General
British Council Reiterates Stronger Collaboration, Celebrates 80 Years of Impact in Nigeria
By Adedapo Adesanya
The British Council has reiterated that it will continue to strengthen its collaboration and operations in Nigeria as it marked its 80th-year presence in the country.
The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, was founded in 1934 and was established in Nigeria in 1944. Over the course of 80 years, it has serviced Nigeria through its involvement in businesses, creativity, and education among others.
Over 100 guests, partners, beneficiaries, staff and partners from the public and private sectors gathered to honour eight decades of the British Council’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational and cultural landscape at a commemorative event held at its Ikoyi, office in Lagos on Thursday, November 7. The event emphasised the organisation’s dedication to fostering impactful change under the theme Amplifying the Voices of the Future.
In his welcome address, Mr Chilufya Besa, Acting Country Director of the British Council, reflected on the organisation’s long-standing role in supporting Nigerian communities and youth.
“The British Council in Nigeria has been at the forefront of fostering connections, empowering communities, and creating educational and cultural exchange pathways that have shaped countless lives.
“We are proud of the countless young people who have become employable, business owners, job creators, and agents of change within their communities through British Council-led programmes.”
“Since our establishment in Nigeria, the British Council has alongside Nigeria’s leaders, educators, artists, and communities to create opportunities that resonate across generations.
“Together, we have empowered millions of people with skills, education, and connections that transform lives. These milestones underscores the strength of the UK-Nigeria relationship which we are proud to support and nurture.”
He lauded the stakeholders and partners that have helped advance the course of the British government towards its goals.
He noted that Nigeria’s teeming young population was a goldmine that needed to be utilised, and added that the British Council saw it fit to collaborate efforts that are aimed at building capacity for the future.
Mr Besa also noted that evidence of its operations has shown in African entrepreneurs tapping into sustainable creative businesses and that it will continue to support them in their journeys across education, film, music, art, and businesses.
Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, representing The Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), added in his opening speech, “Amplifying the Voices of the Future is especially fitting for our 80th anniversary in Nigeria, as it indicates our commitment to empowering young people, who are Nigeria’s future leaders, creators, and innovators.”
“We remain committed to fostering deeper connections, creating opportunities for young people, and building a future that respects cultural heritage while embracing innovation and inclusivity,”
The event featured two fireside chats, each delving into the impact and future potential of youth empowerment in Nigeria. The first discussion which focused on Unlocking the Economic Potential of Young People Now and in the Future, was led by the Regional Lead for Creative Economy, SSA, and Head of Arts Nigeria at the British Council, Ms Brenda Fashugba. This insightful session examines strategies to boost youth economic engagement and equip young Nigerians for future success.
The second conversation focused on Enhancing Youth Voices in Delivering Effective and Sustainable Change, was moderated by Ms Edemekong Uyoh, Regional Head of Marketing, Cultural Engagement, SSA at the British Council, and emphasised the importance of youth perspectives in achieving sustainable development.
Adding to the evening’s inspiring atmosphere were performances by spoken word artists – Kehinde Adollo and King David Ayo-Loto, whose powerful pieces reflected the theme and the impact of the British Council’s 80 years in Nigeria. The event also showcased a live painting session by celebrated artist Haneefah Adam, whose artwork was presented to Acting Country Director Chilufya Besa as a commemorative gift.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is hosting the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 22 – 26, 2026.
The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week has features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration: South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (April 22, 2026) which was held under the theme South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems.
The forum also examined the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitated discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
This was followed by the 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (Thursday, April 23, 2026), which was hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Friday, April 24, was for Arts and Culture Experience, which is a dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and features a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.
The event continues on Thursday, April 25, with Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony. This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.
The week climaxes with the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 2026, which will be done in partnership with Crossflex International.
According to a statement, the event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.
Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.
He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.
The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.
This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.
The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.
By Adedapo Adesanya
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”
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