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Nigeria’s Local Content Successes Shine at Namibian Conference

Nigeria’s local content successes in the oil and gas industry was a constant reference point in discussions at the opening day of the 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, which began on Tuesday at Windhoek, Namibia.

The event is being attended by policymakers, international oil and gas operating and service companies, Namibian indigenous players and other stakeholders. The goal is to enhance the local content ecosystem in the Southern African country’s evolving oil and gas industry.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) are participating at the Namibian event in furtherance of their collaboration in the promotion of African local content, creation of opportunities and new markets for Nigerian oil and gas companies.

The Board’s delegation is led by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, while the PETAN team is led by its Chairman and member of NCDMB Governing Council, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya.

Dr. Halilu delivered a presentation at the Local Content Masterclass at the opening, and outlined a number of strategies that African oil producing countries can adopt to grow their local content capabilities.

According to him, local content value proposition for Africa include research and technology development, local employment, strategic partnerships, ownership and control of assets, value chain optimisation, sustainable operations, increase production and utilization of locally made goods and contribution to gross domestic product (GDP).

He identified government’s role in supplier development as regulatory, developmental and promotional.

Using Nigeria as a case study, Halilu listed key achievements of NCDMB to include the establishment of world class fabrication and construction yards, human capital development, manufacturing initiative, service sector growth, financial support and establishment of integration capability for floating production and storage and offloading facility (FPSO).

On the new wave of local content development in Nigeria, the Director pointed to the promotion of equipment assembly and components manufacturing, development of small and medium enterprises, enforcement of research and development and technology transfer as well as prioritization of gas based industrialisation.

Dwelling on strategies that would support the growth of African local content, he urged oil-producing countries to specialise in different manufacturing and service areas of the oil and gas industry and develop their competencies to the right specifications. This will enable the countries to trade among themselves and contribute towards the manufacturing of complex oil and gas equipment.

He cited an example with the Boeing aircraft, which has critical components produced by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and assembled at a designated factory. Such a model, he noted, will ensure that each African country develops a competitive advantage and can contribute effectively to the African oil and gas industry.

The representative of the Executive Secretary concluded by offering local content nuggets, which include that local content implementation is not a sprint but a marathon and must be executed as a business and not as corporate social responsibility. Local content must also be cost effective and local peculiarities must be given key considerations, he noted.

Other recommendations include that local content regulations must apply to all players in the industry and not only foreign companies or expatriates and the implementation takes time, consistency, and coordination. He equally suggested that capacity building initiatives should include grassroots and underserved communities, adding that local content practice would not grow if new projects are not developed.

He ended by assuring the audience that Nigeria is ready to partner with Namibia and other African nations to build an energy sector that empower the African people and drive shared prosperity.

The opening day also featured a presentation by NCDMB’s General Manager Human Capacity Development, Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq. He further shared the Board’s success stories in human capital development.

The conference continues till Friday and is expected to feature another presentation by the NCDMB boss on Wednesday, while one of the panel discussions would feature the Chairman of PETAN Mr. Wole Ogunsanya.

The Alternative Bank Targets Women, Men, and Farmers with National Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurship Drive

The Alternative Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading non-interest banks, has ramped up its efforts to promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion for market traders and smallholder farmers across the country. With a focus on improving access to banking services, the Bank is providing critical financial support to some of Nigeria’s most underserved communities.

The initiative, undertaken through an agreement between Sterling Financial Holdings Company and the Association of Market Women/Men and Farmers of Nigeria (AMWMF), aims to address the challenges faced by millions of market women, men, and farmers who have long been excluded from formal banking systems. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, approximately 26% of Nigerian adults, or about 28.8 million people, remain financially excluded, with rural communities and informal sector workers being particularly affected. is working to change this by making essential financial services accessible to these groups, particularly women.

Through this new initiative, The Alternative Bank is opening access to formal financial services for over 16 million members of the AMWMF. The collaboration is designed to provide members with access to a range of banking services, including zero-fee accounts, microloans, and SME funding, aimed at fostering business growth and financial independence.

Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director at The Alternative Bank, shared her thoughts on the role of banks in supporting grassroots financial inclusion, saying, “To adequately bridge the financial inclusion gap, financial institutions must continue to devote resources towards removing the barriers that have historically hindered large segments of our population. For the unbanked and underbanked, the challenges go beyond the lack of physical infrastructure and extend to deeper issues of trust, financial illiteracy, and systemic exclusion from mainstream financial services.

