Home Blog Page 179

Lagos Drives Tech Revolution: APWEN Launches Robotics, AI Challenges for Female Engineers

By
blacktalker
-
0

In a bold move to foster innovation and bridge the gender gap in technology, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN Lagos Chapter, has unveiled two groundbreaking competitions aimed at empowering girls and women in engineering.

Under the leadership of Engr. Atinuke Owolabi, APWEN Lagos has launched the APWENLagos Inter-School Robotics Competition for Girls 2025 and the APWENLagos SHEnovation Hackathon 2025, both designed to nurture creativity, problem-solving skills, and technological expertise among female students and professionals.

The Inter-School Robotics Competition is open to secondary school girls, challenging them to develop innovative robotic solutions for efficient waste management. Participants will select a specific type of waste and design cutting-edge technologies to address Lagos’ environmental concerns.

“This initiative is about inspiring young girls to see themselves as future problem-solvers and leaders in STEM. By engaging in robotics and sustainability, they are shaping a cleaner, greener future for Lagos,” said Engr. Owolabi.

Interested schools can register for the competition at apwenlagos.org/inter-school-robotics.

Alongside the robotics challenge, APWEN Lagos is also launching the SHEnovation Hackathon 2025, themed “AI in Engineering Design.” This competition is tailored for female engineering students and young professionals, encouraging them to leverage artificial intelligence to solve real-world engineering problems.

Participants, who can apply individually or in teams, will have access to mentorship from industry experts, providing them with guidance to refine their projects and advance their careers.

“This hackathon is more than a competition—it’s a movement to empower women engineers with the tools and skills to drive AI-driven innovations in the industry,” Owolabi added.

Applications and more details are available at apwenlagos.org/shenovation.

These initiatives reflect APWEN Lagos’ commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, empowering women in engineering, and tackling societal challenges through technology. The launch also fulfills key promises made by Engr. Owolabi during her inauguration as APWEN Lagos Chairperson last year.

Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Establishes Collaboration with Edo State

By
blacktalker
-
0
Left to Right: Gani Audu, Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, with Dr. Anthony Osas Okungbowa, Head of Service for Edo State; Joseph Tegbe, Director-General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP); His Excellency, Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State; Judy Melifonwu, Head of International Relations, NCSP; Amen Odigie, Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO); and Kareemu Shehu Kelly, Managing Director, Edo State Jobs Office; during the recent visit of the DG, NCSP and his delegation to the Governor of Edo State.

The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), JosephTegbe has paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Monday Okpebholo in Benin City. This meeting was a follow-up to previous engagements with the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and its Managing Director, Mr. Amen Odigi.

Discussions focused on fostering a collaboration aimed at driving progressive development in Edo State by leveraging Chinese investments in key sectors, such as agriculture, agro-processing, mining, and infrastructure development.

This aligns with the commitment of Governor Okpebholo’s administration to transform Edo State through significant investments in infrastructure and other capital projects, as outlined in his “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo.” The vision aims to create an enabling environment where citizens can reach their full potential.

Tegbe highlighted the potential for mutual benefit through strategic investments, aligning with the broader goals of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China. The NCSP aims to rebalance Nigeria-China trade, ensuring mutual benefits and strengthening economic ties. This meeting marks a significant step towards deepening economic ties between Nigeria and China at the state level.

The positive outcome sets the stage for future collaborations that could significantly impact the economic landscape of Edo state and other sub-nationals. By driving strategic investments and key projects, the NCSP aims to promote industrialization, economic diversification, and long-term growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Rite Foods Limited Bags ‘Food Company of the Year’ 2024 Award

By
blacktalker
-
0
L-R: Dennis Aideloje, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager, and Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, both of Rite Foods Limited, at the Independent Award ceremony, where the organization won the Food Company of the Year in Lagos recently.

