馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu's call for Nigerian women to embrace productivity through local businesses is patriotic and practical
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent encouragement for Nigerian women to engage in businesses like akara, kulikuli, and corn roasting is seen as appropriate, practical, and patriotic. The article highlights that many successful Nigerian eateries and food brands originated from humble beginnings, such as hawking these very products. Examples include Amala Sky and Mama Ope in Ibadan, which started as street vendors and grew into large enterprises. Similarly, women in northern Nigeria transformed small-scale kulikuli and corn roasting into packaged food businesses supplying supermarkets. The First Lady's message emphasizes that these trades, if taken seriously and scaled, can lead to significant economic growth. The article also notes that Ghanaians once dominated the akara trade in Nigerian cities, illustrating how local industries can be lost if undervalued. Beyond food, the warning extends to other trades like bricklaying and plumbing, where foreign workers are increasingly employed. The First Lady is not advocating for women to remain small-scale but to "start where you are able," using these trades as entry points for capital formation, discipline, and scaling, thereby keeping money circulating within Nigerian communities.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Technology executives, academics, investors, and entrepreneurs at the Tech Derby Conference 2026, held during East Midlands Tech Week, called for enhanced artificial intelligence governance, increased investment in digital skills, and stronger collaboration between industry and academia. They emphasized that these measures are crucial for unlocking economic growth as AI reshapes businesses and the future of work. Tech Derby Chief Executive Akindayo Akindolani stated that the conference highlighted the value of uniting various stakeholders around a shared technology agenda, aiming to build a stronger technology ecosystem in Derby and the wider East Midlands. Akindolani also asserted that Derby possesses the talent and ambition to become a significant player in the UK鈥檚 digital economic development, advocating for AI and digital innovation beyond major cities. Tech Derby鈥檚 co-founder, Olawale Olatunji, noted that discussions reinforced the importance of AI, responsible innovation, and digital skills for business growth. Professor Stephan Reiff-Marganiec, Head of the School of Computing at the University of Derby, stressed the need for stronger partnerships to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven economy. The conference showcased practical AI applications, such as Ajibola Shokunbi of AudioInsight UK demonstrating AI in music education. A panel on AI governance addressed transparency, accountability, data governance, and human oversight, which were deemed essential for public t
Saudi Airlines has not responded to inquiries regarding a N6 million sanction imposed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA for alleged violations of consumer protection regulations. The NCAA announced the penalty on Friday, citing the airline's failure to resolve multiple outstanding consumer complaints despite repeated interventions and an extended grace period. The Authority had previously intervened in an incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The NCAA initially opted for dialogue and granted the airline additional time to address consumer protection issues and comply with directives. However, the regulator stated that the airline's continued failure to meet its obligations led to the imposition of the sanction in accordance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. The NCAA emphasized that the sanction aims to ensure greater accountability and improved service delivery for passengers, not to hinder the airline's operations. The Authority reiterated its commitment to protecting passengers' rights, stating that travelers to and from Nigeria deserve quality service and respect. The NCAA also affirmed its continued support for Saudi Airlines and other operators to promote safe, efficient, and customer-friendly air transport services.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Railway Corporation has issued a Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, allowing it to operate rail services on a shared corridor. This marks a significant shift in Nigeria's rail transport sector, as the NRC had been the country's sole railway operator for 128 years since 1898. Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the NRC, described this as a pivotal moment, transitioning from a monopoly to a more collaborative and regulated railway system. He noted that the partnership between NRC and Lagos State Government dates back to April 2012, when former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks for the development of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line. The Red Line began passenger operations on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu. The permanent license follows a temporary one granted earlier and allows Lagos State to operate other rail systems in line with international standards. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA, stated that this approval will enable more frequent train services and increased passenger capacity on the Red Line. LAMATA plans to expand daily Red Line services to 24 by the fourth quarter of 2026, with each new train set capable of carrying at least 2,000 passengers per trip. She also mentioned that LAMATA currently operates 94 daily trips on the Blue Line. Opeifa encouraged other state gov