“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to breaking these barriers by offering tailored solutions and championing programs that empower people to take control of their financial futures. We believe that by simplifying access to financial services and addressing these long-standing obstacles, we can unlock the potential of millions of grassroots entrepreneurs and contribute to broader economic growth.”

Recognising education as a key factor in the country’s financial literacy gap, The Alternative Bank is offering the Association’s members access to financial literacy training and personalised business support, aimed at empowering them with the knowledge and skills to manage and grow their finances effectively. In addition, the Bank is also supporting business growth by offering no initial fees for point-of-sale (POS) terminals to vendors, making it easier for them to accept electronic payments.

The drive, which began in Oyo State, will extend to 15 other states across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones throughout the course of the year and has since received strong support from AMWMF’s leadership. Erelu Dr. Becky Olubukola, the National President of the Association, praised the collaboration as a crucial step towards realising the association’s vision of creating an environment where every member has the opportunity to thrive. She emphasised that, by working with financial institutions like The Alternative Bank, the association could vastly expand opportunities for its members and help drive local economic development.

In addition to banking services, The Alternative Bank is also exploring innovative solutions to meet the diverse and evolving needs of grassroots entrepreneurs. This includes the deployment of electric-powered tricycles for market vendors to help with the transportation of goods and the introduction of health and medical kiosks in underserved areas to improve access to basic healthcare. Furthermore, the Bank is committed to creating wealth for the Association’s members through initiatives like its waste-to-wealth program, which enables participants to convert waste materials into viable income-generating ventures.

CODRA Case against Adron Homes Dismissed

In a legal victory for Adron Homes, the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has dismissed the suit brought by the Registered Trustees of the City of David Residents Association (CODRA) and five others, Elder Gbadebo Aromolaran, Mr. Adetokunbo Adeshile, Mr. Olaolu Ayinde, Olusegun Aba Yomi Esq, Oluwadamilare Awokoya Esq, against Adron Homes and Properties Limited.

The case, Suit No. FHC/AB/FHR/58/2023, was presided over by Hon. Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi, who, after an exhaustive review of the claims and evidence presented, found the Applicants’ allegations to be unsubstantiated, speculative, and without merit.

The Applicants had alleged that Adron Homes infringed on their right to personal liberty. However, the court held that they failed to present any credible evidence showing that Adron Homes posed any threat or committed any act constituting a breach of their fundamental human rights.

Hon. Justice Adeyemi noted that there was no record or proof of any invitation, arrest, or action traceable to Adron Homes that could justify such a claim. He concluded that the allegations were merely speculative and unsupported by evidence.

On the claim of proscription and infringement of the Applicants’ right to freedom of association, the court ruled emphatically that Adron Homes has no power to proscribe CODRA or prevent residents from associating. However, in a critical clarification, the court affirmed that while residents are free to associate among themselves, the legal right to own, manage, and make administrative decisions concerning the estate remains vested in Adron Homes, as the rightful developer and manager.

Justice Adeyemi stressed that the court’s decision was guided strictly by evidence and the law, not by conjecture or subjective interpretation. Consequently, the Applicants’ case was dismissed in its entirety.

Despite Adron Homes’ victory in the lawsuit, the organisation’s true victory is in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of all its subscribers and residents, and they will not relent in guaranteeing this.

This landmark judgement not only vindicates Adron Homes but also reaffirms its position as a law-abiding, customer-focused developer dedicated to delivering value and protecting the interests of its clients.

NIESV Lagos Chairman Leads Delegation to Adron Homes, Seeks Strategic Collaboration

Left to Right- Managing Director, Adron Group, Adenike Ajobo, NIESV Honorary Secretary, Lagos Branch, ESV Olaseni Lojede, Chairman, Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, NIESV Chairman, Lagos Branch, ESV Tosin Kadiri, Honorary Treasurer, NIESV Lagos State Branch, ESV Talat Yusuf-Abdulkadri

In a significant move toward fostering synergy between key players in the real estate sector, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Branch, ESV Tosin Kadiri, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF. The visit, which took place at the Adron Homes Head Office, demonstrated the growing need for strategic partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and professional integration within Nigeria’s real estate ecosystem.

