Africa Must Unite Against Terrorism, Transnational Crime, Emerging Threats — Matawalle

Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has called for stronger continental cooperation, intelligence sharing and interoperability among African armed forces to tackle terrorism, transnational organised crime and emerging security threats confronting the continent.

Matawalle made the call while delivering Nigeria’s address at the 18th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security (STCDSS) and the 21st Ordinary Meeting of African Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Safety and Security in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Addressing Defence Ministers, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Chiefs of Defence Staff and members of the diplomatic corps, the minister said the relevance of the STCDSS had become increasingly important as Africa faces complex and interconnected security challenges.

He identified terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organised crime, trafficking in persons and arms, piracy, cyber threats, unconstitutional changes of government and communal conflicts as challenges requiring a collective response.

Matawalle said the threats were not confined to national borders, stressing that no country could effectively address them in isolation.

He therefore called for stronger cooperation among the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and member states, alongside improved intelligence sharing, joint and multinational operations and sustained political commitment to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Standby Force (ASF).

According to him, successes recorded through joint operations demonstrate that coordinated African efforts can significantly degrade terrorist and criminal networks.

The minister also raised concerns over the rapidly changing nature of security threats driven by technological developments, including the use of drones and artificial intelligence, as well as cyber capabilities for recruitment, radicalisation, financial crimes and other illicit activities.

“Africa must invest in technological innovation, research and development, intelligence capabilities and human capital, while ensuring that technology is employed responsibly and in accordance with international law,” he said.

Matawalle further stressed that military responses alone would not be sufficient to address insecurity, noting that underlying factors such as poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, limited access to education and social services, climate pressures and inadequate economic opportunities must also be addressed.

“Our approach to security must therefore be comprehensive. Military and security responses must be complemented by effective governance, youth empowerment, education, economic development, strengthened justice systems and social inclusion,” he added.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to continental peace and security, Matawalle said the country remained committed to the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”

He said Nigeria would continue to contribute to regional and continental peace-support operations, counter-terrorism initiatives and capacity-building programmes.

The Minister commended the leadership of the African Union and the STCDSS for their contributions to peace, security and stability across the continent, while wishing delegates fruitful deliberations.

The meeting brought together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Safety and Security from AU member states to consider practical and sustainable responses to Africa’s evolving security challenges.

The statement was signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

Wada Mourns Ibrahim Idris, Says Death Is Personal Loss to Kogi

By Our Correspondent

Former Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada, has mourned the death of his predecessor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a deeply personal loss and a collective loss to the people of Kogi State and Nigeria.

Ibrahim Idris, a former governor of Kogi State, died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Wada, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, David Alfred-Dogwo, on Sunday, described the deceased as a distinguished statesman, successful industrialist and committed public servant whose nearly nine years in office left a significant mark on the development of Kogi State.

According to him, the late governor’s administration recorded major interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and rural development across the state.

Wada highlighted projects associated with the administration, including the International Market, Specialist Hospital, Confluence Stadium, Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, dualisation of major roads in Lokoja, construction of numerous primary school blocks and housing estates across the state’s local government areas.

He also commended the late governor’s record of fiscal discipline, noting that his administration left Kogi State among the most solvent states in the country at the end of his tenure.

The former governor said his relationship with Ibrahim Idris extended beyond politics, stressing that as the immediate successor to the late governor, he shared a close personal and familial bond with him.

Wada described Ibrahim Idris as not only a respected predecessor and political leader but also a brother whose counsel, experience and commitment to the progress of Kogi State were invaluable.

“His passing is therefore a deeply personal loss as well as a collective one for the people of Kogi State and Nigeria,” Wada said.

He extended his condolences to the immediate and extended families of the deceased, his friends, political associates, members of the Peoples Democratic Party and the entire people of Kogi State.

Wada prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the bereaved family and all those affected by the loss the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He further prayed that Allah, in His infinite mercy, would forgive the shortcomings of the late former governor, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

Wada also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and expressed the hope that his legacy of service would continue to inspire generations of Kogites.

