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Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa’s first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

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Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa's first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa’s first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

…says pioneer factory will boost administration’s ICT innovation

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa's first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

 

 

 

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun on Thursday inaugurated the first fibre optic cable manufacturing factory in West Africa and the fifth in Africa, declaring the factory would be a further boost to his administration’s innovation and development of its digital economy infrastructure.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Coleman Wire and Cable fibre optic company located on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, expressed his delight that the pioneer factory would equally boost the advancement in teaching and learning processes in academic institutions across the state.

 

Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa's first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

 

 

 

“The manufacture of fibre optic cables locally will aid the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the different sectors of the economy. It will boost tech innovation, advancement in teaching and learning processes in our academic institutions, improve medical care, improve ease and access to data information and enhance internet connection.

“This will no doubt be a boost to our administration’s innovation of digital economy infrastructure,” he said.

 

Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa's first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

 

 

 

 

Abiodun further disclosed that his administration’s commitment towards building a technologically advanced state had won his administration awards in the area of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digital economy by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Business Day Newspaper in 2019, Independent Newspaper, Daily Times in 2021.

He added that the awards were in recognition of the efforts of his administration to maximize the advantages of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digital economy.

Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa's first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abiodun further disclosed that the launching of its digital economy project which aims to lay five thousand kilometers of fibre optic cables across the state would receive the needed boost with the commissioning of the first fibre optic cable factory in West Africa.

The governor noted that the commissioning of the factory would go a long way at conserving the already scarce foreign exchange, promoting tech transfer, generating employment and alleviating poverty.

 

 

Digital Economy: Abiodun commissions sub-Sahara Africa's first fibre optic cable factory in Ogun

 

 

 

He called on other well meaning individuals and organisations to come and benefit from the immense opportunity the state has.

Abiodun, however, used the occasion to remind private industries in the state to be mindful of their responsibility to corporate social values, charging the host communities to display a high level of cooperation and responsibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I urge all private industries in Ogun State to be mindful of their responsibility to Corporate Social Values. The host communities on the other hand should continue to display a high level of cooperation and responsibility. By so doing, all the benefits associated with the presence of industries will be realized.

“In this regard, industries are expected to complement the existing infrastructure facilities that have been provided by the state government through prompt payment of their taxes,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In her remarks, the United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, represented by the Commercial Attache, David Russell, who noted that the impact of the factory would be seen everywhere, added that more jobs would be created for the people of the state.

Earlier in his remark, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Technical Industries Limited (CTIL), George Onafowokan, who disclosed that the company since its inception had a firm belief in local content, added that the vision of the company is based on the premise of believing in Nigeria and growing local capacity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George who also noted that the company would build capacity for the country, West Africa, Central Africa and about fifty percent of the continent, added that the plan would make the company the biggest fibre optic cable factory in the continent by September of 2023.

The Minister for Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, represented by Adewale Bakare, commended the dedication of the company to the growth of the economy of the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He added that the expansion of the factory from electricity wires and cables to the production of fibre optic cables used by telecommunication companies and other industries, including defense and medicals for various applications in Nigeria and other West African sub-region is a confirmation of the confidence in the industrialisation drive of the federal government.

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Advocates for Unity Amid Remo State Creation Discussions

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A wave of unity and purpose has swept across Remoland as traditional rulers, political leaders, and prominent stakeholders stand firmly behind the call for the creation of Remo State, a separate and sovereign entity within the Nigerian federation.

 

This bold declaration follows decades of marginalization and the failed attempt to co-create Ijebu-Remo State. Today, Remo leaders assert that their future lies in charting a distinct course—one anchored in their shared identity, cultural heritage, and economic potential. The proposed capital of the envisioned Remo State is Sagamu.

 

At the recent press conference held at the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, speakers emphasized that Remo is no longer aligning with the Ijebu in the state creation struggle. While expressing goodwill towards their Ijebu counterparts, the Remo delegation stated clearly that any arrangement that attempts to subsume Remo under another identity will be firmly rejected.

 

The Remo State proposal includes the local government areas of Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North, along with other Remo-speaking communities. With a strong industrial base, strategic proximity to Lagos, and the ongoing development of key infrastructure such as the Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport, Remo leaders believe their region is economically and administratively capable of sustaining a state.

 

Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), representing Ogun East Senatorial District, praised the initiative and pledged to foster peaceful dialogue between the Remo and Ijebu people. He acknowledged the strong leadership of the Remo Committee on State Creation and called for continued engagement across all levels.

 

Elder statesmen, including Chief S.K. Onafowokan and Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, lent their voices to the cause, calling for strategic diplomacy while reiterating Remo’s stance on autonomy.

 

Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso, Chairman of the Remo State Creation Committee, reiterated that the campaign is peaceful, democratic, and people-driven. He assured that Remo would not accept any merger that erodes its identity and would prefer to remain within Ogun State rather than be annexed into an unfamiliar structure.

 

  • As the movement gains momentum, calls are being made to all Remo indigenes, at home and in the diaspora, to support the cause through advocacy, representation, and resource mobilization.

