Kano's new Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market projected to create 100,000 jobs and N50bn revenue
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The newly opened Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market in Kano is expected to generate approximately N50 billion in revenue and create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, Chief Executive Officer of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited. Commissioned on Saturday, the market was developed through a Public-Private Partnership involving the Kano State Government, Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, and ZOEC Construction. Abdussalam described the facility as one of West Africa's largest dedicated electrical and electronics markets, designed to position Kano as a major commercial and distribution hub. It will house over 1,500 shops, bringing electrical and electronic product dealers together with modern infrastructure. The N25bn to N30bn project has already attracted international partners from Egypt and China, with 60 to 65 percent of shops already sold. The market features basement parking for about 700 vehicles and underground storage for over 30 forty-foot containers. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, represented by Kabir Aminu Dutse, stated that the Federal Government has streamlined Public-Private Partnership arrangements to encourage private sector participation in infrastructure development. Ata emphasized the importance of digitalization in modern commerce, noting that the market reflects this global trend. The commissioning event drew government officials, business leaders, investors, and industry stakeholders who expre
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.
Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo reported that $700 was stolen from her wallet at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, where the team was preparing for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Okoronkwo, who plays for AFC Toronto, made the allegations on Snapchat, stating that several teammates also had money stolen from their wallets while they were away from their rooms. She initially claimed $500 was taken but later corrected the amount to $700 after recounting. Okoronkwo accused the hotel's housekeeping staff of the theft, alleging they waited for the players to be out of their rooms. She also stated that the players confronted hotel staff but were dissatisfied with the response, describing it as disrespectful. Despite this incident, the Super Falcons continued their WAFCON preparations, securing a 2-1 friendly victory against Tanzania, with Okoronkwo scoring the winning goal. The team is set to begin their WAFCON title defense against Malawi on Tuesday, followed by matches against Zambia and Egypt in Group C, as they aim for their 11th WAFCON title.
Obstetricians and gynaecologists have warned pregnant women about the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption, citing increased risks of miscarriage, hypertension, and poor fetal growth. Dr. Joseph Akinde, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, advised avoiding coffee due to its stimulant effects, which can cause restlessness and interfere with the essential eight hours of daily rest needed during pregnancy. He also noted that excessive caffeine can lead to high blood pressure and negatively impact fetal development. Consultant gynaecologist Dr. Stanley Egbogu echoed these concerns, stating that high doses of coffee are linked to complications such as miscarriage, early delivery, and fetal growth restriction. He explained that caffeine crosses the placenta to the baby, who lacks the capacity to metabolize it, leading to accumulation and potential interference with development. Dr. Egbogu also highlighted that caffeine can overstimulate the mother's body, increasing heart rate, causing restlessness, and affecting sleep quality, all of which can contribute to pregnancy complications. Both experts emphasized that caffeine is present in various sources beyond coffee, including some teas, soft drinks, and chocolate, making it easy for pregnant women to unknowingly exceed recommended limits. The World Health Organization and the United Kingdom’s National Health Service advise limiting ca
Tech billionaire and investor Prateek Suri has encouraged investors to focus on Africa's long-term economic potential, despite ongoing currency fluctuations. He stated that exchange rate volatility, a common feature in emerging markets, should not deter investment. Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and founder of MDR Investments, emphasized that successful investors prioritize economic fundamentals, productive assets, and long-term value creation over temporary currency movements. He highlighted that Africa should not be viewed as a single market, noting varying fiscal management, export growth, and foreign investment across different countries. Suri identified infrastructure, logistics, mining, technology, and industrial development as sectors poised for sustained growth. He advised investors to adopt a long-term approach, paying attention to government reforms, regulatory stability, infrastructure development, and local industry strength. Suri, recently named among Gulf Business magazine's Top 50 CEOs and Leaders of 2026, believes Africa's strong economic fundamentals, youthful population, and expanding consumer market continue to attract international capital.