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UNGA 2025: Nigeria activates empowerment of 10m women

Michael Simire
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UNGA 2025: Nigeria activates empowerment of 10m women

The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has activated the economic empowerment of no fewer than 10 million women to achieve its one trillion-dollar economy ambition.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this at a high-level sideline event of the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, U.S.A.

UNGA 2025
Participants at the high-level sideline event of the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York

The event is themed: “Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment: Financing Inclusive Growth for Peace, Development, and Human Rights – Lessons from Nigeria for Women Project.”

Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday, September 21, 2025, for New York to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the UNGA.

Speaking at the event, the minister said the economic empowerment is being achieved through targeted projects, initiatives, programmes, and interventions focused on women.

She said that one of the key vehicles being utilised for the empowerment is the Nigeria for Women Project ((NFWP).

According to her, NFWP, under the leadership of President Tinubu, is currently the nation’s most significant women’s economic empowerment platform.

“In phase one, we mobilised over 460,000 women into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across multiple states.

“These groups have collectively saved over an average of N4.9 billion of their own money and have inter-loaned significantly to expand businesses, cover health costs, and pay school fees.

“In addition, over 330,000 women have accessed livelihood grants, while thousands have been linked to formal financial institutions, national ID, and health insurance schemes,” she said.

The minister said after the successful pilot launch in six states, the ministry had scaled up and opened up to all states.

“It is critical to highlight, that while this model borrows from the most successful global experiences, we have wholly adapted it to Nigerian realities.

“The Women Affinity Groups that are created under the programme have become platforms of voice, social capital, and economic agency.

“They are changing the texture of communities, lowering household vulnerability, and strengthening our democracy from below, ” she said.

The minister told delegates and partners at the event that the ministry realised that “investing in women’s entrepreneurship will transform not just incomes but also nutrition, education, and community stability”.

She said that, based on that understanding, the government consolidated its empowerment approach into a single delivery architecture that integrated agriculture, clean energy, logistics, digital access, mobile services, amongst others.

“We call this the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions – 774 (RH-SII774).

“This programme is envisioned as a transformative, gender-responsive initiative that will directly impact over 50 million women, children, families, and vulnerable persons across all 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation.

“It provides a unified national platform to tackle systemic issues such as gender inequality, family instability, digital exclusion, child vulnerability, and economic disempowerment.

“It is a full-scale transformation of how social protection and women’s economic empowerment are delivered in Nigeria,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State, said investments in women empowerment are not only a moral imperative, but an economic necessity for peace, prosperity and shared growth.

Abdulrazak, represented by Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, said in Nigeria and around the world, when a woman thrives, family, communities and entire communities thrive.

The governor noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP) is a powerful demonstration of what sustained target financing could achieve.

“The programme is a collaboration among the Federal Government, State Ministries, the World Bank and other partners.

“It began in six states and it is now active in 15 states with commitments from 32 states in overall

“To date, more than 46,000 women have organised into 22,000 Women Affinity Groups, saving over N4.4 billion and channelling these resources into small businesses that are transforming families and community alike,” he said

The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended President Tinubu for his support and unwavering commitment to women Inclusivity and youth development in Nigeria.

“So many policies and initiatives have been put in place to empower women at the national and sub-national levels on women empowerment,” she said.

For his part, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State said his administration gave special attention to women empowerment.

He added that women were the major beneficiaries of almost all the empowerment programmes in the state.

Other dignitaries at the event included Plateau Governor Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa and the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal,

The Charge d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Samson Itegboje, and Prof. Kabir Mato were also at the event.

President Tinubu’s administration has set a target for Nigeria to become a $1‑trillion economy by 2030.

This goal is part of his administration’s broader “Renewed Hope Agenda’ economic plan under a policy called “Nigeria First”.

The Vice President, in April, inaugurated the Interministerial Committee to drive the process of achieving the goal.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

NLNG wins 2025 oil, gas best training award

Michael Simire
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NLNG wins 2025 oil, gas best training award

Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG) has won the 2025 Best Corporate Training Partner Award by the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN).

The award was presented at the 4th edition of the OGTAN Human Capital Development (HCD) Awards, held in Lagos.

Dr Philip Mshelbila
Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG), Dr Philip Mshelbila

Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday, September 20, 2025.

