Activists from the #StopEACOP coalition in Tanzania on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, delivered a letter to the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Dar es Salaam wherein they expressed concern over the bank’s decision to support the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
StopEACOP campaigners
The environment and climate change activists also condemned the arrest of 11 activists from Uganda who were arrested at KCB Uganda on April 23 and remain in prison until a bail hearing scheduled for May 27. The 11 activists were reportedly lured to the basement of the building by a KCB Bank Uganda official, where they were arrested by the police.
“We thank our Tanzanian comrades for standing with us. These arrests reveal a dangerous pattern of banks colluding with state forces to criminalise dissent. We call on commercial bank regulators to investigate KCB Uganda’s role in this abuse. Financial institutions cannot be allowed to undermine human rights with impunity,” said Brian Atuheire, with AIFE Uganda.
The formal letter presented to KCB Tanzania draws the contradiction in the bank’s involvement in the EACOP pipeline and their own sustainability policies, including their commitment to fund projects that protect communities’ environments. The letter points out that the pipeline will go through the Lake Victoria basin, and it poses a risk to the more than 40 million East Africans who depend on the lake.
“KCB’s hypocrisy is staggering. On one hand, they tout commitments to sustainability and community welfare; on the other, they bankroll a project that devastates ecosystems and silences dissent. ESG principles aren’t just PR tools—they’re legal and moral obligations. KCB must choose: Will it be a leader in ethical banking or a poster child for greenwashing?” said Richard Senkondo, of the Organisation for Community Engagement (OCE), Tanzania.
The letter highlights that more than 40 major international banks have either publicly distanced themselves from EACOP or adopted policies preventing their involvement in similar projects, indicating a global financial shift away from fossil fuel investments.
Banks like KCB are playing with fire. Over 40 global financiers have already rejected EACOP due to its risks, yet KCB insists on tying its reputation to this sinking ship. The arrests in Uganda expose the brutal lengths banks will go to suppress accountability. The financial sector is gambling with our future by propping up fossil fuels at the expense of our people and planet. The entire sector should be reassessed for the role it could and should play in the future we want to build,” said Zaki Mamdoo, the StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator.
Microplastics are not just an environmental issue –they are a planetary emergency, according to Bengt Rittri, Swedish ecopreneur and founder of Bluewater, a firm specialising in clean drinking water and beverage solutions.
Microplastics
His warning follows a landmark study published in Nature that warned microplastics are now so deeply embedded in the ocean’s structure that they alter the Earth’s fundamental biogeochemical processes.
The international study, which rigorously analysed data from 1,885 ocean stations between 2014 and 2024 using state-of-the-art sampling and analysis techniques, found microplastic particles – ranging in size from 1 to 100 micrometers – permeating the entire water column, from the surface to depths of over 6,800 meters. Concentrations exceeded 13,500 particles per cubic meter in the Mariana Trench and averaged 2,200 particles per cubic meter in the upper 200 meters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers documented that plastic debris, particularly buoyant polymers and dense materials like PET, now contributes ‘allochthonous carbon’ to marine ecosystems. This term refers to carbon that originates from outside the ecosystem, in this case, from the breakdown of plastic. This artificial carbon presence not only distorts carbon dating by up to 420 years but also threatens key biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification, which are essential for maintaining marine life and regulating the climate.
Rittri emphasised: “It is painfully clear that we’ve allowed plastic pollution to compromise the planet’s life-support systems. This is not just about litter or aesthetics but protecting the integrity of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. Microplastics are a planetary emergency.
“Every action matter and every single-use plastic bottle not used is a step toward restoring planetary health. As a purpose-driven company, we call on global leaders, businesses, and citizens to act now to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and support sustainable water solutions.”
Algeria is set to host Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s (ShafDB) 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Housing Symposium in July 2025, the Bank has disclosed.
Algiers, Algeria is hosting the Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s (ShafDB) 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Housing Symposium in July 2025
The high-level event, set to take place in Algiers from July 15 to 17 in Algiers, will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and development finance leaders to discuss strategies for advancing affordable housing and sustainable urban development across Africa.
