President Bola Tinubu has sent a congratulatory letter to the first female Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, describing her emergence after winning the votes in the parliament as an affirmation of her contributions to the influence of her political party in governance in Japan.

According to a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Takaichi.

In the letter personally signed by him, President Tinubu stated: “On behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend to you my warmest congratulations on your election as the first female Prime Minister of Japan.

“Your victory as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and ultimately as the Prime Minister of Japan constitutes a remarkable expression of the confidence reposed in you by the good people of Japan.

“Your election as the first female Prime Minister of Japan is also a testament to the decades of your tremendous contributions to the growth of your political party and governance in Japan.

“As you assume this mandate, you can please rest assured of Nigeria’s continued goodwill and support for Japan. Nigeria and Japan have maintained a deep, productive, and strategic relationship over the years, covering several areas of bilateral cooperation.

“I am confident that we would work together to build on the foundation that has been laid, as well as strengthen and deepen the relationship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience to explore these opportunities.

“I am reassured that Nigeria-Japan relations would continue to blossom under your capable and visionary leadership.

“Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and best wishes for your good health and personal well-being.”

The pioneer Emir of the newly created Duguri emirate, Alh Adamu Mohammed Duguri, has vowed to promote peace, education, and health, and to uphold the culture and values. The newly appointed Emir is an elder brother to Governor Bala Mohammed

The post Bauchi governor’s brother emerges first-class Emir of Duguri appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) has announced the postponement of the business grants disbursement to Batch A applicants, initially scheduled to commence on October 20, 2025.

In a statement, the programme’s Coordinator-General, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, cited complexities in ensuring a transparent, accountable, and accurate disbursement process as the reason for the delay.

He has cautioned applicants against fake news circulating on social media platforms claiming that the disbursement has commenced, warning that internet fraudsters were peddling false information to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.

YEIDEP emphasised that every benefit or gain related to the programme is offered free of charge and advised the public to ignore criminal elements seeking to exploit them.

According to him, a new date for funds disbursement will be announced through various media platforms once the process is finalised.

Meanwhile, YEIDEP has announced that the registration portal will reopen on October 27, 2025, for Batch B recruitment, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every registered member receives their entitled benefits.

“We warn and caution all our registered applicants and potential beneficiaries to ignore the fake news which have flooded different social media platforms falsely reporting that YEIDEP’s business grants disbursement has taken effect.

“Internet fraudsters are the ones peddling these fake news, in their desperate attempt to misinform innocent Nigerians, and make them to become gullible to their tricks of financial extortion.

“Please be conscious not to allow anyone to deceive you. Every benefit or gain relating to YEIDEP is offered free-of-charge. We therefore advise everyone to be well guided, and be smart enough to ignore criminal elements who may want to extort money from the public by peddling fake news to aid their criminal ambitions.

“We are also delighted to announce to the general public via this medium that the registration portal will be re-opened on Monday 27th October, 2025 for the “Batch B” recruitment.

“We sincerely wish to express our commitment towards the successful implementation of YEIDEP, as we work to ensure that every registered member receives the benefits entitled. Further updates will be communicated through our YouTube, Facebook and other digital communication channels,” Iyere stated.

A youth-led civic organisation, TOS Foundation, has launched an innovative online platform, the “469 Tracker”, to help Nigerians monitor the position of every federal lawmaker on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, a landmark legislation aimed at increasing women’s representation

The post Foundation unveils platform to expose lawmakers’ stand on reserved seats for women bill appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given a condition that will see him stand as a witness in the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Wike made

The post Wike gives condition to stand as witness for Nnamdi Kanu appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

A faction of the SDP has dismissed the reported expulsion of National Chairman Shehu Gabam, Youth Leader Ogbonna Uchechukwu, and others.

The post Gadam says removal as SDP chairman null and void appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has approved the appointment of his elder brother, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Duguri, as the first Emir of Duguri, with a first-class status.

Speaking shortly after receiving his letter of appointment on Friday, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Duguri described the appointment as the fulfilment of a long-long dream for the people of Duguri. He expressed profound gratitude to Allah and the Bauchi State government for the honour.

