This is after a day downturn.

Renewed investors interest in stocks like Sovereign Trust Insurance, Zichis Agro Allied Industries, International Energy Insurance, Mc Nichols and Aradel as well as 25 other equities lifted the market.

The market capitalisation grew from N160.094 trillion to N160.508 trillion, recording a growth of 0.26 per cent.

Also, the All-Share Index advanced by 646.63 points or 0.26 per cent from an opening of 249,738.84 to 250,385.47.

This led the Year-to-Date return to an increase of 60.90 per cent

However, market breadth closed negatively, recording 34 losers against 30 gainers.

Leading the losers’ chart, Chemical and Allied Products, Premier Paints and Austinlaz declined by 10 per cent each, ending the session at N179.10, N33.75 and N3.96 per share respectively.

Livingtrust Mortgage Bank trailed by 9.89 per cent, finishing at N4.01 while John Holt dropped by 9.84 per cent, settling at N16.95 per share.

Conversely, Zichis Agro Allied Industries and Sovereign Trust Insurance led the gainers’ chart by 10 per cent each, closing at N33 and N2.75 per share.

International Energy Insurance followed by 9.98 per cent, settling at N4.52, Mc Nichols gained by 9.85 per cent, closing at N8.70 while Aradel climbed by 9.59 per cent, finishing at N1,933.80 per share.

Analysis of the market activity revealed an overall growth in the market deals, value and volume as 1.204 billion shares worth N43.43 billion were traded across 93,626 transactions.

This is compared to 564.07 million shares valued at N27.22 billion that was exchanged in 65,616 deals earlier on Tuesday.

Access Corporation recorded the highest trading volume with 133.28 million shares exchanged, representing 11.06 per cent of the day’s total volume.

Aradel posted the highest turnover at N4.96 billion, accounting for 11.41 per cent of the total value traded.

Source: NAN

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The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit, INRES, in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said Nigeria was ready to leverage Türkiye’s technological advancement and expertise in mining exploration, training, digitisation, licensing systems, and capacity building to accelerate reforms and growth within the sector.

According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given full backing to efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with Türkiye in the mining and energy sectors.

“Türkiye is one of the countries we are confident of building strong bilateral cooperation with, particularly in the area of solid minerals development. Nigeria is open to working with the Turkish government to strengthen governance structures, improve technical capacity, and advance sustainable mining development in our country,” Alake stated.

The minister, who also serves as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG, noted that reforms introduced in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector over the past three years had transformed the operating environment and made the sector more attractive to genuine investors.

He explained that the federal government had implemented far-reaching measures to sanitise the sector, improve ease of doing business, and create incentives for foreign investors willing to establish long-term partnerships in Nigeria.

“We have significantly improved the ease of doing business and strengthened institutional support for investors. Investors can now repatriate profits after due process, while government incentives have continued to attract serious mining stakeholders into Nigeria,” he said.

Alake disclosed that the reforms had already triggered increased inflows of Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, into the sector, while reassuring investors of the federal government’s commitment to security and lawful mining operations.

Highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts, the minister said the specially created Mining Marshals have intensified the crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country.

“As of the latest count, over 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals, have been arrested, while more than 150 prosecutions are currently ongoing. In addition, over 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and returned to legitimate licence owners as part of efforts to restore investor confidence and strengthen lawful operations in the sector,” he stated.

Responding, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the new partnership with Nigeria as strategic and timely, noting that global energy security now demands stronger international cooperation and connectivity.

Bayraktar commended the Nigerian government for the reforms and initiatives already introduced in the solid minerals sector, stressing that Turkish companies are eager to invest in Nigeria.

“We are ready to invest in Nigeria because of the remarkable initiatives your government has put in place. We look forward to cooperation, support, and guidance that will enable both countries achieve meaningful results,” he said.

The Turkish minister further revealed that several Turkish industrial manufacturers and companies were interested in expanding operations into Nigeria beyond the mining sector, particularly in energy and hydrocarbons.

