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CAPPA Hails NFVCB, Nigerian Public Health Experts Over WHO World No Tobacco Day 2026 Awards

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CAPPA Hails NFVCB, Nigerian Public Health Experts Over WHO World No Tobacco Day 2026 Awards

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has congratulated the National Film and Video Censors Board and two Nigerian-born public health experts for emerging winners at the World Health Organization World No Tobacco Day 2026 Awards.

The NFVCB, Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf of the School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, and Catherine Egbe of the South African Medical Research Council were among the five African Region award recipients announced by the WHO on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The other African awardees are Nare Narcisse Mathurin and Louise Mapleh Kpoto.

In a statement following the announcement, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa described the recognition as a testament to years of sustained efforts in advancing tobacco control and safeguarding public health across Africa.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the awards underscore the growing impact of African-led advocacy against tobacco industry influence and nicotine addiction.

“We warmly congratulate the NFVCB, Professor Catherine Egbe and Professor Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf on this well-deserved global recognition,” Oluwafemi said. “Their work has strengthened tobacco control efforts not only in Nigeria but across the African continent. This honour is also a reminder that sustained advocacy, strong regulation and evidence-based public health policies can save lives.”

He particularly commended the leadership of the NFVCB and its Director-General, Shaibu Hussein, for the 2024 decision banning the promotion and glamorisation of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos and skits.

“The NFVCB’s Director-General Dr. Shaibu Hussein showed exemplary leadership and courage by taking a bold stand against the normalisation of smoking in entertainment media,” Oluwafemi added. “At a time when the tobacco industry increasingly targets young people through popular culture and digital content, this policy sends a powerful message that public health must come before corporate profit.”

On May 21, 2024, the NFVCB introduced regulations prohibiting the display, promotion and glamorisation of tobacco, tobacco products and nicotine products in Nollywood productions and related entertainment content.

The regulation, approved by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy and backed by the NFVCB Act of 1993, aligns with provisions of Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019.

Nigeria became the first African country and the second globally after India to implement such restrictions within entertainment media. The move followed years of advocacy under the #SmokeFreeNollywood campaign championed by local tobacco control groups, including CAPPA and the Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance.

The regulation also aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which addresses tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship in entertainment media.

CAPPA also congratulated all global recipients recognised by the WHO for their contributions to tobacco control, including Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya Mohsin Zindani, who received the WHO Director-General’s Special Award.

In total, the WHO announced 38 awardees across Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific regions.

Oluwafemi urged Nigerian authorities to build on the momentum generated by the awards through full implementation of existing tobacco control laws and resistance to tobacco industry interference.

“Recognition is important, but the bigger task remains protecting Nigerians, especially young people, from the devastating health and economic consequences of tobacco use,” he said. “This moment should inspire even stronger commitment to a smoke-free future.”

World No Tobacco Day is commemorated annually on May 31. This year’s theme, “Unmask the appeal – countering tobacco and nicotine addiction,” focuses on exposing tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industry to target young people and promote addiction.

Dangote Says Refinery Listing Will Democratise Africa’s Industrial Prosperity

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Dangote Says Refinery Listing Will Democratise Africa’s Industrial Prosperity
L-R: Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Chairperson, Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), Frans Baleni; President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Deputy Chairperson, Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Dr Mongwena Maluleke; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, during the strategic visit of the leadership of GEPF & PIC to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, Lekki, Lagos, at the weekend.

Aliko Dangote has said the planned listing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange is aimed at democratising wealth creation and allowing Africans to participate directly in the continent’s industrial transformation.

Dangote made the remarks during a visit by executives of South Africa’s Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and Alterra Capital Partners to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertiliser Limited in Lagos.

The delegation included Frans Baleni, Musa Mabesa, Mongwena Maluleke, Patrick Dlamini, and Genevieve Sangudi.

The visit comes amid growing investor interest in Africa-led industrialisation and infrastructure investment opportunities. Government Employees Pension Fund is Africa’s largest defined benefit pension fund, while Public Investment Corporation is the continent’s biggest asset manager.

Speaking on the proposed refinery listing, Dangote said Africa’s future economic growth must be driven by large-scale industrial projects capable of creating jobs, boosting local production capacity, and generating inclusive prosperity.

“We are opening the doors for investors to participate directly in Africa’s industrial future and the prosperity it will create,” he said.

