PMAN Backs Police Report on Kukwaba Land Dispute, Cuts Ties with Olusc
Abuja, Nigeria — The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has endorsed the findings of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit on alleged fraudulent activities linked to Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd and its Managing Director, Mr. Olufemi Olumeyan, in relation to Plot 504, Kukwaba, Abuja.
According to the police investigation, there is a prima facie case of fraud, intimidation, violence, and breach of peace arising from unauthorised dealings on the land. PMAN, the rightful title holder, said the report confirms long-standing concerns about irregular transactions and thanked the police for their professionalism.
The controversy began in 2023 when PMAN signed a joint venture agreement with Olusco. The agreement, however, was subject to the payment of a premium which Olusco never fulfilled, leaving it unenforceable. Despite this, Olusco allegedly went ahead to advertise and sell portions of the land.
PMAN said the situation worsened after Olusco requested that foreign investment funds be paid into a personal account, a move the association rejected. Later, it emerged that Olusco had struck a separate ₦350 million development deal with G & D Building & Engineering Ltd before disputes arose, leading to petitions to the police.
The Monitoring Unit also flagged the involvement of former PMAN officials, including Mr. Boniface Itodo and entertainer Mr. Zakky Azzay, who were accused of impersonating executives after their dismissal, thereby misleading the public and aggravating the crisis.
On December 7, 2024, PMAN formally terminated its arrangement with Olusco, citing breaches and risks to the public. The association has since tightened security on the site with police support. During one operation, officers dispersed trespassers, and one person sustained a minor injury while fleeing. PMAN clarified that no shots were fired, countering sensational online reports.
National President, Pretty Okafor, said PMAN’s focus is now on accountability and protecting members of the public. “Anyone who paid money to unauthorised parties should come forward. We are working with the IGP Monitoring Unit and EFCC to trace funds, identify victims, and ensure justice,” he said.
PMAN stressed that no sale or allocation on Plot 504 is valid without its written approval and urged potential buyers to exercise caution
Adron Homes Chairman Hosts NSE Ibeju-Lekki Executives, Explores Strategic Partnership
Left to Right- Vice Chairman NSE Ibeju-lekki Branch, Engr. Tirimisiu Bello, Managing Director, Adron Group, Adenike Ajobo, Chairman/CEO Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, Chairman NSE Ibeju-lekki Branch, Engr. Olufemi Dare FNSE, Chief Operating Officer, Construction Project and Housing Design, Adron Homes, Tsgt. Oyetola Adeolu
The newly approved Ibeju-Lekki Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), which recently emerged as the 91st branch of the Society, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, at the company’s headquarters.
The delegation of engineers, led by Engr. Olufemi Dare, FNSE, the Chairman of the Branch, described the visit as a strategic step towards strengthening relationships with corporate organizations that have consistently upheld professionalism and structural integrity in their projects.
In his remarks, Engr. Dare praised Adron Homes for its exceptional commitment to quality housing delivery across Nigeria and beyond, emphasizing that the company’s reputation for structural integrity and innovation in real estate development stands as a reference point for engineering excellence. He further informed the Adron Chairman that the branch would be conferring an award of recognition on him at their forthcoming official inauguration ceremony, in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to housing development and infrastructural growth in Nigeria.
The discussions also explored potential partnership opportunities between NSE Ibeju-Lekki and Adron Homes in areas relating to engineering, professional development, and sustainable housing innovations.
Responding, the Chairman of Adron Homes, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed delight at the prospect of a lasting partnership. He acknowledged the critical role engineers play in national development, while also noting the numerous challenges facing the engineering sector in Nigeria. He stressed that these challenges can only be surmounted by engaging qualified and dedicated professionals, a principle upon which Adron Homes has built its reputation.
According to him, “Engineering is the backbone of any meaningful infrastructural advancement, and as developers, we cannot afford to compromise on professionalism. This is why i am excited about this partnership and look forward to building a mutually beneficial relationship with NSE Ibeju-Lekki branch.”
The NSE Ibeju-lekki delegation included Engr. Tiramisu Bello, MNSE (Vice Chairman); Engr. Omolola Adetola, FNSE (General Secretary); Engr. Taiwo Musa, MNSE (Assistant General Secretary); Engr. Ayodele Agunloye, MNSE (Financial Secretary); Engr. Opeyemi Olabisi, MNSE (Technical Secretary); Engr. Oluwadare Raji, MNSE, among several others.
On the part of Adron Homes, the Chairman was joined by key members of the executive team, including Adenike Ajobo, Managing Director; Tolani Roberts, Deputy Managing Director, Business Investment and Development; Mr. Kunle Ifeanyi Konwea, Director of Brand and Communications; Maureen Echefu, Chief Press Secretary, among others.