The new Emir pledged to work closely with other traditional rulers across the state to promote peace, unity, and sustainable development.

A retired Assistant Controller of Customs and current chairman of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (BA-SUBEB), Emir Duguri assured that he would uphold the laws of the state and support government initiatives in key sectors such as education, health, and security.

He emphasised the importance of education, promising to ensure that more children were enrolled in school, while also committing to support improved healthcare delivery and maintain peace and harmony within the Duguri Emirate and Bauchi State at large.

While calling for unity among his people, the Emir urged residents of Duguri to work together for the progress and development of their community.

The Emir conferred the traditional title of ‘Yariman Duguri’ on Governor Bala Mohammed in appreciation of his role in the creation of the new emirate.

Presenting the letter of appointment, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, said the exercise was carried out in accordance with the Bauchi State Chieftaincy Appointment and Deposition Law, 2025, particularly sections 16 and 17.

Hammayo reminded the new Emir to uphold justice, truth, and fairness while promoting peace and unity in his domain. He expressed confidence that under Emir Duguri’s leadership, the new emirate would experience greater progress and stability.

He added that the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions as vital partners in community development and grassroots governance.

LEADERSHIP reports that Governor Mohammed had recently signed into law a Bill establishing 13 new emirates and one chiefdom across Bauchi State. The government has already presented appointment letters to some of the newly Emirs, while other emirates await the formal presentation.

More Photos Below:

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list,” describing it as a major milestone in the nation’s economic reform journey and a renewed global vote of confidence in its financial governance. The

The post Tinubu hails Nigeria’s exit from FATF grey list appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Hoteliers across the country have tasked government and corporate organisations with leveraging the prevailing peace and harmony in Kwara State to attract financial flows through tourism and hospitality deals. Speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of a planned one-day Hospitality

The post Hotelier urges govt, corporate bodies to tap into hospitality business appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu; Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye, retains his position.

He said the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.

The President charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The FATF announced the delisting at its Plenary in Paris, France, on Friday.

The FATF is the world’s foremost standard-setting body for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

The announcement formally removed Nigeria from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly referred to as the “grey list”.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the development as “a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic reform, institutional integrity and global credibility.”

The decision followed Nigeria’s successful and timely completion of its FATF Action Plan, marking over two years of sustained effort, reform and inter-agency coordination aimed at strengthening the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

In February 2023, the FATF placed Nigeria on the grey list. The message from the global community was clear: the nation needed more vigorous enforcement, better coordination, and greater transparency. Rather than treat this as a setback, Nigeria viewed it as a call to action.

Under President Tinubu’s strategic leadership and in line with the economic transformation agenda of his administration, Nigeria implemented far-reaching legal, institutional and operational reforms.

This was achieved through the coordination of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), working in conjunction with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Minister of Interior.

President Tinubu applauded the vital support from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Aviation, the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Solid Minerals, the Minister of State for Finance, the National Security Adviser as well as the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary, in the attainment of the laudable achievement.

President Tinubu commended the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Ms Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and the staff for their diligence in ensuring the complete and timely implementation of the country’s Action Plan. He noted that the NFIU’s work has led to the recognition by the international community of the strides Nigeria has made in strengthening its measures to tackle serious crimes.

“Without their dedication and sacrifice, today’s success could not have been achieved. I thank them for their efforts and urged other stakeholders to emulate their standards,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu also commended all Ministries, Agencies, their heads and private sector representatives who contributed to the delisting through their active participation in the National Task Force on AML/CFT.

Among these are the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the National Coordinator National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Others are “the Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Managing Director Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, the Inspector-GeneralNigeria Police Force, and the Director-General Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as all their dedicated staff

Nigeria’s efforts in completing the Action Plan were complemented by the country’s close partnership with the FATF and the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

President Tinubu acknowledged the strong support of international partners, the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations and the European Commission, for their steadfast technical assistance during Nigeria’s reform process.

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list is “not just a technical accomplishment, it is a strategic victory for our economy and a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s financial governance.

“The exit from the FATF grey list marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s financial reform agenda as Nigeria will sustain the already institutionalised reforms, deepen institutional collaboration and continue to build a financial system that Nigerians and the world can trust.”

Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), on Friday began disbursing compensation to verified residents of the Oworonshoki community in the Kosofe Local Council of Lagos State whose homes were demolished during recent clearance operations. The

The post Lagos begins compensation payment to owners of demolished buildings in Oworonshoki appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Wife of the Katsina State Governor, Mrs Zulaihat Radda, has expressed concern over recent discoveries of the type 2 variant of poliovirus (cVPV2) in some parts of the state. Mrs Radda lamented that 17 cases of the new variant were

The post Gov’s wife concerned over new polio virus cases in Katsina appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Born on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke hails from Udi local government area of Enugu State.

He is the son of Air Warrant Officer (Rtd) Sylvester and Mrs Ngozi Aneke.

He started his early education at Army Children School, New Cantonment ‘A’, Kaduna (1976–1982) and Government College, Kaduna (1982–1987) which laid the foundation for a disciplined and purpose-driven life.

He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a Pilot Officer on September 10, 1993, a journey that has since reflected brilliance, dedication, and steady ascension through merit.

Aneke, an erudite scholar and strategic thinker, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and two Master’s Degrees, one in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and another in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja.

He also possesses a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

His pursuit of knowledge reflects a deep commitment to informed leadership and adaptive strategy in modern airpower application.

AVM Aneke has throughout his distinguished career, attended some of the most prestigious military institutions, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he completed the Junior and Senior Staff Courses, and the United States Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he earned a Master’s in Strategic Studies. He has held numerous command, instructional, and policy appointments which includes; Director of Policy, Director of Safety, Deputy Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters, Command Operations Officer, Tactical Air Command, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Until his appointment as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) on Friday, October 24, 2025, he served as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he enhanced air mobility, strengthened joint force integration, and improved the strategic response of the Nigerian Air Force in multi-domain operations.

An accomplished pilot with over 4,359 flying hours, Air Vice Marshal Aneke is type-rated on multiple aircraft including the Air Beetle 18, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000. His operational experience spans domestic and international theatres, from Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), where he served as Chief of Air Operations, Kindu Region. His contributions to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations have been instrumental in improving NAF’s counter-insurgency capabilities across multiple fronts.

He is decorated with numerous medals and honours including GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, MSc, MIAD, MPEDS, and USAFWC.

AVM Aneke is widely regarded as a refined officer, visionary leader, and professional aviator of exceptional integrity and depth.

His calm disposition, strategic foresight, and results-oriented leadership have earned him respect within and beyond the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The appointment of Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff marks a new chapter in the history of the Nigerian Air Force, one defined by intellectual depth, operational precision, and a renewed commitment to national security and airpower excellence.

As he assumes command as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke brings with him a wealth of experience, intellectual rigour, and operational dexterity that position him to steer the Nigerian Air Force towards greater efficiency in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and emerging security threats.

Under his leadership, the Service is set to strengthen airpower projection, deepen intelligence-led operations, and drive innovation in defence technology and human capacity development.

Air Vice Marshal Aneke is happily married to Mrs Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and their union is blessed with three sons, Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyichukwu Brian, and Uchechukwu Jason.

With a deep sense of duty, humility, and service, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke embodies the highest ideals of the Nigerian Air Force, discipline, courage, and excellence, as he leads the Service into a new era of smarter airpower delivery and enduring national security.

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to be honest with Nigerians on the real reasons behind the sudden and rather abrupt change in the leadership of the Nigerian military.

The ADC national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji, said this in a statement on Friday.

He said while the party acknowledges that the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit, the party was somewhat concerned that the change was coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup.

He reiterated the party’s earlier view that the reactions of the government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity.

“We note that nearly all the Service Chiefs that have been removed were appointed only 28 months ago, with the current Chief of Defence Staff himself appointed just a year ago as Chief of Army Staff.

“We also note that this kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons.

“Our position remains therefore that the Federal Government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation about what truly happened,” ADC spokesman stated.

Abdullahi added that ADC’s interest remained the stability of the country and its democracy.
It, however, added that in the light of developments in the neighbourhood of Chad and the Sahel States, the party was gravely concerned.