According to him, the refinery project demonstrates the scale of untapped opportunities within Africa’s energy sector, particularly as many African countries still depend heavily on imported refined petroleum products despite rising industrial demand and consumption.

Dangote noted that the Group’s long-term strategy is focused on meeting Africa’s expanding energy needs and strengthening regional refining capacity capable of serving multiple markets across the continent.

He further disclosed that demand for products such as polypropylene, aviation fuel, and refined petroleum products has surpassed earlier projections, reinforcing the refinery’s commercial viability and informing future expansion plans.

“We thought about Nigeria first and then exports, but even with our current production, we are practically living hand to mouth because the market demand is extremely high,” he added.

Speaking after touring the facilities in Ibeju-Lekki, Frans Baleni described the refinery as proof that Africa can successfully execute transformational infrastructure projects with visionary leadership and long-term investment.

“If it can be done anywhere else in the world, it can be done in Africa,” Baleni said. “This project has shown that the continent is capable of achieving world-class industrialisation at scale.”

He added that the refinery was reshaping global perceptions of Africa’s industrial capability and demonstrated the potential of African-led development.

Also speaking, Patrick Dlamini described the refinery as one of the most transformative industrial projects on the continent, saying it reflects Africa’s growing economic potential.

Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, Dlamini said, “It always looks impossible until it’s done. This project is redefining the story of Africa and the possibilities of Africa.”

He noted that Public Investment Corporation, which manages about $230 billion in assets, is actively seeking long-term partnerships that support industrialisation, infrastructure development, and economic transformation across Africa.

According to him, poverty, unemployment, and economic exclusion remain major challenges on the continent, making industrialisation and large-scale job creation essential to Africa’s long-term stability and growth.

SIFAX Group Chairman Advocates Strong Indigenous Corporations for Africa’s Economic Growth

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SIFAX Group Chairman Advocates Strong Indigenous Corporations for Africa’s Economic Growth

Chairman of SIFAX Group, Taiwo Afolabi, has called on African entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to focus on building large and sustainable corporations capable of competing globally, rather than operating fragmented small-scale businesses that limit the continent’s economic growth.

Afolabi made the call on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 held in Kigali, Rwanda, where discussions centred on Africa’s economic future, regional integration, and private sector development.

According to him, Africa’s transformation depends largely on the emergence of strong indigenous corporations with the capacity to drive industrialisation, create jobs, attract investment, and compete effectively on the global stage.

“Africa cannot achieve its full economic potential with thousands of weak and fragmented businesses operating in silos. What the continent needs are strong institutions and large corporations that can survive beyond their founders, scale across borders, attract global capital, and compete with the best companies around the world,” he said.

He noted that conversations at the forum highlighted the urgent need for African businesses to embrace collaboration, long-term planning, regional integration, and strategic expansion.

While acknowledging the importance of entrepreneurship to Africa’s development, Afolabi stressed that the continent must deliberately move beyond subsistence and lifestyle businesses toward building enduring enterprises supported by sound corporate governance, innovation, and continental reach.

He also urged governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders across Africa to create enabling environments that encourage business scalability through improved infrastructure, access to finance, supportive regulations, and stronger intra-African trade systems.

“The conversations at the Africa CEO Forum clearly showed that Africa’s future lies in integration and scale. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents a historic opportunity for businesses to expand beyond national borders and build truly pan-African enterprises,” he added.

Afolabi further stated that SIFAX Group remains committed to supporting intra-African trade and the successful implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area through investments in logistics, ports, transportation, and digital finance solutions across the continent.

Blue Lagos Engages Epe Riverine Communities, Highlights Need for Health, Education, Transport Infrastructure

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Blue Lagos Engages Epe Riverine Communities, Highlights Need for Health, Education, Transport Infrastructure

Blue Lagos Initiative has intensified its community engagement efforts in Lagos riverine areas with a visit to the Isan and Oregun communities in Epe Local Government Area.

The engagement formed part of the organisation’s broader commitment to promoting inclusive development and improving access to opportunities for underserved coastal and riverine populations across Lagos State. Even as residents called for urgent interventions in healthcare, education, and transportation infrastructure.

During the visit, residents of both communities outlined several challenges affecting their daily lives and socio-economic wellbeing.

