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SUSTAINING ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT THROUGH FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ENERGY ACCESS

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SUSTAINING ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT THROUGH FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ENERGY ACCESS

 

Financial inclusion and provision of sustainable energy are at a turning point in Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria. With a population of over 200  million, about 50 percent of the total population live in rural areas, and only 39 percent of those living in rural communities have access to electricity. This is in addition to over 40 percent of the entire population who are financially excluded or underserved.

 

However, the proliferation of digital financial services in Nigeria – powered largely by growth in fintech companies  – has catalyzed an unparalleled increase in the current number of people with access to formal financial services, while further opening up opportunities to address power supply challenges across rural communities; a major feat instrumental towards achieving the broad Sustainable Development Goal 7. With over 200 fin-tech companies in operation within its borders, Africa’s largest economy has found a way to target and capture over 40 percent of its financially excluded or underserved population.

 

In a conversation with Adebola Sanni, co-founder, Infibranches Technologies and the Group Head, Business Development & Partnerships at Swifta Systems and Services, she highlighted the growing awareness about the transformative power of fin-tech and how if properly harnessed can help address both problems of financial inclusion and the more pressing sustainability challenges in the area of affordable and reliable power supply needed to drive the growth of local economies.

 

“Fintech has increasingly provided innovative ways to address existing gaps in the availability, accessibility, and use of finance, particularly among the unbanked population. By leveraging the proliferation of technology, agent banking, and mobile money solutions now offer affordable, instant, and reliable transactions, savings, credit across rural communities where no bank had ever established a branch. Similarly, about 75 million Nigerians who mostly fall within the financially underserved or excluded demography live without reliable electricity access as the existing electrical grid serves largely the country’s urban population.”

 

“We understand how pivotal the provision of sustainable power is to driving growth of local economies in rural communities and by extension the need to boost financial services penetration across these communities. These are both enablers for catalyzing positive transformation and driving sustainable economic progress across the country.”

 

Adebola, a leading business strategist and technology consultant also said, “To address these challenges, we believe distributed energy solutions that leverage digital payments will open up opportunities to reach the underserved market at low cost.”

 

We partnered NGOs, including Shell Foundation, USAID, to extend agent networks together with off grid energy providers in 2019 where we set up about 200 agent locations across Nigeria, identifying communities across the rural and peri-urban regions with needs for both power and financial services. We also partnered renewable energy companies such as Green Light Planet (Sun King), D.Light Solar, Sosai, PAS BBoxx, Konexa to set up payment points necessary to expand access to highly subsidized power for such communities.

 

“This solution provides affordable home solar systems to rural communities with an affordable and convenient payment structure where beneficiaries pay as low as N500 (less than $2 dollar a month) which allows for people to pay off the cost in a year to fully own the solar equipment.”

 

Till date, over 400,000 people have been impacted across 22 States and 108 local government areas in Nigeria through various initiatives supporting energy access, especially in rural areas. The addition of the ‘Solar Power Naija project’ by the Federal government initiative under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) and managed by REA, for off-grid communities, will further expand energy access to 25 million individuals through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) or connection to a mini-grid. This is a good initiative to help expand energy access faster.

 

One of the success stories underpinning how providing innovative energy solutions can transform communities is the Havenhills mini-grid project in Kigbe community located in Kwali Local Government Area Council, Abuja. Before executing the project, the Kigbe community with geographical limitations had no electricity as they were completely off-grid. The project upon completion delivered a 20KW solar enabled mini-grid through 3km 3-phases and 1-phase grid lines to 145 homes, enabling them to power basic electrical appliances such as light bulbs, fans and TVs. The project also supports 5 local businesses including a barbing salon, grocery store and viewing center.

 

As part of creating sustainable economic empowerment, Adebola Sanni, who has a strong passion for financial inclusion and energy access, has facilitated the implementation of a pioneer digital infrastructure that supports micro insurance, pension, and savings providers and the first API infrastructure that aggregates renewable energy products and services making them accessible to any payment service providers, banks and other financial and non-financial institutions.