Welcoming the NIESV delegation, the Group Chairman, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, a proud member of the Institute, shared an inspiring insight into the journey that birthed Adron Homes. He recalled his early professional experiences in estate management, which shaped his vision to transition into property development, not merely to build houses, but to create cities, communities, and homes that endure.

“Adron Homes was not born out of convenience, but of a calling,” he stated. “The industry is rife with challenges, but if you are truly called and driven by vision, you will stand out. We’ve seen many fall by the wayside, but with determination, resilience, and strategic thinking, we have continued to build and grow.”

He highlighted Adron’s innovative application of the labelling theory in estate development, thematically branding each estate to reflect cultural or geographic inspiration. This, he noted, along with Adron’s heavy investment in infrastructure, has set the company apart as a responsible, visionary, and futuristic developer.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, the Chairman of NIESV Lagos Branch, ESV Kadiri Tosin, lauded Adron Homes as a formidable pillar in the Nigerian real estate landscape. He admired the scale and consistency of Adron’s developments and emphasized the need for a more structured relationship between the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), and Adron Homes.

“We are here to seek collaboration. We believe that our members can tap into the vast structures and opportunities that Adron Homes has already created,” he stated. Adding to the discourse, the Chairman of the NIESV Cooperative Society echoed the call for a deeper partnership. He proposed a collaborative housing scheme wherein Adron Homes could allocate a zone within its existing estates for NIESV members to create bespoke properties, aligned with their professional dreams and financial capabilities. According to him, “This collaboration could bring our collective dream into the larger Adron vision.”

In addition, the NIESV Lagos Chairman proposed a strategic partnership where experienced members of the institute, particularly those with expertise in estate and facility management, can be integrated into Adron Homes’ operations to create added value across its estates.

In his response, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking welcomed the proposals with open arms, expressing optimism about the future of a deepened collaboration between both parties.

“We’ve enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with NIESV Lagos Branch in the past,” he said. “This administration brings renewed energy, and we are eager to deepen that relationship in meaningful and strategic ways. We are always open to working with professionals whose values align with our mission and vision.”

Members of the NIESV Lagos Branch delegation took turns to commend the impressive footprint of Adron Homes across the nation. One of the executives remarked, “This visit has been an eye-opener. As practitioners in the industry, we often underestimate the breadth and depth of being a real estate developer. Today, we’ve gained a new perspective, and more importantly, renewed inspiration.”

In attendance at the high-level meeting were several NIESV executives; the Vice-Chairman, ESV Ayodeji Odeleye, the Honorary Secretary, ESV Olaseni Lojede, among others, as well as Adron Group’s management team, including the Managing Director, Adenike Ajobo; the Group Company Secretary, Shola Orunmuyiwa; the Deputy Managing Director, Business Investment, Chitola Roberts; the Chief Press Secretary, Maureen Echefu; and the Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Faruq Salisu, among other company executives.

The meeting ended on a promising note, with both institutions expressing strong commitment to building a collaborative future. The engagement marks a pivotal step toward the professionalization of housing development and delivery, opening doors to mutually rewarding collaborations between developers and estate professionals.

With visionaries like Aare Adetola Emmanuelking at the helm, championing sustainable development and collaboration, the future of Nigeria’s real estate industry continues to look exceptionally bright.

Flood submerges farmlands, 18 communities in Niger

Flood has submerged several farmlands in some communities in Niger State.

This followed an early morning rainfall on Sunday which ripped through farmĺands in Kafin Koro, Paikoro local government areas of the state.

The flood also affected 18 communities in Lapai Local Government Area of the state where some farmlands were also affected, and many others at risk of being swept away.

Some of the affected communities include Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.

The state government on Sunday re-echoed its earlier warning to riverine communities in the state to immediately relocate to higher grounds, saying the rains have intensified across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, in a statement, appealed to communities in the affected areas to immediately relocate to a safer place to avoid further disaster in the state.

Vatsa said that though the government understood the people’s attachment to their ancestral homes, there is the need for them to adhere to the government warning and relocate pending when the rains woulď be over.

“We as a government will continue to be proactive by appealing to the people, especially those in the flood-prone areas, to immediately move upland to avoid the experience of the Mokwa disaster.

“The government is aware of their attachments to their ancestral homes and lands, but with the various flood alerts, and what we are already experiencing, there is an urgent need for them to heed to the government’s warning.

