Economy
Cross River Government To Host Global Investment Summit In London
Cross River Government To Host Global Investment Summit In London
Cross River government to host global investment summit in London. He said the event would bring together investors, policymakers, and diaspora professionals, among others.
The Cross River government says it will host an international investment summit in London from November 17 to November 19, aimed at attracting global investors and engaging the diaspora in sustainable development.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Bassey Otu,” will highlight strategic sectors and investment-ready projects across the state.
Hon. Ignatius Oli, chairperson of the central planning committee, Cross River State Diaspora Commission, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday.
“We are positioning Cross River as a competitive investment destination in Nigeria and West Africa.
“This summit is a strategic move to unlock partnerships that will fuel economic growth and align with the state’s People’s First Agenda,” Mr Oli said.
He said the event would bring together investors, policymakers, diaspora professionals, and development partners to explore opportunities in agriculture, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the green economy.
“We aim to mobilise both domestic and foreign capital into high-growth sectors,” Mr Oli said.
“It will also promote bankable projects and public-private partnership (PPP) models that can drive long-term development”.
Mr Oli said the summit would serve as a platform for business-to-business and business-to-government networking.
“Diaspora engagement is central to our strategy. We want to connect with Cross Riverians abroad and create channels for investment, mentorship, and knowledge transfer,” he added.
He noted that the summit’s outcomes would align with the state’s development goals and support Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
The event will be moderated by Nero Ughwujabo, a public policy expert with a background in stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.
Otu Okor, chairman of the Cross River Diaspora Commission, described the summit as a turning point for the state’s global re-engagement strategy.
“We are deliberately creating a platform that links our diaspora community to viable investment opportunities back home,” Mr Okor said.
“Cross Riverians abroad are not just spectators; they are vital partners in the state’s transformation agenda”.
He said the commission was working closely with the summit’s planning committee to ensure effective diaspora participation across all sessions.
“Our people in the diaspora have the networks, skills, and capital needed to accelerate economic growth in Cross River,” Mr Okor added.
“This summit provides a concrete pathway for them to contribute meaningfully.”
Mr Oli highlighted several investment opportunities across strategic sectors.
“In agriculture, we are focusing on commercial farming, agro-processing, and export value chains,” he said.
“Tourism prospects include hospitality, eco-tourism, and cultural festivals. We are also promoting manufacturing opportunities in agro-allied industries, light production, and export growth”.
He said ICT and renewable energy, especially solar mini-grids, hydro, and biomass, would also feature prominently, alongside infrastructure such as roads, industrial parks, and urban renewal projects.
“We are targeting responsible investments in forestry and mining, including sustainable timber, eco-products, carbon credits, and minerals like barite and limestone,” he added.

Cross River
“We are also creating pathways for diaspora-led investments through bonds, joint ventures, and mentorship programmes”.
Mr Oli said the governor would deliver the keynote address and officially declare the summit open.
“The programme will feature a policy showcase on investment incentives and ongoing regulatory reforms,” he said.
Panel discussions will focus on tourism, infrastructure, health, agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy, while a special diaspora session will address skills transfer, strategic investments, and long-term partnerships.
The summit is expected to attract investors, business leaders, development agencies, diplomatic missions, and senior government officials.
“This is not just an event; it is a gateway to partnerships that will define the future of Cross River State,” Mr Oli said.
He also commended the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, led by Sharon Dimanche, for its strategic support in mobilising multilateral partners and fostering collaboration to advance the vision of the governor.
Mr Oli noted that IOM’s continued engagement underscores the importance of migration and diaspora investment as key drivers of sustainable development in Cross River State.
“Registration details are available via https://cridcom.crossriverstate.gov.ng/crs-investment-summit.
“For further enquiries, contact: Hon. Ignatius Oli, Chairperson, Central Planning Committee, Cross River State Diaspora Commission.
“The Email is-ignatius.oli@cridcom.crossriverstate.gov.ng.
“Tel: +49 152 1614 8256,” he said.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
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