Business
Nigeria’s First Lady empowers 1,000 women petty traders in Kogi

▪︎Mrs. Tinubu, was represented by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu has flagged-off the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment programme for 1,000 women petty traders in Kogi State.
The programme is part of the continued commitment of the President’s wife to driving economic growth towards a better life for families, especially women across the country.
During the Flagg-off the disbursement of the grants in Lokoja on Thursday, the First Lady revealed that a total of N1,850,000,000.00 would be disbursed to the selected 1,000 Kogi women and 36,000 other female petty traders in other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, noted that RHI was aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders who form the backbone of the local economies.
She added that the N50,000 business recapitalization grant would go a long way in strengthening the beneficiaries’ businesses for better profits.
She, however, stressed that these challenges had not deterred the strength of the women in their avowed commitment to contribute to the economy at the grassroots.
Mrs. Tinubu said, “Through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses.
“The grants provided today are to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy.”
The First Lady affirmed that economic empowerment remained a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and that the programme had continued to support the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
In his remarks, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the Renewed Hope Initiative was built on a strong administrative and economic platform “that is sustainable even after eight years”, describing it as a visionary masterplan to address poverty amongst women.
He commended the First Lady of Nigeria for showing that she was capable of matching words with action by providing a strong platform to address poverty amongst women.
She added that the N50,000 business recapitalization grant would go a long way in strengthening the beneficiaries’ businesses for better profits.
Governor Ododo described the event as significant, noting that the rural women who invested their trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by voting for him in the 2023 general election were on ground to reap the benefit of their trust.
He commended the President for honouring his promise to petty traders, and building an enduring microeconomic foundation to address the concerns of the indigents in the society.
The governor who expressed excitement that Sen. Oluremi Tinubu was helping his administration to fulfill his campaign promises to the people of the state, further pledged his administration’s total support for the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme.
He assured that the government would continue to partner with the First Lady of Nigeria through her coordinator and First Lady of Kogi State in her determination to empower women.
He said his administration was unbending in its commitment to women empowerment and inclusion, stressing that it had floated many policies with particular interest in women empowerment in agriculture and politics.
Ododo said, “Politically, we have given more women spaces. In the cabinet, the Secretary to the State Government is a woman. The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology is a woman; the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism is a woman. The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is a woman as well as the Commissioner for Women Affairs.
The Accountant- General of the State is a woman as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drug Abuse as well as the Director- General of the Social Investment Agency and many too numerous to mention, including the first female Director General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation.
“At the grassroots level, we have encouraged our party to produce the first ever female Chairmanship candidate of a ruling party. We have also encouraged our Chairmen to pick females as their Vice Chairmanship candidates, except in one Local Government in order to strike a balance.
Our party has also ensured that 40% of our Councilorship candidates are also women. That means that if all our candidates are able to win in the free and fair election, we will have the first ever elected Local Government Chairman in our dear state as well as 20 Local Government Council Vice Chairmen as women as well as 96 Councilors as women. This is unprecedented in the political history of Nigeria.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, described the programme as a significant stride towards empowering women entrepreneurs and enhancing their economic resilience.
She expressed the hope that the grants would undoubtedly provide the much-needed support in helping women petty traders expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Mrs. Ododo said that by investing in women’s growth, the government was creating opportunities for a brighter future, just as she commended the efforts of the First Lady and her dedicated team in making the initiative a reality.
After receiving the grants, the beneficiaries in Kogi State commended the First Lady of Nigeria and President Tinubu’s Administration for the disbursement. ▪︎
Business
“Only 37% of Nigerian roads are in good condition ” – MAN
The Nigerian government holds the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment to unlock the manufacturing sector’s potential.

L-R: MD Coleman Wires and Cables industries limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, DG MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, and Mr. Adetunji Aderinto, founder Zetamind consulting limited at a conference organized by Business Day in Lagos on Thursday.
“Only 37 percent of Nigerian roads are in good condition, which continues to increase production and transportation costs, making Nigerian products less competitive.”
“Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director – General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), gave this statistics during the 2025 Manufacturing Conference organized by BusinessDay in Lagos, with the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Manufacturing Potential: Strategies for Sustainable Growth Amid Economic Turbulence.”
Ajayi-Kadir noted that while recent improvements in infrastructure is commendable, there’s need for investing significantly in critical transport infrastructure — roads, ports, and industrial corridors — to reduce logistics bottlenecks and improve market access.
He stated, “The Nigerian government holds the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment to unlock the manufacturing sector’s potential.
