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  • ‘$1b Chinese deal significant for Nigeria’s sugar development’

    ‘$1b Chinese deal significant for Nigeria’s sugar development’

    Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, in this panel interview with Group Business Editor, SIMEON EBULU and other select journalists, speaks on strategic initiatives to develop the Nigerian sugar industry.

    The National Sugar Development Council recently launched the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) with the objective of attracting and integrating more sugarcane farmers into the industry. How has stakeholders response been so far, and what progress can you report on the programme to date?

    The response has been overwhelmingly positive—and, more importantly, highly practical. What we are seeing is not just casual interest, but a clear willingness by potential participants to engage meaningfully with the programme. That, for us, is a strong signal that the SODP is addressing real needs within the industry.

    What makes the SODP truly different is that it introduces, for the first time, a clear and structured national framework that deliberately integrates farmers—whether large agribusinesses, cooperatives, or individual smallholders—into Nigeria’s sugar value chain in a coordinated and sustainable manner. The underlying philosophy is simple but powerful: farmers should not be left to produce sugarcane in isolation, without market certainty or support.

     Under the SODP, participating farmers are directly linked to licensed sugar processors through guaranteed offtake arrangements. They also receive access to quality seedcane, essential inputs, and hands-on technical support through training and extension services. This integrated approach significantly reduces risk for farmers, boosts productivity, and builds confidence across the value chain—for both producers and processors. 

    What is particularly encouraging is that the programme is already gaining real traction. Through our engagement and expression-of-interest processes, we have recorded strong uptake, especially in communities located close to existing sugar estates where integration can be achieved quickly and efficiently.

    While this is not a programme that delivers results overnight, we have moved decisively beyond the policy and planning stage. The SODP is now firmly in its implementation phase, laying down the critical building blocks for a sustainable, scalable increase in domestic sugarcane supply. This is exactly the kind of structural intervention the industry needs—and the early signals are very promising.

    In 2025, the NSDC signed a landmark $1 billion investment agreement with the Chinese conglomerate SINOMACH. Could you outline how Nigeria’s sugar industry is expected to benefit from this partnership, and what tangible outcomes have been recorded so far?

    The partnership with SINOMACH represents a real inflection point for Nigeria’s sugar industry. In both scale and ambition, it stands out as one of the most significant agro-industrial investments Nigeria has recorded in recent years.

    What makes this agreement particularly potent is not just the headline $1 billion investment, but the structure underpinning it. The partnership combines engineering, procurement, construction, and development financing within a single, coordinated framework. For a capital-intensive and technically complex industry like sugar, this level of integration is a game-changer. It enables projects to move more swiftly from concept to execution while significantly reducing delivery and financing risks.

    From a practical standpoint, the outcomes are substantial. The partnership will unlock the capacity to produce up to 500,000 metric tonns of sugar annually, bring approximately 75,000 hectares under sugarcane cultivation, and add about 50,000 tonns-per-day in factory processing capacity. These are not abstract projections—they represent tangible, productive assets being built directly into Nigeria’s sugar ecosystem.

     Beyond the numbers, the broader impact is truly transformative. The SINOMACH partnership strengthens domestic sugar production, reduces Nigeria’s reliance on imports, conserves valuable foreign exchange, and catalyses large-scale job creation across farming, processing, logistics, and allied services. Most importantly, it firmly positions Nigeria on a credible and sustainable path toward long-term self-sufficiency in sugar production.

     The ambitions outlined under these initiatives are significant. How does NSDC intend to deliver on these objectives within the proposed timeframe? Could you walk us through the implementation approach and any progress achieved to date?

    That is a very fair question—and one we anticipated from the outset. Ambitions of this scale are not delivered through shortcuts or wishful thinking; they require discipline, clear sequencing, and rigorous execution.

    From day one, NSDC has been deliberate about getting the fundamentals right before accelerating delivery. We established a structured coordination framework with SINOMACH, underpinned by continuous technical engagement and detailed information exchange. Critical project data, including proposed locations and site-specific information, have already been shared, enabling feasibility studies and technical planning to proceed in a focused and practical manner rather than in the abstract.

    In parallel, NSDC has taken proactive ownership of the issues that most often delay large-scale agro-industrial projects—land access, regulatory approvals, and community engagement. These are typically the realbottlenecks, and addressing them early is essential to maintaining momentum and protecting project timelines.

    While the implementation approach is phased, it is very much in motion. The groundwork has been laid, stakeholder alignment has been achieved, and the necessary institutional coordination is firmly in place. This positions NSDC strongly to transition decisively from preparation to execution and to deliver on these objectives within the proposed timeframe.

    NSDC has identified greenfield sugar projects as a key strategy for closing Nigeria’s domestic sugar production gap. This informed the recent signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with four greenfield promoters. What should Nigerians expect from each of these projects?

     Greenfield sugar projects are not just a component of our strategy—they are absolutely central to closing Nigeria’s domestic sugar production gap. The MoU recently signed with the four promoters were far from symbolic; they represent concrete commitments from credible investors with both the technical capacity and financial strength to deliver at scale.

    Each of these greenfield projects is designed as a fully integrated sugar operation, combining extensive sugarcane cultivation with modern, efficient processing facilities. Once they reach full operation, the four projects collectively are projected to add approximately 400,000 metric tonns of sugar to Nigeria’s annual output—a significant boost to domestic supply.

     Equally important is the deliberate geographic spread of these investments across the southwest, north-central, and northeast regions of the country, being areas where sugarcane can be grown at commercially viable scale. This approach allows Nigeria to harness its diverse agro-climatic advantages while ensuring that the economic benefits—employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and local enterprise growth—are shared across multiple regions.

    These are investments anchored in host communities, built to operate sustainably, and structured to deliver lasting value to both the sugar industry and the wider economy.

    GNAL Sugar, owned by the Lee Group, has also been identified as a greenfield project, with plans to invest in Taraba State. Can you provide an update on the status of this project?

    GNAL Sugar is progressing steadily as a greenfield project, with Taraba State emerging as a strong and highly viable location for the investment. We recently undertook a joint visit to the state with the Lee Group, and the level of engagement and commitment demonstrated by the Taraba State government has been both encouraging and reassuring.

    The project has now moved well beyond the stage of initial interest. Multiple local government areas have been identified as suitable for large-scale sugarcane cultivation and processing, and active work is underway on land access, site selection, and overall project definition. This phase is critical, as it brings together technical, environmental, and social assessments to ensure the project is anchored on a solid and sustainable foundation.

    Our approach is intentionally measured and disciplined. Rather than rushing to make headline announcements, we are focused on resolving all key prerequisites early. This ensures that when the project transitions into the construction and development phase, it does so with clear parameters, strong community alignment, and the long-term viability required for an investment of this scale.

    What singled out Taraba State as destination for this project?

    Taraba State was selected after a rigorous and competitive assessment process that evaluated multiple potential locations across the country. From a technical perspective, Taraba consistently stood out. The state offers extensive land availability, dependable water resources, and favourable agro-climatic conditions that are well suited to high-yield, large-scale sugarcane cultivation.

    However, site selection goes far beyond natural endowments. Equally decisive was the level of commitment demonstrated by the state government. Large sugar projects are long-term investments that thrive on strong collaboration between investors, host communities, and government institutions. In this regard, Taraba clearly showed the political will, institutional alignment, and readiness to provide an enabling environment for sustained development.

    When strong technical fundamentals are combined with clear government support and community engagement, the result is a location capable of supporting a project not just at start-up, but over decades. Based on our assessments, Taraba has the potential to evolve into a major sugar production hub, playing a strategic role in strengthening Nigeria’s domestic sugar industry.

     One recurring concern around greenfield sugar development is the availability of critical inputs, particularly quality planting materials. How is NSDC addressing this issue ?

    That’s an important concern, because the availability of quality planting material is one of the most critical success factors in sugarcane production—and it is often where greenfield projects run into difficulties if the issue is not addressed early.

    To tackle this, NSDC has adopted a deliberate, multi-layered approach. First, we have established dedicated seedcane farms specifically designed to support greenfield sugar projects. These farms are meant to close the existing gap in quality planting materials by creating a reliable local supply of seedcane, reducing dependence on imports, and allowing planting material production to scale in a controlled and sustainable manner as new estates come on stream.

    In parallel, through the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), we are deploying modern planting technologies, particularly pre-sprouted bud set—or bud chip—technology. This represents a major shift from traditional whole-cane planting methods. Bud chip technology enables us to multiply planting materials far more efficiently, using smaller quantities of cane to produce a significantly larger number of healthy, disease-free seedlings. It can cut between 12 – 18 months out of project development cycle.

    NSI is already building capacity for large-scale bud chip propagation and integrating this technology into its research, training, and extension programmes. The impact is substantial: faster estate establishment, lower planting costs, improved field uniformity, and stronger quality control.