Rite Foods Limited, the dynamic force behind Bigi Drinks, Fearless Energy Drink, Sosa fruit drink, and Bigi & Rite Sausages, has been crowned ‘Food Company of the Year 2024’ at the prestigious Independent Awards 2024. The grand ceremony, held on Saturday at Eko Hotel and Suites, recognized corporate organizations and individuals making significant contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

This recognition reaffirms Rite Foods Limited’s continuous commitment to quality, innovation, and consumer satisfaction, solidifying its position as a leading indigenous brand delivering superior food and beverage solutions.

Speaking on the win, the Head of Corporate Communication and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, Ekuma Eze expressed gratitude for the recognition:

“This award is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and quality in the food and beverage sector. At Rite Foods, we remain committed to delivering world-class, proudly Nigerian products that satisfy and nourish our consumers while upholding the highest industry standards.

“We dedicate this award to our Chairman, Asiwaju Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR whose fanatical commitment to excellence has become the DNA of Rite Foods. We equally recognize the dedication and doggedness of the employees at Rite Foods for always pushing beyond limits to deliver quality products to our consumers”. “

The Independent Awards celebrate brands and businesses that have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic development and consumer experience. With a legacy of quality and innovation, Rite Foods Limited continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the industry.

Rite Foods Limited’s success is driven by its cutting-edge approach to product development, ensuring that every offering is crafted to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The company’s portfolio includes Bigi Drinks –, A diverse range of refreshing carbonated soft drinks; Fearless Energy Drink – Nigeria’s leading energy drink brand, empowering consumers to push beyond limits; , Sosa Fruit Drink – a naturally refreshing blend of fruit goodness and Bigi & Rite Sausages – tasty, nutritious, and convenient snack options.

As it celebrates this milestone, Rite Foods Limited remains focused on expanding its product range, driving innovation, and enhancing consumer experiences.

Beyond this latest achievement, Rite Foods Limited has been consistently recognized for its excellence in product innovation and consumer engagement, earning notable industry accolades, including  Most Innovative Carbonated Soft Drink Brand of the Year 2023  – Bigi; Most Outstanding Energy Drink in Consumer Engagement 2023 – Fearless;  and Best Value for Money (Carbonated Drink Brand) 2023 – Bigi Cola.

Looking ahead, Rite Foods Limited remains dedicated to setting new industry standards, fostering sustainability, and enriching millions of lives with premium-quality food and beverage products.

For more information, visit www.ritefoodsltd.com.

IPAC Chairman Hails Soludo as ‘Wizard’ of Development as Governor Marks 3rd Anniversary”

By
blacktalker
-
0

The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, has described Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State as a “wizard” following his impressive performance in office.

According to a report by Mazi Ejimofor, Dantalle made the remark during a visit to Anambra State to inspect some of the projects executed by the Soludo administration. He was visibly impressed by the level of development in the state, saying “Governor Soludo is a wizard!”

The IPAC chairman’s visit coincided with Governor Soludo’s third anniversary in office, which has been marked by significant strides in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship.

Soludo’s transformational leadership has earned him widespread praise, with many hailing him as a true leader. His commitment to transparency and accountability has also been widely commended.

The governor’s vision for Anambra is built around three core pillars: the African Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley. He aims to transform the state into a logistics, commercial, entertainment, and leisure hub, while also driving industrialization and human capital development.

As Soludo marks his third anniversary, he can look back on a slew of achievements, including the development of critical infrastructure, upgrades to healthcare and education facilities, and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

£15Billion Petro Union Fraud: Attorney-General Steps In, Represents Nigeria as Supreme Court Hearing

By
blacktalker
-
0
Court Nullifies Shell, AFC, Others’ ICC arbitration in Tempo Energy suit over OML 29

In a significant move to safeguard Nigeria from potential fraud, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has led a team of senior lawyers to represent the Federal Government at a Supreme Court hearing over the Petro Union Oil and Gas Limited case.

The development marks the first time the Federal Government was represented at such a high level since the little-known company secured a judgment from the Federal High Court in Abuja for £2.556 billion.

However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had concluded in its investigation report that Petro Union obtained the judgment by allegedly using a Barclays Bank UK cheque to draw from an account closed five years before it was presented.

