The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila gave the commendation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja when he received the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah on a courtesy visit.

“UNDP has been around in this country for long and some of the things you have done, over a wide range of areas, are commendable. I want to thank you, once more for your support for President Tinubu’s reform programmes,” the Chief of Staff said.

“For instance, you talked about the Made-in-Nigeria policy, which is part of Mr President’s reform agenda, through which the President wants to bring into his administration a commitment to industrialisation. Some call it Nigeria First.

“The President is passionate about it. We had the local content in the oil industry, but this is a much wider concept. How can we practicalize this and make it work, with all of its value chain and all that comes with it: employment, growth in the economy, among others,” he added.

The Chief of staff said Nigeria would also encourage the agency’s intervention in higher female gender participation in politics and governance, as in some other African countries. He noted that the agency’s experience across other climes could assist Nigeria achieve the desired result without offending sensibilities, cultures and religion.

Hon. Gbajabiamila added that the agency could further assist in poverty reduction, education, agriculture and the mining sector.

Earlier, the UNDP Resident Representative appreciated the cordial relationship her agency has experienced with Nigeria within her two years in Nigeria. She commended President Tinubu’s exemplary and transformative leadership, affirming that it has been “inspirational and encouraging.”

“We are here to seek how we can continue to position Nigeria, as the leader and giant of Africa; to ensure that we support Nigeria’s development initiatives and aspirations.

“We are here also to reflect on what are some of the things that we can do as the largest development agency in the United Nations family.”

Ms Attafuah explained that, with the exit of many donors, the agency was shifting from a Project – Based approach to Government -Financing, long term thematic approach, saying it was imperative for national governments to take up their own development initiatives through prudent resource utilisation.

She said the UNDP saw the Made -In – Nigeria policy as a developmental catalyst capable of creating jobs, and driving economic competitiveness, trade and innovation.

She revealed that UNDP had unveiled the University Graduate Hub initiative, through which graduates could upload prototypes of their products and creativity and get financiers. She added that the agency was also looking at collaboration in the education and energy sectors.

The post Nigeria Commends UNDP Support, Seeks Stronger Partnership on Reforms appeared first on Business Today NG.

Telecommunications magnate Adenuga also retained his place among Africa’s billionaires.

The founder of Globacom and chairman of Conoil Producing remains one of Nigeria’s most influential entrepreneurs with diversified interests spanning telecoms, oil and gas, and banking.

Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power Plc, also featured on the list despite a slight dip in his wealth over the past year. Forbes estimates that the billionaire investor lost about $200 million following the sale of a majority stake in the power generation company at a discount to its market price.

The increase in Rabiu’s net worth was largely driven by the performance of BUA Cement, whose shares rose 135% over the past year, outperforming the broader rally on the Nigerian stock market.

The 23 billionaires on the continent are now worth a combined $126.7 billion, representing a 21% increase from 2025 after they collectively added $20.3 billion to their net worth.

Across the continent, billionaire fortunes were boosted by strong equity market performance, record corporate profits, and improving currency stability in several African economies.

South Africa remains the highest number of billionaires on the list, with seven individuals, followed by Egypt with five, Nigeria with four, and Morocco with three.

No female billionaires from Africa appeared on the 2026 ranking list.

Source Channels Television

The post Dangote, Adenuga, Otedola, Rabiu, Make 2026 Forbes Africa Billionaires List appeared first on Business Today NG.

Home Energy

Sahara Group urges Young Africans to transform energy challenges into enterprise

by Press Release

March 9, 2026

L-R: Prof. Sunday Adebisi,  Director, Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, University of Lagos; Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos; Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group; Lauretta Eguabor, Governance and Sustainability Executive, Tejumade Tejuoso; Governance and Sustainability Manager; and Bashir Umar, Sustainability Analyst at the 2026 edition of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) Programme hosted by the University of Lagos

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Sahara Group has reinforced its Beyond Energy philosophy at the 2026 Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Certification (EIBIC) Programme hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), calling on young Africans to move beyond conventional entrepreneurship and actively design solutions to the continent’s most pressing energy and development challenges.

Now in its third year, the EIBIC Programme is a learning platform designed to help students begin their academic journey with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.

Sahara Group delivered a thought leadership session titled “Becoming a M.A.D Entrepreneur: Powering Africa’s Energy Future,” framing entrepreneurship as a mindset anchored in Making A Difference. Sahara Group was honoured with the EIBIC Champion Award in recognition of the energy conglomerate’s outstanding support and partnership with UNILAG.

Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, said Sahara has demonstrated strong leadership with its commitment to driving entrepreneurship and innovation among young Africans. “We are delighted to have Sahara Group as a trusted partner on different projects as we continue to transform academic excellence in UNILAG.”

Speaking on the engagement, Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group said Sahara’s collaboration with UNILAG is in line with its commitment to embedding a mindset in young Africans that goes “beyond energy”.

“Beyond Energy is about recognising that Africa’s future will be built by people who are equipped to think differently, collaborate boldly and act responsibly. Through EIBIC, we are deliberately shaping mindsets that see energy poverty and sustainability challenges as opportunities to create lasting value,” Obioma said.

Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance & Sustainability, emphasised the importance of responsible innovation in closing Africa’s energy access gap.

“Africa faces the widest energy access gap globally. Closing it will require solutions that are inclusive, sustainable, and designed for long term impact. The M.A.D Entrepreneur framework encourages young people to build resilience, embrace sustainability and collaborate across disciplines to deliver solutions that truly make a difference,” Gray said.

Emphasizing that youths need no permission to “act now”, Gray added that “energy access cuts across policy, finance, law, insurance, healthcare delivery, behavioural science, construction and communications, requiring multidisciplinary solutions.”

Students were introduced to pay as you go solar models that have proven that low income does not mean low potential, enabling households and micro enterprises to access power, grow productivity and participate in the formal economy.

The session also highlighted solar powered cold storage and cooling solutions, which address Africa’s cooling crisis by reducing food waste, protecting farmer livelihoods and stabilising food supply chains. In addition, circular bioenergy models that convert agricultural waste into electricity and clean cooking fuel were presented as pathways to expanding rural energy access while unlocking local economic vale.

The post Sahara Group Tasks Youth on Innovative Solutions to Africa’s Energy Challenges appeared first on Business Today NG.

The service noted that the fire was swiftly contained by emergency responders, with authorities confirming that no casualties were recorded.

The incident, which caused concern among staff and visitors within the complex, occurred on the fourth floor of Block C, which houses the National Board for Technology Incubation, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

The Officials noted that the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service quickly responded to the emergency, working to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the building.

Other emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, were also deployed to the scene to support rescue efforts, manage safety around the premises, and ensure a coordinated response.

Authorities said investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the fire, while assessments are ongoing to establish the extent of damage to property within the affected office.

The post Fire at Abuja Civil Service Office Contained, No Casualties — Fire Service appeared first on Business Today NG.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this in a statement released by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,

Dabiri-Erewa said it was troubling that the Nigerians were allegedly arrested without any specific offences being levelled against them.

She noted that reports indicated the individuals were singled out and arrested at a spare parts market despite the presence of other traders and individuals at the location.

Dabiri-Erewa described the alleged selective arrest of only Nigerians as unacceptable, warning that such actions could be interpreted as a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens living abroad.

She urged the Mozambican authorities to either release the detained Nigerians immediately or charge them before a court of law if they had committed any offences.

“If they have run foul of the law, they should be arraigned and properly charged in line with due process,” she said.

The NIDCOM boss added that the arrested individuals had been confirmed to be legal residents in Mozambique, while the country’s Attorney-General was reportedly unaware of any charges filed against them.

She also expressed concern over reports that the detainees were allegedly beaten, had their personal belongings confiscated, and that some had fallen ill and required medical attention.

Dabiri-Erewa therefore called on the Mozambican authorities to ensure the safety and rights of Nigerians residing in the country and to allow the rule of law to prevail.

The post Selective Arrest of Nigerians in Mozambique Unacceptable, Dabiri-Erewa Demands Release appeared first on Business Today NG.

DCP Placid, an experienced officer with extensive background in operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping, assumes the strategic responsibility of overseeing the Force’s public communication and image management.

A native of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, the new police spokesperson holds academic qualifications from the University of Uyo, University of Jos, and the National Open University of Nigeria.

He joined the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1996 at the Nigeria Police Academy and was commissioned into the Force in 1998.

Over the years, DCP Placid has served in several strategic capacities both within and outside Nigeria, including international assignments with the African Union and the United Nations.

He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a graduate of the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

The post IGP Appoints DCP Anthony Okon Placid as New Force PRO appeared first on Business Today NG.

According to the Command, the exercise is for applicants who are indigenes of Lagos State and successfully completed the online registration for recruitment as General Duty and Specialist Police Constables.