The AGM, which will convene under the theme: “Housing Sector Financial Sustainability Amid Global Turbulence: Opportunities and Challenges”,brings together Ministers of Housing and Finance from member States, shareholders, central banks, mayors, private developers, investors, and development finance partners to explore ways of transforming the promise of urban Africa into tangible, inclusive progress.
The meeting will provide a platform to review ShafDB’s performance, assess progress in its strategic initiatives, and formulate policies that will shape the institution’s role in addressing Africa’s housing and infrastructure challenges.
Speaking about the upcoming AGM, Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s Managing Director & CEO, Thierno-Habib Hann, expressed his enthusiasm about the selection of Algeria as the host country.
“We appreciate our member countries for their continued commitment to affordable housing and urban development across Africa. Algeria’s role in hosting the Extraordinary General Meeting in 2023 – where Shelter Afrique was transformed into a Development Bank – and now the 44th AGM in Algiers, reflects the collective momentum and shared vision of our members. We look forward to collaborating with all our partners and stakeholders to advance impactful housing initiatives and drive inclusive economic growth across the continent,” Mr. Hann said.
Key agenda for the AGM will include discussions on capital mobilisation, innovative financing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships to accelerate housing delivery.
Additionally, the meeting will feature ministerial roundtables and high-level policy dialogues; plenary sessions to explore urban resilience, local solutions to housing challenges; technical forums, exhibitions and investment showcases, and networking sessions aimed at fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.
“As Africa continues to face a growing demand for affordable housing, Shelter Afrique Development Bank remains committed to championing solutions that enhance urban resilience, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth. The 44th AGM in Algiers is expected to yield critical resolutions that will guide the institution’s strategic direction in the years ahead,” Mr. Hann quipped.
Established in 1981 in Lusaka, Zambia, Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is a Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing sustainable green housing, urban development and related infrastructure. It operates through a shareholding of 44 African governments and two institutional shareholders: African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).
The institution is involved in financing housing and related infrastructure across the value chain, both on the demand and supply sides, through its four business lines: Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).
In what appears to be a bold move to bolster youth-led innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has awarded grants to 18 outstanding graduates from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the University of Ilorin, and the University of Ibadan as part of its 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP).
Grant award ceremony in one of the beneficiary universities
The initiative, which aims to drive food security, sustainability, and youth empowerment through agribusiness, saw the selection of visionary business spanning diverse agricultural value chains, from cassava cultivation and poultry production to silviculture, beekeeping, and tomato farming. Each recipient received ₦1.5 million in seed funding, mentorship, and technical support to launch and scale their agribusiness ventures.
At FUNAAB, the ceremony was held at the Green Chamber of the University Senate Building, celebrating winners like Habeebullahi Tijani (cassava), Ajibade Patience (poultry egg production), and Oke Michael (broilers and value addition), among others. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, expressed appreciation for BATN Foundation’s consistent investment in building job creators through agriculture.
Similarly, at the University of Ilorin, six graduates: Abdulahi Ayomide (Sorghum cultivation), Aliu Abdulbasit Olamilekan (Sweet corm farming), Uthman Oladipo (Poultry farming), Olorunmaiye Cynthia (Broiler production), Iliyas Elijah Danladi (Broiler production), and John Olumide Adeyemi (Vegetable farming) emerged winners following a highly competitive pitch process. The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), and other top university officials who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering solution-oriented graduates.
The University of Ibadan’s edition of the ceremony, held at the Faculty of Agriculture, celebrated six innovative businesses including fish farming, livestock rearing, and a sustainable beekeeping initiative. Winners such as Akintayo Akintunde (Apiary farming) and Khadeejah Owolabi (Meat processing) were praised for their originality and sustainability-driven focus.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Mr Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATN Foundation, stated: “These young agripreneurs are a shining example of what’s possible when youth are given the right tools and support. At BATN Foundation, we are not just funding projects; we are investing in a future where agriculture becomes a vibrant space for youth innovation and economic transformation.
“The Graduate Agripreneur Programme exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent, driving food security, and supporting Nigeria’s broader development goals. We believe these graduates will not only build thriving agribusinesses but will also inspire a new wave of agricultural revolution led by young Nigerians.”
Through its continued collaboration with academic institutions and other stakeholders, BATN Foundation is reinforcing its vision of a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. The 2025 GAP cohort serves as a testament to the boundless potential of Nigerian youth and the transformative power of strategic investment in human capital.