    Taken together, the combination of dedicated seedcanefarms and advanced bud set technology provides a resilient, scalable system for supplying planting materials. This is a critical foundation for the successful rollout of greenfield sugar projects across the country and a key enabler of long-term growth in the sector.

    On the NSIN, there have been varying public perceptions regarding its status and ownership. Can you clarify the status of the Institute and NSDC’s role in its establishment?

    The Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) is a purpose-built national institution established to serve as the research, training, and technical backbone of Nigeria’s sugar industry. It was incorporated in June 2019 and formally commissioned in January 2021, and it operates under the strategic oversight of the NSDC.

    NSI is headquartered in Ilorin, with specialised bio-factory and tissue culture facilities. These laboratories play a critical role in varietal development, seed cane multiplication, and applied research, supporting both the sugar and ethanol value chains. In practical terms, the Institute exists to ensure that the industry has consistent access to quality planting materials, skilled manpower, and credible technical expertise.

    The Institute was deliberately structured as a shared, industry-wide platform developed by NSDC in collaboration with key stakeholders. Its purpose is to consolidate research and development in a single national centre of excellence and to ensure that critical outputs—such as improved seedcane, training programmes, and technical services—are accessible to all industry operators, not just a select few.

    Today, industry players are actively utilising NSI’s services for seedcane supply, capacity building, and technical support. As the Institute continues to scale its operations and demonstrate its value, discussions around broader industry participation and long-term support will naturally evolve. What is clear, however, is that NSI is functioning exactly as intended: as a national centre of excellence strengthening the growth, resilience, and competitiveness of Nigeria’s sugar industry.

    Can you speak to your accomplishments in the last two years as the Executive Secretary of NSDC ?

    A great deal has changed at the NSI over the past two years, and it has been by design rather than by chance. From the outset, our goal was clear: to reposition NSI from a largely dormant facility into a fully functional, industry-facing centrefor research, training, and technical support.

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    We began with the fundamentals—institutional structure and operating model. Today, NSI operates within a clearly defined governance and management framework aligned with global best practices. With the support of KPMG, we strengthened governance systems, clarified roles, and ensured a proper balance between strategic oversight, policy direction, and day-to-day execution.

    This reform provided the Institute with much-needed stability, clarity, and operational discipline.

    With governance in place, our next priority was people. Infrastructure alone does not deliver impact; human capacity does. Over the last two years, more than 60 NSI staff have undergone targeted capacity-building programmes spanning both managerial and technical competencies. On the managerial side, staff were trained in project management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, conflict resolution, strategic communication, and professional reporting—skills that are essential for coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder industry programmes.

    On the technical front, staff received advanced, hands-on training in laboratory instrumentation, solution preparation, soil analysis, and equipment maintenance. These are highly practical skills that directly enhance NSI’s ability to run its biofactory operations, support sugar estates, and deliver credible research, diagnostics, and advisory services to industry operators.

    In parallel, we deliberately repositioned NSI as a national hub for training and knowledge transfer. Through the NSDC/NSI Boot Camp initiative, the Institute began delivering structured, hands-on training programmes covering sugar processing, refining, quality control, industrial safety, and environmental compliance. These programmes are intentionally practical, blending classroom instruction with real-world demonstrations so participants leave with skills they can immediately apply in their operations.

    Significant investments were also made in curriculum development and standard operating procedures. The Factory Operations Department developed a comprehensive, end-to-end curriculum covering the full sugar production cycle—from cane preparation and juice extraction to crystallisation, refining, and by-product utilisation—with a strong emphasis on safety and sustainability. At the same time, the Biofactoryupgraded its SOPs for sugarcane and other crops, introducing detailed protocols for explant sterilisation, culture media formulation, and acclimatisationtechnologies.

    Crucially, these reforms were not kept in-house. NSI translated its strengthened capacity into direct industry support. The Institute jointly facilitated technical training for staff of Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, focusing on soil science, laboratory safety, sampling techniques, and equipment use. It also designed and delivered a comprehensive field-to-factory training programme for 20 new hires at BUA Foods’ LASUCO operations, ensuring they understood sugar production as a fully integrated system rather than a set of isolated activities.

    So, when we speak about progress at the Nigeria Sugar Institute, we are talking about a systematic rebuilding of institutional capacity—strengthening governance, upgrading skills, formalising training, and reconnecting the Institute directly with industry needs. These reforms are already laying a strong foundation for NSI to fulfil its mandate as a credible national centre of excellence, supporting Nigeria’s long-term drive towards self-sufficiency and competitiveness in sugar production.

  • Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s administration is building worthy legacies – Dr. Daramola

    Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s administration is building worthy legacies – Dr. Daramola

    Dr. Olumuyiwa Olusoji Daramola is a renowned US-Based epidemiologist and Drug design expert whose expertise radiates across diverse areas of the medical field with immense knowledge in public health, pharmacovigilance, clinical research, biochemistry and molecular biology bioinformatics to mention a few. Daramola is a philanthropist who is passionate about good governance. The Ode-Aye born medic is interested in representing his people at the House of Representatives. In this interaction with ALAO ABIODUN, Daramola bares his mind on sundry issues , including politics, governance and his ambition. Excerpts:

    Politics is usually considered as dirty and not fitting for decent minds to venture into. What’s your take on this?

    Politics is a universal enterprise, it happens everywhere, and its decisions affect every aspect of our lives, whether we participate or not. When ethical, intelligent, and patriotic minds withdraw from the political space, they leave a vacuum that is quickly filled by those who may not have the right values or intentions.

    The real danger is not that politics is dirty; it is that good people shy away from it. A society improves when its best minds get involved, take responsibility, and contribute to building systems that work. If we desire a nation that reflects integrity, accountability, and progress, then decent minds must not stay away, they must join the process and make their participation worthwhile.

    How would you assess governance in Ondo State at the moment?

    Governance in Ondo State today is not only promising, it is a reflection of steady, responsible leadership built over the years. What we are witnessing under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a continuation and consolidation of the progressive foundations laid by past administrations, each of which contributed in meaningful ways to the growth and stability of the Sunshine State.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa has taken this trajectory further with a renewed commitment to continuity, expansion, and targeted interventions that directly impact the people. Notably, his administration has shown exceptional openness to youth inclusion, deliberately incorporating young people into governance and giving them meaningful roles to play in shaping the state’s future.

    His administration’s massive infrastructural drive, from dualization projects to the rehabilitation and overhauling of critical roads, is opening up communities, enhancing mobility, and positioning the state for greater economic prosperity. These efforts are strengthening the developmental blueprint inherited from previous governments while addressing present-day needs with precision and foresight.

    From security to social welfare, education, grassroots development, agriculture, and human capacity development, the Gov. Aiyedatiwa administration is building worthy legacies and adding its own imprint of excellence, stability, and compassion.

    You have been rumoured to be interested in representing your constituency at the House of Representatives. Is this impression correct? If yes, why are you vying for this position?

    Yes, the impression is correct. My interest in representing our constituency at the House of Representatives did not start today. I offered myself to serve in 2023 and participated in the party primaries. Although I did not secure the ticket then, I remained steadfast, committed, and fully supportive of the eventual candidate and our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) at every opportunity.

    Public service, for me, goes beyond ambition; it is about purpose, responsibility, and genuine commitment to the progress of our people. I will gladly welcome the opportunity to represent our constituency because I believe we can achieve far more in terms of development, legislative empowerment, and accessible representation.

    My aspiration is driven by the desire to give our constituency a stronger voice, attract meaningful projects, and ensure that governance at the national level truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our people. I am prepared, and deeply connected to the challenges and opportunities within our communities.

    Through effective representation, I intend to unlock countless opportunities that will bring visible progress, empower our people, and advance the collective development of our constituency.

    What would you do differently if elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives and why should your people choose you among other aspirants?

    If elected to the Federal House of Representatives, I will not focus on the title of the office only, but on the countless doors of opportunity it can open; both within and beyond our nation, for the direct benefit of our people. I will bring an inclusive and transformative approach into representation, ensuring every member of my constituency feels seen, heard, and involved in decision-making.

    Through my international connections, I will attract intervention projects and global opportunities, many of which require only the influence of the office to unlock. My empowerment initiatives will go beyond conventional handouts; they will be opportunities to transform destinies, uplift individuals and families, and create lasting impact. My programmes will foster independence, financial resilience, and life-changing prospects, ensuring that our people not only benefit in the short term but are positioned for sustainable growth and self-reliance.

    My people should choose me because I carry a people and development-oriented ideology. I am bringing a new face, a fresh approach, and a renewed flavor to representation. I am committed to delivering tangible results, fostering inclusive development, and ready to leverage every available resource to uplift our community, leaving no one behind.

    What is your stance on youth involvement in politics and advice for those standing aloof from it?

    Youth involvement in politics today is increasingly encouraging. I commend the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the federal level for promoting active participation of youths in national affairs and development. Likewise, I applaud Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State for entrusting youths with significant roles in his cabinet. This approach serves as a strong motivation for young minds like mine to actively engage in shaping our society.

