UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria as the country
navigates rising energy costs and the growing urgency of the climate crisis,

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter made the commitment on Wednesday at his residence in Lagos in a statement at the second edition of W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, a high-level forum for Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition and key stakeholders, hosted by Alitheia Capital, a pioneer in gender-lens impact investing private equity firm, in collaboration with Manufacturing Africa, a UK government programme focused on attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the manufacturing sector.

Themed “Scaling Sustainable Manufacturing & Energy Transition for Women-led SMEs in Africa,” this year’s edition brought together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and energy solution providers to explore the pivotal role of women-led businesses in Africa’s sustainable industrial transformation.

The discussions, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria. addressed the acute pressures SMEs face amid surging fuel prices and electricity tariffs – conditions that have made sustainable energy adoption both an environmental and economic imperative. Insights from Alitheia’s own portfolio reveals that adopting renewable energy can cut operational costs by as much as 60%, underscoring the financial viability of clean energy for scaling women-led businesses.

Participants examined practical pathways for women entrepreneurs to access clean energy solutions, scale sustainable manufacturing practices, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s green economy.

In his remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter stated: “We are proud to collaborate with Alitheia Capital on W.O.M.A.N. (Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition) to drive Africa’s green industrial future. We recognise the indispensable role of women in this transition and are committed to expanding access to capital and capability to ensure sustainable growth. This event reflects our shared vision for inclusive and transformative development, and we are committed to supporting this journey through targeted investments and strategic private partnerships.”

Also speaking, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Alitheia Capital, Tokunboh Ishmael said: “We are no longer just talking about sustainability as a nice-to-have. It’s an economic imperative, especially for women entrepreneurs at the heart of Nigeria’s industrial transformation and through W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, we’re not only spotlighting solutions—we’re scaling them. In our own portfolio, we’ve seen up to a 60% reduction in energy costs among businesses that have adopted clean energy. This is proof that green transition is not only possible but profitable.”

The event also featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with industry leaders including Yemisi Iranloye (CEO, Psaltry), Affiong Williams (CEO, ReelFruit), Temilola Adepetun (Managing Director, SKLD), James Fabola (CFO, Arnergy Solar), Bukola Badmos (Executive Director & CFO, Starsight Energy), and Sarah Ogbewey, (Head, Strategic Partnerships, Renewable Energy & Mobility, Sterling Bank).

Alitheia Capital also launched Nzinga, its SME capacity-building platform designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools for scaling their businesses sustainably. In parallel, Manufacturing Africa unveiled its Green Business Building (GBB) accelerator, which will drive the growth of green businesses through strategic support on core business problems, leading to the development of an ecosystem for green manufacturing and green jobs in Nigeria.

The day closed with an ESG knowledge session, exhibitions from green energy and manufacturing solution providers, and a resounding call to action: expand access to capital, strengthen ecosystems, and enable policy that supports inclusive green industrialization.

UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

Marwa Asks Nigerians to Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian public has been told to take full ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as their input is very important in ending the scourge.

The charge was given on Wednesday in Abuja by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) at a joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to announce the weeklong activities to commemorate this year’s World Drug Day.

Marwa said: “As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA. It is a collective duty—one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public. On our part, we shall intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiatives to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations, and trade unions in raising awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use and how to avoid falling victim.”

He noted that each year, the World Drug Day is guided by a unique theme that shapes the global response to the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking over the following 12 months, adding that this year’s theme “will once again serve as a framework for our awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach efforts, with the theme for this year being: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

Marwa said: “We have lined up a variety of impactful activities beginning with today’s press briefing, culminating in the grand finale on 26th of June. These events are designed to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue, and galvanise collective action towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“On Friday, June 20, we will hold a Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja. The following day, Saturday, 21st of June at 8am, we will stage a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the University campus in Gwagwalada.

“On Sunday, 22nd of June, a Thanksgiving Service will be held at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10 am. We will begin the following week with the final stage of an Essay Competition on Monday, 23rd of June. In this round, schoolchildren will present letters they have written on the theme: “Why I Must Not Take Drugs.” The event will be held at the NDLEA Conference Room at our headquarters in Jahi. The day will also include a range of NGO-led activities focused on drug prevention and youth engagement.

“Our focus on Tuesday, 24th of June, will be on out-of-school youth. To this end, we will conduct an outreach campaign in markets and motor parks across the FCT Area Councils, beginning at 8 am. Finally, on Thursday, 26th of June, which marks World Drug Day, we will hold the grand finale—a commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, commencing at 9 am.”