Dunamis Senior Pastor Ignite Revival Fire Crusade in Angola

The Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul and Dr Mrs Becky Enenche, have continued their global evangelistic outreach by igniting fresh revival fire in Angola through powerful crusade meetings marked by salvation, healing, deliverance, restoration, and renewed hope for many lives.

The Angola Revival Fire Crusade commenced in Luanda on September 18 and concluded on September 19, 2026, with a remarkable manifestation of God’s presence as multitudes gathered to experience a fresh move of the Holy Spirit.

Upon arrival in Angola, Dr Paul Enenche expressed gratitude for the warm reception received from the people of the nation and declared his expectation for healing, deliverance, restoration, and life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ.

Dr Enenche, ‘”I see the power of God being released everywhere”

“God is going to send you to the territory of the devil, to show him”.

He encouraged the people of Angola to seize the opportunity for divine visitation, inviting families, friends, and loved ones to attend the Healing and Deliverance Crusade and encounter the saving power of Jesus Christ.

A major highlight of the crusade, was the testimony young lady completely healed after she ran mad and in that condition, someone impregnated her and she gave birth to a lovely baby.

The crusade witnessed an outpouring of God’s power as lives were transformed, souls were saved, and many experienced healing, deliverance, recovery, and restoration. Participants testified to encountering the saving, healing, and restoring power of Jesus Christ, while numerous lives were touched through the ministry of the Word and prayer.

The presence of God was evident throughout the meetings as hearts were refreshed, faith was strengthened, and a deeper hunger for revival spread among attendees. Diverse afflictions gave way to the power of Jesus Christ as many testified of divine encounters, freedom from oppression, and renewed hope.

The atmosphere remained charged with expectation as chains were broken, destinies were restored, and countless people encountered the transforming presence of God. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully, bringing healing to the sick, freedom to the oppressed, and encouragement to those seeking divine intervention.

The crusade also featured vibrant sessions of worship, fervent prayers, and inspiring testimonies, as participants shared accounts of healing, deliverance, and life-changing encounters with God. These experiences left a lasting spiritual impact on attendees and reinforced the message of hope, salvation, and transformation through Jesus Christ.

Beyond spiritual ministrations, Dr Paul and Dr Mrs Becky Enenche remain committed to holistic impact through compassion-driven initiatives, free medical and welfare outreaches, community development programmes, soul-winning efforts, and global evangelism.

The Angola crusade comes on the heels of the successful Healing and Deliverance Crusade held recently in Karshi, Abuja, Nigeria.

Olawande: National Youth Confab Will Not Be Politicised

By Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has assured that the 2026 National Youth Confab will not be allowed to become a platform for partisan politics, as the Ministry of Youth Development moves to bring young Nigerians from all 360 federal constituencies and the diaspora into a national conversation on the country’s future.

The Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, gave the assurance on Thursday, 17th September 2026, while addressing journalists on the planned conference, stressing that the exercise must remain focused on the interests, ideas and aspirations of Nigerian youths.

The emphasis on non-partisanship comes against the backdrop of concerns that previous national dialogue processes have not always translated their recommendations into lasting action. The 2014 National Conference, for instance, produced a report with wide-ranging recommendations, but questions have persisted over the extent to which its proposals were implemented.

Olawande said the government was determined to ensure that the National Youth Confab does not become another platform where political interests overshadow the issues confronting young Nigerians.

He said the conference was designed to give youths a genuine opportunity to identify problems, propose solutions and participate in shaping policies that affect their lives, irrespective of political affiliation.

The Confab, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” will begin with a nationwide virtual consultation before culminating in a physical conference in Abuja in October.

Young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 will be able to participate in the virtual engagement, submit memoranda and present ideas and policy proposals through the conference’s online platform.

The physical conference will bring together one youth delegate from each of the 360 federal constituencies, alongside six diaspora delegates, stakeholders and observers.

