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All Posts in "Month: October 2025"

Enugu Govt Slashes C Of O, Other Land-Related Fees By 50%

LarryBravo Nwaiwu
In a reassuring move to empower landowners, encourage investment, and ensure every property in Enugu State has legitimate documentation, Governor Peter Mbah has approved a 50% slash in fees for the processing of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other land-related documents.
The announcement, made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Mr. Chiwetalu Nwatu, marks yet another milestone in the Mbah administration’s people-oriented and investment-friendly reform agenda.
According to Mr. Nwatu, the discount window will run for 45 days, beginning from October 15, 2025, during which landowners and investors can process their C of O and other title documents at about half the usual cost.
He explained that the policy was introduced to make property ownership more accessible to all, especially unregistered landowners, low-income earners, and the poor, who have long been unable to afford the costs of documentation.
“His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, believes every resident deserves a legitimate and secure claim to their land. This initiative reflects his commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment,” Nwatu stated.
Reassuring applicants of improved efficiency, Mr. Nwatu noted that under the current administration, Certificates of Occupancy are now processed within 48 to 72 hours, attributing the success to the full digitization of land processing, search, and related services in the state.
He said the automation has made it easier, faster, and more transparent for people to apply for and obtain their land titles without unnecessary delays.
“Beyond affordability, the policy also aims to boost land documentation compliance, promote transparency, and block revenue leakages in land transactions — a problem that has plagued the system for years.
“Residents are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity by visiting the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) office to process their documents,” he added.
According to him, the governor, who has consistently been praised for his reform-driven leadership, has once again demonstrated that his administration listens to the people and acts decisively to make Enugu a preferred destination for investment and development *noting the huge reduction of over 65%* for industrial/ commercial properties.
“By easing access to vital land titles, the government not only strengthens property rights but also positions Enugu for rapid urban renewal and sustainable economic growth.
“This 50% average reduction underscores the governor’s unwavering resolve to remove barriers, stimulate investment confidence, and promote prosperity for all,” Nwatu further explained.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
$1tn economy: NCC makes case for protection of telecom infrastructure

L – R: Mr Babatunde Apeji, Principal Manager, Projects at Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mr. Jolaolu Fakoya, Executive Director, Technical, emPLE Life Assurance Limited and President, Nigerian Actuarial Society (NAS); Jamila Umoru, Principal Manager, Lagos Zonal Office, NCC; Mr. Charles Onwuatogwu, President of FiBOP; Mr. Ademayowa Adeduro, MD/CEO, Tangerine General Insurance; Mr Wilson Esene-Okoh, Head, Corporate Communications at Rex Insurance Limited and Mr. Titiloye, Branch Manager, Lagos Office of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) at FiBOP’s 2025 National Conference in Lagos at the weekend.

The executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has said that for the country to reach the $1 trillion economy by 2030, it needs resilient network systems that can bend without breaking, recover quickly from shocks and keep the nation connected even in times of crisis.

Maida made the declaration at the 2025 annual conference of Finance and Business Online Publishers (FIBOP) held at the weekend in Lagos under the theme ‘Leveraging technology innovations, tax reforms and opportunities in renewable energy and agriculture to achieve $1 trillion economy.’
Represented by the principal manager, projects, Mr Babatunde Apeji, the EVC who presented a paper entitled ‘Protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and Building Industry Resilience’ said the telecommunications sector “is the nervous system of our economy, without which financial inclusion, digital trade, governance, national security and e-commerce cannot thrive.
He stated that the sector contributed over 15% to Nigeria’s GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q2 2025 report.
However, he said telecommunications infrastructure needs to be protected. According to him, the telecommunication system is under constant threat, with over 26,000 fibre cuts, vandalism incidents and theft cases recorded across operators between January and August 2025.
Maida, therefore, made a case for the protection of telecommunication infrastructure from cyber intrusions and ransomware attacks for “defending CNII is defending Nigeria’s economy.”
However, he announced that the Commission had deliberately transitioned from protection to resilience through telecommunications disaster recovery and business continuity guidelines by establishing a framework for preparedness, mutual aid agreements, rapid service restoration, and consumer education during emergencies;  cybersecurity and incident response through its Sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and the soon-to-be-launched Cybersecurity Framework for the Telecom Industry as well as building a frontline defence that can anticipate, detect, and contain threats.
The other measures include the Commission’s major network outage portal that ensures operators report significant disruptions, while consumers are kept informed and compensated where necessary; stronger infrastructure standards; enhanced compliance checklists for Tower Companies (TowerCos), requiring robust site security, redundant power systems, and climate-resilient designs; mandatory solar backup, dual backhaul, and community partnerships to ensure connectivity is not lost in underserved areas.
Nevertheless, the EVC said the government has to prioritise CNII protection in national defence and infrastructure planning and also called on security agencies to treat telecom assets with the same urgency as oil pipelines or power grids.
In addition, he said industry operators must invest in redundancy and joint monitoring, moving beyond siloed approaches while communities and citizens should see telecom assets in their vicinity as lifelines, not targets by guarding them as they would their own homes.
“The NCC is committed to driving this economic vision for our country. But commitment must be matched with collaboration. Together—with government’s support, industry innovation, security vigilance, and community participation, we will secure Nigeria’s digital backbone, protect our national lifelines, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Together, we will secure Nigeria’s future—and deliver on the promise of a trillion-dollar economy,” Maida said.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Enugu Govt Reaffirms Support For Farmers , Vows To Eradicate Hunger