“Nigeria is a major player in the hydrocarbon industry. We would appreciate it if you convey to your President our desire to renew energy cooperation and contracts with Nigeria,” Bayraktar added.

He also noted that Türkiye was strategically expanding its engagement with African markets, with Nigeria positioned as a critical gateway for broader economic and energy partnerships across the continent.

Meanwhile, speaking during a panel session titled “Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Connectivity and Cooperation,” Alake stressed the urgent need for global peace and conflict reduction as critical conditions for achieving sustainable energy security.

“Without reducing conflicts around the world, economic imperatives and global energy security efforts will continue to face significant challenges. Without peace, discussions around energy security become difficult. The international community must work seriously towards peace if we truly want to guarantee sustainable energy security for the future,” the minister said.

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The post Nigeria, Türkiye sign MOU to deepen cooperation in solid minerals appeared first on Frontpageng.

In today’s competitive business environment, people may forget your advert, but they rarely forget how you made them feel.

Great salespeople understand this truth deeply. They know that customer service is not separate from sales; it is the foundation of sales growth, customer loyalty, and business reputation.

Research by pwc.com shows that 73% of consumers say customer experience influences their buying decisions, while 32% will walk away from a brand they love after just one bad experience. This means that beyond product quality and pricing, attitude and service delivery can determine whether a customer stays or leaves.

One major habit of great salespeople is active listening. They do not rush customers or assume they already know what the buyer wants. Instead, they listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and respond with empathy. Customers appreciate being heard, especially in a marketplace where many businesses are more interested in selling than solving problems.

Another powerful habit is consistency. Great salespeople maintain professionalism whether the customer is making a large purchase or simply making enquiries. In many Nigerian businesses today, customers often complain about rude responses, delayed feedback, and poor after-sales service. Yet, businesses that intentionally train their staff to remain courteous and responsive usually enjoy stronger customer retention and referrals.

Customer-focused salespeople also understand the importance of follow-up. A simple message asking, “How has the product been serving you?” can create emotional connection and trust.

According to hubspot.com, companies that prioritise customer relationships are more likely to increase repeat purchases and long-term revenue.

Sales expert Zig Ziglar once said, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” This quote captures the heart of excellent selling. Great salespeople do not pressure customers; they guide them.

For example, a fashion vendor who patiently helps a customer choose the right outfit, even when the customer is undecided, is more likely to gain repeat patronage than another seller who becomes impatient or dismissive. Likewise, a bank staff member who explains solutions politely can turn a frustrated customer into a loyal one.

Ultimately, sales success is not built on persuasion alone. It is built on respect, reliability, empathy, and service habits that make customers feel valued. Businesses and sales professionals who master these habits will not only increase revenue but also build lasting trust and reputation.

If you would like to learn healthy service habits or unlearn counterproductive ones, request to take part in our upcoming training tagged: ‘Improve Your Customer Service Habits, Sell Better’.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

I’m Bosede Olusola-Obasa, Character Development Trainer, Corporate Culture Strategist and Best Service Attitudes Advisor. Simply call or chat 08106120819.

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The market’s upward movement was driven by gains in equities like Aluminium Extrusion Industry, Daar Communications, RT Briscoe, Learn Africa, Red Star Express and 25 other stocks.

The market capitalisation increased by 0.22 per cent, adding N344 billion to investors’ portfolio as the market opened at N159.733 trillion and closed higher at N160.077 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 0.22 per cent, advancing by 536.98 points to close at 249,712.37, compared to 249,175.39 recorded on Thursday.

Consequently, the year-to-date (YTD) return rose to 60.47 per cent as the market breadth also closed positive with 30 gainers and 27 losers.

Aluminum Extrusion Industry and Daar Communications led the gainers’ chart by 10 per cent each, finishing at N9.90 and N2.09 per share respectively.

RT Briscoe gained by 9.93 per cent, closing at N14.06, Learn Africa increased by 9.79 per cent, ending the session at N12.90 while Red Star Express grew by 9.56 per cent, settling at N34.95 per share.

