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Ausso Leadership Academy Launches #Take5toGiveBack to Impact Governance

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Members of the Anniversary Cohort of the Ausso Leadership Academy with the Founder, Austin Okere (fifth from left) during the launch of the #Take5toGiveBack initiative
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Nigeria’s Leading business and entrepreneurial mentorship platform, the Ausso Leadership Academy (#ALA) has launched the #Take5toGiveback programme in a bid to extend the ultimate mentorship experience to grassroots government decision makers in Nigeria.

The initiative was launched as part of her one-year anniversary commemoration.

#Take5toGiveback, a brainchild of the Alumni of #ALA aims to impact Local Government Chairmen and other decision makers within the Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The program entails soliciting sponsorships from Corporate Bodies and well-meaning High Networth Individuals to sponsor at least five decision makers from select LGAs to attend each cohort of the #ALA Signature Masterclasses to imbibe the mentorship framework for effective governance that will improve their communities; It cannot be gainsaid that to make any meaningful progress towards job creation and shared prosperity, Business must move in step with Government and Regulators rather than each operating in silos.

The mentorship framework will cover three distinct areas; the first being Driving Alignment through inspirational leadership and courageous followership, delivering a project through relentless execution and imbibing the virtue of serving the electorate.

The second focus area is Winning On Delivering Value, leading and managing change and setting up for socio-economic growth, while the third focus area is Imbibing Corporate Governance and Ethics, re-imaging the workplace for greater productivity and leaving an endearing legacy.

This initiative will empower decision makers at the Local Government Area to enact and enforce enabling regulation as well as breaking down the barrier between Government and Business, to foster inclusive growth at the grassroots, thus ensuring shared prosperity.

#ALA set the ball rolling by offering a full scholarship to Hon. Bolaji Madamidola (Chairman, House Committee on Education, Youth and Sport Development, Iru-Victoria Island LCDA) of the Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

Seeing the benefit of the impact, Hon. Madamidola convinced his cohort to assist in extending the benefit to his other colleagues in the LGAs, and hence the initiative was born. Other Legislators that have attended #ALA as Guest Delegates are Hon.Tayo James and Hon. Rotimi Ojutamo, both of Eti-Osa LGA.

Speaking at the occasion of the launch during the anniversary celebration, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Ausso Leadership Academy, Austin Okere noted that the strides of the academy in just one year is a validation of its founding purpose, which is to “mentor entrepreneurs to institutionalize and scale their businesses geometrically in order to maximize the jobs they create and ensure shared prosperity”.

He passionately appealed for full support to the #Take5toGiveBack initiative, to enable more members of the legislature and decision makers in government to benefit from the #ALA impact.

Thanking all stakeholders for their commitment and support, he remarked that “one year from inception, ALA has remained true to its purpose and we have enjoyed ever-increasing recognition and endorsement by key stakeholders.

“This is highlighted by the visits of the Hon. Min. of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Okey Enelama, Former Minister of Communications and Technology, Dr Omoobola Johnson, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Aishah Ahmad, the CEO of the three exchanges, Mr Oscar Onyema (Nigerian Stock Exchange), Mr Bola Onadele (FMDQ) and Mr Bola Ajomale (NASD), the former DG of the National Pension Commission, Muhammad K. Ahmad (OON), the Deputy British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Laure Beaufils, and many others.”

“We are indeed grateful to everyone that has committed themselves to this initiative, and we continue to count on you in our quest to mentor the giants of today and tomorrow, especially those in government on whom we depend for an enabling environment for business growth”, he concluded.

In his testimonial, Mr Udukheli Izibuno, an Alumni of the Academy said “every aspect of this institution has been carefully designed for the next generation of people that will do great things. I think #ALA is properly designed and properly targeted to attract these set of entrepreneurs and leaders.”

In the past year, the Ausso Leadership Academy has Mentored about 102 Entrepreneurs, representing 10 major corporates from diverse industry sectors and about 44 medium enterprises.

The academy has hosted 47 Champions of Business and Entrepreneurship to share their experiences and impacted about 400 Guest Delegates with its open Sessions; in line with her commitment of building a strong Community of Nigerian Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs.

Using its online content platform, #BusinessInsightsWithAO, ALA has produced over 50 video episodes on salient business and leadership issues to an audience of over 77,000 viewers on YouTube and other social media.


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Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

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Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

Karex, World's Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.

Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.

Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We ​have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to ⁠the customers,” Goh told Reuters.

Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.

The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.

“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.

 


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Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

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Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.

The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”

Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”

Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”

Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.

“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.

The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”

Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.

The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.

 


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UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

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L-r: Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest; Steve Grey OBE, UK Export Finance Lead; Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Ayo Sotinrin, MD/Chief Executive Nigeria's Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and Lovina Kayode, Director, Investor Relations, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, at the UK-Nigeria Trade mission in Abuja, yesterday.
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Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.

With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.

Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.

These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.

The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.

It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.

Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.

“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”

Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.

The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”

Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.

“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”

Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.

The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”

All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.

The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.

This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.


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