He said as part of efforts to address the country’s drug use situation, the NDLEA has also continued on an upward trajectory in terms of arrests, convictions, and seizures.
“We are also modernising our approach to the enforcement of drug laws by embedding innovation in our operations. Notably, the use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities. Overall, the past year has witnessed significant positive developments in our offensive against drug traffickers and barons.

“In the four and a half years of my leadership, the Agency has been advancing steadily on the path of reform and progress.”

He said earlier this year, in February, we commissioned our first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State. In April, we commissioned both an accommodation facility and a rehabilitation centre in Kano. At present, the barracks in Abuja stands almost ready for commissioning, while the one in Lagos is nearing completion”, he added.

Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure who was represented by the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, emphasized the importance of preventive measures in addressing the global drug use problem. He said “the illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups further destabilizing affected regions. Together these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious circles that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”

While commending Marwa and NDLEA for doing an excellent work in Nigeria, the UNODC called on state governments to get actively involved in the efforts being coordinated by the NDLEA at the centre.

He said: “Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organized criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities. Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts working with NDLEA and other relevant entities to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states. We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralized.

“This is why UNODC support to Nigeria remains resolute and multifaceted. We are working side-by-side with the government of Nigeria to build forensic and border management capacity to intercept drug flows and strengthen law enforcement capabilities; enhance regional responses to transnational organized crime through training, intelligence sharing and support for joint investigations.

“We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government, civil society and communities in the fight to dismantle criminal chains, prevent addiction and restore dignity through recovery. We also commend the leadership of NDLEA and the chairmanship of General Marwa whose strategic and courageous efforts continue to make an impact on both supply and demand sides of this crisis. And UNODC is really proud to be a partner of this vital journey.

Marwa Asks Nigerians to Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking

AGANBI RESTATES AKOGATE’S DEDICATION TO HIGH STANDARDS OF TRANSPARENCY AND QUALITY

· SAYS NEW BENCHMARKS FOR FOOD ITEMS, WATER MANUFACTURING AND SOLAR INSTALLATION SET IN NIGERIA

By: Our Reporter

The Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi, on Sunday highlighted the company’s commitment to the Nigerian market.

“Since our establishment in 2006, we have made significant strides in the field of solar systems innovation and installation, catering to both governmental and private sectors. Our accomplishments extend beyond solar energy, as we have also excelled in the realm of food and water manufacturing”

At a meeting with retailers, distributors, hospitality leaders and chefs in Abuja, Aganbi expressed his pride in Akogate’s products and the group’s commitment to delivering only the best.

‘’Akogate offers a variety of products including Akogate Still Water, Ajimele Oil, Akogate bleach and liquid soap, Akogate herbal teas and Akogate melon seeds and crayfish. We provide services in civil engineering, construction, and solar technology’’.

Aganbi spoke on Akogate’s success, strong demand of the products and activities in key international markets.

“We have seen tremendous demand for Akogate products like cassava fibre chips, peanut, seafood, and various types of leaf products like scent leaf and bitter leaf. We’ve also seen tremendous demand for Akogate’s melon seeds (Egusi), crayfish, bleach, liquid soap and herbal teas in Nigeria and abroad’’

He highlighted Akogate’s passion for energy and the group’s commitment to bringing light to communities.

‘’We are a leading brand in Solar and food processing. Through our specialized services, we have played a significant role in the development of solar energy technology in Nigeria, working alongside our partners. Our commitment is to make a positive impact on people’s lives whenever and wherever possible’’.

Driven by a vision to create globally appealing products that reflect contemporary tastes while staying rooted in authentic Nigerian identity, Akogate, according to Aganbi, is redefining the agriculture and food processing sector in Nigeria.

‘’In the past few years, we have made significant investments to enhance and add value to the agriculture and food processing sector. This mission aligns with our expanding vision over time. As a result of our efforts, Akogate Still Water has emerged, exceeding expectations and setting new supply chain records in Nigeria. Presently, we proudly offer the highly sought-after Akogate Ajimele Palm Oil, which boasts unparalleled and remarkable health benefits. Our processed and neatly packaged Sea Foods, The Shrimps, Crayfish and Periwinkle are also best-selling’’.

Aganbi said, “Akogate echoes the growing demand for refined products among consumers in Nigeria and abroad.

‘’Akogate, an electrical, mechanical, and process design company, is the first indigenous organization in Nigeria to introduce the revolutionary Sunmaster Smart Leaf solar Light. The group focuses on solar technology installation, construction, maintenance of solar panel systems and pumps’’.

The business mogul reiterated Akogate’s dedication to the highest standards of transparency and quality

‘’Our concept ensures that lighting is 6pm-6am to guaranty safer road and street, and clear vision all through the dark’’
End