    I urge youths to ensure that their engagement counts. For those who choose to remain aloof, I want to emphasize that the strength and future of any nation lie in its youth. If we want our nation to grow and thrive, we must participate, contribute, and take responsibility for the direction of our society. Change will not come passively, it is through our active involvement, ideas, and actions that we can build the future we desire. Let us not wait on others; let us be the change-makers.

  • ‘Discharged victims have no place to go’

    ‘Discharged victims have no place to go’

    In the aftermath of the June 14 Yelwata massacre, survivors face a new crisis—nowhere to go. Despite successful treatments, the Chief Medical Director of Moses Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Stephen Terungwa Hwande, says many victims remain hospitalised, unable to return home, as entire communities destroyed and security remains fragile, reports SANNI ONOGU.

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Moses Adasu University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, Dr. Stephen Terungwa Hwande, has expressed deep concern over the fate of victims of the June 14th Yelwata massacre, saying that although some have recovered physically, they cannot be discharged due to a lack of safe and habitable shelters. According to Dr. Hwande, while the institution has treated numerous injured survivors, it remains uncertain where many of those who have recovered will go afterward.

    One victim currently receiving treatment at the hospital, Mr. David Ukeyima, told our correspondent that some of the discharged survivors have taken temporary shelter within the hospital premises due to a lack of alternative accommodations. The tragic attack occurred on June 14, when herder terrorists descended on the Yelwata community, located about 50 kilometres from Makurdi along the route to Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. During the assault, over 200 farmers—including women and children—were killed, many burned beyond recognition after the assailants doused their homes with fuel and set them ablaze following the shootings.

    In the wake of the massacre, more than 5,000 displaced persons have been relocated to a hastily established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the International Market in Makurdi. This camp was set up by the Benue State Government to provide shelter for those evacuated from Yelwata. Dr. Hwande and Mr. Ukeyima, one of the victims of the attack receiving medical attention at the hospital, spoke separately to our correspondent during visits to Yelwata and Makurdi last week. When asked about the current situation following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue State, Dr. Hwande expressed cautious optimism. “We must first thank God that the situation is somewhat under control. We also appreciate the President for taking the time to visit us. His visit has been instrumental in addressing the security challenges across Benue, not only in Yelwata but also in places like Naka and Ukum, where there have been other attacks,” Dr. Hwande said.

    He further acknowledged the collective responsibility in restoring peace: “Peace is not the duty of one person alone. Some may try to put the entire burden on the Governor, but the President, as Commander-in-Chief, plays a crucial role. Traditional rulers, politicians, the organised private sector, youth groups, and the media all have parts to play. It is a collective effort.” Regarding the hospital’s role, Dr. Hwande revealed the scale of the medical response: “Currently, we have close to 100 patients under our care. Survivors have come from all over—some directly from the IDP camp, others from private hospitals. Over 40 of these patients have undergone surgery and are recovering from various injuries.

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    “It’s not easy, but SEMA and some few well-meaning citizens came around. But we want to thank the Benue State Government because the SEMA, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, they came around and they did some assistance. Basically, that’s what is happening. But we also want to note that the security system has to be strengthened so that some of these people can go back to their areas because this is farming season. If you keep them in the IDP camp and they don’t farm, how do they feed later in the year? Or you want to keep giving them food? They should be secured to go back to their places. I earlier told you we had about 100 patients. The last count was 94. The discharge rate is very low because many of them sustained serious injuries. Some underwent surgeries, so discharging them isn’t something we can rush.

    “Now, the question is—where do we discharge them to? To an IDP camp? Ideally, these people should return to their communities, not temporary shelters. So far, we have discharged about 10 who are in stable condition and strong enough to cope with the challenges of staying in an IDP camp. But for others, like those recovering from surgeries or with stab wounds, we can’t just send them back to an environment potentially more hazardous than the hospital. We’re discharging them gradually, but only when we’re sure they’re physically strong. Our hope is that they’ll eventually be discharged to their homes, not just anywhere.”

    Among the victims is 35-year-old Ukeyima David, a farmer from Yelwata community, who recounted the horror that brought him to the hospital. He lost his wife and three children in the attack, escaping with gunshot wounds and machete cuts. “It happened on the night of June 14th, around 10:45 pm. We were asleep when we heard gunshots along Lafia Road, heading toward the Yelwata market,” he said.

    “Security personnel in Yelwata tried to repel the attack, but they couldn’t. I was indoors with my family when the attackers came, shouting ‘Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.’ They started killing people. We initially thought it was just targeted killings and that some would survive, but then they poured fuel on rooftops and set houses on fire. I managed to escape, but my wife and three children were killed. My first son, Ukeyima Samson, was nine. Micheal Sati Ukeyima was six, and Tersee Kingsley Ukeyima was three. My wife, Judith Ukeyima, was just 25 years old.”

    On the treatment at the teaching hospital, he expressed deep appreciation: “The doctors are taking very good care of us. We are receiving excellent treatment.” When asked where he plans to go after being discharged, Ukeyima’s voice trembled: “We don’t know. Everything has been burnt to ashes. Our village is now a no-go area. Some people have been discharged but are still here at the hospital because they have nowhere else to go. They’re now staying in the hospital. The Benue State Emergency Management Agency has been feeding and taking care of us. They’ve been doing a great job in that regard.”

    Still recovering from the violent attack that upended his life, Ukeyima David, a 35-year-old farmer from Yelwata community, spoke about the painful lessons he has drawn from the tragedy: “We are pleading with the government—if there is a solution to this problem, they should find it. Things are getting worse and worse. We experience this all the time, and some of us have lost our entire families. We don’t want it to happen to others. If there’s anything the government can do, let them stop these killings and displacements.”

    Asked why Yelwata was targeted, Ukeyima said there had been no recent conflict that might have triggered the attack. Rather, it was a continuation of a prolonged displacement by suspected herder terrorists. “We had no immediate problem in that community. These people had already driven us from our original villages. We moved to Yelwata, which is a short trek from our village, and settled there. But now we can’t go back anymore—and we are farmers. We were displaced over four years ago. They have been grazing in our villages since then. We thought we’d find safety in Yelwata because it’s more open, but they came again—on a quiet night while we were simply sleeping in our rooms—and attacked us.”

    Another survivor, Mrs. Panya Atoor, 40, echoed this grim reality. Speaking through an interpreter at the hospital, she recounted the ordeal of her family. “We were attacked by Fulani. At first, they grazed their cattle on our farms. Later, they began chasing us from our land.

    We fled from the interior villages and sought refuge in Yelwata, thinking we would be safe there because it’s near the highway.

    “But while we were sleeping that night, they came. They attacked and burned our house. My husband and I managed to save eight of our children, but they killed one. I’m recovering now, but I don’t know where I will go after discharge. Our home has been reduced to rubble. I would love to return to Yelwata, but we’ll need to find shelter elsewhere first.”

    The horror of that night is also visible in the children’s ward, where innocent survivors battle trauma and injuries. Nurse Jandi Upeh, who guided our correspondent through the ward, shared the heart-breaking stories of the youngest victims. Pointing to a baby boy smiling faintly on the hospital bed, he said: “This is baby Targwen. He’s less than a year old. His mother and two siblings were killed in the Yelwata attack. He was found in the bush by another victim and brought here as an orphan. He had a machete wound on his waist and couldn’t even sit when he arrived. He’s getting better now.

    “Later, we were able to trace and contact his father. In the meantime, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital arranged for a caregiver to look after him. He has now been reunited with his family.”

    Nurse Upeh then introduced four-year-old Aondo Soomanta and his six-year-old brother, Aondo Manta: “Both their parents were killed during the attack. They’re now being cared for by their grandmother, who is here with them. Aondo Soomanta has a deep cut on his right side, and his brother also has a severe injury on his right arm. Both are undergoing treatment.”

    Then there is eight-year-old Ukeyima Dooshima, a quiet girl with visible burn scars. “She sustained fire burns to her head and hand,” Upeh said. “The attackers poured fuel on rooftops and set houses ablaze, trapping people inside. She had three pints of blood transfused. Her stitches were just removed. She also suffered a deep cut on her back. Her father, Ukeyima David, who was shot from behind, is being treated in the men’s surgical ward.”

  • Raising more entrepreneurs to drive jobs, economic growth

    Raising more entrepreneurs to drive jobs, economic growth

    Productive entrepreneurs invigorate economies by introducing groundbreaking technologies, novel products, and innovative services. Often unseen and underestimated, entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape, generating jobs, and fostering innovation. Despite representing a small fraction of the workforce, their impact reverberates throughout economies, injecting dynamism and driving progress. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) Ventures is rapidly establishing itself as a key hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, as evidenced by the success in raising entrepreneurs, DANIEL ESSIET writes.

