News March 27, 2026 Axion Africa Trains Artisans on New Skills for Quality Performance, Unveils New Product

In response to the chronic shortage of well-trained artisans in Nigeria’s construction and building industry, professionals and building materials manufacturing firms have intensified efforts to address the gap. 

The latest intervention is a training workshop designed to enhance the competence and professionalism of artisans in the sector.

The programme, tagged “Axion 2026 Builders Challenge Abuja,” was organised by Axion Africa, a leading building materials manufacturing company, in collaboration with builders, architects and other key stakeholders. 

The event, held in Gudu, Abuja, attracted artisans from various trades as well as industry professionals, who shared insights on challenges affecting performance and practical solutions to overcome them.

Speaking at the workshop, the Manager of Axion Abuja, Mr. Tochukwu Eze, noted that the initiative was driven by growing concerns over the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria’s building and construction sector.

“At Axion Africa, our mission is to transform the construction industry in Africa by providing innovative and sustainable building solutions that empower communities, drive economic growth and promote environmental stewardship,” he said.

Eze emphasised the company’s commitment to excellence in product development and customer service, stressing the need for artisans to continuously upgrade their skills through training and seminars. 

He also cautioned against unethical practices, such as collaborating with developers to cut corners through the use of substandard materials or insufficient quantities.

In her goodwill message, the Assistant Secretary of the Nigeria Institute of Building. (NIOB) Mrs. Victoria Gana, commended Axion Africa for organising the workshop. She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in order to reduce unprofessional practices in the industry.

Gana highlighted that the combination of inferior building materials and incompetent artisans remains a major cause of defective structures in the country.

“If there is proper control of building materials and we have competent artisans involved in construction, we will witness a significant reduction in the menace of substandard practices,” she said. 

She further encouraged youths who may not pursue formal education to embrace vocational skills as a viable and productive career path.

One of the participants, Joshua Irgior, expressed appreciation to the organisers and pledged that trainees would make effective use of the knowledge acquired to improve their craft and contribute meaningfully to the industry.

The company also used the occasion to launch new products, including Polycoat (for liquid marble), Totalcrete for tiling walls and floors, as well as materials for plastering, Tyrolean finishing, block moulding and tile fixing.

At the end of the workshop, outstanding participants were recognised and rewarded. The awardees included Mustapha Raji (Tiling), Samson Ojo (Screeding), Ahmadu Usman (Screeding) and Saidu Abubarka (Decorative Design).

Axion Africa, a subsidiary of Axion Canada, is a leader in the development, distribution and application of organic liquid monomer formulations for global road and building construction industries. 

The company’s technologies, originally developed by the U.S. military for rapid airstrip deployment during the Gulf War, have since been adapted for commercial use while retaining their high-performance standards.

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Events News March 27, 2026 Visionary African Women Summit Holds in Zambia This June

Plans are underway for the 2026 Visionary African Women Summit taking place in Zambia, where women making impact in society and transforming lives through their various endeavours will be honoured with awards of recognition.

The summit will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions. It serves as a powerful platform to empower, support, and advance the role of women across different spheres of life.

The Visionary African Women Summit also provides valuable networking opportunities and a platform for sharing ideas and experiences that will help women achieve their goals.

This year’s edition will be hosted in the Southern African nation, further reinforcing its pan-African vision, having previously been held in other regions across the continent.

The summit will bring together African women leaders and participants from across the globe, promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. It will also create opportunities for the formation of international networks and partnerships, fostering global solidarity in addressing common challenges faced by women.

High-profile speakers, influential African women leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, and policymakers have been confirmed for the Lusaka summit.

Among them are the newly appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to Zambia, Dr. Unyime Ivy-King; Hon. Eunice Ohenewaa; Coach Inonge Imbula; and many other distinguished leaders.

Meanwhile, registration has officially commenced for the event, which will take place from June 14–20 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, Zambia. The theme for this year is “Unleashing Her Vision: Empowering Emerging Women Leaders for Impact.”

The summit is expected to host over 800 delegates from across the world, once again bringing to the forefront the power of women to create lasting impact.

Business News March 27, 2026 Jayne Luxe Realty Set for Grand Opening in Abuja, Targets Investors, Homebuyers

A new player in Abuja’s fast-evolving real estate sector, Jayne Luxe Realty, is set to officially open its doors on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at INNA Plaza, Gaduwa area of Abuja, marking its entry into Nigeria’s competitive property market with a focus on both  affordability and luxury offerings.

