Image
17-March-2024

Nigeria’s Forgotten and Fallen: Power, Politics, and Fame

By Prince Charles Dickson, PhD In Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape, there exists a phenomenon often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of political power and fame—the plight of the forgotten men. These individuals, once wielders of influence and authority, find themselves relegated to the sidelines of society’s collective memory once their time in the spotlight fades. This essay explores the fallacy of power, politics, and fame in Nigeria, emphasising the transient nature of these constructs and the tendency of Nigerian politicians to fade into obscurity once they lose their grip on power. Power, in its various manifestations, is often perceived

Image
14-March-2024

How Business Can Build Future Career Paths for Women in AI, Emerging Tech

The underrepresentation of women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields continues to persist.  This is despite progress being made in gender equality and equity over the last decade, According to the latest UNESCO report on gender-responsive education, too many girls and women are held back by biases, social norms and expectations influencing the quality of the education they receive and the subjects they study. Girls are particularly under-represented in developing countries in the African continent; particularly around STEM education and, consequently, in STEM careers. This gender disparity is alarming, especially as STEM careers are the jobs of the future.

Image
13-March-2024

How Inflation is Changing Consumer Behaviour

By Timi Olubiyi, PhD Small businesses and consumer goods firms are facing heavy disruption in their supply chain and operational costs due to inflation, currency risk, removal of fuel subsidies leading to a significant increase in energy costs, and scarcity of foreign exchange (FOREX). In recent times revenues and business forecasts are set to suffer short-term pressures, declines and low or no profits. Because the Nigerian economy is largely import-driven, the unstable foreign exchange rate continues to generate higher import bills for many of these companies. Consequently, this results in a significant rise in the expenses associated with production and

Image
12-March-2024

Building Resilience: 6 Simple Climate Solutions for Big Impact in Nigeria

By Grace Oluchi Mbah Nigeria, a nation brimming with potential, faces a significant challenge: climate change. In 2023, Nigeria recorded a decline in rainfall to about 1061 millimetres (mm) compared to 2022, which was about 1137.078 millimetres (mm). These erratic rainfall patterns, combined with rising sea levels of 0.5 meters, could force 27-53 million Nigerians who live along the coast to relocate by the end of the century. These factors are driving adverse climate effects that are already being felt. But amidst these challenges lie opportunities. Here, we explore six simple yet impactful climate solutions that Nigerian communities can adopt

Image
11-March-2024

Accelerating New Investments in Nigeria’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Electricity Sector

After more than a decade of reforms and continuous repositioning of Nigeria’s electricity sector to attract private investments, the outlook remains positive and bullish but not much traction has been gained. While it appears that investors are seeking footholds in the sector, efforts must be intensified by stakeholders to accelerate and accommodate these new potential investments. As Nigeria strides forward to consolidate its pride of place as Africa’s economic powerhouse, configuring its power supply architecture for optimum performance remains critical to realizing the lofty goal of an economic resurgence. Nigeria’s electricity sector presents a significant untapped investment potential, given the

Image
08-March-2024

International Women’s Day and Plights of Nigerian Women

By Jerome-Mario Utomi On Friday, March 8, 2024, women across the globe, including those in Nigeria, join the United Nations in celebrating International Women’s Day under the theme Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress. As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is obvious that the globe is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges, according to reports, can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for

Image
08-March-2024

Improving Productivity and Efficiency in SMEs

By Emmanuel Otori Running a small and medium business is not always an easy ride, especially in an unpredictable business environment. These businesses always seek ways to stay afloat and the only way to do this is to implement strategies that can increase productivity and efficiency. Most Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are one-man types of businesses with few employees on the ground to run the affairs of the business. Usually, SMEs’ business infrastructures are limited and they have to take one step at a time to grow their business. Many reports show that at least 80 per cent of SMEs

Image
07-March-2024

Performance Bond and Niger Delta Innovation Catalysts

By Jerome-Mario Utomi It is pedestrian information that as part of the effort by the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government in achieving innovation-driven development of the Niger Delta region, the Barrister Chiedu Ebie-led governing board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), at a well-attended 2024 strategic retreat, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, signed a performance bond. The bond, which was diligently conducted by Hon. Engineer Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, was reportedly in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President. Expectedly, the development elicited reactions from stakeholders and the general public. While

Image
06-March-2024

Advancing Gender Equity: The Role of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission

By Prince Charles Dickson PhD Introduction Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a key driver of social and economic development. Recognizing the importance of promoting gender equality, Plateau State has established the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (GEOC) to address gender disparities and promote equal opportunities for all individuals. This essay explores the significance of the GEOC to Plateau State, its journey under Olivia Dazyam’s leadership, perspectives and insights on GEO laws, basic concepts of gender, and the gender situation in Plateau. Additionally, it extends congratulations to the state governor for the establishment of the commission. Importance of

12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Ad
Ad
Recent Stories
Image
19-March-2024

Brent Jumps to $86 Per Barrel on Low Crude Exports, Stronger Demand

By Adedapo Adesanya  The price of the international crude benchmark, Brent Crude, rose by 88 cents or 1.0 per cent to $86.22 per barrel on Monday, triggered by lower crude exports from Iraq and Saudi Arabia and signs of stronger demand and economic growth in China and the US. Also, the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude appreciated by $1.01 or 1.3 per cent to $82.05 per barrel, as Iraq, the second-largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said it would reduce crude exports to 3.3 million barrels a day in the coming months to compensate