According to the statement, the award recognises NLNG’s longstanding commitment to workforce development, skills transfer, and capacity building within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Receiving the award on behalf of NLNG, Mr. Emmanuel Uleh, Head of Nigerian Content Compliance Assurance and Monitoring, reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to human capital development.

He said that NLNG viewed capacity development not only as a Nigerian Content obligation but also as a central part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, particularly in education.

“At inception, NLNG deliberately promoted local capacity development by training Nigerian technicians and operators for the operation and maintenance of its Bonny Island plant,” Uleh said.

He noted that this strategy had yielded remarkable results, with NLNG now boosting a 100 per cent Nigerian management team and workforce that is over 95 per cent Nigerian.

He said NLNG had empowered thousands of Nigerians with industry-relevant skills, vocational training, and formal education support through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives.

Uleh said that more than 600 Nigerians had been trained in Nigeria and South Korea in highly technical areas including naval architecture, shipbuilding, welding and fabrication under the Bonny Gas Transport Plus Project.

According to him, a collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and OGTAN, the company has trained over 150 people through its asset projects.

He said that under the Train 7 Project’s Human Capital Development programme, more than 400 Nigerians were undergoing training, including 140 in plant maintenance and 200 community youths preparing for future operations.

Uleh further noted that NLNG’s CSR programmes continued to prioritise education as a driver of national development by awarding scholarships to students at post-primary and undergraduate levels.

“The company is also supporting postgraduate studies abroad in highly technical fields critical to Nigeria’s growth. NLNG’s contributions align with national development goals and sustainability priorities,” he said.

According to him, the company’s efforts reflect its vision of being a globally competitive energy company, inspiring a sustainable future.

Since inception, the OGTAN HCD Awards have celebrated organisations and individuals making measurable and impactful contributions to human capital development.

By Desmond Ejibas

Group cleans Plateau dam to tackle plastic pollution

Michael Simire
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Group cleans Plateau dam to tackle plastic pollution

Shelton Climate Awareness Initiative (SCAI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in collaboration with the Global Plastic Action Partnership, has embarked on a clean-up exercise at the Liberty Water Dam in Jos, Plateau State.

The founder of the NGO, Mrs. Lara Eseyin, said on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Jos that the aim of the exercise was to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution and conserve biodiversity.

Plastic pollution
Plastic pollution

Eseyin stated that the exercise was also to ensure that the water, which served as a raw material for the Jos Water Services Corporation (JWSC), was safe from plastic pollutants.

The founder further said that besides cleaning the environment, the organisation had also embarked on creating awareness and behavioural change campaigns about plastic menace in the environment.

She said that the general public was being educated on what could be done to reduce and recycle the plastics if necessary.

According to her, 100 recycling bins had been distributed in various communities in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Similarly, Mr. Frank Eseyin, the NGO’s Director of Operations, said the exercise would be sustained and carried out every quarter of the year.

In his remarks, Mr. Apollos Samchi, JWSC Managing Director (MD), commended the NGO for its initiative in cleaning the environment, particularly the Liberty Dam environment.

Samchi said that the Liberty Dam, which served as one of the corporation’s sources of raw water supply, was one of the most endangered dams due to human activities such as mining, farming and encroachment by block-making industries.

According to him, the state government had spent ₦1.2 billion in 2025 on the purchase of water treatment chemicals to ensure residents had access to potable water.

He noted that the rising cost of treatment was largely due to human activities such as farming, illegal mining, and the indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste around the dam.

The MD, therefore, urged residents to take environmental protection seriously, stressing that preserving water sources was critical for sustainable development.

The plastic cleanup exercise was also carried out at Jos Wildlife Park, Maiadiko Market, and the Abbattoir Market.

Community members were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices such as recycling, reusing, and reducing single-use plastics.

By Blessing Odega

Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation to 80th UNGA in New York

Michael Simire
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Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation to 80th UNGA in New York

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), holding in New York, United States of America. He departed Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Sunday in Abuja.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima
Vice-President Kashim Shettima

The session will hold from Monday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nkwocha said: “Shettima is scheduled to join other leaders at the global event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations slated for Monday, Sept. 22 at the UN headquarters in New York.

