life of Nigeria.”

The exhibition also represents a meaningful reunion of curator and institution. Dr. Onwuegbucha, who is currently Assistant Professor of African and Caribbean Modern and Contemporary Art at the University of Cambridge, was previously guest curator of YSMA’s inaugural exhibitions in 2019.

His academic and curatorial practice has focused extensively on African modern and contemporary art, including the Nsukka School – the subject of his doctoral research at Princeton University. He has also curated and co-curated exhibitions in Nigeria, Europe and the United States, including Samuel Fosso: Affirmative Acts at the Princeton University Art Museum.

For Onwuegbucha, the exhibition represents the convergence of a sustained scholarly inquiry and a longstanding engagement with Okeke-Agulu’s artistic world.

He said:

“Freedom Bird grew out of a sustained engagement with Chika Okeke-Agulu’s work and the historical and intellectual questions surrounding the generation of artists shaped by the Nsukka School and Nigeria’s turbulent postcolonial history. For an artist who has played no small role in producing exhibition and scholarship on other artists of the Nsukka school, while excluding himself, the exhibition allows us to encounter Okeke-Agulu not only through the lens of his celebrated scholarship, but through his art because he is first an artist before becoming a scholar  Presenting this exhibition at YSMA is particularly important to me not only because of the museum’s commitment to connecting art with research, education and public discourse but because it is a homecoming for the artist .”

The exhibition is co-presented by SMO Contemporary Art with longstanding experience in curating and presenting modern and contemporary African art to diverse local and international audiences, always with a focus on democratising access to art.

Besides helping to build important institutional collections, SMO conserved and curated over eighty large scale modernist art works at the recently refurbished National Theatre between 2021-2024, and created an archive of important historic objects dating back to FESTAC ’77.

Reflecting on the power of art to foster nation building and change the way Africans view their history, their identity and their future, SMO has been at the cutting edge of curating art for social change. Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago, Founder and Creative Director of SMO Contemporary Art, said:

“We consider Freedom Bird a pivotal exhibition to challenge us to think more deeply about our individual and collective responsibility towards building a more equitable world, touching on issues such as nation building, freedom and social justice. Chika Okeke-Agulu’s fourty year journey as artist and social critic is especially timely when we grapple with questions about leadership, followership and civic responsiblitiy, against the backdrop of a rich body of incredibly important historic artworks which document our political history. Freedom Bird is probably one of the most important contemporary art showcases held in a museum in Nigeria for many years.”

Freedom Bird is being supported by a number of sponsors, including TEMPLARS, a leading African law firm.

The exhibition will be on view at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 and is supported by a specially curated public programme of conversations about Nigeria’s political and cultural history, and the role of the artist as witness and participant in public life.

 

About Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

Described as “the apex of a collector’s aspiration to preserve his art” and voted Museum Opening of the Year by Apollo Magazine in 2020, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University is Nigeria’s leading art institution, committed to service and impact through the preservation and showcase of the rich artistic heritage of Nigeria.

With an extensive collection of artworks spanning centuries, YSMA offers a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and activities designed to create immersive experiences for visitors and to enrich the cultural landscape of the nation.

 

 

World Bank, IFAD to Empower 300m Small-Holder Farmers by 2030

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The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank signed a new Co-Financing Framework Agreement to expand joint investment in rural transformation and food systems. Signed during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, the agreement will strengthen collaboration between the two institutions.

It aims to build resilience and promote entrepreneurship and job creation in rural areas, at a time when the largest generation of young people in history is reaching working age amid slowing growth and increasing economic uncertainty.

“Together, the World Bank and IFAD bring the scale, reach and expertise to transform rural economies and agrifood systems,” said Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD. “This agreement will enable us to turn our shared ambition into greater investment, more jobs, stronger resilience and improved food security for millions of people.

The agreement builds on the two institutions’ partnership across multiple initiatives, including AgriConnect, which aims to help transform agriculture for 300 million smallholder farmers by 2030, and Water Forward, which seeks to improve water security for 1 billion people by 2030.

“The next generation needs opportunity, and agriculture can be a powerful source of jobs, growth, and food security. That is what AgriConnect is designed to deliver,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. “By bringing together the World Bank Group’s financing and global reach with IFAD’s deep expertise in rural communities and food systems, we can help smallholder farmers become more productive, connect them to markets, attract private investment, and create jobs where millions of young people live.”

The World Bank Group remains IFAD’s largest multilateral development bank partner, with collaboration spanning co-financing, policy engagement and global initiatives. IFAD’s co-financing with the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) more than doubled from approximately US$646 million in 2021 to US$1.56 billion in 2025.

The new agreement will help identify and systematically develop—throughout the investment cycle—new joint operations that will build on current collaborations, such as a national US$70.5 million investment in Lesotho.

This programme has already created nearly 1,500 jobs and provided nutrition education to 217,000 people. More than 106,000 people have adopted climate-smart agricultural practices, while agro-weather services have reached over 900,000 people.

This agreement will also advance the priorities of IFAD’s 14th replenishment cycle (2028 – 2030) by accelerating investments that build resilience, expand economic opportunities, and transform rural livelihoods.

The new framework modernizes the arrangements for co-financing country-level investments among the two development finance institutions. It also facilitates the use of common arrangements for technical support, procurement, financial management, disbursement, and environmental and social oversight.