Africa’s top clean energy trailblazers have been crowned in the first Africa Energy Entrepreneurship Award, launched by Octopus Energy and the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Africa Council.
Photo shows award winners Nimsy Agro Solar Concept. From left to right: Ibrahim Ishaya (Co-founder and Head of Operations), Rachel Wada (Customer Care Officer), Onimisi Charles Atere (Founder and Team Lead), Eneye Aiyede (Account Intern), and Polycarp Katung (Finance Manager).
More than 50 early-stage businesses from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe entered the award programme, on a mission to solve some of the continent’s biggest energy challenges.
Nigerian start-up Nimsy Agro Solar Concept took the top prize, planting the seeds of a farming revolution. Launched in 2018, their solar-powered irrigation pumps have helped over 5,000 smallholder farmers swap costly diesel for free sunshine, putting money back into communities’ pockets.
With bold plans to reach half a million farmers by 2030, Nimsy’s work comes at a crucial time as Africa faces growing climate pressures — from rising sea levels to flooding, drought and famine*.
Onimisi Charles Atere, Founder of Nimsy Agro Solar Concep,t said: “Winning this award is an incredible moment – a validation of the hard work that’s gone into building the business. It has unlocked exciting opportunities like being nominated to apply for the Earthshot Prize and resources to scale our innovations to reach more farmers while creating rural jobs. A huge thank you to Octopus Energy, the SMI, and everyone who’s supported us – the future of solar-powered agriculture is bright!”
Two runners-up also made their mark: PAM AI uses artificial intelligence to optimise mini-grid energy, making it smarter, more efficient, and affordable for businesses and communities. KAMIM Technologies develops solar-powered cooling systems, helping farmers keep their harvests fresh longer and slash food waste in underserved communities.
The winners received grant funding, expert mentoring and on-the-ground support to supercharge their impact across the continent.
Africa is fast becoming a clean energy powerhouse, with a surge in entrepreneurship driving rapid growth in abundant solar, wind and off-grid energy. Having already created over 320,000 jobs; the sector is set to unlock another three million by 2030 – boosting energy access across the continent.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation and member of the SMI Africa Council, said: “Launching the SMI Africa Council’s first Energy Entrepreneurship Award is an incredible honour. Africa is full of brilliant minds tackling energy challenges with creativity and ambition, unlocking a resilient and affordable energy for communities. We were blown away by the level of applications for this award and hope it’s created a valuable springboard to support entrepreneurs as they continue to scale their businesses. ”
Dr. Hubert Danso, CEO of Africa Investor Group and Co-Chair of the SMI Africa Council, stated, “The SMI Africa Council’s Energy Entrepreneurship Award, in partnership with Octopus Energy Generation, is a bold initiative to nurture and celebrate Africa’s future energy leaders. Their innovations will drive green industrialization, transform the continent into a global hub for green technology manufacturing, and unlock an era of affordable, constant clean energy. Their success is not only Africa’s but the world’s.”
The potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform Nigeria’s built environment is shown in a new global survey, which finds adoption of the technology in the sector is outpacing other countries.
AI enhanced city planning
Embracing AI: Reshaping Today’s Cities and Built Environmentexamines attitudes and adoption of AI by those shaping our cities across 10 countries – Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
The survey, commissioned by global sustainable development consultancy Arup, asked engineers, architects, city planners, and digital leaders in the built environment how they are using AI. The research found that almost half (46%) of professionals across Nigeria’s built environment sector are using AI every day in one way or the other. They reported using specific AI tools for city and infrastructure design far beyond chatbots and large language models like ChatGPT.
These tools include large scale simulations, evolutionary algorithms, and science-based AI. Design work, project management, and supporting better decision making are the most popular uses for the technology in the country.
The survey found overwhelmingly positive attitudes towards AI with almost 83% of Nigerian respondents seeing it as an opportunity. Only 7% see it as a risk to jobs.
Many respondents believe AI can help projects be delivered on time and on budget, while also helping to tackle the climate and nature crises – citing solutions such as waste reduction, developing sustainable materials, and optimising renewable energy.
