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Smallholder Farmers Demand Fair Share in Palm Oil Industry as Solidaridad Report Exposes inequities Smallholder farmers across West Africa, who produce the bulk of the region’s palm oil, are calling for urgent reforms to the global value chain that continues to exclude them from fair profits and investment. Despite contributing up to 80% of palm oil production in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone, these farmers remain trapped in poverty and face mounting challenges. A new report released by Solidaridad West Africa, Palm Oil Barometer 2025: Procurement for Prosperity, highlights how low incomes, poor access to tools, and limited infrastructure are preventing smallholders from improving yields or adopting sustainable practices. The report urges governments and companies to adopt a new model that ensures fair value distribution and farmer inclusion. “Oil palm production in our communities faces serious challenges,” said Michael Opong, a smallholder farmer from Ghana’s Eastern Region. “Most farmers lack access to proper tools, equipment, and infrastructure. Even with training, our incomes are too low to invest in improvements.” The report acknowledges that while smallholders produce the majority of palm oil, they receive the smallest share of its economic value. Many also face the effects of climate change, insecure land tenure, and price volatility that further weaken their position in the market. Solidaridad West Africa is advocating for a shift to a “Procurement for Prosperity” model that prioritizes four key areas: inclusive policy, fair pricing, equitable partnerships, and targeted support programmes. The aim is to make it possible for smallholders to earn a living income and participate meaningfully in the supply chain. “Simply demanding sustainable production is insufficient. Companies need to commit to an inclusive value chain that integrates smallholder voices and rewards sustainable practices fairly.” Marieke Leegwater, Senior Policy Advisor at Solidaridad Europe. “ said As global sustainability regulations like the EU’s deforestation rule tighten, Solidaridad warns that excluding smallholders will increase risks across the palm oil industry. The report calls on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a more equitable and resilient future for the farmers who form the backbone of the sector.

Digital Literacy: Senate Moves to Amend UBEC Act Nigeria is set to overhaul its foundational education laws to reflect a new digital reality, as the Senate embarks on a review of the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) Act to integrate smart learning into classrooms nationwide. This legislative move was made public by Senator Ekong Sampson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary), at the International Conference on Smart Education and Digital Literacy held Tuesday in Abuja. Speaking at the opening of the high-level conference, Senator Sampson said that digital literacy had become a developmental necessity. In his words “This is no longer optional, It is central to Nigeria’s educational transformation agenda and must be firmly embedded in the legal framework.” The event, hosted at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre and themed “Empowering African Smart Education through Emerging Technologies,” was co-organized by UBEC and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and featured wide participation from stakeholders in education and technology. Describing the conference as “timely and strategic,” Sampson revealed that the Senate’s proposed amendments to the UBEC Act are aimed at strengthening the institutional foundation for inclusive, equitable, and technology-driven education. “Our goal is to reposition the basic education sector to produce a generation that is future-ready, one that can innovate, not just consume technology,” he said. He further stressed the need to rethink traditional classrooms and adopt digital tools that align with 21st-century realities. “Every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a smart learning environment. We must act now to ensure no child is left behind in this digital revolution,” Sampson stated. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, corroborated this position as he called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national curriculum. “AI can help personalize learning, close systemic gaps, and prepare our students for a tech centric global economy,” he said. UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, assured participants of the Commission’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s digital education agenda. “UBEC is committed to ensuring that every child regardless of location, has access to digital tools and platforms that enhance learning,” she said.

Grassroots Glory: MTN Champs Finale Kicks Off in Uyo   No fewer than 2,400 athletes from 418 secondary schools across Nigeria on Tuesday converged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, for the grand finale of MTN Champs Season 3, Nigeria’s premier grassroots athletics competition.   Organized to discover and groom the country’s next generation of Olympic stars, MTN Champs has toured major cities including Benin and Lagos culminating in the ongoing grand finale in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.   Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ibe Etea, General Manager, Internal Audit & Forensic Services at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the scale and vision of the project.   “With over 2,400 athletes and 418 schools, the stakes are higher, the lights are brighter, and the talent on display is nothing short of world-class. MTN Champs is more than a competition; it’s a movement.” He said   Representing the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey applauded MTN’s investment in youth development and affirmed the state’s alignment with the competition’s goals.   “In Akwa Ibom, sports is a vital part of our Arise Agenda. We are mandated to go to the grassroots, and MTN’s objective aligns perfectly with ours.” He said   He urged athletes to compete clean and enjoy the rich hospitality of the host state.   Modeled after Jamaica’s famed high school CHAMPS, MTN Champs has fast become a national platform for uncovering Nigeria’s next athletic icons.

