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EdenOceans Club Launches in Lagos to Advance Women

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EdenOceans Club Launches in Lagos to Advance Women

EdenOceans Club opened in Lagos over the weekend with a mission to support women’s wellness, leadership, and personal development. The launch, which took place at The Yacht Hotel in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, brought together business leaders, wellness professionals, music producers, media figures, and young artists who were interested in the club’s integrated approach to career growth and life management.

The club was founded by Dr Olasimbo Davidson and Ms Nene Aderibigbe, mothers of Nigerian Afrobeat stars Tems and Ayra Starr. Their shared commitment to personal healing, growth, and advancing women’s wellness and leadership forms the foundation of EdenOceans. In their joint opening remarks, the founders welcomed guests warmly and described EdenOceans as a place of healing, a place of refuge, and a place to rediscover oneself. They explained that it is a space where women can overcome life’s challenges, actualise their dreams, and grow in all areas of life. They noted that the community is curated to help women enhance their careers, social impact, and personal development.

“Tell us your dream, and we will try our very best to get you to the finish line. We need dreamers willing to step out of their comfort zones and reach for the skies,” they said.

A key part of EdenOceans is the idea of integrated wellness. The founders challenged common ideas of health and explained that true wellness includes physical, emotional, mental, financial, and spiritual dimensions. Dr Davidson said, “Wellness is primarily about life. For too long, we have believed that medicines, exercise, and vitamins can grant long life and prosperity. This is a myth. Without real-time wellness, it is difficult to actualise any dream.”

The launch featured live music performances by emerging artists from the club’s music programme. Premium business members shared their positive experiences with the club, while guests joined interactive sessions designed to help them understand the structure and value of the community. EdenOceans aims to redefine how women engage with wellness, leadership, and personal effectiveness across Africa and beyond.

The vision of the club is to become the world’s most exclusive integrated wellness community, offering structured experiences that encourage rejuvenation, clarity, and transformation. It provides advanced wellness programmes and lifestyle support systems aimed at removing barriers to women’s growth and financial freedom. Its membership includes young, aspiring artists in music, film, and entertainment, as well as women in business seeking greater social impact, board roles, and global opportunities.

EdenOceans also supports women parenting alone who need networks to thrive and build successful careers. The club offers space for celebrities and mothers of celebrities to engage in impactful collaborations. For senior women in their 70s, the club provides advanced wellness initiatives, cognitive training, and activities that help improve mental and physical agility and longevity.

Notable attendees at the launch included Director of ECMC Clinics, Prof. Chinwe Ogedegbe; CEO of Pro IX UK, Abby Quadri; Senior Executive at Udemy Dublin, Adetunji Openiyi; Tems’ brother and his wife, Senior Executive at Mastercard Dublin, Blessing Usoro; and filmmaker and founder of Sucker Busters Film USA, Mrs Temiloluwa Thompson. Their presence reinforced the aim of building a supportive community where women can learn, grow, and thrive.

The official launch dinner marked the beginning of EdenOceans’ mission to redefine success through comprehensive well-being and to create a future where every member can achieve a vision bigger than themselves.

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NiRA Marks 20 Years, Honours Digital Pioneers at 8th .ng Awards

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NiRA Marks 20 Years, Honours Digital Pioneers at 8th .ng Awards

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has marked its 20th Anniversary alongside the 8th .ng Awards, celebrating individuals and organisations that have contributed to the country’s digital growth. At the event, NiRA recognised over 40 people and institutions whose work has strengthened Nigeria’s online presence and helped shape the nation’s digital space.

The Anniversary, themed 20 Years, One Identity: Powering Nigeria with .ng, featured a series of activities that highlighted NiRA’s journey. The celebration began with a live radio appearance, the release of the NiRA History Documentary, and a Community Walk. These activities led up to the main Anniversary and Awards Night, which gathered pioneers, innovators, partners, industry leaders, and members of the NiRA community. The gathering focused on honouring two decades of managing Nigeria’s digital identity through the .ng domain.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the .ng Awards Committee, Mr. Peter Oluka, explained that the evening was designed to honour the past and celebrate the present. He said the purpose was to pay tribute to pioneers, acknowledge current leaders, and applaud outstanding achievements that continue to elevate the .ng brand. He added that as NiRA marks 20 years, the community should look ahead with renewed commitment and national pride for the next two decades.