“The Mokwa experience is still very much with us, and we can not afford a repeat of such an experience.

“That is why the government is urging the people to move to a higher ground,” Vatsa said.

The special adviser disclosed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously identified 15 out of the 25 local government areas in the state as very vulnerable to flooding every rainy season.

The Federal Government had instructed residents of four local government areas of the state to move to safer locations as heavy rainfall was expected to trigger flooding between July 31 and August 5, 2025.

This latest directive by the Federal Government follows a flood alert issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, which revealed that communities in Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu are at high risk of flooding during the forecast period.

The Federal Government’s warning was contained in a statement titled “Flood Prediction”, signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, where he urged relevant authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate any disaster.

While disclosing that the state government would soon embark on an enlightenment campaign to all the flood-prone communities, Vatsa called on traditional rulers, community and religious leaders to join the government in sensitising the people.

Rainstorm destroys 50 houses in Plateau community

A severe rainstorm swept through the Shimankar District in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to eyewitnesses, at least 50 houses, including schools and worship centres were destroyed in the Menkaat community.

A resident of Menkaat community, Lawrence Longwwlk, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online in Jos on Sunday.

He said the devastating storm, which occurred early Sunday morning, blew off roofs and caused several buildings to collapse.

He added that residents of the affected area are in dire need of assistance, with two primary schools and a worship centre completely destroyed.

“We’ve been hit seriously by this rainstorm. At least 50 houses have been affected.

“Two primary schools and a worship centre in Shimankar was completely blown down by rainstorm.

” From the level of damage, the people need urgent help.” Longwalk said, echoing the sentiments of the community, who are calling for intervention from relevant authorities.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities in Plateau State to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season.

With the state’s geography characterised by rocky formations and high altitudes, residents are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by our correspondent.

However, a staff member of the agency, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the agency was aware of the havoc caused by the rainstorm in Shendam and was making plans to visit the affected community to assess the situation and provide possible assistance.

Super Eagles back Lookman’s demand to exit Atalanta

The Super Eagles have thrown their weight behind Ademola Lookman’s request to leave Atalanta at the end of the season, after submitting a formal transfer request.

PUNCH Online reports that the Super Eagles’ forward, in a statement released on his Instagram and X account on Sunday, revealed that he had submitted a transfer request following “many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer.”

According to the Nigerian international, his decision to speak publicly came after exhausting other avenues behind the scenes.

“Sadly, I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right, and I feel that enough is enough.

“It had already been decided that it was the right time for me to move on and experience a new adventure. Myself and the club ownership were in agreement that this summer was the right time for a new chapter.

“Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand”, he said.

Throwing its weight behind the obviously frustrated forward, the Super Eagles, in a post on its official X handle on Sunday, wrote, “We stand with Ademola Lookman @Alookman.”

PUNH Online reports that Lookman is seeking a transfer to Inter Milan, but the Serie A football club has frustrated his ambition.

Anambra arrests, prosecutes illegal revenue collectors

The Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the State Anti-Touting Agency, has arrested and prosecuted some illegal revenue collectors as part of efforts to rid the state of criminal elements posing as revenue collectors.

The Chairman of AIRS, Greg Ezeilo, revealed this in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the agency has intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities across the state.

Ezeilo said that in a series of well-coordinated raids on identified black spots, operatives apprehended individuals involved in illegal revenue collection, adding that the state government will continue its clampdown on activities disrupting public order and economic stability.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to law enforcement and the elimination of touting, drug-related offences, and unauthorised revenue collection.

He said, “We urge the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities as the state intensified its enforcement operations against illegal levy collection and related criminal activities.

“These operations send a strong message that illegal practices will no longer be tolerated in Anambra State.

“We call on citizens to support these efforts by being vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

“More raids are planned in the coming weeks, as part of the administration’s broader objective to sanitise the revenue system and restore public trust in government processes.”

PUNCH Online gathered that some of the suspects were arrested at UNIZIK Junction for unlawfully extorting motorists, contravening established state revenue laws, while some others were apprehended at Regina Junction, Awka, where they were reportedly collecting levies from tricycle operators under false pretences.

In a related development, one was caught in possession of Indian hemp, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug abuse and trafficking in the region.

“The arrested suspects were transferred to the Anambra Internal Revenue for further investigation and subsequently arraigned in court.