 

She is vastly experienced in driving growth, creating market-focused products, and providing innovative solutions to businesses in Financial Technology, eCommerce, Telco, and Private/Publics sectors as well as creating partnership opportunities for growth.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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FLOUTING CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, DEFYING COURT ORDERS, AND DISREGARDING ARBITRATION: THE FACTS BEHIND HADIZA BALA USMAN’S ABUSE OF OFFICE AS NPA MD

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2 days ago

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June 1, 2025

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FLOUTING CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, DEFYING COURT ORDERS, AND DISREGARDING ARBITRATION: THE FACTS BEHIND HADIZA BALA USMAN’S ABUSE OF OFFICE AS NPA MD

By BUA Group | May 31, 2025

 

 

We have noted recent public statements made by Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), who was sacked from office. In her comments, she accused BUA Group and our Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, of breaching a concession agreement and distorting facts. These claims were made in response to our Chairman’s interview and article, “Two Years of President Tinubu: A Business Perspective” (watch at https://bit.ly/pbatbua), which celebrated Nigeria’s reform trajectory and referenced prior instances of arbitrary disruptions to business operations, without naming anyone – a situation that has now been curtailed by President Tinubu’s no-nonsense approach to bringing sanity and stability to the business environment in Nigeria.

 

 

Ordinarily, we would not engage, but the distortions in her response necessitate this factual clarification, especially as they relate to her actions during her tenure as MD of the NPA.

 

THE CONTRACT AND WHAT SHE OMITTED

In 2006,

BUA entered into a valid long lease agreement with the NPA to rehabilitate and operate Terminal B at Rivers Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Long before Ms. Usman’s appointment, BUA had begun formal engagement with the NPA to address outstanding remedial works and infrastructural deficiencies. These discussions were nearing their conclusion when she assumed office.

 

 

Rather than build on that process, Ms. Usman ignored BUA’s requests and obligations under the agreement. In 2016, BUA wrote to the NPA under Article 8.4 of the lease, mandating concessionaires to report environmental and safety concerns and to seek approval for remedial works. Rather than act constructively, Ms. Usman used that letter as a pretext to issue a termination notice and summarily shut down the terminal, without providing any prior warning, consultation, or invoking the dispute resolution clause.

 

 

She forgot or failed to disclose in her response that the NPA, under her leadership, was itself in material breach of core obligations including, failing to hand over critical portions of the port, leaving derelict iron ore on the berths, failing to dredge or repair quay walls, and neglecting to provide mandatory security. These lapses were significant impediments to BUA’s operations and, as a result, led to disputes between the parties.

 

 

ILLEGALITY, CONTEMPT, AND DISREGARD FOR CONTRACTUAL MECHANISMS

 

After the unlawful termination, BUA approached the Federal High Court, which promptly granted an injunction restraining the NPA from proceeding with termination. The NPA itself then referred the dispute to arbitration, as stipulated in Section 17.3 of the agreement, which clearly states:

 

“Any dispute, controversy or claim… shall be exclusively and finally settled under the dispute resolution process prescribed in this Article.”

 

Despite this, Ms. Usman, against the advice of her agency, unilaterally decommissioned the berths, thereby violating both the agreement and a court injunction. To be clear, the concession agreement granted her no such power to decommission. If she believes otherwise, we invite her to publicly cite the specific clause that authorizes this action.

 

 

To further compound the illegality, BUA, after providing the guarantees and indemnities requested by the NPA, was permitted to resume operations briefly. Merely three weeks later, the terminal was again shut down, this time by Ms. Usman’s instruction. This left no doubt that her actions were motivated not by due process, but by personal animosity and abuse of office.

 

 

BUA subsequently filed contempt proceedings and was looking at estimated losses of over $10 million. These proceedings were only withdrawn out of respect for national interest and following the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the government.

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI WAS NOT MISINFORMED—HE ACTED ON FACTS AND LAW

 

Ms. Usman’s claim that former President Muhammadu Buhari was “misinformed” when he reversed her actions is false, disrespectful, and disingenuous.

 

Following a meeting that our Chairman had the privilege of holding with President Buhari in 2018, he presented the matter to the President, who then directed the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to conduct a thorough legal review and investigate the situation. The AGF invited all parties, including Ms. Usman, to several meetings. We never saw her at any of them.