The vast majority of professionals in Nigeria (93%) believe it is important to have ethical guidelines for AI in the built environment. More than half (55%) also have apprehension about the dominance of global tech companies in AI development.
Arup commissioned the research to show how AI is already changing the way cities and infrastructure are designed. The firm is calling for increased focus on developing AI tools that can help decarbonise the sector and restore nature, while delivering resilient infrastructure for a growing global population. In 2024 there was $252 billion of corporate investment in AI.
Arup AI experts argue if just 10% of this investment was used to design AI for major challenges in the built environment, it could help radically transform the sector and improve people’s lives.
Tom Wilcock, Digital Services Leader for the UK, India, and Middle East at Arup, commented: “This survey shows the scale and pace of AI adoption for the design of cities and infrastructure in Nigeria has been impressive, outpacing many countries around the world. But we need to make sure the technology delivers the sustainable and inclusive infrastructure – from sustainability to growth that meet’s people’s needs.
“For AI to have the biggest impact we need to embrace new approaches in industries that are often risk averse, with deeper collaboration on technology development and data sharing.”
A fresh wave of confrontation appears to be brewing in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, as the Dangote Refinery, a flagship $20 billion investment by Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, finds itself at odds with some oil marketers.
Dangote Refinery
At the heart of the dispute lies a struggle for dominance, pricing power, and market control – issues that industry players warn could reshape the nation’s energy landscape.
Alhaji Dangote recently raised alarm over what he described as “entrenched interests” and “oil cabals” attempting to sabotage his 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos. Speaking at an investor forum in Lagos, the industrialist expressed concern over continued resistance to locally refined fuel, despite increased production from his facility.
“We are fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 per cent sure I will win at the end of the day,” Dangote declared.
He accused certain international oil companies of withholding crude supply from the refinery, in violation of the country’s domestic crude allocation policy. Additionally, he alleged that regulators were granting import licenses to marketers for substandard petroleum products, further undermining local refining efforts.
“In a system where, for 35 years, people are used to counting good money, and all of a sudden, they see that the days of counting that money have come to an end, you don’t expect them to pray for you,” Dangote said. “Of course, you expect them to fight back.”
The billionaire businessman noted that those resisting the refinery’s survival are individuals who profited from decades of subsidised fuel importation. He later clarified that his criticism was not directed at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), but rather at private marketers and traders who had become accustomed to windfall profits from fuel imports.
Scepticism from Marketers Amid Rising Imports
Despite the refinery’s increased output, recent data suggests that many marketers have continued to rely on foreign supply. Between March 1 and May 9, 2025, importers brought in 2.57 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, according to vessel movement data from Blue Sea Maritime.
Specifically, 755.7 million litres were imported in March, 1.47 billion litres in April, and 331.3 million litres in just the first 10 days of May. At an average landing cost of N948 per litre, this represents a staggering N2.42 trillion spent on imports during the 70-day period.
This reliance on imported fuel persists despite substantial improvements in local refining capacity, raising questions about the motivations of the marketers.
Dangote’s concerns are not new. As far back as 2024, he voiced frustration over alleged sabotage, and at one point reportedly stated that he regretted building the refinery due to resistance from powerful interests.
Regulatory and Legal Challenges
In response to the ongoing challenges, Dangote Refinery initiated legal action against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), seeking to halt the issuance of import licenses to fuel marketers. The case is currently pending before a federal high court.
This legal maneuver has further intensified tensions within the sector, with marketers accusing the refinery of attempting to dominate the market through the courts rather than through open competition.
Mixed Reactions from Industry Players
Reactions to Dangote’s claims have been mixed across the industry. While some stakeholders express solidarity with the refinery’s mission to end Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports, others have voiced concerns about what they see as an emerging monopoly.
Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), called for a balanced approach.
“There should be no form of discord in the downstream sector over the source of petroleum product purchase,” he said. “Let Dangote refine with naira-for-crude, and let others operate freely. There will always be competition in business, but it should be healthy.”
Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), also acknowledged the competitive pressure posed by Dangote’s operation but encouraged resilience.
“Every businessman wants to survive. If you are doing well, others will naturally push back. But we support Dangote because he’s helping Nigerians. Even though price slashes sometimes hurt our margins, it’s part of business,” Ukadike said.
