The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), has declared that addressing structural constraints and promoting inclusive growth would diversify the economy and enable Nigeria to navigate through the complexities of the global economic landscape.

Mr. Tijjani Mohammed Borodo, President CIoD, stated this during the institute’s 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos where he argued that, “fostering regional integration and promoting intra- African trade could unlock new opportunities for economic development and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on external markets.”

Borodo said, “diversifying the economy from oil dependency, enhancing infrastructure development, improving the business environment, and investing in human capital would be critical for unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential and ensuring sustainable development in the years to come.”

He added: “One of the key economic realities in present-day Nigeria is the dependence on oil exports.  However, the volatility of global oil prices poses a significant challenge to Nigeria’s economic stability. As fluctuations in oil prices can have a direct impact on government revenues, foreign exchange earnings, and overall macroeconomic stability.”

According to him, some of the recent, “government policies such as fuel subsidy removal and devaluation of the Naira amidst other controversial policies forms have led to harsh economic realities for the country.

“Furthermore, Nigeria grapples with structural issues such as inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment rates, and a large informal sector” despite being endowed with abundant natural resources and a sizable skilled workforce.

“Considering these economic realities, there is a pressing need for policy reforms and strategic interventions to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

“This includes diversifying the economy away from oil dependency, investing in critical infrastructure, enhancing the business environment to attract private investment, and strengthening social safety nets to support the most vulnerable segments of society.”

Borodo also said that the institute has been engaging with key ministries and agencies of the government as an integral component of its stakeholders’ engagement strategy.

According to him, the governing council of the CIoD would carry out advocacy visits to critical ministries and agencies like the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Corporate Affairs Commission and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, has joined other thought leaders to propose strategic solutions to advance Nigeria’s educational system, including Artificial Intelligence, for innovative teaching methodologies.

Adeniran made his remarks while speaking as part of a panel at the ‘Blackbelt Graduation Ceremony’ organized by 1 Million Teachers, an international teacher training organization, at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, on Saturday, 6th July 2024.

Airtel Nigeria was a co-sponsor of the 1 Million Teachers Blackbelt Graduation.

The panel titled “Leveraging Expertise and Innovations for Advancing Educational Reforms in Africa,” also featured faculty member, St. Lawrence, College, Canada, Patrick Egbunonu; Country Head, HP Nigeria, Emmanuel Asika; and Project Director, Seed Care and Support Foundation, Olanrewaju Oniyitan.

In his response to a question regarding school reputation management in the current dynamic environment enabled by digital media, Adeniran proposed a quality delivery as the most important ingredient for successful school marketing.

“Schools face restrictions on using children for advertising and publicity, making the institution rely on word-of-mouth to communicate achievements. On this note, schools must implement impactful programs that connect with their community.

“Direct and open communication platforms such as Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings keep parents informed of your strategies to help you spread to your community,” he said.

He added that continuous engagement with stakeholders on social media such as Instagram and LinkedIn would also play a vital role in enhancing the image of educational institutions.

Further addressing the concern about partnership to drive educational advancement, Mr. Femi Adeniran reiterated Airtel’s commitment towards education, highlighting its ongoing $57million partnership with UNICEF on the ‘Airtel/UNICEF Re-imagine Education’ program.

“In year 1, we connected 600 students. Now, we have 960 public schools that we are giving data to every month so they can access the learning platform developed by the Ministry of Education, The Learning Passport,” he noted.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Basic Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, who presented his remarks to round off the event, commended organizations that have approached the government to partner and support education over time.

He also charged Teachers to hold their occupation jealously and be prepared for more technological advancement to enable them to stay ahead of their students who are younger and fast-moving with technology.

One Million Teachers is an initiative committed to grooming high-quality teachers and fostering grassroots improvements through innovative approaches. Through the ‘Blackbelt Graduation Ceremony’, 1 Million Teachers celebrate teachers for their commitment to advancing their skills to effectively carry out their roles in the community.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked Interpol in North African countries Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Sudan and Algeria to place Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor  on its watchlist.

Yahaya Bello,

The Nation reports that the antigraft agency took the decision based on credible intelligence. Sources in the agency were quoted to have said that many options are on the table in dealing with the Bello situation, including but not limited to storming the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, where the ex-governor is believed to be hiding.

The watch list was activated ahead of the July 17th expected appearance of the former governor before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello is facing a 19-count charge for alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds of about N80.2 billion.

Although the ex-governor has denied the allegation, he has consistently failed to appear before the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite on June 13th and June 27th.

At the last hearing, he filed an application for the transfer of his trial to the Federal High Court, Lokoja.

“Ahead of the next hearing of the case, EFCC has activated many options, including taking a concrete action to watch-list Bello in North Africa. We are aware of a botched exit to Morocco via Cameroon. We are determined to stop him from going on exile. From Singapore, the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede was in Tunisia where he delivered a paper at a session on illicit financial flows.

Thereafter, he had a meeting with all the Heads of Interpol in North Africa on the intelligence on the ex-governor. He formally asked Interpol to place Bello on Red Alert in all North African countries and it was accepted. The watch-list has taken immediate effect.

He will be arrested in any part of North Africa. We took this step because we are suspecting that he had been bidding time not to be available for arraignment. We expect Bello to be in court to prove his innocence. EFCC has to do its work to avoid bad precedent.”