Business
World Creativity Day 2026: NCSP Pushes Innovation to Drive Nigeria–China Economic Growth
The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has called for stronger action on innovation, urging governments and businesses to prioritise execution over ideas to drive economic growth between Nigeria and China.
The appeal comes as the world marks World Creativity and Innovation Day 2026, themed “Recreating Tomorrow Today”.
Why it matters
NCSP said innovation is critical to achieving the United Nations-backed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in tackling inequality, climate change and inclusive growth.
For Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, the push could shape job creation, industrialisation and global competitiveness—particularly among its growing youth population.
“Creativity must lead to action”
Speaking on the significance of the day, NCSP Director-General Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe stressed that innovation must deliver measurable results.
“Creativity must go beyond ideas. It must lead to action. This is how we solve real problems, create opportunities, and shape a better future,” he said.
“At NCSP, we are focused on turning innovative thinking into results that drive economic growth, empower people, and strengthen the partnership between Nigeria and China.”
He added that collaboration between Nigerian talent and Chinese technology could unlock new opportunities.
“Our role is to build bridges where Nigerian ingenuity meets Chinese advancement… we unlock transformative possibilities across sectors.”
Industry and economic perspective
Analysts say Nigeria’s partnership with China has increasingly shifted from infrastructure financing to knowledge transfer and technology exchange.
Sectors expected to benefit include:
Infrastructure development
Manufacturing and industrialisation
Digital technology
Creative industries
Economists note that if effectively implemented, such partnerships could help Nigeria reduce reliance on imports while boosting exports and local production.
Creative economy in focus
The NCSP also highlighted the growing importance of Nigeria’s creative sector, including film, music and digital content, as a driver of employment and cultural exchange.
With a large youth population, experts say innovation-led growth in the creative economy could significantly reduce unemployment while strengthening Nigeria’s global cultural influence.
What’s next
The partnership says it will continue to:
Support talent development programmes
Promote entrepreneurship
Expand Nigeria–China investment linkages
Deploy scalable, innovation-driven solutions
However, stakeholders warn that success will depend on consistent policy implementation, funding, and accountability.
The bigger picture
As countries reflect on the future of innovation, NCSP says progress will depend not just on ideas but on the ability to execute them and build meaningful global collaborations.
Business
Adron Homes Showcases Brand Power at Ibadan Cultural Festival Finale
Adron Homes and Properties Limited took centre stage at the grand finale of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival, using the event to reinforce its presence in Nigeria’s competitive real estate market.
The festival, held at Lekan Salami Stadium, brought together traditional leaders, government officials and residents, creating a high-profile platform for corporate visibility.
Among those present was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who commended the company’s involvement in promoting culture and community development.
Why it matters
Corporate sponsorship of cultural events is becoming an increasingly important strategy in Nigeria’s business landscape.
For Adron Homes, aligning with a major festival in Ibadan one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centres offers both brand exposure and community connection.
The approach also reflects a broader trend where companies use cultural platforms to deepen trust and visibility among local audiences.
Company vision and strategy
Speaking at the event, Group Managing Director Mrs Adenike Ajobo said the company’s focus goes beyond housing.
“Adron Homes is not just building houses but creating ecosystems where heritage, lifestyle, and modern living seamlessly converge,” she said.
She added that the company’s expansion in Ibadan is aimed at reshaping the city’s residential landscape while embedding its brand within the community.
Festival highlights and engagement
A major attraction was the company’s “Adron Experience” zone, which drew large crowds through interactive activities.
Visitors participated in immersive brand engagements, including a 360-degree video booth designed to boost digital visibility.
The firm’s sales team also used the opportunity to connect with potential customers, showcasing its portfolio of estates across the city.
Industry and public perspective
Marketing analysts say such activations reflect a shift in how real estate companies engage with consumers.
By combining entertainment, culture and direct marketing, brands can create more memorable interactions compared to traditional advertising.
Residents at the event also expressed interest in property offerings, suggesting that experiential marketing can influence buying decisions.
What’s next
As competition in Nigeria’s property sector intensifies, experts expect more firms to adopt similar strategies.
Adron Homes’ presence at the festival signals a growing intersection between cultural identity and commercial expansion in urban centres like Ibadan.
Business
Nigeria Can Dominate Africa’s Blue Economy, NPA Says Amid Maritime Reforms
Nigeria’s maritime sector is being reshaped by federal government reforms and increased private sector participation, according to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, he said Nigeria has the capacity to dominate Africa’s blue economy if ongoing reforms are sustained.
Dantsoho credited the transformation to policies introduced by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside broader federal government reforms.
Why it matters
Nigeria accounts for more than 60% of West Africa’s GDP but handles only about 25% of the region’s cargo traffic, highlighting a gap between economic strength and maritime performance.
Dantsoho warned that this imbalance limits Nigeria’s ability to fully benefit from global trade and logistics opportunities.
“It is worrisome that Nigeria, despite controlling over 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP, handles only about 25 per cent of the region’s cargo traffic. This clearly shows that we have not fully optimised our potential,” he said.