LarryBravo Nwaiwu
The Enugu State Government has reassured farmers in the state of sustained support through mechanization, farm input distribution, and land security as part of efforts to boost food production, tackle unemployment, and eradicate hunger in the state.
Governor Peter Mbah gave the assurance on Thursday during the 2025 World Food Day celebration held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization in Enugu.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, recalled that last year, his administration distributed over 12,000 bags of fertilizer, power tillers, rice seedlings, cassava stems, and other inputs to smallholder farmers.
He noted that more than 40,000 farmers are already benefiting this year from free inputs including fertilizers, improved seeds, cassava stems, and herbicides.
The governor outlined his administration’s ambitious agricultural programme, which includes the establishment of farm estates in every ward, provision of healthcare facilities for farmers, and deployment of 1,000 tractors through the Enugu State Notra Assembly and Service Centre.
“We are embracing climate-smart production and value addition, establishing greenhouse clusters for year-round cultivation with water-saving technologies. We are also rehabilitating strategic assets such as Enugu United Palm Products Ltd., Sunrise Flour Mills, and Songhai Heneke Integrated Farm to serve as modern hubs for processing and marketing,” Mbah said.
He added that the state is pursuing diversification and export readiness through cocoa development, cassava-to-bioethanol projects, livestock expansion, and Special Agro-Processing Zones, stressing that agricultural growth must go hand in hand with human development.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr. Patrick Ubru, in his remarks, said this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” highlighted the role of collective effort in achieving food security.
“Food is foundational – it sustains health, fuels productivity, and strengthens communities. That is why our strategy focuses on land access, mechanization, market linkages, value addition, climate resilience, and strong partnerships. Looking ahead, we will roll out farm estates across all wards, scale climate-smart farming, and sustain input support,” Ubru said.
Also speaking, the chief executive officer of Ugwu Anama Farms, Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji, praised the governor’s agricultural reforms, noting that through government support, his company was allocated 15,000 hectares of land that has since been developed into Enugu Produce City.
According to him, the initiative has created thousands of jobs for young people, stabilized food prices in the state, and converted former criminal hideouts into thriving agricultural hubs.
“Through our farm, we supply cassava stems across the state. What used to be criminal hideouts are now bustling agricultural centres. Today, Enugu is not just feeding itself but exporting produce, earning foreign exchange, and fighting insecurity through agriculture. What the governor is doing is transformative, and future generations will celebrate it,” Nnaji said.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
NCC Seeks For Protection of Critical Digital Infrastructure to Drive $1 Trillion Economy

 By Fidelia Okafor 

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), describing it as central to Nigeria’s quest for a $1 trillion economy.

Speaking at the 2025 Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) Conference in Lagos, themed “Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and Building Industry Resilience,” Maida said Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is the invisible backbone driving every sector of the economy from banking and trade to education and national security.

“When we talk about a $1 trillion economy, we often mention oil, agriculture, or manufacturing. But the real backbone of all these sectors today is our digital infrastructure,” he said.