The anti-graft agency’s finding led to the ongoing prosecution of the oil company’s directors before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The directors, Prince Kingsley Okpala, Prince Chidi Okpalaeze, Prince Emmanuel Okpalaeze, and Abayomi Kukoyi (trading as Gladstone Kukoyi & Associates), are facing a 13-count charge of conspiracy, forgery, and fraud before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

Chief Fagbemi’s appearance in the controversial case is particularly notable because it demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to fight the March 11, 2014, court order, which directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Union Bank of Nigeria, the Minister of Finance, and the Attorney-General to jointly pay Petro Union the judgment amount along with 15 per cent interest per annum.

During the March 17, 2025 proceedings, Chief Fagbemi led a team of lawyers, including Mohammed Gazali (SAN), a Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, and other lawyers representing the Federal Government and its agencies.

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) led the legal team for Union Bank, while the CBN’s legal representation was headed by Damian Dodo (SAN) alongside Mrs. Olabisi Soyebo (SAN) and others.

Chief Awomolo argued an application to amend the Notice of Appeal by adding eight additional Grounds of Appeal.

While the AGF and the CBN’s lawyers supported the motion, Petro Union’s legal team opposed it.

After listening to arguments on the matter from the lawyers, the Supreme Court reserved its ruling for a later date to be communicated to the parties.

The judgment sum against the Federal Government, CBN, and Union Bank now stands at over £15 billion, including interest—exceeding 50% of Nigeria’s foreign reserves.

Legal experts have compared this situation to the infamous $10 billion Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) case.

The troubling events leading to this judgment began in 1994 when Petro Union allegedly fraudulently obtained a cheque worth £2.556 billion from a Barclays Bank branch in the UK.

The company presented this cheque at a Union Bank branch in Lagos, claiming it was for a contract related to refinery construction and the establishment of a bank.

Subsequent investigations by the CBN and Union Bank unveiled that the cheque, dated December 29, 1994, and drawn in favour of Gladstone Kukoyi & Associates, was confirmed by Barclays Bank to be counterfeit.

Barclays Bank had also indicated that Gazeaft Limited, the issuer of the bill of exchange, did not have an account with them and was not listed as a registered company in the UK.

Despite these findings, Petro Union and its agents persisted in their claims that Union Bank had received £2,556,000,000.00 on their behalf and had transferred £2,159,221,318.54 to the CBN while retaining £396,778,681.46. This led to court actions against the CBN and Union Bank based on these dubious claims.

In a concerning development, Petro Union managed to secure a judgment by presenting an alleged statement of account from the CBN, neglecting the fact that a Central Bank serves as a banker to the government and banks, not to individual companies or persons.

Following these proceedings, both the CBN and Union Bank filed appeals to overturn the judgment, particularly as evidence of fraudulent motives began to emerge during the ongoing criminal prosecution of Petro Union and its executives at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Additionally, information already presented to the Supreme Court suggests that Petro Union may have obtained the judgments at lower courts by allegedly providing evidence that appears to be based on falsehoods, forgery, misrepresentation of facts, and concealment.

Given Nigeria’s increasing debt profile, many observers are alarmed by the prospect of this additional £15 billion ‘debt’ looming over the nation. They are looking to the Supreme Court to deliver justice in this complex matter.

LASU EXPANDS ICT INFRASTRUCTURE, LAUNCHES 350-SEATER NEW CBT CENTRE

By
blacktalker
-
0

Lagos State University, LASU has strengthened its ICT infrastructure with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art, self-owned 350-seater Computer-Based Test, CBT Centre.

The new facility, which was launched on Monday, 17th March 2025 is sited on the ground floor of the newly constructed LASU Central Library on the main campus in Ojo.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, led the university’s management team in inspecting the new centre ahead its use for the ongoing first semester examinations.

The facility, equipped with 350 internet-enabled laptops and a dedicated server room, enhances the university’s CBT capabilities and addresses the challenges previously encountered with using rented facilities for the examinations.

