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Global Leaders, Stakeholders Commit To Bold Solutions For Africa At ASIS 3.0

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The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024, co-convened by The Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations, was held at the Eko Convention Center from July 25-26.

This landmark event highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors, bringing together private sector organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.

A significant outcome of the summit was the commitment to developing a resource allocation framework aimed at addressing healthcare issues across the continent. ASIS 2024, the largest hybrid gathering of leaders in the African development sphere, underscored the crucial role of the private sector in driving innovative and sustainable solutions for Africa’s future.

L-R; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special adviser to the President of Nigeria on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment; Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor, Lagos State, and Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO, Sterling Bank and member of the Board of Trustees, Sterling One Foundation at the Africa Social Impact Summit in Lagos recently.

The event kicked off with a keynote address by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. “Sustainable growth must include climate resilience, leveraging technology, and private sector innovations,” she stated, urging attendees to “recommit to the 2030 agenda with a focus on inclusivity, impact, and inspiration.”

A diverse gathering of government officials, business executives, and development experts participated in the summit. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of The Sterling One Foundation, emphasized the necessity of collaboration: “No single entity can address the multifaceted challenges we face. Through partnerships, we can harness diverse expertise and resources to tackle issues ranging from healthcare to climate resilience.”

An Investor Roundtable, organized by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with various organizations, opened the summit. Lagos State Executive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s presence underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for sustainable development.

Throughout the summit, the indispensable role of the private sector in Africa’s future growth was a recurring theme. Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank, noted, “Creating a market for social impact means ensuring there is information, trust, and efficient allocation of resources.”

Deputy Governor of Lagos State Obafemi Hamzat presented the “THEMES PLUS” initiative, which promotes development in crucial sectors. “ASIS 2024 must serve as a catalyst for collaboration and action,” Hamzat declared, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships.

Jumoke Oduwole, representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for a paradigm shift in economic thinking. “It is time for action; we must move beyond rhetoric and focus on solutions with tangible impact,” she asserted. “Africa can lead the way in a new model that balances prosperity, the environment, and equity.”

A significant highlight was the “Bold Actions Meeting” on the second day, where fifteen commissioners of health from various Nigerian states convened to focus on healthcare challenges. Zouera Yousouffou, CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, candidly addressed the need for a shift from diagnosis to intervention. “Africa does not have the necessary resources or organizational framework to address health-related problems,” she said.

ABC Health CEO Mories Atoki pointed out the politicization of partnerships as a major barrier, while Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, stressed the importance of delivering tangible outcomes over empty promises.

The summit also tackled the integration of displaced persons into the workforce. A panel led by H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, discussed strategies for the economic empowerment of this vulnerable population, featuring insights from UNHCR representatives and refugees.

Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner of Health, highlighted the foundational importance of moral leadership and education, noting, “Leaders don’t just happen; they are made through education and training.”

The summit facilitated the formation of new partnerships aimed at addressing healthcare, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. Attendees committed to actionable plans, including the development of a resource allocation framework and initiatives to integrate displaced persons into the workforce.

ASIS 2024 brought together top leaders from diverse sectors, underscoring a collaborative approach to sustainable development. The active participation of high-level officials and experts, combined with the tangible commitments made, reinforces the credibility and impact of the summit.

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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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

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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

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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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