Among the major concerns raised were the need for a functional maternity health centre to improve healthcare access for women and children, the establishment of a primary school in Oregun community, and the construction of a safe and functional jetty to improve transportation, safety, and connectivity.

Speaking during the engagement, Adesanya Saheed said the initiative remains committed to community-driven advocacy and sustainable development.

According to him, meaningful development can only be achieved by engaging directly with communities and understanding their most pressing needs.

The visit also provided an avenue for dialogue between the Blue Lagos team and community leaders, women, youths, and other residents on possible areas of intervention and collaboration.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining engagement with vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities across Lagos State to ensure their concerns receive the attention of relevant stakeholders and authorities.

Blue Lagos Initiative said it will continue to champion inclusive development, youth and women empowerment, and data-driven community engagement aimed at improving living conditions in Lagos’ coastal and riverine communities.

Fidelity Bank Extends Food Bank Initiative to Over 1,500 Residents in Surulere

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Fidelity Bank Extends Food Bank Initiative to Over 1,500 Residents in Surulere

Fidelity Bank Plc has expanded its community support efforts with the distribution of food packs to more than 1,500 residents in Surulere, Lagos, under its Fidelity Food Bank initiative.

The outreach programme was carried out in partnership with the Office of the Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs and the Sodiq Abiodun Ogundare Foundation, SAO Foundation.

Speaking during the event, Regional Bank Head, Victoria Island/Lekki, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Edekobi, who was represented by the Branch Leader, Adeola Odeku Branch, Ifeyinwa Asomugha, said the initiative reflects the bank’s continued commitment to supporting communities and improving family wellbeing.

“Today goes beyond the distribution of food items; it is about uplifting lives, creating opportunities, and strengthening our commitment to the wellbeing of families in this community,” he said.

Edekobi disclosed that since the launch of the Fidelity Food Bank initiative, the bank has distributed more than 150,000 food packs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, positively impacting communities nationwide.

“Today’s outreach has provided over 1,500 beneficiaries with essential feeding supplies that will help address hunger, support healthy living, and improve the overall wellbeing of families. This initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses on achieving Zero Hunger,” he added.

He also commended the Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Kareem Omotayo, for supporting the initiative and encouraging partnerships targeted at underserved communities.

Speaking at the event, Omotayo praised Fidelity Bank and the SAO Foundation for bringing support to residents of Surulere.

“I am very happy that the foundation is growing. Fidelity Bank are our people and I appreciate this collaboration that has brought this massive opportunity to our people in Surulere Constituency 1,” she said.

She expressed optimism that future collaborations with the bank would continue to improve the lives of Nigerians.

The bank recently received recognition as CSR Champion of the Year at the 2025 Independent Newspaper Awards for its Food Bank initiative.

Ranked among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

Customs Launches Smart Declaration Platform to Eliminate Airport Clearance Delays

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Customs Launches Smart Declaration Platform to Eliminate Airport Clearance Delays

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has launched the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System, SCADS at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

This new digital platform aimed at simplifying passenger baggage declaration and reducing delays at Nigerian airports.

The platform, officially unveiled on Monday, 18 May 2026, is expected to improve passenger clearance processes, enhance compliance, boost operational efficiency, and strengthen transparency in Customs revenue assessment.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, Oluyomi Adebakin, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the Service’s ongoing digital transformation drive under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi.

According to her, the new system was developed following operational challenges experienced on the Service’s previous passenger declaration platform earlier this year.

“When the earlier platform experienced operational challenges, we chose not to see it as a setback. We saw it as an opportunity to build something better, stronger and more efficient,” she said.

Adebakin explained that the SCADS platform allows inbound international passengers to complete declarations before arriving in Nigeria, thereby reducing clearance time and eliminating several manual bottlenecks associated with airport processing.

“For passengers, this system creates the opportunity for advance declaration before arrival. It means faster clearance, easier compliance and smoother movement through our airports,” she stated.

She further noted that the platform would improve revenue collection accuracy by automating duty assessments based on declared items, quantities, and values.

“When we talk about revenue collection, it is not about collecting more or less. It is about collecting the right revenue. With this system, assessment will now be more objective, accurate and driven by data,” she added.

The Deputy Comptroller-General commended officers of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Unit, members of the deployment team, and technical partners involved in the rollout of the project.

Earlier, the Customs Area Controller of the FCT Area Command, Victoria Alibo, described the selection of the command for the pilot phase as a demonstration of confidence in its operational capabilities.

