Communications infrastructure company, IHS Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES), has successfully concluded the Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja, a landmark initiative designed to help the underserved communities across the Federal Capital Territory to access Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders as a cleaner alternative for household cooking.

The Grand Finale Ceremony, which held at the Bwari Area Council Stadium, marked the successful completion of the project following months of implementation across all the six Area Councils of the FCT. The event also featured the symbolic presentation of LPG cylinders and refill vouchers to beneficiaries in Bwari, the final beneficiary community under the programme.

Speaking at the event Mr. Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mohamad Darwish, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable impact in the communities where it operates.

“When we launched this initiative in November 2025, we committed to supporting the FCT Administration in reducing household air pollution and improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable communities. Today, we are proud to celebrate the successful fulfilment of that commitment,” he said.

Mr. Otunla noted that Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja aligns directly with two of IHS Nigeria’s core sustainability pillars: Environment and Climate Change, and People and Communities.

He explained that by supporting the transition from traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the initiative has contributed to cleaner household energy use, reduced exposure to indoor air pollution, and improved health outcomes, particularly for women and children.

According to him, the project delivered 10,000 LPG cylinders across communities in the FCT over two phases, while also enrolling 2,000 beneficiaries into the IHS Project Clinic Without Walls (PCWOW) Health Insurance Scheme, thereby extending the project’s impact beyond clean energy to improved access to healthcare.

“As we celebrate the successful completion of this initiative, we are also celebrating the strength of partnership. The collaboration between IHS Nigeria, the FCT Administration, community leaders and the implementing partners has transformed a shared vision into measurable impact,” he added.

Delivering an overview of the project, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, reflected on the journey that led to the initiative and expressed appreciation to IHS Nigeria for supporting the FCT Administration’s vision of promoting cleaner, healthier communities.

She explained that the project was conceived as a practical response to the widespread use of firewood and charcoal for cooking across communities in the FCT.

“We could not simply ask people to stop using firewood and charcoal without providing them with a practical alternative,” she said.

Dr. Fasawe commended IHS Nigeria for embracing the vision and providing the support required to make the project a reality.

She noted that, through the partnership, beneficiaries across the six Area Councils received LPG cylinders alongside refill vouchers, helping their households transition to cleaner cooking methods while reducing exposure to harmful household smoke.

She further described the project as an example of how collaboration between government and the private sector can deliver meaningful improvement in the lives of citizens.

Beneficiaries also shared testimonials on how the access to clean cooking energy has improved their daily lives, while officials of the Federal Fire Service conducted a practical demonstration on the safe handling and use of LPG cylinders.

The ceremony brought together senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, representatives of the Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, Area Council representatives, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders in celebration of the successful completion of the initiative.

The IHS Nigeria delegation was led by Mr. Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, and included, Director, Sustainability, Titilope Oguntuga, Director, Corporate Communications, Sylva Ifedigbo and other members of the company’s leadership and sustainability teams.

The successful conclusion of Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja reinforces IHS Nigeria’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through strategic partnerships that promote environmental responsibility, improve public health outcomes and strengthen the resilience of host communities.

Beyondsurface Hairhub successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Beyond The Strands Business Seminar (BTS 2026) on June 30, 2026 at TheWrkoutHub, Lagos, under the theme “Business Structure Made Simple.”

The free seminar was conceived by Folashade Idowu, Founder of Beyondsurface Hairhub, to bridge the knowledge gap many young entrepreneurs face while building their businesses.

“Beyond The Strands was born from my personal journey as a young entrepreneur. I wanted to create a space where women could access practical business knowledge regardless of their financial capacity.

“At Beyondsurface, we are not just interested in serving women through our products, we are committed to their growth, because thriving businesses contribute to healthier families and stronger communities,” she said.

The event recorded 101 registrations, with 54 entrepreneurs attending physically despite heavy rainfall, while 93 additional participants joined via a publicly accessible livestream, extending the seminar’s reach beyond the venue.

Participants received practical training on building sustainable businesses through proper structure, covering branding, finance, operations, legal documentation, team management, and business systems. Speakers included Omolola Dada (Awani Digitals), Adebisi Odeleye (Moore Organic), Bankeye Akinwale (Michael Akinwale & Co.), and Olamide Olayinka (Mayana).

Beyond the learning sessions, the seminar fostered meaningful networking, business collaborations, and sales opportunities among attendees. Participants also received premium gift packs containing products from partner brands, including satin bonnets, natural herbal shampoo, healthy drinks, granola, coconut products, and other wellness items.

The event featured product exhibitions by August26 trend, Kiano Naturals, Glowbywealth and Beyondsurface Hairhub with support from several sponsors and partners committed to empowering women entrepreneurs.

Participant feedback reflected the event’s impact.

“I’m glad I came despite the rain. I learnt so much from the panel session and the business structure sessions. It was incredibly impactful,” said Olamide Hairmpire

Another participant, Chrisolite Hair who joined online via YouTube, remarked, “Your session was so insightful, and the panel session was amazing.”

With overwhelmingly positive feedback and video testimonials from attendees, Beyondsurface Hairhub has announced that Beyond The Strands Business Seminar will become an annual initiative, continuing its mission of equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools to build sustainable and impactful businesses.

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said that under the first phase of its e-border solution, surveillance masts equipped with 24-hour thermal and optical monitoring capabilities have been deployed across several border locations, providing surveillance coverage of 10 to 15 kilometres during the day and up to 5 kilometres at night.

The service also assured that it will continue to modernise border security management through the deployment of advanced technology and critical infrastructure.

DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, spokesman for the NIS, who made this known during a news briefing by Spokespersons for security, defence and law enforcement agencies in Abuja, said that the phase two of the e-border solution is expected to expand coverage to additional land border points.

Akinlabi said the Service has also established an Integrated Operating Centre (IOC) to serve as a central hub for real-time intelligence gathering, surveillance, and data harmonisation relating to foreign nationals.

He said the NIS recorded significant operational successes in strengthening border security, combating transnational crime, and enhancing migration management between January and May 2026.

“During the reporting period, the Service intensified enforcement operations against irregular migration and related transnational crimes, resulting in the repatriation of 567 foreign nationals for violations of Nigeria’s immigration laws and regulations.

“In addition, six foreign natio nals were deported, comprising four individuals arrested for their involvement in a visa racketeering syndicate and two others who were deported after completing prison sentences for criminal offences.

“The Service also strengthened efforts to curb identity fraud and abuse of national documentation. Enforcement operations led to the recovery of 47 National Identification Number (NIN) cards from irregular migrants, while 21 stowaways were apprehended at various seaports as they attempted to illegally enter or exit the country through unauthorised means.”

Akinlabi said aside enforcement activities, the Service continued to invest in preventive and community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of irregular migration and cross-border crime.

“In March 2026, the Seme Border Command conducted sensitisation programmes for drivers’ associations, commercial motorcyclists, and community stakeholders to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration practices.

“Similarly, the Idi-Iroko Border Command carried out public awareness campaigns across markets, motor parks, and schools to educate border communities on the dangers and security implications of trans-border crimes.”