“We Proved Them Wrong”, Says Top Graduate As 30 More Women Complete Lafarge Africa’s Heavy Duty Truck Driving Training Nzom Gertrude stood proudly before a cheering audience in Calabar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as she was named best graduating student from Lafarge Africa’s “Women on Wheels” (WoW) initiative – an intensive training programme for female drivers of heavy-duty trucks. “Many people said we couldn’t do it, but today, we’ve proved them wrong—with courage, hard work, and the support of our instructors and families.” Gertrude said She is one of 30 women who successfully completed training at the Lafarge Driving Institute, earning certification to operate industrial-grade, heavy-duty trucks used in logistics and cement transportation, roles traditionally reserved for men in Nigeria’s haulage sector. Their graduation marks another milestone in Lafarge Africa Plc’s commitment to gender inclusion and workforce diversification in the country’s logistics industry. Since its inception in 2019, “Women on Wheels” has produced 103 certified female truck drivers across Nigeria. The initiative is not only bridging gender gaps but also addressing the industry’s driver shortage, enhancing safety, and setting new standards for inclusion and sustainability. Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, hailed the courage and determination of the new graduates: “You are not only making history, you are building the future of logistics in Nigeria. “Women on Wheels” is a bold step toward a more inclusive and efficient transportation sector.” He noted that 56 women graduated from the Mfamosing plant in 2021, followed by 17 from the Ewekoro plant, before the latest cohort in Calabar. Logistics Director, Mr. Osazemen Aghatise, emphasized that the performance of previous graduates has continued to justify the company’s investment in the programme. “These women are not just competent, they’re excellent. Their success in operating heavy-duty trucks safely and efficiently is driving us to expand this programme further,” he said. Hon. Edema Irom, Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, urged the new drivers to remain ambassadors of possibility and perseverance. “You are pioneers and a source of inspiration to girls across Nigeria. You’ve shown that with the right support, women can thrive in any profession.”

Fens CEO Insists on Ethical Procurement Process to Unlock National Value The Managing Director/CEO of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Udofia, has called for a national reawakening to the transformative power of ethical and efficient procurement systems, describing procurement as the “frontline battlefield for national development and integrity.” Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the International Procurement Day 2025, organized by the University of Port Harcourt over the weekend, Udofia emphasized that procurement is not merely an administrative process but a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, and public trust. “A well-designed procurement process is a nation’s engine for development, innovation, and integrity,” he declared. Speaking on “Unlocking National Value: The Power of a Good Procurement System,” Udofia cited global examples to underscore his point. He referenced the London 2012 Olympics and Estonia’s revolutionary e-Procurement system as evidence that transparency and professionalism in procurement directly correlate with national prosperity. He further noted that “Nigeria’s own Due Process Mechanism, when enforced, has saved billions by eliminating inflated contracts and ghost projects,” stressing that the gains of a strong procurement system include building trust, enhancing efficiency, ensuring cost-effectiveness, promoting fair competition, mitigating risks, and strengthening legal compliance. Reflecting on the event’s official theme, “Flowchart of Procurement Processes: Unlawful Interference, Consequences and Punishment in the Eyes of the Nigerian Procurement Law,” Udofia warned against tampering with procurement standards. “Compliance with the Public Procurement Act is not optional. It is the shield against systemic chaos and a safeguard for national stability,” he maintained. He further stressed that effective procurement is critical to public service delivery, maintaining that when procurement is swift and ethical, hospitals receive life-saving equipment, schools are supplied with necessary learning materials, and roads are fixed faster. “Procurement is not just paperwork; it is the heartbeat of governance,” he asserted. Addressing broader industry challenges, Mr. Udofia highlighted that globalization and digitalization have reshaped procurement landscapes, requiring greater agility, technological competence, and resilience. He urged procurement professionals to embrace continuous upskilling, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance sector-wide efficiency and accountability. “Procurement professionals are not just administrators; we are architects of national destiny. Through strategic sourcing, ethical conduct, and sustainable practices, we build the economic backbone of nations,” he charged. Udofia challenged the procurement community to uphold excellence, drive innovation, and enforce transparency at every level. “Let’s be the professionals who demand and deliver the highest standards every day, every contract, every nation,”* he declared. Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, lamented the current difficulties Nigerians face in accessing contractual opportunities. “Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities. You must clearly define the basis upon which you judge bids before you commence. Every bidder must meet minimum eligibility standards,” he advised. Dr. Adedokun also commended the University of Port Harcourt for leading the South-South region in hosting an International Procurement Day and encouraged other institutions to embrace ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the procurement sector.