    The ripple effects of entrepreneurial activity extend beyond direct job creation. By establishing new businesses, entrepreneurs inject much-needed competition into markets. This increased competition benefits consumers through lower prices and a wider array of choices. 

    However,for generations of smallholding farmers in Nigeria, it has been challenging making money  toiling under the weight of unpredictable weather, financial hardship, and the ever-present threat of crop failure.  Chief Executive, SMEFUNDS, Femi Oye said there was a need to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enable them, transforming their vulnerable farms into potentially thriving agri-businesses.

    Indeed, a new wave of optimism is sweeping through agricultural communities in Nigeria as experts champion the integration of AI to transform smallholder farming practices. The promise of AI extends beyond simply boosting crop yields; it’s about cultivating hope and empowering agri-entrepreneurs at the grassroots level, according to Oye, a proponent of AI in agriculture.

    Profitable farming, encompassing everything from sound agronomic techniques and farm advisory services to timely guidance on land preparation, planting schedules, pest control, and rigorous quality testing to meet market standards, stands to be revolutionised by AI deployment.

     Oye believes this technological shift can empower smallholders to break free from the constraints of subsistence farming.

    He is not alone. Drone Champion Femi Adekoya is already on the ground, utilising precision agriculture tools to equip farmers with crucial field information. The tools enable the early detection of pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies, allowing for swift and targeted interventions. Adekoya envisions a future where the lives of thousands of smallholding farmers across Nigeria are significantly improved through these advancements.

     With the global AI market expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation, research, and deployment. There is a focus on  industry collaboration, and skill development to boost economic growth and job creation. The idea is to work with the public and private sector players in Morocco, Nigeria and the rest of the continent to push for AI applications in agriculture and other industries and to  enhance efficiency and accelerate digital transformation. Additionally, AI-driven automation is expected to create over 20 million jobs by 2030, balancing concerns about job displacement with new opportunities in emerging sectors.

    The need for innovation is particularly critical in countries such as Nigeria and Morocco, alongside the rest of the continent, where growing urban populations and evolving consumption patterns are further amplifying food demand.

    While national statistics on the precise gap between current agricultural output and projected demand in Nigeria and Morocco are being updated, the broader continental projection of a 2.5 billion population by 2050 starkly illustrates the scale of the challenge. Without significant advancements in sustainable food production and processing capabilities, achieving food security for all Africans will remain a formidable task.

    READ ALSO: Can Nigeria First policy fire up sluggish manufacturing sector?

    At the opening ceremony of DeepTech Summit 2025, in Morocco, the President UM6P, Hicham El Habti, noted: “Africa has a unique stake in this future. We have the youngest population in the world. 60 per cent  under the age of 25. That’s not just a demographic fact or a statistic, it’s our greatest asset. A generation of builders, dreamers, and doers, ready to engage the world on equal terms. But potential needs infrastructure. Talent needs ecosystems. Vision needs platforms. This is what we are building here at UM6P and what this summit exemplifies. A platform for science-backed entrepreneurship, where academic excellence meets industrial agility, where research becomes ventures, and where ideas find the means to scale. At UM6P, we define deep tech not as hype, but as high-consequence innovation, where scientific breakthroughs are mobilised to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges. Whether we’re talking about sustainable agriculture, next-generation health systems, green energy, or quantum, deep tech is the architecture behind a more resilient, inclusive, and intelligent future. And powering this transformation is Artificial Intelligence, not as a novelty, but as a strategic enabler. It is about empowering Africa to not only adopt global innovations but to create them, export them, and lead the world toward a brighter future.”

    The summit brought together a diverse global community to explore the pivotal role of AI, entrepreneurship and innovation in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    According to him, the  agricultural sector holds the potential to drive economic growth, employment, and sustainability. However, to realise the vision of a developed sector, he indicated that the players  must embrace technology, innovation, and modernisation.

    With the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, he was of the opinion, farmers will be availed of solutions that can directly contribute to the achievement of the continent’s sustainable agricultural goals. Already, the university is driving precision farming, powered by AI, that can optimize resource use such as water and fertiliser.

    He wants an industry strong on data analytics, high-performance computing, and big data enables the development of actionable insights for farmers, researchers, and policymakers.

    One of the key focus areas of UM6P Ventures, a subsidiary of the university, is to cultivate a thriving environment for agritech entrepreneurship.

    According to the Chief Executive, UM6P Ventures, Yassine Laghzioui,AI is poised to transform agriculture across Africa, offering a powerful toolkit to enhance productivity, empower smallholder farmers, and bolster food security in the face of increasing challenges. He indicated that the organization is determined to work with public and private sector organisations to highlight the immense potential of AI to revolutionize farming practices in nations like Nigeria, Morocco, and the wider African continent. Compared to previous technological advancements, he highlighted AI’s ability to perform cognitive tasks opens up a vast array of applications within the agricultural sector. From optimising resource use and predicting weather patterns to identifying crop diseases and automating farming tasks, offering solutions to many of the challenges hindering agricultural productivity in Africa.

    In Nigeria, experts believe AI tools can be  used to analyze soil and weather data, leading to significant increases in crop yields. Similarly, in Morocco, AI can help optimize irrigation in water-scarce regions, ensuring efficient water management for crops.

    While the potential of AI in African agriculture is immense, analysts acknowledge challenges such as infrastructure deficits, high initial investment costs, and the need for digital literacy and skills development among farmers. To this end, he indicated that collaboration between governments, technology companies, research institutions, and farmers is essential for successful AI integration. According to him, the university through its UM6P Ventures is rapidly establishing itself as a key hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, as evidenced by the resounding success of  the annual DTS. The summit, held in Benguerir, has become a focal point for researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and startups from across the globe.

    DTS 2024 saw the attendance of approximately 2,000 participants from around 30 countries. This DTS 2025  demonstrated even greater global interest, with over 7,000 registrations from 53 countries.  The summit has also garnered significant traction from the startup ecosystem, with nearly 1,000 startups registered for the 2025 event, including 83 particularly innovative ventures.

    He explained that UM6P’s commitment to fostering a dynamic entrepreneurship and venturing ecosystem is evident in the support it provides to startups through its Startgate initiative.

    Over the next five years, he  envisions the creation of thousands of jobs, the incubation of numerous agritech startups, and the development of commercially viable patents and technologies. This ambitious goal aligns with  the Federal Government’s  broader economic objectives of achieving technological self-reliance and becoming a significant player in the global agritech market.

     Africa, particularly Nigeria, stands to gain immensely from the burgeoning technology development across the continent, especially the strides being made in Morocco, according to Emeka Afigbo, a key player in the African tech space.

    Initiatives such as DTS powered by UM6P University and its deep tech ecosystem,he explained, presents a significant opportunity for regional growth.

    Afigbo highlighted the importance of establishing “centers of excellence” within Africa, with Morocco positioning itself as a world-class technology hub. He emphasised the comprehensive approach taken, encompassing education, deep research, go-to-market strategies, and investment, all within one entity. “In terms of the impact, I can only see positive impact,” Afigbo stated, noting that such developments provide a closer aspiration point for young Africans in the technology sector.

     He also acknowledged the welcoming stance of the Federal  Government and the presence of Nigerian students on the campus benefiting from these opportunities.

    The conversation then shifted to the transformative potential of Artificial AI in key sectors  such asfood production and renewable energy, amidst global discussions about job displacement. Afigbo offered a reassuring perspective, drawing parallels with previous technological shifts. “I don’t believe. AI will take your job.  But your job could be taken by somebody who knows AI,” he asserted.

     He stressed the importance of upskilling and adapting to the new technological landscape, recalling the transition from typewriting to desktop publishing as an example where embracing new skills led to better opportunities.

    In the context of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Afigbo pointed out the paradox of vast arable land and a shortage of people engaged in cultivation.

    He envisions AI as a tool that will help more Nigerians utilise land resources making agriculture more attractive to young people through technology-driven solutions such as  drone technology and precision farming.

    He cited examples of modern Nigerian farms already leveraging these technologies and experiencing growth, leading to increased hiring. “My fear is that we’re not jumping on it fast enough,” he cautioned.

    Addressing the potential for job creation, Afigbo referenced the overwhelming response to the Nigerian government’s 3MT program, which saw “about more than a million people” expressing interest in learning tech.

     He noted the significant completion rate in the pilot phase, with over 90,000 individuals trained so far. “The potential for jobs for those people is unimaginable,” he declared, highlighting existing demand in sectors such as  semiconductor chip design and business process outsourcing. However, he underscored the critical need for training programmes to align with the evolving demands of the job market in the age of AI.

    Afigbo emphasised a call to action, emphasising that the potential of AI is “not magic,” but requires focused effort and investment in building the necessary capacity to harness its power for economic development and job creation across Africa.

    The vibrant energy of Africa’s youth holds the key to unlocking unprecedented innovation and entrepreneurial growth across the continent. This was a powerful message that  resonated strongly during the deep tech summit. The same with the push to boost food production across the continent.

