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Experts Call for More Collaboration within Startup Ecosystem at ThriveAgric’s Abuja Tech Converge

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L-r: Ayo Arikawe CTO & Co-Fonder, ThriveAgric; Uka Eje, CEO & Co-Founder, ThriveAgric; Former Governor, Senator Isa Yuguda; Apollo Goma, CEO & Lead Consultant, APGEE Consult; Akeem Akintayo, Secretary, APC Professional Fo
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Agricultural technology company, ThriveAgric, has concluded the debut edition of the ‘Abuja Tech Converge – TechXcelerate’ conference held in partnership with OCP Africa, a subsidiary of OCP Group, championing sustainable farming in Africa.

The 2-day event brought together some of Nigeria’s most influential players in technology including startup founders, policy makers, ecosystem enablers and high-powered government officials, to discuss the challenges, innovations and opportunities for technology in the region.

Hosted at the Peachvine Marquee, Abuja, with more than 500 people in total attendance, industry experts discussed collaborative technology for community impact, sustainable technology and impact investing, as well as Talents: nurturing the next generation of innovators, among other content tracks.

Notable thought leaders including Akintunde Akinwande; Head, Business Development & Digital Projects for Nigeria, OCP Africa, Oluwatomi Ayorinde; CEO, Payforce by FairMoney & Cynthia E. Chisom; VP, Ecosystem & Venture Labs, Spark Africa HQ, set the ball rolling in an engaging panel on the need for collaboration in the ecosystem.

Other highlights of the 2-day event were keynotes, breakout sessions, product showcases and a techathon where young tech talents walked away with prizes.

In his opening keynote address, Senator Isa Yuguda, former governor of Bauchi State called on the government to channel more investment into the agriculture sector in areas like technology and infrastructure to address the problem of food insecurity and hunger.

He further stated that the revitalisation of the country’s river basins and construction of more dams will immensely drive this.

Echoing the ex-governor’s position on the role of technology, Akintunde Akinwade, Head, Business Development and Digital Projects of OCP Africa, said, the Abuja Tech Converge will showcase the potential of technology in reshaping the future of agriculture which will engender sustainable communities.

Delivering his welcome address that set the tone for the day, Uka Eje, CEO, ThriveAgric and conveners of  the Abuja Tech Converge said, “The aim of this conference is to demystify the agriculture sector as a legitimate, inclusive and viable economic sector and to trigger a movement of new recruits and believers.

“We want to make the sector more attractive and champion a different system of collaborative agriculture that actively embraces different groups of people – rural and urban youths, technology enthusiasts and innovators, local investors, regulators and all levels of government so we can build the country of our dreams.”

Also at the event, ThriveAgric unveiled the first set of graduating interns in their Tech-Talent Accelerated Programme (TAP). The six-month programme launched in May this year, is designed to support young tech enthusiasts looking to achieve their dreams in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Over 4000 applications were received however only 20 candidates were admitted into the intensive programme where the successful participants were upskilled in core technical areas including frontend development, backend development, and product (UI/UX) design.

The closing activity was a techathon sponsored by OCP Africa whereby a cash prize of two million naira was awarded to a group of 4 interns who designed a healthcare solution capable of providing personalised healthcare services to patients.

The runner up groups walked away with one million naira and 500,000 naira each for building a recruitment solution and a customised learning solution respectively. Other winners from this year’s TAP cohort are Aneminyene John-Prince, Caleb Owatah and Caleb Ali who emerged overall best students winning N500,000, N300,000 and 200,000 naira respectively.

Speaking on the goal behind the Tech-Talent Accelerated Programme (TAP), Favour Eze, Head of People and Culture at ThriveAgric, said, “The growing demand for tech talents in the ecosystem has led ThriveAgric to build a specialised program that fosters a diverse pool of talented professionals prepared to tackle key industry challenges both within the agri-tech industry and other sectors.

