News
Economic hardship: What Nigeria should do, by Dangote
Economic hardship: What Nigeria should do, by Dangote
Africa’s richest man and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has recommended that Nigeria moves from resource-based economy to knowledge-based economy.
Dangote made the recommendation in a pre-convocation lecture he delivered as part of activities to mark the 38th convocation of the Bayero University Kano (BUK) at the weekend.
“Given the tremendous benefits that knowledge economy offers, it is vital that Nigeria makes the transition from a resource-based economy to knowledge-based economy. Countries like South Korea, India, China, and the Asian tigers at one time or the other took the decision to institutionalise knowledge economy and are today reaping the benefits.
“Ismail Radwan and Giulia Pellegrini in a World Bank publication stated that harnessing knowledge for
development is not a new concept as it has always been central to development and can mean the difference between poverty and wealth.
“They argued that knowledge economy is not just about establishing high-tech industries and creating an innovative and entrepreneurial culture. Simply
adopting existing technologies widely available in developed countries can dramatically boost productivity and economic growth,” the business mogul said.
Represented by the Group Executive Director of the Dangote conglomerate, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, Dangote quoted the World Bank as stating that for Nigeria to make the transition to knowledge economy, it must pay
attention to the business environment, education and skills, innovation systems and information communication infrastructure.
He said Nigeria needed a conducive business environment providing incentive for the efficient use of existing knowledge.
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“There are many government research institutions and the existing knowledge gathered over the years can be put into use by firms. Agricultural research institutes have produced new varieties of seeds, legumes and others that are being cultivated in small quantities
in their demonstration farms. This is where the government should come in with incentives for firms that would make use of these new varieties,” he said.
Dangote also said that government might decide to embark on phasing out of older low yielding specie of crops and provide incentives for those willing to plant the new ones in terms of subsidies, free fertiliser, and technical help
from agriculture extension officers.
“Government through its agencies can help in insisting that firms and businesses apply existing knowledge in
their operations. Nigerian government demonstrated this capacity in the auction and licencing of GSM operators. That singular move brought rapid changes to the communications sector and created millions of direct and indirect jobs.
“It also resulted in the transfer of existing
technologies to Nigeria as the winners of the bids brought requisite skills and technologies to build their networks. Nigerian youths that are passionate about new technologies should be ncouraged and supported to exploit their natural talents by expanding entrepreneurship facilities and hubs.
“There should be reforms in our educational system with more emphasis on skill development than paper qualification. Innovators, founders of
businesses and creators should be invited to speak,” Dangote said.
Dignitaries who attended the pre-convocation lecture included the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sagir Abbas.
A total of 11,284 graduating students will receive degrees, while two distinguished personalities including the President of African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, and Deputy Senate President, and Senator representing Kano North, Barau Jibrin, would be awarded honorary doctoral degrees at the convocation scheduled to hold later today.
Economic hardship: What Nigeria should do, by Dangote
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News
NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday
NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday.
The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, also warned that strong winds could occur ahead of thunderstorms in some areas.
For Monday, NiMet expects thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Taraba and Kebbi during the morning. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected across several areas in the North-East, Kaduna, Taraba and Kebbi.
In the North-Central region, parts of Niger State could experience thunderstorms and light rain in the morning, while most parts of the region may record thunderstorms with moderate rainfall by afternoon or evening.
The southern states are also expected to experience wet conditions. NiMet forecasts cloudy skies in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. More thunderstorms and light rain are expected later in the day.
Tuesday and Wednesday Forecast
On Tuesday, the northern region is expected to have patches of cloud in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rain possible in parts of Taraba.
By afternoon or evening, most parts of the region could experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain.
In the North-Central, parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states are expected to receive thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day.
Southern areas, including parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and the South-South, may also experience thunderstorms and light rain.
NiMet expects more widespread rainfall on Wednesday, particularly across northern and North-Central states. Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba are among the areas listed for morning thunderstorms and moderate rain.