The agreement builds on the historic cooperation between IFAD and the World Bank, dating back to 1978. The renewed framework preserves each institution’s independent policies, financing decisions and accountability requirements. The agreement will initially remain in force for five years and will automatically renew for a further five-year period.

AgriConnect is a World Bank Group initiative implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Google and Bayer.

 

 

 

 

 

AIICO, HACEY Advance Maternal Health Outreach to 1,000 Participants

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AIICO Insurance Plc in partnership with HACEY Health Initiative, has reached 1,000 participants through a two-day maternal health outreach at General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos State, providing essential health education, screening services and maternal care supplies to support pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants.

Held in September 2026, the intervention integrated maternal health activities into the hospital’s existing antenatal and immunisation clinics, bringing preventive care and practical support closer to women already accessing healthcare services.

The outreach combined blood pressure, blood sugar and malaria screening with health education, medical referrals and the distribution of 650 maternal care kits. Participants identified with high-risk results, including elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar or positive malaria results, were referred promptly to an on-site medical doctor for further attention.

The intervention also focused on strengthening women’s knowledge of pregnancy danger signs, malaria prevention, birth preparedness and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. By combining screening with education and referral, the project encouraged early identification of potential health concerns and appropriate follow-up care.

The 650 maternal care kits distributed during the exercise contained essential supplies, including chlorhexidine gel, sterile gloves, gauze, surgical blades, cord ties, sanitary pads, antiseptic, diapers, wipes and mackintosh. Healthcare workers provided guidance on the appropriate use of the items to support hygienic delivery, nursing and newborn care practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Abimbola Shobanjo, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager at AIICO Insurance Plc, said:

“Our approach to corporate responsibility is centred on initiatives that address real needs and make a practical difference in people’s lives. Maternal health is particularly important because the wellbeing of mothers has implications for their babies, families and communities. Through this outreach, we supported 1,000 participants with health education and screening, facilitated timely medical referrals for those with high-risk results, and provided 650 maternal care kits to promote safer delivery and newborn care practices.

“We believe that impact goes beyond providing resources. It also involves helping people recognise potential health risks, understand when to seek medical attention and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing. Working with HACEY and the healthcare professionals at General Hospital, Ikorodu, enabled us to deliver these interventions within an existing healthcare setting and reach women at a point when the support could be useful.”

The impact of the outreach was reflected in the experiences shared by participants. Balogun Olajumoke, a trader, said the health education session reminded her of the importance of taking proper care of herself and her baby throughout pregnancy. Another participant, Idiat Adebola, a caterer, highlighted the importance of malaria screening, noting that the condition may not always present obvious symptoms before becoming serious.

Healthcare professionals also reinforced the importance of mothers prioritising their own health alongside the care of their babies. The outreach encouraged regular antenatal monitoring and greater awareness of health conditions that may require prompt medical attention.

The partnership with HACEY reflects AIICO’s approach to corporate social responsibility through targeted interventions that respond to community needs and support improved access to essential health information and services. By bringing health education, screening, referral and maternal supplies together, the project demonstrated how coordinated community-focused initiatives can complement existing healthcare services.

AIICO Insurance Plc will continue to support initiatives that promote community wellbeing and deliver practical social impact, in line with its broader commitment to creating value for individuals, families and communities.

 

About AIICO Insurance Plc

AIICO Insurance Plc is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 63-year record of accomplishment in delivering quality service to its clients.

Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families and corporate customers.

 

THE EXECUTIVE CALENDAR 2026

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SeedG3: Growth-Grit-Global

  • Theme: Scaling African Enterprises for Global Markets
  • Date: October 14-15, 2026
  • Venue: Landmark Event Center, Lagos
  • Contact: seedg3.com/register

 

Africa Sustainability Forum 2026

  • Theme: Sustainability Futures. Driving Just Transitions, Green Growth & Shared Prosperity
  • Date: October 20, 2026
  • Venue: Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos
  • Contact: +234-8028279337

 

AFREXIMBANK:

Theme: Recalibrating African-US Trade Relations: The Future of AGOA and AfCFTA

Date: October 20, 2026

Venue: Virtual

Contact: https://afreximbank.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YKLvyPh7QxOAy_ibKIx-nw

 

#32: The Nigerian Economic Summit 2026

Theme: Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity

Date: October 26-27, 2026

Venue: Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Virtual

Contact: www.nesg.org

 

Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026)

Date: October 26-29, 2026

Venue: Eko Atlantic, Lagos, Nigeria

Contact: Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)

 

National Pension Week 2026

  • Theme: Pensions for All: Building a Secure Future Together
  • Date: October 26-30, 2026
  • Venue: Abuja/Lagos
  • Contact: npw.ng

 

Nigeria Energy 2026

Date: October 27-29, 2026

Venue: Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos

Contact: www.nigeria-energy.com

 

Chika Okeke-Agulu: Freedom Bird: Contemporary Art Exhibition

Date: November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027

Venue: The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University,

Contact: www.pau.edu.org

 

Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026

Theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World: From FESTAC ’77 to CANEX ’27.”