The visit not only highlighted Adron Homes’ enduring commitment to professional engineering standards, but also set the tone for a new chapter of collaboration between the real estate giant and the newly inaugurated NSE Ibeju-Lekki Branch, with both parties pledging to drive innovations that will redefine housing and infrastructural development in Nigeria.
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
UBA to Empower Female Entrepreneurs, Drive Financial Inclusion with N5 Billion BOI MSME Fund
Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has secured a N5 billion loan facility from the Bank of Industry (BOI), to boost key sectors of the economy and support the growth of sustainable and viable businesses in the country, especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women.
The facility disbursed through the Federal Government’s MSME Fund, is designed to stimulate key sectors of the economy, while offering affordable financing to support businesses, with a primary focus on Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, who spoke about the facility emphasised the bank’s commitment to fostering economic growth by empowering MSMEs, which he described as the “livewire of any developing economy.
He said, “At UBA, we recognize the pivotal role MSMEs play in driving economic development, and how they make up a sizeable portion of what drives our economic growth. It is in this vein that we have decided not to rest on our oars by facilitating initiatives dedicated to empowering businesses with the financial support they need to thrive.”
Alawuba maintained that, “by offering loans at a competitive 9% interest rate with a three-year tenor, we are removing the traditional barriers that hinder SME growth in Nigeria and Africa. And by this, our message to business owners is simple: Don’t let this once-in-a lifetime-opportunity elude you,”
The facility provides a maximum loan amount of N5million per obligor, with a three-month moratorium on principal repayments, ensuring businesses have ample time to stabilise before they begin to service the loans.
UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola who highlighted the strategic importance of the targeted sectors to the nation’s continued growth, noted that the initiative will strengthen financial inclusion and set the country and indeed the continent on the path of sustainable development.
“We are structuring this facility to align with our broader mission of financial inclusion and economic empowerment. For us at UBA, we will be targeting Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises, which are critical to Nigeria’s sustainable development,” he noted.
Continuing, he said, “This facility is structured to ensure that businesses in these sectors can access affordable funding, expand their operations, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. We are excited to partner with BOI to make this a reality.”
Also speaking at the loan facility unveiling, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, took time to highlight the competitive interest rate and government backing as well as urge business owners, especially women to take advantage of the initiative.
“What sets this program apart is its accessibility and affordability. We have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the terms are business-friendly because we understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. I urge eligible businesses to visit any UBA branch or the bank’s official website to begin their application process right away,” Ladipo stated.
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology
Eyewitness Account: Dangote Truck not responsible for Auchi Accident
Dangote Cement truck did not cause the tragic accident, which occurred on the Auchi-Okpella-Okene road, near Omega Fire Ministry in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, contrary to online reports.
An eyewitness, Audu Omale, who gave a vivid account of the accident, recalled that “a third-party truck loaded with cement was moving in the opposite direction of the Dangote Cement (DCT) CNG truck on a slopy road. The commercial truck driver lost control of his truck due to a suspected brake failure, ran into a moving vehicle, a motorcycle and eventually crashed into the side of the DCT truck. The DCT CNG truck caught fire in the process.
“Consequently, three persons from the vehicle hit by the third-party truck lost their lives while two persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The DCT truck driver escaped to avoid mob attack,” Omale clarified.
In a related development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed that the accident involved two trucks, one belonging to Dangote Cement, another truck, which has not been identified, and a GLK Mercedes Benz car.
The Edo PPRO noted that all the three occupants in the GLK were confirmed dead in the hospital while the Dangote truck caught fire which was brought under control.
“I can confirm to you that three vehicles were involved in an accident in Auchi at midday, two trucks and one GLK Benz. The police moved to the scene of the accident and evacuated three occupants of the GLK to the hospital where they were confirmed dead.
“Two of the vehicles involved were trucks, one belonging to Dangote Cement and another unidentified one. The Dangote truck caught fire and was brought under control,” Yamu stated. He added that investigation was ongoing.
PASSEC Uncovers Forgery, Fraud under ASSBIFI President, Petitions Labour Minister
The Pan-African Society for Social and Economic Change (PASSEC) has formally appealed to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, urging immediate action concerning serious allegations of forgery, fraud, and financial mismanagement within the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI).
The organisation claimed that the issues stem from the controversial leadership of Mr. Olusoji Oluwole, who was allegedly imposed as the National President following manipulated elections in 2022 that deprived the legitimate President-elect of the Association, Comrade Amina Danesi, who emerged after a free and fair election of her rightful mandate.
In a letter addressed to the Minister, PASSEC alleged that, Mr Oluwole’s appointment was facilitated through fraudulent means.