Accompanied by the Director of the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, Prof. Toyin Enikuomehin, the team also toured the holding bay, where students would wait before their exams.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT ACTIVATES EMERGENCY RESPONSE AFTER OUTBREAK OF DIPHTHERIA IN SCHOOL

By
blacktalker
-
0

… Commences Mass Vaccination As Health Commissioner Urges Public Not To Panic

The Lagos State Government has activated its Emergency Response Committee, following the outbreak of diphtheria in the boarding house of King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe.

Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi has advised the public not to panic, adding that an Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) has been activated to contain the outbreak and prevent undue fatalities.

According to Abayomi, the index case, a 12-year-old boy, presented with a sore throat and fever to the health facilities of the school on February 22 and was promptly referred and admitted to the pediatric emergency ward of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) where he was administered appropriate antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria and toxoid serum.

Said the Commissioner: “Despite the timely intervention, the boy succumbed to progressive and irreversible inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) on the 6th of March. Myocarditis is a severe and recognized complication of the bacterial infection caused by the toxin. At the time of his death, an Emergency Operation Committee had already been activated and 34 close contacts of the deceased student were already being closely observed for symptoms.

“Of these, 14 have developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria. In response, the affected students were transported to the Children’s Emergency Unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where they were screened by health professionals.

“Of the 14 that were examined,12 were determined to have developed early signs of Diphtheria and were admitted to receive antibiotics and the Diphtheria Antitoxoid Serum. No further cases have developed so far, and all 14 symptomatic students are recovering”.

Abayomi noted that a preliminary inspection of King’s College Annexe by health officials uncovered areas where Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures need to be improved and that process will commence immediately.

The State Government, in collaboration with Federal health agencies, are set to launch a targeted vaccination campaign for all consented students of the school (both the annexe on Victoria Island and the Main School in Igbosere), inclusive of all healthcare providers, to strengthen immunity against the deadly infection. This may likely expand statewide.

To ensure widespread public awareness, information leaflets detailing diphtheria symptoms, prevention, and early treatment options are being disseminated across all healthcare facilities in Lagos. The state government is also preparing a public health announcement to sensitize Lagosians about the outbreak, warning them to watch out for symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, difficulty in breathing, and swollen neck glands.

Health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), have been notified of the outbreak and are collaborating with Lagos State to coordinate an effective response.

Lagos has close to 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccines in stock, which will be strategically deployed as part of the emergency response to high-risk locations.

The State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will convene daily to assess the evolving situation and guide policy decisions. Subsequent meetings will involve the Ministry of Basic and Tertiary Education as well as other stakeholders to enhance inter-sectoral coordination in tackling the outbreak.

Abayomi advised Lagos residents to prioritize good hygiene, avoid crowded environments, and seek medical attention immediately if experiencing diphtheria-like symptoms. “Early detection and treatment can save lives. Let’s all work together to curb this outbreak and protect our communities,” he said.

The Commissioner of Health assured Lagosians that the outbreak is under control, and there is no need to panic because measures will continue in earnest to protect all citizens from infectious disease outbreaks.

Diphtheria is an infection of the throat caused by a bacteria that results in inflammation of the throat, fever, swollen neck glands and difficulty in breathing. In addition, a toxin produced by the bacteria can cause the failure of multiple organs, such as the heart, lungs and nerves. Diphtheria is preventable by adhering to the full vaccination schedule, good hygiene, avoidance of crowded ventilated spaces and prompt treatment of infection with antibiotics and anti-toxoid serum to neutralize the effect of the toxin on organs.

MAGGI Presents Tales of Ramadan: A Journey of Transformation and Connection

By
blacktalker
-
0

Six Stories, One Month of Transformation

Ramadan is a period that brings families and communities together in Muslim communities worldwide. It is a season that connects loved ones from Suhoor to Iftar, through shared moments and meals that nourish both body and soul.

During this time, food is more than just a source of nourishment – it carries stories, evokes emotions, brings people closer, and creates enlightening moments. In this inspiring series by MAGGI titled Tales of Ramadan, five women embark on a month-long journey of transformation, discovering the perfect recipe for friendship and connection through six captivating stories.