According to the organisers, the selection process will emphasise transparency, merit, grassroots representation, gender balance, regional inclusion, participation of persons with disabilities and representation of marginalised groups.

The conference will focus on six key areas: governance, leadership and political participation; economic transformation, entrepreneurship and job creation; education and skills; technology and digital innovation; climate change and energy transition; and social harmony and security.

Olawande said the objective was not simply to produce another document but to establish a process through which recommendations could be followed up and measured.

To support this, the ministry plans to establish a Multi-Stakeholder Youth Confab Taskforce, a Youth Confab Impact Index, sustained youth policy dialogues and a youth-led monitoring and accountability framework.

The minister urged young Nigerians to take ownership of the process and participate actively, saying the credibility of the Confab would depend largely on whether the voices coming from communities across the country were genuinely reflected in its outcome.

The official conference framework also identifies non-partisanship as a core principle, stating that the Confab is to be insulated from partisan politics so that the collective interests of young Nigerians can remain the focus.

With the 2026 Confab coming at a politically sensitive period, the promise of a non-partisan process is likely to remain an important test of the exercise as delegates are selected and the discussions move from consultation to policy recommendations.

Legor Idagbo: The Strategic Choice for Tinubu Support Group 2.0 in South-South


By Ignatius Ushie


As Nigeria gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections, political parties are already repositioning, strengthening their structures and identifying individuals with the capacity to mobilise support across the country.


For the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the task is particularly strategic. With the opposition intensifying its efforts to challenge the party’s hold on power, the APC is expected to deploy experienced politicians, grassroots mobilisers and influential stakeholders to consolidate its support base ahead of the elections.


Against this backdrop, the recent appointment of Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo as Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) 2.0, South-South Zone, has been described by political observers as a strategic choice.


Idagbo brings to the assignment a combination of political experience, grassroots connections, professional expertise and business exposure that could prove valuable as the APC prepares for the 2027 contest.


A former Council Chairman and former Commissioner for Works in Cross River State, Idagbo also served two terms in the House of Representatives, representing the people of Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
His years in public office have given him considerable exposure to governance, legislative processes and constituency politics, while his grassroots engagements have enabled him to build relationships across political, traditional and community structures.


Beyond politics, Idagbo is a seasoned businessman with interests in oil and gas and real estate, while also practising as a lawyer. His professional background gives him an understanding of both the political and economic dimensions of development.


His new responsibility comes at a time when the South-South region remains an important political theatre ahead of 2027. The region, with its strategic political, economic and demographic significance, will be critical to the fortunes of any party seeking to consolidate national power.


For the APC, Cross River State occupies an important place in that equation. The party’s ability to maintain and expand its influence in the state could have wider implications for its South-South strategy.


It is against this backdrop that Idagbo’s appointment assumes significance. As a son of Cross River and a politician with extensive experience at both the grassroots and national levels, he is expected to bring local knowledge and established networks to the broader mobilisation effort.


The appointment also reflects the growing emphasis on political structures capable of translating national support into grassroots engagement. In an election where voter mobilisation, community relationships and effective communication will be critical, political experience alone may not be enough; the ability to connect with people and build coalitions will matter equally.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political structure, therefore, appears to be placing considerable emphasis on individuals who understand the terrain, command respect within their constituencies and possess the networks required to execute political assignments.


Within this context, Idagbo’s appointment can be viewed as a “round peg in a round hole.”


The former federal lawmaker is not new to political contests or public administration. His experience spans local government administration, state-level executive responsibility and two terms in the National Assembly. That breadth of experience could position him to understand the different layers of political mobilisation required for a major electoral assignment.


As the 2027 elections draw closer, the contest is expected to become increasingly competitive, with the APC working to retain its position while opposition parties seek to make significant gains.