According to Maida, telecommunications currently contributes over 15 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, underscoring its pivotal role in national development. However, he warned that the sector remains under threat, revealing that more than 26,000 incidents of fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft were recorded across telecom operators between January and August 2025.

He noted that such attacks, coupled with cyber intrusions and ransomware threats, pose a serious risk to the economy and must be confronted decisively.

Dr. Maida in his paper presentation outlined a five-pronged strategy through his representative Babatunde Apeji that the NCC has adopted to protect CNII: regulation and enforcement, public awareness, collaboration with security and government agencies, stakeholder mediation, and when necessary deployment of security forces to deter vandalism and sabotage.

He disclosed that telecom infrastructure has been formally designated as a national security asset under President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the provisions of the Cybersecurity Act.

Beyond protection, Maida said the Commission is shifting its focus to resilience ensuring that telecom networks can withstand and recover swiftly from disruptions. This includes implementing disaster recovery guidelines, establishing a Sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), and developing a comprehensive Cybersecurity Framework for the telecom industry.

Dr. Maida emphasized that resilience cannot be achieved in isolation, hence the NCC is collaborating with key institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to secure mobile banking systems, and with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and power distribution companies to stabilize electricity supply to telecom sites.

Dr. Maida added that state governments and local communities are being engaged to protect fibre routes and telecom towers under the CNII Presidential Order. He therefore called on FiBOP to join the NCC in creating more awareness on Nigeria’s quest for a $1 trillion economy.

Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
World Food Day: Over 4000 Farmers Endorse Governor Soludo For Second Term

By Nnedinma Micheal
No fewer than 4000 farmers drawn from various local government areas in Anambra State have endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election bid for a second term in office.
Operating under the umbrella of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Okeluo Nnawuno, they noted that the Governor had made impactful achievements in the sector to deserve another term.
They made their position known during commemoration of this year’s World Food Day and Solidarity Rally for his re-election, held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
During the event, Governor Soludo, reiterated the commitment of his administration to promoting food security and sustainable agriculture in the state.
While describing the theme ” Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future as timely, he called for closer collaboration with stakeholders in its transformative journey in the agric sector.
Prof Soludo, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, described farmers as being pivotal in the economy of the state.
He emphasized that the present administration had shown remarkable vision in the agricultural sector and listed numerous impactful achievements recorded as well as interventions and support services to farmers.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor,  described Governor  Soludo’s solution government as “a front-runner in food security and inclusive prosperity through agriculture-led transformation
He noted that  Governor Soludo’s mantra “One People, One Government, One Agenda” has practically unified development efforts across multiple sectors to secure better livelihoods for all.
He highlighted landmark initiatives driving the State’s agricultural revolution, including the Regenerative Agriculture Policy, Oil Palm and Coconut Revolution, Igbo Economic Tree Crops Programme, and the distribution of free organic fertilizer to over 20,000 smallholder farmers.
Also cited were the IFAD-VCDP empowerment of over 13,000 farmers, the ATASP-1 Mega Irrigation Project in Ayamelum serving 10,000 hectares of rice fields, and the forthcoming Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and Agriculture Transformation Centres (ATCs) which will boost processing, value addition, and youth employment.
The Commissioner further praised the Farm to Feed Campaign, which has been adopted by Local Government Mayors across the State, “mainstreaming homestead food production in both urban and rural households.
He equally commended Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, for championing the Healthy Living Gardens Initiative — a school-based program promoting nutrition, environmental awareness, and hands-on food cultivation among children
“Their endorsement of Governor Soludo is an endorsement of continuity, progress, and shared prosperity.”
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, represented by the South East Regional Director of the Ministry, Ichie Ogonna Nkamnebe, noted that the theme underscored the need for more investment in the sector.
While calling for stronger synergy between federal and state governments, he noted that federal government had undertaken a lot of interventions including purchase of tractors for mechanised farming.
He Further highlighted provision of agric credits through Bank of Industry (BOI) and distribution of farm inputs, pointing out President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to ensure food security by encouraging stakeholders active participation.
Other Stakeholders including  Chief Emma Obi, Chairman, Nigeria Agricultural Input Association (NAIDA), Anambra State, Chief Charles Okafor, President, United Butchers Association, enumerated advancements made by Governor Soludo in the sector.
According to Nnawuno, the Governor has distributed organic fertilizers, introduced regenerative agriculture policy, oil palm and coconut revolution, rural infrastructure for market access and other farmer empowerment interventions.
“We declare our full and unreserved support for Prof Soludo’s re-election bid for a second term in office.
“We do so because you have earned our trust. May your second tenure bring even greater harvests of peace and progress”
Contributing, Chief Emma Obi, said the Governor deserved to be supported having achieved a lot in the agric and other sectors of the state economy.
“We are solidly behind Prof Chukwuma Soludo and we will mobilise farmers for him in all the 21 local government areas. We will do our best to encourage every farmer to vote for him”
He also acknowledged the contributions of the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, the Value Chain Development Project (VCDP) under the watch of Dr Deborah Onyefuru, for being pivotal to successes recorded in the sector.
The event which was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Arthur Mbuba, featured an award of honour to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as “Aka-Ji-Ife” meaning the torch bearer, by ORSH-EL Community Development Initiatives
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Ukachukwu storms  CWO Awka, Receive  warm welcome  and solid support.

