Nigeria – October 5, 2025: Access Bank has reinforced its drive for inclusive development by hosting a rural health outreach in Ikotun, Lagos, under its “One Bank, One Continent – Together for Health” campaign. The outreach is part of the Bank’s wider ESG and CSI commitments to improving quality of life and driving real impact across Africa.The outreach, held recently, delivered free medical services and essential relief materials to over 300 residents of Ikotun. Services ranged from general health screenings and consultations to the distribution of vital supplies aimed at addressing both immediate healthcare needs and encouraging long-term wellness in the community.Speaking on the impact of the programme, Esther Graham, Programme Lead, Health, Access Holdings, said: “At Access Bank, we believe access to quality healthcare is a basic human right.
Through the ‘One Bank, One Continent – Together for Health’ campaign, we are going beyond business to create real impact. This initiative not only meets urgent health needs, but also strengthens our commitment of building healthier, more resilient communities across Africa.”The programme was marked by collaboration and community spirit, as healthcare professionals, volunteers, and Access Bank staff worked side by side to serve the people of Ikotun. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, with many beneficiaries highlighting the life-changing value of the outreach.Mrs. Adeola Akinyemi, a local resident and beneficiary, shared her appreciation:“This programme has brought hope to families in Ikotun. Many of us rarely have access to proper medical services, and today Access Bank has shown that big organisations can truly care for the communities they serve. We are deeply grateful.”This initiative is a clear reflection of Access Bank’s purpose-driven approach to business, which places equal emphasis on profit and positive impact. Beyond healthcare, the Bank continues to invest in programmes that advance education, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing its role as a key driver of Africa’s long-term growth.
Tragedy struck on Friday night in Ogun State when a Dangote Cement truck lost control and crushed five people to death along the Alapoka axis of the Papalanto–Ilaro Road in Yewa South Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m., was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi.
According to Akinbiyi, the accident happened after the truck “lost its brakes and rammed into a tricycle conveying the five victims.”
He identified the vehicles involved as “an unregistered tricycle and a Dangote truck with the number plate GRZ 767 XA.”
Akinbiyi added that upon receiving the report, “the Acting TRACE Head, Adedayo Omonayajo, and the Ilaro Divisional Commander, Salako Idowu, led a rescue team to the scene.”
It was gathered that the officials faced resistance from angry residents before the intervention of the Amotekun Corps helped to restore calm.
“The presumed dead were taken to the morgue by Federal Road Safety Corps officials,” Akinbiyi said.
In a separate incident earlier that day, several lives were feared lost after a fuel-laden tanker caught fire along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway.
TRACE spokesperson Akinbiyi confirmed the development, explaining that the blaze started around 1 a.m. on Friday.
In
his statement, he said, “The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilled its contents around 0100hrs today.”
The crash, which occurred “along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control,” also led to the destruction of other vehicles and a PHCN power cable supplying electricity to Mowe and nearby communities.
Although the exact number of casualties was yet to be determined, Akinbiyi said rescue operations involving TRACE, the Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Services, FRSC, and the Police were ongoing to restore normalcy after putting out the fire and conducting decantation.
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning to individuals and groups against organising rival New Yam Festival celebrations in defiance of community leaders recognised by state government.
Anambra Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement released on Friday in Awka, stressing that such parallel gatherings could spark unrest.
“Following security information regarding the ongoing new yam celebration across various communities in Anambra, the police command has strongly warned individuals and groups against any acts capable of breaching the peace.
“In particular, any attempt to organise parallel events or to undermine or disrespect community/government-recognised leadership during the festivities will not
tolerated, as offenders will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Ikenga stated.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, and tactical units to step up visibility policing, intelligence gathering, and patrols to guarantee peace throughout the celebrations.
“These measures are aimed at ensuring maximum security, law and order before, during and after the celebrations,” Ikenga added.
While extending warm felicitations to the people of Anambra, the Command wished all communities a peaceful and joyous festival as they mark the culturally significant New Yam celebration.