The screening, conducted in collaboration with the Police Service Commission, will run from March 9 to April 18, 2026, and will take place daily from 7:00 a.m. at the Police College Ikeja.

Applicants are required to appear for the screening dressed in a clean white T-shirt and white shorts. They must also present the following documents neatly arranged in two white flat files: invitation slip with assigned table, credential screening form, National Identity Number (NIN) printout or card issued by the National Identity Management Commission, O’ Level certificate (GCE/SSCE), birth certificate or declaration of age, Local Government or State of Origin certificate, and a duly completed guarantor’s form with photocopies and passport photographs of referees attached.

Specialist applicants are also required to present their trade test certificates. In addition, candidates must provide original and duplicate copies of all credentials, each packaged separately in white flat files with recent passport photographs attached.

The Command warned that candidates who fail to present the required documents will not be screened, advising applicants to strictly adhere to their scheduled dates and guidelines.

The police also emphasised that the recruitment process is free of charge and based strictly on merit, urging members of the public to report anyone demanding payment or gratification in connection with the exercise.

The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Abimbola Adebisi, and released on March 5, 2026.

The post Police Recruitment: Lagos Applicants to Undergo Screening from March 9 appeared first on Business Today NG.

Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast dinner at the State House, Vice President Kashim commended the administration’s reforms over the past three years, which he said have contributed to a more stable national economy, and urged officials to continue highlighting these achievements to citizens.

Vice President Shettima highlighted the progress of the administration since its inception, noting that nearly three years of reforms have contributed to stabilising the nation’s economy. He commended President Tinubu for providing the leadership Nigeria currently needs and expressed appreciation to council members and agency heads for their role in implementing the administration’s agenda.

The gathering also included prayers for continued wisdom and strength for the President, as well as for peace and sustainable development across Nigeria.

The post FEC Members Urged to Educate Public on Tinubu Administration’s Policies appeared first on Business Today NG.

Professor Omotayo, a specialist in Environmental Sustainability, was first appointed DG in November 2021 and confirmed by the Senate in February 2022.

His renewed tenure underscores continuity in leadership at Nigeria’s premier policy and strategic studies institution.

President Muhammadu Buhari initially appointed Omotayo in November 2021. The Senate confirmed the appointment in February 2022.

Omotayo is a Professor of Environmental Sustainability. He attended the University of Ibadan from 1980 to 1990, where he obtained a PhD in Geography.

He began his teaching career at the Lagos State University in 1985 and rose through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer in 1992 at the age of 30.

He was the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences between 2012 and 2017 and the Director of the Centre for Planning at Lagos State University until he was appointed Director-General of the National Institute in 2021.

The post Tinubu Confirms Reappointment of Omotayo as NIPSS DG appeared first on Business Today NG.

The three-day technical workshop, holding in Ikot Ekpene, marks the Commission’s first formal step toward harmonising its regulatory framework with the updated electoral law signed in February 2026.

The workshop will run from March 4 to March 6, 2026, this marks the Commission’s first formal engagement to harmonise its regulatory framework with the provisions of the new law signed in February 2026.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Obo Effanga, in his welcome remarks, described the retreat as an opportunity for the Commission to deepen its understanding of the new Electoral Act and update its guidelines to ensure transparency, fairness, and administrative efficiency.

He noted that while Nigeria’s electoral system has witnessed incremental improvements over time, continuous reform remains essential to sustaining voter confidence and strengthening democratic institutions.

Dr. Baba Bila, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee, stated that the review of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties could not have come at a more critical time. He explained that this is the Commission’s first workshop to examine the implications of the Electoral Act 2026 on its regulations and guidelines for various electoral activities.
He noted that it is not coincidental that the first document slated for review is the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, as it governs the registration, statutory compliance, administration, conduct, and monitoring of political parties and related political activities.

A major highlight of the reform process is the integration of the Political Party Performance Index (PPPI), developed through collaboration between INEC and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
Country Director of WFD Nigeria, Adebowale Olorunmola, said the 2022 Regulations served Nigeria well during the 2023 general elections but acknowledged that “current realities” demand updated operational tools.
He emphasized that political parties must evolve beyond mere election platforms into viable democratic institutions characterized by internal democracy, inclusivity, accountability, and legal compliance.
Olorunmola commended the leadership of Prof. Amupitan and reaffirmed WFD’s commitment to supporting reforms that align party operations with the expectations of the Nigerian electorate

The post INEC Begins Review of Political Party Guidelines Following Electoral Act 2026 appeared first on Business Today NG.