With a stellar cast that includes Rekiate Ibrahim-Attah, Ramadan Booth, Rabiu Rikadawa, and Uzee Usman, MAGGI Tales of Ramadan delivers captivating characters and delicious, unmissable storytelling for six weeks starting this Ramadan.

As the characters navigate the highs and lows, they experience the power of food to heal emotional wounds, strengthen bonds, and preserve family tradition. These values are familiar to everyone and become even more profound as families and communities gather during Ramadan.

Each episode highlights how the true spirit of Ramadan lies not in perfection but in love, meaningful connections, and the treasured memories shared during mealtime. Through unexpected moments of understanding, relationships are transformed, proving that friendship – like the perfect blend of spices – brings warmth and harmony to even the most stressful situations.

Speaking on MAGGI’s commitment to connecting with its consumers during Ramadan,  Category Manager for Culinary, Nestlé Nigeria, Rahamatou Palm-Zakari said “Ramadan is a season of sharing, love and reflection; values which MAGGI also firmly represents. We are evolving from our much-loved series MAGGI Diaries to Tales of Ramadan which we are launching today.  We remain as dedicated as we have been over the past ten years, to fostering meaningful connections with our consumers. Through our products and recipes, we’ll continue to support individuals and families to make healthier and tastier food choices every day.”

Viewers can catch Tales of Ramadan across multiple terrestrial channels, on Africa Magic Hausa and on the MAGGI YouTube channel.

As a brand committed to bringing people together through food, MAGGI believes in the power of great tasting food to nurture, inspire, and transform.

MAGGI is an iconic brand from the stable of Nestlé, the Good Food, Good Life company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come.

Cappa Commends Lagos on Adiyan II, Urges Increased Funding of Public Water

By
blacktalker
-
0
CAPPA Condemns Police Crackdown on Lagos Demolition Protest

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has commended the Lagos State Government for making significant strides towards funding critical water infrastructure across the state, particularly the Adiyan II Water Treatment Plant.

In a statement made over the weekend, it said the steady progress on the project—12 years in the making—demonstrates that state-led and funded solutions remain the best pathway to expanding public water supply and achieving universal access to clean, safe, and affordable water for Lagosians.

According to reports from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s recent visit to the facility, Adiyan II is now 80% complete and remains on track for its 2027 completion timeline. In a further show of commitment, the state government has allocated an additional ₦20 billion in its 2025 fiscal budget to settle ‘outstanding liabilities’ for the project.

While CAPPA commended the state’s efforts, it urged it not to hand over Lagos’ water sector to private profiteers once these projects are completed.

The statement emphasised that privatising Lagos’ water supply would undermine the massive investments already made by the state.

‘We strongly urge the Lagos State Government to resist any temptation to privatise or concession the Adiyan II project and other water treatment facilities across the state. Water is not a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. If Adiyan II or any other public water facility is handed over to private corporations, Lagosians will suffer—higher tariffs, restricted access, and corporate exploitation,’ the nongovernmental organisation warned.

CAPPA cited failed privatisation experiments across Africa, where foreign-backed water projects collapsed due to skyrocketing costs, contract failures, and profit-driven policies that left millions without access to clean water.

Furthermore, CAPPA pointed to the recent withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from Lagos’ water sector as a critical lesson.

“What is happening with USAID is a textbook example of why governments should never outsource critical infrastructure to external financiers with hidden agendas.

“The Lagos State Government must recognise this as a blessing in disguise and take full control of its water sector rather than leaving it vulnerable to shifting donor priorities, where financial commitments are subject to geopolitical agendas, austerity measures, and changing domestic policies in donor countries, all of which can leave both governments and communities stranded,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director.

Under the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lagos State and USAID, no fewer than five mini waterworks were slated for rehabilitation with private sector involvement as a key component. However, USAID’s abrupt withdrawal of funding, driven by upheavals and funding cutbacks within the U.S. government, has laid bare the dangers of relying on external entities to provide essential public services. Beyond the immediate financial shortfall, this exit creates even deeper risks, leaving policy vacuums, stalling critical projects, and ultimately weakening local decision-making power over vital utilities.