For the ruling party, the South-South will undoubtedly be one of the regions where political calculations will be closely watched.
And with Cross River State potentially playing a significant role in that equation, the choice of Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo to coordinate the Tinubu Support Group 2.0 in the South-South may prove to be more than an ordinary political appointment.


It could be a calculated investment in experience, grassroots mobilisation and political relationships at a time when every strategic advantage may count.
For Legor Idagbo, the assignment presents another opportunity to deploy decades of political and public-service experience in a broader national project.
For the APC, it is a statement that as the road to 2027 gathers momentum, no stone is being left unturned in the battle for political relevance and electoral victory across the South-South.

Dr Emmanuel Daudu  Storms ERCA Conference in Banjul

…WSDGO Head of Administration invited as participant at inaugural ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority annual conference

Banjul, The Gambia — Dr Emmanuel Huleji Daudu Ph.D has arrived in Banjul, The Gambia, to participate in the inaugural Annual Conference of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) scheduled to hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul.

Dr Daudu, a journalist, media consultant and Head of Administration of the World Sustainable Development Goals Organization (WSDGO), was formally invited by the Executive Director of ERCA, Simeon Koffi, to participate in the landmark regional conference.

The conference is themed “Competition Policy and Market Integration in ECOWAS: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

According to the invitation dated August 31, 2026, ERCA described Dr Daudu as one of the participants it would be honoured to have at the inaugural conference, which is expected to bring together stakeholders to examine competition policy, economic integration and the development of competitive markets across the West African region.

Beyond attending the conference sessions, Dr Daudu has also been requested to contribute to the preparation of the conference report, with ERCA requesting his presence in Banjul from September 14 to 19, 2026, to enable him cover the preparatory activities, conference proceedings and finalisation of the report.

ERCA, as the regional institution responsible for promoting and safeguarding competitive markets within the ECOWAS Community, plays a significant role in fostering economic integration, encouraging fair competition and enhancing consumer welfare across West Africa.

The conference comes against the backdrop of increasing efforts to strengthen regional economic integration and address emerging challenges affecting markets across ECOWAS Member States.

Issues expected to feature prominently include competition enforcement, market integration, cross-border trade, regulatory cooperation, consumer welfare, digital markets, technological development and the challenges confronting competitive markets within the region.

Dr Daudu’s participation in the conference is expected to further provide an opportunity for professional and institutional engagement on issues surrounding regional integration, sustainable development, governance, economic growth and the implementation of policies capable of improving opportunities for businesses and citizens across West Africa.

The invitation from ERCA is also a recognition of Dr Daudu’s professional engagement in media, development and regional affairs, as he joins other invited participants at the authority’s first annual conference in Banjul.

The inaugural ERCA Annual Conference runs from September 15 to 17, 2026, in Banjul, The Gambia.

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NiMet DG/CEO, Prof. Charles Anosike, Elected President of ACMAD Board of Governors

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has been elected President of the Board of Governors of the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) for a four-year term.

This major milestone took place on 10 September 2026 in Cotonou, Benin, during the 24th Ordinary Session of the ACMAD Board of Governors, held back-to-back with the 22nd African Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF22).

As President of the Board, Professor Anosike is expected to provide strategic leadership in advancing stronger institutional governance, productive partnerships, and effective climate services for Africa, while supporting ACMAD’s mandate to enhance the application of weather and climate information for sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.

The election further reinforces NiMet’s strategic leadership position within Africa’s meteorological community and Nigeria’s commitment to advancing effective weather and climate services for the safety of lives and property; climate resilience; and stronger economies across the continent.

His emergence comes at a critical time when African countries are strengthening their capacities to anticipate, prepare for and respond to increasing weather and climate-related risks in line with the United Nations Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.

The session brought together members of the ACMAD Board of Governors and key institutional partners to review progress and strengthen the strategic direction and governance of the Centre. The high-level opening featured Dr. Ousmane Ndiaye, Director-General of ACMAD; Dr. Adamou Aïssatou Sitta, Vice-President of the ACMAD Board and Director of Niger Meteorological Services; Mr. Harsen Nyambe, Director of the African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE); and H.E. Georges Alé, Benin’s Minister of Living Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development.