“Without prejudice to what might have happened in recent weeks, it is obvious that the Tinubu administration is distracted. Insecurity continues to spread with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in other parts. But this is not the reason the government is changing the Service Chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians.

“This action of near wholesale change in the leadership of the country’s military, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories.

“We therefore reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” ADC added.

A Paris court has handed a rare whole-life sentence to 27-year-old Dahbia Benkired, who was found guilty of the brutal rape and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet, a case that has deeply shocked France and reignited debate over immigration and public safety.

The court ruled that Benkired, an Algerian national who was under an order to leave France, must serve at least 30 years before she can even be considered for parole. The sentence is the harshest possible punishment under French law and is seldom imposed.

Benkired has now become the first woman in France to receive a whole-life term, a punishment previously reserved for some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including serial killer Michel Fourniret and Salah Abdeslam, the jihadist involved in the 2015 Paris terror attacks that killed 130 people.

Lola was murdered in October 2022, and her body was later found stuffed inside a trunk near her family’s apartment building in the 19th arrondissement, northeast of Paris. The horrific nature of the crime sparked widespread outrage and grief across the nation.

The case also took a political turn, as right-wing and far-right politicians seized on Benkired’s immigration status to renew calls for tougher border controls and stricter enforcement of deportation orders.

The verdict, delivered after a tense trial attended by Lola’s grieving parents, was met with a mix of relief and somber reflection, marking the close of one of France’s most distressing criminal cases in recent memory.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied media reports that convener of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, was rearrested on Friday afternoon on a fresh charges after his initial bail.

There were media reports that Sowore was immediately re-arrested after stepping out of the court by the police and he is expected to be arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for A different offence.

But, Force PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, wondered how the police would arrest a suspect and take him to the prison directly.

Reacting to the media reports, the Force PRO said: “your story that he was arrested on a fresh charge and ‘whisked away…to Kuje Prison…to be arraigned on Monday is procedurally incorrect. A person arrested on a fresh charge cannot be taken straight to prison. No prison will accept such a person without a remand warrant duly issued by a competent court.”

He further explained that Sowore was taken to prison as instructed by the court to perfect his bail conditions, noting that “he was taken to prison as instructed on the attached remand warrant pending when he meets his bail conditions, nothing more!”

Recall that Sowore was arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja shorty after meeting with the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday.

He was immediately taken to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, where he was kept in custody till Friday morning.

The police said Sowore flouted a lawful Court order which barred his group from protesting around the Three-Arm Zone in Abuja.

There is renewed hope for commuters and residents along the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Expressway as the Federal Government has re-awarded the long-delayed reconstruction of the critical highway to CBC Global Civil & Building Construction Nigeria Limited. The development was confirmed by Hon.

The post FG re-awards Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa expressway reconstruction appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has honoured its founding fathers and past leaders for their immense contributions to the growth of the Pentecostal movement and national development, as the body marked its 40th anniversary. Among those honoured at the

The post PFN honours founding fathers’ contribution to movement, national development appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), at its October 2025 plenary in Paris, France, has officially removed Nigeria from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the ‘grey list’.

This was revealed by the director/chief executive officer of the the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Ms. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, on Friday.

She said: “This milestone marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s fight against serious financial crimes. The delisting of Nigeria underscores the country’s commitment to global standards in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.”

Nigeria was represented at the plenary by a high-level delegation which included the Attorney-general of the Federation and Minister of Justice; the Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy; the Minister of Interior and the director/chief executive officer of the NFIU.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strong anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism systems, noting Nigeria’s ambition was never limited to simply completing the Action Plan and exiting the grey list.

For his part, the attorney-general of the federation, Prince Fagbemi, also expressed Nigeria’s gratitude to the FATF for extending an invitation to the country to join the guest jurisdictions initiative as this will enable the country, represented by the NFIU, to participate under its own flag in the meetings of the FATF for the next one year and contribute to the global discussions on international AML/CFT/CPF standards and policies.

