Tag: United Kingdom

As United Kingdom grapples with a digital skills gap, particularly among children from under-represented communities, a Nigerian-born technology expert is leading efforts to change that narrative for black children in UK and Europe.

Wale Atekoja, a Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning engineer with over 16 years experience in technology, is equipping young people with future-ready digital skills.

Atekoja is the chief executive officer of Boardelesstek Limited, a UK-registered technology company, and founder of the educational initiative, Black Kids Coding in the UK.

The programme teaches children coding, software development, AI and other critical technology skills, with the aim of turning them into creators rather than passive users of digital tools.

Atekoja said: “Technology has always been part of my life. Both my parents were software developers. Growing up in that environment shaped how I think and solve problems. It also inspired me to teach children skills that truly prepare them for the future.”

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Atekoja explained that while the first decade of his career was dedicated to mastering software development and enterprise systems, the last 10 years have focused on entrepreneurship and capacity building. That shift, he said, helped him realise that technology’s greatest impact lies in empowering people.

Through Black Kids Coding in the UK, Atekoja works with black parents in the UK and Europe to ensure their children get early exposure to digital education. He believes early engagement builds confidence, critical thinking and long-term opportunity.

“When children start learning tech early, it can change their life trajectory,” he said. “I want them to see that they can create, innovate and contribute meaningfully to the digital world.”

In less than two years, the initiative has trained more than 100 children, with plans already in place to expand the programme’s reach.

Atekoja also urged Africans in the diaspora to leverage skills and business experience developed in their home countries while adapting to the realities of operating abroad.

“As a 40-year-old, giving back is not optional—it is essential,” he said. “Every child we train is an investment in the future, not just for them, but for society as a whole. Value creation is not only about profits; it is about impact.”

Christians and Muslims in United Kingdom have endorsed Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), an aspirant for 2027 Oyo State governorship election on the platform of All Progressives Congress.

The Christian community’s endorsement took place at RCCG Revival Christian Church of Enfield, under Senior Pastor, Dr. Nick Chanda and Dr. Mulenga Chanda. Kareem noted that his ambition was inspired by a conviction that Oyo State can be a model of fairness, opportunity, and balanced growth.

“My intention is guided by faith and conviction — that Oyo State can rise to be a model of progress, justice, and shared prosperity.”

The church lauded his humility, focus, and achievements in education, youth empowerment, and philanthropy, offering prayers for his success and divine guidance.

A week earlier, the Muslim community in UK offered their endorsement at an interfaith engagement.

The Muslim leaders commended Kareem’s bridge-building approach, and prayed for his success. They acknowledged his consistent efforts in supporting education, youth development, and inclusive growth in Oyo State.

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Expressing deep gratitude to both faith communities, Dr. Kareem reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to interfaith harmony, inclusive governance, and value-driven leadership.

“Your prayers mean so much to me,” he noted. “Leadership is a trust, and with God’s guidance and the people’s support, we will build a government that reflects our shared values — honesty, fairness, and compassion. I remain committed to being a servant-leader for all.”

The visits and endorsements underscored AKK’s unifying political vision — one rooted in faith, integrity, and service. They also highlight the growing support from the Nigerian diaspora as an essential part of his strategy to advance innovation, equity, and prosperity across Oyo State.

“Together,” AKK concluded, “we will make Oyo State a shining example of progress, fairness, and unity — truly living up to its name as the Pace Setter’s State. Aseyori ni tiwa!”

Amid growing tensions in global trade, the United Kingdom yesterday granted Nigeria duty-free access on 99 percent of goods exported to the UK under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

The British High Commission in Nigeria made the announcement in a statement yesterday.

The statement explained that the UK wants to build stronger trade ties with Nigeria, support Nigerian exports, and help both countries grow their economies in a sustainable way.

DCTS was launched in June 2023 as part of the UK’s trade policy to support growing economies.