According to the society, Oluwole’s employment with Sterling Bank was terminated in 2020, rendering him ineligible for leadership under the Trade Union Act.
It was alleged that forged employment records—including falsified payslips, pension documents, and tax information—were produced with the complicity of certain staff members within Sterling Bank’s Human Resources Department.
The letter emphasised that the Managing Director of Sterling Bank may be unaware of these fraudulent activities, which could have significant implications for the bank’s reputation and operational integrity.
PASSEC argues that these developments not only jeopardize the credibility of ASSBIFI but also posed a threat to the principles of trade unionism in Nigeria.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, PASSEC claims that over N300 million has been misappropriated since Mr. Oluwole’s leadership began in November 2022.
The organization further alleged that officials within the Ministry of Labour have ignored formal petitions submitted by aggrieved ASSBIFI members, calling into question the transparency and accountability of the Ministry’s oversight role.
In light of these allegations, PASSEC has called for several urgent actions from the Ministry of Labour and Employment:
The union called for independent investigation into Oluwole’s current employment status, to be conducted jointly by the Ministry and Sterling Bank and a formal request for Sterling Bank to release Oluwole’s original payslip, pension, and tax records from 2020 to present.
Also a directive to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend recognition of the disputed ASSBIFI leadership pending investigation results and referral of the matter to relevant law enforcement agencies—including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)—for thorough investigation and potential prosecution.
And the initiation of a process to restore lawful leadership within ASSBIFI based on its constitution and the will of its members, which originally elected, Comrade Amina Danesi in a free and fair election on November 12, 2022.
Comrade Basah Mohammed, Executive Director of PASSEC, stressed the need for prompt intervention by the Minister to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade union system and prevent a precedent of fraudulent leadership.
“We stand ready to cooperate with your Ministry and relevant agencies to ensure that justice is served and the sanctity of public and labour institutions is upheld,” he said.
As this situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Labour and Employment to respond decisively to these serious allegations that threaten not only ASSBIFI but also the broader landscape of labour governance in Nigeria.
AFRIMA 2025: FG, Lagos State Declare Readiness to Host Africa In November at Patron’s Dinner with the Jury
L-R: AFRIMA Jury members, Anthony Joseph, (Eastern Africa), Victoria Nkong, Associate Producer, AFRIMA, Motolani Alake, (Nigeria, West Africa),Messie Mboukoud, (Central Africa), Kobele Keita, (Diaspora, North America), Neza Guy, (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa), AFRIMA President/Executive Producer, Mike Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, AFRIMA Chief Experience Officer, CXO, Aderenle Niyi, Lucy Ilado, (Eastern Africa), Delani Khalima , (Zimbabwe, Southern Africa) and Marwane Fachane, (Northern Africa), at the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
It was a dazzling evening of elegance, warmth, and celebration as the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, hosted its 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the International Jury in Lagos, Nigeria.
The gathering brought together policymakers, stakeholders in Africa’s creative economy, music executives, artists, media representatives, and AFRIMA’s international jurors from 14 countries who are responsible for ensuring the credibility of Africa’s global music awards.
The event was hosted by AFRIMA Patron, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, Chairman of The Address Homes.
This year’s jury session has brought together jurors from across the five regions of Africa and the diaspora in Lagos, Nigeria. For over a week, they worked tirelessly to select nominees from a total of 10,717 entries received for AFRIMA 2025. The AFRIMA 2025 Nominees List will be announced to the public on August 24, following the conclusion of the adjudication process.
Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, who led a strong cast of dignitaries to the event, praised AFRIMA’s global impact.
“AFRIMA is a testimony of how the creative sector in Nigeria has developed to a global standard, even without strong government backup. We are proud of what AFRIMA stands for and the impact it has made in Africa and on a global scale, projecting our identity, culture, language, and music. As a government, we will continue to support initiatives like this not just because it celebrates art but because it strengthens the economy and unites us,” she said.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, assured stakeholders, artistes, and fans across Africa that the State is fully prepared to welcome the continent and the rest of the world.
Benson-Awoyinka, who was joined at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said, “I think we are in the right place at the right time. For us in Lagos, hosting AFRIMA 2025 is not just another event; it is a big honour. People say we are the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, and we are ready to welcome the whole continent and the world to our city for this great event. We thank the Federal Government, our partners, and all those supporting AFRIMA for trusting Lagos to host again.”
In collaboration with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA 2025 is being organised alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State.
For the Patron, Dr. Onasanya, who was acxompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs Olufunke Onasanya, families and friends and business mogul,Chief Musa Danjuma and Dayo Adeola, the focus is on creating a sustainable legacy and delivering the best AFRIMA yet.