During his presidential remarks, the President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, stated that, “Twenty years ago, visionary men and women laid the foundation for what has grown to become Nigeria’s digital anchor, the custodian of our online identity.” He reflected on .ng’s journey from its early years to its current role as a symbol of representation, trust, and economic empowerment. His remarks helped set the tone for the tribute segment of the ceremony.

The NiRA COO, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Onasanya, led the tribute session, highlighting the individuals whose early work shaped the Association’s development and contributed to its achievements today.

The awards session celebrated excellence across several categories. Pulse Nigeria won Best Online Media Website, while Cool FM received Best Electronic Media Website (Radio). The Corporate Affairs Commission was honoured for Digital Innovation in the Federal Government category, and Lagos State was recognised for Digital Innovation in State Government. Hervest received the Startup Company of the Year award, and Nibox Financial Payment Solutions was named the .ng Fintech Company of the Year. These winners represent the innovation and diversity that continue to drive Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

To mark NiRA at 20, several pioneers received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Honorees included Dr. (Mrs.) Ibukun Abimbola Odusote, Chief Chima Onyekwere, Dr. Isaac Odeyemi, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the late Ndukwe Kalu, all recognised for contributions that remain central to NiRA’s progress.

Lafarge Africa Trains 100 Persons With Disabilities Through D2A Programme

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Lafarge Africa Trains 100 Persons With Disabilities Through D2A Programme

Lafarge Africa Plc has commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting participants of its Disability-to-Ability Programme, also known as the D2A Programme. The initiative was organised in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa and Guinness World Record Holder for the longest marathon chess game.

The D2A Programme, themed Ability Reimagined, began recently with a focus on training 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and equipping them with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills. The aim is to create access to employment opportunities, support business development, and promote long-term self-reliance. Beneficiaries are receiving hands-on training in four areas, which include Laptop and Phone Repairs, Make-Up and Gele, Wig and Braids Making, and Shoe and Bag Making.

To make participation easy for beneficiaries across Lagos, the programme was designed with two training hubs located in Ikeja for Lagos West and Ikorodu for Lagos East. This structure ensures accessibility and encourages full participation from PWDs across different parts of the state.

Speaking at the event, Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. She expressed gratitude to the partners for supporting the initiative and promoting inclusion. Graham-Douglas explained that the programme goes beyond teaching technical skills and also provides entrepreneurship, financial literacy and mentorship sessions coordinated by LSETF. According to her, these additional sessions ensure that participants are not only skilled but also prepared to excel as business owners or professionals.

She said, “This programme is very important to us at Lafarge and underscores our commitment to our communities. We don’t just produce building solutions, we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best that they possibly can be.” She added, “Everyone has a right to dignity, to make a living, and we believe in real opportunities. A society is not governed by the policy, it is governed by people, committed people, people who really want to make a difference. We really want to make a difference in people’s lives and an inclusive society is one where everyone can make a living and give back in their own way.”

Programme partner Tunde Onakoya encouraged participants by sharing his personal journey and how chess and reading opened doors for him despite his physical challenges. He urged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and make the most of the D2A Programme. He advised them to remain diligent and use their skills as a blessing to the world. Onakoya also commended Lafarge Africa for creating such an empowering platform.

Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs Feyisayo Alayande, joined other stakeholders to participate in a speed mentoring session with the beneficiaries.

General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, said the responsibility of building an inclusive society is shared by all. She noted that meaningful inclusion requires collaboration, compassion and consistency. She applauded the entrepreneurship training supported by Lafarge Africa Plc and LSETF, which has reached over 100 beneficiaries. She said, “By supporting business registration and providing starter toolkits at the end of the training, you are empowering these individuals to begin their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence and clarity. This is the kind of thoughtful support that truly transforms lives, and we at LASODA sincerely appreciate your commitment.”

Kosofe Disburses N25m to 250 Widows in Empowerment Scheme

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Kosofe Disburses N25m to 250 Widows in Empowerment Scheme

Chair of Kosofe Local Government in Lagos State, Moyosore Ogunlewe, has disbursed N25 million to 250 widows under the third Kosofe Cares N100 Million Empowerment Scheme aimed at strengthening grassroots inclusion. The event took place at the Kosofe council secretariat, where each widow received financial support intended to boost small businesses and improve household livelihoods.

