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Anambra State Expands its MSMEs Industrial Clusters

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Anambra State government is expanding the scope of its on-going industrial cluster development scheme for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) following the construction of the Tailoring/Garment cluster in Ogbunike/Nkwelle, Oyi Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking during inspection tour of the cluster, the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA), Clement Chukwuka, said that the Agency’s mandate is targeted at supporting MSMEs as well as developing strategic industrial clusters using creative funding models.

The Tailoring/Garment cluster in Ogbunike/Nkwelle involves construction of about 600 shops as part of the State’s expanding industrial cluster initiative.

He noted that the adjoining Digital Shoe/leather market cluster is also the brainchild of ASBA, reflecting Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to creating productive centres that drive economic growth.

According to him, the new garment cluster will consolidate over 500 dispersed textile and tailoring businesses currently scattered across various markets.

“This will be a one-stop hub for textiles, garments, tailoring accessories and everything related to clothing. Mr Governor supports made-in Anambra products and everything that comes from this market will proudly bear that label,” he said.

Chukwuka added that beneficiaries of the 1-Youth-2 Skills programme would also find opportunities within the cluster, stressing that the goal is to discourage youth migration to other States by creating viable, profitable businesses within Anambra.

“ASBA funds these enterprises to help them grow, reinvest and contribute meaningfully to the state economy. When clusters thrive, GDP rises and taxes are paid with ease,” he added.

The Chairman of the Tailoring/Garment Market, Mr. Douglas Olemeforo expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo, noting that the traders currently occupying 5 to 6 different streets are eager to relocate to the new market by February 2026 when commissioning is expected.

He lamented the exploitation by some landlords due to rising building material costs but said the government’s decision to freely provide land at Ogbunike/Nkwelle was a major relief. He praised the Governor for giving Anambra a facelift, saying that several areas he recently visited were unrecognizable due to rapid development.

The Association’s Secretary, Mr. Iziogu Ogbonna Jeremiah, also thanked the government for its investment in the project. He described the location as strategic and accessible from multiple routes, adding that an ongoing federal road project crossing the axis would transform the cluster into a major commercial hub capable of competing with the Onitsha Main Market.

The PRO and site manager, Sir Ejike Chris Uche emphasized that the new cluster will help decongest the overstretched Onitsha Main Market, where traders currently occupy Williams Street, Francis, Ogalonye, Nottidge and surrounding areas.

He noted that container off-loading on the streets causes gridlock, especially during festive seasons, adding that relocating the tailoring line to Ogbunike/Nkwelle will restore order, ease movement and align with the administration’s “Dubai-Taiwan” vision of organized urban markets.

He commended the Governor for providing the land freely and praised the engineers for working tirelessly to meet deadlines.

Elder statesman in the tailoring sector, Chief Clement Nwaziama, applauded ASBA and Governor Soludo for their professionalism and vision, pledging the traders’ full support.

The Supervising Engineer representing FACOMORE NIG. LTD, Engr. Anene Ibe, assured the state government of high quality construction. He said that about 350-400 shops are already in place with more expected to be added in the coming weeks.

He projected that by February 2026, the garment cluster would be 90-95% completed, ready for occupation and commissioning by the Governor.


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Haleon Introduces New Corporate Identity in Nigeria

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Haleon, a global consumer health company with a purpose to deliver better everyday health, is introducing its corporate identity across Nigeria in a phased transition. Trusted brands such as Panadol, Sensodyne, Macleans, Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000 and Andrews Liver Salts remain unchanged in formulation, quality, and effectiveness.

Following the formal demerger from GSK, Haleon was launched on July 18, 2022, as an independent company 100% focused on consumer health. Haleon is the new home for brands like Sensodyne, Panadol, Centrum and others, trusted by millions worldwide for their proven effectiveness in improving everyday health.

From relieving tooth sensitivity or pain to providing essential vitamins and nutrients, our products are designed to fulfil Haleon’s purpose: to deliver better everyday health with humanity.

This revised corporate identity is a branding change only and does not affect the safety, quality, or efficacy of the products. Haleon is sharing this update as part of its commitment to transparency and consumer confidence, helping consumers continue to choose the brands they know and trust.

Haleon’s collaboration with Fidson Healthcare forms part of this approach, reinforcing the value of local production in supporting trusted everyday health brands in Nigeria.

Panadol Extra 100s and Panadol Pain & Fever 100s are currently being produced and supplied to the market under the Haleon identity. Sensodyne Rapid Action will bear the Haleon corporate identity from mid-June, followed by Andrews Liver Salts later this year.

In due course, additional brands—including Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000, Macleans, and the wider Sensodyne portfolio—will also transition to the Haleon identity.

Haleon remains committed to ensuring consumers can continue to access the same high-quality brands at pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets across Nigeria.

“As Haleon introduces its identity in Nigeria, we want consumers to feel informed and reassured. The trusted products they rely on remain the same in quality, formulation and effectiveness.

“At the same time, our local production approach in partnership with Fidson Healthcare supports reliable access to high-quality everyday health products in Nigeria,” said Himanshu Raj, Haleon General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.

 


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Kaspersky Warns of “Grey” Scam Websites Exploiting User Trust

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Recent research by Kaspersky has shown that the so-called “grey” websites repeatedly target all world regions, and this may be driving both financial loss and large-scale data harvesting.

Grey websites are deceptive online platforms that fall outside traditional phishing definitions but still manipulate users into voluntarily handing over money and personal data. Kaspersky’s new report provides detailed insights into the threats posed by the grey websites on global and regional levels.

