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Text of OGFZA MD’s Remarks at the 7th AGM of AEZO

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OPENING REMARK BY SEN. TIJJANY Y. KAURA, MFR,

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO OF OIL AND GAS FREE ZONES AUTHORITY, NIGERIA (OGFZA)
AT THE 7TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE
AFRICA ECONOMIC ZONES ORGANIZATION HELD AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA, NIGERIA ON 1st DECEMBER 2022.

Protocols

FIRS

Permit me to stand on the established protocol.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. It is with deep and sincere pleasure that I welcome you to Nigeria, and to our Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for the 7th Annual General Meeting of the Africa Special Economic Zones Organisation. This historic AGM coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Free Zones Scheme in Nigeria.
We are glad to see that the desire Nigeria expressed last year, during the 6th AGM in Ghana has been realised today.

I therefore particularly thank the Executives and members of Africa Economic Zones Organisation for giving Nigeria the privilege to host this 7th AGM.

We are also appreciative of the fact that the African Union Commission is similarly holding its 5th Symposium on Special Economic Zones this week in Nigeria.

We welcome you all.

It is indeed a new dawn for Africa as we pursue very earnestly, a more integrated continent. Using the AfCTA as a backdrop, our quest for improving and accelerating economic development is amplified significantly, through the Special Economic Zones.

Here in Nigeria, our Economic Zones scheme has evolved from Export Processing Zones in 1992, through to Free Trade Zones in 1996, and now to the globally adopted Special Economic Zones.

These terminologies of course refer to specially dedicated locations that are set aside to encourage and enhance economic activity in a bid to boost economic development.

The theme of this 7th Annual General Meeting of AEZO is most appropriate, because it is in harmony with the essence of the African continental development plan and the urgent need to harness the rich natural resources that our Continent is endowed with.

This year’s theme: [“African Special Economic Zones; Engine for Resilience and Accelerator for Sustainable Industrial Value Chain Development”] comes at a time that African governments have desired for a deeper economic, cultural and social integration.

It is therefore our expectation that this forum will enhance understanding and communications between policy makers, Regulators, Free Zones Operators and other economic stakeholders for the overall economic development of Africa. These discussions should benefit all industry participants and should ultimately translate into more local and foreign direct investment attractiveness, greater skills and knowledge transfer, increased job creation, deeper technology transfer, and wider spread industrialization for our Continent.

Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, permit me to share a little information of Nigeria’s story from our perspective as the Apex Regulator of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zones.

Of the over 200 Free Zones in Africa, Nigeria is host to about 1/6th of them with roughly 9 being specifically dedicated to oil and gas activities.

The oil and gas free zones, which we oversee are predominantly located in the rich southern belt where Nigeria boasts a robust competitive advantage with regards to oil and gas.

The region holds the potential to become the energy belt of Africa with Nigeria reportedly having Africa’s largest gas reserves, and the 9th largest gas reserves in the world.

Our oldest and first dedicated oil and gas free zone, the Onne Oil and Gas free zone has in the last 20 years, served as a logistics support base, manufacturing, shipping, and services supply hub to the sector.

Furthermore, our oil and gas free zones have in the past two decades, attracted over $16.6 billion USD of FDI and over N255 million of LDI.

Recent Data from just three years between 2017 – 2020 show our exports totalling roughly $382 million USD.

These figures in themselves mean little, if they don’t quantify the value that we have added to our primary stakeholders.

As the Apex regulator of Nigeria’s oil & gas free zones, our contribution to the industry is channeled towards improving efficiencies for zone operators in the sector such that, out of the hundreds of Departments and Agencies in Nigeria, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council [PEBEC] has since their inception in 2018, bestowed multiple Awards on us, in the categories of Transparency & Efficiency, with OGFZA coming first in 2018, and consistently amongst top 3 in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Despite our successes, we acknowledge that there is still so much to learn from our brother Regulatory Authorities and Zones Operators across Africa and the world.

To this end, we are reminded again as to why this AGM is keenly important, as it gives us all the platform to share experiences, for the betterment of our Continent.

In conclusion, I would like to thank and acknowledge everyone here today for being part of this historic event.