Ogunlewe described widows as key contributors to the local economy, stressing that the intervention was designed to honour their resilience rather than present them as dependants. He said, “Widows are not dependants; they are economic agents, entrepreneurs and pillars of family stability. This scheme is a statement of our belief in their capacity to build sustainable future for themselves and families.”

He urged beneficiaries to invest in income-generating activities, expand their enterprises and adopt careful financial management. He also encouraged them to mentor other women in their communities to support broader economic growth.

The intervention represents the third phase of the council’s N100 million empowerment initiative, which previously targeted the general public, artisans and traders in the council. According to the council, the programme is designed to ensure economic opportunities reach vulnerable and productive groups as part of its inclusive governance approach.

The council added that the final phase, which will focus on youth development, is scheduled for later this month.

FG Reports LIFE-ND Gains as 21,000 Farmers Save $478 Million

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FG Reports LIFE-ND Gains as 21,000 Farmers Save $478 Million

The Federal Government’s Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta project, known as LIFE-ND, has reported major gains across the Niger Delta region, with more than 21,000 farmers saving over 478 million dollars and thousands of youths and women receiving training, financial support, and access to new technology. The results were presented on Tuesday at the National Event on Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship for Food Systems Transformation, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The gathering brought together ministries, development partners, state governments, private sector organisations, and young agripreneurs to examine progress made so far and discuss how the initiative can be expanded nationwide.

According to the project’s executive summary, infrastructure development has been one of LIFE-ND’s strongest achievements. The programme has delivered 130.77 kilometres of access roads, six climate-resilient bridges, 71 culverts, and two jetties across multiple communities. These facilities, officials explained, are improving movement of goods, linking farmers to markets, and reducing post-harvest losses. The programme has also developed 5,305 hectares of farmland, built market and processing centres, and set up storage systems that support rural economic activity. In addition, 82 solar-powered water schemes now serve communities that previously lacked reliable access to clean water.

Financial inclusion is another area where LIFE-ND has recorded impressive results. Through its partnerships with financial institutions and agricultural off-takers, the project facilitated 1.2 million dollars in loans and credit for 18,668 beneficiaries. A total of 22,981 people accessed insurance, remittances, and similar services, many for the first time. Officials also reported that 21,498 farmers were able to mobilise collective savings amounting to 478 million dollars. More than 10,000 farmers have also been introduced to digital financial services through mobile wallets and POS systems, helping them become part of Nigeria’s formal financial system.

The programme has also improved food security and community nutrition in the region. Over 12,900 households benefited from nutrition support and training on bio-fortified crops. LIFE-ND established 117 school agricultural programmes and nutrition clubs that now engage over 6,300 students. In addition, 525 women were trained in cassava processing and value addition, creating opportunities to earn income from improved products.

With climate change posing increasing risks to agriculture, the project has invested in climate-smart approaches. A total of 1,600 stakeholders have been trained in climate-resilient practices. The project planted 27,145 agroforestry and economic trees across 104 communities and promoted waste-to-wealth innovations such as biogas digesters. These activities, officials said, are helping communities build resilience and improve long-term sustainability.

Digital transformation has also expanded under LIFE-ND. More than 3,000 smallholder farmers now use FarmerChat.AI to receive digital advisory support. Another 17,000 farmers get weekly updates on climate, markets, and nutrition through SMS services. A new national market information system provides weekly commodity price updates, helping farmers make better sales decisions and improve earnings.

During the presentation of the project’s progress, LIFE-ND National Coordinator, Dr Abiodun Sanni, said the programme has trained 29,620 youths and women across value chains such as cassava, rice, aquaculture, poultry, horticulture, and oil palm. Dr Sanni noted that the programme has created 23,751 new jobs and increased household incomes by an average of 50 percent. He highlighted the need to reposition agriculture as a business and strengthen value chain linkages. He also announced a strategy to scale the programme nationwide through a Youth Agripreneur Growth Fund, expanded public-private partnerships, and a national agripreneurship incubation model that would operate across all 36 states and the FCT. He said, “With the right model, Nigeria can convert its youthful population from job seekers to agripreneurs and wealth creators capable of transforming the nation’s food system.”