This requires strategic action across infrastructure, fiscal policy, and regional integration.”
Ajayi-Kadir acknowledged the passage of four tax reform bills aimed at streamlining the tax system and praised the government’s “Nigeria First Policy.”
However, he emphasized the need for swift and effective implementation.
He further recommended making the Nigeria First Policy a binding law, with penalties for violators, to ensure transparency, public awareness, and enforcement.
Ajayi-Kadir further called for establishing structured platforms for regular consultations with manufacturers to align policies with industry needs.
“There is need for setting up systems for timely and relevant export data sharing through embassies, trade attachés, and relevant agencies to help manufacturers access global markets.
Also ensuring consistent and transparent policy-making to boost investor confidence and foster long-term growth.”
The Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, noted that more foreign investors are entering Nigeria to establish businesses despite prevailing economic challenges, even as some local businesses continue to complain about the operating environment.
He urged Nigerian manufacturers to look inward and explore the abundant opportunities within the country to boost their enterprises.
In the same vein, Adetunji Aderinto, founder of Zetamind Consulting Limited and a fellow panelist, remarked that foreign investors often recognize prospects in the Nigerian market that many local manufacturers overlook.
He advised manufacturers to reduce costs through technology adoption and data utilization.
“Some manufacturers shut down operations because they don’t understand what their customers need. They need to increase market share and strengthen their supply chains,” Aderinto added.
The Director -General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Olusola Obadimu, called on the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take urgent steps to curb inflation.
He also urged state governments to focus more on people-centric development rather than internally generated revenue alone.
The panelists collectively encouraged Nigerians to patronize locally made products and commended the Federal Government’s efforts in promoting the “Buy Nigeria” campaign.
Business
Complete List of Documents You Need to Buy Land in Lagos by Dennis Isong
And if you’re serious about doing it right, reach out to someone who knows the Lagos real estate landscape like the back of his hand. Someone like, well… me.

Always confirm documents from the Lagos State Land Registry and avoid cash-only deals without paperwork.
Buying land in Lagos can be a rewarding move—whether you’re planning to build a home, invest for the future, or start a commercial project.
But while the opportunities are exciting, the process isn’t as straightforward as just paying and getting a receipt.
Lagos, like many parts of Nigeria, has its peculiar legal and property documentation system, and understanding this system can be the difference between owning your land and losing your hard-earned money.
If you’re thinking about land ownership in this dynamic city, then knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos is not just helpful—it’s essential.
These documents are your only legal shield in a city where land disputes and multiple claims are far too common.
Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand.
First Things First: Why Documentation Matters
In Lagos, land ownership is often a maze.
There’s family land, government-acquired land, excised land, and committed land. Many buyers have found themselves entangled in court cases or financial loss simply because they didn’t know what papers to ask for.
Documents give your land transaction structure and legality. Without them, your ownership is shaky at best and fraudulent at worst.
Now let’s walk through the key documents you must check for—and get—before buying land in Lagos.
The Survey Plan
This is the starting point. A survey plan shows the exact location and measurements of the land. It tells you where the land is and how big it is.
More importantly, it helps confirm if the land falls within a government-acquired or committed area.
Government-acquired lands are off-limits unless the land has been officially released (excised).
A verified survey plan will also tell you whether the land has been registered before.
To be on the safe side, always take the survey plan to a registered surveyor or the Lagos State Surveyor General’s office for charting.
That way, you know you’re not buying into trouble.
The Deed of Assignment
when land changes hands—from seller to buyer—a Deed of Assignment is what captures that transfer.
This document states the details of the transaction: who sold it, who bought it, the size of the land, the location, and the terms of sale.
It must also indicate the history of ownership—how the seller came to own the land in the first place.
This document is legally powerful and must be prepared by a property lawyer. After signing, it should be submitted for Governor’s Consent, which we’ll explain shortly.
A Deed of Assignment without proper registration is like buying a car and not transferring the papers—ownership can easily be disputed.
The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Now, this is one of the most talked-about property documents in Lagos.
The Certificate of Occupancy, often called the “C of O,” is proof that the government officially recognizes someone’s right to occupy a piece of land for 99 years.
If a land has a C of O, it means the land has been titled and recognized by the Lagos State Government.
Not all lands have this document, and that doesn’t always mean it’s illegal—but buying land with a valid C of O is the safest route.
It reduces the risk of future government interference and makes getting loans or building approvals easier. However, it’s important to confirm that the C of O truly belongs to the land you’re buying. Cross-check with the Ministry of Lands to be sure.