DAPPMAN Raises Monopoly Concerns
On the other end of the spectrum, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) expressed strong reservations about the refinery’s growing influence.
Speaking on a TVC programme, DAPPMAN Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, rejected Dangote’s “oil cabal” narrative, insisting that the industry was made up of stakeholders with legitimate business interests.
“There is no cabal in the downstream sector,” Adewole said. “But yes, there are vested interests. Our members have invested billions over the years to keep fuel flowing when no one else could. They deserve fair returns.”
He warned of the dangers of allowing a single refinery to dictate market trends, stressing that Dangote’s current operational model excluded bulk depot owners from purchasing products on fair terms.
“Dangote Refinery prefers a selective approach. We have depots in Calabar, Port Harcourt and other cities ready to buy in bulk – 10,000, 15,000 metric tons – but access is restricted. That is not how a fair market should function,” Adewole stated.
He also lamented that price changes made after products had been dispatched had forced marketers into losses.
“We didn’t come out to make noise. But many of us have absorbed massive losses due to sudden price reductions after dispatch,” he said.
Refinery Output Improving, Imports Dropping
Despite the tensions, recent figures suggest that Dangote Refinery is gradually altering the dynamics of fuel supply in Nigeria. According to NMDPRA data, daily imports of petrol fell from 44.6 million litres in August 2024 to just 14.7 million litres as of April 13, 2025 – a 67% decline.
The reduction is attributed not only to Dangote’s increased output, but also to resumed activity at the Port Harcourt refinery and several modular refineries. The NNPCL, which was once the largest importer, has significantly scaled back its foreign purchases, preferring to source locally.
While this shift is seen as progress toward self-sufficiency, DAPPMAN maintains that it is too soon to eliminate fuel importation entirely.
“Stopping imports now would be chaotic. We still have demand the refinery alone cannot meet. Let’s adopt a phased transition strategy,” Adewole advised.
He emphasised that operations at private depots continue to bear the brunt of fuel distribution in the country, despite challenges in logistics and financing.
“Depot operations are tough. Equipment is ageing. Capital costs are high. To import 20,000 metric tons, a marketer needs exposure of over N20 billion, often bank-funded at high interest rates,” Adewole said.
A Sector at a Crossroads
Industry analysts warn that the current standoff between the Dangote Refinery and other players could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.
While Dangote’s investment promises a transformative leap toward refining self-sufficiency, the fears of monopolistic practices, regulatory bottlenecks, and exclusionary trade models continue to stoke anxiety among stakeholders.
As the court deliberates on the legality of current regulatory actions and as marketers weigh the financial and logistical implications of shifting from imports to local sourcing, the next few months could prove decisive for the downstream oil sector.
For now, one thing is certain: the fight for control of Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain is far from over.
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed condolences on the death of a former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), saying the state has lost a great son.
The late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade
The late Captain Olubolade, also a former Minister of Police Affairs and a governorship aspirant in the state, died on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 70.
Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, rued the demise of the former Minister of Police Affairs, saying: “Ekiti has lost a great son who made indelible impact in his military career, public service and in politics.”
He described Olubolade’s death as a huge loss not only to Ekiti, his home state, but to Nigeria, a country he served during his stellar military career, and as a distinguished politician and public servant.
The governor noted that the late Navy Captain’s legacies will forever be remembered in Bayelsa State, where he helped lay a solid foundation for the development of the South South state and also at the federal level where he served as a Minister in three different ministries.
According to Oyebanji, Olubolade shone like a glittering star as Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Minister of Special Duties and later as Minister of Police Affairs during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He noted that the deceased’s foray into politics after his retirement from the military was borne out of his desire to serve and contribute to the development of Ekiti State, where he ran for the governorship position on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), and later Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor described the deceased as an apostle of politics without bitterness, who believed in the Ekiti project and worked assiduously with other patriots for the development of the state.
He prayed to God to grant the immediate family, friends and associates of the deceased, the people of Ipoti Ekiti, as well as the entire people of the State the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Oyebanji said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I express condolences to the children, members of the immediate and extended families of the late Navy Captain Olubolade on the demise of this illustrious Ekiti leader and pray that God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the departed eternal rest.”
