News
‘Akeredolu was an intellectual Iroko, a reliable leader’ – Sunday Dare
With profound sadness, I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ondo State, as well as the grieving Akeredolu family, on the untimely passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. A brotherly friend and leader, Aketi’s demise leaves a void that resonates deeply within our nation, especially during a time when his dedicated service was needed most. Akeredolu was an intellectual Iroko impossible to be ignore.
I join in mourning the loss of a distinguished leader. Governor Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), embodied tremendous qualities. His success as a lawyer was matched only by his unwavering commitment to merit over sentiments, a principle that defined his leadership. His legacy as the Chairman of the Southwest FORUM OF State Governors showcased his dedication to justice.
Despite grappling with critical health challenges, Governor Akeredolu exemplified resilience and an unwavering commitment to public service. His contributions to the political landscape of Ondo State will be remembered with gratitude as the state mourns the loss of a prominent figure.
In this trying time, I stand in solidarity with the people of Ondo State and the Akeredolu family. May Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s soul find eternal peace, and may his enduring contributions to the legal profession and public service serve as a lasting inspiration for us all.
News
AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs
By James Samuel, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.
This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.
“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.
“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”
He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.
“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.
He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.
“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.
She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.
The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.
The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.
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