Partnership between the Nigeria Soybean Association ( NSA ) and IAR& T
The critical role which partnerships between two organizations, especially those focused on achieving similar goals of boosting both food and nutrition security plays in the country cannot be underestimated. Each of such organizations needs the best of brains to conceptualize the vision, navigate the challenges that evolve and of course, the enabling environment to carry out the processes, projects and programs, to actualize such noble mandates.
Of interest is that recently, the President of the Nigeria Soybean Association, NSA Chief Uwala Ayodele brought to the public sphere the efforts of the agricultural organization with regards to increased production of the crop in the country. According to him one of the primary functions of the NSA is the production of good, high – yielding, pest – resistant soybean varieties to meet the feed requirements in the country. Specifically, the NSA Seed Production in the year 2025 is funded by Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation through bop incorporation and partners (Beyond farming collectives). So far Benue,Kaduna, Niger and Oyo states have cultivated 10 hectres each of one of the improved high yielding soybean varieties TAX 1951-3F. it is expected that the more improved soybean will be available to the soybean farmers in the country. Pushing the strides of the association forward, pragmatic partnerships are being put in place to ensure that it delivers on its mandate.
One of such is between the NSA and the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, IAR&T in Ibadan which incidentally has got a new Executive Director, Prof Gabriel Oluwatosin. Precisely, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Executive Director, IAR&T, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin received in his office the President of the Nigerian Soybean Association (NSA), Dr. Uwala Ayodele on behalf of the Association. During the brief meeting, Dr. Uwala seized the moment to formally congratulate him on his appointment and wished him a very successful tenure.
He proceeded to appreciate the Institute for its collaboration on soybean project over the years and its support for the NSA. In addition, he used the medium to appreciate the immeasurable and quality contributions of Prof. Egbetokun (who is also in attendance) to the project team and this, he believed, is a credit to the Institute.
Furthermore, he stated that given Prof. Egbetokun’s remarkable contributions, he has been nominated as the Project Team Leader of the NSA, which will cut across states in the country and by implication,he understood how the new assignment may affect the work schedule of the nominee in the Institute. Hence, he officially sought the Director’s permission to grant Prof. Egbetokun the opportunity to be available whenever he is called upon. The President also reiterated the call for support from the Institute, as it was promised by the previous administration led by Prof. Obatolu.
In his response, the new Executive Director expressed his pleasure of seeing Dr. Ayodele, whom he considered an old time friend and extended gratitude to him for the visitation and well wishes. On the one hand, he congratulated Prof. Egbetokun for his nomination and believed it is a good development for the Association and the Institute at large. On the other hand, he unequivocally granted the request and charged him to deliver to his utmost capability. He added that the Institute has always been a significant collaborator of the Association and stated that something will be done with reference to the call for support.
It is worthy of note that the
Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) located at Moor Plantation, Ibadan has the
matching mandate to conduct researches into the genetic improvement of maize, kenaf, jute and soybean.So far, it has performed well breeding different varieties of these seeds as hybrids that are early – maturing, disease – resistant with bumper harvests, attracting patronage not only across the African continent but on the global scale.
With the partnership between the NSA and IAR&T many improved varieties which have been developed over the decades with desirable characters such as high yields, pest resistance, with no shattering and logging will be put to better use .That is especially so in states such as Benue, Kaduna, Niger, Bauchi Jigawa, Nasarawa, Oyo Kwara, Ogun, Kogi Taraba, Zamfara, Kebbi and others. These will benefit the over 30 processing oil mills across Nigeria, including the new ones. Good to also that note cottage industries have been processing soybean into many product,s such as cheese, soy milk, soy fortified, bread gari, and noinmoin. At least a trailer load of soy condiments (Dawadawa) leaves Nigeria to Cameroon weekly and.70% of food source eg Maggi cube contains Soybean.