He added that unlocking the blue economy could boost exports, reduce freight costs and increase national revenue.
Push for economic shift
Dantsoho called for a major shift in Nigeria’s economic priorities towards marine resources.
“The time has come for a paradigm shift in the structure of Nigeria’s economy towards the full utilisation of our marine resources. Our port system, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
He said Nigeria’s strategic location and large market position it to become a regional maritime hub, comparable to global centres like Singapore and Morocco.
Reforms driving change
According to Dantsoho, the government is implementing key reforms to modernise the port system and improve efficiency.
“We are implementing key strategic initiatives such as port modernisation, trade single window, port community system, deep seaport development and full digitalisation to reposition our ports for global competitiveness,” he stated.
He said these reforms aim to improve connectivity, attract larger vessels and expand non-oil exports.
“The ultimate goal is to improve liner connectivity, attract bigger vessels, reduce freight costs, and expand our export base, which will significantly boost revenue generation,” he noted.
Private sector role
The NPA chief stressed that private investment is essential to bridging infrastructure gaps.
“We are open to private sector participation through project financing. This approach is already improving efficiency and providing access to funding for critical infrastructure,” he said.
He added that competitiveness in the maritime sector depends on efficient operations, pricing and strong inland connections.
Minister highlights Nigeria’s advantage
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said Nigeria’s natural resources give it a strong edge.
“With over 823 kilometres of coastline, extensive inland waterways and a prime location along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness the immense potential of the marine and blue economy,” he said.
He noted that the sector already accounts for more than 90% of Nigeria’s international trade by volume.
Oyetola added that reforms have improved coordination, strengthened maritime security and boosted investor confidence.
What’s next
Dantsoho said sustained reforms and investment could position Nigeria as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa.
“With sustained commitment to these initiatives, Nigeria’s port system will enter a new phase and emerge as a leading maritime logistics hub in Africa,” he said.
Industry perspective (Context)
Industry analysts say Nigeria’s push aligns with a global shift towards blue economy development, where coastal nations maximise ocean resources for economic growth.
However, they warn that infrastructure gaps, port congestion and regulatory bottlenecks must be addressed for reforms to succeed.
Business
JMG, Jamara Home Boost Workplace Culture, Showcase Cooling Innovation at Lagos HVACR Exhibition
JMG Limited and Jamara Home have hosted a staff sporting festival and showcased advanced cooling solutions at a major industry exhibition in Lagos, highlighting their dual focus on workplace culture and technological innovation.
The events, held around the Easter period, brought together employees, unions, and industry stakeholders, reflecting a broader push to strengthen both internal collaboration and external industry leadership.
Staff Sporting Festival Promotes Team Spirit
The companies, alongside branches of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEWUN), organised their first Staff Sporting Festival to encourage teamwork and employee wellbeing.
Activities included football, chess, and board games, with staff divided into four teams competing in a relaxed and energetic atmosphere.
Participants described the event as a chance to reconnect outside daily work routines and build stronger relationships across departments.
“This is more than a competition, it is about connection, shared energy, and the spirit everyone brought to the day,” said Chief Commercial Officer, Rabi Jammal.
“These are the moments that strengthen not just our teams, but our entire organisation.”
Chief Human Resources Officer Gloria Ibeziako said the turnout reflected the importance of people-focused initiatives.
“At the heart of every strong organization are strong relationships,” she said.
“Events like this reinforce teamwork, boost morale, and remind us that our people are our greatest assets.”
Why It Matters
Workplace culture is increasingly seen as critical to productivity and retention, particularly in competitive industries.
Analysts say employee engagement initiatives such as sports events can improve collaboration, reduce burnout, and enhance organisational performance.
For companies like JMG and Jamara Home, the festival signals a strategic investment in human capital alongside business growth.
JMG Showcases Cooling Innovation at HVACR Exhibition
Separately, JMG’s Clima Division took part in the HVACR Exhibition 2026 in Lagos, presenting energy-efficient cooling solutions in partnership with Trane Technologies.
The three-day event, held at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, brought together contractors, consultants, and developers within the Big 5 Construct Nigeria platform.
Visitors to the JMG Clima stand explored advanced systems designed for performance, resilience, and sustainability in commercial and industrial settings.
Industry Conversations Focus on Energy Efficiency
Discussions at the exhibition centred on Nigeria’s growing demand for efficient climate control systems, driven by urban expansion and rising energy costs.
Stakeholders highlighted the need for smarter infrastructure solutions capable of supporting long-term development.
“Their continued trust drives us to keep innovating, to keep improving, and to deliver solutions that set new benchmarks,” said Hussam Aziz, Sales Manager, JMG Clima.
Industry Reactions
Experts say the push for energy-efficient cooling systems is timely as Nigeria faces increasing pressure on its power supply and infrastructure.
Industry observers note that partnerships with global firms such as Trane Technologies could accelerate technology transfer and improve standards in the HVAC sector.
What’s Next
JMG Limited says it plans to continue investing in both employee engagement and technical innovation.
The company aims to expand its role in Nigeria’s energy and infrastructure sectors, with a focus on sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
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