By Nnedinma Michael
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC Governorship Candidate for 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State recently met with a delegation of Women  professionals from the Catholic  Women Organization ( CWO) of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka Anambra State.
He shared his vision for Anambra, promising to create job opportunities, provide  Agriculture loans for farmers, implement  other life- enhancing  initiatives.
Ukachukwu  declared this during a celebration of 10th year anniversary of of st. Patrick College and CWO grand Finale of this year Triennial  Convention.
In an interview with Ukachukwu on the role of the church in holding government accountable  and promoting  good governance, he said that the church should serve as a moral compass, guiding government  principles and actions, provide  a platform for citizens to voice concerns and receive  support, that the church influence can help , ensure  government accountability,  and transpiracy.
” By engaging with the government, the church  can promote synergy and collaboration “.
In their prayers, Diocesan Chaplain of CWO of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Awka, Parish Priest of Saint Francies Enugwu – Ukwu prayed for wisdom, discernment of a leader, protection and God’s will and purpose  for Ukachukwu, appreciating his maturity and conduct during his entrance to the church, assuring his support and continuous prayers.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Shell Urges Sustained Actions To Position Gas As Engine Of Development  

L-R: Head , Portfolio, Regulation and Supply, Chukwuka Amos-Ejesi, Shell Nigeria Energy (SEN); President, Nigeria Gas Association (NGA) , Akachukwu Nwokedi ; Manager, Commercial Sales and Customer Service , Ehizogie Olotu, Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG); Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Eronse Amadasun , Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC);President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Uche Johnbosco; Regional Representative United Nations General Protocol( UNGP) for Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), Dr Douglas Jombo…at the Gas Investment Forum in Lagos

 

Nigeria needs sustained actions to attract and retain investments in the gas sector to ensure economic growth and industrialization, senior leaders of the Shell Energy Nigeria organisation said at the 3rd edition of the Gas Investment Forum which held in Lagos this week.

 

Investments in key infrastructure, consistency in policy and regulations and partnerships were highlighted as enablers for the development of the nation’s huge gas resources.

 

General Manager Shell Energy Nigeria, Markus Hector and Managing Director Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) Ralph Gbobo made the remarks at separate sessions at the conference.

 

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Head, Portfolio, Regulation and Supply Chuka Amos-Ejesi, at a panel session on Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Imperative: Driving Investments through IOC–Independent Partnerships, Markus said: “There is a clear strategic case for collaboration. IOCs bring international experience, deep capital reserves, and strong technical and risk management frameworks while independents bring local insight, agility, and operational flexibility in the Nigerian context.”

 

He said such “partnerships must also build domestic capacity — in engineering, supply chain, operations, and maintenance.”

 

Earlier in his own remarks at the opening ceremony, Ralph said SNG was developing infrastructure by building gas hubs in Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and recently, Yenagoa and hopes to extend to other cities.

He described infrastructure “as the backbone of Nigeria’s gas industrialisation journey, saying investments in this area “will not only improve access but also reduce costs and emissions, making gas a more viable option for industries and communities.”

 

Ralph said policy clarity and consistency is essential for attracting long-term capital while “effective collaboration is the catalyst for scale and innovation.”