The firm specialises in the sale of estate lands and properties, ranging from low-income housing solutions to high-value developments across the Federal Capital Territory and its surrounding areas. 

It also emphasizes of seamless property acquisition, leveraging on strategic marketing, in-depth market insights, and an exclusive network of developers and investors to deliver value to clients.

The grand opening event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including existing and prospective clients, real estate developers, and investors. It will also serve as a platform to formally introduce the brand and its vision to the public.

Among other things, highlight will include the presentation of estate lands and curated property portfolios, exclusive opening-day discounts on selected properties, and networking opportunities for stakeholders within the real estate ecosystem. 

Attendees will also benefit from on-the-spot client onboarding and facilitated property deals, creating an avenue for immediate transactions.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Managing Director of Jayne Luxe Realty, Engr. Janet Agbo said the company is poised to redefine real estate brokerage services in Abuja through innovation and client-centered delivery.

“Our goal is to create a seamless and transparent property acquisition process for our clients while connecting them to credible investment opportunities. This launch goes beyond mere opening an office, it's about building trust, fostering partnerships, and delivering real value in the real estate space,” she stated.

She added that the firm is committed to positioning itself as a credible and innovative player in Abuja’s luxury real estate market while maintaining inclusivity across different income segments.

Stakeholders in the industry have expressed optimism that the entry of Jayne Luxe Realty comes at a time when demand for structured and reliable property brokerage services continues to rise in Abuja, driven by urban expansion and increasing investor interest in real estate.

News March 26, 2026 Nigerian govt introduces new chicken breed, 57 high-yield crop varieties

The Federal Government has rolled out a newly developed chicken breed alongside 57 improved crop varieties aimed at increasing meat production, strengthening food security and enhancing the nutritional status of Nigerians.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Ibadan during the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries.

The meeting, organised by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), was chaired by the Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), Prof. Soji Olufajo.

Olufajo explained that the release and registration of the chicken breed and the 57 high-yielding crop varieties, drawn from 14 crops, followed recommendations by two technical sub-committees.

He said that the new chicken breed and crop varieties would have a great impact on food production in the country, advising farmers to enjoy the opportunity by obtaining improved seeds and adapted materials.

Olufajo called on agricultural extension agents to ensure that farmers were aware of new and upcoming developments in terms of greater production in the country.

He charged research institutes, breeders, geneticists and other stakeholders to keep up doing what would enhance the growth and development of agriculture in Nigeria.

According to him, the new chicken breed is ‘Moorbeta’, while the crops comprise soyabean, yam, potato, onion, tomato, rice, pepper, eggplant, Musa spp, cotton, maize, groundnut, sorghum and cowpea.

READ ALSO:Food inflation rises again, hits 12.12%

Earlier, the technical sub-committee on naming, registration and release of crop varieties, chaired by Prof. Shehu Ado, had at its 40th meeting on Tuesday considered 59 submissions.

Following deliberations, 57 varieties were recommended and forwarded to the NVRC for final approval at Thursday’s session.

Similarly, the technical sub-committee on naming, registration and release of livestock breeds/fisheries, at its 10th meeting on Wednesday, examined the single chicken breed submitted.

The sub-committee, chaired by Prof. Waheed Akin-Hassan, stated that the new chicken breed, ‘Moorbeta’, was a locally developed meat-type chicken.

He said there would be a mass production of the breed because of its great potential.

Akin-Hassan noted that efforts on the performance of the nation’s indigenous chicken had been known for so long.

He commended all animal geneticists and breeders who contributed to the area, describing the new chicken breed as a mid-class type.

The sub-committee subsequently presented its recommendations to the NVRC for approval.

PlatinumPost reports that the new chicken was bred by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan.

It was released and registered based on its unique characteristic of high body weight at 10 weeks, good carcass characteristics and tolerance to heat stress.

Among the newly approved crop varieties are four Musa spp. types — two plantains and two bananas — developed by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan.

The plantain varieties, HORTIPLAN 1 and 2, were released for their heavy bunches, yellow pulp, excellence for boiling, frying, roasting, flour-making, long shelf life, and high carotenoid content.

The banana varieties, HORTIBAN 1 and 2, were approved for their good sweet taste, thick peel, big pulp, and intermediate bract apex shape.

Also released was one soyabean variety (YSJ001), developed by YSJ Limited in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, noted for its good pod clearance, high protein content and tolerance to diseases.

Two yam varieties, (UMUDr37) and (UMUDr38), sponsored by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia, in collaboration with IITA, Ibadan, were also approved.