Nigeria was placed on the FATF grey list in February 2023, following the identification of strategic deficiencies in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework

Over the past two years, Nigeria has worked resolutely to address these concerns through a 19-point Action Plan developed in collaboration with the FATF and its regional counterpart, the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

LEADERSHIP recalls that to achieve this feat, Nigeria “enacted and enforced the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; Operationalisation of the Beneficial Ownership Register, improving corporate transparency and accountability; Enhanced capacity of the intelligence, law enforcement and security agencies in detecting, analysing, and prosecuting complex financial crimes and implemented stronger supervisory and preventive measures by the public and private sector authorities to prevent the abuses of Nigeria’s financial system to facilitate criminal activity, among others things.”

Networking isn't just about making connections – it's about building relationships that can open doors to opportunities, collaborations, and growth. Here are some key tips for mastering networking within the Nigerian business community:

1. Strategic Event Attendance: Choose networking events wisely, focusing on those that align with your industry, interests, and goals. Look for conferences, seminars, trade shows, and industry-specific gatherings where you're likely to meet like-minded professionals and potential collaborators.

2. Elevator Pitch Perfection: Craft a concise and compelling elevator pitch that succinctly communicates who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart. Practice delivering it confidently so that you can make a memorable impression in any networking setting.

3. Genuine Engagement: Approach networking with authenticity and a genuine interest in getting to know others. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and find common ground to foster meaningful connections. Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just collecting business cards.

4. Utilize Social Media: Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to expand your professional network and stay connected with industry peers. Share valuable insights, engage with relevant content, and participate in online discussions to establish your presence and credibility.

5. Follow Up Relentlessly: Don't let valuable connections slip through the cracks. Follow up promptly after networking events with personalized messages expressing gratitude for the conversation and expressing your interest in staying in touch. Offer value by sharing relevant resources or insights that demonstrate your expertise and willingness to contribute.

6. Give Before You Receive: Approach networking with a mindset of generosity and reciprocity. Look for ways to offer assistance, support, or valuable connections to others without expecting immediate returns. Building goodwill within your network can lead to unexpected opportunities down the line.

7. Diversify Your Network: Seek out networking opportunities beyond your immediate industry or circle. Embrace diversity in your connections, including professionals from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives. A diverse network can offer fresh insights, innovative ideas, and new opportunities for collaboration.

8. Be Persistent and Patient: Building a robust network takes time and effort, so don't get discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Stay persistent in your networking efforts, consistently showing up, following up, and nurturing relationships over time. The seeds you plant today may blossom into fruitful opportunities in the future.

In the vibrant landscape of Nigerian business, exceptional customer service isn't just a nicety – it's a competitive advantage that can set your brand apart. Here are some strategies to elevate your customer service game:

1. Listen Attentively: Encourage your team to actively listen to customer feedback, whether it's positive or negative. Every comment is an opportunity to learn and improve.

2. Respond Promptly: In today's fast-paced world, timely responses are crucial. Aim to address customer inquiries and concerns as quickly as possible, even if it's just to acknowledge receipt and provide a timeline for resolution.

3. Empower Your Team: Equip your employees with the authority and resources they need to resolve issues on the spot. Trusting your team to make decisions empowers them to provide better service and fosters a sense of ownership.

4. Personalize Interactions: Treat each customer as an individual with unique needs and preferences. Use their name, remember past interactions, and tailor your approach to make them feel valued and appreciated.

5. Go the Extra Mile: Surprise and delight your customers by exceeding their expectations. Whether it's a handwritten thank-you note, a small gift, or a personalized recommendation, little gestures can leave a lasting impression.

6. Be Transparent: Honesty and transparency build trust. If something goes wrong, acknowledge the mistake, apologize sincerely, and outline the steps you're taking to rectify the situation.

7. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess your customer service processes and solicit feedback from both customers and employees. Look for areas where you can streamline operations, eliminate pain points, and enhance the overall experience.

Remember, exceptional customer service isn't just about resolving complaints – it's about building meaningful relationships that keep customers coming back for more. By prioritizing service excellence, you can cultivate a loyal customer base and drive long-term success for your business in Nigeria.