“The Vice-President will also join other dignitaries at the high-level general debates from Tuesday, Sept. 23 to Sunday 28.”

Nkwocha also said that, on behalf of President Tinubu, Shettima would also deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, Sept. 24, between 3:00p.m. and 9:00p.m., New York time.

“Besides, the Vice-President will attend a special event on Climate for Heads of State and Government to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 2p.m. to 6p.m.

“Nigeria is expected to announce its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement,” he said.

Nkwocha also said Shettima was slated to attend the high-level roundtable of the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing to be hosted by the President of Kenya on Sept. 24 and attend to other bilateral meetings and events.

He disclosed that, after attending UNGA, the Vice-President would leave for Frankfurt, Germany, to meet with officials of the Deutche Bank before returning to Nigeria.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Govt unveils National Energy Master Plan implementation committee

Michael Simire
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Govt unveils National Energy Master Plan implementation committee

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has inaugurated the National Energy Master Plan Implementation Committee (NEMiC) in a major step towards repositioning Nigeria’s energy sector.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, September 20, 2025, by Dr Robert Ngwu, the Minister’s Senior Special Adviser.

National Energy Master Plan
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; and Mr. Nurudeen Yakubu, Group CEO, Nor Group Ltd.

He quoted the minister as tasking the committee with the responsibility of spearheading the country’s transition to a cleaner, more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

The inauguration marked the beginning of the full implementation phase of the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP).

Nnaji said the committee should deliver real impact to households, industries, and communities nationwide.

“The National Energy Masterplan is not just a document; it is a blueprint for transforming our energy landscape. NEMiC must fast-track the deployment of energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly.

“The work you do will directly influence Nigeria’s economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability,” the minister said.

Nnaji expressed optimism that the committee would deliver on the assignment.

“The decisions and actions taken by this Committee will define Nigeria’s energy trajectory for decades to come.

“This is a responsibility of the highest order, and I am confident NEMiC has the capacity, the vision, and the commitment to rise to the occasion,” he said.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), on behalf of members of the committee formally submitted the implementation roadmap to the Minister.

Stakeholders say the inauguration of NEMiC represents a bold, strategic move to accelerate universal energy access, drive industrialisation, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in clean energy development.

Present at the event were Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Managing Director, Presidential CNG Initiative; and Jide Awolowo, Investments Facilitation Coordinator of the Initiative.

Top executives from global power and engineering companies such as Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, China Machinery Engineering Co. (CMEC), Power China International Group, and Energy China were also in attendance.

Amb. Abaka Johnson Philbert, alongside representatives of international development organisations, including UNIDO and UNDP, attended the event, among others.

NEMP is a comprehensive framework designed to guide Nigeria’s energy diversification, strengthen energy security and align national development with global climate action goals.

Constituted on Oct. 17, 2024, by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), NEMiC is tasked with mobilising funding and investing in renewable energy infrastructure.

It is also has the responsibility of accelerating the deployment of technologies that expand access to reliable and affordable power.

The committee would oversee projects across solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and other emerging technologies.

It would do that while also advancing the operationalisation of the National Energy Fund meant to channel resources into domestic energy efficiency and infrastructure projects.

It is estimated that over 80 million Nigerians lacking reliable electricity and more than 90 per cent of households depending on biomass for cooking.

Stakeholders, therefore, say that the Master Plan offers an opportunity to close the long-standing gaps while unlocking new economic frontiers.

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

UN High Seas Treaty ratified, to take effect in early 2026

Michael Simire
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UN High Seas Treaty ratified, to take effect in early 2026

The high seas will soon have their own Conference of the Parties (COP) as a new body tasked with implementing ocean related agreements is set to enter into force in early 2026, after a legally required 120-day period.

Indeed, a landmark UN treaty to safeguard marine biodiversity on the high seas has now met the required 60 ratifications for entry into force, clearing the way for it to take effect in January 2026.

manatee
Aquatic bushmeat: The West African manatee. Manatees are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows.

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the United Nations received the final two state ratifications needed for the agreement, known as the High Seas Treaty, to take effect, as it required formal acceptance by 60 countries. Morocco and Sierra Leone were the latest to join, becoming the 60th and 61st parties to the pact.

