Forbes’ 2025 List: Two Nigerian Women Among the World’s Most Powerful

When Forbes unveiled its 2025 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, two familiar Nigerian names stood out, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu. Their inclusion signals not only personal achievement but also the expanding reach of African leadership on the global stage. 

The annual ranking, topped this year by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, ECB President Christine Lagarde, and Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, celebrates women shaping the future of business, politics, media, technology, and culture. In this constellation of global power players, Okonjo-Iweala and Abudu represent two different but equally compelling arcs of influence.

Ranked 92nd, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has become a defining voice in international trade. As Director-General of the World Trade Organization, a position she assumed in 2021 as both the first woman and the first African to hold the office, she draws on more than three decades of experience across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Forbes describes her as “an economist and international development professional,” a phrase that only hints at the scale of her contributions. Before joining the WTO, she served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, briefly stepped in as Foreign Minister, and chaired the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, an organisation credited with immunising over 760 million children globally. Armed with degrees from Harvard and MIT, Okonjo-Iweala has consistently argued for the power of trade to uplift developing nations and promote sustainable economic growth. At 71, the mother of four remains a formidable advocate for more equitable global systems.

Where Okonjo-Iweala shapes policy, Mo Abudu shapes narratives. Ranked 98th on the Forbes list, Abudu has built EbonyLife Media into one of Africa’s most globally recognisable entertainment brands. Since launching EbonyLife TV in 2006, she has taken African storytelling to screens in more than 49 countries, from the UK to the Caribbean. Under her leadership, EbonyLife became the first African media company to sign a multi-title deal with Netflix, alongside major partnerships with Sony Pictures Television and AMC Networks. In November 2025, the company expanded its digital footprint with EbonyLife ON Plus, a new streaming platform accessible on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Abudu has established herself as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the most influential women in global media.

For Nigeria, the recognition of Okonjo-Iweala and Abudu is a moment of pride and a testament to the growing influence of African women in fields long dominated by Western voices. Their presence on the global power list underscores a broader narrative: that leadership grounded in vision, resilience, and creativity can emerge from anywhere and reshape the world in the process.

A journey built on discipline and resilience: Aduragbemi Akindunbi rewrites FUTA’s history with a record 4.98 CGPA

When Aduragbemi Akindunbi finally saw his graduating CGPA, he paused, not in disbelief, but in quiet fulfilment. The number, 4.98, was not a surprise. It was a destination he had been walking toward since his first year at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). 

At 25, the Civil Engineering graduate had just written his name into the university’s history books as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2024 academic year, with the highest CGPA ever recorded at FUTA, surpassing the previous record of 4.96.

For Akindunbi, excellence was never about a single moment. It was about consistency. From his first semester in 100 level, when he recorded a striking 4.95 GPA, the path became clear. If that level of focus could deliver such results, he reasoned, then greater discipline and better strategy could push him even further, and so, semester after semester, the numbers quietly accumulated, reflecting long nights of study, careful planning, and a refusal to settle for less.

His journey to FUTA did not begin smoothly. Raised in Akure, he attended Divine Favour Nursery and Primary School and later Oyemekun Grammar School, where he was always among the best students, even if not the standout star. 

After secondary school, financial constraints forced him to wait a year before attempting university admission. Rather than give up, he worked at a primary school, teaching and saving, while hoping for another chance. That chance came in 2019 through an unexpected act of kindness from a woman whose children he tutored. She encouraged him to sit for UTME and promised to support him if he gained admission. He scored 283, earned his place at FUTA, and stepped into university life determined not to waste the opportunity.

Civil Engineering was not a random choice. Akindunbi says he has always been drawn to infrastructure, the roads, bridges, and systems that quietly shape everyday life. That passion sustained him through one of the most demanding programmes in the university. Early mentorship also made a difference. Senior colleagues, including Michael Agwulonu, helped him understand the academic terrain and reinforced the value of discipline and collaboration. He formed study groups with like-minded peers, sharing ideas and pushing one another forward.

The road, however, was anything but perfect. There were moments when life seemed determined to test his resolve. During one examination period in 300 level, severe tooth pain left him writing exams in tears. Another exam season came with a painful skin infection that forced him to cover up fully just to sit his papers. Then, just days before exams, his iPhone that was used for content creation and academic materials was stolen. Shortly after, his Android phone developed a fault. The timing could not have been worse. Still, he showed up for his exams, reminding himself that no one else would carry the burden if he gave up.

Even excellence had its humbling moments. In 400 level, a ‘B’ grade in a course he had poured himself into dropped his CGPA from 4.99 to 4.97. For someone already known across campus as an academic pacesetter, the pressure was intense. Rumours spread quickly. Expectations weighed heavily, but Akindunbi chose reflection over despair. Life, he learned, does not always reward effort immediately. What matters is the strength to recover. He returned the following semester, earned a perfect 5.0, and lifted his final CGPA to 4.98.

Outside the lecture halls, Akindunbi is far from one-dimensional. He is a video editor and content creator, skills he developed while in school, supported by scholarships he earned along the way. He enjoys watching football and spent part of his time mentoring younger students and serving in student leadership roles that deepened both the pressure he felt and the purpose he carried.

When his name was announced at convocation as FUTA’s overall best graduating student, it marked more than academic recognition as it was the culmination of years of quiet resilience, timely mentorship, personal sacrifice, and unwavering consistency.

In the end, Aduragbemi Akindunbi’s story is not defined by a near-perfect CGPA alone, but by the discipline to pursue excellence when conditions were far from ideal. From delayed admission and financial strain to health challenges and public pressure, he chose persistence over excuses. His record-breaking 4.98 is a quiet but powerful statement: that consistency compounds, resilience matters, and extraordinary outcomes are often built through ordinary, repeated acts of commitment.

Dangote Launches Nigeria’s Largest Private Education Support Programme with a N100bn Annual Pledge

Nigerian business leader Aliko Dangote has unveiled one of the most ambitious education support programmes in the nation’s history, a N100 billion annual commitment designed to remove the financial obstacles that keep millions of young Nigerians out of school.

Announced on Thursday in Lagos, the initiative cements Dangote’s position as the country’s most influential private-sector contributor to human capital development and signals a long-term investment expected to exceed N1 trillion within the next decade.

At the launch, Dangote emphasised that the scale and consistency of the N100 billion annual fund were deliberate, describing it as a strategic national investment rather than an act of philanthropy alone. 

The funding is structured to guarantee continuity, with the Aliko Dangote Foundation committing to sustain the intervention for at least ten years as part of a broader pledge to allocate 25 per cent of Dangote’s wealth to the Foundation. This financial framework, he said, is essential for creating stable, predictable educational support across all 774 local government areas of Nigeria.

Beginning in 2026, the programme will support 45,000 new learners annually, expanding to 155,000 beneficiaries per year by the fourth year and holding at that capacity for a full decade. By the end of the cycle, the initiative aims to have reached 1.3 million Nigerian students, an unprecedented number for a private-sector intervention.

Dangote noted that the intention is not merely to widen access but to ensure students complete their education and emerge with skills that can transform their communities and strengthen the national workforce.

The structure of the programme reflects the sectors where educational exclusion is most pronounced. Through the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars scheme, 30,000 undergraduates each year will receive funding to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across public universities and polytechnics. Tuition support will be tied to verified institutional fees to prevent shortfalls that frequently hinder low-income students.

In addition, 5,000 young Nigerians enrolled in technical and vocational colleges will benefit annually from the Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars programme, which provides tools, materials, and essential resources required for practical training. The intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s new policy offering free tuition for TVET students, positioning the private sector and public sector as complementary partners in workforce development.

Throughout the event, Dangote stressed that financial hardship, not lack of talent, remains the primary reason many Nigerian youths are forced out of school. He warned that the nation risks losing a generation of capable students whose dreams are constrained solely by poverty. Education, he said, is the most powerful equaliser and the strongest vehicle of social mobility, adding that Nigeria cannot build a prosperous future if millions of its young citizens remain excluded from learning.

Addressing young Nigerians directly, Dangote reassured them of the programme’s purpose: to provide opportunity where there is potential, hope where there is uncertainty, and support where the system has historically fallen short. “Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy,” he said. “Every scholar we empower becomes a contributor to national development. This is nation-building, not charity.”

To ensure transparency and accountability, the Dangote Foundation will adopt a fully digital verification and disbursement system. It will work in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO, enabling real-time monitoring of outcomes such as retention, completion, and post-graduation pathways. The governance structure includes a Programme Steering Committee chaired by the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, with former vice-chancellors, education specialists, and representatives of the Dangote family serving as members.

Government leaders at the launch acknowledged the transformative potential of the initiative. Vice President Kashim Shettima described it as the largest private educational intervention ever undertaken in Nigeria, emphasising that the nation’s rapidly growing youth population represents an opportunity only if it is educated. He called Dangote’s contribution a model of genuine nation-building.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the initiative aligns with the federal goal of shifting from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-driven one, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, praised Dangote’s consistency in using wealth to advance national development. According to him, the long-term structure of the commitment makes the programme uniquely impactful and ensures that every local government area will feel its effect.

Dangote noted that the N100 billion annual investment marks only the first phase of a broader agenda focused on improving learning quality, strengthening teacher development, and upgrading school environments nationwide. The progress of the programme will undergo a major review in 2030 as part of the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 strategy, which places education and human capital at the centre of Nigeria’s development priorities.

ECOWAS appoints Dangote as the face of its new strategy to mobilise African capital for regional development

ECOWAS has placed Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, at the heart of its new strategy to rebuild economic resilience and reduce the region’s dependence on foreign capital. 

At the opening of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray announced that Dangote will serve as the pioneer Chairperson of the ECOWAS Business Council, a move that signals a decisive shift toward private-sector-led regional integration.

Touray explained that Dangote was selected because of his vast investment footprint across West Africa and his proven capacity to mobilise large-scale capital within the continent. He described the new Business Council as a platform that will bring major industry leaders directly into ECOWAS’ economic decision-making process, helping shape policies on investment, regional trade, and integration.

“We are confident that with the kind of investments we have seen from the likes of Alhaji Dangote, our regional private sector actors can lead the way in developing our Community, if given the right incentives and opportunity,” Touray said. The Commission hopes that the initiative will spark deeper intra-regional investment, lessen reliance on volatile foreign funding, and move the bloc closer to economic self-sufficiency.

Touray linked this shift to ongoing challenges in critical sectors, particularly the financially strained West African Power Pool, which he described as the region’s flagship of electricity market currently burdened by debts owed by national utilities. He urged member states to commit to debt recovery and improved financial discipline as part of the broader effort to stabilise the regional economy.

While Dangote’s appointment dominated the session, Touray also outlined ECOWAS' wider priorities: strengthening regional resilience, deepening monetary integration, and advancing plans to operationalise a regional standby force to respond to terrorism and insecurity.

In placing Dangote at the helm of its new Business Council, ECOWAS is betting on a future where homegrown investors help shape the region’s economic destiny. The coming months will test how effectively the bloc can harmonise its political ambitions with private-sector dynamism, but officials remain confident that the partnership offers a credible path toward greater stability, integration, and shared prosperity across West Africa.

Nigeria is heading for its biggest economic boom in a decade

Nigeria may be standing on the edge of its strongest economic upswing in more than ten years, if the signals that economist Bismarck Rewane is tracking continue to align.

At the 2025 Parthian Economic Discourse in Lagos, Rewane painted a picture of an economy finally shaking off years of turbulence, soaring inflation, a battered currency, and a drought of investment and moving toward what he calls “a profound economic reset.”

This reset isn’t driven by any single breakthrough. Instead, it is the convergence of reforms, market confidence, sectoral restructuring and improving macroeconomic conditions that, in his telling, could propel Nigeria into 2026 with momentum not seen in a decade.

A Market on the Brink of Transformation

One of Rewane’s boldest claims is that Nigeria’s capital market is preparing for a leap that could redefine its role in Africa’s financial landscape.

He forecasts the Nigerian Exchange’s market capitalisation to surge to N262 trillion in 2026, nearly triple its current size and equivalent to 72% of the nation’s projected GDP.

This acceleration, he says, will be powered by long-awaited mega listings, notably the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), alongside booming performance in telecoms, banking, cement, and consumer goods.

Investor sentiment, he notes, is already shifting as FX volatility eases, inflation cools, and corporate earnings strengthen. “Nigeria’s equity market,” he insists, “is entering a new cycle of expansion.”

From Crisis to Stability: Inflation, Rates and the Naira

After riding the waves of inflation that surged past 34 percent last year and a currency that shed 70 percent of its value, Nigeria may finally be seeing the outlines of stability.

Rewane expects inflation, both food and core, to fall toward 20 percent in 2026, driven by: A firmer disinflation stance by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Improved domestic refining reducing fuel-price shocks, Higher manufacturing output, Productivity gains and lower logistics and supply-chain costs.

As inflation cools, household purchasing power should start to recover, breathing life back into retail, services, and industry.

This shift may also open the door to cautious interest-rate cuts, the first after two years of aggressive tightening, although Rewane warns that the CBN will move carefully to avoid undoing its progress.

Perhaps most striking is his projection for the naira. He sees the currency strengthening and stabilising between N1450 and N1500/$ in 2026, supported by rising oil output, stronger reserves, reduced arbitrage opportunities, and moderated import demand.

“Exchange-rate stability,” he stresses, “will be the anchor of investor confidence.”

Growth Returns and Six Industries Lead the Charge

With monetary and fiscal reforms converging, Rewane projects GDP growth of 4.1% in 2026, driven by expanding private-sector activity, infrastructure improvements and increased local value addition.

Six industries, he says, will shape the economy’s trajectory:

1. Agriculture & Agro-processing – N104.6 trillion

2. Real Estate & Construction – N72.41 trillion

3. Telecommunications – N41.07 trillion

4. Manufacturing – N38.25 trillion

5. Creative Economy – N7.23 trillion

6. Technology & Fintech – N2.97 trillion

Each sector is undergoing a transformation powered by urbanisation, digital growth, regional trade integration and population pressure.

Earnings Signal a New Corporate Era

Corporate performance, according to the FDC economist, will offer some of the clearest proof that Nigeria is entering a new economic cycle.

MTN Nigeria is projected to hit N1.7 trillion in Q1 2026 revenue and N2.22 trillion in Q2, lifted by data expansion and tariff adjustments.

Dangote Cement is expected to post Q1 revenue of N1.3 trillion and Q2 revenue of N1.37 trillion, with profit after tax in Q2 soaring more than 100% to N628 billion, driven by export growth and infrastructure demand.

Stronger corporate results, he says, will help power market capitalisation even higher.

A Stronger Banking Sector and a Rebounding Pensions Market

Nigeria's banks, after navigating inflationary shocks and FX volatility, are heading into 2026 with improved stability.

Rewane sees leadership emerging from: Big universal banks with fortified balance sheets, Digital-first lenders, and Fintechs reshaping SME finance and retail payments.

Pension funds, meanwhile, may experience early-year turbulence but are expected to finish strong with 12-15% growth in net asset value, buoyed by improving liquidity and renewed confidence in equities and government securities.

But Risks Still Lurk

Rewane cautions that Nigeria’s outlook is not insulated from global fragility.

Geopolitical tensions, shifts in energy markets, and softening commodity prices could weigh on fiscal and market stability. 

Domestically, he highlights four critical risks: Oil prices dipping below $60 per barrel, worsening insecurity in food-producing regions, election-year spending excesses in 2026 and sharp commodity-price drops if geopolitical tensions cool

The difference between a boom and a setback, he says, will depend on discipline, both fiscal and monetary and Nigeria’s ability to safeguard its productive zones.

A Call Beyond Government

Closing the discourse, Oluseye Olusoga, Group Managing Director of Parthian Capital, issued a reminder: economic transformation is not the job of government alone.

“Security is not a job only for the government,” he said. “It should be our own job too. Without security, investment won’t flow.”

If Rewane’s projections hold, Nigeria may be approaching not just a recovery, but a rare opportunity to rewrite its economic story. The question is whether the country can seize the moment and reach El Dorado – time will tell.

Unveiling Ajaokuta Economic City: Kogi Positions Itself as Nigeria’s Next Industrial Hub

Long before diplomats, investors and Chinese delegates gathered in Abuja this week, the name Ajaokuta had lived in Nigeria’s national consciousness as both a promise and a paradox, an industrial dream suspended in time, but on this day, as the hall filled with quiet anticipation, Kogi State attempted something rare: to turn a place associated with unrealised potential into the centrepiece of a bold new global economic vision.

The unveiling of the Ajaokuta Economic City, a modern free trade zone projected to draw between $2 billion and $5 billion in foreign direct investment, marked a dramatic shift in how the state intends to define its future. For Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who presided over the ceremony, the launch was not merely bureaucratic; it was a declaration that Kogi is ready to re-enter the economic architecture of West Africa with renewed ambition and international partnerships to match.

The event, attended by senior government officials, private-sector leaders and a high-level delegation from the Zhuzhou Municipal Government of Hunan Province, announced the operational takeoff of what is officially known as the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone. It is a project forged through months of technical evaluations and negotiations, tying the aspirations of a Nigerian state to the industrial expertise of one of China’s most dynamic manufacturing regions. Stakeholders described it as the most audacious industrialisation effort in Kogi’s history.

Ajaokuta’s positioning has always been its quiet strength. Located near the River Niger, linked by rail to the ports of the south and connected by highways that slice through Nigeria’s major commercial corridors, the region is naturally primed for trade. Its rich deposits of iron ore and coal, long overshadowed by the stalled steel complex, now form part of a broader vision, one that sees Ajaokuta not as a relic, but as a launchpad.

The new economic city aims to stitch together manufacturing hubs, logistics centres, agro-processing plants, tech spaces and energy infrastructure into a single, globally competitive industrial ecosystem. It mirrors the template of successful free trade zones in Asia and North Africa, but with a distinctly Nigerian context: harnessing strategic geography, mineral wealth and a young workforce to drive growth.

Yet none of this, Governor Ododo admits, can take shape without security. He revealed that Kogi has developed a dedicated security architecture for the Economic City, complete with enhanced intelligence operations, surveillance systems and collaboration with national agencies. “Investment only thrives in secure environments,” he said, assuring investors that Kogi intends to protect life, capital and infrastructure with equal intensity.

His message was echoed by Kogi’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, who urged investors to seize what he described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity and with characteristic candour, he asked: “If Dangote, Mangal and others are in Kogi, why are you not yet in Kogi?” His challenge underscored a crucial point that major players are already betting big on the state.

For Nigeria, the stakes extend well beyond Kogi’s borders. A fully realised Ajaokuta Economic City could expand non-oil exports, deepen industrial capacity, strengthen participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and inject fresh confidence into the country’s FDI landscape. Tens of thousands of jobs could emerge from the city’s multi-sector layout, reshaping livelihoods across the Middle Belt and beyond.

Nevertheless, the path ahead remains complex. Power supply, infrastructure funding, regulatory stability and long-term investor confidence will all determine whether the project fulfils its lofty projections. Ajaokuta’s reopening chapter feels different, powered by international collaboration and a clearer economic blueprint.

Still, the transformation of a symbol takes time. On this day, however, Kogi State succeeded in something important: it reimagined Ajaokuta not as a monument to deferred industrialization, but as a living possibility, one that could yet redefine Nigeria’s position in global commerce.

NEPL’s Record Output Marks a Turning Point in Nigeria’s Energy Future

Nigeria’s ambition for a stronger, more resilient energy sector gained renewed momentum on December 1, 2025, when NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL) achieved a milestone not seen in more than three decades. The company delivered 355,000 barrels of crude oil per day, its highest single-day output since 1989, an achievement that signals a profound shift in the nation’s production capacity and operational maturity.

Far from being an isolated success, the record output crowns two years of steady growth. NEPL’s average daily production rose from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025, representing a dramatic 52% surge. According to operational data released by NNPC Ltd., this transformation stems from deliberate planning: structured field development, tighter asset management, and improved internal operating systems that have modernized the company’s approach to upstream operations.

The surge comes at a decisive moment for Nigeria especially when the Federal Government is pressing ahead with ambitious national targets of 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million barrels by 2030, as part of a broader drive to revitalize the economy and strengthen the country’s global energy presence.

Industry leaders within NNPC Ltd. describe NEPL’s success as proof that Nigeria’s energy resurgence is no longer theoretical but unfolding in real time. They note that surpassing internal benchmarks demonstrates the emergence of a production ecosystem, equipment, processes, expertise, and partnerships, capable of delivering sustained national value.

Within the global oil and gas community, this breakthrough is also helping rebuild confidence. It sends a message to investors and partners that Nigeria is firmly positioning itself as a dependable supplier at a time when reliability is central to global energy security.

Senior leaders within the organization emphasize that the achievement is not merely about volume. In an industry where rapid gains can tempt shortcuts, NEPL’s trajectory underscores a deeper commitment: growth built on responsible operations. The company’s insistence on environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and worker safety reflects a deliberate shift toward sustainable value creation, an indispensable standard for any modern energy business seeking long-term relevance.

The record-setting performance mirrors a broader transformation within NNPC Limited itself. Leadership clarity, accountability-driven partnerships, and the discipline of a motivated workforce have created conditions for measurable progress. Executives describe the success as the output of synchronized systems and values and not a one-day spike, but a sign of the future being built.

For Nigerians, the implications stretch far beyond the impressive headline figure. Higher output strengthens national revenue, bolsters energy security, and fortifies the country’s economic foundation. More importantly, it renews belief in what can be achieved through consistent reforms, strong governance, and a performance-driven culture.

NEPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of NNPC Limited, continues to play a strategic role in Nigeria’s upstream sector, contributing to national targets even as the industry navigates fluctuating global conditions. Recent reports showed national crude production dipping slightly to 1.58 million barrels per day in October from 1.61 million bpd in September, underscoring the importance of sustained operational gains.

Against this backdrop, NNPC Ltd.’s broader vision remains clear. In November, the company set its sights on attracting $60 billion in investments by 2030, forging partnerships that can power Africa’s wider energy transformation.

With NEPL’s latest achievement, that vision appears not only achievable but closer than ever.

National Assembly showcases art exhibition by autistic Guinness World Record holder, Kanye

The quiet halls of the National Assembly Library came alive on Tuesday as lawmakers and guests gathered for an art exhibition unlike any other, one that blended creativity with a powerful call for national action on autism. 

At the heart of the event was Kanye, a young autistic painter whose extraordinary talent recently earned him a Guinness World Record for creating the largest painting on canvas. 

His vibrant works, displayed across the gallery, drew admiration from guests and sparked conversations about inclusion, awareness, and future legislation.

But the exhibition was more than a showcase of artistic genius. It marked a renewed commitment by the National Assembly to confront the stigma faced by thousands of children living with autism in Nigeria. As attendees studied Kanye’s expressive pieces, the parliament reaffirmed its resolve to pursue policies that promote acceptance and support for affected families.

Autism, a developmental condition that affects social communication and often presents through delayed speech, difficulty with interaction, and repetitive behaviours, remains misunderstood by many. Its causes, a complex mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors, are still widely debated. Yet the biggest challenge, speakers noted, is not the condition itself, but the silence and stigma surrounding it.

Maria Okafor, Founder of the RBM Autism Foundation, described the exhibition as a rare and meaningful platform for children on the spectrum. For many autistic children, she explained, spoken language is limited, but their creativity becomes a powerful voice. “This kind of storytelling through art is extremely important,” she said. “Kanye is a perfect example. His parents nurtured his talent, and today he is a Guinness World Record holder.” She urged the government to launch a nationwide awareness campaign, stressing that fear of stigma still discourages many parents from seeking early intervention and support.

Officials at the National Assembly echoed this concern. Henry Nwauba, a senior representative of the Assembly Library, said the institution aims to serve as a centre for dialogue on issues affecting vulnerable groups. The exhibition, he noted, aligns with the legislature’s broader commitment to inclusion. “While a specific autism bill may not yet exist, any policy that strengthens inclusion is one we support,” he said, adding that discussions from the event could inspire future legislative proposals. He also appealed for greater empathy toward autistic children and the caregivers who support them daily.

For Kanye’s family, the exhibition was deeply personal. His father, Mr. Okeke, shared how his son began painting at age five, turning what started as a pastime into a profound tool for advocacy and awareness. Hosting the exhibition with the National Assembly Library, he said, was part of their mission to use art to elevate conversations about autism, special needs, and the urgent policies families require. He highlighted the high cost of therapy and specialised support in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for legislation that guarantees affordable healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and accessible interventions.

He added that although autism is slowly gaining recognition nationwide, many communities still grapple with misinformation and stigma, making awareness efforts like this exhibition even more critical.

By the time the event ended, Kanye’s artworks had done more than decorate a gallery; they had ignited a renewed national dialogue. And for the children and families affected by autism, the National Assembly’s pledge offered a glimmer of hope that understanding, inclusion, and meaningful support may soon move from conversation to law.

Nigeria launches West Africa’s first Grade-A logistics hub

Nigeria has taken a bold step toward becoming West Africa’s logistics nerve centre with the launch of the region’s first Grade-A warehousing complex, a project poised to reshape trade flows across an $11bn market.

Unveiled in the Lekki Free Zone, TY Logistics Park FZE’s 29,000-square-metre flagship facility brings the kind of modern, systems-driven logistics infrastructure global companies have long considered missing in the region. For an economy where supply chain delays routinely erode profit margins, it represents something more than real estate, it is a statement of strategic intent.

Positioned beside the Lekki Deep Sea Port and minutes from the site of a future international airport, the park is designed to transform the speed, transparency and reliability of goods movement. With space for more than 45,000 pallet positions and a warehouse management platform engineered for near-perfect inventory accuracy, it aims to provide the consistency multinational brands have struggled to find in West Africa.

The development arrives at a pivotal moment. As Nigeria seeks to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area and cement the Lekki corridor as an industrial powerhouse, modern logistics is becoming a decisive competitive advantage. Infrastructure such as this strengthens the case for investment and offers manufacturers and distributors a reason to consolidate operations in Lagos.

Across West Africa, pressure has been mounting for companies to upgrade outdated and fragmented warehouse networks. Many facilities lack standardisation, temperature control, compliance systems or the technology required by industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics and FMCG. By contrast, TY Park introduces a level of reliability and interoperability that helps businesses avoid the hidden cost of lost hours, inaccurate records and unpredictable deliveries.

The facility’s operating model includes sector-specific procedures, cross-docking, pick-and-pack services and streamlined import-export processing under the Free Zone regime, features tailored to accelerate product flow and reduce inefficiencies.

Sustainability principles are embedded throughout, from solar-ready infrastructure to electric handling equipment and EDGE-certified design elements, reflecting the increasing priority of corporate environmental standards.

The park benefits from being embedded within a broader industrial ecosystem, where integrated residential and commercial zones create a ready-made environment for manufacturers, service providers and workers. This kind of master-planned development strengthens Nigeria’s pull as a destination for logistics investment by offering companies not just storage, but community, infrastructure and scalability.

Client onboarding has already begun, with full commercial operations expected to scale up in the coming weeks. Early demonstrations showcased the park’s digital command environment, providing real-time inventory visibility and audit-ready documentation, tools that help businesses navigate regulatory scrutiny and improve operational discipline.

TY Logistics Park is backed by Nigerian investors led by the Danjuma family, with strategic oversight anchored in private-sector expertise and long-term industrial vision. Its leadership team combines international logistics experience with deep local market knowledge, guiding the park’s mission to build a world-class supply chain platform for West Africa. The organisation’s governance emphasises innovation, operational discipline and sustainable infrastructure, positioning it as a catalyst for modern logistics and industrial development in Nigeria.

Ultimately, the facility is more than a building; it is a litmus test. Its success will reflect whether Nigeria can overcome historic challenges around infrastructure, policy fluidity and power reliability and prove its capacity to rival established logistics hubs in other parts of Africa.

If it performs as intended, TY Logistics Park could help reposition Nigeria not just as a point of consumption, but as a strategic production and distribution gateway for the region, an outcome that carries both economic promise and symbolic significance for Africa’s largest economy.

Nigeria Set for Stronger Q4 Growth as Analysts Project Up to 4.5% Expansion

Nigeria’s economy is poised for a stronger finish in 2025, with Afrinvest analysts projecting that Gross Domestic Product could expand between 4.3% and 4.5% in the fourth quarter. The outlook builds on recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, which showed real GDP rising 4.0% year-on-year in Q3 2025, outperforming the 3.9% recorded in Q3 2024, though slightly below the 4.2% seen in Q2.

Afrinvest attributes its forecast to seasonal growth drivers, including late harvest activity and festive-period spending, alongside improved foreign exchange supply and gradually easing price pressures, which are expected to support business sentiment and consumer purchasing power.

Nominal GDP also climbed sharply to N113.6 trillion in Q3, up 18.1% from N96.2 trillion a year earlier, reflecting the effect of higher price levels. Growth was anchored by the non-oil economy, which contributed 96.6% of total output, while oil accounted for just 3.4%.

The oil sector itself grew 5.8% year-on-year, helped by efforts to stabilise production and curb theft, with average output at 1.64 million barrels per day, higher than the same period last year. Agriculture expanded 3.8%, buoyed by harvests and higher export earnings; industry excluding oil rose 3.2%, showing softer momentum; while services remained the dominant driver, growing 4.2% on the back of ICT, finance and real estate activity.

Trade benefited from FX stability, rising 2.0%, while real estate eased slightly to 3.5%, reflecting weaker demand. Analysts caution that uncertainties around oil output, fiscal constraints, insecurity, and tight monetary conditions could limit the extent of the Q4 rebound.

Even so, Afrinvest suggests that Nigeria’s non-oil resilience and stronger holiday-driven spending could provide a favourable base for improved expansion heading into 2026.

SEC Nigeria Unveils New Digital Tools to Bring More Citizens into the Capital Market

Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will unveil two new digital platforms, an investor focused USSD service and an ISA Audio learning tool in a push to widen participation and improve accessibility across the capital market. 

The launch will take place during the fourth-quarter Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting on December 8 at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, with further engagement expected through a media briefing on December 9.

The new solutions reflect the regulator’s determination to break information barriers that have historically excluded millions of potential retail investors. Through the USSD channel, basic investment services will become accessible even to people without smartphones or internet access, enabling them to check account details, verify identity, and engage more easily with regulated market structures. Meanwhile, the ISA Audio platform seeks to make investor education more inclusive by delivering simplified voice-based content that can reach audiences with limited literacy or who prefer learning through spoken instruction.

SEC officials describe the rollout as part of a larger agenda to democratise access to market knowledge, strengthen confidence, and bring more Nigerians into wealth-building opportunities through regulated investments.

However, the product launch is only one component of a much broader conversation unfolding at the December CMC meeting. The forum is expected to examine emerging global economic trends and how they influence domestic markets, while also highlighting the increasing need for African capital market integration to support cross-border investment flows.

A major focus will be reviewing the Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP) and with the current plan scheduled to conclude in 2025, stakeholders will assess progress made since inception and begin mapping out the framework for its successor which is projected to guide market development through 2030. The review is targeted at ensuring that policy execution, market reforms and regulatory initiatives remain aligned with national economic priorities.

Discussions will also centre on deepening liquidity, expanding pension fund activity within capital markets and strengthening innovation through refined regulation, areas seen as vital for market competitiveness and growth. Delegates are expected to analyse recent tax reform legislation and how changes in the fiscal environment affect investment behaviour, market efficiency and foreign and domestic investor sentiment.

The CMC, comprising the SEC, operators, professional associations and policy stakeholders, was established as a hub for collective problem-solving, consultation and knowledge sharing. This quarter’s meeting will draw chief executives of brokerage firms, custodians, fund managers, investment advisers and other licensed market institutions.

Taken together, the launch of these digital platforms and the agenda for the CMC meeting underscore the SEC’s intensifying commitment to reposition the Nigerian capital market as an inclusive, technology-driven engine for economic growth. By expanding accessibility, enhancing communication and aligning reforms with global best practices, the Commission aims to create a market in which everyday Nigerians can participate confidently and meaningfully.

Nigeria Hosts the DJ World Festival This Detty December

Lagos is preparing to turn the spotlight on itself again, this time with a 96-hour sonic celebration positioned to redefine Detty December. 

The state will stage the AfroXela DJ Marathon, a four-day world festival running from December 29, 2025, through January 2, 2026, featuring no fewer than 100 DJs playing without pause.

According to the convener, Buchi Henry Mbagwu (popularly known as Bucci Henry), the event was born out of curiosity from international audiences who continually look to Lagos each December. “People in Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, France and Portugal kept asking what makes Lagos trend so hard at the end of the year,” he noted. Their fascination sparked the idea of turning the city’s famed nightlife into a festival worthy of global attention.

For many in the diaspora, the aim is simple: to feel the Lagos party atmosphere firsthand. This desire, Henry said, pushed organisers to craft an experience that matches the city’s rhythm.

 “We asked ourselves why a coastal city that parties endlessly shouldn’t have a festival to reflect that.”

A celebration anchored on DJs, he explained, felt natural, after all, Lagos is synonymous with entertainment. “There’s no party like a Lagos party, and DJs are the heartbeat.”

Initially, the group toyed with a 24-hour format, but after reviewing marathon attempts like DJ Obi’s and DJ Bella’s 250-hour records, their ambition grew. The new vision became a 96-hour non-stop music marathon, an immersive world-record attempt powered by a hundred turntables spinning simultaneously.

The timing was also intentional. Aligning the festival with New Year festivities adds global flavour, Henry said. The countdown begins at 6 p.m. on December 29 and runs straight into 2026, complete with fireworks and worldwide crossover moments.

Three beaches, Wave Beach, Kyma Beach and Athena Beach, will host different segments of the festival. While the main record attempt happens at Wave Beach, the event extends beyond music. AfroXela promises a mosaic of culture: food, fashion, fitness, yoga, Zumba, gospel sets, R&B, rap and hip-hop, with both free and ticketed experiences.

Henry admitted that putting the festival together has been demanding, but the goal is audacious, to stage Africa’s largest party celebration and beam it to over 100 countries. “This is about exporting Nigeria’s narrative,” he said. “We want the world to see Africa differently.”

On stage will be veterans like DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Neptune, DJ Humility and DJ Bombastic, alongside fresh names breaking into the industry. More than half of the performance slots are reserved for rising stars, including female DJs. Among them is Masked Queen Bella, Africa’s longest-playing record holder.

The AfroXela DJ Marathon is the official name of the event, organised under the AfroXela brand led by Henry, the founder and creator of the initiative.

Nigerian Army commissions state-of-the-art Wargaming Centre at AFCSC, Jaji

The Nigerian Army has strengthened its drive toward modern, technology-driven military training with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Department of Land Warfare, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State. 

The facility marks a significant upgrade in the Army’s training architecture, reinforcing its commitment to sharper operational planning, strategic thinking, and mission preparedness.

The centre was inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during an official visit to the institution. The Army leadership described the project as a forward-looking investment designed to enhance the intellectual depth, decision-making capacity, and battlefield readiness of officers. Through advanced simulations and scenario-based exercises, the Wargaming Centre will enable commanders and staff officers to rehearse operations, test strategies, and evaluate multiple courses of action in a controlled and realistic environment.

Wargaming has become a central feature of modern military training across the world. It allows forces to study complex security scenarios, anticipate adversary behavior, assess logistical demands, and reduce the uncertainty that accompanies real combat operations. 

For the Nigerian Army, which continues to confront challenges ranging from insurgency and banditry to internal security operations and peace support missions, this capability is expected to greatly improve coordination, response time, and mission effectiveness.

The strategic location of the facility within AFCSC further elevates its importance. As Nigeria’s foremost institution for training mid-level and senior officers of the Armed Forces, the college plays a critical role in shaping military leadership. The addition of the Wargaming Centre enhances the quality of instruction by blending classroom theory with practical, simulation-based decision-making. Officers undergoing command and staff courses will now be exposed to operational environments that closely mirror real-life combat situations.

Military authorities have indicated that the centre will go beyond routine academic training. It is expected to support real-time operational planning, doctrine development, and structured post-operation reviews. By allowing commanders to evaluate risks and outcomes before executing operations, the facility is designed to reduce casualties, minimise operational errors, and improve overall battlefield performance.

The inauguration of the Wargaming Centre also aligns with the Nigerian Army’s broader modernisation agenda. In recent years, the Army has intensified efforts to improve training standards, strengthen intelligence-driven operations, adopt new technologies, and enhance professionalism across its ranks. The new facility reflects a growing emphasis on data-driven warfare, joint operations, and adaptive military strategy suited to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.

Beyond its immediate use for training and planning, the centre is expected to serve as a platform for developing innovative doctrines and operational concepts tailored to Nigeria’s unique security environment. Over time, it may also support joint simulations involving other services of the Armed Forces and strengthen collaboration during combined exercises.

The long-term impact of the Wargaming Centre will, however, depend on sustained investment in skilled personnel, secure digital infrastructure, and continuous system upgrades. Military analysts note that the true value of the facility will be measured by how effectively lessons from simulations are translated into real battlefield operations and policy decisions.

Overall, the establishment of the Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at AFCSC, Jaji, represents a major milestone in the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda. By sharpening strategic thinking, strengthening operational planning, and improving command effectiveness, the facility is expected to play a vital role in enhancing national security and reinforcing the Army’s ability to respond decisively to contemporary security threats.

Beyond Oil: Nigeria’s Untapped Gold Future

Nigeria is richly endowed with mineral resources, and gold stands out as one of its most promising yet underdeveloped assets. For decades, crude oil has dominated national earnings, but emerging geological studies and recent mining reforms suggest that gold could become Nigeria’s next major source of foreign exchange, potentially rivalling petroleum in the future.

Across the country, gold deposits stretch through multiple belts, appearing in Zamfara, Osun, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, Oyo, Cross River, Bauchi and parts of the Federal Capital Territory. Zamfara remains one of the richest known belts, while Osun’s Ilesha axis hosts commercially viable reserves and is already attracting structured mining activity. Although verified figures vary, estimates indicate that Nigeria has over 200 metric tonnes of inferred gold deposits, suggesting substantial wealth beneath the soil that has yet to be fully explored or commercially harnessed.

Despite this potential, Nigeria’s gold sector continues to struggle with deep-rooted challenges. Mining remains largely informal and artisanal, resulting in unsafe practices, revenue loss and environmental damage. Insecurity in parts of the north-west disrupts mining and discourages investment, while inadequate geological data and limited industrial-scale mining capacity restrict large-scale operations. These obstacles have slowed the country’s ability to recognise and convert its true mineral value.

However, the landscape is beginning to change. The government has launched initiatives to formalise artisanal miners, improve geological mapping and enhance security around gold-bearing regions. Nigeria has established refining capacity and, significantly, the Central Bank has begun purchasing domestically produced gold for reserve purposes. This development reflects a strategic shift towards diversifying monetary assets and building gold-backed reserves, an approach used by nations like Ghana, Russia and Turkey to strengthen currency stability.

As reforms advance, gold could become a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria, providing an alternative to oil and offering resilience against global price shocks. With responsible governance, investment in exploration and better infrastructure, the country’s gold deposits could help reposition Nigeria as a rising mining economy.

Few nations possess the breadth of natural resources that Nigeria holds, oil, gas, bitumen, limestone, lithium, iron ore, coal, uranium, rare earth metals and significant gold belts. Harnessing this wealth could boost economic growth, drive industrialisation and increase global competitiveness. 

The future of Nigeria’s gold sector, though challenged, is bright, and if the current momentum is sustained, gold may well emerge as one of Nigeria’s most valuable strategic assets in the coming years.

Nigeria’s Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa Wins Africa’s Ecosystem Startup Coach of the Year

Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa has strengthened his reputation as one of Africa’s foremost innovation enablers following his recognition as Ecosystem Startup Coach of the Year at the 2025 Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit and Awards (ASEB), held in Addis Ababa from November 15 to 17. 

The annual summit, widely regarded as one of the continent’s leading platforms for honouring those shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems, received over 2,600 nominations from 52 countries,demonstrating a rising acknowledgment of ecosystem builders whose work fuels enterprise development but is often unseen.

Dr. Obiajunwa, Founder of Hutzpa Innovation Consulting and President of the Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship, earned the award for his long-standing contribution to innovation education, startup leadership, research commercialisation, and ecosystem strengthening across Africa. 

Over the last eight years, he has coached and mentored more than 5,000 innovators across 30 African countries, delivering impact through eight major programmes, four of which he personally built. 

His work cuts across innovation leadership, venture development, capacity building, and the translation of research into market-ready products, areas that increasingly define Africa’s economic competitiveness.His footprint includes roles in some of the continent’s most significant innovation and research initiatives. 

As Chief Facilitator of TETFund’s Research for Impact (R4i) Programme, he supports academics in converting scholarly output into commercially viable solutions. He also designed and facilitates WIPO Nigeria’s IP SALAYE Programme, which equips National Youth Service Corps members with business-building skills rooted in intellectual property education, an initiative that combines youth development with enterprise literacy.

Dr. Obiajunwa further founded Obichi PitchLab, a venture platform enabling students and early-career researchers to transform ideas into commercial ventures. 

His leadership also extended to international collaboration when he served as the pioneer Programme Manager of Israel’s Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) in Nigeria, helping prototype early-stage technologies across sectors.

These contributions are timely given Africa’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. Reports from organisations like AfriLabs, the African Development Bank, and Partech Africa highlight increasing startup activity, accelerating investment flows, and a demographic edge driven by the world’s youngest population. Yet they also reveal gaps, particularly in founder readiness, research translation, innovation management, and mentorship. Figures like Dr. Obiajunwa are emerging as key actors bridging these gaps by strengthening the systems that help founders thrive.

His win underscores a broader shift in how Africa values knowledge builders, programme architects, and research-to-impact practitioners. 

Nigeria, already recognised as one of the continent’s most active startup hubs, continues to produce influential founders but his recognition spotlights another class of nation-shapers: those who build the structures, skills, networks, and mindsets that enable innovation ecosystems to flourish.

The ASEB Award therefore represents more than personal achievement. It signals continental appreciation for ecosystem leadership and highlights the growing recognition that Africa’s future will depend not only on brilliant startups but also on the architects who develop talent, scale innovation capacity, and build pathways for research uptake and commercialisation.

Dr. Obiajunwa’s journey suggests that Africa’s progress will be accelerated from within, through people who teach, support, formalise, and elevate the next generation of innovators.

His milestone serves as encouragement to emerging ecosystem builders and young Africans aspiring to lead change: innovation flourishes where enabling structures exist, and those who build them are now receiving their place on the continental stage.

Nigerian Cybersecurity Prodigy Named Among Global Trailblazers

At a time when digital threats are escalating and nations are racing to secure their cyberspace, a young Nigerian has earned a coveted place on the global radar. Samuel Afolabi, widely known in the industry as LordSam, has been featured on the cover of the November edition of CIO Magazine, a leading U.S. technology publication based in Needham, Massachusetts. Listed among its “Trailblazing Cybersecurity Leaders to Watch in 2025,” Afolabi represents an emerging wave of African cyber talent gaining international influence.

While many achievers in technology follow traditional pathways, Afolabi’s ascent reflects the growing shift toward self-driven expertise. Peers describe him as a “cybersecurity multi-potentialite”—a rare talent whose versatility cuts across sectors including FinTech, E-Commerce, EdTech, Insurance, GovTech, and enterprise consulting. His journey, he says, began not in elite labs or well-funded classrooms, but with curiosity, experimentation, and a hunger to solve complex problems.

What makes his story compelling is not just capability but intentional growth. As digital transformation accelerates across Africa and the globe, cybersecurity has become a lifeline for institutions, economies, and governments. Afolabi has seized this moment, mastering a spectrum of disciplines: low-code software engineering, networking, data centre operations, cloud computing, infrastructure security, and ethical hacking. This depth has positioned him as a sought-after thinker in secure systems design and cyber-defence architecture.

Industry observers note that Afolabi embodies a new archetype of African innovation, self-trained yet globally certified; locally nurtured yet internationally validated. His credentials reflect this duality.

He is a Fellow of the Pan-African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance, a professional member of the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria, and a certified Ambassador of the Management & Strategic Institute in Pennsylvania, USA.

Beyond field practice, he has accumulated a portfolio of respected certifications from technology giants and governance bodies including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, CompTIA, EC-Council, GitHub, and Fortinet. These milestones not only signal competence but reinforce Nigeria’s growing presence in the global cybersecurity arena, an arena historically dominated by North America, Europe, and Asia.

His recognition by CIO Magazine is therefore more than an individual career highlight, it is symbolic of a larger narrative: the rise of African knowledge capital in critical digital disciplines. In a world facing cyber-attacks that cost trillions annually, leaders like Afolabi are not just innovators; they are strategic protectors of digital economies.

For young Africans pursuing technology pathways, his journey delivers a powerful message, opportunity belongs to those who build relentlessly, learn continuously, and dare to break ceilings. Afolabi’s ascent affirms what many global analysts increasingly observe: Nigeria, with its bold thinkers and resilient builders, is becoming a formidable contributor to the cybersecurity frontier.

A Nigerian mind at the table of Africa’s finest — Professor Rita Orji’s AAS induction inspires the next generation of innovators

When the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) unveiled its latest Fellows, the announcement carried more than prestige, it signaled a compelling affirmation of Africa’s intellectual firepower. Among those honoured is Professor Rita Orji, a globally recognized Nigerian scholar whose journey from humble beginnings to international research leadership speaks to the continent’s extraordinary pool of talent.

Today, Professor Orji stands as a world-renowned pioneer in persuasive technology and behaviour-change systems. Yet, her story began without access to a computer of her own, a reminder that brilliance often grows despite barriers, not because of privilege. Her induction into the AAS marks a defining moment, both for her career and for Africa’s evolving technological identity.

AAS honours leading scientists and researchers who have excelled in their disciplines. Selection is granted based on outstanding accomplishments,  including scholarly publications, groundbreaking innovations, leadership influence, and meaningful impact on society.

At Dalhousie University in Canada, where she leads the Persuasive Computing Lab, Professor Orji has built more than a research centre, she has cultivated a platform that champions African perspectives in science. Her work focuses on technology that improves mental and physical wellbeing, especially for underserved communities, aligning seamlessly with AAS’s vision of transforming lives across the continent.

Her appointment places her among an elite group of scholars shaping Africa’s future. She is one of only two women inducted in the engineering, technology and applied sciences category, a statistic she intends to help change. Beyond recognition, she sees this Fellowship as a vehicle to influence policy and elevate unheard voices.

“Technology must be designed with and for the communities it serves,” she has repeatedly emphasized. Now, she has a continent-wide stage to advance that conviction.

Professor Orji’s research transforms scholarly ambition into social impact, designing apps, AI-driven interventions, and behavioural systems that encourage healthier choices, empower vulnerable groups, and enhance digital inclusion. What makes her work different is not the technology alone, but its grounding in cultural context, a principle Africa urgently needs to further embrace as it builds its digital future.

Through the AAS network, her insights now have a direct line to policymakers in over 50 African countries. Instead of stopping at publications, her research can shape real decisions, influencing maternal health systems, youth development policies, sustainability initiatives, and AI governance frameworks.

Her message is clear: this Fellowship is a beginning. She is committed to mentoring emerging African scientists, especially women, accelerating representation in spaces where brilliance exists but opportunity is scarce.

Professor Orji’s appointment is not merely a personal triumph. It is a mirror to what the world often overlooks, Africa is not short of talent, only platforms. Her rise is a reminder that when opportunity meets ability, the results are world-class.

As Africa races toward a knowledge-driven future, voices like hers ensure the continent designs its destiny, not by imitation, but by innovation rooted in its own values, challenges, and vision.

In celebrating Professor Rita Orji, we celebrate a continent brimming with brilliance and the truth that Nigeria and Africa are not just participants in science; they are architects of the solutions the world has yet to imagine.

Nigeria’s Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye Named 2025 Global Activist Network (GAN) Impact Fund Awardee

Sometimes, change does not begin loudly. It begins quietly in classrooms, in community halls, in farms, or in the hearts of women who choose not to surrender to silence. This is the spirit behind the 2025 Global Activist Network (GAN) Impact Fund, which has chosen two African women whose life’s work is rewriting the narrative for young women across their nations.

One of them moves cities literally, by teaching women to ride scooters and bicycles. The other rebuilds futures by teaching girls to find their voices, their rights and their financial strength. Together, their stories show what happens when empathy becomes leadership and conviction becomes strategy.

From Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Nouran Farouk uses mobility as a bridge to inclusion. Her organisation, Dosy, trains women to control their movement and their job prospects through micromobility. More than 8,000 women have learned to ride under her guidance, with thousands gaining employment as a result. 

The second recipient, pulsing with urgency, defiance and hope, comes from Nigeria.

Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye does not simply advocate; she rebuilds. The founder of LEVAWG Initiative and CEO of Resilient Joy Agro Farms, Joy emerged from her own trauma determined to ensure no girl walks alone through violence, fear or voicelessness. Her mission is not abstract, it is deeply personal. She has taken her survival and alchemised it into systems that heal others.

Where some see victims, Joy sees leaders waiting for their turning point. She mentors girls, trains them in leadership, teaches reproductive health rights and uses storytelling as therapy and transformation. She is as comfortable guiding a young survivor through legal processes as she is helping a teenager learn how to raise poultry, manage income and discover independence. To her, dignity is not given; it is built.

Her journey has been shaped by knowledge as much as passion. A philosophy degree, business school exposure and gender advocacy certification equipped her with tools to design what she calls “the architecture of courage”, a model honouring both emotional well-being and economic empowerment. The reach of her work is staggering: more than 21,000 women and girls have benefited from her initiatives, some rescued, others strengthened, many inspired to speak and lead.

Awards have followed her impact, including the Princess Diana Award and a finalist position at the 2024 .ORG Impact Awards. Most recently, she carried Nigeria’s voice to the United Nations stage in Qatar at the Second World Summit for Social Development. Yet, in every recognition, she redirects attention back to the girls whose futures she is fiercely rewriting.

The GAN Impact Fund arrives as expansion fuel, a chance to deepen these transformations and multiply outcomes. It is not just another grant; it is an endorsement of the belief that the answers to community challenges often already live within the community. With GAN’s support, spaces where Nigerian girls grow braver and Egyptian women move freer will widen.

As their stories expand under GAN’s backing, they offer a truth worth repeating: when women lead from experience, the world shifts, not in theory, but in lives changed, doors opened and futures reclaimed.

Former UK PM Praises Imo’s Progress, Says He Felt ‘Perfectly Safe’ in Nigeria

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson concluded a notable visit to Nigeria on Thursday, offering strong reassurance to foreign investors and countering long-standing narratives about insecurity in the country. 

Speaking in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Johnson stated that he felt “perfectly safe” throughout his visit, a direct contrast to the warnings and negative security reports he had received before travelling.

Johnson attended the 2025 Imo State Economic Summit, where he addressed an audience of investors, policymakers, and business leaders. His presence at the summit was itself symbolic, given the hesitations many international visitors express about travelling to some parts of Nigeria. Johnson revealed that he had been cautioned extensively prior to his trip, but insisted that his first-hand experience contradicted those concerns. He asked the audience whether they felt safe at the event and, without hesitation, affirmed that he did.

Beyond security concerns, Boris Johnson shifted attention to Imo State’s development ambitions under Governor Hope Uzodimma. He praised the administration’s focus on infrastructure and economic modernization, particularly plans to provide 24-hour electricity across the state. Johnson described reliable power supply as foundational for economic growth and positioned it as part of a broader strategy to unlock new opportunities for industry and investment.

The former UK prime minister also emphasized the growing role of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, in transforming economies. He highlighted AI-driven solutions for clean, sustainable energy and argued that technology would shape the next phase of global economic competition. According to him, regions like Imo State, with clear development goals and a willingness to adopt advanced technologies, could benefit significantly from this shift.

Johnson referenced the longstanding economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, noting the exchange of professionals and the potential for deeper cooperation. His remarks suggested that Nigeria remains an important partner in trade, innovation, and human-capital exchange, particularly as it continues to refine its policies and investment frameworks.

For investors abroad, Johnson’s visit presented a nuanced message. While Nigeria’s security challenges remain real and unevenly distributed across regions, his positive experience underscored the importance of distinguishing between general national narratives and the conditions within specific states or sectors. His comments may encourage stakeholders to re-examine preconceived notions, identify regions with improving stability, and explore emerging opportunities in infrastructure, technology, and energy.

Johnson’s participation in the Imo State Economic Summit, combined with his public expression of confidence, may help shift international perception if paired with sustained improvements in governance, infrastructure, and safety. 

For Nigeria, such endorsements have the potential to attract renewed global interest but long-term progress will depend on consistent reforms that translate into measurable improvements for citizens and investors alike.

Nigeria Makes History as Champions of the Inaugural West Africa Para Games

Team Nigeria has etched its name in the annals of continental sports history by emerging as champions of the first edition of the West Africa Para Games, hosted in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The country dominated the multisport competition with an overwhelming medal haul, reaffirming its leadership in para-sports development within the sub-region.

The landmark event brought together para-athletes from several West African nations to compete across multiple disciplines including athletics, powerlifting, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and table tennis. Designed to promote inclusion, inspire talent, and strengthen regional sporting cooperation, the Games marked a major milestone for disability sports in Africa.

Nigeria emerged first on the medals table with 59 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze medals, reflecting the team’s exceptional depth, technical quality, and consistency across events. Benin Republic finished a distant second with four gold, four silver, and 14 bronze medals, while Ghana claimed third place with three gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze medals.

Officials attributed Nigeria’s success to years of investment in para-sports, improved training structures, and the resilience of athletes who have consistently showcased their abilities on both continental and global platforms. The victory also reinforces Nigeria’s long-standing dominance in Paralympic sports, where it has been a top performer internationally.

Beyond the medal glory, hosting the Games in Abeokuta highlighted Ogun State’s emerging reputation as a sports development hub. The smooth organisation of the event demonstrated Nigeria’s growing capacity to stage international para-sport competitions and foster unity through sport.

Stakeholders across the region hailed the West Africa Para Games as a turning point for para-athletes, expressing hope that subsequent editions will deepen collaboration, discover new talents, and elevate West Africa’s visibility in global disability sports.

As the inaugural champions, Team Nigeria’s historic performance not only celebrates athletic excellence but also highlights the nation’s enduring commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and sporting leadership across Africa.

Demfati: How Emmanuel Ekunke and His Team Are Simplifying Ticketing Through WhatsApp and Telegram

Demfati is emerging as one of Africa’s most relevant innovations in digital event infrastructure. Built by Nigerian technologist Emmanuel Ekunke and co-founders, Clement Donatus and Gracious (Besor) Ekunke, and headquartered in Calabar, the platform enables organisers to sell tickets, run events, manage RSVPs, collect payments, host voting and process digital forms, all directly through WhatsApp and Telegram. 

Demfati recognised early that while several ticketing tools exist in Africa, adoption remains low because people often distrust new platforms or avoid downloading unfamiliar apps. GSMA research supports this insight, showing that over 74% of Africans consider messaging apps their most trusted digital channel, while Meta reports that more than 50 million businesses already operate through WhatsApp.

Demfati solves this by embedding event infrastructure inside platforms that are already deeply woven into social and commercial life. Instead of forcing organisers to build websites or integrate multiple tools, Demfati provides an all-in-one SaaS ecosystem that manages everything from ticket creation and payments to verification, attendance tracking, voting integrity and digital receipts. 

In less than a year, the platform has processed millions in transactions, powered numerous events end to end, helped organisers scale and built strong user trust, with increasing reliance on Demfati to handle complex event operations seamlessly.

This approach reflects Africa’s event culture, where informal networks drive participation. The World Bank estimates that 85% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is informal, with churches, student unions, professional bodies, alumni groups, civic communities and creatives constantly organising gatherings, programmes and elections. Yet many lack access to reliable digital tools. Demfati lowers these barriers by offering a simple, familiar and cost-efficient system that works inside everyday chat environments.

Messaging platforms matter in this context. WhatsApp alone has more than 500 million users in Africa, making it arguably the continent’s largest digital marketplace. Telegram continues to grow for its privacy features and low data usage.

Industry analysts have reported the rise of WhatsApp-native businesses globally, signalling a shift toward chat-based commerce and automation. Demfati aligns with this movement but brings a distinctly African focus, digitising ticketing, participation, verification and payments in a way communities find intuitive.

Security, transparency and ease of use are core advantages. Automated QR codes, digital receipts, vote tracking and verified attendance help reduce fraud, gate-crashing and manual errors that often undermine events. Statista reports that youth digital payment adoption in Africa has passed 55%, meaning people are increasingly willing to transact within chat-based ecosystems, further validating Demfati’s model.

Ultimately, Demfati represents a new phase of African innovation where technology adapts to behavioural realities rather than demanding change. By situating event infrastructure inside the platforms people already live on, Emmanuel Ekunke and his team are not just building software, they are powering a modern event economy, making experiences more accessible, trustworthy and rewarding for organisers and participants across Africa.

Professor Rita Orji Wins Dalhousie University’s 2025 President’s Research Excellence Award for Research Impact

Dalhousie University has named Professor Rita Orji as the recipient of its 2025 President’s Research Excellence Award for Research Impact, one of the institution’s highest honours conferred on faculty whose work demonstrably improves society. The award recognises her pioneering research in persuasive computing, digital health innovation, and technologies for behaviour change, areas where she has become an international authority.

Professor Orji, a Canada Research Chair in Persuasive and Behaviour Change Computing, leads Dalhousie’s Persuasive Computing Lab. Her team develops digital tools and evidence-based technologies that promote healthier lifestyles, mental well-being, gender equity, disease prevention, and inclusive decision-making. With over 200 academic publications and multi-sector collaborations, her research has influenced how universities, public health bodies, and technology developers approach human-centred digital solutions.

This accolade adds to a fast-growing list of honours marking her leadership in Canada’s innovation ecosystem. In 2025, she was also named the recipient of the Thinking Forward Award at the Tech Forward Awards in Nova Scotia, recognising her role in shaping future-oriented technologies that bridge research and real-world application. In addition, she recently secured a national appointment to Canada’s Digital Research Council, the strategic advisory body that guides national digital research infrastructure planning and investment. 

Her success story mirrors a wider narrative: the global rise of Nigerian academics. Nigeria, with a median age of about 18 years, making it one of the youngest populations in the world, represents a dynamic and expanding talent pipeline. Its universities and communities have produced researchers, innovators, and professionals who increasingly shape knowledge economies across the world.

Nigerians who choose to advance their studies abroad continue to excel at the highest levels, leading laboratories, winning research chairs, publishing transformative work, and mentoring future thinkers. Professor Orji is emblematic of this trajectory, having built her academic foundation in Nigeria before emerging as one of Canada’s most influential research figures.

Dalhousie emphasised Professor Orji’s work not only for scholarly distinction but also for meaningful societal impact, a hallmark shared by many Nigerian academics in global institutions. Her research has helped underserved populations access digital health tools, informed technology design principles, and fostered inclusive innovation ecosystems.

Beyond scholarship, she is widely recognised for advancing equity, speaking on women in technology, and mentoring emerging researchers across continents. Her visibility and achievements continue to inspire young scientists, especially women and Africans seeking international research careers.

As the honours accumulate, Professor Orji’s positions amplify Canada’s research capacity while reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as a source of world-class intellectual capital. Her achievements, from the Dalhousie President’s Award to the Tech Forward Thinking Forward Award and her appointment to the Digital Research Council illustrate how diaspora excellence strengthens national innovation systems and contributes to global progress.

Her journey remains a beacon for Nigeria’s youthful demographic, reminding them that with knowledge, discipline, and purpose, their talent can create global impact.

Africa Chooses Nigeria to Lead Petroleum Regulation

Nigeria has been officially selected as the headquarters of the African Petroleum Regulators’ Forum (AFRIPERF), marking a major milestone in the country’s role within the continent’s energy governance structure. The decision came as Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of Nigeria’s Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Forum.

AFRIPERF brings together petroleum regulatory authorities across Africa to promote harmonised policies, regional cooperation, transparency, and sustainable energy governance. The Forum aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks, encourage investments, and support knowledge-sharing among member nations.

Nigeria’s selection as host reflects its influence in Africa’s oil and gas ecosystem, where it remains one of the largest producers and the most experienced regulatory jurisdictions. It also underscores the country’s recent reforms, particularly under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which have modernised upstream regulation and sought to drive efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.

Sixteen African countries endorsed the move, signalling a shared commitment to deeper collaboration in areas such as licensing standards, energy transition policy, safety regulations, local content advancement, and regional best practices. The decision represents growing recognition of Nigeria’s regulatory expertise and the NUPRC’s role in establishing progressive frameworks for the future of hydrocarbons management on the continent.

As pioneer Chairman of AFRIPERF, Engr. Komolafe is expected to lead efforts toward institutional development of the Forum, capacity building among regulators, and the creation of structured dialogue on the continent’s evolving energy landscape. His appointment places Nigeria at the centre of continental policy-making discussions, including areas such as decarbonisation strategies, cross-border investment rules, and the optimisation of Africa’s petroleum resources for economic growth.

With AFRIPERF headquartered in Nigeria, observers believe the country stands to benefit from increased visibility, knowledge exchange, and positioning in Africa’s ongoing push to reform the oil and gas sector in line with global changes.