Dr Enenche, Wife Illuminate KARSHI, with Powerful Crusade

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul Enenche, alongside his wife, Dr Mrs Becky Enenche, successfully brought the message of salvation, restoration, healing, and deliverance to Karshi, a border area between Abuja and Nassarawa, Nigeria, through a powerful Healing and Deliverance Crusade that impacted lives and transformed destinies.

The crusade, themed “The Days of His Power,” commenced on Friday, September 11, and concluded on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with remarkable manifestations of God’s presence and power.

Ministering from Luke 13:11, Dr Paul Enenche taught on the subject “The Freedom Power of God,” emphasizing God’s ability to set people free from every form of bondage and limitation.

During his message, Dr Enenche encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, declaring:

“You cannot look up to God and be disappointed.”

He further stated:

“The way you relate with God today will affect your future tomorrow.”

“If your frustrations will not stop your dedication to God, then your dedication will swallow up your frustration.”

Major highlights of the crusade was the dedication of the magnificent Dunamis church auditorium in Karshi and testimony of a man identified as Mr Owoicho, a Naval officer, who testified that after 25 years of waiting, his wife gave birth to four children following a divine encounter through the ministry of Dr Paul Enenche.

Beyond the spiritual ministrations, the outreach featured free medical services and the distribution of relief materials to numerous members of the community, demonstrating the church’s commitment to both spiritual and humanitarian impact.

The crusade left many lives transformed, with testimonies of healing, deliverance, restoration, and renewed faith, further reinforcing the church’s mission of taking the Gospel and the love of Christ to communities across Nigeria and beyond.

SGF Backs Public Servant Innovators, Six NASENI Winners Get ₦162.5m Support

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind six public servants whose locally developed innovations emerged as winners of the maiden National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Innovation Assessment and Awards, with ₦162.5 million committed to help turn their ideas into commercially viable products.

The innovators, drawn from government agencies and NASENI’s institutes, were presented to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

Receiving the delegation, Akume commended NASENI for creating an opportunity for public servants to demonstrate their capacity to develop practical solutions to some of Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

The SGF also praised the transparency of the competition’s evaluation process and assured NASENI of the Federal Government’s support in providing the necessary backing for the innovations to contribute to the country’s industrial development.

The awards, organised under the theme, “Driving Innovation, Accelerating Industrialization, Transforming Nigeria,” produced three winners in the Inter-Agency category and three others in NASENI’s Intra-Agency category.

The Inter-Agency winners received a combined ₦140 million development grant to prototype, scale and commercialise their innovations, while the top three NASENI staff in the Intra-Agency category shared ₦22.5 million in cash prizes.

Halilu said the initiative was designed to recognise the public servants working behind the scenes to advance Nigeria’s technological and industrial development.

“We realized that civil servants have been the ones behind this very amazing growth,” Halilu said. “That is why we dedicated funds and resources specifically for these innovators who are working hard in public service.”

He said the initiative was also part of NASENI’s drive to move research and innovation beyond laboratories and into practical solutions capable of addressing national needs in areas including security, energy and the economy.

According to him, the agency’s growing footprint, including more than 20 factories being facilitated and over 40 indigenous products developed, was supported by the commitment of public servants working across the system.

Under the Inter-Agency category, Mr. Idowu Ajigbon and his team from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, won first position with a Tactical Deep Surveillance Wearable Jacket designed to improve real-time situational awareness, personnel safety and tactical communication for security agencies.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume (4th from right; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu (4th from left) with the winners of the Intra and Inter Agency Innovation and Award Competitions during their presentation to the SGF in his office on Tuesday, 8th September, 2026 in Abuja.

Mr. Temitope Badmus and his team from the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), Zaria, took second place for their project on the extraction and development of NILEST-Tan for leather industries, aimed at supporting local production of leather-tanning chemicals and reducing production costs.