This comes as the end of a lengthy process: The agreement was finalised in 2023, after it had been negotiated over the course of two decades. Its quick entry into force, despite a turbulent international context, particularly due to the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, represents a victory for environmental multilateralism and a success for President Emmanuel Macron.

French diplomatic efforts contributed to accelerating the pace of ratifications, though the president had hoped the 60-ratification threshold would be met as early as June.

The treaty, formally known as the “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction” (BBNJ agreement), was adopted by UN Member States in June 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations.

A historic achievement

Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the development, calling it a “historic achievement for the ocean and for multilateralism.”

“In two years, States have turned commitment into action – proving what is possible when nations unite for the common good,” he said in a statement.

“As we confront the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this agreement is a lifeline for the ocean and humanity.”

The pact – also called the “high seas treaty” – covers two-thirds of the world’s ocean area that lies beyond national boundaries.

It establishes legally binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, share benefits from marine genetic resources more fairly, create protected areas, and strengthen scientific cooperation and capacity building.

Foundation of our existence

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, Inger Andersen, also hailed the milestone.

“Our ocean is the foundation of our very existence. Today we took an important step forward to save our ocean, and to save our future,” she said in a post on social media.

Safeguarding humanity’s future

The BBNJ agreement builds on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, regarded as the “constitution for the oceans.”

Once the high seas treaty enters into force on January 17, 2026, it will provide a global framework to help achieve international biodiversity targets, including the pledge to protect 30 per cent of land and sea areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Mr. Guterres urged all remaining UN Member States to join the treaty without delay and called on partners to support its swift and full implementation.

“The ocean’s health is humanity’s health,” he said.

In a reaction, Nina Mikander, Global Director of Policy and Business at BirdLife International, said: “Today marks a historic achievement for the ocean – with 60 ratifications, the High Seas Treaty will now come into force. This demonstrates global commitment for the protection of this shared ecosystem, which is so vital for our existence. The real work starts now.

“At BirdLife International, we stand ready to provide the science, tools and local-to-global action needed to build and implement a strong and effective High Seas Treaty. We call on governments and all stakeholders to join us in turning this promise into lasting protection for birds, the ocean and all life it sustains.”

Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior oceans campaigner, said: “This is a bold testament to what humanity can accomplish when we come together to protect the planet we all share. But while nations around the world celebrate this environmental breakthrough, the UK is chasing the leading group of ratifying countries. The ocean is in urgent peril – along with its rich wildlife and the coastal communities that depend on it.

“It is more vital than ever that the UK signs the Treaty into law by the end of the year and doesn’t risk missing the first Ocean COP. The government can then show global leadership by putting forward ambitious proposals to fully protect huge areas of the ocean such as 30% of the Atlantic, including the Sargasso Sea.”

Mads Christensen, Executive Director, Greenpeace International, said: “This is a landmark moment for protecting the ocean, and proof that countries can come together to protect our blue planet. The era of exploitation and destruction must end, and the Global Ocean Treaty is the tool to make that happen. But we must not get complacent.

“Scientists are clear that we need to protect at least 30% of our ocean by 2030, and time is running out. Governments around the world must use this time now to ensure the first historic Ocean COP becomes a turning point and start to develop plans for the first-ever sanctuaries under the Treaty. Our ocean can’t wait and neither can we.”

United Nations General Assembly set to get underway in New York

Michael Simire
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United Nations General Assembly set to get underway in New York

Every September, world leaders, diplomats, and advocates gather for the United Nations General Assembly – one of the most important moments on the global diplomatic calendar.

Next week, UN Headquarters in New York will once again host critical debates and discussions on some of the world’s most pressing issues: from peace and security to climate action, sustainable development, and human rights.

UNGA
United Nations General Assembly Hall. Photo credit: UN Photo

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) opened on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The high-level General Debate will run from September 23 to 27 and conclude on September 29, 2025. The SDG Moment will be held on September 22 to highlight inspiring action on the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the UN turns 80, this year’s General Assembly is said to be a reminder of how eight decades of global cooperation have improved lives around the world.

