The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, has declared that Africa's transformation must be anchored on production, innovation, and industrial capability. He made this pivotal remark while accepting the Young African Leader of the Year award from the African Leadership Magazine at its Persons of the Year ceremony, which was held recently in Accra, Ghana. This statement positions him as a key voice in continental development discussions, linking institutional reform directly to economic self-reliance.
Halilu clinched this continental honour after a rigorous multi-stage selection process designed to identify impactful leaders. According to the organisers, nominees were first shortlisted by the magazine’s editorial board based on measurable impact, leadership record, policy influence, and institutional reforms across Africa. This initial vetting ensured that only individuals with a demonstrable track record of change were considered for the final public vote, highlighting the award's credibility.
The selection process then moved to a continent-wide public e-voting exercise, where Africans across several countries cast votes in various categories. Halilu emerged as the winner in his category after securing the highest number of votes, indicating significant public recognition and support for his vision and work. This democratic element of the award underscores a grassroots endorsement of leadership focused on tangible, institutional progress rather than mere rhetoric.
The award specifically recognises what the organisers described as Halilu’s industrial and institutional transformation of NASENI since his appointment in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His mandate is to drive Nigeria’s local manufacturing and homegrown innovation agenda, a critical national objective. This honour validates the early direction of his leadership at the agency, suggesting that his focus on building production capacity is resonating both within Nigeria and across the African continent.
In a separate development highlighting grassroots innovation, Stanley Anigbogu has set up a powerful new light which he calls the Lighthouse for Peace. The centerpiece of this project is a charging station built out of roughly 30,000 discarded plastic bottles, demonstrating a practical application of innovation and recycling. Such initiatives embody the kind of homegrown, production-focused solutions that align with the broader transformation agenda championed by leaders like Halilu.
Meanwhile, in the realm of sports and social events, no fewer than 75 women golfers from across Nigeria are expected to compete in the inaugural Oluremi Tinubu golf classic. The one-day tournament, named in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, is scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Canaanland Golf and Country Club in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. The event was announced by Felix Aganbi, Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, marking a significant addition to the Nigerian sporting calendar.
In aviation news, Ibom Air has enforced a new safety directive issued by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) restricting how power banks are carried on commercial flights. Under the directive, passengers are no longer permitted to place power banks in overhead luggage compartments. The devices must be carried in the cabin and kept within easy reach, either in a seat pocket, under the seat in front, or inside a carry-on bag, a rule aimed at mitigating fire risks.
The long-standing prohibition on packing power banks in checked baggage remains in force. The NCAA's rules specify that power banks rated up to 100 watt-hours are allowed without restriction, while those between 100 and 160 watt-hours require prior airline approval. Devices exceeding 160 watt-hours are strictly banned, providing clear guidelines for passenger safety and airline compliance across the Nigerian aviation sector.
