News
Cisco Celebrates International Girls in ICT Day in Lagos
Cisco has hosted a dedicated corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to help boost the future outlook of young women throughout Nigeria, in line with the International Girls in ICT Day. With a focus on equipping female students with Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) skills, Cisco is imparting vocational training to prepare them to become members of the global 21st century workforce.
Twenty female students drawn from secondary schools across Nigeria were invited to spend the day with Cisco Nigeria leaders at Cisco offices in Lagos, to gain an understanding of the opportunities the ICT sector holds for their future and a deeper insight into professional fields and courses of study that may be overlooked when choosing a career.
The International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative supported by International Telecommunications Union to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April every year. 48 Cisco offices participated in this initiative across the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia (EMEAR) region.
Mr. Imoh Akpan, CSR Manager, English West and Central, Cisco Corporate Affairs, stated that “Mentoring and training programs aimed at young talented females in Lagos is vital to helping our young workforce of the future to adapt and secure career opportunities in the global 21st century workforce. The country’s growing youth population needs to be equipped with the right skills to help them thrive in this ever changing world.”
Now in its third year, Cisco has been participating in International Girls in ICT Day from its inception.
Mrs. Bolanle Ogundogba, head Sales, MainOne Cable Company and guest speaker at this year’s event in Lagos, while sharing her experience highlighted the various types of professions in the sector that the female-folk can have rewarding careers in.
Other sessions were delivered via Cisco TelePresence by female and male leaders at Cisco who shared their background and experiences and discussed how they developed their careers to reach leadership positions. The girls also had the opportunity to test their skills, ask questions, and network with Cisco female employees.
“Our goal is to provide talented young women with a sense of how technology can help to widen their opportunities as well as open a window to the world and give them the chance to be inspired by role models who are already enjoying career success. This way, they will feel more comfortable with technology as a means to advance their career prospects. Our activities around the annual Girls in ICT Day, for example, aim to provide
a platform for young female students to learn, create bonds, as well as network and share best practices”, Imoh added.
News
UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

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.
News
Cabinet Shake-Up: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Replaces Wale Edun, Ahmed Dangiwa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, from their positions.

: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Odunuga said the directive was conveyed through a memo signed by the SGF, George Akume.
According to the memo, Mr Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
It also named Dr Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development.
The statement directed the outgoing ministers to commence immediate handover processes to their successors or designated supervising officials.
It added that all handover and takeover activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts by the administration to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across key sectors of the economy.
News
FCMB Empowers Media Practitioners with Social Media Monetization Masterclass

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has trained media practitioners on how to leverage social media platforms to generate sustainable income.

Mr Diran Olojo, Divisional Head, Corporate Affairs at FCMB
The training, a one-day masterclass titled “The Monetised Content: A Media Masterclass,” with the theme “Elevate & Earn: The Media Entrepreneurship Masterclass,” was held on Monday at FCMB’s office in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mr Diran Olojo, Divisional Head, Corporate Affairs at FCMB, urged journalists and content creators to rethink the traditional practice of media as solely a public service, encouraging them to see it also as a viable business.
Olojo noted that the media landscape is rapidly evolving due to digital technology, creating new opportunities for professionals to build platforms that are both impactful and financially rewarding.
He explained that beyond informing the public, content creators can now monetise their skills through various digital channels, including advertising, sponsorships, and audience subscriptions.
According to him, strategic communication has become a powerful tool globally, citing how countries deploy digital media to shape narratives and influence public opinion.
Also speaking, Chris Ihidero, a filmmaker and former journalist, encouraged participants to embrace the shift from traditional media models to digital-first platforms.
He described the transition as moving from “media that is paid” — where journalists depend on salaries — to “media that pays,” where creators earn directly from their content.
Ihidero highlighted platforms such as YouTube and TikTok as key avenues where creators can build audiences and generate income through views, engagement, and partnerships.
He stressed the importance of building a strong personal brand, noting that credibility and trust are valuable assets in the digital age.
“Focus on a niche, create quality content consistently, and diversify your presence across platforms,” he advised.
He also emphasised that despite the shift to digital platforms, core journalistic principles such as research, accuracy, and fact-checking remain essential.

In his remarks, Fisayo Soyombo, Editor-in-Chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), highlighted the need for strong institutional values in media organisations.
Soyombo said that credibility, ethical practices, and staff welfare are critical to building sustainable media outfits and retaining talent.
He added that media organisations must prioritise transparency and accountability to maintain public trust and contribute meaningfully to society.
The initiative, organisers said, is part of ongoing efforts to equip media professionals with the skills needed to adapt to the changing media environment and tap into emerging economic opportunities.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the growing influence of social media has transformed how information is produced, distributed, and consumed, creating new pathways for journalists and content creators to earn income while reaching wider audiences.
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