IFAD Country Director, Mrs Dede Ekoue, praised the Federal Government for extending LIFE-ND, describing it as an internationally recognised model that has supported nearly 24,000 youth-led agribusinesses. She urged stakeholders to address financing gaps, improve incubation and mentorship, remove barriers to land and market access, and prioritise women and youth. “Together with youth agripreneurs, we can transform agriculture into a driver of prosperity and resilience,” she said.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the FederalGovernmentofNigeria/NDDC/IFAD assisted programme demonstrates what focused intervention can achieve. He told the young beneficiaries that their creativity and willingness to take risks will influence the future of food systems. Kyari said, “We are here to listen to you, to specially note your challenges, and to create the enabling environment that allows your various ventures to grow, thrive, and create impact in quantum scale.” He added that government will strengthen land access and tenure assistance for youths, develop an innovative financing mechanism with simpler access, expand business development services, and provide digital platforms for agripreneurs. He also highlighted plans for climate adaptation training and a strong monitoring and evaluation system.

In his welcome remarks, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said LIFE-ND has become a national model for agripreneurship and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to competitive and climate-smart food systems.

Africa Produces Only 2% of Global Manufactured Goods – World Bank

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Africa Produces Only 2% of Global Manufactured Goods – World Bank

Africa’s manufacturing outlook is drawing renewed attention after the World Bank noted that “today, only 2% of global manufactured goods come from Nigeria and other African countries,” a figure analysts say exposes the continent to trade shocks, currency swings, and long-running economic imbalances. The warning comes at a time when Africa is preparing for a major consumer and industrial expansion, even though experts stress that such progress will not happen instantly.

Economic observers say the continent must first work through key barriers, such as weak infrastructure, fragmented markets, skills shortages, and inconsistent regulation. Still, they argue that Africa’s long-term potential is significant, especially as its population is projected to hit 2.5 billion by 2050. Half of that number will be under 25, representing a massive group eager for modern goods, digital services, and growing economic opportunities. Despite this demographic strength, the current situation remains challenging. Africa is still heavily dependent on imports for most finished goods, even though it produces many of the raw materials global manufacturers use. The World Bank’s reminder that only 2% of manufactured goods come from Africa underscores how vulnerable the region remains.

Analysts say building a strong manufacturing base is essential for resilience and broader development. They note that industrialization creates jobs, raises public revenue, and strengthens essential services. It can improve living standards, expand educational access, speed up the adoption of new technologies, and equip young people with skills needed in a fast-changing global economy. Many economic planners believe that a thriving manufacturing sector could support prosperity, generate opportunities, and contribute to long-term stability across African countries.

For this vision to materialize, experts recommend a collaborative effort among entrepreneurs, industrialists, and policymakers to build a unified continental manufacturing ecosystem. They argue that increased regional cooperation and cross-border coordination can help develop industrial champions capable of transforming the sector. According to them, the idea that “it takes a village to raise a child” also applies to industrialization, because no single business can scale regionally without support from a strong ecosystem.

Officials at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) explain that their work focuses on investing in manufacturing hubs to help build such ecosystems. One area where they see early progress is textiles. The IFC notes that West Africa grows cotton, East Africa is developing garment factories, and North Africa, with better access to European markets, could play a role in final assembly and export. According to the institution, the goal is not to support isolated success stories but to create a continental value chain where, for example, a factory in Ghana might rely on inputs from Benin, assemble products in Kenya, and export them through Tunisia. They say this kind of cooperation is how regional champions emerge, adding that these champions could form the backbone of Africa’s industrial future and create millions of jobs across different skill levels.

African leaders point to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a sign of progress. The agreement now covers 54 countries and could unite 1.4 billion people into what is expected to be the world’s largest free trade area by population. Countries such as Ethiopia, Morocco, and Rwanda are investing in industrial parks and manufacturing zones, while foreign direct investment continues to rise as international brands see opportunities in Africa’s expanding middle class.

However, long-standing challenges still weigh down the sector. Infrastructure remains inadequate, electricity systems are unreliable, and border bottlenecks continue to disrupt intra-African trade. Regulatory inconsistencies and the diversity of political and economic systems across the continent also make large-scale coordination difficult. Experts say these obstacles complicate any attempt to build a single supply chain that could stretch from Lagos to Lusaka to Tunis.

