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Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Commercial and Industrial Pathway

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Unlocking Nigeria's Potential: The Commercial and Industrial Pathway

Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Commercial and Industrial Pathway

Nigeria, often hailed as the “Giant of Africa” holds a reservoir of untapped potential and a plethora of opportunities captivating the interest of investors and visionaries worldwide.
Amidst discussions about technology, mineral wealth and export potential, the power sector, an underestimated cornerstone of advancement, often remains in the shadows.
As someone who has navigated the realm of financing large-scale infrastructure projects, I find myself drawn to view Nigeria’s prospects through a financial lens. The inevitable question surfaces: What truly entices energy investments in our land of promise?
Unlocking Nigeria's Potential: The Commercial and Industrial Pathway
Beyond Population and Mineral Wealth: The Power Sector’s Pivotal Role.
While the appeal of technology, Nigeria’s demographic dividend, and its mineral wealth are evident, the significance of the power sector often fades into the background.  Yet, this sector forms the foundation of progress and deserves greater attention.
 Historically, advanced nations didn’t solely rely on technological advancements, skilled labour, or mineral resources for their development. Prioritising the consistent and reliable supply of power to industries was the true catalyst for their growth.
Navigating Complex Challenges: A Financial Perspective
Drawing from my experience of financing large infrastructure projects, embarking on grid-based power initiatives in Nigeria involves navigating a complex web of challenges, financial limitations, infrastructural gaps, bureaucratic intricacies, and technical hurdles that converge to create significant obstacles. For power investors seeking to secure support from financiers—banks or private equity firms— demonstrating a project’s “bankability” becomes crucial. This involves a detailed evaluation of factors consumer tariffs, collection currency, and the purchasing power of the end user.
Mitigating Risks: Sovereign Guarantees and Innovations
Prevailing wisdom dictates that bolstering Nigeria’s energy output through robust national grids will drive economic growth and pave the way for equitable development and industrialisation. However, the stark contrast between the nation’s energy demand – a staggering 600 terawatt-hours ( equivalent of power for 216,000,000 million homes) – and the reality of numerous signed Independent Power Projects (IPPs) that remain unrealised, highlights a critical issue. The conventional on-grid solutions, once hailed as the panacea for Nigeria’s energy challenges, appear to be faltering under the weight of a myriad of complex obstacles.
Investments into Nigeria are often in dollars, introducing the spectre of currency risk, purchasing power discrepancies, and political volatility. The fact remains most Nigerian retail consumers presently are unable to afford the cost of power and in turn Nigeria is often unable to meet debt obligations linked to on-grid power projects funded in foreign currency. Risk mitigation tools, including sovereign guarantees and Power Contract offtake Agreements (PCOAs) aim to alleviate these concerns.
However, a sovereign guarantee or a PCOA goes on the balance sheet of a nation, and at times can affect the credit rating of the country. Given the complications with bankability, a recent trend sees Nigeria and other developing nations cautiously managing their financial obligations to avoid unsustainable burdens.
A Paradigm Shift: Igniting the Commercial and Industrial Sector
Notably these challenges are not unforeseen. Industrialised nations didn’t achieve development by solely focusing on supplying retail power. Sustainable provision of power to industry drove industrialisation, generated employment, increased purchasing power, thereby bolstering affordability of power, paving the way for widespread electrification and development. The inability to ensure reliable power for industry, in particular, acts as a brake on economic growth.
The time is ripe for an innovative shift, one that ensures economic empowerment and fortifies the foundation for a resilient future – channelling efforts to fulfil the energy demands of the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector. This sector, characterised by its steady energy needs and robust purchasing power, emerges as a catalyst for transformative energy strategies. New power projects sprucing up in industrial clusters will fuel phenomenal growth. By delivering consistent power to these sectors, Nigeria can spur industrialisation, facilitate long-term job creation, and foster sustainable economic autonomy.
Short-term Impact, Long-term Vision
In a most recent trip to India, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR gained a commitment from a consortium of investors to put  $1.6 billion into power. Channelling that pledge towards C&I energy provisioning yields immediate benefits. An influx of economic vigour, encouragement for local industries, and an inviting atmosphere for both local and foreign investments set the stage for rapid growth. However, this strategic pivot carries implications beyond immediate wattage gains.
 A flourishing C&I sector paves the way for a resilient grid-based power system, stimulating infrastructure development. Meeting the ambitious demand for 708 terawatt-hours by 2030 isn’t just a goal; it’s a catalyst for job creation, economic vitality, and increased income.  As industries flourish and energy demands continue to grow, the impetus and capacity for further infrastructure development becomes undeniable. This strategic shift not only addresses the immediate need for energy to spur industrialisation but also sets the stage for robust economic growth.
A Bright Future Beckons: Pioneering Prosperity
The commercial and industrial pathway, marked by its innovation and strategic focus, offering  a promising route to unlock the nation’s true potential is where Nigeria’s energy resurgence resides.
Ploughing the route successfully necessitates collaboration. The private sector should leverage expertise and drive innovation. Government entities and appointees must be proactive following Mr President’s lead, streamline processes, provide clarity, efficiency and ease of procedure, thereby communicating that Nigeria is ready for business.
 Our collective will and innovative spirit fuel Nigeria’s potential. With the renewal of hope comes the awakening of the Giant of Africa – together, we forge a path of progress.
Olu Olufemi-White
Instagram: @oluwhite
Twitter: @oluwhite_