Date: November 5-8, 2026

Venue: Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, Nigeria

Contact: wknd.canex.africa 

 

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26)

Agenda: Election of ITU Leadership, Approve Strategic and Financial Plans for 2028-2031

Date: November 9-27, 2026

Venue: Doha, Qatar

Contact: www.itu.int

 

The 44th NAPE Annual International Conference & Exhibition

Theme: Unlocking More Barrels: Driving Reserves Growth through Exploration, Local Capabilities & Adaptive Technology

Date: November 8-12, 2026

Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria

Contact: www.conference.nape.org.ng

 

Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar & Compliance Forum 2026

Date: November, 16-19, 2026

Venue: Gaborone, Botswana

Contact: www.seminars.afreximbankevents.com

 

West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS)

Date: November 17-18, 2026

Venue: Freetown, Sierra Leone

 

Africa Tech Festival 2026

Date: November 17-19, 2026

Venue: Cape Town, South Africa

www.africatecfestival.informafestivals.com

 

OpportunityAfricaKenya

–Trade and Investment Conference-

  • Date: November 20, 2026
  • Venue: The Movenpick Hotel & Residences, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Contact: +234-8103530233

 

Business Journal Insurance & Pension Roundtable 2026

  • Theme: Beyond Recapitalisation: The Challenge of Customer Service & Growth for Insurance & Pension Operators
  • Date: November 24, 2026
  • Contact: +234-8023088874

 

West Africa Hardware, Tools, Mechatronics Fair

Date: November 24-26, 2026

Venue: National Stadium, Lagos

Contact: www.westafricatech.com

 

Nigeria International Textile Industry Fair

Date: November 24-26, 2026

Venue: National Stadium, Lagos

Contact: www.nigeriatex.com

 

PV Power Nigeria 2026

Date: November 24-26, 2026

Venue: National Stadium, Lagos

Contact: www.pvpower-nigeria.com

 

 

PAPSS COWRY 2026 Africa’s Payments Conference

Theme: Scaling Africa’s Sovereign Payments: From Continental Connectivity to Global Integration

Date: November, 26-27, 2026

Venue: Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contact: www.papss.com/cowry2026.

 

 

GEOINNOVATION SUMMIT 2026

Theme: Unlocking National Security and National Resilience

Date: November 27-28, 2026

Venue: High Point Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos

 

 

The CEO Forum on Electoral Scenarios and Economic Impact

  • Theme: Risks. Opportunities
  • Date: December 3, 2026
  • Venue: Lagos
  • Contact: +234-7062999744

APRA’s Next Decade Under the Microscope: New Reputation Audit Flags Visibility, Membership, Accountability Challenges

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A new independent reputation intelligence audit of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) has examined a defining question for the continent’s public relations profession: how effectively is Africa’s regional professional body converting its convening power, partnerships and continental ambitions into measurable institutional influence?

Released by Africa Reputation Pulse (ARP), APRA 10 Years: Independent Reputation Intelligence Audit 2026 examines the association’s public reputation, leadership commitments, institutional visibility, membership proposition, professional development ambitions and capacity to shape the future of public relations across Africa.

The report reviews the public record from 1 January 2016 to 5 October 2026, with historical context extending to APRA’s founding in 1975. Rather than treating conferences, announcements and media coverage as proof of institutional impact, the audit distinguishes documented activity from outcomes that remain pending, insufficiently evidenced or not publicly verifiable.

Its central finding is that APRA’s next phase will depend on its ability to evolve from a continental convener into a more visible, accountable and evidence-led institution capable of demonstrating value to practitioners, national associations, governments and international professional partners.

The Findings Behind the Audit

The report identifies several issues with implications for APRA’s next decade:

  • Continental reach requires stronger evidence. The audit identifies 20 countries with at least one participation signal, but only 12 show two or more signals. It recommends a country-by-country engagement strategy to help distinguish meaningful institutional presence from isolated activity.
  • Institutional visibility remains a strategic vulnerability. The report records no news posts on APRA’s owned channels since 2 September 2024, highlighting the need for a consistent research, publishing and digital communications programme that can make the association’s work easier to discover and assess.
  • Professional influence must translate into measurable value. The audit draws attention to published survey evidence indicating that 40% of respondents considered public relations undervalued at board level in 2025, while 38% reported that leaders regularly sought PR counsel. These findings underline the wider challenge of strengthening the profession’s standing in executive decision-making.
  • Continental representation is an opportunity for growth. APRA’s 2025 annual conference recorded representation from 24 countries, according to the report. The audit recommends a broader participation strategy, more inclusive language provision and stronger pathways for young and early-career practitioners.
  • Leadership commitments need visible delivery milestones. The report reviews public commitments relating to professional credentialing, ethics, continental collaboration, member benefits and institutional partnerships. It identifies areas where progress remains pending, announced or in progress, and specifies the evidence that would demonstrate delivery.

From Convening Power to Institutional Influence

The audit argues that APRA’s long-term relevance will depend on whether it can make its value tangible beyond annual gatherings and public declarations.

That means publishing clearer membership and governance information, strengthening its digital presence, demonstrating the uptake of professional development initiatives, supporting credible ethical frameworks and reporting outcomes against defined performance indicators.

The report also sets out a proposed 2027–2030 reputation and institutional competitiveness agenda. Its recommendations include expanding country engagement, broadening language inclusion, establishing clearer professional credentialing pathways and publishing an annual measurement and accountability scorecard.

These are recommendations arising from the audit, not claims that all proposed initiatives have already been adopted by APRA.

A Decade-End Question for Africa’s PR Profession

“APRA’s next decade should be judged not only by the rooms it convenes or the commitments it announces, but by the institutional value it can demonstrate. Continental influence becomes durable when practitioners can see the benefits, national associations can measure their participation, and the public record shows what has changed. The opportunity is to turn APRA’s convening power into visible, accountable and measurable professional leadership.”