The first daughter of the late Olubolade, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo, is married to the Publisher of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, who is a member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
The Lagos State Government says it has delivered 9,970 homes in the past six years as part of ongoing efforts to tackle housing deficit and make home ownership more accessible to residents.
Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, at the Ministerial Press Briefing
The state Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, made this known on Tuesday, May 13, during the Lagos State 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.
The event is part of activities marking the second year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Akinderu-Fatai said the administration was determined to ensure that more people, especially low- and middle-income earners, would have access to decent and affordable housing.
“We have commissioned and handed over 18 housing estates across strategic locations including Sangotedo, Igbogbo, Epe, Odo-Onosa Ayandelu, Badagry and Igando,” he said.
According to him, additional 4,052 housing units are under construction, while 2,224 units are in the planning and design stages.
These projects, he said, were expected to be completed between the end of 2025 and early 2026.
He said the state government adopted a mix of funding models to drive delivery of homes, including direct budgetary allocations, joint ventures with private developers, and public-private partnerships.
One of the standout initiatives, he noted, was the Rent-To-Own scheme run by the Lagos State Mortgage Board.
He said that the programme allowed residents to pay for their homes in manageable monthly instalments for years instead of paying upfront.
“So far, over 20,000 Lagosians have benefitted from the Rent-To-Own scheme, and 212 of them have completed payment and are now proud homeowners,” the commissioner said.
Akinderu-Fatai said that housing remained a key component of Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which focused on Transportation, Health, Education, Economic Growth, Entertainment, and Security.
He gave the assurance that the government was not compromising on quality.
“It is not just about numbers. We are making sure that the homes we deliver are livable, safe, and built to last.
“All our estates are being developed with basic infrastructure and amenities to ensure good quality of life,” he said.
On challenges, the commissioner identified rising cost of construction materials as a major obstacle.
He, however, said that the state was finding ways to cushion the impact through local sourcing and innovative financing.
“We know the need is great, and we are doing everything possible to meet it.
A Professor of Natural Product Chemistry at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Bamidele Okoli, has advocated for greater reliance on natural resources to address health and environmental challenges.
Bingham University, Karu
Okoli made the call during the university’s 7th Inaugural Lecture, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
The lecture is titled “The Gift of Mother Nature: The Key to Utopia.”
He defined “utopia” in this context as an ideal ecosystem where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, comparable to the biblical Garden of Eden.
Speaking on the topic, Okoli emphasised that the best approach to solving current health and environmental problems was by depending more on natural resources.
He noted that synthetic products and fossil fuels, which were often used in modern solutions, could actually contribute to the very problems they were meant to solve.
“Most of our drugs are synthesised and some are produced using fossil fuels.
“In the process of developing these synthetic drugs, we inadvertently create more health and environmental challenges.
“The best solution is to rely more on natural resources in addressing health issues and building a utopian nation through natural products.
“A utopian society, in this context, is one where we tackle these issues using what nature provides,” he said.
Okoli urged the Federal Government to prioritise the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources for health and environmental benefits.
“The government can use the National Orientation Agency to promote the importance and benefits of our natural resources.
“Likewise, agencies like NAFDAC should support the production and use of natural resource-based drugs.
“We can’t keep losing out on what makes us African,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges in translating research into commercial applications, he stressed the need for greater investment in sustainable practices and public education to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, commended Okoli for delivering his inaugural lecture and noted its significance in advancing academic culture.
Ayuba expressed his satisfaction that the university was strengthening its academic tradition through regular public and inaugural lectures.
“By the time we reach the tenth inaugural lecture, we will compile and publish a volume, our first official collection of inaugural lectures,” he said, adding that copies would be available for interested readers.
He emphasised that inaugural lectures reinforced values such as scholarship, research, excellence, interdisciplinary dialogue, and knowledge sharing within the university system.
“It is a forum that brings together students, staff, and the public, fostering stronger ties between the university and society,” he said.
Describing the lecture topic as timely and relevant, Ayuba said it explored how nature and ecosystems contributed to building an ideal society, stressing coexistence and mutual respect.
“It reminds us of the profound relationship humanity shares with nature, a connection that influences our lives, culture, and sustainability.
“As we celebrate the gifts of Mother Nature, we must also acknowledge our responsibility to preserve, conserve, and manage the environment sustainably for future generations,” he added.