Conversely, Trans-Nationwide Express led the losers’ chart by 9.92 per cent, ending the session at N5.72, Livestock Feeds trailed by 9.64 per cent, settling at N8.90 and The Initiates shed by 8.65 per cent, finishing at N33.80 per share.

Also, Ellah Lakes dipped by 8.64 per cent, closing at N10.05 and Neimeth Pharmaceuticals declined by 6.36 per cent, finishing at N10.30 per share.

The market activity declined for the day, as total volume traded fell by 32.76 per cent to 711.86 million shares worth N29.08 billion exchanged in 62,386 transactions.

Fidelity Bank emerged as the most active stock by both volume and value, with 198.08 million shares traded valued at N4.59 billion.

This represented 27.83 per cent and 15.80 per cent of the day’s total volume and value, respectively.

Source: NAN

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The graduation ceremony, themed “Empowering the Youths: From Knowledge to Income,” marked the successful completion of a six-week intensive vocational training programme designed to equip participants with practical, entrepreneurial, and income-generating skills.

A total of 500 youths were trained across five vocational fields, including computer and phone repair, photography and videography, graphic design, cosmetology, and mixology, as part of the state government’s strategic efforts to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance among young people.

Participants were drawn from the five divisions of Lagos State (IBILE), ensuring fair representation across Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, stated that the initiative reflected the state government’s deliberate commitment to equipping youths with practical and marketable skills capable of transforming knowledge into sustainable sources of income.

According to the commissioner, the ministry remains focused on creating opportunities for young people through innovative capacity-building initiatives aligned with the demands of the modern economy.

He further noted that participants underwent rigorous training facilitated by experienced professionals and industry experts to ensure they are adequately prepared to excel in their chosen vocations and contribute meaningfully to society.

Ajigbotafe encouraged the graduands to maximize the opportunities provided through the programme by becoming productive citizens, job creators, and ambassadors of excellence within their respective communities.

He further stated: “Do not see this graduation as the end of your journey; rather, see it as a stepping stone towards greatness. The knowledge and skills you have acquired must be utilized productively to create opportunities not only for yourselves but also for others within your communities. I also commend the ministry’s management team, facilitators, programme coordinators, partners, and stakeholders whose dedication and hard work ensured the successful implementation of this programme.”

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lolade Aina, urged beneficiaries to move beyond being job seekers and embrace entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

She disclosed that the Lagos State government had provided start-up kits to enable beneficiaries commence their businesses immediately after the training programme.

The Permanent Secretary further noted that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund remained available to support beneficiaries with access to funding and entrepreneurial opportunities needed to expand their businesses and attain financial independence.

She also encouraged participants to take advantage of the ₦250,000 start-up loan facility introduced to support small businesses and entrepreneurial growth.

Lolade Aina explained that beneficiaries interested in accessing the facility would be required to provide their LASSRA ID, training certificate, Tax Identification Number, TIN, and a valid government-issued identification card.

She also commended the facilitators, development partners, and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful implementation of the programme, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to sustaining initiatives that promote inclusive growth, skills development, and economic empowerment across the state.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of certificates, distribution of start-up kits, exhibitions of participants’ products and projects, as well as goodwill messages from stakeholders and development partners.

The TVET programme stands as another significant milestone in the Lagos State government’s ongoing efforts to empower youths, strengthen livelihoods, and promote sustainable socio-economic development across Lagos State.

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The post Empowerment: Lagos trains 500 youths in vocational skills appeared first on Frontpageng.

He disclosed that he divested his stake in Geregu Power Plc specifically to position himself for investment in the refinery’s Initial Public Offering, IPO, which he described as a transformative industrial platform helping to free Africa from decades of reliance on imported petroleum products.

Otedola made the remarks during a visit by the FirstHoldCo leadership team to the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, where he commended Dangote for building the world’s largest single-train refinery and accelerating Africa’s industrial transformation.

“He is a genius and one of the greatest men to emerge from Africa. What he has achieved is helping to liberate the continent from economic dependency and import reliance,” Otedola said.