Even so, governments are moving forward with reforms. Several states are digitizing customs procedures, improving ports, and working to harmonize product standards. Investment sources are also expanding, with growing involvement from Chinese, Turkish, and Indian companies alongside traditional Western partners. Africa’s young workforce, described as abundant and increasingly skilled, remains one of the continent’s biggest advantages.

Energy is emerging as another strategic asset. With strong potential in solar, hydro, and geothermal power, analysts say Africa has an opportunity to industrialize using green energy rather than relying heavily on fossil fuels. In a global market that is becoming more carbon-conscious, they argue that clean energy is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically competitive. They believe greener factories will gain better access to international markets in the future.

Experts also highlight Africa’s strategic location, youthful population, and strong ambition as assets that can drive long-term growth. They say rising global demand for supply chain diversification gives the continent an edge. Many point to Asia’s development path as a useful guide, saying Africa can also turn cotton into clothing, cocoa into chocolate, and minerals into batteries. According to them, the time to build this manufacturing village is now.

Bildup AI Launches N15m National AI Career Readiness Challenge

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Bildup AI Launches N15m National AI Career Readiness Challenge

Bildup AI has introduced a nationwide artificial intelligence competition that offers N15 million in prizes, fully funded training opportunities and a platform for Nigerian students to develop real-world AI solutions that could influence the country’s future. The initiative, called the National AI Career Readiness Challenge, targets secondary school students, school leavers and 100-level undergraduates across the country. The organisation described it as a generational intervention aimed at redefining youth skill development and addressing gaps in the current education system.

Announcing the programme, Bildup AI’s Chief Executive Officer, Chibuike Aguene, said the challenge was developed to confront the growing skills mismatch that has left many young Nigerians unemployable even after several years of schooling. He said, “Most of our young people are being prepared for a world that no longer exists. They are memorizing facts while the world is building algorithms. They are chasing degrees while the world is chasing skills.” Aguene noted that global educational structures are not advancing at the same pace as the rapid technological changes shaping industries worldwide.

He added that artificial intelligence is already transforming key sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. He asked, “Do they know that AI is diagnosing diseases faster than doctors in some rural clinics? That it’s being used to help farmers in Kenya and India predict rainfall and triple their yields? Do they know that the world is not waiting?” Aguene referenced evaluations from the World Bank, World Economic Forum, UNESCO and UNICEF, which all emphasise the urgent need for African nations to equip their youth with future-oriented skills.

According to him, the continent is facing not only unemployment challenges but “a talent pipeline collapse,” with many businesses struggling to find workers possessing the digital competencies needed to innovate and expand. He explained that Bildup AI has created a platform that helps young people gain clarity about their strengths, build capacity within their chosen career paths and master skills at a pace that is 70 percent faster and 80 percent cheaper than traditional learning methods.

Aguene stressed that the National AI Career Readiness Challenge is structured as a movement rather than a standalone programme, with the goal of democratizing AI literacy nationwide. He said every participant will receive a full scholarship that covers access to Bildup AI’s career advisory tool, a two-month immersive learning experience requiring only two hours of flexible daily study, personalised mentorship from AI facilitators and academic advisors, and practical project development across fields including health, education, agriculture, tech, finance and energy. Participants will also compete for N15 million in prizes such as laptops, internships and a N6 million AI laboratory for the winning school.

Describing the initiative as a technological and social justice intervention, Aguene said, “This challenge is not just about jobs. It’s about giving every young Nigerian, regardless of background, a fair shot at the future. It’s about breaking the cycle of misaligned education and wasted potential. It’s about turning our greatest liability; youth unemployment into our greatest asset: a generation of AI-literate, purpose-driven, future-ready builders.” He shared examples of what Nigerian youths could accomplish with proper support. “Imagine a 17-year-old girl in Bauchi building an AI tool to detect malaria early, or a 19-year-old boy in Enugu creating a chatbot that helps farmers access market prices in real time. Imagine a student in Kano designing a model that predicts flood risks, or an 18-year-old girl in Ibadan creating an AI-powered sign language translator for the deaf community. This is not a dream. This is the future we’re building starting today.”

Aguene called on parents, teachers, policymakers and community leaders to take responsibility for preparing the next generation, describing the challenge as “a turning point for Nigeria.” He warned that failure to act could result in the country losing another generation to confusion and wasted potential. Addressing young Nigerians directly, he said, “You are not too young to lead. You are not too young to build. This is your moment.”