These two yam varieties were released based on early maturity, good pounding quality, and excellent boiling quality, among other qualities.

A potato variety (Connect) from NRCRI was approved for its large tubers, resistance to late blight and suitability for table use.

In addition, six onion varieties — HORTIONI 1, 2, 3 (dry season) and HORTIONI 4, 5, 6 (wet season) — developed by NIHORT, were released for their high pungency, large bulb size and disease resistance.

Five tomato varieties — HORTITOM 6 and 7, SP TOM 1, 2 and 3 — were also approved based on heat tolerance, early maturity, disease resistance and adaptability to both dry and rainy conditions.

The committee also approved five rice varieties: FARO 73; SG rice 1 and 2; MIP 5803 and 4802.

These were developed by the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Abuja, and foreign partners.

The NVRC approved the release and registration of the rice varieties for their long, slender grains and good tillering drought tolerance, among other benefits.

Further approvals included one pepper variety (SP PEP 1) and three eggplant varieties (HORTICUM 1, 2 and 3), all developed by NIHORT.

They were approved based on early maturity of between 55 and 65 days (pepper); high vitamin C content, and early maturing for the eggplant.

Other approved crops include 15 maize varieties, four groundnut varieties, one proprietary sorghum variety, four public cowpea varieties and six proprietary cotton varieties.

Africa Sports March 26, 2026 Senegal defy CAF, plans AFCON trophy parade

Senegal have announced plans to display the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy ahead of their international friendly against Peru in Paris on Saturday, as football authorities in the country intensify efforts to overturn the decision stripping them of the title.

The Lions of Teranga secured what was believed to be their second AFCON triumph on 18 January after defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time. The final, however, ended in controversy after Senegalese players left the pitch when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the game still goalless.

In a dramatic turn last week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed the outcome of the match, handing Morocco a 3-0 victory instead.

Senegal have since challenged that ruling, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirming on Tuesday that it had received the appeal and would deliver a verdict “as swiftly as possible”.

“Faced with what amounts to the most blatant and unprecedented administrative robbery in the history of our sport, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) refuses to accept this as inevitable,” FSF president Abdoulaye Fall said at a media conference in the French capital.

Moments before his remarks, the federation had published a schedule of activities for Saturday’s match at the Stade de France, which included a planned trophy parade.

“Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values,” added Fall. “Our fight now transcends the football pitch.”

Following the disputed final in Rabat — where Morocco and Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz failed to convert a Panenka penalty in the 114th minute — the Royal Moroccan Football Federation promptly filed a protest with both CAF and FIFA. The complaint argued that Senegal’s decision to leave the field “greatly affected the normal course of the match and the players’ morale”.

CAF’s disciplinary committee initially dismissed the protest and instead imposed sanctions on both teams, including a five-match suspension for Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw on 29 January.

However, the Moroccan federation maintained that the sanctions did not “reflect the seriousness of the incidents”, prompting a review by CAF’s appeal board. On 17 March, the board ruled that Senegal had breached articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations.

Article 82 stipulates that any team that “leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee” will be disqualified.

Business News March 26, 2026 CBN bars loan defaulters from banking services

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)  has moved to limit access to banking services for “chronic defaulters” and major borrowers with non-performing loans.

The directive forms part of a broader effort to strengthen credit discipline and protect the country’s financial system. The apex bank announced the policy on Wednesday, following comments by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso at the 4th Annual IMF/AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum in Abuja.

Cardoso declared that the period of regulatory leniency toward defaulting borrowers has come to an end.

He stressed that the CBN is adopting a stricter approach to corporate governance to safeguard the N4.61tn in fresh capital recently injected into the banking sector from misuse.

“Our stance on corporate governance is unequivocal: zero tolerance for violations. By ending years of regulatory forbearance, we have reinforced accountability, tightened supervision, and elevated compliance standards across the sector,” the Governor stated.

The policy is aimed specifically at “large-ticket obligors” — individuals or organisations with substantial unpaid debts recorded as non-performing in the Credit Risk Management System. Under the new framework, such defaulters will be denied access to fresh loans as well as key financial instruments, including contingent liabilities and trade facilities.

“We have implemented a restriction of banking services to non-performing large-ticket obligors. This decisive step underscores our commitment to credit discipline, financial integrity, and accountability,” the statement read.

The CBN explained that the measure is intended to promote a stronger repayment culture among prominent borrowers. By restricting access to instruments like letters of credit and performance bonds, the regulator seeks to eliminate “credit jumping”, where defaulters move between banks to accumulate additional debt.