    A Tunisian entrepreneur and co-founder of Kumulus Water, Mohammed Ali, a has his sights set on expanding his impactful venture to Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

    With a deep understanding of the challenges posed by water scarcity, particularly within farming communities, Ali is pioneering innovative solutions in the arid landscapes of Northern Tunisia.

     Ali and his team are developing cutting-edge methods to extract potable water from the very air, offering a sustainable and localised answer to the growing global water crisis. Their technology has the potential  to empower agricultural communities, providing a reliable water source that can withstand the increasing pressures of climate change and dwindling traditional resources.

    The initial success of Kumulus Water in Tunisia has fueled Ali’s ambitious vision for wider impact. Nigeria, with its significant agricultural sector and regions facing similar water scarcity challenges, represents a compelling next step.As Africa’s population surges towards an estimated 2.5 billion by 2050, the urgent need for innovative solutions to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure food security across the continent has taken center stage. Speaking at the launch of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035 and the Kampala Declaration in Johannesburg this week, South Africa’s Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen called on political leaders to prioritize investments and embrace innovation to meet the escalating demand for food.  Minister Steenhuisen highlighted that while Africa has witnessed significant agricultural progress in the past two decades, a concerning slowdown necessitates a renewed focus on resource mobilisation and efficient allocation. He stressed that “prioritising the efficient allocation of available resources to boost sector productivity, is not only critical, but urgent if we are to improve agricultural productivity.” 

  • Beyond Borders: The future of Nigeria’s creative minds in U.K

    Beyond Borders: The future of Nigeria’s creative minds in U.K

    Ayooluwa Afolabi is an actor and creative storyteller with a strong foundation in performance and media. With experience in both stage and screen acting, he brings depth, emotion, and authenticity to every role he takes on. His background in digital media and communications enhances his ability to connect with audiences. He has featured in acclaimed productions both in Nigeria and the UK, including Abattoir by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, Lies Love Tells by Temiloluwa Olayinka, Minister of Romance by Femi Fakayode, and A Day in Christmas by Bola Akande, among others. He is also a seasoned stage actor, having performed in notable plays such as Maafa by Eda Theatre, Many Colours Make the Thunder King by Femi Osofisan, Konji Harvest by Wole Soyinka, Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola, and Ijaye War by Wale Ogunyemi, to name a few. Trained in media storytelling and brand communication, Ayooluwa uses his multidisciplinary skill set to bring characters to life while also understanding the power of image, voice, and presence in the digital age. He speaks with ALAO ABIODUN on his career, and other sundry issues.

    Background

    In recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed a quiet yet powerful migration of Nigerian creative talent—from filmmakers and scriptwriters to actors and digital storytellers. As political and economic uncertainties continue to stifle the creative industries back home, many have sought fresh opportunities abroad, with the UK emerging as a significant destination. This creative migration presents both promise and complexity, especially for emerging artists navigating identity, cultural relevance, and artistic survival in a new environment.

    A New Stage for Nigerian Film and Creative Talent

    Nigeria’s film industry is globally recognised as one of the most prolific by volume. But behind the glamour and increasing streaming deals lies a layered struggle for funding, infrastructure, and consistent international visibility. For many rising talents, the UK offers better access to funding, technical resources, and a multicultural audience eager to engage with African stories.

    Since relocating to the UK, I’ve had the privilege of starring in three independent film projects that explore both diasporic identity and universal human themes. The journey has been far from straightforward—navigating casting processes, cultural perceptions, and high production standards demands adaptability and unwavering commitment. However, this new environment has given me space to evolve both as an actor and as a cultural storyteller.

    My work was recently acknowledged by the Journalism Department at Teesside University during their annual awards ceremony, where I was shortlisted for the Global Perspective Award—a recognition that underscored the power of creative expression in bridging cultural divides and elevating African narratives in international spaces.

    Opportunities and Cultural Hybridity

    For Nigerian creatives in the UK, one of the most valuable advantages is access to a more structured and collaborative creative ecosystem. Film schools, co-production grants, and performance platforms offer critical support often missing in Nigeria. There’s also an increasing appetite for diverse content, fuelled by platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which actively seek out authentic African stories presented through fresh lenses.

    Being based in the UK also allows for easier cross-cultural networking. Artists can collaborate with practitioners from a range of backgrounds, enriching their creative processes and expanding their influence across artistic boundaries.

    The Cost of Distance

    I understand that while this movement of talent does not come without its drawbacks, the potential for creative brain drain is significant. While many Nigerian artists thrive abroad, their absence may create gaps within the domestic industry, particularly in terms of mentorship and continuity for emerging talent.

    In addition, staying culturally grounded while adapting to a new society brings its own set of identity challenges. Creatives often feel pressured to soften their narratives or adjust stylistic choices to align with Western tastes. Striking a balance between remaining authentic and gaining industry acceptance is a constant negotiation.

    Bridging Two Worlds

    The future of Nigerian cinema and storytelling may well hinge on how this diaspora of creatives manages the balance between integration and authenticity. The goal should extend beyond personal success abroad to encompass cultural influence and meaningful exchange. With technology enabling greater cross-border collaboration, Nigerian creatives in the UK now occupy a unique position—to co-create with talents at home, mentor younger voices, and bring international attention to narratives grounded in Nigerian realities.

    Having lived and worked within both contexts—acting in Nigeria and in the UK—I believe our collective strength lies in our ability to stay connected, share our truths, and nurture creative growth across borders. The future of Nigerian storytelling isn’t confined to Lagos or Abuja—it is also taking shape in London, Manchester, and Middlesbrough, where voices like mine and many others are forging new legacies.

  • Six reasons some men never admit being in a relationship

    Six reasons some men never admit being in a relationship

    Many men don’t admit that they’re in a relationship with a woman. Relationships can occasionally suffer as a result, with women questioning why men are avoiding acknowledging the obvious. There are numerous explanations for why some men choose not to disclose that they are seeing a woman.

    Here are the six reasons some men never admit they are in a relationship

    1. They’re not sure about the future of the relationship

    A lot of men don’t admit to being in a relationship with a woman because they’re not sure about the future of their relationship. This is why they avoid giving it a name or label. It is also their way of buying time to see if they really are compatible with the other person or not.

    2. They enjoy the attention of other women

    Some men are simply not ready to settle down and prefer to keep their options open. Admitting they’re in a relationship might close off potential opportunities for attention from other women, which they find exciting. For them, keeping their status a secret allows them to enjoy the thrill of being pursued.

    3. They fear losing their freedom

    For some men, admitting they’re in a relationship feels like losing their freedom. They might worry that being “taken” means giving up their independence, spontaneity, or social life.

    Read Also: UPDATED: US govt returns $52.88m seized from Diezani, associates to Nigeria

    This fear can lead them to keep things on the down low, as they see it as a way to maintain their sense of freedom while still enjoying the benefits of being with someone.

    4. They don’t want to face pressure from friends and family

    A man might avoid admitting he’s in a relationship to escape pressure from his friends or family. Some may not want to deal with the constant questions or expectations that come once a relationship is out in the open.

    Keeping things private helps them avoid unnecessary scrutiny or pressure about where the relationship is heading.

    5. They don’t really like their partner

    It is also possible that a man doesn’t really like their partner and is just passing time with her. In such situations, they never like to admit that they are in a relationship and pretend as if there’s nothing going on between him and the girl.

    6. They want to keep their options open

    A lot of men also don’t admit to being in a relationship, because they want to keep their options open. This essentially means that a man may think they may find a better match in future and if they disclose their relationship from the rest of the world, they always stand a chance of approaching other women and being hit on by other women.

  • AI-driven security needs to minimize needless data collection, respect privacy – Edoise

    AI-driven security needs to minimize needless data collection, respect privacy – Edoise

    Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Expert, Mr. Areghan Edoise has expressed concerns over the challenges organizations face when adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cloud security. In this interview, Edoise whose work focuses on the intersection of AI and Cloud Security, highlighted some of the obstacles to include high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, the opaqueness of AI models (also known as the “black-box” problem), and a lack of qualified experts who are knowledgeable about both AI and cybersecurity. In a co-authored research paper, titled; “AI (Artificial Intelligence)-Driven Cloud Security Frameworks: Techniques, Challenges, and Lessons from Case Studies,” Edoise explores how AI can transform the defense of cloud infrastructures while also highlighting the practical hurdles organizations face.

    Can you tell us a little about your background and journey into cybersecurity?

    I started my career as a computer science student, developing software in the logistics and supply chain industry. I later specialized in information assurance and cybersecurity to defend digital systems against changing threats.

    It’s evidence that the sophistication of today’s cyberattacks is too great for traditional security tools to handle alone, this influences my interest in artificial intelligence.

    What inspired you to focus your research on AI-driven cloud security frameworks?