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Northern Group Alleges N200 Million Bribe From Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal to Frame Bello Matawalle

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The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has distanced itself from a controversial press conference held on Monday in Kaduna, where its supposed chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Sani, accused the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle, of financial mismanagement.
In a sharp rebuttal on Tuesday evening, CNF Secretary, Abubakar Suleiman, described the event as a “shameful charade” allegedly sponsored with a N200 million bribe by agents of the current Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal.
He said the aim was to smear Matawalle and distract from the real rot within the Zamfara government.
“Governor Dauda Lawal and his people have tried everything possible to tarnish Matawalle’s image. This time, they bribed a handful of desperate individuals with N200 million to hijack our platform and stage a scripted attack. We disown that charade in its entirety,” Suleiman said.
He maintained that the CNF neither authorised nor participated in the press conference and had previously warned Aliyu Sani not to drag the Forum into political vendettas.
“No meeting was held, no mandate was given. What happened was the personal decision of a few compromised individuals. They do not speak for us,” Suleiman stated.
He alleged that Lawal’s administration had diverted over N10 billion in local government funds to sponsor this and similar smear campaigns against Matawalle and the federal government, while governance in Zamfara continued to deteriorate.
“Zamfara is on its knees. Insecurity is worsening, people are suffering, and instead of solving real problems, this administration is spending public funds on media stunts,” he said.
Suleiman further revealed that during Monday’s event in Kaduna, the group deliberately refused to stand with Aliyu Sani after learning that he had recruited non-members and thugs with offers of N200,000 each — funds allegedly traced to Dauda Lawal.
The CNF secretary also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to resist being used as a tool in political battles, stating that if anyone deserved investigation, it was Governor Lawal.
“We challenge the EFCC to look into the billions received and mismanaged by Dauda Lawal in the past two years. His hands are not clean,” Suleiman asserted.
“If those behind this plot do not retract their falsehoods and apologise publicly, we will explore legal options to defend the integrity of this Forum and the truth.”
The CNF reaffirmed its stance on transparency, justice, and development, insisting that it will not be used to settle political scores.

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Gabonese President Honours Tony Elumelu with National Award for Championing African Development

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Gabonese President Honours Tony Elumelu with National Award for Championing African Development.

Gabonese President Honours Tony Elumelu with National Award for Championing African Development.

 

 

The President of the Republic of Gabon, His Excellency, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has conferred the nation’s honours – the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit – on the Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu.

 

Gabonese President Honours Tony Elumelu with National Award for Championing African Development.

 

The distinguished award recognises Elumelu’s enduring contribution to Africa’s economic development, particularly his impact on youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure growth in Gabon and across the continent.

 

Speaking at the presidential palace while presenting the recognition in Libreville on Monday, Nguema, who was on Saturday sworn in as the newly elected President of the oil-rich country, praised Elumelu’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa, adding that ‘Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation Gabon. Through his Foundation and the UBA Group, he has consistently shown that investing in Africa is not just good business – it is the key to our shared future. Today, we honour a man whose actions continue to empower young Africans and inspire nations.”

 

While acknowledging the recognition, Elumelu, who has made several high-level visits to Gabon in recent months, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda:

 

“I am truly humbled by this honour. It is a reflection not just of my personal journey, but of a shared belief – that African-led solutions, African entrepreneurs, and African institutions will shape the future of this continent. Gabon holds enormous potential, and I am proud that the Tony Elumelu Foundation and UBA Group can play a role in unlocking it,” Elumelu said.

 

“This is more than a medal – it is a reminder of what we can achieve together as Africans,” Elumelu stated adding that, “At UBA and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we remain committed to building bridges, not just between nations, but between ambition and opportunity.”

 

The recognition comes at a crucial time for Gabon, as the country accelerates its economic recovery and prioritises inclusive growth under the new leadership.

 

Elumelu’s engagement focuses on two key pillars of Infrastructure financing which is essential for long-term economic transformation and Youth entrepreneurship, championed through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which offers training, mentorship, and $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital to young Gabonese and African entrepreneurs each year.

 

The award also highlights the strengthening of financial partnership between Gabon and the UBA, which has a strong presence across the continent and is a key driver of financial inclusion and development.

 

Elumelu is the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, his family owned investment company committed to improving lives and transforming Africa, through long-term investments in strategic sectors of the African economy, including financial services, hospitality, power, energy, technology and healthcare.

 

He is the Chairman of pan-African financial services group, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), which operates in 20 countries across Africa, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE and is the only African bank with a commercial deposit taking presence in the United States. UBA provides corporate, commercial, SME and consumer banking services to more than 35 million customers globally. He also chairs Nigeria’s largest quoted conglomerate, Transcorp whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, one of the leading producers of electricity in Nigeria and Transcorp Hotels Plc, Nigeria’s foremost hospitality brand.

 

Tony is the most prominent champion of entrepreneurship in Africa. In 2010, he created The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy, empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, catalysing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and driving job creation across all 54 African countries. Since inception, the Foundation’s flagship programme has identified and catalysed 18,500 entrepreneurs and created a digital ecosystem of over one million Africans, as part of a ten-year US$100m commitment to fund, mentor and train young Africans.

 

Tony’s businesses and the Foundation are inspired by his economic philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the African continent.

 

In 2020, in recognition of his business leadership and economic empowerment of young African entrepreneurs, Tony was named in the TIME100 Most Influential People in the World, and recognised with Belgium’s oldest royal order.

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