Applications for the fully funded programme are currently open until January 20, and Bildup AI is encouraging early registration to increase participants’ chances.

Apply for Abia Secondary School Graduates Russian Scholarship

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Apply for Abia Secondary School Graduates Russian Scholarship

The Abia State Government has opened applications for secondary school graduates interested in the Russian Government Scholarship programme, creating a new path for young Abians who hope to study abroad. The Ministry of Tertiary Education confirmed that it has begun receiving expressions of interest for what it described as a proposed international scholarship opportunity in the Russian Federation.

The announcement reflects the state’s wider plan to improve access to global education and develop a stronger base of skilled professionals. According to the Ministry, the scholarship aims to give qualified Abia indigenes the chance to gain world-class academic training and international exposure that can support long-term growth across key sectors. The Ministry stated that the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening human capital development.

The current phase is strictly for data collation and expression of interest, adding that submission does not guarantee automatic selection.

The Ministry encouraged all qualified students to take advantage of the opportunity, describing it as an important step toward supporting the academic ambitions of young Abians.

Eligible candidates must be Abia indigenes who have completed secondary school, hold a WASSCE or NECO certificate, and be willing to study in Russia if awarded the scholarship.

The application process is open until December 11, 2025.

To apply, interested students should visit abiastate.gov.ng/ministryoftertiaryeducation.

Lagos Launches New Diaspora Health Insurance Packages

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Lagos Launches New Diaspora Health Insurance Packages

Lagos State has unveiled two new diaspora health insurance plans aimed at tourists, returning Nigerians and families living abroad, marking another major step in expanding its Ilera-Eko coverage. The Lagos State Health Management Agency introduced the Ilera-Eko Waka-Well and Ilera-Eko Home Konnect packages at its 2025 fourth Quarter Media Parley held in Alausa on Tuesday. Stakeholders at the event described the new products as a strong push toward better health financing and progress toward Universal Health Coverage. The engagement also set a fresh agenda for improved understanding and transparency around the Lagos State Health Scheme.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, explained that the new plans were created after noticing rising demand from Nigerians in the diaspora. She said the Agency also recognised the need to protect visitors and residents under Lagos State’s mandatory health insurance structure. According to her, the introduction aligns with the spirit of Universal Health Coverage Day, which is three days away, and reflects the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that “no one is left behind.” She added that the new plans represent a major expansion of the existing Ilera-Eko diaspora package.

Dr. Zamba noted that the Agency started holding quarterly media parleys in March 2025 to strengthen transparency and deepen public understanding of reforms taking place within the Lagos State Health Scheme. She said the platform has grown into one of the most reliable ways of providing the public with updates on innovations, new policies and achievements recorded by the Agency. She added that these interactions have helped residents follow the progress of health insurance reforms across Lagos.

Highlighting earlier innovations, she mentioned the Ilera-N’tiwa Cooperative, the Ilera-Eko Academy, telemedicine services and the Ilera-Eko Spotlight Online Radio, which she described as Nigeria’s first health insurance radio platform. She said these efforts show that the Agency continues to lead with solutions that strengthen service delivery and help more Lagos residents enrol for health insurance.

Giving more details on the new diaspora plans, Dr. Zamba explained that Lagos State Health Management Agency partnered with Pinnacle Global Business Services, Nomad Doc Limited and Mrs. Taiwo Salvador to promote the plans within Nigeria and in international communities. She said the decision to rebrand the diaspora package into two distinct plans will help travellers, Nigerians abroad and families living outside the country to access more flexible and sustainable health coverage for their loved ones in Lagos. According to her, the plans were designed with different groups in mind to ensure people can choose what fits their travel patterns or family needs.

Dr. Zamba also assured residents that recent adjustments made to regulate maternal and surgical services have already started recording positive results. She emphasised that these changes do not affect the benefit package already promised under the social health insurance system. She explained that families in Lagos can still access antenatal care, normal delivery, caesarean section services and other surgical procedures once the guiding conditions are met.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, also spoke at the event and described Ilera-Eko as the most affordable health insurance option available to Lagos residents. To illustrate the cost-effectiveness, he said a family of six can enjoy full coverage for about 180 to 220 naira per day, which he compared to being less than the cost of a sachet of paracetamol. He encouraged journalists to give wide publicity to the programme and added that word-of-mouth promotion could help expand enrolment quickly.

