Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Fashion Week Launches Africa’s First Regenerative Fashion Manifesto at London Climate Action Week
Omoyemi Akerele says new blueprint urges African ownership as sector exports ₦22.1trn textiles but imports finished goods
Omoyemi Akerele says new blueprint urges African ownership as sector exports ₦22.1trn textiles but imports finished goods
Lagos Fashion Week unveiled ‘The Blueprint for a Regenerative Fashion Future’ in London on Thursday, presenting Africa’s first comprehensive manifesto aimed at transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and local ownership. The landmark document was launched during London Climate Action Week by the African Fashion Coalition, with support from Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize.
The event brought together leading African designers, sustainability advocates, educators and entrepreneurs to develop a framework centred on circularity, inclusion and climate resilience. According to organisers, the manifesto builds on centuries of African knowledge in craftsmanship and community innovation, advocating for a shift towards regenerative production systems that benefit both people and the environment.
Speaking at the launch, Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week—and a recipient of the 2025 Earthshot Prize—emphasised Africa’s historical contribution to global fashion. She noted that while the continent exports about US$15 billion (₦22.1trn) in raw textiles annually, it still imports more than US$23 billion (₦33.9trn) worth of finished clothing and footwear. Akerele described this gap as an issue of ownership rather than talent: “The resources are ours. The value is theirs. We are celebrated as a source of inspiration but shut out of the industry we inspire,” she said at the event.
The Manifesto emerged from extensive workshops and stakeholder consultations led by Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize. Contributors included key figures such as Simone Smit, Director of Africa at The Earthshot Prize; Jackie May, Founder of Twyg; Adama Paris, Founder of Dakar Fashion Week; Mahlet Teklemariam, Hub of Africa Fashion Week; Liz Ricketts, The OR Foundation; Renee Neblett, Kokrobitey Institute; and Sunny Dolat from The Nest Collective.
Simone Smit stated that Africa is now leading in environmental innovation within fashion: “Earthshot solutions are right at the heart of it. The most impactful responses combine innovation with local knowledge,” she said.
The document outlines ten pillars—including cultural heritage preservation, intellectual property protection, waste justice, infrastructure development and conscious consumption—to guide investments and policy towards a more resilient sector across Africa. The coalition is inviting individuals and organisations to endorse the blueprint by signing up on www.lagosfashionweek.com.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi West Monarchs, Youth Leaders Pledge Support for Security Agencies to Tackle Insecurity
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers and youth leaders from the five Local Government Areas of Okunland in Kogi West Senatorial District have pledged to strengthen their partnership with security agencies in a renewed effort to tackle insecurity across their communities. The commitment was made during separate meetings held over the weekend in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West, as concerns rise about criminal activities in the North-Central state.
At a gathering of the Okun Area Traditional Council chaired by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba (Dr.) Solomon Owoniyi, monarchs reviewed pressing issues affecting peace, security and development within the district. Other royal fathers present included the Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Irukera; the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Ibeun; and the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Ayeni. The council resolved to work more closely with security agencies and promote community-based initiatives to combat crime.
The monarchs noted that insecurity threatens social cohesion and economic progress in Okunland and called for collective vigilance among residents. They discussed specific challenges within their domains and agreed on a united front to address common problems affecting the area.
On a chieftaincy dispute involving two traditional rulers in Yagba West Local Government Area, the council announced its intervention. The traditional leaders directed that all legal actions relating to the dispute be withdrawn from court immediately. They invited both parties to a reconciliation meeting aimed at reaching an amicable settlement.
Youth leaders present at the meetings also expressed readiness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies by improving information sharing and participating in community policing efforts. Stakeholders emphasised that only through sustained cooperation can lasting peace and security be achieved across Kogi West.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Seizes 929.5kg Illicit Drugs, Secures 53 Convictions in Enugu State
Agency intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking, says increased operations have led to more arrests and successful prosecutions
Agency intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking, says increased operations have led to more arrests and successful prosecutions
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Enugu State has seized a total of 929.5 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and secured 53 convictions between January and June this year. The agency’s intensified efforts against drug trafficking and abuse in the South-East state have resulted in a notable increase in both arrests and successful prosecutions.