— Philip Odiakose, Lead Analyst, Africa Reputation Pulse

What Makes this Audit Different?

The report applies an evidence-led approach to institutional reputation intelligence.

It draws on official association materials, national association and government sources, credible African and international media, professional bodies and sector research, while identifying where evidence is limited or conflicting.

Its methodological reference points include the AMEC Integrated Evaluation Framework and Barcelona Principles 4.0. The analysis distinguishes outputs, stakeholder outtakes, outcomes and institutional impact rather than treating publicity or media exposure as reputation in itself.

The audit is based on published evidence and does not include a new primary member survey or interviews.

The 2026 State of Ethics survey was still in the field at the report’s cut-off date; its findings are therefore not presented as completed results.

The report also acknowledges that Nigerian media sources are over-represented in APRA’s public record because of the location of the secretariat and the concentration of communications activity.

These limitations are made explicit so readers can distinguish documented facts, reported claims, analyst interpretation and recommendations.

Access the full report

The APRA 10 Years: Independent Reputation Intelligence Audit 2026 provides a detailed examination of the association’s reputation, institutional strengths, exposure points and strategic priorities for its next phase.

PR professionals, national associations, policymakers, researchers, institutional leaders and stakeholders in African communications are invited to explore the findings and request access to the full report.

About Africa Reputation Pulse (ARP)

Africa Reputation Pulse is an Africa-focused reputation intelligence and strategic audit initiative examining how organisations, public institutions, professional bodies and major public-facing entities are represented, perceived and evaluated through available evidence.

ARP’s work focuses on independent analysis, transparent methodology and practical intelligence to support better institutional decisions.

PAU 26th Inaugural Lecture: Ekundayo Mesagan Explores Fossil Energy, Sustainability Puzzle

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Pan-Atlantic University hosted its 26th Inaugural Lecture, delivered by Professor Ekundayo Peter Mesagan, Professor of Energy and Environmental Economics in the School of Management and Social Sciences (SMSS), at the Honeywell Group Auditorium, Lagos Business School.

In formally introducing the inaugural lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Enase Okonedo, described Professor Mesagan as “an economist, researcher and policy advisor whose work spans energy and environmental economics, industrial policy, natural resources and sustainable economic development.” She highlighted his contributions to national development, including his membership of the drafting committee for Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 under the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and his engagement with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research.

“Through his research, teaching and engagement with policy and industry, Professor Mesagan continues to contribute to the understanding of some of the economic and environmental issues shaping Nigeria and the wider African continent,” she said.

Delivering the lecture titled “Making Lemonade from Lemons: The Fossil Energy & Sustainability Puzzle,” Professor Mesagan examined the tension between the global push for environmental sustainability and the developmental realities of oil-rich and energy-deficient nations. He framed the discussion with a central question:

“In the last few decades, the global argument for environmental sustainability has been that we should de-emphasise the use of fossil energy while scaling up other forms of energy that are less carbon-dioxide emitting. Is this true or not? What should happen to oil-rich nations, especially developing countries? Should they fold up, or should they seek alternative sources of income for financing their projects?”

He argued that the energy transition is far more complex than simply substituting fossil fuels with renewables, as technological and cost constraints mean fossil fuels will remain part of the global energy mix for the foreseeable future.

Africa’s pathway, he stressed, cannot mirror Europe’s, because expanding energy access and supporting economic growth must remain urgent priorities alongside environmental goals.

Professor Mesagan further emphasised that natural resources do not determine a nation’s destiny; outcomes depend on the quality of governance, policy choices, innovation and investment. “The future belongs to countries that can transform challenges into opportunities,” he noted, underscoring the lecture’s central metaphor.

He highlighted the critical roles of technology, including cleaner industrial processes and carbon capture and storage, and financial systems aligned with sustainability priorities. Energy transition, he added, cannot be separated from poverty reduction and improved energy access, and meaningful progress will require genuine collaboration among economists, engineers, policymakers, environmental scientists and other experts.

The event drew principal officers of the University, members of Senate, faculty, students, alumni, industry leaders, policymakers and members of the public.

 

About Pan-Atlantic University
Pan-Atlantic University is a private, nonprofit institution located in Lagos, Nigeria, committed to forming competent and ethical professionals equipped to serve society with integrity.

 

 

NDIC Wins Verbatim’ s Pillar of Integrity in Public Service Award

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Rep of Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Olusegun Adigun (middle), supported by Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Verbatim News Magazine, Mr. Tobs Agbaebu, while presenting Verbatim Pillar of Integrity in Public Service Award 2026 to the rep of MD/CE, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Ms. Hawwau Gambo at the Verbatim 2026 Award ceremony in Abuja.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has been awarded the 2026 Pillar of Integrity in Public Service Award for demonstrating exemplary commitment to ethics, transparency and accountability in public service by Verbatim Magazine.

The award was presented to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, who was represented by the Head of Communication and Public Affairs, Ms. Hawwau Gambo, at the 2026 Verbatim Awards, organised by Verbatim Print & Broadcast Limited in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja.

The NDIC earned the prestigious recognition following the Corporation’s emergence as second overall in the 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) of the ICPC. The EICS is an integrity-assessment framework developed by the ICPC to promote ethical standards, accountability and anti-corruption practices in the public service.