On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, and our co – host the Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Professor Adesoji Adesugba; the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Executive Secretary of Nigeria Economic Zones Authority (NEZA), Prince Toyin Elegbede,

I wish to express my sincere
appreciation to AEZO for your vision, and
for choosing Nigeria to host this 7th AGM.

Once again, your Excellencies, distinguished
delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome you all to Nigeria and express our sincere hope that you
will find your stay here enjoyable and memorable.
I wish you very all fruitful deliberations.
Thank you!

Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura MD/CEO
Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Nigeria


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Events

PHOTOS:Selena Gomez Stuns in Ralph Lauren Wedding Gown as She Marries Benny Blanco

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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are now married.
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Singer-actress Selena Gomez and music producer Benny Blanco were married on September 27, 2025, in a private outdoor ceremony in California, the couple announced via social media.

The nuptials were held at a secluded estate in Santa Barbara County, attended by a close circle of family and celebrity guests, including Taylor Swift, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Ed Sheeran.

Gomez wore a custom Ralph Lauren bridal gown, and Blanco was outfitted in a classic black tuxedo from the same designer.

Gomez and Blanco’s romantic relationship evolved from their long-standing professional collaboration: they first worked together in 2015 and went public with their romance in late 2023. Blanco proposed in December 2024.

FIRS

In her social media announcement, Gomez shared a series of Polaroid-style images capturing moments from the ceremony, including an intimate embrace and the couple’s first dance. Blanco commented under the post, “My wife in real life.”

PHOTOS Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco

Selena Gomez in custom Ralph Lauren gown on wedding day

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Entertainment

VIDEO: AYRA STARR & REMA SHUT DOWN GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL 2025

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Ayra Starr and Rema performing live at Global Citizen Festival 2025
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Lagos to the world! Last night, Global Citizen Festival turned into an Afrobeats takeover when Ayra Starr pulled the ultimate surprise bringing out Rema mid set.

The crowd LOST it as the duo lit up the stage with an electrifying performance of Rema’s mega-hit “Calm Down.”

Fans sang every lyric, phones shot up in the air, and social media went WILD, instantly crowning the pair as the night’s highlight.

Fashion? On point. Energy? Unmatched. Chemistry?

FIRS

Ayra and Rema didn’t just perform… they OWNED the festival. X formerly Twitter and Instagram are already dubbing it the Afrobeats shut-down of the year.

One fan screamed: “This is history! Afrobeats is running the world now!!”
Another joked: “At this point, Global Citizen should just rename it Global Afrobeats Festival.”

No lies detected. With moments like these, Ayra Starr and Rema are proving they’re not just stars they’re GLOBAL icons.

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Africa

Senator Sadiq Umar Calls on Youths to Lead Africa’s Trade Revolution at 2025 JCI AMESA Summit

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Africa’s Youth Hold the Key to Trade Growth, Says Senator Sadiq Umar at JCI AMESA 2025
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Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committees on Trade & Investment and Rules & Business, has urged young Africans to take the lead in driving the continent’s trade and investment future under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

At JCI AMESA 2025, Senator Umar Calls for Youth Leadership in Africa’s Trade Revolution
At JCI AMESA 2025, Senator Umar Calls for Youth Leadership in Africa’s Trade Revolution

Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Abuja, Senator Umar commended JCI’s global role in raising leaders and promoting active citizenship.

He emphasized Africa’s demographic advantage, stating:

“With 1.4 billion people and 60% under the age of 25, Africa holds the key to the future of global trade and innovation.”

FIRS

Referencing World Bank statistics, Umar highlighted that AfCFTA could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty and increase incomes by $450 billion by 2035, provided countries commit to cross-border collaboration, trade missions, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.

On Nigeria’s role, he described the nation as a “gateway for investment and innovation”, citing its 220 million population, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and recent policy reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He further noted that Nigeria’s fintech sector has attracted over $2 billion in foreign investment within the last five years.

The Senator urged African governments and businesses to prioritize agriculture, renewable energy, digital trade, and infrastructure, stressing that trade must be viewed beyond goods and services.

“Trade is not just about goods and services; it is about the movement of ideas, opportunities, and hope,” he declared.

