By Seyi Balogun

Seven Nigerian entrepreneurs who proudly represented the nation and distinguished themselves at the SEE Pakistan 2026 World Startup Championship in Lahore, Pakistan have been received by the Management of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), led by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji.

The remarkable international performance of the Nigerian entrepreneurs represents another compelling demonstration of the depth of talent, creativity, enterprise and technological ingenuity embedded within Nigeria’s emerging innovation ecosystem. SEE Pakistan 2026 brought together startups, entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and innovation stakeholders through a major international platform designed to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, visibility and global collaboration.

Following their reception at NBTI, the seven champions were presented to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, where their outstanding international achievement was formally showcased as part of the Federal Government’s continuing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s technology, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The achievement is particularly significant against the backdrop of the transformative economic direction of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose bold economic and institutional reforms are designed to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth, productivity, investment and prosperity.

President Tinubu’s administration has articulated the ambition of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030, with technology, innovation, productivity, enterprise development and a skilled youthful workforce forming important components of that transformation agenda. The Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, in particular, places emphasis on strengthening Nigerian businesses, promoting domestic products and services, creating employment and enhancing the competitiveness and innovative capacity of Nigerian enterprises.

The NBTI Management commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing a policy environment in which Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators and technology-driven enterprises can increasingly aspire to compete beyond the shores of Nigeria.

The Board recognises that the transformation of Nigeria into a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy requires more than policies alone. It requires deliberate investment in people, institutions, technology, entrepreneurship, research, product development, incubation, commercialisation and access to international markets.

It is within this broader national vision that NBTI continues to strengthen its Technology Incubation Centres and support mechanisms for entrepreneurs across the country.

Speaking at the reception, the Director-General/CEO of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, congratulated the entrepreneurs for their resilience, professionalism, determination and exceptional representation of Nigeria on the international stage.

Dr. Raji described their achievement as a powerful reflection of the enormous creative and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigerian youths and innovators.

He stated that the success of the entrepreneurs was not merely an individual accomplishment but also a demonstration of what can be achieved when innovation, incubation, mentorship, institutional support and entrepreneurial determination are brought together.

By Nick Ibe

A call to reduce food waste and adopt sustainable practices to protect the environment has been made by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in a message marking the 2026 World Cleanup Day.

The day was observed on Sunday with the theme, “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities.”

She said the focus on food waste was particularly apt as climate change, conflicts and other global challenges continue to disrupt food production and supply. In her words:

“This year’s focus on food waste is particularly important at a time when climate change, conflicts, and other global challenges continue to disrupt food production and supply.”

She urged Nigerians to become more responsible in how they purchase, prepare, consume, and preserve food.

“I encourage households, businesses, and communities to reduce food waste, dispose of refuse properly, and adopt more sustainable practices that protect our environment,” she added.

Tinubu said collective efforts were needed to build cleaner and healthier communities for present and future generations.

“Through our collective efforts, we can build cleaner, healthier communities for present and future generations,” she said.

By Felix Umande

The Management of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has held discussions with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) on moves to recover and prevent the sale of Benue Hotels Limited.

Benue Hotels Limited was leased to Luxurium Leisure Services in 2012, following which the company obtained a N488 million facility at first instance and another N630 million, all from NEXIM Bank, for the remodelling and development of the hotel.

The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the lease agreement and subsequent release of a Certificate of Occupancy to Luxurium Leisure Services, describing the process as administrative fraud.

The GMD said no Executive Council approval nor board resolution were given even though Benue State Government holds a 75 percent majority share via BIPC while Nigerian Hotels Limited holds a 25 percent minority share.

Dr. Asemakaha also disclosed that during the loan process, NEXIM Bank failed to obtain the owner’s signature, approvals, owner’s board resolution and search report on the collateral, thereby failing to carry out due diligence obtainable in financial dealings.

He stressed that the state government would not allow the property to be sold, emphasizing the importance of protecting government assets for the benefit of the people of Benue.

The Group Managing Director presented four proposals on behalf of the state government to NEXIM Bank for consideration, including the expiration of the lease by next year, payment of 48 percent of the loan to NEXIM Bank to recover the hotel for not doing due diligence, and sharing the risk associated with the outstanding facility on a 50:50 basis as both parties must bear losses on the transaction.

Asemakaha also raised concerns over the utilisation of the funds earlier obtained by Luxurium Leisure Services, promising that BIPC would investigate how the loan facilities were expended.

According to him, information presented by the manager of Luxurium Leisure Services indicated that only one facility and a swimming pool were added to the hotel, while most of the other works carried out amounted to minor renovations.

He reiterated the vision of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, to recover all properties of the state, warning all persons with government assets to return them for the benefit of the state.

Responding, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer of NEXIM Bank, Umoru Gubio, said the bank would carefully consider the proposals presented by the Benue State Government and communicate its position.