According to the NDLEA, the seizures were made during various operations across several local government areas in Enugu State, targeting known hotspots for drug activities. The agency said that its officers also dismantled several drug syndicates operating within the state during this period.
NDLEA’s recent clampdown comes amid rising concern over drug-related offences across Nigeria, with stakeholders warning about the impact of substance abuse on youth and community safety. The agency’s latest figures highlight ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing the distribution and consumption of illegal substances, especially cannabis and other narcotics prevalent in the region.
While providing an update on their activities, NDLEA officials stressed that community vigilance and public support are crucial to sustaining gains in the fight against drug trafficking. The agency also called on residents to report suspicious movements or individuals linked to illicit drugs. No statement from opposition political parties or civil society groups was immediately available regarding the latest operations.
The NDLEA has pledged to continue its operations with renewed vigour throughout 2026, urging parents, schools, and community leaders to collaborate with law enforcement to protect young people from the dangers of substance abuse.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Monica.Cash Launches New Digital Asset Conversion Service in Lagos, Targets Faster Naira Access
Fintech firm responds to rising user demand as Nigeria’s digital economy outpaces supporting infrastructure, says CEO Mbah Casmir
Fintech firm responds to rising user demand as Nigeria’s digital economy outpaces supporting infrastructure, says CEO Mbah Casmir
Monica.Cash, a Lagos-based fintech company, has launched a new platform enabling users to convert digital assets into naira more efficiently, addressing longstanding delays in accessing funds after online transactions. The rollout was announced on Thursday by Founder and CEO Mbah Casmir amid growing calls for improvements to Nigeria’s digital financial infrastructure.
The company’s new service comes as more Nigerians participate in the digital economy through online commerce, cross-border payments and cryptocurrency transactions. While adoption of digital payments and assets continues to rise sharply, many users still face difficulties retrieving their earnings or moving funds between systems. Monica.Cash said its solution will help close these gaps by providing faster and more reliable naira payouts following digital transactions.
This development is significant for Nigeria, which remains Africa’s largest digital economy by user base. Many businesses and independent professionals have leveraged online platforms for income generation and access to global markets. However, experts warn that the underlying financial infrastructure has not kept pace with the sector’s rapid growth. Delays in settlement, lack of interoperability between payment systems and friction in converting crypto assets to local currency have been persistent challenges for millions of users across the country.
Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, CEO Mbah Casmir stated that “long-term success within Africa’s digital economy will depend not only on innovation but also on the strength of the systems supporting innovation.” He noted that while consumer-facing products attract attention, sustainable growth relies on robust infrastructure capable of handling increasing transaction volumes. Industry analysts echoed these concerns, highlighting that unreliable settlement processes can undermine trust and limit participation in emerging sectors such as fintech and cryptocurrency.
With Nigeria’s fintech landscape evolving rapidly and cryptocurrency adoption accelerating—especially among younger demographics—stakeholders say greater investment in operational efficiency is now critical. Monica.Cash’s new offering seeks to ensure users can seamlessly move between digital assets and naira without unnecessary delays or uncertainty. The company said it plans further expansion into other Nigerian cities over the coming months as part of efforts to improve nationwide access to digital financial services.
Kogi West Monarchs, Youth Leaders Pledge Support for Security Agencies to Tackle Insecurity
NDLEA Seizes 929.5kg Illicit Drugs, Secures 53 Convictions in Enugu State
Monica.Cash Launches New Digital Asset Conversion Service in Lagos, Targets Faster Naira Access
DSS Releases Herdsman After Two-Year Detention, Awards ₦3 Million Compensation in Abuja
NAPTIP Rescues 64 Ebonyi Children Trafficked to Ghana and Libya
Cape Verde Coach Reveals Tactical Approach Ahead of World Cup Knockout Clash With Argentina
Lagos Influencers Share Content Creation Playbook on Nigerian Bottling Company Podcast
Nigerian Army Redeploys Top Generals in Major Shake-Up Across Commands
WFP, FAAN Launch ₦4.7bn Humanitarian Aviation Facility at Maiduguri Airport
Lagos Fashion Week Launches Africa’s First Regenerative Fashion Manifesto at London Climate Action Week
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