    These days, the foundation of contemporary business operations is the cloud. However, it has complicated vulnerabilities along with its flexibility. AI, in my opinion, is a natural ally of cloud systems since it can automate incident response, provide predictive defenses, and instantly adjust to threats.

    What is the main contribution of your research paper?

    The study offers a methodical examination of the integration of AI methods into cloud security frameworks. Additionally, it provides useful insights gleaned from case studies, showcasing both achievements and setbacks from which organizations can gain insight.

    Could you explain some of the AI techniques you examined?

    I investigated deep learning for intrusion detection, machine learning for anomaly detection, and natural language processing for security log analysis. From identifying insider threats to detecting zero-day attacks, each technique tackles a distinct cloud security pain point.

    How do case studies strengthen your research findings?

    Case studies offer empirical proof. For instance, a healthcare provider used AI to comply with HIPAA by identifying irregular access to patient data, and a financial institution used AI-based anomaly detection to reduce fraud losses. Theory in action is demonstrated by these examples.

    What are some of the biggest challenges organizations face when adopting AI in cloud security?

    High implementation costs, data privacy concerns, the opaqueness of AI models (also known as the “black-box” problem), and a lack of qualified experts who are knowledgeable about both AI and cybersecurity are the primary obstacles.

    Some critics argue AI can itself be exploited by attackers. How do you view this?

    They are entirely right. Adversarial AI is being experimented with by attackers to trick models. For this reason, explainability protocols, human oversight, and multi-layered defenses that foresee manipulation must be used in conjunction with AI systems.

    How does your research address ethical considerations in AI security?

    The most important thing is ethics. My framework places a strong emphasis on accountability, equity, and transparency. AI-driven security, for instance, needs to minimize needless data collection, respect privacy, and produce results that stakeholders can understand.

    What lessons did you find from organizations that failed in AI adoption?

    Lack of integration planning, inadequate data governance, and an excessive reliance on automation were the main errors. AI requires organizational and cultural preparedness; it is not a plug-and-play solution.

    How do you see regulations adapting to AI in cybersecurity?

    More explainability and auditable AI systems will probably be required by regulations. In my opinion, compliance frameworks will change over time to demand that businesses show not only efficacy but also openness and moral application of AI.

    How can small and medium enterprises benefit from AI-driven security compared to larger corporations?

    SMEs frequently lack specialized security teams, but they can still get enterprise-level protection at a fraction of the price with AI-enabled cloud services from providers. Cloud AI levels the playing field in many respects.

    What role does collaboration play in building effective AI-driven frameworks?

    It is imperative that government, business, and academia work together. By avoiding siloed approaches that leave defense gaps, sharing threat intelligence and datasets makes AI models smarter and more resilient.

    What future trends excite you most in AI and cloud security?

    Explainable AI, which enables stakeholders to comprehend why a system identified a threat, and federated learning, which trains AI models across distributed environments without disclosing raw data, excite me.

    How does your work position you as both a student and an expert in the field?

    I approach learning as a student with openness and curiosity. As a specialist, I offer tried-and-true research, case studies, and useful suggestions that businesses can use. I’m able to connect theory and practice because of this balance.

    Finally, what advice would you give to students or early researchers in cybersecurity?

    Continue to be multidisciplinary. These days, cybersecurity encompasses more than just firewalls and encryption; it also involves data science, artificial intelligence, ethics, and the law. You’ll be more equipped to influence the direction of digital defense the more you comprehend these intersections.

  • Manufacturers, experts chart path for economic growth

    Manufacturers, experts chart path for economic growth

    For manufacturers, an intentional policy response by government, working with critical stakeholders, to tackle the myriads of challenges hurting the manufacturing sector’s growth and competitiveness has never been this imperative. With the sector currently on the downward trend, unable to propel job creation, economic growth and development, the need to deliberately and urgently address it’s litany of woes has taken centre stage. Accordingly, experts and operators seized the platform of this year’s Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to chart the way forward for the beleaguered sector. Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA reports.

    As President/CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a pan-African institution that catalysis private sector-led infrastructure investment across the continent, Mr. Samaila Zubairu, is evidently in a vantage position to know what holds the Nigerian manufacturing sector down from becoming productive and globally competitive; he also knows what must be done to turn the sector’s fortunes around.

    So, when Zubairu, last week, reeled out depressing statistics indicating the manufacturing sector’s less than sterling performance, including Nigeria’s poor showing in continental and global trade, and also proffered ways to change the narrative, the AFC boss rekindled the optimism of his audience that Nigeria will be, in his words “Successful in overcoming the challenges.”

    The occasion was the fourth Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) with the theme, “The Imperatives of an Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector,” where Zubairu, as Guest Speaker, said, for instance, that the share of manufacturing in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $477 billion as at 2023 is 12 per cent, compared to Germany or South Korea’s 30-40 per cent.

    Describing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP as “very meager,” Zubairu, whose presentation was delivered on his behalf by an Executive Director at AFC, Shameh Shamonda, said manufacturing, which grew a bit in 2021, is now flat, even as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the manufacturing sector is also significantly lower than it was before. He attributed the downward slide to the current high exchange rate and interest rate.

    The Lecture, which was held last week Thursday, at Lagos Oriental Hotel, was the third and final leg of 3-day activities marking the 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN, with Zubairu, who has been in charge at the AFC for the past six years, also lamenting Nigeria’s trade statistics. “Another shocking statistics is that 15 per cent of total trade in the continent is intra-African, 85 per cent of the trade is always with the outside the world,” he revealed.

    “We cannot even trade among ourselves,” the AFC boss regretted, insisting, therefore, that “The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement has to be developed and prioritised because you have so many countries next door, but you (Nigeria) still decide to import from Europe, from the U.S or export. It doesn’t make sense. Something has to change.”

    Some of the things that must change if Nigeria must birth a thriving manufacturing sector, according to Zubairu, include investments in core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transportation, and telecommunications; prioritisation of value addition to exportable raw materials, and leveraging mining and other non-oil sectors to diversify the economy away from its over-reliance on oil.

    Read Also; Again, the Rivers war!

    He listed others to include influencing the government to emplace a regime of clarity on its policies, finding ways to reduce cost of borrowing, finding the right projects that are priority for the country and its people. He also stressed the need to halt gas flaring and the captured gas harnessed to provide electricity. “All the gas that is being flared has to be captured,” Zubairu said

    For a start, the AFC chief did not mince words when he said “You cannot have industry without infrastructure that supports it,” He said it was in recognition of the role of supportive infrastructure in galvanizing industrialisation that the AFC was formed as a full-fledged financial institution separate from the government that works on bridging the infrastructure gap across the continent.  

    According to Zubairu, former Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo had, 17 years ago, looked at the state of Africa with a few other Heads of State and said there is a huge gap in infrastructure in Africa. “We cannot grow as a continent and we cannot compete with the world if we don’t bridge the infrastructure gap,” he quoted Obasanjo as saying.

    In line with the AFC’s mandate of directing investments into transformative infrastructure, Zubairu said the Corporation, which was created 17 years ago from capital mostly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has invested $13.5 billion across different sectors in infrastructure in Africa, with a lot of the investments in Nigeria.

    While noting that the AFC is the second highest rated financial institution in Africa by global rating agency Moody’s, he said the Corporation has invested in 36 out of the 54 African countries. “We have covered around 80 per cent of Africa in terms of our investment so far,” Zubairu revealed, noting, however, that “The weight of our investment in Nigeria is higher than any other country, at 24 per cent last year.”

    He reiterated that “Nigeria is our host country and the largest shareholder of our institution is the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). WE have a well-diversified portfolio in Nigeria than the rest of the continent. We are a pan-African institution, but we are hosted here in Nigeria so, we do more in Nigeria than any other country.” 

    Prioritise value addition

    Speaking to the imperatives of an intentional development of the manufacturing sector, Zubairu said the issue of beneficiation, sometimes used interchangeably with value addition is “Very dear to my heart and it is linked to what you (manufacturers) are doing.”

    He said the practice of exporting abundant raw materials in Nigeria and other African countries without adding value to them must give way for some form of beneficiation, i.e. transformation of the raw materials to higher value products for local consumption or export.

    “Africa is endowed with a lot of resources, what we are doing wrong is that we are exporting the raw materials,” the AFC CEO said, citing electric vehicle as an example of how Nigeria and other African countries fritter away their resources. According to him, two per cent of the electric vehicle seen on the street comes from Africa because the continent has 30-40 per cent of the lithium and all the ingredients that go into the battery.

    The problem, he said, is that these raw materials (lithium for making battery) are exported all the way to China, which controls 80 per cent of the electric vehicles manufacturing capacity in the world. His words: “The Chinese produce the electric car and sell it back to Europe and the U.S. From the mine until you build a car, there are six steps. The first step which is mining is 2-3 per cent, which is what you see in the car as the African contribution.