Since 1945, the United Nations has worked to prevent conflict, deliver humanitarian aid, defend human rights, promote development, and much more. From eradicating smallpox to delivering lifesaving aid in crises, the UN has helped people everywhere build safer, healthier, and more hopeful lives.

Ahead of this year’s Assembly, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that people around the world are calling for answers and action. 

“Our times demand more than posturing and promises. They demand that leaders make progress and follow through.”

Calling on leaders to “get serious and deliver,” the Secretary-General urged: “Let this be a week of solutions.”

UN pressing ahead for better world amid global crises — Guterres

Michael Simire
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UN pressing ahead for better world amid global crises — Guterres

The UN is pressing ahead with a mission for a better world during a year of escalating global turmoil, including widening wars, economic hardship and relentless advance of  climate crisis.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated this in his annual report released on Thursday, September 18, 2025, ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly’s yearly high-level session.

António Guterres
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

“The present report demonstrates that despite enormously trying times – indeed, precisely because of them – we can and must keep pushing for the better world that we know is within reach.

“We will renew our efforts to achieve peace, foster sustainable development and defend and uphold human rights, for all of humanity,” Guterres said.

“By addressing the pressing issues of our time, the United Nations is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future, ensuring that digital technologies are harnessed for the benefit of all humanity,” he said.

The UN chief also said the United Nations has held its ground, working to promote peace, drive sustainable development and ease human suffering.

The report offers a sobering yet resolute account of the UN’s efforts in the face of mounting challenges, he said.

Guterres highlighted the resilience of UN personnel, committed to delivering hope and help to those in need in spite of operating under difficult circumstances.

Together with partners, the report said the UN coordinated a $50 billion appeal for the humanitarian needs of 198 million people.

“In 2024, the United Nations helped to mobilise $25 billion of the $50 billion funding target.

“This enabled life-saving humanitarian assistance to reach 116 million people in urgent need across 77 countries and territories,” Guterres said.

At the same time, UN operations in 2024 came at a heartbreaking human cost.

It was the deadliest year on record for UN staff and humanitarian workers, with 373 aid workers killed.

In launching the report, the Secretary-General paid tribute to their sacrifice, reaffirming the UN’s unwavering commitment to standing with the world’s most vulnerable.

Guterres stressed that diplomacy for peace remained core to the UN’s work amid escalating global challenges to peace and security.

In spite of rising threats, he said the UN’s diplomatic efforts continued to protect hundreds of thousands of civilians daily and advance peace processes.

The UN facilitated peace talks, supported state-building efforts and helped to protect civilians globally, including in the Sudan.

The Peacebuilding Fund allocated over $116 million to support national peace plans in 32 countries and territories, with a focus on gender equality.

Partnerships with regional organisations, like the African Union, further bolstered conflict prevention.

The 2024 Summit of the Future marked a historic turning point for multilateralism.

World leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, a landmark agreement to revitalise international cooperation and deliver solutions for people and planet.

The summit also commits to more representative and effective global governance, including reforms to the Security Council and greater voice for developing countries.

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

African entrepreneurs win $400,000 in catalytic funding to tackle poverty

Michael Simire
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African entrepreneurs win $400,000 in catalytic funding to tackle poverty

African startups have been awarded a total of $400,000 through the 2025 FINCA Ventures Prize Competition, a flagship initiative of FINCA Ventures. This year’s competition attracted more than 300 applicants from across the continent, with six startups advancing to the final round to compete for catalytic funding to accelerate their impact.

“African entrepreneurs are designing bold, locally grounded solutions to complex challenges,” said Andrée Simon, Global CEO of FINCA. “They deserve support that matches their ambition: resources that accelerate growth, open doors, and amplify their impact.”

FINCA Ventures
2025 FINCA Ventures Prize winners

The 2025 FINCA Ventures Prize Competition accepted applications in two categories: climate-smart agriculture and fintech for financial inclusion. First-place winners in each category – Esther Kimani, founder of Farmer Lifeline Technologies, and Foluso Ojo, founder of truQ – received $100,000 in catalytic funding, while second- and third-place winners received $60,000 and $40,000, respectively.

A Platform for Innovation and Impact

The six finalists – five of which are founded or co-founded by women – pitched their businesses to an esteemed panel of judges at a virtual livestream event on September 15, and the winners were announced at an award celebration in San Francisco on September 16, 2025.