1. Follow industry influencers, blogs, and publications to stay informed about the latest trends.
2. Experiment with new marketing channels and tactics to reach your target audience.
3. Analyze your competitors' marketing strategies to identify opportunities and avoid pitfalls.
4. Continuously test and optimize your marketing campaigns based on data and customer feedback.
5. Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to network and learn from experts.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for personal well-being and business success. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Time Management: Implement effective time management techniques, prioritizing tasks and setting boundaries to ensure a healthy balance.
• Stress Management: Manage stress through exercise, meditation, and other relaxation techniques, ensuring you remain focused and productive.
• Self-Care: Prioritize self-care, ensuring you get enough rest, eat well, and engage in activities that promote personal well-being.
• Delegation: Delegate tasks and responsibilities to trusted team members, freeing up time for personal and professional growth.
• Support Network: Build a strong support network, including family, friends, and colleagues, to provide emotional and practical support.

Starting a graphic design studio in Nigeria can be a lucrative venture for creative professionals. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you launch your graphic design studio:

1. Skills and Training: Develop strong graphic design skills through formal education or self-study. Familiarize yourself with design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, and stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
2. Business Planning: Create a detailed business plan outlining your graphic design studio's concept, target market, services, pricing strategy, and marketing approach. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your business.
3. Legal Requirements: Register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to operate legally. Obtain necessary permits and licenses required for graphic design businesses in Nigeria to ensure compliance with regulations.
4. Space and Equipment: Determine whether you will operate from a physical studio or work remotely. If operating from a physical studio, secure a suitable space and invest in necessary equipment, such as computers, printers, and software.
5. Service Offerings: Develop a range of graphic design services tailored to your target market, such as branding, print design, digital design, and web design.
6. Client Acquisition: Develop a sales and marketing strategy to attract clients. Utilize social media platforms, local community events, word-of-mouth referrals, and partnerships with businesses to reach potential clients.
7. Client Relationships: Focus on building strong relationships with your clients. Engage with them regularly, solicit feedback, and address any concerns promptly to maintain a positive reputation.
8. Professional Development: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to provide the best possible service to your clients.
9. Financial Management: Implement sound financial practices to track expenses, manage cash flow, and price your services competitively. Monitor your business's performance and adjust strategies as needed to optimize profitability.

One of the easiest and cheapest cottage agric businesses you can start without stress is a catfish smoking business.

There are several catfish farmers in Nigeria today, so getting catfish to smoke is not a problem. All you need to start this business is skill and determination.

You don’t have to be a catfish farmer, you might not even have an idea of how fish grows but you can make big money smoking fish for fish farmers.

This is a business for both fish farmers and non-fish farmers.

Smoking fish can be easy if you follow some basic steps.

The four basic steps in smoking fish are :cleaning, curing, smoking and drying.

Tips on smoking catfish

The first step in your fish smoking business is to obtain some fresh fish.

If it doesn’t look FRESH or smell FRESH or feel FRESH, it probably isn’t, and it will make your finished product taste bad.

Use fresh fish.
Smoking will not hide old fish. The quality will be reflected.

Catfish harvest is categorize into two namely; melange (unit weight between 300g-600g) and table size (600g-above),the price/kg of melange is sold for N600 and above N800 and above for table size as at today.

The pocket size of your target audience will determine the type in terms of size of fish to smoke.

After harvesting (as a farmer) or purchasing (as a non farmer) your fresh catfish, put them in a container and add a reasonable amount of cooking salt and cover the container with a lid and place a heavy object on the lid to prevent the fish from getting out of the container.

Leave for about 30 minutes after which all the fish must have been dead then you can start the steps mentioned above.
CLEANING

•     clean fish, removing the gills and intestine.

•     Wash in clean water.

BRINE AND CURE

what is brine?  Basically, brine is salt and water.

Soaking the fish in brine will achieve a few things:

•    It will firm up the flesh to be less mushy.

•    It will draw out any old blood, which will improve the taste.

•    It will add some saltiness to the fish in the right amounts; this is desired.

•    It will add some additional flavoring to the fish.

•    The cure will ensure that we are protected from the deadly botulism bacteria, especially since this is a relatively low temperature cooking environment.