Third place went to Mr. Isaac Johnson Ajeh and his team from the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, for their project on the valorisation of plantain peel waste through the development and standardisation of high-potency Vitamin C.

In the Intra-Agency category, Mr. Yusuf Usman of NASENI Headquarters emerged first with NASENI MART, a multilingual digital e-commerce platform designed to connect consumers with made-in-Nigeria engineering products.

Mr. Benjamin Nweke of NASENI ELDI-Awka came second with a solar-powered standalone cooking station designed to provide clean and affordable cooking energy for food vendors.

Engr. Mikairu Aminu Abu of NASENI NSEL-Karshi placed third with an off-grid solar-powered cassava dryer aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving incomes for rural farmers.

Chairman of the Innovation Awards Committee and Director of Manufacturing Services at NASENI, Engr. Dr. Olayode A. Olasupo, said the competition attracted 678 registrations through an online portal developed by NASENI’s ICT team.

Of the entries, 261 were completed, comprising 180 intra-agency and 81 inter-agency submissions covering areas such as engineering design, software development, renewable energy, healthcare and agriculture.

Olasupo said the entries went through a two-stage screening process involving computer-assisted compliance checks and expert technical evaluation before 20 finalists were selected to pitch their innovations physically at NASENI headquarters.

The finalists subsequently defended their technical and commercial propositions before independent assessors drawn from industry and academia.

Head of the NASENI Innovation Hub, Mrs. Busola Perez-Folayan, said the winning innovators would receive tailored incubation support, business development assistance and investor-matching opportunities to help move their ideas from award-winning concepts to scalable products.

Halilu said the initiative was anchored on NASENI’s three core principles of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that promising Nigerian innovations translate into solutions that can be produced, marketed and used.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume (8th from left); Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu (7th from left); Director, Manufacturing Services and the Chairman, NASENI Inter and Intra Agency Innovation and Award Competition NASENI, Engr. Dr. Olasupo (4th from Left); Director, Information, New Media and Protocol NASENI, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan (6th from right); Head of NASENI Innovation Hub, Mrs. Busola Beckely  Folayan-Perez (6th from left) and the winners of the Intra and Inter Agency Innovation and Award Competitions during their presentation to the SGF in his office on Tuesday, 8th September, 2026 in Abuja.

The presentation to the SGF marked another step in NASENI’s effort to give public-sector innovators greater visibility and resources while supporting the Federal Government’s broader push for home-grown technology and industrial development.

NBA President Backs Dangote IPO, Says Businesses Must Drive Nigeria’s Economic Growth

Maryam Aminu

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has described the Dangote Group’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) as a welcome development for Nigeria’s capital market, saying the country needs more businesses willing to invest, create jobs and build for the long term.

Badejo-Okusanya, who congratulated the Dangote Group on the IPO, said the development could help strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s investment environment while highlighting the role of private businesses in driving economic growth.

She said companies that continue to invest despite the country’s economic challenges are important to efforts to expand businesses, create employment and increase productive activity.

According to her, Nigeria cannot rely on government alone to transform its economy, stressing that the private sector must also play a major role.

L-R:President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN and Aliko Dangote

“Nigeria’s economic transformation will not be driven by government alone. It requires businesses willing to invest, innovate, create jobs and build for the future,” she said.

The NBA President also drew attention to the role of lawyers in creating an environment where businesses can operate with greater certainty and confidence.

She said the legal profession must help businesses navigate regulations, protect legitimate commercial interests and ensure that the rule of law remains strong enough to encourage investment.

Badejo-Okusanya reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to supporting a business environment where legitimate investments can thrive, adding that clear laws, effective regulation and confidence in institutions are important to attracting and retaining investors.

She commended the Dangote Group for its investments, job creation and expansion across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The NBA President congratulated the company’s management, employees, investors and other stakeholders, and wished the Group continued success in contributing to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.