 

He added: “The opportunities are immense, gas will continue to support Nigeria’s energy transition, providing reliable power while displacing more carbon-intensive fuels, enhance job creation, industrial diversification, and regional trade. The success of these levers will be a collaborative effort from both the public and private sectors.”

 

The Gas Investment Forum brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders on investment opportunities across the gas value chain—upstream, midstream and downstream.

Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
Professionalism, Ethical Conduct, Non Negotiable – SEC Tells Stockbrokers 

The Securities and Exchange Commisison has urged stockbrokers to uphold the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct at all times in a bid to ensure a fair and transparent market.

Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this weekend during the 29th annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja, said investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence.

Agama said the theme of this year’s conference: “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, Sustainable Era: Pathways for Economic Transformation” is timely as it speaks directly to the global transition where technology drives innovation, where ethics anchor trust, and where sustainability defines the future of finance.

“These three dimensions—digitalization, ethics, and sustainability—are not separate pillars; they form the foundation of a modern, inclusive, and resilient capital markets.

“Across the world, capital markets are being reshaped by technological innovation. The digital era has introduced new possibilities—from online trading platforms and digital assets to data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These innovations are changing how we raise capital, how we invest, and how we supervise.

The SEC Boss stated that the Commission has embraced this transformation as an opportunity to enhance efficiency, transparency, and investor protection adding that ongoing efforts to strengthen market surveillance systems, automate regulatory processes, and introduce risk-based supervision frameworks are all aimed at positioning the Nigerian capital market for the realities of a digital economy.

He said, “We are also actively engaging with stakeholders: including the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, to deepen digital literacy and capacity-building across the market. As technology evolves, so must our skills, our ethics, and our shared commitment to fairness and professionalism.

“No amount of innovation can replace the foundational importance of ethics. A truly transformative capital market must be builton integrity, transparency, and accountability.

He said the CIS has remained a key partner in this regard, setting professional standards and upholding the code of ethics that define the stockbroking profession.

“As regulators, we continue to emphasize that professionalism and ethical conduct are non-negotiable. Investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence.

“Together, the SEC and the CIS must continue to strengthen ethics education, continuous professional development, and disciplinary frameworks to ensure that the market remains a place of trust”. He added.

Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in Capital Market
NAPHARM Reiterates Its Commitment To Advancing Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector

NAPharm EXCO with the newly Inducted 2025 Fellows at the Old Great Hall ,College of Medicine, Unilag, Idi-Araba.