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Eminent Lawyer: Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe ‘Genesis’ Applauds Barr. Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi’s Outstanding Legal Prowess

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Eminent Lawyer: Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe ‘Genesis’ Applauds Barr. Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi’s Outstanding Legal Prowess
… Opens a Multimillion Naira Abuja Chamber

It is essential to illustrate, without resorting to sensationalism or witch-hunts, the intimate and cordial relationship between celebrated World Televangelist Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, fondly referred to as Genesis, and a proactive, renewed Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist, Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi

 

 

Evidently, this positions everyone to believe any assertion Prophet Oladele makes about Olajengbesi. As the well-known Lagos prophet briefed the media in Lagos, he spoke about what attracted him to the Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist.

 

 

He further expressed that his passion for championing the cause of the less privileged and the oppressed is what truly captivates and inspires his unwavering love.

 

According to Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi earns his enduring respect and admiration for prioritizing the plight of the oppressed, despite being born into affluent circumstances with humble beginnings.

 

 

Olajengbesi reportedly embarked on studying law at a prestigious university, driven by his desire to challenge oppressors and individuals who wield significant power in the country, believing themselves to be above challenge.

 

 

In addition, Prophet Genesis extols the virtues of the esteemed Barrister Olajengbesi, who views himself as an advocate for the voiceless populace and a crusader for the authentic liberation of the people.

 

In addition to his praise, Prophet Genesis values his love for God and humanity, and also extended congratulations to Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, co-founder of Law Corridor, a law firm based in Abuja, on the launch of his new multi-millionaira chambers

He concluded by saying a heartfelt prayer that Barrister Pelumi will continue to grow and have a greater impact in Jesus’ name.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos.

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration.

 

Prophet Israel Genesis, a prominent televangelist, honors Kemi King, a woman of exceptional beauty and substance, on her birthday

I would also like to extend my admiration for her as an active and illustrious daughter of mine, an exceptional individual whose influence will forever be treasured in my life, exceeding the worth of diamonds, gold, and oil wells. I am deeply indebted to her for her unwavering commitment to supporting countless people around the world and myself

Your birthday provides an outstanding opportunity to acknowledge God’s kindness in your life and honor the wonderful gift that you are to many of us

Kemi Kemo the King, whom I fondly address as such, you embody a unique blend of sisterly love and angelic compassion, making you a precious gift to humanity, and as we celebrate your birthday, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication to your family and community

On this wonderful day, at the same time, a dedicated black and shining pretty woman was born, she remains a trailblazer, an humble and spiritually nourished, a woman who can handle matters with wisdom, a woman who can let go even when provoked, a woman with quoted and unquoted vibes

As you mark another year of existence, I rejoice with you and express my heartfelt wishes for a bright and prosperous future. May the divine blessings of good health, happiness, and smooth realization of your aspirations be bestowed upon you, and may your labor yield rich dividends without obstacles

Please accept my heartfelt birthday greetings, my charming angel. I wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. And many happy returns of the day

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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