“Tonight, we proudly recognise the incredible work of our jury members and say a big thank you to them. This year, we are excited to welcome Africa to AFRIMA. Africa and the rest of the world will see an amazing show in Lagos because we are confident of organising a successful event. I sincerely thank the Federal Government of Nigeria and our Official Host City, Lagos State, for their tremendous support, as well as our sponsors and every stakeholder who believes in AFRIMA. The last edition was fantastic, but I assure you that AFRIMA 2025 will be the best”
One of the jury members, Guy Neza, an Ivorian who is representing West Africa on the panel, said, “It has been an amazing journey for me to be part of this journey. Africa is full of amazing talent, and it makes me happy to see our music and creativity receiving the recognition they deserve, as AFRIMA is the continent’s biggest music entity. Every artist who sends in their work is helping our creative industry grow stronger. With the quality of music we have screened, I can confidently say that the future of the industry is promising.”
AFRIMA President and Founder, Mike Dada, thanked the jury, patrons, and creative stakeholders for their role in sustaining AFRIMA’s growth and success.
“I am truly grateful for the support from every corner of our creative industry; from the Federal Government of Nigeria, our Official Host City, Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, our Patron, to the media, to the artists, producers, and record executives. It is inspiring to see us working hand in hand with one shared goal to elevate Africa’s global music. We said at the beginning of this journey that we would not joke with the credibility of this awards; we insisted that any artist who will be nominated or win award must submit their work to qualify and this patron’s dinner is our way of honouring the AFRIMA jury, who dedicate their time to carefully select the finest talents from thousands of entries for nomination in their rightful categories,” he said.]
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, founder, Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, AFRIMA’s Patron, Dr. Bisi Onasanya and former minister of Information and Culture, during the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Guests were also treated to a soulful performance by fast-rising star Qing Madi. Adding to the sparkle of the night were appearances from music stars Ice Prince Zamani, Orezi, Praiz, and DJ Nana, among others.
The roll call of high-profile dignitaries included Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture; media moguls Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye and Id Ogungbe; respected journalists Mayor Akinpelu, Ayo Aminu, Mojeed Jamiu, Azu Arinze; Founder of AFFRIF, Chioma Ude, media and Entertainment personalities Olisa Adibua, Ali Baba, Sunday Are, Ehiz and Uti Nwachukwu, among others; alongside other notable figures from the arts, culture, and media space.
The AFRIMA 2025 celebration is set to take place from November 25 to 30 in Lagos. The week-long show will include a variety of events, such as the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the African Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the main awards ceremony. This ceremony will be broadcast live to over 84 countries.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, former minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada during the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Seyi Tinubu: Building Success Beyond the Family Name
General Colin Powell once said, “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” Few modern Nigerian entrepreneurs embody this more than Oluseyi Afolabi Tinubu popularly known as Seyi Tinubu. While the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys the encouragement of his parents, his career path proves that his achievements are built on personal ambition, resilience, and strategic innovation — not inheritance.
Contrary to popular belief, Seyi’s rise is not simply a product of political influence. Driven by a desire to earn his father’s respect, he charted his own course early, venturing into industries far from his father’s political sphere — especially marketing communication and digital enterprise.
After graduating from the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Bar, Seyi faced a choice: pursue law or carve a path in business. Choosing the boardroom, he partnered with his childhood friend Adenrele Olusoga to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Their early venture — an online movie streaming platform — failed, but it sparked Seyi’s interest in the digital space.
That interest gave birth to Loatsad Promomedia, a leading Nigerian digital and out-of-home advertising company, co-founded with Olusoga and supported by his then-fiancée (now wife), Layal. Without financial backing from his father, they pooled resources from previous ventures, secured licensing, and quickly positioned Loatsad as a formidable player in the advertising industry.
Over the years, Seyi expanded operations with SDM Communications, pioneering several firsts in Nigeria’s digital advertising sector:
Exclusive partner for Truecaller after-call and in-app ads (2016–2018), selling over 85% of national ad inventory to top banks, FMCG brands, and real estate firms.
Among the first agencies to run Snapchat ad campaigns in Nigeria from 2015.
Exclusive reseller for Shazam Ads in Nigeria (2014–2018), facilitating high-impact campaigns for musicians and consumer brands until Apple’s acquisition ended the deal.
Strategic collaborations with WeTransfer, Admaxim, Rocketfuel, and Airpush to deliver innovative ad solutions nationwide.
Through calculated risk-taking, a willingness to learn from failure, and an unshakable determination to excel, Seyi has grown Loatsad/SDM into an industry leader with ambitions to dominate African advertising and compete globally.
His story underscores a universal business truth: success comes from vision, courage, disciplined financial planning, and a touch of divine favour — not merely from a famous name.
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.