By Winifred Bosa

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) has restated its commitment to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system and promoting national development through pharmaceutical innovation.
This reaffirmation came during the Academy’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Valedictory Session in honour of its founding president, Pharm. Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe, and the Investiture Ceremony for newly elected Fellows.
The two-day event, held from Wednesday, October 15 to Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, drew leading voices from the healthcare, academic, and professional sectors.
This year’s gathering was anchored on the timely and transformative theme:
“Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development.”
The series of events brought together distinguished leaders, professionals, policymakers, and scholars from across Nigeria and the global pharmaceutical community to reflect on how innovation in pharmacy and healthcare can drive economic diversification, job creation, and national progress.
A Celebration of Legacy and Leadership
The 2025 edition was particularly significant as it featured a Valedictory Session in honour of the late Pharm. Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe, CFR, FNAPharm, was the revered founding President of the Academy and a towering figure whose vision, mentorship, and integrity shaped generations of pharmacists and national leaders.
Fellows and dignitaries offered passionate tributes to Chief Akinkugbe’s legacy of excellence, enduring influence on healthcare systems, and lifelong commitment to professionalism, ethics, and nation-building.
Speaking at the Valedictory Session, Prof. Lere Baale, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of NAPHARM, described Chief Akinkugbe as “a pharmacist, leader, and statesman whose life exemplified grace, discipline, and visionary service to humanity.”
Keynote Address: Innovation as an Engine of Growth
The highlight of the Investiture Ceremony was the Keynote Address delivered by Mr Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc, who spoke on “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development.”
In his address, Mr Oyedeji underscored the critical role of research, local manufacturing, digital health, and investment in building a resilient pharmaceutical value chain that supports Nigeria’s industrial and health security goals.
He emphasised that “pharmaceutical innovation is not only about developing new drugs but also about creating an ecosystem that supports knowledge, entrepreneurship, and collaboration across public and private sectors.”
He called on government, academia, investors, and practitioners to align strategies to harness Nigeria’s demographic advantage and intellectual capital for sustainable development.
New Fellows Inducted into the Academy
A significant highlight of the event was the induction of new Fellows into the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy. These distinguished professionals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to pharmacy education, research, practice, policy, and entrepreneurship.
The 14 new Distinguished Fellows include:
Pharm. Dr Samuel Oluwaoromipin Adekola, Pharm. Yedunni Abimbola Adenuga; Pharm. Dr Adenike Olubisi Adenuga; Pharm. Dr Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Pharm. Prof. Ezekiel Olugbenga Akinkunmi; Pharm. Dr Umoru Barde Ali, Pharm. Prof. Olufunsho Awodele, Pharm. Jaiyeola Adetunji Doherty; Pharm. Dr Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim; Pharm. Dr Thomas Omotayo Ilupeju, Pharm. Dr Wilson Ishima, Pharm. Steve Azubuike Okoronko, and Pharm. (Mrs.) Olayinka Folashade Oredola.
4 Honorary Fellows include Pharm Elder Ebenezer Adeleke, Pharm Alfred Oladeji Osinoiki, Chief Varkey Verghese MFR, and Alhaji Sayyid Atana.
The 3 Lifetime Achievements Awardees were Pharm Prof Gabriel Osuide, Pharm Asiwaju Theophilous Adebowale Omotosho, and Dr Fidelis Ayebae.
Prof. Lere Baale, while congratulating the new Fellows and Lifetime Achievement Awardees, noted that “the Academy remains a think tank for advancing pharmaceutical excellence, knowledge translation, and health system innovation in Nigeria and across Africa.” He urged the new Fellows to carry forward the ideals of integrity, scholarship, and service that define the Academy’s ethos.
A Gathering of Excellence and Unity
The event drew a constellation of distinguished personalities from academia, industry, and government, including:
•Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, OFR, mni, FPSN, Founding President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy;
•Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General, NAFDAC;
•Pharm. Sir Ike Onyechi, FPSN, FPCPharm, FNAPharm;
•Pharm. (Chief) Olubunmi Olaopa, FPSN;
•Pharm. Prof. Fola Tayo, MFR, FPSN;
•Pharm. Prof. Cecilia Igwilo, OFR, FPSN;
•and other eminent Fellows and guests.
The event featured moments of reflection, inspiring speeches, awards, and musical interludes that highlighted the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the profession.
Advancing the Future of Pharmacy and National Development
The 2025 AGM and Investiture reaffirmed the Academy’s mission as a beacon of thought leadership and advocacy for integrating pharmaceutical science into national development planning.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Baale noted:
“Pharmacy holds the power to shape the future of Nigeria’s healthcare, innovation, and industrial growth. When we invest in pharmaceutical innovation, we are not just advancing science — we are securing our nation’s health, economy, and dignity.”
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and policy advocacy to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News
NAFDAC Urges Stakeholders To Address Nigeria’s Vaccine Manufacturing Hurdles

NAFDAC to drug firms: Invest now or Nigeria will miss vaccine future…Says Agency Already Has Strengthened Regulatory System for Vaccines, Biologics, and Medical Devices Through Restructuring and Global Benchmarking.
 