(Brine recipe • 1/2 gallon good clean spring water • 3/4 cup kosher salt (or plain salt, but not iodized salt)

SMOKING AND DRYING
•     Prepare smoker.  Too much smoke will cause the fish to taste bitter. Use just enough wood to maintain a steady smoke. There are various kinds of oven. We shall discuss that in another article.

Click to read more https://catfishpreneur.wordpress.com/2018/09/20/how-to-start-a-smoked-fish-business/#:~:text=The%20four%20basic%20steps%20in,%2C%20curing%2C%20smoking%20and%20drying.&text=The%20first%20step%20in%20your,Use%20fresh%20fish.

The Nigeria International Agricultural Expo NIAEXPO 2024 is set to be a groundbreaking event that will bring together key players in the agricultural industry from around the world. This expo will serve as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations technologies and practices in agriculture.

NIAEXPO 2024 aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among farmers researchers policymakers and industry experts. It will provide a unique opportunity for participants to network learn about new trends in agriculture and explore potential business opportunities.

URBANPARTY 6.0 hosted by URBANDRINKS.NET marks our sixth edition—a quarterly event bringing together top-tier professionals executives and visionaries across industries. Our goal is to cultivate connections share ideas and spark innovative collaborations. Previous editions have welcomed over 1600 guests featuring EXCEPTIONAL MUSIC, CAPTIVATING ART EXHIBITION, INVIGORATING DANCE, PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES all complemented by your favorite WINE and SPIRITS.

The Huawei IdeaHub Experience is an event that introduces tecnology on another level to the corporate world. The event encompasses different kinds of solutions like Smart School Solutions, Board Room Solutions, etc.

SewMeExpo, where Fashion and Art meet. Over 200 Fashion Designers under 1 roof and over 10,000 clients. 

NIGERIA GOLDEN HEARTS AWARD, recognizes and celebrate the achievements of women who leads, inspire, motivate and generally impact on the Society directly or indirectly, women who uses their influence or work space to make a difference in the society.
It also celebrates women of great minds from diverse industries, Women who knows how to balance their home and work space.

LinkedInLocal events are organic meetups, hosted by members all over the world. They provide the platform and opportunity for networking, community building, learning, industry trends, deals making and sharing best practices for using LinkedIn.
Since 2019, LinkedInLocal Abuja has been the biggest networking event for LinkedIn users in the Abuja metropolis, hosting business leaders, public sector executives, young and old professionals, entrepreneurs and all.
It's about making momentous conversations and meaningful connections.
To register: https://braveiconsglobal.com/linkedinlocalabj.html

Make the Zuma Kids FunRun your family tradition!
The course begins at Area 1 Bridge and ends at the Old Parade Ground Area 10 and includes scenic views along nearby residential streets. The race will begin at 9:00 am. The race will conclude with other activities, including local merchants, food trucks, kids’ zone, music and a festive atmosphere etc.

Whether you're a food vendor, guest, food competitor looking to showcase your culinary skills, sponsor, partner, collaborator, or volunteer, UFF is the place to be.
Experience loads of fun activities such as music, game shows, raffle draws, cooking competitions, seminars, and masterclasses at an affordable price. Indulge in delicious food at discount prices and explore fresh produce also available at discounted prices. 

'The Zone' is hosting a games fest on the 26th of May and it's a get together for adults to play a variety of amazing games, socialise, and have an awesome experience! So, if you're a dedicated gamer, looking for a day of excitement, or just looking for an opportunity to defeat your friends in multiple rounds of games and likely win CASH PRIZES and GIFT ITEMS - this event is for you! Come with your friends, play some awesome games, engage in friendly competitions, show off your gaming skills and earn some bragging rights amongst your friend group!

Lagos Freedom Fest 2024 is a live music and cultural event organized to celebrate Nigeria's independence and diversity. The event is hosted by Tenstrings Music Institute in collaboration with Freedom Park Lagos.

The event will assemble a minimum of 1000 guests and will run from 5 pm until 9 pm - flagging off with cultural activities during the day and a live concert in the evening.