“I have visited this refinery more than 25 times, and I have consistently appealed for $100 million worth of shares during the private placement. That informed my decision to sell my stake in Geregu so I can reinvest in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.”

Otedola also expressed strong confidence in the Group’s planned expansion of refining capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day, noting that Africa’s growing demand for refined petroleum products clearly supported further investment in domestic refining infrastructure.

In his remarks, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, assured that the refinery’s IPO would be broadly inclusive, enabling ordinary Nigerians to become part-owners and benefit from its value creation.

He emphasised that the Group was committed to democratising access to investment opportunities by opening participation to retail investors across Nigeria and the African continent.

“We want ordinary Africans to participate in the value being created,” Dangote said. “What companies like Amazon and Apple achieved globally in terms of wealth creation is what we seek to replicate in Africa. We want people to invest, grow with us, and share in the prosperity.”

Dangote further disclosed plans for a proposed East Africa refinery with a projected capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, alongside polypropylene and base oil production facilities.

According to him, the project could commence within the next three to four years once construction begins.

He noted that the initiative was not originally captured in the Group’s Vision 2030 strategy, underscoring the company’s trajectory toward exceeding its long-term growth targets.

Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, described the refinery as a symbol of vision, courage, and industrial ambition capable of inspiring similar investments across Africa.

“If you see this refinery and realise that an individual conceived and delivered a project of this magnitude, already helping to stabilise energy supply across Africa, you cannot help but be inspired,” Alebiosu said.

“We have delegates here from the United Kingdom and several African countries who will return home with renewed commitment to building industries that can transform their economies. It is about building Africa together.”

Dangote also highlighted the Group’s sustained leadership across its core businesses over the past five years, including cement operations in 11 African countries, alongside significant investments in refining, petrochemicals, and fertiliser production.

He noted that cement capacity has expanded to 55 million tonnes per annum, supported by the development of clinker export terminals to strengthen regional trade.

“We have built businesses that address Africa’s critical needs and create long-term value for the continent,” Dangote said. “Africa must stop exporting raw materials and importing finished goods. That amounts to exporting jobs and importing poverty.”

He added that investor appetite for the refinery’s listing on the Nigerian Exchange had remained exceptionally strong, with demand for the private placement already exceeding $2 billion.

“There is significant interest in both the IPO and the private placement,” he said. “While we are not able to meet all requests, the strong demand reflects investors’ confidence in the refinery and in Africa’s industrial future.”

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MUSWEN’s president, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, made the call when he led a delegation to the Lagos office of BoI.

Commending the dedication of the

Managing Director/CEO of BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, who received the delegation, Alhaji Oladejo appealed for counterpart funding arrangements and collaborative financing models to bridge funding gaps confronting entrepreneurs and small businesses within the MUSWEN network.

Responding, Olusi expressed appreciation for the initiatives and vision of MUSWEN and declared the bank’s readiness to partner with the organisation in areas of mutual interest.

In the delegation of the MUSWEN president were Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, Deputy President I; Alhaji Wale Sonaike, Deputy President II; Prof. Wole Abbas, MUSWEN Executive Secretary; Alhaji Lere Alimi, Chairman MUSWEN Economic Empowerment Committee and Alhaji Abdul-Wakeel Olaniyi, Director (Finance and Admin) MUSWEN.

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He said Lagos was open for infrastructure investment and therefore urged international partners and institutional investors to partner and invest in Lagos.

“Lagos is open for infrastructure investment, and we honour the commitments we make. If you are building cloud infrastructure, Lagos wants to work with you. If you are building AI infrastructure, Lagos wants to work with you. Enabling infrastructure is not charity; it is economic strategy,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Kasi Cloud Hyperscale Data Center Campus in Lekki, Lagos.

He said the center aligned so powerfully with his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly Technology and Innovation and Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.

He said: “Over the past decade Lagos has established itself as the beating heart of Africa’s digital economy. This is the city that produced unicorns; the city where fintech evolved from experiments into global enterprises. Our innovators looked at power constraints, connectivity gaps, and every operational obstacle and still chose to build. That resilience is why the world watches Lagos, but resilience alone should not be our long term strategy.