The framework evaluates Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government of Nigeria across four key areas of Management Culture and Structure; Financial Management System; Administrative Systems; and Anti-Corruption Initiatives.

The Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who was represented by the Director, Systems Study and Review Department (SSRD), Mr. Olusegun Adigun, delivered a keynote address at the ceremony, titled: “The Power of Integrity in National Development: Strengthening Public Institutions, Restoring Trust and Driving Prosperity.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the NDIC, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Thompson O. Sunday, the Head of Communication and Public Affairs, Ms. Hawwau Gambo, commended Verbatim Print & Broadcast Limited for recognising the Corporation’s performance based on the ICPC’s independently validated integrity scorecard.

She reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to sustaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability and ethical governance in the discharge of its mandates of deposit guarantee, bank supervision (in collaboration with the CBN), failure resolution and bank liquidation.

Ms Gambo noted that the award was a reflection of the Corporation’s sustained efforts to maintaining the confidence of stakeholders in the discharge of its mandates.

As the NDIC continues to protect depositors, engender confidence in the banking sector and contribute to financial system stability, the recognition serves as both an affirmation of its achievements and an impetus to further deepen compliance with the highest standards of professionalism, excellence and public trust.

 

Nigeria Advances Defence Industrial Ambitions Ahead of AFRIDEX 2026

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Nigeria is continuing to develop its defence industrial capabilities as it seeks to strengthen local manufacturing, encourage investment and build new partnerships with organisations across Africa and the international defence community.

The country’s growing focus on defence manufacturing reflects a broader ambition to develop an increasingly capable and sustainable industrial base, supported by cooperation between government, industry and international partners.

This direction is gaining greater international visibility as Nigerian defence organisations engage with industry at major exhibitions and forums around the world, presenting capabilities and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

Developing Defence Industrial Capability

Nigeria has identified defence manufacturing as an important area for long-term industrial development.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON, plays a central role in this landscape, alongside a growing network of private sector organisations and international partners.

Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), said:

Nigeria’s Defence Manufacturing Future | Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya at AFRIDEX

“The message to investors and international partners attending AFRIDEX is that Nigeria is open for business in the defence and security sector. DICON is inviting stakeholders and investors who are ready to partner with us to bring manufacturing to Nigeria, allowing DICON and its partners to produce locally.”

Continued development of the sector has the potential to create opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, technology, research, maintenance, training and specialist services.

It also opens the door to greater cooperation between Nigerian organisations and established international defence companies seeking to build sustainable relationships within the region.

Investment, knowledge sharing, skills development and industrial collaboration will be important elements in supporting this progress.

Opportunities for African and International Co-operation

Nigeria’s ambitions sit within a wider evolution of the defence industry across Africa.

Across the continent, governments and industry are exploring how stronger domestic capabilities can complement established international relationships and support long-term defence and security requirements.

This creates opportunities for cooperation across borders, bringing together African expertise and manufacturing capability with international technology, experience and investment.

Rather than operating in isolation, the development of national defence industries can provide new foundations for partnerships between governments, manufacturers, technology companies, research organisations and investors.

The result could be a more connected African defence industrial landscape with stronger links to the global defence community.

AFRIDEX Provides a Platform for Collaboration

These developments provide an important backdrop to AFRIDEX 2026, taking place from 26 to 29 October at Eko Atlantic in Lagos.

The inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition will bring together governments, armed forces, defence manufacturers, technology providers, investors and industry leaders from Africa and around the world.

Hosted in Nigeria, AFRIDEX will provide a platform for African organisations to present their capabilities while enabling international companies to develop relationships, understand regional requirements and explore opportunities for cooperation.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, said:

Nigeria’s Defence Industrial Future | General Christopher Musa at AFRIDEX

“AFRIDEX provides DICON with an international platform and an opportunity to showcase what it has to offer. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved legislation enabling DICON to partner with original equipment manufacturers. AFRIDEX presents a significant opportunity because international companies will attend, allowing us to build on this development and present DICON’s work to the world.”

The exhibition will also create an environment for discussions around investment, technology, industrial development and long-term partnerships.

As Nigeria continues to develop its defence industrial capabilities, AFRIDEX will provide an important meeting point for the African and international defence communities.

From Lagos, the conversation will extend beyond individual markets to a broader question: how can African industry and international partners work together to support the future development of defence capability across the continent?

 

 

‘Strategic Use of FOI Act Must Promote Transparency, Accountability, Public Participation in Governance’

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Communiqué

Issued at the close of a Multi-stakeholder Conference to Commemorate International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2026 organised by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the International Press Centre (IPC), on September 28, 2026.

Preamble

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the International Press Centre (IPC) organised a one-day multi-stakeholder conference in Lagos on September 28, 2026 to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2026, under the theme, “Freedom of Information in the Age of Disinformation: Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever.”

The event brought together journalists and other media professionals, representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs), lawyers, and other stakeholders to examine the importance of access to information in promoting transparency and accountability, particularly in an information environment increasingly affected by misinformation and disinformation.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr Lanre Arogundade, noted that combating disinformation could not be reduced to telling citizens to “check the facts,” stressing that public institutions have a responsibility to make credible information available, explain decisions clearly, and respond appropriately to legitimate requests for information.

He further observed that the challenge was not simply whether information was available, but whether systems for accessing, verifying and using public information were sufficiently strong to support democratic accountability.