The agency also forecasts thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across much of the South later on Wednesday.
NiMet advised residents to secure loose objects and take precautions against strong winds. Motorists were urged to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, while residents were advised to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees.
Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather information when planning flights.
NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday
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News
Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts
Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts
Civic organisation Working People United has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, praising her contributions to humanitarian services, education, healthcare and the empowerment of vulnerable Nigerians.
Oluremi Tinubu celebrates her 66th birthday on Monday, September 21, 2026, with messages of goodwill coming from individuals and organisations across the country.
In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, National Coordinator-General of Working People United, Prince Williams Akporeha, described the First Lady’s years of public service as an important part of her contribution to Nigerian society.
Akporeha said the organisation recognised Oluremi Tinubu’s continued involvement in programmes designed to improve the welfare of children, women, young people and underserved communities.
He particularly highlighted her advocacy and interventions in education, healthcare access, youth development and economic empowerment, saying such initiatives were directed at addressing challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.
According to the group, the First Lady’s humanitarian activities have focused on providing practical support to communities and creating opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to social and economic resources.
Working People United also commended Oluremi Tinubu’s interest in family welfare and children’s development, describing those areas as important to the long-term development of the country.
The organisation said efforts to strengthen access to basic education and healthcare, particularly at the grassroots, remained critical to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
It also praised initiatives aimed at providing young people with skills and economic opportunities, noting that youth empowerment could help reduce vulnerability and expand participation in the economy.
Akporeha urged the First Lady to sustain her advocacy for vulnerable Nigerians as she begins another year of her life.
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He said the organisation was joining Nigerians across the country to celebrate Oluremi Tinubu and acknowledge what it described as her commitment to humanitarian service.
Working People United wished the First Lady good health, wisdom, strength and fulfilment as she continues her public responsibilities and supports initiatives focused on the welfare of Nigerians.
The group also expressed hope that her birthday would provide an opportunity to renew attention to issues affecting children, women, young people and low-income families, particularly in education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
Oluremi Tinubu, a former senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, has been involved in public service and humanitarian activities for several years.
As First Lady, she has continued her intervention programmes through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which has focused on areas including education, health, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment.
Her recent programmes have included support for women, vulnerable households, students, farmers, young people and families affected by economic hardship.
The birthday messages therefore come as the First Lady continues her public engagements and humanitarian programmes across different parts of Nigeria.
Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts
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International
18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse
18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse
Eighteen suspects accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transferred from Haiti to the United States to face trial.
US officials said the suspects were transported to Florida on Sunday, as American authorities continue their prosecution of people allegedly connected to the plot.
Federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones said the suspects were flown from Haiti on a military aircraft to face proceedings in the Southern District of Florida.
He said US authorities had so far indicted 30 people in connection with the assassination and warned that the prosecutions were not over.
Among those transferred was Joseph Felix Badio, a former anti-corruption official with Haiti’s Ministry of Justice who has been identified as a major suspect in the investigation.
Haitian government and police sources said the other suspects included Colombian nationals who were allegedly part of the group involved in the operation.
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Colombian Nationals Among Suspects
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 17 of its citizens had been transferred from Haiti to the United States.
The ministry said the Colombian government was monitoring the development but had not participated in the decision or process that led to the transfer.
Moise was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. Investigators said a group of about 20 Colombian military-trained mercenaries had been hired in connection with the operation.
The president’s security detail came under scrutiny after failing to prevent the attack.
In May, four men were convicted in a Miami federal court over charges connected to the plot, including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moise and providing material support for the operation. They could face life imprisonment.
US prosecutors said the men were linked to CTU Security, a Florida-based private security company, and had allegedly been attracted by the prospect of lucrative contracts after Moise was removed from power.
The assassination plunged Haiti further into political and security turmoil. The country has since struggled with gang violence and remains without a president, while preparations continue for elections scheduled for December, subject to security conditions.
18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse
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