    “Steps 2 and 3, which is the refining of the product, and another step, you capture 40 per cent of the value of the product. When you start with the first two steps, you capture 40 per cent instead of two or three per cent. What is happening now is effectively you get the products out, you export all the way to China and they send them back and they capture all the value. This applies to every single thing we have in Africa.”

    ‘Pursue diversification with vigour’

    Zubairu also said economic diversification has never been more compelling. According to him, it is one sure way to drive Nigeria’s GDP growth, which is at present, very heavily reliant on oil. He said as much as 90 per cent of Nigeria’s export is oil, and the challenge is, therefore, how do diversify that to other sources or sectors.

    “Everyone is focused on oil, but Nigeria has one of the largest and best quality lithium deposits in Africa, for instance, but no one is looking at mining because oil is sucking up all the energy and all of the investments. So, we are trying to diversify the economy and we are working with the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) to work with local developers on developing their mining concessions,” he said.

    The SMDF is a sovereign Fund established by the Federal Government to drive and catalyse private sector-led investments in Nigeria’s mining sector. Its objectives are to actively pursue investments that will de-risk the mining sector, to be the partner of choice for opportunities, and to empower the economic development and diversification of the Nigerian economy through the mining sector.

    The AFC has been in a transformative partnership with the SMDF to derisk Nigeria’s mining sector and scale up artisanal miners in the country to an industrial level of operation. The strategic collaboration also seeks to address the dearth of expertise and funding for early-stage mining projects, paving the way for these projects to reach financial close and full-scale operations.

    Zubairu gave more details: “We are working with the SMDF to work with local developers on developing their mining concessions. Some of them have the money to develop but haven’t developed before. Some of them don’t have the legal knowhow to negotiate with concessionaires.

    Some of them have the technical capabilities but don’t have the funding. “So, we play that role of plugging all these gaps and working in partnership with the developers of these mines and the SMDF, and we are happy to take early stage risk and spend early stage money to get the projects to bankability.”

    Halt gas flaring also

    The AFC boss also said Nigeria, an oil producing nation, must work on her lack of clarity of policy procedures particularly with regard to ensuring that all the gas that is being flared is captured and put to other uses.

    Zubairu is right. Between 2020 and 2024 alone, gas valued at $1.9 billion was flared in Nigeria, according to a report by the Nigerian Gas Flare Tracker. The report stated that during this period, 595.1 million standard cubic feet of gas were flared in nine states of Rivers, Delta, Imo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Anambra, Abia and Lagos.

    Indeed, gas flaring remains a sore point in Nigeria, with the country ranked top 10 gas-flaring countries in the world, with 7.4 billion cubic feet in 2018. The report said the total gas flared in Nigeria accounted for 6.9 per cent of the top 10 gas glaring countries in 2018.

    Sadly, gas flaring continues, despite persistent cries of gas scarcity by electricity-generating companies (GenCos). The report noted that the power generation potential of the gas flared was 59.5GWh. Currently, gas-fired power plants in the country are operating far below capacity due to gas shortages.

    MAN President Otunba Francis Meshioye, earlier in his welcome address, set the tone for what turned out to be a robust conversation on how to find solutions to problems inhibiting the manufacturing sector’s growth.

    He said it was concerning that the manufacturing sector continues to navigate uncharted waters caused by irrefutable domestic economic challenges emanating from unbearably high inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, skyrocketing energy and input prices.

    Meshioye listed other challenges to include forex scarcity, infrastructural deficiency, low patronage, stiff regulatory hurdles, multiple taxes, negative perception of made-in-Nigeria products, categorization of industrial has users as commercial sector and inadequate supply of gas to manufacturing facilities, among others.

    The MAN President explained that the theme, ‘The Imperatives of an Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector,’ was carefully thought out and crafted to reflect the manufacturing sector’s ongoing struggles and challenges, including rising costs that have affected profitability and the survival of many manufacturing firms.

    According to him, the challenges made it imperative for MAN “To advocate for a deliberate and concerted approach toward the development of the sector,” He emphsised that “By developing our manufacturing capabilities and leveraging its potential, we can reduce inflation and our dependence on imports, promote substitution, and create more jobs.”

    He also said the sector, if developed, will boost government revenue, strengthen and improve the forex market. “Our businesses have been heavily impacted by the macroeconomic and policy environment in which we operate,” Meshioye said.

    As he added, “We need to urgently address the binding constraints that make our local products uncompetitive; otherwise, the economy may continue on a downward trend with no certainty of when it will rebound.”

    MAN Director General Segun Ajaiyi-Kadir summed up what appears to be the central message at this year’s engagement, and the consensus of various stakeholders, saying, “Manufacturing is a strategic choice for a progressive country.

    “You manufacture to prosper or fail to do so and reap joblessness and poverty, decreased fiscal income, vulnerability to global market shocks, reduced GDP growth and balance of trade deficit. That’s the choice Nigeria has to make.

  • Midnight tragedy: Maiduguri residents recall ordeal in flood disaster that claimed many lives

    Midnight tragedy: Maiduguri residents recall ordeal in flood disaster that claimed many lives

    • Survivor: My neighbours died because they were too old to run
    • Death toll can’t be ascertained until water level recedes – Displaced person
    • Traders count losses, cry for help

    The respite enjoyed by Borno residents from Boko Haram onslaught was shattered on Tuesday as a catastrophic flood swept through the Maiduguri metropolis, leaving many dead and property worth hundreds of millions destroyed. More than one million people were reckoned to have been displaced by the devastating incident reportedly caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam in the state. INNOCENT DURU reports that the unusal incident will linger in the people’s memory.

    When  Sadai Usman, a trader in the Maiduguri metropolis, closed his shop at the end of business on Monday, it was in the hope that he would return the next day to continue from where he stopped.

    On his way home, he received calls from his business partners who asked him to supply them bags of rice, flour, sugar and other items the next day. An elated Usman assured them that their requests would be granted first thing in the morning.

    He was so certain that he would be at his business place the next morning that he left a huge chunk of the money he made for the day in his shop.

    As fate decided, however, his plans for the next day were shattered by a disastrous flood that ravaged the metropolis  and perished all he had laboured for overnight.  

    Reliving his ordeal in an interview with our correspondent, Usman, who is now taken refuge in the displaced persons’ camp in Bukassi, said: “The flood affected my shop. I sell flour, sugar and rice, and they were all destroyed.

    “There is no need for me to go and see my shop, knowing that sugar, flour and rice are not friends with water.”

    Usman estimated that “the items I lost were worth more than N6 million. There were 22 bags of flour, 18 bags of rice and nine and a half bags of sugar. I also had cash in the shop. I don’t know if I will still see it when I go back later.”

    But for mother luck, Usman and his household would also have lost their lives in the incident as they were fast asleep when tragedy struck.  

    Explaining how they escaped, he said: “I was sleeping in my house that fateful night.  At one point, a neighbour knocked on my door and asked if I was not aware of what was happening in the area, and I said no. 

    “He asked me to come out and see what was going on. My family members and I ran out of the house with only the clothes we had on us.

    “I didn’t take a pin from the house as we all ran away with the neighbour that came to call our attention to the danger in the neighbourhood.”

    Usman continued:

     “If you go to our area now, you would see many dead bodies. I counted more than 10 and I knew some of them: Baba Musa,  Ba Modu and Ba Isah and Ibrahim Hassan. The flood water killed them. They were old people so they could not run.

    “As the water was coming,  they said they would watch and see if it would go back.  It was while waiting that the water ran over them.”

    Contrary to reports that the incident was caused by Alau Dam collapse, Usman said: “The water was not from Nigeria; it was from Cameroon. This is not any kind of water we know in Maiduguri. It is not water from yhe Alau Dam.

    “It has affected farmlands. Nobody could take anything from their farmlands.

    “If you see the farmlands, they are all covered by flood water.”

    It was a mixed feeling of thanksgiving and sadness for Yagumsu, an embattled mother who is now hibernating in the Bukassi IDP camp with her children.  She is sad that she lost goods worth hundreds of thousands to the flood but thankful that the incident did not claim their lives.

    “I am a businesswoman. I sell garri,” she told our correspondent, looking very groggy with sleep.

    “I had some of my wares in the house and some in the shop. The flood destroyed all the goods in the house.  The goods I lost to the flood were worth more than N400,000,” she said. 

    Recalling her experience, the distraught mother said: “Between 11pm and 12am, the water started coming. By 2 am the volume became too high that we ran away. 

    “When I went there today (Wednesday), I could not find a way to enter my house. The water did not cover my roof but it destroyed everything I had in the house.”

    Asked about the situation in the IDP camp, she said: “There are too many mosquitoes in the camp.  We are managing with mosquito coils. 

    “We don’t have a mat or mattress. We just got something to lie down on.”

    Dispirited by the conditions in the camp, she expressed hope that normalcy would soon return for them to go back home.

    Asked what she will do if she got home and found that her building had been damaged by the flood, she retorted: “When we get home and find out that the building has been damaged, we will leave the place and move to another place.”