Eventually, the collaborate between the two organizations will yield fruits for the benefit of the consumers, not only for employment generation but for food and nutrition security.But adequate and sustainable funding should be provided along with solid infrastructure, stable power supply and of course security across the states to walk the talk on pragmatic partnership such as this.
The death toll from the devastating fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has continued to rise.
Latest reports confirm that six additional victims have been identified, bringing the total fatalities higher. The deceased were staff members of United Capital Plc, a leading financial and investment services firm with offices on the 3rd and 4th floors of the building.
This sad update comes just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that four of its senior staff members also lost their lives in the inferno on Wednesday evening.
The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, sent thick smoke into the air and triggered panic among occupants. Some individuals were seen attempting to escape through windows as emergency responders battled the flames.
Officials of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders rescued at least nine persons from the building. Five were revived, while four remained unconscious.
“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement on Tuesday, raising concerns about possible casualties.
In an exclusive statement shared with our correspondent on Thursday morning, United Capital confirmed it lost six members of staff to the tragedy. This takes the confirmed number of deaths from the Afriland Towers fire tragedy to 10.
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” the company said.
Emergency responders had earlier confirmed rescuing several occupants after the fire, which was believed to have been triggered by an inverter explosion. While officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal company sources insist that “not everyone made it out alive.”
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
(Punch)
The Naira continued its decline on Thursday, sliding to ₦1,537 per dollar in the parallel market compared to ₦1,535/$ recorded the previous day.
Similarly, at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the local currency depreciated to ₦1,498 per dollar, according to figures published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This represents a drop from ₦1,485.5/$ on Tuesday a depreciation of ₦12.5.
The development has narrowed the gap between the official and parallel market rates to ₦39 per dollar, down from ₦49.95 earlier in the week.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has cast doubt on the future of the troubled Ajaokuta Steel Company, saying he does not believe the facility will ever function as intended.
In a video shared on the TVC X handle on Tuesday, the president and CEO of the Dangote Group stressed the importance of a vibrant steel sector for Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development. However, he argued that Ajaokuta’s long-standing challenges have left it beyond revival.
Dangote compared efforts to resuscitate the steel plant to attempting to run outdated technology in a world dominated by modern advancements, insisting that the project has been overtaken by time and innovation.
“There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry and honestly within us here, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves and keep being passionate about it, but it’s not possible.
“It like you now, if you remember those vehicles we used to produce from Volkswagen (Igala) if you bring Igala now, would you now compare it to the current Kia. No, things have changed,” Mr Dangote said.
He emphasised the need for adaptation in a rapidly evolving world.
“Things have changed and all of us have to keep changing or you will become archaic. You have to change, now, when you carry something like Ajaokuta is like you going to the grave yard to bring a dead person or you go to the hospital to bring somebody who is on the dying bed to come and run 100 metres. It’s totally impossible,” he added.
Ajaokuta Steel’s chequered history
The steel company, located in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, was built between 1979 and the mid-1990s. It was not completed and has never operated optimally. It has been moribund for over two decades despite the efforts of different governments.
In September 2022, the Nigerian government agreed to pay $496 million to settle an Indian firm’s claim over the facility. The dispute followed the federal government’s revocation in 2008 of an agreement that handed control of the steelworks and the National Iron Ore Mining Company to the Indian firm.
In cancelling the deal, the Umar Yar’adua administration said the terms of the concession at the time were not favourable to the country.
In December 2022, the government said 11 companies had indicated interest in taking over the steel company on a concession basis. Three of the 11 bidders were Russian companies, the then Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, said while listing his ministry’s achievements.
Upon assuming office in August 2023, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, promised to revive the steel company. At the time, he added that he would set a roadmap for the development of the steel sector, aggressively pursue the completion of Ajaokuta Steel company, and enact the required bills to regulate the sector.
In September last year, the Nigerian government signed an agreement with a Russian Consortium Company for the rehabilitation, completion and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and National Iron Ore Mining Company in Kogi State.
… we’re creating jobs, not displacing anyone … industrialisation, not importation will grow Africa’s economy
President/Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.
Speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Dangote highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975.
However, this issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery commenced production on 3rd September 2024.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.
Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.
“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true.
What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk.
He received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign nations undertook such large-scale refinery ventures. He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.
“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.
He noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.
He revealed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.
“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more.
The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said. “Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension.
We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”
Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development. Dangote emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.
He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.
“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies.
Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty.
Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said.
He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.
Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.
He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.
Dangote Trucks
Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.
“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser.
These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.
“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support.
In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.
Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon.
Dangote Trucks
He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.
President, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.
Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, yesterday, described allegation of collections at the depots as a blackmail calculated to tarnish the good image of the union and bias public opinion against them.
The union, which is smarting from disagreement with Dangote Refineries over unionization stated unequivocally that there are lots of blackmail going on on social media against them as well as distortions of facts and misinformation.
They stated: “They are pained by our victory over Unionization battles against them, and they are out for revenge by attacking our reputation and activities .
“Please don’t be depressed by all these negative things they are writing because social media is full of ignorant people who have access to phones and data to post anything the most recent include the lies that we are aiding smuggling, collecting N1.00 on every litre of products brought into Nigeria and that we are part of the cabal that destroyed and make all government refineries not to work.
“Some are just throwing figures all over about the collections at the various depots. You should know that the employees in the downstream sector are purely in the informal sector, they don’t have structured jobs/ employment. These employees include Tanker Drivers, Depot workers, Employees of Marketers stationed at various depots. “There are also associations at the various depots as well, these include, Truck Owners association, the Independent Marketers Association, Major Marketers Association, all these are the Trade Unions that are collecting dues from their members in the value chain but they are not seen but only PTD- NUPENG members are seen and heard. Why?
“Nigerians do not share empathy with any other person and because they feel highly inconvenient by the power and impact of our strike, notwithstanding the reasons for the industrial action, they want us out of the way at all costs. ASUU, NASU, NMA,etc can go to strike for years, Nigerians don’t care as long as it doesn’t affect their businesses, movements and income.
“Employers too hate to deal with us and everything must be thrown at us. There are many Trade Unions/ Associations at the Petroleum depots and each one of them has their roles and responsibilities to be there and they depend on our representatives at the depots to assist them to collect their dues from members who usually never wiling to pay.
“We actually command lots of influence and respect which infuriates many others. It should also be noted that PTD- NUPENG is a trade Union and the members are employees of the owners of trucks. “They pay union dues to NUPENG . The dues and levies being paid are being used for:
Trainings on safety on the wheels, which are done quarterly in every Zone with FRSC, Police, Fire service men, State VIO, and other Traffic Enforcement agencies in each zone,all these cost fortune
“No employer provides health insurance for tanker drivers and they travel for hours with inflammable materials and we believe a sick truck driver is an accident in- waiting, so we set up Health Insurance with LEADWAY Health Insurance for each of those Petroleum Truck Driver on the wheels
” Further more, we have dedicated funds for Security on the highways because we have to always mobilize these security agencies on the highways against truck hijackers, kidnappers and community areas criminals, nobody does that for free.
d- Union dues itself .
“The Association of Truck owners also collect fees from their members who are Owners of the trucks whenever they load at the depots. Marketers, which is IPMAN for Independent Marketers also have their employees belonging to NUPENG. These employees pay dues to the Union, and the members of IPMAN also pay dues to their association.
“Major Marketers Association has employees who are members of NUPENG and they also have members of the association. All these are collected at a single point at the depots on behalf of every stakeholder by PTD- NUPENG and the money is paid by truck owners and the Marketers.
In this struggle, major marketers, Independent Marketers and Truck Owners, are interested parties as well waiting to be liberated from the imminent takeover by DANGOTE. They cannot do anything about it but are excited that NUPENG is taking up the fight.
“The issue of collections at the depots is a blackmail being thrown at us, and there is no way we can defend them against an already biased public opinion.” They stated.
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