“Our biggest impact is that we’ve transformed participating interns into skilled professionals.

This new level of expertise has resulted in 7 of the 20 participants being offered employment opportunities both internally and with our program partners, as well as another 5 graduated interns who are currently undergoing recruitment processes by other organisations. This is a step in empowering African youth to achieve their career dreams.”

According to African Development Bank, if youth unemployment rates remain unchanged, nearly 50% of young people (excluding students) will be unemployed, or economically inactive by 2025.

Equally, the United Nations has estimated that digital technology will account for over 90 percent of available global jobs by 2030.

By training and upskilling local tech talent with essential tools to kick start their careers via TAP, ThriveAgric is addressing the existing skills gap within the technology industry in Africa while building a pipeline of quality talents for the global market.

This is aligned with events like Abuja Tech Converge where ThriveAgric is driving knowledge exchange between industry leaders, investors, mentors, and other stakeholders within the startup sector, while also creating an ideal opportunity for young tech talents to interact and connect with industry professionals towards building a sustainable economic future for the continent.


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NRS Extends Saturday Tax Office Operations Nationwide Ahead of Rev360 Rollout

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The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has announced the extension of weekend tax office operations across the country as part of preparations for the rollout of the Rev360 Phase I Tax Administration System.

In a public notice issued in Abuja on May 7, the Service stated that all Emerging, Medium, Large, and Government Business Offices nationwide will now open on Saturdays from May 8 to June 27, 2026.

According to the notice, the offices will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The NRS explained that the initiative is aimed at providing additional taxpayer support and improving service delivery during the implementation of the new tax administration platform for Medium and Emerging Taxpayer segments.

The Service noted that the extended Saturday operations are designed to assist taxpayers requiring guidance with the new system, facilitate seamless compliance during the June peak Companies Income Tax filing period, and improve access to tax services outside regular weekday hours.

It encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative to resolve tax-related matters, seek necessary guidance, and ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations.

“The NRS remains dedicated to delivering efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused services,” the statement read.

The notice was signed by Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. “You say Transformation, We say Rev360.”


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NCS, Gowon University Partner on Research, Development

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have moved to formalise a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the headquarters of the agency yesterday in Abuja.

Adeniyi noted that the collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research. “I have a long institutional history with this university,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.

He noting that previous attempts to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions and that the Service is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.

Adeniyi said “For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps.

“Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students.”

He also stressed the importance of the university in relation to its status of the nation’s capital u University. He pledged to support the institution in meeting the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.

Responding, Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership.

He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialised research into national security and executive training for officers.

“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted, adding that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.


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CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

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Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has highlighted potential benefits for Nigeria such as increased production flexibility, expanded market share, and improved revenue prospects following the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

However, the Institute cautioned that these opportunities come with significant risks, including exposure to price volatility, reduced protection from coordinated supply management, intensified competition, and mounting fiscal pressures.

In a statement signed by Victor Olannye, registrar/chief executive officer, described the development as a major shift in global oil governance, with far-reaching implications for market stability and international energy dynamics.

Olannye noted that the move could trigger increased oil price volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, and disruptions across global energy supply chains.

He urged corporate organisations, public institutions, financial bodies, and risk professionals to reassess their risk frameworks and strengthen resilience in response to evolving global realities.

He identified key risks to include a potential weakening of OPEC cohesion, oil price instability, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic volatility, and the possibility of further exits by member states.

In line with its mandate to promote sound risk management and support national development, the Institute advised corporate organisations to implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify their business portfolios.

Financial institutions and investors were also urged to reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure practices.

CRMI further called on government and policymakers to reinforce fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote the transition to renewable energy.

Individual risk professionals were encouraged to upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics while developing expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.

The Institute emphasised the need for stakeholders to reposition proactively to navigate the evolving geo-economic landscape. It also projected possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased reliance on market-driven pricing mechanisms, and an acceleration of global energy transition efforts.

 


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