With USAID gone, the Lagos Water Corporation’s Managing Director, Engr. Mukthar Tijjani has confirmed that the state is now seeking funding from other international agencies, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD), to sustain water infrastructure projects. CAPPA raised the alarm about this development, warning that these financial institutions have a long history of imposing harsh commercial conditions on public utilities.

“JICA and AFD have a track record of attaching dangerous conditions to their loans and grants—cost-recovery tariffs, bulk water purchase agreements, and privatisation clauses and mandates that prioritise corporate profits over public welfare. AFD, in particular, has close ties to Suez, a corporation notorious for its aggressive pro-privatisation stance and the devastation it leaves in its wake. If Lagos aligns itself with these buccaneers, residents will soon be burdened with unaffordable water tariffs while the state loses control over its own infrastructure,” CAPPA cautioned.

CAPPA encouraged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to not be discouraged with the withdrawal of USAID but to rather treat it as a blessing in disguise and make history by keeping Lagos’ water under full public control.

“This is a defining moment. Lagos has the opportunity to lead Africa’s water justice cause by rejecting privatisation and strengthening its public water systems. As Engr. Mukthar rightly acknowledged in an interview on this matter, ‘…we need to rely on the state government more… it is more predictable…’ —unlike funding from external sources.

“The state must invest in the Lagos Water Corporation and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, to enhance their operational efficiency, and ensure transparency in the sector rather than handing over control to foreign profiteers. The decisions made today will determine whether water remains a public good accessible to all Lagosians, or whether it becomes a luxury available only to those who can afford it,” the statement concluded.

CAPPA urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and demand that their government prioritise people over profit.

Again, Governor Soludo Wins ‘Governor of the Year 2024, Commended for Urban Renewal

By
blacktalker
-
0

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has been honored as the ‘Governor of the Year 2024 (Urban Renewal)’ at the prestigious Independent Awards 2024, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. This recognition highlights his visionary leadership, bold infrastructural reforms, and commitment to transforming Anambra State into a modern, livable, and prosperous homeland.

Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Soludo, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to sustainable urban development and infrastructural excellence. He emphasized that the award further validates the governor’s progressive policies and strategic governance, which have positioned Anambra as a model for urban renewal in Nigeria.

“Governor Soludo’s urban renewal agenda is not just about building roads and bridges—it is about creating a thriving, inclusive, and resilient state where economic opportunities abound. This award reinforces our administration’s resolve to sustain the momentum and drive even greater progress for Ndi Anambra,” Dr. Ibezim stated.

This latest accolade adds to Governor Soludo’s growing list of national recognitions. Recently, he was honoured by:The Sun Newspaper – Governor of the Year in Good Governance,Vanguard Newspaper – Governor of the Year in Economic Transformation and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) – Icon of Societal Transformation.These awards are a testament to the remarkable impact of his administration across various sectors.

Governor Soludo’s leadership has ushered in a new era of progress and development in Anambra State, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth, security, and education.

According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo’s administration has spearheaded the dualization of major roads in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, modernized markets, and upgraded public facilities to attract investors and boost economic activities.

Soludo has strengthened local vigilante groups and invested in technology-driven security systems, making Anambra one of the safest states in the South-East region.Through the Anambra Business City Initiative, he is attracting local and foreign investors, supporting SMEs, and championing industrial growth in agriculture and manufacturing. On Education & Human Capital, Soludo has recruited 8,115 teachers, rehabilitated public schools, and expanded vocational training and digital skills programs, positioning Anambra as a hub for innovation and creativity.

Speaking on his numerous recognitions, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude to Ndi Anambra for their unwavering support and reaffirmed his commitment to building a livable and prosperous homeland. “These awards are not just personal achievements but a recognition of the collective effort to transform Anambra State into a beacon of progress and excellence,” he stated.

With these accolades, Governor Soludo has solidified his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most visionary and result-driven leaders, while Anambra State continues to gain national recognition for its rapid development.

1...178179180...271Page 179 of 271