Image
18-March-2024

Cardoso Begins CBN Clean-up, Removes Directors Close to Emefiele

By Aduragbemi Omiyale There are strong indications that some directors at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may have to lose their jobs in the in-house clean-up exercise by the Governor, Mr Yemi Cardoso. Reports suggest that Mr Cardoso wants to let go of some directors who worked closely with Mr Godwin Emefiele, who President Bola Tinubu believes worked to stop him from going to Aso Rock. Recall that during his electioneering campaign, Mr Tinubu accused the former CBN chief and some persons of introducing the botched Naira redesign policy to frustrate him. Immediately after he assumed office on May

Image
18-March-2024

Profit-Taking Depletes Nigerian Exchange by 0.40%

By Dipo Olowookere The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited succumbed to profit-taking on Monday, shedding 0.40 per cent despite a bullish investor sentiment. The local bourse ended with 27 price gainers and 18 price losers today, implying a positive market breadth index. The selling pressure was just investors booking profit after gains in the past few trading sessions, especially in MTN Nigeria, GTCO, Zenith Bank and others. The heaviest price depreciation was recorded by McNichols, 9.30 per cent, closing at N1.17, and was trailed by DAAR Communications, which shed 8.97 per cent to 71 Kobo. UPDC declined by 7.89 per cent

Image
18-March-2024

NCC Announces 90% Restoration of Voice, Data Services After Cable Cuts

By Adedapo Adesanya The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has announced that voice and data services affected by undersea cable cuts last week have been 90 per cent restored. In a series of tweets signed by Mr Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the commission on Monday, March 18, the NCC said, “Following the disruption on March 14, 2024, which affected data and voice services due to cuts in undersea fibre optics along the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal, we are pleased to announce that services have now been restored to approximately 90% of their peak utilization capacities.”

Image
18-March-2024

Unity Bank, SkillPaddy to Train Female Software Engineers

By Modupe Gbadeyanka At least 1,000 female software engineers will undergo a training programme organised by SkillPaddy through its Count Her In tech programme with support from Unity Bank Plc. The IT skill development and empowerment initiative is intended to bridge talent supply gaps while providing individuals with the opportunity to meet their training goals and launch careers in the tech industry. It was disclosed that about 40 young girls will receive full sponsorship from Unity Bank in the special training initiative which was conceived as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day 2024. All beneficiaries of

Image
18-March-2024

Your Moods Soundtracked With Spotify’s New Daylist Feature

Throughout the day, your mood changes, and so does the music you listen to. Last night might have been an island vibes riddim Monday night, while this moment is more of a nostalgic 2010s Tuesday afternoon. The point is, that you’re ever-changing, and your playlists should be too. Say hello to daylist, your day in a playlist. This new, one-of-a-kind playlist on Spotify ebbs and flows with unique vibes, bringing together the niche music you typically listen to during particular moments in the day or on specific days of the week. It updates frequently between sunrise and sunset with a

Image
18-March-2024

Stanbic IBTC Adopts Mala Kachallah Model School, Three Others

By Modupe Gbadeyanka Mala Kachallah Model School in Maiduguri, Borno State; Methodist School Mbiafun Nkwono Ikono, Akwa Ibom State; Aramoko District School, Aramoko Ekiti State; and Magin Rafi Model Primary School Tudun Wada, Sokoto State have been adopted by Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. The leading financial services provider in Nigeria revamped these citadels of learning under its Adopt-a-School programme structured on the company’s Social, Environmental, and Economic (SEE) framework, which aligns with its mission to be a responsible corporate citizen. It was learned that Stanbic IBTC renovated and rebuilt classroom blocks, provided modern and conducive learning environments, furnished classrooms, established

Image
18-March-2024

Nigeria’s Data Regulator Investigates Alleged NIMC Breach

By Adedapo Adesanya The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is investigating allegations of unauthorised access to the personal data of enrollees in the database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This was disclosed by Mr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the data regulation body in a statement signed by Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, NPDC, Mr Babatunde Bamigboye on Monday. He said the investigation is a further regulatory measure to be taken by the commission in the wake of public concerns over reports of illegal access, to the personal data of enrollees by a shadowy entity called

Image
18-March-2024

Russia Validates Partnership with Republic of Congo

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh Over the years, Russia and the Republic of Congo have had good bilateral relations and, undoubtedly, there are still prospects for strengthening these relations, especially in the economy and security spheres as underlined during the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Denis Sassou-Nguesso in the Kremlin. “Our countries have always had friendly relations that have been developing this way for 55 years now. Our trade is growing – by over 60 per cent – although, unfortunately, the numbers in absolute terms are still modest. But, we have good potential in several industries, such as energy, the processing

Image
18-March-2024

2,250 Professionals for Interswitch Job Shadowing Programme

By Modupe Gbadeyanka An initiative known as Job Shadowing Programme designed to empower about 2,250 professionals through immersive training, tailored coaching, and mentorship sessions has been introduced by one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, Interswitch. A statement disclosed that the mentorship sessions would span diverse disciplines such as engineering, product management, operations, marketing, finance, and human resources. The firm explained that the scheme was designed to nurture emerging talent and enhance capabilities within the continent’s tech sector. Scheduled to run from March to June 2024, participants will immerse themselves in comprehensive training, gaining insights into industry