VP Shettima Lauds Massachusetts Tech Institute’s Impact On Global Innovation Ecosystem

Urges African entrepreneurs to close ranks to fully harness continent’s huge potentials

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has lauded the transformative impact of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the global entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem that has raised over $1.5 billion dollars and created over 30,000 direct jobs in 20 years.

He, however, urged African entrepreneurs to close ranks in order to fully harness the continent’s huge potentials, leveraging MIT’s resource mobilization network and job creation opportunities.

The Vice President made the remarks on Wednesday when he received a delegation from Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship 2025-2026 led by MIT’s Executive Director for the Kuo Sharper Centre for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, Dina Sherif, on a courtesy visit at the presidential villa.

Senator Shettima called for unity of purpose among African professionals and entrepreneurs, saying “Africa is the new frontier and future belongs to the continent but its people must unite to transform potentials into tangible results that impact lives and livelihoods.

“Africa is blessed with enormous human and material resources but its people must fuse into one to benefit from the tremendous opportunities that abound across the continent,” he added.

He disclosed that Nigeria President Bola Tinubu is daring to leverage available opportunities to transform the entire economy, noting that “President Tinubu is not afraid of taking bold decisions that will reposition Nigeria’s economy and better the lives of the livelihoods of the people.”

Earlier in her remarks, the leader of the delegation, Sherif, said the delegation was at the Presidential Villa to brief the Vice President on the activities of MIT’s Kuo Sharper Centre for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, assuring that the Centre is dedicated to “fueling the engine of entrepreneurship across the world”.

She noted that the team was in Nigeria in view of the Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship programme, which, according to her, has helped to entrench the spirit of entrepreneurship across the continent.

Sherif underscored the significance of collaboration among African startups, noting that Nigeria is a leading country, as evidenced in the progress recorded by startups across the continent.

She further assured of improved support for African-based startups from the centre through its various initiatives.

Also present at the meeting with the Vice President were the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, and some fellows of the Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship 2025 – 2026 Session across Africa.

VP Shettima Lauds Massachusetts Tech Institute’s Impact On Global Innovation Ecosystem

Nigeria’s ADSW 2026 Participation, A Boost to Climate Action- Onuigbo

By: Michael Mike

A leading Nigerian climate change advocate and former National Assembly member, Rt. Hon Sam Onuigbo has described Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) as a critical step towards advancing the country’s climate action agenda, strengthening international partnerships, and accelerating sustainable development.

Onuigbo, who spoke on phone to our correspondent from Abu Dhabi where he is currently attending the meeting, said the global event is of great significance, noting that the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, one of the world’s foremost sustainability platforms, provides Nigeria with a rare opportunity to align its national priorities with global climate solutions while attracting much-needed investment into green sectors of the economy.

According to the former lawmaker who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act of 2021, ADSW 2026 is not just another international conference for Nigeria but a strategic space where climate ambition meets real investment, innovation, and action.

He said: “Nigeria’s presence signals our readiness to transition to a greener economy while addressing energy poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability.

“Nigeria’s participation is boosted by the physical presence and address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu both in 2025 and 2026. It is heartwarming that the President in his speech mentioned Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the rest of the world and even extended open invitation to them.

“Not only that, the President signalled Nigeria’s firm commitment to a green and inclusive transition, declaring that the country is aligning climate action with energy access, economic goal and social development.

“I want to commend Mr. President for announcing that Nigeria will co-host investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Lagos in February as part of efforts to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into the country.”

Onuigbo, who currently represents the South-East geopolitical zone on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), disclosed that Nigeria’s attendance will strengthen its influence in global climate and sustainability discussions.

He said: “As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria’s development choices have far-reaching implications for the continent. Participation at ADSW allows our country to clearly present its climate challenges ranging from flooding and desertification to energy access gaps while contributing African perspectives to global policy conversations.”

He emphasised the investment potential tied to the event. “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week attracts global financiers, development partners, and technology providers focused on renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water security, and green infrastructure.

“Nigeria’s engagement creates direct pathways for funding solar and wind energy projects, waste-to-energy initiatives, andsustainable transport systems. At a time when Nigeria is pushing for energy transition that leaves no one behind, ADSW provides access to investors who are actively seeking bankable green projects in emerging markets and this can translate into jobs, improved power supply, and sustainable economic growths”

Giving more insight into what Nigeria stands to benefit, Onuigbo disclosed that Nigerian policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and youth delegates attending ADSW are expected to gain exposure to global best practices in clean technology, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, and sustainable urban development.

“These insights are vital for strengthening local institutions and improving policy implementation back home,” he said.

He further noted that Nigeria’s participation reinforces its commitment to meeting international climate obligations, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adding that active engagement at ADSWenhances Nigeria’s credibility and improves access to climate finance and technical support.

The Abia State- born advocate also stressed the importance of showcasing Nigerian innovation on a global stage.

“Nigeria has a growing community of climate-focused startups and innovators. ADSW gives them visibility, partnerships, and the chance to scale their solutions beyond our borders,” he said.

Onuigbo described Nigeria’s participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 as a message of hope and responsibility stressing “It tells the world that Nigeria is serious about sustainability and tells our young people that climate action is central to our future. This is a step in the right direction for a resilient and inclusive Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s ADSW 2026 Participation, A Boost to Climate Action- Onuigbo

Suspected livestock thief injured in Yobe community, accomplice flees

By: Zagazola Makakam

A suspected livestock thief sustained severe injuries after being confronted by villagers in Jagalari Village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. when two young men, identified as Manu Ja’oji, 20, and Kabo Shungel, both from Tashan Fulani Village in Tarmuwa LGA, reportedly went to Jagalari Village with the intent to steal domestic animals.

Sources said the suspects were confronted by villagers during the attempted theft, leading to a scuffle in which Manu Ja’oji sustained serious injuries, while his accomplice escaped from the scene.

Following a report of the incident, security operatives visited the area and evacuated the injured suspect to the General Hospital, Babangida. He was later referred to the Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, for further medical attention.

Investigation into the incident has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities to prevent criminal acts in their communities.

Suspected livestock thief injured in Yobe community, accomplice flees