 

Nevertheless, the AGF proceeded to undertake a comprehensive review of the contract, the litigation, the arbitration clause, and all correspondence and actions by BUA and NPA. The legal advice (attached herewith) found that the termination was unlawful, the decommissioning was without any legal basis, and that BUA’s rights should be reinstated.

 

It was on this basis that President Buhari ordered the reversal of her unlawful actions. His intervention preserved the sanctity of the contract, saved over 4,000 jobs, and BUA’s $500 million integrated investment cluster involving flour, pasta, and sugar processing facilities, which were all dependent on terminal access. For this, we remain deeply grateful to former President Buhari.

 

As our Chairman said in his interview, imagine if he weren’t privileged to have access. Nonetheless, this culture of impunity has been significantly curtailed under President Tinubu’s leadership, as many are aware that they could be dismissed or imprisoned if they abuse their positions.

 

POST-HADIZA: DUE PROCESS RESTORED, INVESTMENT RESUMED

 

Following Ms. Usman’s removal from office, the NPA, under new leadership, implemented the AGF’s position. In 2022, BUA was granted formal approval to resume reconstruction works. The contract was awarded to TREVI, and BUA has since invested over $65 million—entirely self-funded and with no recourse to public funds or subsidies. Work is ongoing, and completion is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

 

THE REAL DANGER: INVESTOR CONFIDENCE AND THE RULE OF LAW

 

We must state clearly that this matter goes beyond BUA. Had Ms. Usman’s actions been allowed to stand, it would have sent a disastrous signal that contracts in Nigeria are worthless, court orders are optional, and public institutions or individuals can act unilaterally without consequence. We must never return to that era.

 

 

Nigeria’s reform success today is rooted in respecting contracts, due process, and investor confidence—principles being restored under President Tinubu’s administration, under which BUA has committed over $1 billion in new investments across energy, food processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, and social interventions.

 

 

We wish to emphasise that Ms. Usman is entitled to her opinions, irrespective of how distorted they may be. However, she is not entitled to distort the facts or rewrite history. We do not seek a public spat and would like her to concentrate on fulfilling her duties in her new role under the strong leadership of President Tinubu.

 

 

We therefore simply restate the facts that Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman had no authority to decommission Terminal B unilaterally. She also acted in defiance of a court injunction and contractual procedure, and her actions caused significant economic loss of over USD10 million, reputational risk to BUA, and investor concern for Nigeria.

 

Our core message remains the same: public office should be viewed as a position of trust rather than a platform for personal biases. Those granted public power need to resist the temptation to let prejudice, ego, and vendetta influence their actions.

 

If Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman believes she acted lawfully, we challenge her to cite the specific clause or clauses that guided her unlawful actions. If not, let the facts remain where they belong — in the public record.

 

Signed,
BUA Group
May 31, 2025

 

FLOUTING CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, DEFYING COURT ORDERS, AND DISREGARDING ARBITRATION: THE FACTS BEHIND HADIZA BALA USMAN'S ABUSE OF OFFICE AS NPA MD

 

FLOUTING CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, DEFYING COURT ORDERS, AND DISREGARDING ARBITRATION: THE FACTS BEHIND HADIZA BALA USMAN'S ABUSE OF OFFICE AS NPA MD

 

FLOUTING CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, DEFYING COURT ORDERS, AND DISREGARDING ARBITRATION: THE FACTS BEHIND HADIZA BALA USMAN'S ABUSE OF OFFICE AS NPA MD

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Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI

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2 days ago

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June 1, 2025

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Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI

From the humble streets of Ise-Ekiti to the boardrooms of global influence, Amb. Tosin Michael Owonifari has carved a path defined by resilience, purpose, and visionary leadership. With roots in education, healthcare, and digital empowerment, he has evolved into a trailblazing entrepreneur and global development advocate. As the founder of T21 Global Group and an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador, his mission is crystal clear — to build enduring platforms that empower generations across Africa and the diaspora. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey, values, challenges, and the future he envisions for Africa and the world.
Tell us something about your background and academic adventure.? 
I was born in Ise-Ekiti, a town I carry with pride everywhere I go. I started my education in Nigeria and later continued in the United Kingdom, where I obtained a BSc in Oil and Gas Management (Second Class Upper). Over time, I’ve earned professional qualifications in Education, Internal Quality Assurance, Immigration Law, and most recently, I completed a Strategic Leadership & Ethics Programme at Liverpool Hope University. Education has shaped my path and continues to fuel my growth.
How palatable was your upbringing and family rapport?
I come from a humble, values-driven background where faith, discipline, and hard work were the order of the day. My family may not have had wealth, but we had love, structure, and support. That upbringing built the foundation of who I am today.
Were you ever an employee at the beginning?
Yes, and I’m proud of every stage. I started with cleaning jobs, kitchen porter roles, and even factory work when I first arrived in the UK. Later, I moved into tech as a Software Tester, then worked for over a decade in the NHS across roles like Data Quality Analyst, RTT Validator, Hospital Admin, and System Training. These experiences prepared me to understand people, systems, and leadership from the ground up.
What led you into entrepreneurship?
I saw consistent challenges — youth unemployment, digital skill gaps, healthcare staffing issues, and lack of access to global opportunities. I knew I had to act. So, I started T21 Services in the UK, and from there it expanded to Nigeria, and now operates globally as T21 Global Group.
Give us an overview of your companies?
Under T21 Global, we operate three entities:
🔹 T21 Services (UK)
•RTT Validation & Hospital Admin Training (CPD-certified)
•Remote Job Training & Placement
•NHS Workforce Support
•Immigration Advisory & Recruitment Services
•Civil Service Bootcamps & Public Sector Training
•Digital Inclusion Projects (with UK councils)
•Leadership & Ethics Courses (in partnership with universities)
•Diaspora Engagement & Talent Matching
🔹 T21 Consultancy Services (Nigeria)
•ICT Training & Federal Programmes (e.g., 3MTT)
•Remote Job Hubs & Global Talent Export
•Software & Web Development
•Certification & Testing Centre
•Startup Incubation & Innovation Hub
•Government Contracts & Policy Advisory
•Student Recruitment (UK, Canada, Hungary, Poland)
•Event Management & Capacity Building
🔹 Tosin Owonifari Empowerment Foundation (TOEF)
•Leadership Development & Mentorship
•Youth & Women Empowerment
•Community Development Projects
•Grants & Social Welfare Support
•Civic Engagement & Humanitarian Services
These three arms work hand-in-hand to deliver education, empowerment, employment, and investment.
What’s your present workforce at T21 Global?
We currently engage over 150 professionals globally — this includes permanent staff, part-time consultants, freelance trainers, developers, assessors, and remote workers across the UK, Nigeria, Europe, North America, and parts of Africa.
Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI
From Ekiti to the world, how did you break the barriers?
I embraced my origin, not as a limitation but as a source of pride. I combined the values from Ise-Ekiti with global vision. I stayed consistent, kept building relationships, invested in learning, and never gave up — even when doors were shut. Hard work, faith, and purpose broke the barriers.
How easy was it at the beginning?
It was extremely tough. There were moments I had nothing but hope. Rejections, delays, financial struggle — I faced them all. But I kept pushing. I believed that every great vision must pass through the fire before it becomes gold.
How did you overcome the challenges of new terrain that you never anticipated?
I stayed teachable. I listened, partnered wisely, studied new systems, and always stayed open to learning. When I didn’t understand a terrain, I asked for guidance and built relationships with people who did.
Tell us something about your first ever award and how you felt.? 
It was an award for my contribution to youth development and digital inclusion. I was surprised and deeply honoured. It reminded me that even when you think no one sees you, your work is making an impact.
How many awards so far? Or you have lost count?
I’ve been blessed with several meaningful awards:
•Fellowship – Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM)
•Speak-Up Champion – EKSU Alumni & Student Union
•Outstanding Media Support Award – FIBAN (Ekiti)
•Humanitarian Service Award – 2023
•Ekiti Parapo UK Presidential Award – 2023
•Several others from churches, communities, diaspora groups, and institutions
Every award reminds me to serve better and remain focused.
What’s your source of motivation?
Legacy. I want to build platforms that will outlive me — in people, in policies, and in systems. I’m motivated by the transformation of lives, especially young people who were once overlooked.
Have you ever failed? And how did you get over it?
Yes. I’ve had projects collapse, contracts lost, visa denials, and cash flow struggles. But I don’t let failure stop me. I always step back, learn, regroup, and move forward. Failure is part of the process, not the end of it.
Who is your number one supporter?
My wife, Chief Mrs. Jumoke Owonifari. Her unwavering belief, support, and prayers have been priceless. She’s been with me through every stage, and I’m grateful beyond words.
T21 Global operates on a wider range. How do you cope?
We run with clear systems and trusted leadership across departments. I focus on vision and strategy while my teams handle execution. We use digital platforms, weekly reviews, and regular audits to stay on track across regions.
Your recent Global Award as an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador — what new terrain is it opening for you?
It’s a gateway to policy, diplomacy, and global development work. As the official AU Agenda 2063 Liaison Officer (UK – Merseyside), I now oversee:
•Investment and diaspora engagement
•Leadership and legislative training
•Talent export and youth development
•Government and NGO collaboration
It’s more than a title — it’s a platform for shaping Africa’s future across continents.
You are gradually becoming a Global African figure. Are you gravitating towards politics in no distance time?
Yes, but not for power — for purpose. I believe public office, when entered with vision and competence, can change lives at scale. If the opportunity comes, I’ll serve with integrity and results, not promises.
Have you been conferred with any chieftaincy title?
Yes, I’ve been honoured with the title of Otunba in an Ekiti community. The official installation will happen soon. I see it as a cultural responsibility to serve, protect, and uplift my people, not just a title.
What new thing is T21 Global cooking?
We are launching:
•A Global Talent Export & Diaspora Registry
•Remote Job Hubs across Nigeria & UK
•A Leadership & Legislative Academy for African public servants
•Diaspora-to-Africa Investment Matchmaking Portal
•Our first Africa Investment & Innovation Summit in the UK
These will shape the future of jobs, policy, and innovation in Africa and beyond.
Who is your hero?
I draw inspiration from values like integrity, service, and resilience — values that have shaped my journey. In global leadership, I admire Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Barack Obama, and Prof. PLO Lumumba — leaders who lead with courage, wisdom, and a passion for people.
Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI

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Fidelity Set to Hold 3rd Edition of FITCC in Atlanta, USA September 2025

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5 days ago

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May 30, 2025

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Fidelity Set to Hold 3rd Edition of FITCC in Atlanta, USA September 2025

 

Lagos, Nigeria – [29 May 2025] — Leading African financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to hold the 3rd edition of its flagship market access platform, the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC) Expo from September 18 to 20, 2025, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Georgia, USA.

In a strategic move to deepen diaspora and transatlantic business linkages, Fidelity Bank is partnering with Amplify Africa, the organizers of AFRICON, the leading African diaspora business and culture summit in the United States. This collaboration brings together two powerful platforms committed to bridging African enterprise with global opportunity.

“Since 2022, when we hosted the maiden edition, FITCC has evolved beyond a platform for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports to become a veritable showcase of the immense value Nigeria has to offer the global market.

“As part of our commitment to developing platforms that promote economic growth, creativity, and sustainable trade both within Nigeria and internationally, we are pleased to announce the third edition of FITCC. Since 2022 when we hosted the inaugural edition, the FITCC expo has been at the heart of driving global market access for local businesses and I am delighted that this year we will be in the city of Atlanta, USA,” stated Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc.

Following the success of previous editions in London and Houston, which collectively generated a consolidated deal pipeline exceeding US$500 million, FITCC Atlanta 2025 will convene over 100 Nigerian exporters, alongside U.S. buyers, investors, policy stakeholders, and diaspora-led business networks.

The expo will spotlight strategic sectors including agriculture, consumer-packaged goods, energy transition minerals, fashion, beauty, and the broader creative economy. Programming highlights include business exhibitions, B2B matchmaking, policy dialogues, diaspora investment panels, and curated workshops focused on expanding Nigeria’s access to global markets.

FITCC 2025 is expected to attract over 3,000 participants, including development finance institutions, chambers of commerce, trade facilitation agencies, and multinational corporations. The event is also aligned with ongoing government-led efforts to expand U.S.–Nigeria trade and investment under emerging bilateral frameworks.

Interested participants can register to attend by visiting https://www.fidelitybank.ng/fitcc/#start_registering

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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