Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based Sujimoto Group Launches ₦1trn Food Processing Plant With Cotco, Targets One Million Tonnes Yearly
New partnership aims to tackle Nigeria’s food insecurity and boost supply chain for over 240 million citizens
New partnership aims to tackle Nigeria’s food insecurity and boost supply chain for over 240 million citizens
Sujimoto Group, a Lagos-based real estate and construction firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with international manufacturer Cotco Food Machinery OEM to establish a state-of-the-art food processing system in Nigeria. The announcement was made in Lagos on Wednesday as part of Sujimoto’s expansion into the agro-industrial sector through its new subsidiary, Sujimoto Foods.
According to a statement released by the company, the venture will see the development of a food manufacturing network with capacity to process up to one million tonnes of produce annually. This move is designed to address Nigeria’s growing demand for food and support efforts to strengthen national food security amid rising concerns about inflation and supply disruptions.
Sujimoto Group explained that its new agro-industrial arm was established specifically to serve Nigeria’s vast market of over 240 million people, whose yearly food consumption is estimated at more than 330 million tonnes. The company said the project aligns with government’s push for local content development and seeks to reduce reliance on imported products by providing quality, home-grown alternatives.
“Sujimoto Foods is entering this critical space to deliver high-quality production that will directly benefit millions of Nigerian households,” the company said in its official statement. It added that the investment will also contribute towards improving the entire food value chain, from raw material sourcing to distribution.
While details on project timelines and financing were not disclosed, industry analysts have described the collaboration as a significant boost for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and a potential catalyst for job creation. Stakeholders in the agro-processing space welcomed the initiative but called for robust regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and sustainability.
As at press time, government agencies responsible for agriculture and industry had yet to issue formal comments on the partnership. However, sector observers say successful implementation could help stabilise prices and enhance food availability nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Employers Shift Focus to Soft Skills Over Degrees Amid Workplace Changes
Jobberman reports surge in demand for adaptability and emotional intelligence as Nigerian firms embrace AI and remote work
Jobberman reports surge in demand for adaptability and emotional intelligence as Nigerian firms embrace AI and remote work
Employers across Lagos State are now prioritising soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence above academic degrees, according to new hiring trends observed on Wednesday. Recruitment experts at Jobberman say the shift is driven by rapid changes in workplace technology, with many technical skills now easily learned on the job.
Industry insiders revealed that while university certificates remain relevant, the real competition in Nigeria’s job market has moved towards qualities like critical thinking, teamwork, and self-management. This trend is especially pronounced among companies navigating the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and remote work arrangements.
For decades, a degree was seen as a key requirement for good jobs across the country. However, Jobberman’s latest findings show that employers in Lagos and other major cities are increasingly assessing candidates on how they respond to challenges and interact with colleagues rather than just paper qualifications. “Technical know-how can be taught quickly, but things like adaptability or emotional intelligence are much harder to instil,” said a senior Jobberman analyst during a phone interview.
Experts note that this development reflects both global and local realities. In an environment where AI tools can handle routine tasks, Nigerian employers are seeking workers who can think critically and collaborate effectively in diverse teams. “The ability to communicate clearly and manage oneself under pressure is now a top priority for recruiters,” the analyst added.
Jobberman advised job seekers to focus on building these interpersonal skills alongside their academic pursuits. While no official government policy has yet addressed this shift directly, stakeholders say it could influence curriculum reforms at universities and vocational centres nationwide. As hiring continues to evolve in Nigeria’s competitive labour market, experts predict that candidates who balance qualifications with soft skills will have the strongest prospects going forward.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/skills-employers-now-prioritise-more-than-degrees-2026062611102933152
Nigeria News (Standard)
Borno Court Sentences Boko Haram Member to Death by Hanging Over 2015 Maiduguri Attacks
Landmark judgement marks rare capital conviction for terrorism in North-East; security agencies welcome verdict as deterrent
Landmark judgement marks rare capital conviction for terrorism in North-East; security agencies welcome verdict as deterrent
A Borno State High Court has sentenced a Boko Haram member to death by hanging for his involvement in the deadly 2015 attacks on Maiduguri, the state capital. The judgement was delivered on Friday, June 26, following a lengthy trial in Maiduguri that highlighted the severity of insurgency-related crimes in the North-East.
According to court proceedings, the convicted individual was found guilty of participating in coordinated assaults that left many residents dead and property destroyed during the 2015 wave of violence that shook Maiduguri. The presiding judge stated that the evidence presented proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused played a significant role in planning and executing the attacks.
The sentencing comes at a time when security challenges persist across Borno and other North-East states, with government intensifying efforts to prosecute high-profile terrorism cases. The conviction is seen as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against Boko Haram, which has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives since its insurgency began.
Security agencies have described the judgement as a strong message to those involved in violent extremism. A senior officer in Maiduguri said the court’s decision will encourage further cooperation between law enforcement and communities affected by insurgency. No statement from defence counsel was available as at press time.
With this ruling, authorities are expected to speed up prosecution of other pending terrorism cases, while rights groups continue to call for fair trials and improved support for victims. The execution order underscores growing pressure on Nigeria’s judiciary to deliver justice amid ongoing security threats.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Army Rescues 53 Civilians After Dismantling ISWAP Roadblock in Borno’s Biu LGA
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI recover eight vehicles as Theatre Command urges vigilance against insurgent ambushes
Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, 135 Special Forces Battalion, rescued 53 civilians on Wednesday after dismantling an ISWAP roadblock along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State. The operation was conducted under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI following reports of insurgents blocking the highway.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, soldiers deployed at Dutse Kura observation post detected the illegal checkpoint through surveillance cameras. A Quick Reaction Force team responded swiftly to the scene and engaged the terrorists near Mangari–Dora, forcing them to abandon their position after a gun battle. The troops then cleared withdrawal routes and recovered eight vehicles seized by the insurgents.
The rescue comes amid persistent insecurity in North-East Nigeria, where groups like ISWAP and JAS have used road ambushes to abduct travellers and steal property. Roadblocks remain a major tactic for disrupting civilian movement and targeting commuters along key highways in conflict-affected areas such as Borno.
“The prompt action by our personnel prevented what could have been a severe hostage situation,” Captain Goni said in a press statement released by Theatre Command. He confirmed that all rescued civilians and recovered vehicles were safely escorted to Buratai town for documentation and medical checks before reuniting with their families. The command commended the troops for their professionalism and rapid response.
Military authorities are urging residents across Borno and neighbouring states to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities or movements to security forces. They reiterated the importance of community support for ongoing counter-insurgency operations aimed at securing major roads and preventing further attacks by armed groups in the region.
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