The event allowed participants to reflect on the implementation of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, and the roles of different stakeholders in strengthening access to information. It featured other presentations and interactive discussions on the implementation of the FOI Act, including the roles of CSOs, lawyers, and the media in advancing access to information, as well as the gender dimensions of FOI implementation.

Participants also shared experiences and perspectives on the practical challenges of using the FOI Act, as well as its implementation, while examining the importance of transparency and access to reliable information in addressing misinformation and disinformation.

Observations

Participants noted with concern that:

Despite the existence of the FOI Act for over 15 years, compliance by public institutions across all levels of government remains largely poor, with many agencies refusing to respond to requests for information, denying requests without legitimate reasons, failing to proactively publish information as required by law, and violating the provisions of the Act in other ways.

There appears to be a high degree of ignorance of the provisions of the FOI Act among public officials and members of the public, which continues to hinder usage of the Law and its effective implementation. In addition, a pervasive culture of secrecy within many public institutions means public officials are frequently unwilling to disclose even the most harmless information.

Delays in responding to requests for information continue to undermine the usefulness of information sought, particularly where such information is required for investigative journalism, public-interest reporting, civic monitoring, or other time-sensitive purposes.

The frequent absence of timely, reliable information from public institutions creates an information gap that can make it more difficult for citizens, journalists, and other stakeholders to verify claims and distinguish accurate information from misinformation and disinformation.

Information disorder, including the widespread circulation of misinformation and disinformation, is increasingly undermining public trust in government, the media, and the information environment, making access to accurate, reliable official information more critical than ever.

The gender dimensions of FOI implementation remain inadequately addressed, with women and other marginalised groups often facing additional barriers in accessing information and participating fully in transparency and accountability processes.

The lack of effective sanctions for non-compliance with the provisions of the Act is engendering a culture of impunity among public institutions and has contributed significantly to undermining the effectiveness of the law.

The increasing volume and speed of information circulating through digital platforms make access to authoritative and verifiable public information increasingly important to public discourse and accountability.

Resolutions

Participants reaffirmed their belief that access to information is a fundamental right and essential to transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. They further recognised that access to reliable information is particularly important in an information environment affected by misinformation and disinformation.

Accordingly, participants resolved to:

Make greater, more strategic use of the FOI Act in their professional and advocacy work to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance, integrating it systematically in investigative reporting, civic monitoring, research, and advocacy campaigns.

Strengthen collaboration among media organisations, legal, and civil society organisations in using the FOI Act to investigate issues of public interest, monitor government programmes and expenditure, counter misinformation, and promote accountability.

Pay greater attention to the gender dimensions in FOI implementation by identifying information needs that affect women and other underserved groups and addressing barriers that may limit their ability to exercise their right to information.

Advocate for and integrate gender considerations in FOI advocacy, implementation, and practice to ensure equitable, meaningful access to information for women and other marginalised groups.

Increase public awareness of the right of access to information and provide practical information to citizens and communities on how to make effective requests under the FOI Act.

Document and share knowledge and experiences of using the FOI Act, including challenges encountered in requesting and obtaining information, to strengthen collective knowledge and advocacy for effective implementation.

Pursue legal remedies, including litigation, where necessary, to enforce compliance with the Act, particularly wrongful denials of requests for information.

Recommendations

Participants called on:

Governments at all levels to demonstrate stronger commitment to the effective implementation of the FOI Act and ensure public institutions comply with their obligations under the law.

Public institutions to take steps to ensure full implementation of the Act, particularly by complying with their statutory obligations, including establishing dedicated FOI Desks staffed by trained personnel and proactively publishing a wide range of information in accordance with Section 2(3) and (4) of the Act.

Public institutions to improve record-keeping and information management systems to ensure that requested information can be readily identified and accessed in a timely manner.

Public institutions to provide information in formats that are accessible and usable by different categories of information seekers, including women and other groups that may face barriers to accessing public information.

The media to make more systematic use of the FOI Act as a tool for investigative and public-interest journalism and to strengthen journalists’ capacity to formulate, submit, and follow up on FOI requests.

Civil society organisations to intensify public enlightenment, monitoring, and advocacy efforts around the implementation of the FOI Act and support citizens in exercising their right of access to information.

Media and civil society organisations to facilitate or strengthen collaboration, as the case may be, in monitoring compliance with the FOI Act and documenting cases of wrongful denial, delay, or other barriers to access to information.

The Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his oversight responsibilities with greater rigour to ensure compliance with the law by issuing appropriate directives against officials and institutions that persistently and willfully violate the provisions of the Act, including wrongfully denying requesters information.

The judiciary to give expedited hearings and judgments in FOI cases to guarantee the timeliness and continued relevance of any information that may ultimately be disclosed as a result of litigation, in accordance with the intent of Sections 20 and 21 of the Act.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) to be more proactive in its public enlightenment responsibilities by intensifying awareness campaigns on the right of access to information and the provisions of the FOI Act, particularly at the grassroots level, to ensure that citizens are aware of and able to exercise their right to information.

Relevant authorities and stakeholders to adopt gender-responsive approaches in FOI implementation to address barriers faced by women and other marginalised groups and ensure inclusive access to information.

All stakeholders, particularly public institutions, the media, and civil society organisations, to prioritise transparency and the proactive disclosure of accurate information as a critical means of combating misinformation and disinformation and upholding information integrity.