“By curbing access to banking services for chronic defaulters, we are reinforcing the culture of repayment, protecting depositors, and safeguarding the stability of the financial system,” the apex bank added.

In addition to the action against defaulters, Cardoso reiterated the bank’s commitment to orthodox monetary policy. This strategy focuses on maintaining price stability and relying on conventional monetary tools to manage inflation, marking a shift away from unconventional interventions aimed at rebuilding confidence in the naira.

“The CBN remains firmly anchored in orthodox monetary policy, focused on restoring price stability, strengthening policy credibility, and anchoring expectations through discipline and consistency,” the statement concluded.

World March 26, 2026 Trump issues new ultimatum to Iran, extends energy strikes deadline to April 6

United States’ President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reach an agreement to end the ongoing conflict, warning that failure to comply could result in attacks on its energy infrastructure, even as Tehran rejected the proposal as “unfair.”

The conflict, now in its fourth week, has expanded across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead and triggering sharp increases in global energy prices, raising fears of inflation worldwide.

The United States and Israel began coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28 after negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme collapsed without agreement.

During a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump signalled he could escalate pressure if Iran did not engage in a deal. In a subsequent social media post, he said he would delay any attacks on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, setting a new deadline of April 6, 2026 at 2000 EDT (0000 GMT on April 7).

READ ALSO:Trump lifts sanctions on Iranian oil

“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” he said.

Despite Trump’s remarks, Iran has denied participating in direct negotiations with Washington, and the U.S. president has not clarified who represents Tehran in the talks, particularly as several senior Iranian officials have been killed during the conflict.

Earlier, on March 23, Trump had announced a five-day pause on strikes targeting power plants and energy facilities, which has now been extended to 10 days.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Iran did not request the extended pause. However, Trump told Fox News’ “The Five” that Tehran had sought a seven-day halt in attacks. Iranian authorities have yet to respond publicly to that claim.

Tehran has warned it would retaliate against energy targets across the Gulf if the United States proceeds with its threats, raising concerns over further disruption to civilian infrastructure and regional economies dependent on electricity and water supplies.

The war has significantly disrupted global trade routes and energy supplies. Oil prices have surged by about 40%, liquefied natural gas costs have spiked, and nitrogen-based fertiliser prices — vital for agriculture — have risen by roughly 50%.

Financial markets reacted sharply, with the Nasdaq falling more than 2% on Thursday to confirm a correction, while Brent crude climbed above $105 per barrel amid fading hopes for a swift resolution.

Iran has continued to respond militarily to U.S. and Israeli strikes, targeting Israel, American bases, and Gulf states. It has also effectively halted fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway responsible for roughly 20% of global oil and LNG transport.

Trump said Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strait as a gesture of goodwill, including vessels flying Pakistan’s flag.

He warned that the United States would become Iran’s “worst nightmare” if it failed to meet U.S. demands, which include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending its nuclear programme. He also suggested that taking control of Iran’s oil resources remained a possibility, without elaborating.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the region, according to the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. military has also confirmed the use of uncrewed drone speedboats in active operations against Iran.

Iran rejects U.S. proposal

An Iranian official said a 15-point proposal presented by Washington through Pakistan had been thoroughly reviewed by senior officials and a representative of Iran’s supreme leader, but was deemed to favour only U.S. and Israeli interests.

Still, the official indicated that diplomatic efforts were ongoing.

The proposal reportedly includes provisions requiring Iran to dismantle its nuclear programme, limit its missile capabilities, and relinquish effective control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s foreign minister confirmed that “indirect talks” were underway via intermediaries, with Turkey and Egypt also involved in mediation efforts.

Since the conflict began, Iran has hardened its position, demanding assurances against future military action, compensation for damages, and formal control over the strategic strait. It has also insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire arrangement.

Continued strikes

Hostilities persisted on Thursday, with Iran launching multiple missile barrages targeting Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, as well as a Palestinian town in central Israel.

Israel’s military said at least one ballistic missile struck Tel Aviv, while others carried cluster munitions that caused widespread damage to homes and vehicles.

In northern Israel, a man was killed in Nahariya following a rocket attack by Hezbollah, according to emergency services.

Within Iran, strikes hit Bandar Abbas and areas near Shiraz, while a university building in Isfahan was reportedly damaged. In Qom, at least six people were killed when three residential buildings were struck, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

(REUTERS)