News
Former Minister, Chief Sunday Dare Calls for Unwavering Support for the New Soun of Ogbomosoland
In a historic event that marked the official presentation of the staff of office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), Chief Sunday Dare, the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has passionately appealed to the good people of Ogbomoso to rally behind their new traditional ruler.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday in Ogbomoso, witnessed the gracious presence of distinguished guests, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, retired Gen. Oladayo Popoola, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Olu of Warri Oba Ogiame Atuwatse.
Chief Dare, who served as the Chairman of the media and publicity sub-committee of the Central Coronation Planning Committee (CCPC), emphasized the critical role of unity in achieving sustainable peace, progress, and development in Ogbomoso Land.
“Today is a happy day. I thank God Almighty for giving us the opportunity to witness this historic day.
“I congratulate all of us in Ogbomosoland. I have no doubt that the reign of his Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege lll) will bring sustainable peace, progress and development to Ogbomoso Land.
He went on to urge the sons and daughters of the land to extend their unwavering support, love, and cooperation to the new Soun, emphasizing that the success of Oba Afolabi Olaoye’s reign hinges greatly on the collective loyalty, cooperation, and support of the people.
The grand presentation of the staff of office and certificate to Oba Afolabi Olaoye was a momentous occasion attended by prominent personalities, underscoring the significance of the event in the cultural and historical context of Ogbomoso.
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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