A goodwill message delivered by Joel Popoola, Managing Director, Anchora Advisory and Chair, UK Institute of Directors (IoD) Africa Group at the Northern Nigeria Investment & Industrialisation Summit 2025. Theme: Unlocking Strategic Opportunity in Mining, Agriculture and Power (MAP). September 29th -30th 2025.
It is a new dawn. The moment we have long awaited is finally here, the beginning of Africa’s economic prosperity.

If Northern Nigeria were a country, it would be the most populous in Africa after Nigeria itself, larger than Ethiopia. By landmass, it ranks just after Algeria, and in natural resources, it stands only behind the Democratic Republic of Congo. This makes Northern Nigeria not just a regional powerhouse but a decisive factor in shaping the prosperity of Nigeria, Africa, and indeed the entire Black race. That is why today matters.

It is no coincidence, that this moment comes on the eve of Nigeria’s Independence Day. Perhaps it is not too bold to declare 29th September as the Economic Independence Day for Northern Nigeria and, by extension, for Africa.

Nigeria has waited too long for Northern Nigeria to take its rightful place in driving our nation’s economic independence. Until the North is economically fixed, Nigeria cannot be fixed. And until Nigeria is fixed, Africa cannot be fixed. Fixing South Africa has not fixed Africa. Fixing Egypt has not fixed Africa. But fixing Northern Nigeria will inevitably fix Nigeria, and Africa, almost simultaneously.

Yes, we have celebrated the successes of some Nigerian states in boosting their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), but those achievements remain isolated. They have not transformed Nigeria as a whole. It has become increasingly clear that the true destiny of Nigeria’s prosperity lies in the soil on which we stand today, the same soil that has produced global champions in business, entrepreneurship, and trade. Alhaji (Baba) Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu and Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata.

Trade and investment thrive on perception. Together, we must build and project the right perception for this region. Northern Nigeria is ours, and it must be seen as a global investment hub. It is not enough for Mark Zuckerberg to visit Lagos; we must welcome him to Kano, Yobe, and Jigawa. Sokoto, Kaduna, and Adamawa should host Bill Gates, Jack Ma, Elon Musk, and Alastair King, the Lord Mayor of London.

As the Institute of Directors Africa Group, we are committed to going beyond Lagos. We want to facilitate trade missions across the Northern states, from Kogi to Katsina, and everywhere in between.

Access is trade, and trade is access. Business leaders should be able to fly directly from Heathrow to Taraba, or from JFK to Kano, without first stopping in Lagos or Abuja for a connecting flight. It is time for Northern Nigeria to unlock this opportunity.

From agribusiness to power to mining, there are investment-ready ventures waiting to scale across Africa. The world’s businesses always have options, but at this conference, together with Mr. President Renew Hope Agenda, we can, and we’ll join hands to position Northern Nigeria as the priority investment hub of the continent.

Through the Northern Elders Economic Forum, we can also nurture innovation and entrepreneurship by establishing hubs for young startups to test their ideas and grow into tomorrow’s global success stories.
This is our moment. This is the dawn of Northern Nigeria’s economic independence, and the rise of Africa.

The Alimosho community came alive with a vibrant celebration of fashion, culture, and creativity as Alimosho Fashion Week 2025 came to a close. The two-day showcase, held at the Ikeja Country Club from Friday, August 29 to Saturday, August 30, brought together designers, models, and fashion lovers from across Lagos, cementing its status as one of the city’s most anticipated fashion gatherings.

This year’s edition, themed “Be Original”, highlighted authenticity while merging African heritage with global fashion influences. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Convener of Alimosho Fashion Week described the event as more than just a runway showcase, stressing its broader impact on the community:

“This year’s edition was not just about fashion, it was about creating opportunities for young designers, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the cultural wealth of our community to the world.”

Over 20 designers, both emerging and established, lit up the runway with collections that fused contemporary urban wear with traditional-inspired couture. Notable participants included EBILE, IKM, SIMPLEX, REINE Apparel, DGENIUS, YDC, BO3STYLES, OGÉDAYÒ, JMD, BORRIS, PÀKÓ, Thatpurpledot X TPD, BECCA COUTURE, KRYSTYNA KRAFT, JUDY SIGNATURE, CRYSTALVEEYATELIER, NEW MAP, LALA WEARS, EMMY CARTER, and SHALLYBLAQ.

The event drew a record audience of more than 300 guests, including fashion enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and cultural influencers, who enjoyed a unique mix of style, artistry, and community spirit.

With its growing reputation, Alimosho Fashion Week has evolved beyond a fashion showcase to become a recognized platform for economic empowerment, cultural diplomacy, and creative enterprise.

While seeking partnership and sponsorship from well meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations and other institutions, organizers confirmed that preparations for the 2026 edition are already in motion, promising an event that will be bigger, bolder, and even more inclusive.

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has vowed that his administration will deal decisively with anyone who commits ‘blasphemy’ against the Islamic Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah (PBUH).

The governor made the revelation in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, while warning against any act capable of “degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is predominantly a Muslim-dominated community.”

The Sokoto State Police Command had earlier confirmed the murder of a butcher, Usman Buda, who was killed on Sunday by extremist Muslims over an alleged blasphemous comment.

Some of Buda’s closest business partners in the market who made attempts to rescue him were also injured by the extremists, and now receiving medical treatment.

This was as the police promised to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to book.

Reacting to the development, Bawa said there’s a need for all the residents to respect and protect the prophet’s dignity and personality.

The statement read, “Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times. The governor cautioned the people against any act capable of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is a predominantly Muslim-dominated community.

“Dr Aliyu said that Sokoto people have so much respect and regard for Prophet Muhammad SAW, hence the need for all the residents to respect, protect his dignity and personality.

“I want to call on the people of Sokoto State to avoid taking laws into their own hands and instead report any alleged crime or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.

“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion,” he appealed.

Aliyu’s spokesperson further noted that the governor has warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is the wrong place for them.

Bawa said, “He added that the present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with anyone found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in line with the provision of Islamic laws.

“The governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.

“The governor also warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is a wrong place for them.”

The Punch