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LAGOS STATE TOURISM SPEARHEADS VALUE-DRIVEN COLLABORATION WITH NAIJA BRAND CHICK FOR HOSPITALITY, TRADE FAIR
• N5b sales drive speaks volumes about LASG commitment to economic growth, prosperity – Idris Aregbe
Demonstrating a commendable departure from the conventional approach to governance, Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has taken the initiative to reach out and forge a ground-breaking partnership with Naija Brand Chick (NBC).
Speaking during a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, on Thursday to unveil Lagos value-driven partnership with Naija Brand Chick, Aregbe said the alliance between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Naija Brand Chick is designed to significantly amplify the impact of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, an event that will serve as a catalyst for the entrepreneurial community in Lagos.
The CEO of Naija Brand Chick, Ms. Nelly Agbogu; CEO, Council of Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson; Nollywood producer and actress, Mrs. Toyin Abraham-Ajewole; Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Feyisayo Alayande, who was represented by Ms. Sherifat Balogun, and other speakers during the press conference expressed their commitment and readiness to partner with the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture for the success of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, taking place from June 14 to 16 at Whitestone Event, Ikeja.

CEO, Council of Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson; Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe; CEO of Naija Brand Chick (NBC), Ms Nelly Agbogu and Nollywood producer and actress, Mrs. Toyin Abraham-Ajewole, during a press conference on Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, said the partnership is about taking the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade to unprecedented heights, adding that the historic event will mark the beginning of a new era in hospitality and trade fair in the State.
He said: “This alliance is not just about cooperation; it’s about amplification. It is about taking the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair to unprecedented heights, where it serves as a pivotal catalyst for our entrepreneurial community.
“Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and with the steadfast support of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, we aim for nothing short of excellence.
“Our ambitious goal of N5 billion in sales speaks volumes about our commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity.
“This year’s fair will be a convergence of diverse sectors, spanning Lifestyle and Home, Fashion and Personal Care, Services and Innovation, Arts and Craft, Adventure and Recreation, Travel and Hospitality, Cultural and Recreational Attractions. It is a testament to our unwavering dedication to inclusivity and diversity.
“With an anticipated influx of participants and visitors, the fair will provide an unparalleled platform for vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings, connect with a wider audience, and contribute to the vibrant economic landscape of Lagos.”

Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe (middle); flanked by CEO, Council of Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson (left); and CEO of Naija Brand Chick (NBC), Ms Nelly Agbogu(right); Nollywood producer and actress, Mrs. Toyin Abraham-Ajewole (4th right) and others, during a press conference on Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Speaking further, Aregbe said: “The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture stands firm in its mission to nurture our rich cultural heritage, promote artistic endeavors, and propel the tourism sector forward as a cornerstone of economic development.
“Together, let us embark on this transformative journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Lagos State.”
In her comment, Ms. Nelly Agbogu recalled the past edition of the trade fair in the State, which, according to her, took place at Lekki.
The CEO of NBC, who disclosed that entry is free for all Lagos residents for the trade fair, assured traders of adequate security of lives and property during the event.
“We started the programme at Lekki. Today, I am excited, and I am certain it will grow businesses in Lagos. There will be a lot of sales for our business owners. I appreciate Lagos for partnering with us,” she said.
Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture is dedicated to nurturing the diverse cultural heritage of Lagos, fostering the arts, and championing the growth of the tourism sector as a pivotal element for economic progress.
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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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