Senator Umar closed by reaffirming the Nigerian Legislature’s commitment to policies that unlock Africa’s untapped potential, challenging young Africans to lead with integrity, innovation, and service.

THE JCI AMESA SUMMIT – WAZOBIA 2025

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit 2025 officially opened in Abuja, bringing together leaders and changemakers from across the continent and beyond.

The four-day summit, themed “Rediscovering Africa’s Untapped Potential Through Regional Collaboration & Partnerships,” runs from September 18 to 21, 2025.

Organizers say AMESA 2025 promises to be a transformative event, serving as a platform for influential figures to drive progress, explore opportunities, and shape the future of Africa and the Middle East through united efforts and strategic cooperation.

Throughout the summit, participants will engage in dynamic discussions, exchange best practices, and build actionable frameworks aimed at fostering sustainable development, regional integration, and stronger partnerships.

By the end of the gathering, stakeholders are expected to outline a collaborative blueprint to unlock growth and innovation across Africa and the Middle East.

PHOTOS FROM THR OPENING CEREMONY

  • JCI AMESA 2025 Summit Kicks Off in Abuja to Explore Africa’s Untapped Potential
  • At JCI AMESA 2025, Senator Umar Calls for Youth Leadership in Africa’s Trade Revolution
  • Africa’s Youth Hold the Key to Trade Growth, Says Senator Sadiq Umar at JCI AMESA 2025

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Events

Asake Announces “M$ney” African Tour Kicking Off This December

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Asake M$ney African Tour 2025
ASAKE why love cover photo
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Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has officially announced his highly anticipated “M$ney” African Tour, set to begin this December 2025.

So far, three cities have been confirmed: Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), with organizers teasing that more dates and destinations will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The “M$ney” tour marks Asake’s return to the African concert circuit after a string of international performances that solidified his status as one of Afrobeats’ fastest-rising global voices. Known for his energetic stage presence and chart-topping hits, fans are already buzzing in anticipation.

FIRS

While the exact venues and ticket sales information have yet to be released, industry insiders suggest that the shows will feature a blend of Asake’s biggest records, live collaborations, and surprise guest appearances.

Asake Announces “M$ney” African Tour This December, Starting in Lagos, Nairobi and Abidjan
Asake Announces “M$ney” African Tour This December, Starting in Lagos, Nairobi and Abidjan

The tour announcement comes on the heels of Asake’s continued dominance on streaming platforms, with his unique fusion of Afro-fusion, amapiano, and street-inspired sounds resonating across continents.

Fans are advised to stay tuned to his official channels for full tour details, ticketing updates, and additional city announcements.

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Entertainment

VIDEO: Mohbad Fan Allegedly Storms Stage to Confront Naira Marley at Benin Republic Concert

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Mohbad Fan Attacks Naira Marley on Stage at Benin Republic Concert
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Nigerian Afrobeats singer Naira Marley faced a tense moment during his concert in Benin Republic when an angry fan stormed the stage in what appeared to be an attempted attack.

Eyewitnesses said the fan, believed to be a supporter of the late singer Mohbad, rushed at Marley mid-performance before security quickly intervened. The incident briefly disrupted the show but Marley later returned to continue his set.

The intrusion has reignited public debate over Marley’s alleged involvement in Mohbad’s death in 2023. Although Marley was cleared in court of accusations linking him to the tragedy, the episode underscores lingering anger among some fans who remain unconvinced of his innocence.

Mohbad, a former signee of Marley’s Marlian Music label, died under controversial circumstances in September 2023. His death sparked nationwide protests and widespread accusations of abuse and intimidation within the industry.

FIRS

Saturday’s concert clash highlights the ongoing tensions between Marley’s supporters and Mohbad’s loyal fan base, two years after the late singer’s passing.

@tikbonanaija

Mohbad Fan Storms Stage to Confront Naira Marley at Benin Republic Concert #mohbad #beninrepublic #nairamarley

♬ original sound – BONA NAIJA – BONA NAIJA

However Naira Marly posted the video on his X handle clarifying that he was never attacked rather that the fan was aggressive.

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