Public institutions and other relevant stakeholders to leverage digital technologies to improve the publication, accessibility, storage, and dissemination of information while ensuring that such technologies do not create additional barriers to access.

All stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing to promote an information environment in which citizens can access reliable information, participate meaningfully in public affairs, and hold public officials and institutions accountable.

Conclusion

Participants reaffirmed that the right of access to information remains central to transparency, accountability, public participation, and democratic governance. They noted that, in an information environment increasingly affected by misinformation and disinformation, timely access to credible information held by public institutions is more important than ever.

Participants commended Media Rights Agenda and the International Press Centre for their continued efforts to promote access to information, media freedom, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.

They reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to advance the effective implementation of the FOI Act, and to uphold the public’s right to know as a cornerstone of democracy, good governance, and a healthy information environment in the age of disinformation.

 

Adopted in Lagos this 28th Day of September 2026.

 

The Data Game: Numbers-Facts & Figures-Data

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  • 12 billion: Total benefits delivered to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the first half of 2026
  • 01 billion in form of residential mortgage equity contributions by RSA holders in the first half of 2026
  • 35 billion in form of Programmed Withdrawal & Retirees Life Annuity (RLA)-first half of 2026
  • 56 million: The Nigeria AgriConnect Compact indicative target of improving food and nutrition security for nearly three million people and 2.56 million jobs by 2031
  • US$392 million: The combined IFAD’s current financing portfolio in Nigeria

BOOK REVIEW: The Remote Leadership Playbook

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Author: Désirée Cubadda

The Book

The Remote Leadership Playbook presents the Future-Ready Leadership Model, an evidence-based framework designed to help leaders excel in today’s hybrid and remote work environments.

Drawing on over 15 years of international leadership experience and research, this book equips you with actionable tools to foster trust, enhance communication, and drive accountability without micromanagement.

Discover proven strategies to build resilient, high-performing teams and lead with confidence, no matter where your team is located.

About the Author

I’m Désirée Cubadda, an MBA graduate and international business leader with 15 years of experience leading diverse, global teams.

I have a new book that offers practical, research-backed strategies for building trust and driving high performance in hybrid and remote teams. I’m honored to request that the book be reviewed on Business Journal.

 

 

Nigeria, World Bank, IFAD to Accelerate Agricultural Transformation through AgriConnect

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The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has joined Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the World Bank Group (WBG) and development partners to launch the Nigeria AgriConnect Compact, a national framework aimed at growing Nigeria’s agriculture sector, creating jobs and accelerating food and nutrition security across the country’s priority value chains.

AgriConnect is a World Bank Group initiative designed to help smallholder farmers worldwide move from subsistence to surplus production. It focuses on strengthening agricultural ecosystems through stronger farmer organizations, improved market linkages, enhanced access to finance and digital solutions, and greater private sector participation across food systems.

Aligned with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), the Compact targets priority crop and livestock value chains with strong potential for productivity growth and job creation.

Over the next five years, the Compact aims to improve food and nutrition security for nearly three million people and create more than 2.5 million jobs by developing value chains and strengthening market integration.

“As the only international financial institution exclusively focused on rural transformation, IFAD brings a distinct contribution to AgriConnect by working with smallholder farmers at the first mile of food systems to strengthen farmer collectives, improve post-harvest management and build the commercial linkages needed to connect producers to reliable markets,” said Mohamed El-Ghazaly, IFAD Country Director for Nigeria.

“AgriConnect presents an important opportunity for IFAD to build on our long-standing partnership with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deepen support to smallholder farmers across the country.”

Nigeria’s agriculture sector remains central to the country’s economy, contributing 26 per cent of GDP and employing about 30 per cent of the workforce. Yet productivity remains well below that of regional peers, and about half of the country’s 37 million hectares of arable land is under-utilised.

With more than 31 million Nigerians facing acute food insecurity – driven by inflation, insecurity and climate shocks – AgriConnect comes at a critical time to boost agricultural production, attract private investment and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional food basket.

The Compact will mobilise an estimated US$5 billion over five years from government, development partners and the private sector to finance stronger foundations for smallholder productivity, advance policy reforms, and expand farmers and agribusinesses’ access to affordable credit, insurance and blended finance.

IFAD’s current portfolio in Nigeria includes the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), and the forthcoming Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), representing a combined IFAD financing commitment of close to US$392 million.

AgriConnect is backed by a commitment from the World Bank Group to double its annual financing for agriculture and agribusiness to US$9 billion and mobilize an additional US$5 billion from partners. The initiative is supported by a coalition of development and private-sector partners, including IFAD, the African Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, Bayer and Google.

At the AgriConnect initiative announcement in October 2025, IFAD pledged to reach at least 70 million small-scale farmers and significantly transform their lives by increasing their incomes, productive capacity and market access by 2030.

This pledge reflects the aggregate planned beneficiaries of over 200 IFAD-supported projects that will be implemented globally across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the Middle East, between 2025 and 2030. The majority of outreach will be concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and in low-income countries.

