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The Body Shop Opens in Abuja

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The Body Shop Opens in Abuja


… Deputy British High Commissioner Describes Nigeria as High Growth Market

By: Michael Mike

The Body Shop, 48 years after its establishment in Brighton, England has opened its first store in West Africa. The store was opened in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Saturday.

The latest addition to the renowned British cosmetics, skincare and perfume company which was established in 1976 by Anita Roddick was opened at the Jabi Mall by the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever.

Speaking at the opening, Lever said it was a momentous occasion showing growing economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. She equally noted that the UK’s Department for Business and Trade has identified Nigeria as a high-growth market.

Lever said: “It is an absolute pleasure to join you today to celebrate the launch of The Body Shop here in Nigeria. This is a momentous occasion, not only for The Body Shop as a pioneering UK brand but also for the growing economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

“What better moment than International Women’s Day to celebrate the arrival of The Body Shop in Nigeria. This launch is more than just the opening of a store—it is a statement of intent. It represents the power of ethical business, the strength of UK-Nigeria collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to female empowerment.”

She added that: “The Body Shop’s arrival in Nigeria is a testament to the strength of UK-Nigeria trade relations and the immense potential of the Nigerian market. As a brand rooted in ethical values, sustainability, and community empowerment, The Body Shop aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Nigerian consumers who increasingly value quality, authenticity, and responsible business practices.”

The Deputy High Commissioner disclosed that: “In 2023, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and Nigeria was valued at £7.8 billion, representing and increase from £6.9 billion in 2022.

“Nigeria is the UK’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, and the UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Nigeria, with investments spanning sectors such as energy, finance, and retail.

“The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has identified Nigeria as a high-growth market, with a young, dynamic population of over 200 million people and a rapidly expanding middle class.”

She noted that: “The Body Shop’s entry into Nigeria is a clear signal of the confidence UK businesses have in this market. It also reflects the shared commitment of both our nations to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“The Body Shop is not just a beauty brand; it is a movement. Founded in the UK in 1976, it has been a trailblazer in promoting ethical consumerism, fair trade, and environmental sustainability.

“The Body Shop sources many of its ingredients through its Community Trade program, which supports over 25,000 people globally, including farmers and artisans in developing countries.

“The brand is also committed to fighting climate change, with initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy.

“By bringing these values to Nigeria, The Body Shop is not only offering high-quality products but also contributing to the empowerment of local communities and the protection of our planet.

“The launch of The Body Shop in Nigeria is a milestone, but it is also a stepping stone toward an even brighter future for UK-Nigeria trade.

Lever said: “The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), launched in 2023, provides Nigerian businesses with preferential access to the UK market, reducing tariffs and simplifying trade rules.

“We are also working closely with Nigerian partners to address challenges such as infrastructure development, access to finance, and skills training, ensuring that trade benefits all segments of society.

“As we celebrate today, let us also look ahead to the opportunities that lie before us. Together, we can build a trade relationship that is not only prosperous but also sustainable and inclusive.”

The envoy congratulated Shalom Lloyd and The Body Shop Team on the exciting new chapter in Nigeria, stating that: “Your presence here is a symbol of the strong ties between our two nations and a reminder of the power of trade to create positive change.”

She added that: “To the Nigerian people, I say: The UK is committed to being your partner in progress. We believe in your potential, and we are here to support your aspirations.”

According to a pre-launch statement, the people behind the franchise not just entrepreneurs—they are changemakers. Their commitment to female empowerment extends beyond the beauty industry into healthcare, economic development, and sustainability.

Edward Nnadi (CEO) and Shalom Lloyd (MD) are British Nigerians whose businesses are built on purpose and impact before profit. Some of their businesses that span across the UK and Nigeria are Jean Edwards Consulting (UK and Nigeria); Naturally Tiwa Skincare (UK); Naturally Tribal Nigeria; eMQT (UK); Jean Edwards Oils Limited Abuja; and The IVY League Abuja.

A Strong and Meaningful Partnership
It is clear why this partnership between The Body Shop and its franchisees in Nigeria is such a good match. Both share a passion for ethical business, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. This launch is just the beginning, and there is no doubt it will inspire even more impactful collaborations between the UK and Nigeria.

The statement revealed that the franchises have been offering free cervical cancer screening across Nigeria, actively working to save lives through early detection; they are deeply involved in creating employment opportunities for Nigerian women in the shea industry, ensuring fair wages and ethical sourcing for an industry that supports 16 million rural women across Africa.

The Body Shop Nigeria is more than a beauty business—it is a movement that uplifts, empowers, and transforms lives; according to the statement.

The Body Shop Opens in Abuja

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support

By: Our Reporter

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.


The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

  • The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
  • The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
  • A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
  • Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
  • A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
  • The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
    According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.

  • The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
    Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.
  • RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

By: Zagazola Makama

Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.

Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.

“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.

He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.

The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.

“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.

Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.

The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

By: Zagazola Makama

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.

Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.

“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.

The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.

According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.

“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.

Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.

He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.

The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.

“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.

The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
End

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