The Governor’s Consent
This one often confuses people. If a land already has a C of O and is being sold to someone else, the new buyer must obtain the Governor’s Consent.
Why? Because under Nigerian land law, no land transaction is considered fully legal without the consent of the Governor of the state.
The Governor’s Consent is not a casual formality—it’s a legal requirement. Without it, the sale remains incomplete in the eyes of the law. It’s part of what turns your Deed of Assignment into a fully recognized document.
The Gazette
Now, not all lands in Lagos are initially free from government acquisition. Some are acquired by the government but later released to the original landowners—often communities—through a formal process.
When this happens, the release is published in an official record called a Gazette.
A Gazette shows that the land has been excised, meaning it is no longer under government acquisition and can now be owned and sold legally. If the land you’re planning to buy falls under this category, ask for the Gazette and verify it.
Buying land with a valid Gazette is better than buying land with nothing at all, but still not as solid as a C of O.
The Receipt
Yes, it sounds basic, but the purchase receipt is also important. It shows that money has exchanged hands and helps to track the financial side of the transaction.
It includes the date of purchase, the amount paid, the names of both parties, and the description of the land.
While a receipt alone doesn’t mean you now own land, it complements your other documents—especially the Deed of Assignment.
The Contract of Sale
This is sometimes prepared before the Deed of Assignment. It outlines the agreement between both parties before the land is officially transferred. Think of it as a promise-to-sell document.
It usually spells out payment terms (e.g., installments), timelines, and other conditions of the sale.
It’s useful in cases where payment is staggered over time or where the buyer needs a few months to perfect documents.
However, it is not a substitute for the Deed of Assignment.
Family or Community Consent (if it’s family land)
If you’re buying land from a family or community—which is still common in Lagos—you must get the consent of all principal family members or the land-owning community heads.
This is very important. If just one person signs and others later disagree, your ownership could be challenged.
Many people have found themselves battling “omo onile” (land touts or family claimants) simply because they didn’t get proper family or community consent.
Ensure a family resolution or legal confirmation is obtained.
Government Allocation Letter (for government schemes)
If you’re buying land from a government housing scheme or state-owned development, you’ll receive a Government Allocation Letter. This letter assigns the land to you and states the terms under which you can occupy it.
This letter usually comes before the C of O is issued, and it’s your first legal evidence of land allocation.
It is very common in places like Lekki and other government-developed areas in Lagos.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Buy Land—Buy Peace of Mind
Buying land in Lagos is a serious investment. And while the market is full of promises, it’s also full of pitfalls. Knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos can help you avoid heartache and financial loss.
Whether you’re buying land with a C of O, a Gazette, or through a Deed of Assignment, make sure everything is checked, verified, and registered properly.
Don’t just depend on what the seller says. Involve professionals—real estate lawyers, surveyors, and agents who understand Lagos terrain.
Always confirm documents from the Lagos State Land Registry and avoid cash-only deals without paperwork.
The right documents protect your ownership today and into the future.
If you’re ever in doubt, ask questions.
And if you’re serious about doing it right, reach out to someone who knows the Lagos real estate landscape like the back of his hand. Someone like, well… me.
Business
EFCC boss fingers insider-aided cyber attacks on Nigerian banks
…Bank employees have played a crucial role in granting unauthorized access to hackers operating from countries including the United States and Eastern Europe.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Barrister Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over a wave of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting Nigerian banks, revealing that insiders are collaborating with foreign hackers to siphon off billions of naira.
Olukoyede spoke on TVC News’ Journalists Hangout and disclosed that six commercial banks have been hit by coordinated cyber intrusions involving a syndicate of local and international criminals exploiting internal vulnerability.
He emphasised that compromised bank employees have played a crucial role in granting unauthorized access to hackers operating from countries including the United States and Eastern Europe.
” Once access is gained, the attackers swiftly transfer large sums of money within seconds.
“These are highly coordinated attacks, and insiders play a critical role. In some cases, billions were moved in a matter of moments, but we were able to recover N9.7 billion, N6.7 billion, and N3.7 billion in three separate incidents,” said Olukoyede.
He clarified that while the attacks are severe, the institutions are not to blame. Rather, the breaches stem from the actions of rogue staff.
-
Entertainment2 days ago
BREAKING: Segun Arinze Re-elected AVOA President
-
News4 hours ago
CASER Launches Prince Nduka Obaigbena National Secondary School Essay Competition
-
News2 days ago
2027: Hurdles Before The Coalition, By Emeka Monye
-
Opinions2 hours ago
One Million Teachers (1MT) Sparks National Policy Conversation with Transformative Education Model