Clement Isong Foundation, ActionAid Push for Youth Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management The Clement Isong Foundation, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement II Project (SPA II), has made a strong case for the inclusion of youths in disaster risk management. The advocacy was made in Uyo at the weekend during a one-day forum themed “Youth-Led Enhancing Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Mechanisms,” designed to develop solutions for building community resilience and improving emergency response systems. The event, which drew participants from government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and grassroots groups, shared insights on the urgent need to refine the state’s emergency frameworks to ensure better coordination and faster responses during crises. Speaking on behalf of the Clement Isong Foundation, Mr. Utibe Ekanem highlighted the foundation’s commitment to inclusive resilience-building and stressed the importance of community-driven efforts in disaster management. In his words, “Women and young people are not just beneficiaries but frontline actors in shaping sustainable emergency response systems.” Young representatives from Oron and Ibeno Local Government Areas shared real-world success stories of youth-led interventions. These stories ranged from community-led sanitation campaigns to advocacy efforts that triggered local government action on erosion control, and other environmental and disaster-related challenges. Highlighting the gaps, participants noted the absence of a formal state emergency response strategy, which the lamented has limited community-level coordination, and the need for greater inclusion of youth and women in planning and execution. “There is an urgent need for a structured framework that can guide response efforts and ensure no community is left behind, * one participant said during the session. Stakeholders from institutions such as the National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment, Fire Service Commission, and various media organizations corroborated the calls for youth involvement in disaster risk management. In her closing remarks, Wonderfullove Pius, the media contact for the Clement Isong Foundation, expressed optimism about the future. “We are building a future where communities in Akwa Ibom are not only prepared for disasters but are also resilient and empowered to recover stronger,” she said. Highpoint of the forum was the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Disaster Management Technical Working Committee. This committee was tasked with refining a draft disaster management framework based on national best practices and adapting it to local contexts to ensure effective and inclusive implementation.

Umo Eno Endorses Tinubu for Second Term, Links Support to Coastal Highway Completion   Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, tying the call for continuity directly to the completion of the multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.   Speaking at the flag-off of the 65km Akwa Ibom section of the project in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Eno said the President must be supported to complete eight years in office, warning that handing the ambitious project over to another administration may jeopardize its execution.   “He cannot start this work and abandon it. Somebody else may not finish it,” Eno said, quoting a biblical passage to underscore the importance of consistency in leadership, he added “The hand that has started this work will complete it.”   The governor applauded Tinubu’s inclusion of Akwa Ibom in the highway route, calling it a “strategic blessing” that would open up the state’s coastal economy and improve national integration.   “This is not a right; it could have gone elsewhere. We do not take it for granted,. We are grateful Mr. President is thinking of the people in the coastal areas who have long been cut off from access to urban markets and infrastructure.” He said   President Tinubu, who was represented by Governor Eno at the event, described the project as a core element of his *Renewed Hope Agenda*, noting that the road would catalyze economic activity and foster unity among southern states.   Also speaking, Minister of Works David Umahi, issued a firm warning to host communities to either cooperate with contractors or risk losing the project altogether.   “We will not beg any community,. If there is resistance, we will move the road elsewhere and let you beg to be connected later.” He said

VP Shettima Declares A’Ibom’s Human Capital Development Strategy a National Model Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has described Akwa Ibom State’s approach to human capital development as a strategic blueprint that other states should emulate Speaking at the launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategic Plan held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo on Monday, Vice President Shettima specifically acknowledged the state’s data-driven approach as benchmark for nationwide implementation. He commended Governor Umo Eno for aligning state development objectives with national priorities and delivering measurable progress across key human development indicators. In his words “With an under-five mortality rate significantly below the national average, and a school-age enrollment rate far above the national benchmark, Akwa Ibom is not just on track, it is setting the pace”. He highlighted the state’s proactive localization of the National Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme as unprecedented, noting that Akwa Ibom is the first in the country to adapt and operationalize HCD strategies across all local government areas. “This approach underscores a key principle of HCD 2.0 , integration and impact. What Akwa Ibom has done is not merely adopt a federal initiative; it has institutionalized it across its subnational structures. That’s what leadership looks like,” Shettima added. According to the Vice President, the federal government, through the HCD 2.0 framework, is focused on outcomes, not optics. He noted the introduction of a national HCD Dashboard to track live data on health, education, and employment at state and local levels. “This is a results-based system, and we are aligning our resources accordingly. Data must inform delivery. Behind every metric is a policy challenge and more importantly, a human life,” he stressed. In his address, Governor Umo Eno reiterated the alignment between the state’s ARISE Agenda and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly on people-first policies. He emphasized that Akwa Ibom’s investments in healthcare, education, and youth skills acquisition are not one-off projects but part of a structured, long-term strategy for inclusive development. He listed key initiatives of the state to include; the bom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (IBOM-LED), which has trained over 4,000 people with startup grants ranging from N500,000 to N750,000, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), from which over 400 trainees recently graduated. Others include; International training partnerships, including 16 Akwa Ibom youths in pilot training in France, and 21 engineers trained with Ethiopian Airlines for deployment to Ibom Air, business empowerment initiatives through the Town Square Meetings, with over N4 billion in grants disbursed to MSMEs, traders, and farmers. Governor Eno affirmed that these initiatives are designed not only to stimulate economic participation but also to build a resilient, future-ready workforce. “Our focus is on structural transformation, not tokenism. The HCD Plan is our instrument to drive this shift, and we are fully committed to meeting its targets,” he assured