“Today, Lagos is already the data-center capital of Nigeria, commanding a substantial share of the nation’s installed capacity. Connectivity lands here. Enterprise demand lives here. Innovation grows here. Capital gathers here. But we are not satisfied. The next phase of the global digital economy will be led by cities that deliberately build enabling infrastructure at scale, and this Kasi Cloud campus is precisely that kind of enabling infrastructure.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also noted that “Great infrastructure does not arrive in a vacuum. It is attracted by policy. That is why our administration has been deliberate about creating an enabling environment.

“The Lagos State Electricity Law is a central example. Through this reform we are shaping a more reliable, investment-friendly energy future capable of supporting industrial growth, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and next-generation compute ecosystems.

“We have also invested in fibre-optic connectivity, digital skills development, the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council, and smarter public-private collaboration across our technology ecosystem. Ecosystems do not emerge by accident; they are built and sustained through intentional policy over time. This is why the Kasi Cloud campus aligns so powerfully with our THEMES Agenda, particularly Technology and Innovation and Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the inauguration of the Kasi Cloud Hyperscale Data Center was one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s economic modernisation and digital transformation.

“The project is a national infrastructure that strengthens the foundation for innovation and expansion opportunities for enterprise and enhances productivity across sectors and positions Nigeria as a competitive player in an increasingly AI-driven world. It is in every sense an investment in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, said the state government was committed to providing friendly and enabling environment for investors.

He said: “Lagos State under leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is investing in critical infrastrutures such as fibre optics, data centees, smart tech fund, city management and most importantly putting funds behind innovation programmes in universities and strengthening the startup ecosystem not just so that we will be technology adopters but we will be technology creators.”

Speaking earlier, the founder and CEO of Kasi Cloud, Mr. Johnson Agogbua, said the establishment of the Kasi Cloud Hyperscale Data Center was for technological development and advancement.

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Banks have contributed more to Nigeria’s GDP than insurance. It should have been the other way round. This is because the insurance sector connects all sectors. Yet it is the one with a stigma. Insurance in Nigeria means different things to different people. For some, it is a tale of woes. For others, it is all bloom and no gloom. Yet for those in the logistics business, the insurance man is not to be trusted. What is your story?

On the one hand

The Reinsurance reports reveal that Nigeria holds a mere 1.7% (or $1.08 billion) of the African insurance market. In contrast, South Africa dominates with a remarkable 68.2% ($43.36 billion). Insurance firms are bigger in Europe and America. But the banks are bigger in Nigeria. Insurance firms are smaller here.

On the other hand

If an insurance policy is indispensable, it will be adorable. But it is indispensable. That is why it is not adorable. You can live without an insurance policy. To keep up with your policy, you need a disposable income to pay your premium every month. Otherwise, your policy may lapse. If it lapses, you will lose your coverage. If it rains, it will flood. No boat is coming for you.

In the long term

The 2025 Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) has come to strengthen the industry. I have a doubt. But, anyway, the act says it will increase capital requirements for insurers. Improve policyholder protection. Align the insurance practice with international standards. Mandate the digitalisation of the insurance processes.

The act will ensure faster claims settlement. For instance, a 24-hour settlement mandate for some claims. The lack of transparency in claim settlement has pushed many Nigerians away from taking an insurance policy. For instance, in 2005, you had a comprehensive insurance policy on a brand new car and paid the premium every month. For two years, life was good. Then hiccups. The car tumbled. Life detoured.

The insurance firm waded in. You recorded the accident scene. You got the police report. Sworn to an affidavit. The broker was helpful. Life crawled. After playing ping-pong for six months, you had fixed the car and moved on, the broker called. Bad news. The insurance would pay [he mentioned the paltry sum]. You accepted the payment and counted your ‘’blessing.’’ After that, the insurance policy became a taboo. Many friends and contacts have shared similar experiences of not receiving claims on time and receiving too little with no impact.