“They were convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for their offences.

“The swift and strategic actions by the agency have drawn commendation from residents and business owners in affected areas, who expressed relief at the removal of notorious elements that have long disrupted peace and hindered lawful commerce,” the statement added.

Opposition will collapse in Edo before 2027, says Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, said there will be a total collapse of the opposition in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stated this during the flag-off of the campaign for the August 16th Senatorial by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District in Uromi.

He urged the candidates of the opposition parties to decamp to the ruling All Progressive Congress and join him in developing the State.

The governor was accompanied by the chairman of APC, Jarrett Tenebe, to receive decampees at the event. He expressed happiness that members of all other political parties are joining APC to ensure that development continues.

The decampees from PDP include Alhaji Esiwele Musa, Abraham Osazuwa, Sunny Ejie, and Robert Okoneme, amongst other PDP leaders across the 51 wards.

He said, “This is a test for 2027. I can tell you that 2027 is sure. Before 2027, there will be no opposition in Edo State anymore as all will join the APC because of the developmental achievements in the state.

“Hon. Joseph Ikpea will take over from me in the Senate. In this election, we will win five local governments out of five. We must win the entire 51 wards in the five local governments that make up the Senatorial District.

“I understand that it is only the candidates in the other parties that have not decamped to our party, the APC. I advise them not to waste their money but to join our party. If they give you money, take it and vote for the APC. The money is our money.

“We promised to give the President 2.5 million votes, and we are ready to deliver on our promises. We will not talk much because the election is a done deal. This is the first test for us as we do not have any opposition in the State anymore,” he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dennis Idahosa, urged Esan people to support Okpebholo as he has brought development to the state due to his relationship with President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that the election is the first step to appreciate the president.

He said, “The President sees our Governor as his son, and the State enjoys the dividends of democracy. This is the first step to appreciate the governor and the president. We would not accept anything less than 90 per cent victory in the election.”

The APC party Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who presented the party’s flag to the party’s candidate in the Senatorial by-election, Hon. Joseph Ikpe,a encouraged him to ensure he continues from where the Governor stopped in the Senate.

He noted that the governor, as a Senator, brought development to the Senatorial District.

Presenting the party’s symbol, which is the broom, to decampees at the event, Jarrett Tenebe thanked the governor for duly informing the Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area about the flag off of the day, saying that it was the right thing to do.

He urged the decampees to join and support the party, and the Governor to ensure the developmental strides continue in Edo State.

The Director General of the Edo Senatorial by-election and former Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Victor Edoror, commended the people for coming out en masse. He urged them to make sure they keep the spirit of the door-to-door campaign for the candidate of party and the election to ensure victory.

The APC candidate in the Senatorial by-election, Joseph Ikpea, thanked the party for the trust and promised to continue with the developmental strides the Governor brought to the Senatorial District as a Senator.

The APC Edo Central Senatorial leader, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd); APC Edo South leader, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh; and other leaders, urged the people to all come out en masse to vote for the APC candidate in the by-election.

FRSC arrests over 15,000 Ondo traffic violators in seven months

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, has arrested no fewer than 15,145 traffic offenders from January to July in the state.

The Ondo FRSC Sector Commander, Samuel Ibitoye, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Akure.

Ibitoye explained that the offenders were booked for 15,536 offences during the period under review.

He said that the offences include seat belt violation, riding motorcycle without crash helmet, number plate violation, speed limit violation, overloading and use of phone while driving.

Ibitoye, who stated that the personnel of the FRSC were always on road from Monday to Sunday to enforce traffic rules and regulations, said that the idea was to reduce road traffic crashes.

“We don’t always go to road to book people; we also go to the road to play advisory role as safety check.

“We also go on advocacy, because there is need for attitudinal change by people,” Ibitoye said.

He called on motorists who had not fixed speed limit device on their vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, to do so, saying the benefits were numerous.

According to him, the speed limit device will not only regulate the speed, it also saves the life span of vehicle, reduces fuel consumption and enhance safety of the people on the road.

“The major cause of death and crashes in Nigeria today is speeding by the drivers.

“The major concern is for every motorists and Nigerians to take ownership of the road safety matters, if not, they are endangering their lives and lives of others road users.

“So, value your life and preserve it, and do not expose your life unnecessarily because when you lose it you can not regain it,” Ibitoye said.