By Afolabi Oyekunle.   World Economic Forum (WEF) in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced the 2026 cohort of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Aliko Dangote Fellows, highlighting a new generation of African leaders committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening institutions across the African continent. The Fellowship serves as a critical bridge between Africa’s emerging changemakers and the global Young Global Leaders network, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. The YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship supports high-impact African leaders by enabling their full participation in the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) programme and broader WEF activities.    Aliko Dangote WEF said the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent diverse professional backgrounds spanning healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, and advocacy across sub-Saharan Africa. The newly selected fellows are Dr. Esperance Luvindao;...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. National Executive President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Comrade Otumba Salmon Oladiti  has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) over the recent agreement reached with Chinese firms aimed at reviving the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. Comrade Oladiti said  the agreement with the Chinese firms presents an opportunity for the country to reposition its oil and gas sector, restore public confidence in the nation’s refining capacity, create employment opportunities, encourage industrial growth, strengthen energy security, and reduce the economic pressure associated with fuel importation.              Comrade Oladiti. He described the development as a significant step towards addressing the long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s petroleum sector and reducing the country’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products despite ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The 50 Ferry professionals including captains, marine engineers, safety officers and fleet managers would go through hybrid learning lectures structure that combines self-paced study, virtual mentorship and practical hands- on sessions.            The trainees The training was declared open yesterday at the LASWA headquarters in Lagos attended by key personalities in the industry and INTERFERRY officials who joined virtually from abroad. People at the opening ceremony of the program. Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Lagos state Governor on Blue Economy,  Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel,  said this came about in order to prioritise safety while expanding water transportation and to ensure operators are exposed to advanced knowledge in the industry. According to him, since he came to office and with training and exposure of operators, there has been lesser incidents on the seaways. The Spe...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in strategic partnership with Interferry—the global ferry association with consultative status at the International MaritimeOrganization is set to launch the groundbreaking Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Program on Wednesday at LASWA headquarters in Lagos  According to LASWA, the landmark initiative in Africa is set to revolutionize ferry safety practices, boost operational efficiency, and significantly elevate professional standards among industry operators. The 18-month intensive program will feature mentorship from top Interferry experts, complemented by facilitators from esteemed maritime institutions, leading maritime companies, and regulatory agencies across Nigeria. "A carefully selected cohort of 50 participants—including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers/technicians, safety officers, compliance professionals, and fleet managers—will undergo comprehensive training and mentorshi...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has condemned in strong terms the increase attacks on its train operations along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor by suspected vandals and criminal elements. The latest incident occurred around Kilometer 177 along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, where some unknown persons reportedly gathered along the rail track and began pelting stones at a moving train, leading to damage to the windscreen of the leading locomotive. The windscreen stoned by the bandits. The Corporation noted with deep concern that within the last two weeks, similar attacks have also been witnessed in other locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village, Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, among others, a development that is posing serious danger to railway operations, passengers, and operational personnel. Management disclosed that similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has commended the cordial and collaborative relationship between the Corporation, the Abia State Government, and the Enugu State Government.  According to the Managing Director such productive harmony can only yield even greater positive results for the benefit of the people. Dr. Opeifa spoke during separate high-level meetings with the Abia and Enugu State Governments held in Umuahia and Enugu respectively. MD NRC: Dr. Kayode Opeifa Represented by the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, Dr. Opeifa described the two states as partners in progress. The Abia State Government delegation was led by the Director General of the Umuahia Capital Territory Development Authority (UCTDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh.  During the Umuahia meeting, Dr. Opeifa strongly praised the Abia State Government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC's...