Since then, many of them have embraced African insurance. One of them bought a car recently. He did not obtain an insurance policy. He called his pastor. Another one called his imam. The other one drove to his village for a ‘’comprehensive insurance cover’’. The insurance firms are competing with African Insurance Incorporated. Can NIIRA curtail this tradition?

Why does it matter?

NIIRA has promised to rectify the late and non-payment of claims. But scars do not die. Scars live. What has changed the narrative is the introduction of technology. Many insurance technology companies are pushing the envelope and breaking barriers. Insurance is now accessible to artisans and market women for a token.

In the short term

The insurance sector has suffered reputational damage. NIIRA has come to mend it.

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The competition is a nationwide engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship competition launched in 2025 by a non-profit organisation, Enactus Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.

The two teams eclipsed their counterparts from the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE, Effurun, Delta State, and University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in the competition, where they showcased hardware and software prototypes developed to serve as innovative solutions to real-world challenges, with specific reference to Nigeria and Africa.

From Team PROTRONICS was KEYTRIC, which the group presented as “SMART POWER CONTROL Made Effortless” and “Automating electricity usage using intelligent locking systems.”

For Problem Statement, the Team highlighted high electricity bills, electricity fire risk and expensive smart home, and proceeded to list gaps in existing solutions.

They include costly installation, as change in wiring is required; lack of integration between security and energy, and dependence on the Internet.

The Team’s solution is “A smart energy door lock that switches off a user’s electricity supply when they lock to leave the house.”

According to the students, their solution saves money on electricity bill, reduces the risk of electric fire accident, and is affordable to everyone.

Team VHORDE of the University of Benin made a presentation on what it terms IRIS, Intelligent Real-time Interface for Sight, pointing out that there are 4.5 million visually impaired Nigerians who are in some way incapacitated and unable to live life to the fullest.

The students displayed an IRIS pack, which consisted of TOF sensors, wearable glasses, microphone, camera and Haptic feedback.

On how the IRIS works, the smart glasses, which consist of camera, depth sensor, and edge AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor, enable a visually impaired person to see and understand the world in real time.

There is also an AI Compute Unit, to be worn at the waist, which “runs CNN (convolutional neutral network) object detection, face recognition, and voice processing on-device.”

In a section on Business Model and Revenue Streams, the team indicated production-scale pricing for IRIS Standard as N699,000 (one-time purchase.

IRIS Standard has the following functions: real-time object and scene identification, familiar face recognition, obstacle and hazard detection (haptic wristbands), natural voice interaction, Edge AI – fully offline core functions, and OTA software updates via Wi-Fi.

In an assessment of the prototypes and demonstrations made, one of the key judges of the competition, Engr. Dokubo Obongo, Manager, Institutional Strengthening, at the NCDMB, described all the presentations as “top-notch,” noting that “There are solutions that are viable – marketwise – relevant to our society and the challenges we face.”

He explained that the Engineering Olympiad is “a competition targeted at developing home-grown solutions from research and development from Nigerian universities.”

According to him, “the idea is to see how we can proffer solutions to our own problems,” which means creating business opportunities.

Speaking for Enactus Nigeria, the group’s Country Director, Mr. Michael Ajayi, said the two top finalists from the six geopolitical zones would move to a boot camp for further preparation towards the main national championship, and that the best three teams would share N100 million.

He also disclosed that each of the 30 teams that displayed prototype technology in the regional competition would receive N3 million.

Team PROTRONICS of the University of Port Harcourt has as Team Lead Dr. Victor Jinn (Faculty Adviser), while the contestants were Chukwuma Sunday-Odu, Fubara David Otokini, and Ekemini Godwin Akpan.

Team VHORDE of University of Benin has Anoint Oritsetimeyin Igorki, Oghosa Derick Osarobo, Uti Henry Eworitsewarami, Jada O. Godfrey-Ariavie, Richard O.Enegbuna, Momodu O. Olayemi, and Asemota G. Ayevbosa.

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