She explained that SCADS integrates passenger baggage and e-commerce declarations into a single digital framework aligned with global Customs standards and best practices.

“SCADS is designed to simplify declarations, reduce clearance time, eliminate manual bottlenecks and align our operations with international standards,” Alibo said.

She disclosed that the pilot phase of the platform would run from Monday, 18 May to Friday, 22 May 2026, during which the Service would evaluate the system’s performance in a live operational environment ahead of nationwide deployment.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior Customs officers, officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), partner government agencies, technical teams, and stakeholders within Nigeria’s aviation and border management sectors.

Wema Bank Announces Final Call for Entries for One-Day MD/CEO Children’s Day Initiative

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Wema Bank Announces Final Call for Entries for One-Day MD/CEO Children’s Day Initiative

Wema Bank has announced the final call for submissions for children and teenagers interested in participating in its One-Day MD/CEO Children’s Day Initiative, as the May 20, 2026 deadline approaches.

Launched in May 2025 as part of the bank’s 80th anniversary celebration, the initiative was created to commemorate Children’s Day in a unique and inspiring way by giving young Nigerians an opportunity to experience leadership at the highest level within the banking industry.

Inspired by the anniversary theme, “80 Years of Impact, A Future of Possibilities,” the initiative aims to bridge the gap between present aspirations and future opportunities by allowing a child to serve as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank for one day.

The inaugural edition gained national attention after 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah emerged winner and assumed the role on Children’s Day 2025. The initiative drew praise from parents, educators, and stakeholders who commended the bank for promoting youth empowerment and leadership development.

According to the bank, the 2026 edition returns on a larger scale and is open to children and teenagers between the ages of 0 and 16 years.

The winner will assume the role of MD/CEO of Wema Bank for one day on Monday, May 25, 2026, where they will participate in executive-level activities including board meetings, strategic decision-making sessions, and other leadership responsibilities within the institution.

To participate, interested children and teenagers are required to record a 60-second video explaining their ideal role in banking and what they hope to achieve in the industry.

The video must be posted on any social media platform using the hashtag #EvolutionOfPossibilities while tagging Wema Bank.

According to the bank, the entry with the highest number of likes will emerge winner.

Wema Bank encouraged parents and guardians to support interested participants, noting that submissions close on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

More information is available on the bank’s official social media platforms, @wemabank.

Team ‘Block X’ Wins HabariPay Squad Hackathon 3.0 as GTCO Champions AI Innovation

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Team ‘Block X’ Wins HabariPay Squad Hackathon 3.0 as GTCO Champions AI Innovation

Team ‘Block X’ has emerged winner of the HabariPay Squad Hackathon 3.0, following a fiercely contested innovation showcase organised by HabariPay, the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc.

This is with the aim to spotlight Nigeria’s next generation of software developers, engineers and artificial intelligence innovators.

The grand finale, held at the GTCentre, featured technology-driven solutions focused on addressing economic and social challenges through artificial intelligence, automation, productivity systems and digital inclusion.

The winning team, made up of Treasure Uvietobore, a Platform and Systems Engineer; Naheem Olaide, a Frontend and Machine Learning Developer; and Enoch Idowu, an AI and Machine Learning Engineer — all from Obafemi Awolowo University — impressed judges with “Guild,” an AI-powered platform designed to bridge informal labour with the formal financial system.

The platform connects informal workers with employers while integrating them into financial services infrastructure. In one use case demonstrated during the competition, a bricklayer interacts with “Tola,” the platform’s Nigerian English voice agent, receives a job match, completes the assignment, and gets paid through Squad.

The system then builds a verifiable transaction history capable of supporting access to banking services and credit facilities within 90 days.

Now in its third edition, the competition drew more than 1,600 applications from students and young innovators across Nigerian universities, reflecting the growing momentum within the country’s expanding technology ecosystem.

Organisers disclosed that over 600 applicants were shortlisted based on technical competence, team structure and GitHub portfolio submissions, while more than 500 participants advanced to the grand finale stage.

Speaking during the event, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, described the hackathon as a platform aimed at nurturing future technology leaders through practical problem-solving.

“You are the best of the best. Everybody who made it into this room today is already a winner,” Agbaje said. “The world is not ruled by extroverts; it is ruled by thinkers.”