    With the situation of things, she said, “there is no hope of our children going to school for now. They can’t go anywhere.”

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    Another survivor, Liman Mustapha, was also yet to overcome the shock the incident caused him and his family.

    His words: “I was sleeping in the house with my family members when trouble began. 

    “We started seeing the water early in the night after our Maghreb prayer.

    “When the water started coming, we blocked the place it was coming from. But by 2 am, the level had risen too high and we had to run to Shehu’s palace.

    “We slept there and by morning time, the state government came and brought us to the IDP camp.”

    Decrying his ordeal, Liman said: “I only came out wearing the cloth I have on me now and nothing else. I lost everything.

    “I only came out with my wife and children and the only clothes we were wearing.

    “Before we ran out of the house, the water was yet to get to the zinc level.”

    As a man in charge of his own affairs before the incident, Liman is not happy that he is not in his house.  He said: “I was living comfortably with my family before the incident. But here in the camp there are too many mosquitoes.

    “One of my sons is sick. He has fever. It is not good to live in the camp.

    “I don’t have a mattress to sleep on in the camp. Everything was left in the house.

    “I am sleeping on the floor. There is not even a mat.

    “I went to beg for a mat but I had to give it to my family because it’s too small.

    “Mosquitoes are too many in the camp. I couldn’t even sleep yesterday because there was no net. 

    “I ran out of the house without a dime and could not even afford coil to combat the menace of mosquitoes. 

    “I couldn’t sleep at all at night because of mosquito bites.”

    Exhibiting a high sense of optimism, Liman said: “When I leave the camp, I will be going back to my house. Once the flood recedes, I will go back. 

    “I am not scared that the flood can come again. If God brings flood, there is nothing we can do.

    “We thank the government for the money they have given us to buy food.”

    ‘The flood rose above my zinc’

    Another survivor, Abba Jimo, said the flood “rose above my zinc. I went to my house today but I couldn’t get close to my house.

    “The flood water was too much. The environment is a no go area, you can’t ascertain the number of dead people for now. 

    “Everything we had was covered by water.”

    He said he was sleeping in the house when the flood water started rising.

    Jimo said: “We ran away before it could cover our house. It was already entering our house before we ran to the Shehu’s palace at 2am. 

    “The Shehu’s palace was also destroyed by the flood.  The government later came and moved us to this IDP camp. We don’t know how soon we will be living.

    “The flood water pulled down the walls around my building. My room is still there but the wall surrounding it has been grounded. 

    “The school where I work, you cannot even see the zinc. I don’t know where I will be staying after this period. We are waiting for the government. 

    “The governor said he can assist us to rebuild our houses again.

    “The governor came and gave N10,000 to each one of us to buy food for our children. He gave the money to about 8,000 of us. 

    “He said NEMA may come to assist us tomorrow.”

     Victims outside IDP camp share experience

    Findings showed that not all the survivors were evacuated to the IDP camp. Some of them had fled to neighbouring communities to seek refuge in friends’ and relatives’ houses.

    One of them, Umaru Kashim, said: “I have moved to my younger brother’s house. The flood seriously affected me.

    “My four-room apartment is broken down. It is only my wife’s room that is standing. 

    “You can’t even enter the house. We only escaped wearing the clothes we had on us. 

    “But for God’s intervention, I would not have been able to rescue my children. 

    “Even the Emir of Bornu was affected. He packed his family in my presence and left.”

    Asked if people died in his neighbourhood, Umaru said: “You can’t count the number of people who died.

    “A neighour who had a poultry farm lost all his 300 birds. Those rearing rams also suffered the same fate. 

    “But the concern here is about human lives and not those of animals.

    Going down memory lane, he said: “We had  a similar incident in 2004 but this one is worse. It is at Alau Dam that they used to control the river.

    “For some time now, there had been warning that the river was overflowing and that those who were close to it should vacate the area.

    “This had been going on for about a week.”

    Also sharing his experience, Ibrahim  Mohammed Abubarkar, said: “I am at Baga Road after escaping from the deadly incident. But someone has told me that I will be taken to the IDP camp.

    “I lost everything. I didn’t take a single thing out of my house.

    “My family members and I ran out of the house to save our lives from the danger that was at our doorstep. 

    “We were very lucky to have survived. Walahi, we were very lucky. 

    “Neighbours told me that many people died in the flood, but I am not aware of anyone who died.”

    When the flood started, he said, “I saw water entering my bedroom. I quickly alerted my children and told them we should leave the house. They thought that I was joking.

    “Before we realised it, the flood was almost covering us.

    “By the time we got to the road, there was no place for us to cross to the other side. Everywhere was flooded. 

    “I carried my child on my shoulder and held others by their hands. I had to, at a point, leave some in the flood water to cross the other ones to a safe place.

    “It was other people who helped to rescue and bring the others to a safe place.”

    Ibrahim, who works as a teacher and tailor, added that his machine and every other thing he had were left at the mercy of the flood.

    “It is soldiers who have been assisting us,” he said. 

    “We have not been eating well at all. Some people assist us with bread and other small small things. 

    “As I am talking to you now, hunger is seriously dealing with me.” 

    Dahiru Adam, a spare parts dealer, said he had more than 65 engines in his shop submerged.

    According to him “any engine that is soaked with water is a good as condemned.”

    Explaining the cost of the different Honda engines in his shop, he said the lowest of the engines would cost N400,000 while the highest would go for N1.7 million.

    “By the time we heard that the Monday market was taken over by water around 3.00pm, some people had started moving out their goods out of their shops. But it was too late as the water just came in no time and took over the entire area,” Dahiru said.

    Nomso, another Igbo trader at Bank of the North area, said: “My entire shop and those of many other people were swallowed by water. It was a surprise to us how the water travelled so fast to swallow our shops.

    “We were in our houses sleeping when the water took over our entire businesses. We came out the following day only to find that all our shops had been submerged.”

    He said their losses were unquantifiable

    The loss of more than 30 lives is a tragic reminder of the human cost of the disaster. Families are grieving over loved ones who were unable to escape from the rising waters. For many, the psychological impact of losing family members, homes and sources of livelihood is immeasurable.

    The flood waters also brought with it health risks, with concerns rising over potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

  • Seven habits that make people respect you

    Seven habits that make people respect you

    Respect is a fascinating thing. It’s not something you can demand, it’s earned.

    And believe it or not, there are small habits you can adopt that can really turn the tides in your favor.

    But gaining true respect takes more than just talking a big game. It requires walking the walk through small, consistent actions that demonstrate your character.

    You want people to look up and take notice when you speak. You want them to really listen and think, follow these steps.

    here are the 7 small Habits that make people respect you

    1. Show up on time

    But it is a fact that consistently showing up on time signals reliability.

    People will assume “this person respects my time” if you always roll in right on the dot. It makes you seem trustworthy and organized.

    So set alarms, plan ahead, and make it a rule to hit your marks with a few minutes to spare. Those extra minutes can work magic! Your new timely habits will say “my time matters and so does yours.”

    2. Always strive to do better

    You never want to find yourself “settling for the lowest common denominator,” Instead, you should always be searching for a better way to do your work.

    3. Admit to your mistakes

    Regardless of your position at your company, it’s crucial to take ownership of your work — and your missteps. Don’t “make excuses for things when something’s gone off the rails,”

    4. Being reliable

    Reliability is a cornerstone of respect. When you say you’ll do something and follow through, people notice. And when you consistently show up and deliver, it’s a powerful way to earn respect.

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    If you commit to something, make sure you do it. Whether it’s showing up on time for a meeting, completing a task by the deadline, or fulfilling a personal promise to a friend, make sure you follow through.

    5. Showing gratitude

    Gratitude is a simple yet powerful habit that can instantly make people respect you.

    It’s about acknowledging the good in your life and the efforts of others. By expressing gratitude, you show appreciation and respect for the people around you.

    But how to make it practical? Start with saying “thank you” more often. Whether it’s for a job well done, a kind gesture from a friend, or something as simple as someone holding the door open for you – acknowledge it.

    6. Respecting others

    A simple yet profound way to earn respect is by showing it to others. As the old adage goes, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

    Treating everyone with respect, regardless of their status or position, shows that you value all people equally. It’s a powerful way to earn respect because respect begets respect.

    Make it a habit to show genuine respect to everyone you interact with. Listen to their ideas, value their contributions, and treat them with kindness and courtesy.

    You’ll find that when you give respect freely, it often comes back to you tenfold.

    7. Keeping your promises

    Keeping your promises may seem like a basic concept, but it’s a habit that can significantly impact how much people respect you.

    When you make a promise, you’re giving your word, and following through on that word shows others that you’re trustworthy and dependable.

    The practical aspect of this is straightforward: if you say you’re going to do something, do it. If circumstances change and you can’t fulfill your promise, communicate this as soon as possible and make amends where necessary.