By Winifred Bosa 
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has challenged manufacturers of pharmaceutical products in the country to take the necessary investment decisions that will facilitate the production of human vaccines in Nigeria.
She warned that Nigeria should not wait for another pandemic before it gets prepared and avoid being caught unawares, as witnessed during COVID-19, when the country depended on international donors to survive the scourge.
As was contained in a press release by Sayo Akintola
Resident Media Consultant NAFDAC, the DG explained,
“When I came to NAFDAC, we had the Registration and Regulatory Affairs Directorate, which was in charge of registration of all NAFDAC-regulated products, meaning the registration of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, herbal medicines, vaccines, veterinary products, pesticides, and other finished chemicals was under one Director, which made the system susceptible to ineffectiveness and corruption”
“I first carved out the Food Registration and Regulatory Affairs Directorate, and what was left over was still huge. Adding that if you want good governance and leadership, you must have governable units, governable groups. One Director overseeing seven regulated products will not achieve the necessary efficiency. “
“That was why we knew that we had to separate vaccines and medical devices from the Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs Directorate.
NAFDAC became Maturity Level 3 in 2022 for medicines and imported vaccines. For NAFDAC to be benchmarked for vaccines, biologics and medical devices, she explained that we had to have a separate Directorate headed by a director to ensure that we align with international best practices, and we are operating at the same level as advanced countries of the world.
She disclosed that the Agency had to separate Vaccines, Biologics, and Medical Devices in November 2024 to form one directorate, following the Head of Service of the Federations assessment, evaluation, and sanction, to ensure that it would be a viable Directorate with operating units. “
The DG expressed the hope that the nation would manufacture vaccines before she leaves office, saying that It will be exciting news for me, because during the pandemic we were too dependent on foreign countries. We couldnt get any vaccines unless from outside the country.
That was when the preparedness for epidemics became a reality for us.
She stated that the Agency now has guidelines for emergency preparedness for epidemics and pandemics. Still, she warned that if theres another pandemic now and Nigeria is not yet manufacturing human vaccines, despite having manufactured veterinary vaccines since 1924, the country will again be at the mercy of other countries.
During the pandemic, we ran up and down to see whether we could start manufacturing vaccines, but things did not work out, she said, adding that we must decide as a country that we will not be too dependent on others. We will manufacture our own.
 According to her, there has been a movement to do that, but this has not come to reality. Thats why I pray that before my tenure is over, we will be manufacturing vaccines.
According to her, any country that wants to manufacture vaccines that will be pre-qualified by the WHO must have a regulatory system with at least Maturity Level 3 status. She added that the fact that we now have ML3 for medicines and imported vaccines in 2022 brought us to the discussion of manufacturing vaccines.
She explained that, as a country, we had to fulfil the requirements of nine modules in the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool, one of which is Licensing Establishments for the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), and NAFDAC had the remaining eight.
She pointed out that the ML3 we achieved was for seven of the eight, emphasizing that we have not been benchmarked for locally manufactured vaccines.
Prof. Adeyeye noted that NAFDAC is the only National Regulatory Agency (NRA) in sub-Saharan Africa that has an in-house laboratory for vaccines, biologics, and medical devices.
She said the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has a laboratory for vaccines but contracted it out to private operators.
We are working towards getting our ML3 for locally manufactured vaccines. We already have ML3 for medicines and imported vaccines since 2022.
 WHO came last year, they saw everything that we have as a regulatory agency on indicators for vaccine Lot Release; we have almost satisfied everything except that the country must manufacture vaccines because its when we manufacture vaccines that we can do local facility inspections.
She said NAFDAC has been conducting Lot Release testing on imported vaccines in her lab for years, adding that the WHO wants to know that we can also effectively monitor locally manufactured ones.
 This is where we are as a country, and I pray that within a short time, we will be able to manufacture our own vaccines.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs. Khadijah Ade-Abolade, Director of Vaccines, Biologics, and Medical Devices Registration and Regulatory Affairs, stated that the federal government is playing a strategic role to ensure that local vaccine manufacturing takes off in the country.
She stated that the policy has been established, and support is being provided to ensure that vaccine manufacturing takes off in Nigeria.
According to her, the important thing is the regulatory framework, which is already established by NAFDAC and is well-functioning for imported vaccines, and which will also be applied to local vaccines when manufacturing starts in the country.
All the required regulatory functions for the regulation of vaccines are already available. We have our market authorisation, which is the registration that we do; the Inspectorate arm of the Agency conducts regulatory inspections.
We have Clinical trial oversight, which is crucial for vaccine regulation, as well as Post-Market Surveillance and Pharmacovigilance, because we need to monitor the safety and efficacy of our vaccines.
Mrs. Ade-Abolade maintained that the regulatory system for local vaccine manufacture is already well established in the country, stressing that We are just waiting for the manufacturing operations to start by the manufacturers.
“The Director General further emphasized that we have the capability to manufacture vaccines.
The country can start with Fill and Finish while planning on the greenfield.
We have sound scientists. We have our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is encouraging local manufacturing as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Now is the time to get it done.”
Online Poster by — October 20, 2025 in News