Unlike classic phishing attacks, which aim to steal credentials outright, grey websites rely on persuasion, misleading interfaces, and hidden terms to exploit users. They often impersonate legitimate services such as e-commerce platforms, financial tools, AI services, or subscription-based content, making them significantly harder to detect.

Kaspersky analysis shows that the majority of suspicious resources globally fall into several recurring categories:

  • Fake browser extensions and “security tools” that actually harvest browsing data and track user activity.
  • Fraudulent financial platforms including crypto exchanges, trading tools, and investment schemes promising unrealistic returns.
  • Intermediary services (e.g., legal or real estate), charging for low-value or nonexistent services while harvesting sensitive personal data.
  • Subscription traps offering low-cost trials that convert into costly recurring payments hidden in fine print.
  • Fake online shops that either deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all.

Example of a grey website.

A notable trend is the emergence of tools disguised as AI services or image-processing platforms, reflecting attackers’ ability to adapt to current digital trends and target younger audiences.

There are proven security solutions that help users to detect grey websites across different types of devices – those running on Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. The detection model is based on many factors, including domain name and age, IP reputation, stability of the infrastructure used, DNS configurations, HTTP security headers, digital identity and popularity of the web resource and other criteria.

Regional specifics

Regional variations in grey websites demonstrate how threat actors localise scams based on user behaviour and trending technologies.

In Europe, the threat landscape is dominated by links to suspicious browser extensions and fake “privacy-enhancing” tools.

These resources often present themselves as security solutions, promising safer browsing or anonymous search capabilities. In reality, they function as browser hijackers – intercepting traffic, collecting cookies, tracking user behaviour, and injecting advertisements.

The popularity of these threats reflects a high level of user concern around privacy and security, which attackers actively exploit. Additionally, these regions show a steady presence of phishing intermediaries and crypto-related scams, indicating a blend of technical and financially motivated attacks.

Across African markets, financial scams are the most prominent category of suspicious resources. Fraudulent trading platforms, fake brokers, and investment schemes frequently mimic legitimate financial services, often accompanied by fabricated licenses or endorsements.

These platforms typically prevent users from withdrawing funds, instead introducing additional “fees” or taxes to prolong the scam. The concentration of these threats highlights how attackers leverage growing interest in online investing while exploiting gaps in regulatory enforcement and financial literacy.

In the Middle East and North Africa region, suspicious resources frequently mimic communication (Internet telephony) tools, financial platforms, or betting services. Additionally, Ponzi-style investment schemes and crypto scams are widespread, often presented through polished interfaces that mimic legitimate platforms.

Web browser-based threats also play a significant role, with malicious extensions targeting user data and browsing activity. The regional threat profile reflects a convergence of financial fraud and technical compromise, where users risk both data exposure and monetary loss.

“Suspicious websites don’t look harmful at first glance. But they exploit trust, urgency, and familiarity, and a single click on what looks like a harmless AI image tool, a “secure” browser extension, or a heavily discounted online shop could be all it takes to lose money or expose sensitive data.

Instead of direct credential theft, attackers turn to behavioural manipulation – whether that’s subscribing, investing, or installing software,” comments Anna Larkina, Web Content and Privacy Analysis Expert at Kaspersky.

 


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MSMEs Paucity of Funds Receives Boost as Senate Backs Bill Seeking to Unlock Cash for them

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Businesses across Nigeria, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), may soon be able to convert unpaid invoices and credit sales into immediate cash without relying on conventional bank loans following the passage of the Factoring, Assignments and Receivables Financing Bill for second reading in the Senate.

The bill, which seeks to establish a legal framework for factoring and receivables financing, is expected to improve access to credit, boost liquidity for businesses and enhance domestic and international trade.

It also seeks to provide legal certainty for the assignment of receivables through factoring, promote transparency, modernise assignment laws and facilitate greater access to credit for businesses across the country.

Leading debate on the bill which was sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said on Tuesday that the proposed legislation would create an enabling environment for debt factoring to thrive in Nigeria while defining the rights and obligations of creditors, factors and debtors involved in such transactions.

He explained that the bill provides for factoring contracts between sellers and factors and clarifies the legal relationship among parties in receivables financing arrangements.

According to Bamidele, the legislation has already passed all legislative stages in the House of Representatives and has complied with the Senate’s procedural requirements under Order 78(3) of the Senate Standing Orders.

He told lawmakers that the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Compliance, chaired by Abdul Ningi, had scrutinised and cleared the bill for concurrence.

“The committee confirmed that all procedural requirements for consideration and concurrence by the Senate have been fully met,” he said.

Seconding the bill, Adetokunbo Abiru said the legislation would provide businesses with an alternative source of financing by enabling them to turn credit sales into cash and improve their working capital.

Abiru noted that factoring has become increasingly popular across Africa over the last decade, largely through initiatives supported by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

He disclosed that the African factoring market is currently valued at over $50 billion, but Nigeria’s participation remains below one per cent.

According to him, countries such as Egypt and Morocco have benefited significantly from the financing model, adding that Nigeria risks missing out on the growing market without a clear regulatory framework.

“I think that passing this major legislation will help support our micro, small and medium enterprises in terms of converting most of their credit sales into cash without going through the normal borrowing arrangement,” Abiru said.

In his remarks, Ningi also assured lawmakers that the compliance committee had reviewed the bill and found no legal impediments to its passage.

Following a voice vote, the Senate approved the bill for second reading and subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause consideration.

 


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