Ikot Ekpene at 74 Calls For Recognition As Pioneer LG in Nigeria The people of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have called on the Federal Government to award the area a national recognition as pioneer LGA in the country, describing the delay as glaring injustice to Nigeria’s history. Leading the advocacy at the 74th anniversary celebration of creation as LGA, a legal luminary and retired judge, Hon. Justice Ekerete Ebienyie regretted that despite being the cradle of local government administration in British West Africa, Ikot Ekpene is yet to receive deserved national recognition. Themed”Ikot Ekpene, the First and Evolving in Strides,” the anniversary celebration drew dignitaries including traditional rulers, and community members to reflect on a legacy that began in 1951, when the Eastern Regional Government chose Ikot Ekpene as the guinea pig for testing local government administration. In a stirring historical account, retired Judge Ebienyie revealed that Ikot Ekpene was not only the first experimental local government in Nigeria but the entire British West Africa. In his words “Ikot Ekpene was chosen by the Eastern Regional Government to test the local government system in 1951,. With this election, Ikot Ekpene became the premiere Local Government in the British-controlled territories in Africa.” Justice Ebienyie emphasized that the first elected chairman, Late Chief Robert Udoka Umoinyang MBE, deserves national immortality for his pioneering role. “Why has Chief R. U. Umoinyang not been immortalized like his British counterpart, Col. E. C. Alderton, who has a street named after him in Ikot Ekpene?” he asked pointedly. The former judge decried the neglect of Ikot Ekpene’s historical importance in the national narrative, calling for concerted efforts to restore its pride of place. Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Mr Anefiok Nkom, urged citizens to rally behind the state government’s development agenda and promote peace and unity in the community. “As we celebrate this milestone, let us not forget our rich history and cultural heritage. Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations,” he said. Guest speaker and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Nsikak Essien, made a passionate case for industrialization and stable electricity as the next frontier for development in Ikot Ekpene. “If we can make electricity available and reliable for just one month, the growth in the economy will be shocking and surprising”. He said, while citing Nnewi in Anambra State as a replicable model.

Oron Union Centenary in Limbo as Burial Fund Dispute Triggers Legal Threats The planned centenary celebration of the Oron Union, one of Nigeria’s oldest socio-cultural organizations may face indefinite suspension following renewed legal demands over an unresolved N200 million burial fund controversy involving the late Chief Ambe Bassey—an iconic former leader of the Union. Son of the late three-time President-General of the Union, Evangelist Alfred Ambe Bassey, through his legal counsel Clifford Thomas, Esq., has issued a fresh ultimatum to the Union, demanding compliance with a 2004 judgment of the Akwa Ibom State High Court directing the Union to return funds allegedly raised for his father’s burial. “For 30 of the Union’s 100 years, our family has been subjected to deceit, dishonor, and neglect. Until my father’s legacy is rightly honored and the judgment respected, the Union cannot in good conscience commemorate its history.” Alfred Bassey declared. According to legal documents, the dispute dates back to 1995, when the Union reportedly solicited donations totaling approximately N200 million for the burial of the late Chief Ambe Bassey. The family contends that despite receiving substantial public funds, the Union failed to organize the burial or refund the money, prompting a protracted legal battle. In a Suit No.: HU/79/96, the Akwa Ibom High Court ruled in 2004 that the Union should render account and remit all funds collected for the burial. The court further restrained the Union from organizing any memorial activities for Chief Bassey until compliance with its judgment. Yet over two decades later, the Union is alleged to have neither complied with the judgment nor officially engaged the aggrieved family to resolve the impasse. In a letter dated April 7, 2025, served on the current President-General of Oron Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, and made available to our correspondent in Uyo at the weekend, the family issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding payment of N400 million as restitution or risk contempt proceedings and a formal report to the EFCC. “Until my father’s name is cleared and the truth upheld, there can be no genuine celebration,” Evangelist Bassey insists.