With the recent update, Nigeria can now export over 3,000 products to the UK either without paying duties or at lower tax rates. These products include both farm produce and processed goods.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, described Nigeria as a central partner in the UK’s global trade strategy, stating that the DCTS is not only a tool for increasing market access but also a pathway to unlocking sustainable economic development.

“A major advantage of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme is the reduction or complete elimination of duty tariffs on everyday goods such as cashew nuts, cocoa, cotton, plantain, tomatoes, prawns, and sesame. This isn’t just about improved access into the UK market, it’s about building a fairer, freer global trading system that supports economic growth and job creation, both in developing countries and in the UK.” Montgomery said.

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The scheme simplifies export rules, lowers import costs for UK businesses, and expands consumer access to affordable goods, creating mutual economic benefits.

For Nigerian businesses, it provides a competitive edge, especially for key exports such as cocoa paste and butter, shrimp, sesame oil, palm oil, and cotton clothing.

Beyond raw commodities, the DCTS also promotes Nigeria’s shift toward processed and value-added exports, an important step in moving the country up the global value chain and away from dependence on primary goods.

Montgomery further revealed that the UK is actively working with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) to address export challenges and ensure the scheme’s full benefits reach Nigerian businesses.

The DCTS includes 37 African countries, but Nigeria’s strategic importance and trade potential make it a priority partner. The scheme is part of the UK’s broader efforts to expand economic partnerships globally, alongside recent trade deals with countries like India and the United States.

London’s  biggest building society has reported that house prices in the United Kingdom made a surprisingly strong jump in November to sit just 1% below an all-time high.

The average U.K. house price rose by 1.2 per cent month-on-month in November, according to Nationwide Building Society, which was the biggest increase since March 2022.

The annual price growth rate rebounded to 3.7 per cent in November, from 2.4 per cent in October, marking the fastest rise since November 2022.

Across the U.K., the average house price in November was £268,144.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said that house prices are just 1% below the all-time high recorded in the summer of 2022.

“The acceleration in house price growth is surprising, since affordability remains stretched by historic standards, with house prices still high relative to average incomes and interest rates well above pre-Covid levels.”

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Stamp duty is set to revert to its previous levels next spring.

For first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland, a temporary “nil rate” threshold will go back to £300,000, from the current level of £425,000.

But Mr Gardner said that the pick-up in price growth is unlikely to have been driven by upcoming stamp duty changes, since the majority of mortgage applications commenced before the Budget announcement.

“Housing market activity has remained relatively resilient in recent months, with the number of mortgage approvals approaching the levels seen pre-pandemic, despite the higher interest rate environment.

“Solid labour market conditions, with low levels of unemployment and strong income gains, even after taking account of inflation, have helped the activity and house prices since the start of the year.” (dpa/NAN) 

United Kingdom Foreign Minister, David Lammy is expected to arrive the country today. 

This would be Lammy’s  first trip to the Africa as Foreign Secretary. 

According to a statement by the British High Commission in Abuja, the visit which is to elevate bilateral partnership with Nigerian government, has economic growth as its major target.

The Foreign Secretary is expected to announce the start of a five-month consultation process.

On his visit, Lammy said:  “Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25% of the world’s population by 2050.   

“Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long term growth rather than short term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent. I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.  

“Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria and beyond. This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.”  

The statement further reads: “The Foreign Secretary will advocate for further collaboration on mutual growth via the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year. This partnership is the key vehicle for driving trade and market access between the UK and Nigeria and plays a vital role in the UK’s growth mission.  

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“The Foreign Secretary will advocate for further trade and climate collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in high level meetings with President Tinubu, Foreign Minister Tuggar and Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu.  

“Building on President Tinubu’s macro-economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary will announce a diverse Technical Assistance package to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance, offering British expertise from the Bank of England, HMRC and others to help continue to modernise and diversify the Nigerian economy.  

“Catalysing reform across Nigeria will create further opportunities within the flourishing Nigerian economy for British businesses – generating growth, jobs and incomes for Brits and Nigerians. ”