The judging panel represented a diverse cross-section of impact investing, venture capital, fintech, and climate innovation, including leaders such as FINCA International Board Chair David Weisman, FINCA UK Board Member Alex Yew, Christopher Gilkerson of RiAdvantage Consulting, FINCA Ventures Investment Committee Member Tahira Dosani of ResilienceVC, and Rob Trice of Better Food Ventures and The Mixing Bowl, among others.

In addition to catalytic funding, finalists also benefit from expert feedback, strategic introductions, and a platform to elevate their work – support that can be as transformative as the seed money itself. “This is about building an ecosystem that works for African entrepreneurs, by investing in them, but also by connecting them to global networks, mentorship, and opportunity,” said Winnie Mwangi, Managing Director of FINCA Ventures.

To Ojo, whose digital platform connects small-scale transporters to credit, operational tools, and better-paying jobs, winning the FINCA Ventures Prize is a critical vote of confidence. “Getting this kind of support from FINCA goes a very long way – not just as a personal validation of the problems that we’re solving and the solution that we’re providing, but also as a major booster to enable us to make our product and services available to more people,” she said.

Kimani, whose company uses solar-powered devices and AI to detect crop pests and diseases before they spread, underscored the importance of early-stage investment. “With the backing we’re receiving from FINCA, we are so excited,” she said. “This kind of patient capital allows us to invest in research and development, launch into new markets, and even have the right team on board as we look forward to scaling.”

Second-place winners include Silo Africa co-founder Eliud Rugut in climate-smart agriculture and Cladfy co-founders Ebby Gatamu and Kibe John in fintech for financial inclusion. Third-place awards went to Karpolax co-founder Samuel Muyita in climate-smart agriculture and 10mg Health founder Christian Nwachukwu in fintech for financial inclusion.

A Critical Moment for African Innovators

The 2025 FINCA Ventures Prize comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s startup ecosystem, which has faced a sharp decline in venture capital – with funding down more than 50% and under 10% of investment reaching women-led teams in 2024. By providing early-stage, risk-tolerant funding and global visibility, the Prize aims to close this gap and catalyse solutions for the communities most affected by poverty, climate change, and financial exclusion.

“There is a very young, dynamic population in Africa, full of creativity and entrepreneurship,” Simon said. “We need to shine a spotlight on these opportunities and attract investors who are interested in innovation, in social change, and in building a more prosperous world.”

NAF strikes on illegal refineries boosted oil output to 1.71mbpd, says Commander

Michael Simire
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0
NAF strikes on illegal refineries boosted oil output to 1.71mbpd, says Commander

Sustained air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on illegal refineries have significantly boosted Nigeria’s oil output to 1.71 million barrels per day in the Niger Delta.

The Commander, Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (AC OPDS), Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye, made this known during a periodic brief at the NAF Headquarters on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Abuja.

NAF
A NAF combat helicopter

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information of NAF, Sir Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Opeleye said that daily sorties were choking oil theft networks across seven Niger Delta states following the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.

He explained that the operations neutralised 12 criminals, arrested six suspects, destroyed illegal refining camps, and eliminated cooking tanks and reservoirs.

“Between May and August, our platforms flew sustained ISR, armed reconnaissance and pipeline patrol missions across Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

“Each mission not only degraded criminal capacity but also reinforced deterrence, making sabotage riskier and less profitable,” he said.

Opaleye noted that the security gains were translating into improved oil output.

“In July 2025, total production averaged 1.71 million barrels per day, including condensates, while crude oil alone stood at 1.51 million barrels per day,” he added.

In his brief, the Chief of Training and Operations (NAF), AVM Francis Edosa, said the unit executed 117 missions, 189 sorties and 192 flight hours from May to July.

Edosa added that the operations consumed more than 60,000 litres of Jet A-1 fuel and destroyed 25 cooking tanks, 11 reservoirs and three drums used in illegal refining.

“These actions prove that intelligence-driven air operations deliver both security and economic dividends,” Edosa said.

He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to sustain the tempo towards stabilising the Niger Delta, safeguarding oil revenues, and ensuring Nigeria’s skies stay hostile to saboteurs but safe for legitimate operators.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

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