He stressed the importance of resilience, collaboration and ethical execution in building successful technology-driven enterprises.

Managing Director of HabariPay, Eduofon Japhet, noted that this year’s edition recorded the highest level of participation since the competition began, with entries increasing more than tenfold compared to previous editions.

“We realised there is still a gap between classroom theory and practical problem-solving,” Japhet said. “This platform is designed to help students build real-world solutions using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and smart systems.”

She added that HabariPay plans to establish a long-term mentorship and talent development pipeline to support selected participants through training, tuition support and potential employment opportunities.

“We are not stopping at the competition,” she said. “Some of these participants will work with us directly over the next few years through structured mentorship and hands-on development programmes.”

Among other notable innovations showcased at the event was “Tracker,” an AI-powered workforce productivity monitoring platform developed by Sherif Sani, a Computer Science student of University of Lagos.

The solution uses artificial intelligence to analyse workflow patterns, browser activity and task completion timelines for both remote and on-site teams while incorporating privacy-focused monitoring features.

The event also featured coding marathons, live product demonstrations, technical assessments and networking sessions, with participating teams evaluated on creativity, scalability, user impact and execution capability.

Organisers said the HabariPay Squad Hackathon 3.0 reinforces the commitment of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc and HabariPay to driving innovation, strengthening talent development and positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy hub in Africa.

Ogun Police Arrest Suspected Serial Fake Transfer Fraudster in Agbado

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Ogun Police Arrest Suspected Serial Fake Transfer Fraudster in Agbado

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old suspect, identified as Adeshola Muyiwa, over alleged involvement in serial fake bank transfer fraud within Agbado and surrounding communities.

The arrest was carried out by detectives attached to the Agbado Division under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer, Adesanya Oyekanmi.

According to the Command, the suspect was apprehended on May 17, 2026, following a complaint that he had visited a food vendor at Owolanwa Junction in Agbado earlier that morning, purchased food items worth N2,600, and allegedly presented a fake bank transfer alert as proof of payment.

Police said a prompt response and coordinated investigation by operatives of the division led to the swift arrest of the suspect.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect had been operating a pattern of fake and scheduled transfer scams across Agbado and neighbouring communities, targeting unsuspecting residents and business owners.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to engaging in the fraudulent activities over a period of time, with proceeds from the scheme estimated at about N10 million.

Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended officers of the Agbado Division for their professionalism, vigilance, and swift operational response.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling financial and cyber-enabled crimes across Ogun State.

The police commissioner also advised traders, business owners, and residents to always verify payments through banking applications or account statements before releasing goods or rendering services in order to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.

Maritime Police Join PEBEC, Security Agencies in Lagos Port Corridor Clean-Up Exercise

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Maritime Police Join PEBEC, Security Agencies in Lagos Port Corridor Clean-Up Exercise

The Maritime Police Command has joined the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council-led clean-up and enforcement operation across the Lagos Port corridor aimed at improving security, restoring order, and enhancing operational efficiency within the nation’s port environment.

The two-day exercise, held on May 14 and 15, 2026, was coordinated by the Director-General of Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Zahra Mustapha Audu, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, the Lagos State Government, and other security and regulatory agencies.

The Maritime Police Command, under the leadership of Okunade Ronke Nurat, deployed personnel and patrol teams to strategic locations within the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors as part of the operation.

According to the Command, the exercise focused on the removal of illegal checkpoints and unlawful obstructions affecting port activities and free movement within the corridor.

The enforcement operation also targeted unauthorized maritime activities, port rats, street urchins, touts, thugs, criminal elements, and unlicensed operators whose activities were said to pose security threats and disrupt order within the port environment.

Authorities further intensified efforts to prevent unauthorized access into port facilities by individuals without legitimate business operations within the ports, while enforcing existing security and access control regulations.

Speaking on the exercise, AIG Okunade commended the professionalism and collaboration demonstrated by participating officers and agencies throughout the operation.

She reiterated the Maritime Police Command’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime security, facilitating trade, reducing congestion, and improving ease of doing business within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The Command also assured port users and stakeholders of its continued efforts to maintain law and order within the nation’s maritime environment and safeguard critical national economic infrastructure.

Members of the public and port users were encouraged to remain law-abiding and support ongoing enforcement efforts by providing credible information through appropriate channels, including PEBEC complaint platforms.

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