The Nigeria AgriConnect Compact sets indicative targets of improving food and nutrition security for nearly three million people and creating 2.56 million jobs by 2031, alongside a 30 per cent increase in average yields for rice, maize and wheat, a 35 per cent increase for cassava, and higher productivity and reproductive rates across cattle, small ruminants, pigs and poultry.

emPLE Celebrates Customers, Brokers at Customer Service Week 2026

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(L-R) Executive Director Business Development emPLE General Insurance, Oluwole Ladipo; Representatives of P.R.A Insurance Brokers Limited, Mrs. Uchenna Ososanya and Mr. Akin Lanlekun; Head, Marketing and Customer Experience, emPLE Life Assurance, Rachel Owolabi at the International Customer Service Week Celebration held at emPLE Nigeria’s Head Office in Lagos.

emPLE celebrated International Customer Service Week 2026 by recognizing employees and brokers and rewarding loyal retail policyholders.

Held from October 5 to 9 under the theme The Extra Mile, the celebration reinforced the insurer’s commitment to delivering consistent customer experiences.

The week-long programme placed customers at the center of emPLE’s operations while recognising the employees who deliver its services and the partners who support its business. Employee engagement and customer appreciation activities highlighted how thoughtful, dependable service can strengthen confidence and foster long-term relationships.

The celebration culminated with prizes for loyal retail policyholders and special recognition for brokers. The awards acknowledged their continued support and contributions to emPLE’s growth, while underscoring the company’s commitment to creating value across its customer and broker network.

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Olalekan Oyinlade, Managing Director of emPLE General Insurance Limited, said:

“In an industry where products and prices are often similar, customer experience is the differentiator. Going the Extra Mile means delivering that experience consistently, whether a customer is buying a policy, seeking support or making a claim.”

He added, “Our brokers and retail customers are integral to our business. Our relationships with them are built on trust, reliability and mutual value, and we will continue to raise the standard of service we provide”

Speaking about customer service and business performance, Jolaolu Fakoya, Managing Director of emPLE Life Assurance Limited, said: “Customer service is not a standalone function, it connects every part of the business; from product design and communication to policy administration, claims and customer support. When these functions work together, we deliver a more consistent experience, strengthen confidence in our business and build relationships that support long-term growth. Going the Extra Mile reflects our commitment at every stage of the customer journey.”

Speaking about employees’ role in shaping the customer experience, Rachel Owolabi, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at emPLE Life Assurance Limited, said:

“Every interaction shapes how our brand is experienced and remembered. Going the Extra Mile means looking beyond the immediate task, keeping promises, following up on concerns and taking ownership of issues. By approaching every touchpoint with empathy and accountability, we can deliver service that reflects the trust our customers place in us.”

Beyond the week’s activities, emPLE said it will continue to embed service excellence in everyday interactions with customers and partners, focusing on consistent delivery, accountability, and lasting value.

 

 

WEF Plans Inaugural Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai

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The World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with the Government of the United Arab Emirates, will convene the inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai from October 13-15, 2026.

Opportunity-driven and future-oriented, the meeting will provide a platform for emerging and established leaders to create new opportunities for all and build resilience amid uncertainty.
More than 500 next-generation leaders and experts, including 15 ministers and nearly 150 CEOs and chairs, will engage in intergenerational dialogue on pressing global challenges and the partnerships needed to address them. Participants will include members and alumni of the Forum’s Young Global Leaders community, alongside select Global Shapers and Social Innovators, as well as leaders from government, business, academia, science, technology and civil society.
Reflecting both the persistent concerns highlighted in the WEF’s Youth Pulse 2026 and the striking optimism young people have expressed in Youth Pulse findings over the past decade, meeting participants will examine how AI and other frontier technologies are reshaping jobs and opportunities. Discussions will also consider economic uncertainty, geopolitical change and climate challenges and explore practical responses in a shifting global and regional landscape.
“The decisions we make today will shape the world the next generation inherits. Emerging leaders should have a voice in those decisions, not just live with their consequences,” said Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO, World Economic Forum and Principal Chairman of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders.

“This inaugural meeting will bring different generations and perspectives together to look beyond immediate challenges and work together on practical ideas for the decades ahead.”
“This meeting reflects the strong partnership between the UAE Government and the WEF, and a shared commitment to advancing international cooperation and constructive global dialogue. At a time of rapid technological, economic, and geopolitical transformation, preparing future leaders is more important than ever,” said HE Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Principal Chairman of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders.

“By bringing together emerging voices from around the world, we aim to equip them with the insights and tools needed to turn challenges into opportunities for innovation, growth, and sustainable development.”
The event will be co-chaired by Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro; Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future of the United Arab Emirates; Fadel Adib, Professor and Entrepreneur, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Future Foundation; and Mirjam Staub Bisang, Chair, BlackRock Switzerland.
The programme will be organised around six strategic themes designed to advance dialogue and joint action across generations.

Topics will include geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, economic resilience and prosperity, leadership, science and innovation, and climate and nature. Sessions such as Trust Test for Agentic AI, Working the Line: Humans and Machines, Trade in a Changing World and Economics after Certainty will examine issues likely to define the coming decade.

The meeting will also launch Future20, bringing together 20 next-generation leaders working across growth, innovation and resilience to create opportunities for current and future generations.

New research will include a Leadership Commitment Framework, Middle East and North Africa-focused analysis of AI applications for sustainable development and data-centre infrastructure optimisation. Insights from the meeting will inform the Forum’s ongoing work, including the Strategic Intelligence gathering in Geneva and the Annual Meeting 2027 in Davos-Klosters.

About the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026
To strengthen intergenerational dialogue and practical collaboration on issues shaping the future, the World Economic Forum will bring together more than 500 leaders and experts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 13–15 October 2026 for the inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders.