News From Nigeria
Abuja Furniture Production, AFP, a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, a pacesetter in Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing and interior solutions industry, recently at the Interior Design Summit organised by the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) in Abuja, reinforced its reputation for excellence in knowledge and ideas.
The summit which brought together interior designers, architects, manufacturers, developers, and other stakeholders from across the built environment sector to explore emerging trends, share knowledge, and identify opportunities for strengthening the role of design in national development, saw the AFP General Manager, Oliver Cohnen speak on the sideline of the event.
The General Manager disclosed that AFP was proud to be represented at the Summit as a longstanding partner and supporter of IDAN. He further said that the company’s participation at the IDAN event reflected its continued commitment to design excellence, high quality interior solutions, and the growth of Nigeria’s creative industries, adding that, as a trusted industry partner, AFP has consistently supported initiatives that foster collaboration between designers, architects, and the construction sector while contributing to the development of innovative living and working environments.
Cohnen highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and raising standards within the industry, saying, “interior design has become an increasingly important component of modern construction and urban development. As expectations around functionality, sustainability, and user experience continue to evolve, there is a growing need for deeper collaboration between designers, manufacturers, architects, and builders. Platforms such as the IDAN Summit provide an important opportunity to foster these partnerships, encourage innovation, and advance industry standards.”
Cohnen noted that AFP remains committed to delivering locally manufactured furniture and interior solutions that meet international quality standards while contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s design ecosystem.
According to one excited stakeholder at the event, this event has brought together many leading professionals from the design, architecture, and construction industries across the country. It serves as an important platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and the advancement of Nigeria’s design sector.
Industry stakeholders at the summit also underscored the importance of promoting local content, nurturing emerging talent, and encouraging stronger integration between design and construction professionals to enhance the quality and functionality of Nigeria’s built environment.
As one of the country’s leading furniture manufacturers, AFP has played a significant role in delivering furniture and interior solutions for residential, commercial, institutional, and public infrastructure projects across Nigeria. Through its blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and manufacturing expertise, the company continues to contribute to the creation of spaces that combine aesthetics, durability, and functionality.
The company’s exhibition stand attracted considerable attention throughout the summit, drawing visits from interior designers, architects, industry professionals, and other participants. Many visitors commended the quality of AFP’s products, particularly the attention to detail, superior finishing, contemporary designs, and the high manufacturing standards evident across the furniture on display. The positive feedback reinforced AFP’s reputation as a trusted provider of premium furniture and interior solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern residential and commercial environments.
Team AFP at the summit included the General Manager, Mr. Oliver Cohnen; Senior Liaison Manager, Alhaji Isa Kaita; Design Officer, Khadija Zarma; Sales Consultant, Dorcas Felix; and Administrative Officer, Glory Egharevba.
Prominent Nigerian clergyman, legal scholar and political advocate, Very Rev. Fr. Benedict Ferife, on Sunday described the reported Federal High Court judgment setting aside the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a self-inflicted wound.
“Democracy is sustained not by public sympathy or media narratives but by strict obedience to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the rules governing political parties. The NDC’s present predicament is, sadly, not persecution. It is a self-inflicted wound’’.
In a statement titled ‘’NDC’S self-inflicted wounds: Why due process matters in democracy’’, Ferife lamented that the NDC found itself seeking judicial intervention instead of ensuring full compliance with INEC’s constitutional and statutory requirements.
‘’Courts exist to interpret and enforce the law—not to rescue political parties from the consequences of their own procedural failures’’
Ferife said the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) ‘’is supreme and its provisions have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria’’.
‘’Section 1(2) declares: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution’’
According to him, no political party is above the law.
‘’Even more troubling are reports that the party ignored internal democratic processes by allegedly issuing tickets to persons who neither participated in nor emerged victorious in validly conducted primaries. If established, such actions amount to a direct affront to the Electoral Act’’.
He went on: ‘’Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires political parties to nominate candidates through democratically conducted primaries, while Sections 82 and 83 require prior notification to INEC and empower the Commission to monitor those primaries. These provisions are not mere technicalities; they are legal safeguards against impunity and candidate imposition. Similarly, Section 223 of the Constitution requires political parties to operate according to democratic principles. Democracy must begin within the political party before it can be preached to the nation.
He blamed the woes that befell the party on its national leadership.
‘’One cannot ignore due process during party primaries, impose candidates, sideline legitimate aspirants, and later seek the protection of the courts when the consequences of those actions become apparent. The judiciary is a guardian of the law—not an instrument for legitimizing political shortcuts’’.
The transparency promoter said the leadership of the NDC ignored due process.
‘’If the NDC ultimately loses the opportunity to sponsor candidates in forthcoming elections, including any presidential candidate, the responsibility lies first with those who ignored due process. Political convenience can never replace constitutional compliance. This episode should serve as a warning to every political party in Nigeria’’.
Known for his theological writings and strong involvement in Nigerian democratic advocacy, Ferife urged political parties in the country to respect the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC’s guidelines, and internal party democracy.
‘’Respect for the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC’s guidelines, and internal party democracy is not optional—it is mandatory. The rule of law is impartial. It neither rewards popularity nor excuses procedural recklessness. Political parties that sow disregard for due process should not be surprised when they reap legal consequences.
Highly accomplished Nigerian female boxer, multi-medal champion and sports advocate, Kehinde Joy Obareh, on Sunday urged the federal, state and local governments to pay special attention to the education of the girl child and the health of women in the country.
‘’The government, especially highly placed women in government and the private sector, can join hands in uplifting the girl child’’.
She also expressed the belief that destiny had linked her with boxing and pledged to contribute to the growth of female boxing in Nigeria and the world as a whole.
The 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show is an additional boost to the country’s development in boxing and the hunt for talents among home-based female boxers.
Obareh, who spoke during the 1st Kehinde Obareh Female Boxing Show at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, promised to make the dreams of 24 female boxers a reality.
She advised the young boxers to be focused and resilient in their boxing and educational careers.
Widely recognized as one of Africa’s best in the 60 kg weight division, Obareh was the first Nigerian female boxer to win a Gold medal at the All-African Games, and Gold also at the African Female Boxing Championship in Cameroon. She was ranked 8th in the world at her prime.
She emphasized strength, courage, faith and commitment as qualities that would guarantee success for the next generation of female boxers in Nigeria.
The kickboxer further urged women to use their skills, energy and resources to contribute to the peace and development of Nigeria.
Some of the boxer’s performances gave officials reason to smile.
Gafar Fathia, Adepoju Roqueebat, Adeniji Aliyah, Sodipe Damilola, Ismail Abibat, Sadiku Tomiwa, Obiora Ada, Akanni Anuoluwa, Agboola Oyindamola, Adeyinka Abigail and Kareem Sukura won gold
Lasisi Nurat, Adeshina Aishat, Solanke Ramot, Ejeh Precilia, Kazeem Fathia, Jinadu Hikmot, Oluwafemi Oluwanifemi, Oyeleye Taiwo, Adepoju Taofikat, Adebisi Adenike and Olalekan Opeyemi won silver
Adegboyega Princess and Ibrahim Zainab received exhibition prizes.