Business
BenKalu Network Endorses Tinubu’s 2025 Budget as Masterstroke
The BenKalu Intellectuals Network (BIN), a think tank of young intellectuals, has given its seal of approval to President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 Budget, describing it as a “budgetary masterstroke”.
According to the group, the budget demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and driving economic growth through strategic investments in critical sectors.
In a statement signed by its leader, Comrade Ben Aguele, the network praised the allocation of ₦3.5tn for education, noting that this investment will yield long-term dividends by producing an educated and skilled workforce.
Aguele also commended the allocation of ₦4.06tn for infrastructure, which is expected to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape by driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
The group also applauded President Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the budget’s emphasis on open governance and citizen participation will ensure that Nigerians are actively engaged in the budgeting process.
Aguele added: “As a collective of young intellectuals, we at the BenKalu Intellectuals Network (BIN) have meticulously analyzed the 2025 Budget presented by President Bola Tinubu. Our verdict is unequivocal: this budget is a tour de force, a masterful blend of fiscal prudence, strategic prioritization, and visionary leadership.
“President Tinubu’s budget is more than just a fiscal document; it’s a blueprint for Nigeria’s resurgence. By allocating resources to critical sectors such as Defence and Security, Infrastructure, Health, and Education, the President has demonstrated a profound understanding of the country’s complex challenges.
“We are also pleased by the budget’s emphasis on human capital development. The allocation of ₦3.5tn for Education is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the President’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth. This investment will yield dividends in the long run, as an educated and skilled workforce is the bedrock of any prosperous nation.
“We are also impressed by the allocation of ₦4.06tn for Infrastructure, which will have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape. As young intellectuals, we recognise the importance of modern infrastructure in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. With this allocation, we expect to see significant improvements in Nigeria’s transportation networks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure.
“Furthermore, we applaud the President’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The budget’s emphasis on open governance and citizen participation is a welcome development, as it will ensure that Nigerians are actively engaged in the budgeting process.”
The network urged the National Assembly to expedite the budget’s passage and called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise transparency and accountability in their utilisation of allocated funds.
Business
CRMI Urges Strategic Repositioning After UAE’s OPEC Exit
The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has issued a Policy Advisory in response to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective May 1, 2026.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Registrar /CEO
Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), Mr Victor Olannye.
According to him “ This landmark development signals a significant shift in global oil governance, potentially leading to increased market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and energy supply chain disruptions. CRMI advises corporate members, public sector institutions, financial institutions, and individual risk professionals to reassess their risk management strategies and strengthen institutional resilience.”
Mr Olannye, Ph.D., highlighted Key Risks to include
Structural breakdown of OPEC’s cohesion Oil price volatility
Geopolitical instability
Energy supply chain disruptions Macroeconomic uncertainty
Contagion risk of other member states exiting OPEC
Implications for Nigeria according to the Registrar include Increased production flexibility, potential market share expansion, and enhanced revenue prospects.
On Risks: Exposure to price volatility, reduced supply management protection, heightened competition, and fiscal instability.
He highlighted Policy Directives to Corporate Organizations to ensure they Implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify business portfolios while calling on Financial Institutions and Investors to Reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure
He called on Public Sector and Policymakers to Strengthen fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote renewable energy transition
For Individual Risk Professionals, the CRMI is advocating Upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics, develop expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.
CRMI urged stakeholders to proactively reposition their strategies to navigate this evolving geo- economic environment.
“ The Institute anticipates possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased market-driven oil pricing mechanisms, and acceleration of global energy transition initiatives” he added
Business
UNLEASH 2026: Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich Puts African Enterprise on Global Agenda
Nigerian entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, Founder and CEO of Elin Group Limited, commanded global attention at the inaugural UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, held Friday at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected businesswomen and philanthropists, Dr. Jack-Rich featured as both a key panelist and a keynote speaker — further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices on the global stage.
She joined a high-level Fireside Chat titled _“Leadership in the Age of Disruption: Identity, Power, & Impact,”_ alongside Denise Fall, Senior Leader in Immunology at Johnson & Johnson, and Tolani Alli, Creative Campaign Director at the World Bank. The session brought together accomplished women leaders to examine how identity, power dynamics, and purposeful leadership intersect in today’s volatile global business environment.
Described as insightful, energizing, and highly relevant, the conversation resonated strongly with young professionals and emerging leaders navigating volatility, sustainability challenges, and opportunities across emerging markets.
Beyond the Fireside Chat, Dr. Jack-Rich delivered a powerful keynote address that anchored key discussions on building resilient enterprises and leading with impact amid disruption.
Dr. Jack-Rich leads Elin Group Limited, a diversified conglomerate with strategic interests spanning:
– Real Estate Development
– Power Generation and Gas Utilization
– Agriculture
– Mining
– Maritime and Aviation — notably through Elin Air, where she stands out as one of the few female operators of private jet charter services in Nigeria
– *Logistics and Infrastructure*
Beyond her corporate achievements, she is the driving force behind the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAID), through which she has executed numerous high-impact philanthropic initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, women and youth empowerment, education, and community development across Nigeria.
Themed _“Building For What’s Next,”_ UNLEASH 2026 was a one-day strategic summit co-hosted by three prominent student organizations at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School: the Africa Business Club, Women in Business Graduate Club, and Net Impact Club. The conference drew MBA students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and policymakers for robust dialogue on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and strategies for thriving in an era of global disruption.
Her participation was widely applauded as a proud moment for Nigerian and African representation in global leadership conversations, with many attendees citing her journey as a blueprint for purpose-driven enterprise and impact.
Business
Dangote Sugar Seeks To Raise ₦500bn Capital Through Rights Issue
Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced plans to raise up to N500 billion through a Rights Issue.
The company said shareholders have approved the plan to raise capital through the issuance of ordinary shares.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Temitope Hassan, following the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.
Subject to regulatory approval, the move is part of efforts to strengthen its capital base and support future growth.
“The Directors of the Company be and are hereby authorised to raise capital of up to N500 billion by way of Rights Issue through the issuance of ordinary shares, on such terms and conditions and at such time as the Directors may deem fit.”
The Rights Issue may be underwritten, depending on terms approved by the Board and regulatory authorities, the company said, noting that any shares not taken up by existing shareholders may be offered to other interested investors.
The company stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening its financial capacity to support long-term growth objectives.
The capital raise move comes as Dangote Sugar’s financial performance reflects both growth and improvement.
In its 2025 audited results, revenue increased by 24.56% to N829.2 billion, driven largely by strong demand for 50kg sugar, which accounted for N807 billion of total revenue.
Retail sugar sales contributed N17.7 billion, while molasses and freight income added N4.02 billion and N66.4 million, respectively.
Cost of sales rose by 11.35% to N706.5 billion, largely due to raw material costs of N573.3 billion, resulting in a gross profit of N122.6 billion.
The company reported a pre-tax loss of N72.2 billion, an improvement from the N270.8 billion loss recorded in 2024.
Regional sales showed Lagos accounting for 55.82%, followed by the North at 35.35%, the West at 6.45%, and the East at 2.38%.
Dangote Sugar said its share capital will be increased to accommodate the new shares to be issued under the Rights Issue.
The Board has been authorised to allot shares and manage fractional holdings in line with regulatory requirements.
“Any unallotted shares after the exercise will be cancelled as permitted by law”, the notice added, stating that the capital raise ranks among the largest Rights Issues in Nigeria’s corporate history.
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