Mr. Bajulaiye shared personal examples of women whose maternal outcomes improved because they could access delivery services under the scheme without facing huge financial burdens. He said the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made health insurance mandatory for residents and urged Lagosians to take advantage of the opportunity. He stated that the Agency has successfully brought healthcare “to the doorsteps” of people across the state through accredited providers.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora and Foreign Relations, Mr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, praised Dr. Zamba and the Lagos State Health Management Agency for what he called a groundbreaking innovation within the African health insurance space. He said Nigerians across the world are excited about the Waka-Well and Home Konnect plans because they address major gaps in diaspora healthcare support. According to him, the Waka-Well package was designed to serve returning visitors, especially during festive seasons such as the popular “Detty December,” by providing affordable and immediate access to healthcare.

Mr. Jermaine described Lagos as a safe, vibrant and fast-growing destination that needs a health insurance model tailored for returning travellers and tourists. He explained that the Home Konnect plan is a lifeline for Nigerians abroad who send money home regularly for healthcare but face sustainability challenges. He said the new plan offers structured and reliable coverage for families in Lagos and removes the constant pressure of sending medical remittances.

During the technical presentation, the Head of Business Development at the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, said the Waka-Well plan offers coverage for common travel-related illnesses such as malaria, typhoid and diarrhoea. It also includes diagnostics, emergency care, telemedicine, dental care, eye care and local ambulance evacuation. According to him, the plan costs 45,000 naira for a 90-day stay and 75,000 naira for multiple trips or longer stays.

Mr. Olatunji said the target groups for Waka-Well include tourists, charity workers, researchers, sportsmen, cultural groups and non-immigrants. He noted that more than 550,000 Nigerians had arrived through the Lagos airport by mid-November 2024 and spent over 350 billion naira during the season. He stated that the new product would turn “dirty December” into “healthy December.”

Explaining the Home Konnect plan, he said it allows Nigerians abroad to pay health insurance premiums seamlessly for their family members in Lagos. The package covers general and specialist consultation, physiotherapy, chronic disease care, blood transfusion, surgeries, maternal care, services for newborns and an annual wellness check. He said the potential market includes more than 20 million Nigerians living abroad who want a dependable system for supporting relatives at home.

The CEO of Pinnacle Global Business Services, Mr. Akande Ojo, praised the vision behind the new plans and said his company is ready to help push the products into global markets. According to him, the growing trust in Lagos State’s health reforms makes international promotion easier and strengthens confidence in the system.

The Board Chairman of Nomad Doc Limited, Dr. Elizabeth Onifade, said the plans will boost health outcomes, reduce stress for families and provide continuity of care for vulnerable groups in Lagos. She promised full collaboration in marketing, technology and service support.

The media parley also gave journalists an opportunity to ask questions about implementation, premium structure and the provider network linked to the new plans. Lagos State Health Management Agency assured that media professionals would receive complete documentation to support wider public education.

With the launch of the two diaspora plans, the Agency wrapped up its final media parley for 2025. Dr. Zamba said she is hopeful that 2026 will come with renewed energy as the Agency rolls out new strategies to grow enrolment and strengthen health insurance culture among youths and other residents. She thanked journalists, enrollees and partners for their support throughout the year and reaffirmed the Agency’s dedication to delivering accessible, affordable and quality healthcare under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Check Nigerian Air Force Shortlisted Candidates List for BMTC 46/2025

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Check Nigerian Air Force Shortlisted Candidates List for BMTC 46/2025

The Nigerian Air Force has released the list of shortlisted candidates for the Basic Military Training Course 46/2025 Aptitude Test on the NAF Recruitment Portal. The Aptitude Test will take place on 13 December 2025 at 15 designated centres across the country, starting at 0700hrs. Shortlisted applicants are advised to arrive early and must come with their acknowledgement slips and required writing materials, which are compulsory for participation.

According to the NAF, the service remains committed to a transparent, credible, and merit-based recruitment process designed to select the most qualified young Nigerians to serve with honour and professionalism.

To check the list of NAF shortlisted candidates, applicants are to check names on the PDF list via https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng.

The update was signed by Ehimen Ejodame, Air Commodore and Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.

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