Business
Soludo Seeks a New Deal For Nigeria
**By Christian ABURIME
In a compelling convocation lecture delivered at Veritas University on November 7, 2024, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the Governor of Anambra State, outlined a vision for a transformative “New Deal for Nigeria.”
Reflecting on his own graduation experience four decades ago, Governor Soludo emphasised the stark contrast between past and present challenges faced by graduates.
He articulated concerns over Nigeria’s socio-economic issues, including rising inflation, unemployment, and a culture where wealth accumulation is prioritised over virtue.
Acknowledging the historical conditions that shaped his generation, Professor Soludo urged graduates to embrace their upcoming year of National Youth Service as an opportunity for personal and societal resetting.
He encouraged active volunteerism and community service, positioning these experiences as crucial for nurturing selfless public service.
He stressed the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in navigating the complexities of modern life, citing a worrying disconnect between graduates’ expectations and the reality of job availability.
Central to Professor Soludo’s message was the call for collective effort in nation-building, asserting that a new social contract encompassing basic socio-economic rights is essential.
He emphasised that graduates from Veritas University, equipped with a holistic education grounded in Christian principles, bear the responsibility of contributing positively to society.
Professor Soludo also advocated the need for a pragmatic approach to governance in Nigeria, reminiscent of the U.S. Marshall Plan, calling for infrastructural investment and a focus on human capital development.
He highlighted initiatives undertaken in Anambra State, such as massive investments in education and health, aimed at creating a more equitable society.
The erudite economist and former CBN governor further lamented the growing educational divide between rich and poor in the Nigerian society, proposing that breaking this cycle of poverty must be a priority.
By fostering an inclusive educational environment, he posited that Nigeria could maximise its demographic potential and prepare itself as a leading global labour supplier by 2050.
In wrapping up, Professor Soludo inspired graduates to view their futures as flexible and urged them to actively shape Nigeria’s destiny through engaged citizenship.
He called on them to cultivate hope, recognising that despite the challenges, they carry the responsibility to realise Nigeria’s potential as a great nation.
His rallying cry reminded the young graduates that true leadership and commitment to civic duty begin with individual action, urging them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.
Business
Enugu Air Begins London Gatwick flights From December 10, 2026
The Enugu State-owned airline will use an Airbus A330-200 leased from Portugal-based EuroAtlantic under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement.
Enugu Air will begin direct flights to London Gatwick on December 10, 2026, with four services weekly.
Tickets are already available for booking.
The Enugu State-owned airline will use an Airbus A330-200 leased from Portugal-based EuroAtlantic under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement.
The service is being delivered through a strategic partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA).
The airline said the service will improve international travel connectivity for passengers departing from Lagos, Enugu and other parts of Nigeria.
Passengers from Enugu will be able to begin their international journey to London from their home airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
The four weekly flights are expected to give travellers greater flexibility between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Enugu Air Chief Executive Officer Captain Tolu Ita said: “The commencement of our London Gatwick service reflects our commitment to expanding international connectivity and the vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, to connect Enugu to more opportunities across the world.”
He added: “Of particular importance is ensuring that passengers from Enugu can begin their international journey to London from their home airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport. We are proud to make the journey from Enugu to London Gatwick a reality for our passengers.”
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Business
NNPCL wants to sell 10% equity via IPO on NGX, LSE
NNPC is expected to spend at least the whole of 2027 preparing for the proposed offering, with the listing primarily intended to strengthen corporate transparency and governance in line with Nigerian law.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) is considering selling between 5% and 10% of its equity through a potential initial public offering (IPO), with the proposed listing expected to focus primarily on Nigeria’s domestic capital market.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, adding that the company could also pursue a secondary listing in London or New York.
The disclosure comes shortly after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s IPO closed on October 27, following a two-week extension of its subscription period from the initial October 13 deadline.
NNPC is expected to spend at least the whole of 2027 preparing for the proposed offering, with the listing primarily intended to strengthen corporate transparency and governance in line with Nigerian law.
Ojulari indicated that raising additional capital would be a secondary consideration rather than the main reason for going public.
The company is also considering listing some of its subsidiaries separately, following a model adopted by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned oil company.
Beyond the potential IPO, Ojulari disclosed that Chinese companies have expressed interest in acquiring equity stakes in some of NNPC’s smaller refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt and Warri facilities, which require substantial rehabilitation.
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