Isinwa Chidozie Senator takes Nigeria’s male pageantry to Vietnam

Isinwa Chidozie Senator has emerged as Mr Universe Nigeria 2026 and Mr Cosmo Nigeria, earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Mister Cosmo International pageant in Vietnam in January.

The Imo State representative secured both titles at the grand finale of the Mr Universe Nigeria pageant held on Saturday at Skyview, The Lekki Coliseum, Lagos, beating contestants representing states from across the country.

The announcement came after a tense final moment at the event, with Mr Lagos seen holding Senator’s hand shortly before the anchor declared Mr Imo the winner. The announcement drew applause from the audience.

“The winner for Mr Cosmo Nigeria and Mr Universe 2026 is Mr Imo,” the anchor announced in a video of the event shared by the Nigerian organisers.

A fashion model and sports enthusiast, Senator is an alumnus of Imo State University, where he previously served as Mr Imo State University. His latest success adds to an established record in male pageantry, having finished as first runner-up at a previous edition of Misters of Nigeria before returning to compete for the national title.

The victory comes with prizes valued at more than N7m, including a brand-new car, cash awards and other gifts. More significantly, it places Senator on an international platform, where he will compete against representatives from other countries at the Mister Cosmo International pageant in Vietnam.

Other honours were presented at this year’s competition. Mr Lagos finished as first runner-up, while Mr Edo was second runner-up. Mr Benue won the Gentlemanx Top Model category, Mr Enugu clinched the Mister Tourism Africa Nigeria title and Mr Ogun was crowned Man of the Year.

Organised to select Nigerian representatives for international male pageants, the Mr Universe Nigeria competition brings together contestants from different states in a national contest that provides a pathway to global competitions.

For Senator, that pathway now leads to Vietnam, where he will represent Nigeria after adding Mr Universe Nigeria 2026 and Mr Cosmo Nigeria to his growing list of pageantry achievements.

John Alamu and the Push to Keep More of Nigeria’s Cocoa Value at Home

Nigeria has the farmers, it has the cocoa, it has the land and climate to produce a crop demanded around the world. What Nigeria has struggled to do is capture enough of the value created from that cocoa.

John Alamu is trying to change that.

Through Johnvents, the Nigerian entrepreneur has moved from aggregating cocoa from smallholder farmers to processing the beans into cocoa butter, liquor and cake, building industrial capacity in Ondo State and expanding into international markets.

His story is therefore not simply about cocoa production but what happens after the crop leaves the farm and whether more of that economic activity can take place in Nigeria.

Alamu established Johnvents in 2016, initially financing harvests, aggregating cocoa and selling raw beans. The company eventually moved into processing, taking a position further along the value chain.

That decision has transformed Johnvents into one of Nigeria's largest cocoa processors.

From cocoa beans to industrial processing

The economics of the business explain the attraction.

A tonne of raw cocoa earns about $8,000. Processing it into cocoa butter can raise its value to roughly six times that amount, while chocolate can command up to 30 times the value.

For Nigeria, the difference represents an opportunity to turn an established agricultural strength into greater industrial activity.

Johnvents began producing cocoa butter, liquor and cake and expanded its processing operations in Ondo State.

In 2021, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, then governor of Ondo State, commissioned the company's 15,000-tonne facility in Akure.

The following year, Johnvents won Best Cocoa Dairy Company in Nigeria at the BusinessDay Leadership Awards.

The company's biggest expansion came in 2023, when Johnvents acquired Premium Cocoa Products Ile-Oluji, one of Nigeria's oldest cocoa-processing plants.

The facility has an installed annual capacity of 30,000 tonnes. The acquisition made Johnvents Nigeria's largest cocoa processor by installed capacity.

The company has also distributed agricultural inputs to 6,000 farmers in Ondo State and says it works with more than 10,000 farmers.

The farmers behind the factory

The factory is only as strong as the supply chain feeding it. That puts smallholder farmers at the centre of Johnvents' model.

The company's relationship with farmers includes cocoa aggregation, financing and agricultural inputs. For farmers, such links can provide access to finance and markets. For a processor, they help secure the supply and quality of cocoa needed to keep production running.

Alamu's familiarity with rural communities predates Johnvents, it began with a small lending operation that would eventually become the foundation of a much larger business career.

The ₦100,000 beginning

Born on August 21, 1992, Alamu studied statistics at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State.

His early career included work with Catholic Relief Services and the International Fertilizer Development Center, where he was involved in monitoring, evaluation and agricultural development.

In 2014, while still in his early twenties, he had ₦100,000, worth about $550 at the time.

He used the money to lend small sums to farmers and market women in rural communities.

The operation continued until 2018, when it was incorporated as CreditAssist Investment Limited after expanding across Nigeria. It later developed into CapitalSage Technology and CapitalSage Holdings.

CapitalSage subsequently grew into a diversified financial-services group, with Kolomoni Microfinance Bank providing savings, loans and USSD banking in Nigeria and The Gambia.

The group also includes businesses covering payments, structured lending, asset management and capital markets, with a distribution network of more than 60,000 agents and merchants across Nigeria.

The financial-services experience is an important part of Alamu's background, but Johnvents has taken his business journey into a different arena: industrial production.

International confidence in Johnvents

The scale of the cocoa business attracted major international financing.

In February 2025, British International Investment, the UK's development finance institution, committed $40.5 million in long-term financing to the Johnvents group.

The funding was directed to Premium Cocoa Products Ile-Oluji, which had been operating at about 13,000 tonnes against its 30,000-tonne installed capacity.

The financing is supporting machinery, refurbishment and expansion aimed at increasing production.

Benson Adenuga, head of BII's Nigeria office, said the investment would help address structural barriers in the cocoa industry, benefit local farmers and improve Nigeria's trade balance.

Jonny Baxter, the British deputy high commissioner in Lagos, said the UK was proud to support sustainable investment that creates jobs.

The investment also places greater expectations on Johnvents to turn its installed capacity into productive capacity.

Preparing for global markets

Johnvents has committed to achieving 100 per cent cocoa traceability by 2027, with at least 90 per cent certified.

The target comes as European Union rules place greater emphasis on deforestation risks and supply-chain documentation for commodities entering its market.

For Johnvents, traceability means being able to establish where its cocoa comes from and follow its journey through the supply chain.

That is becoming increasingly important for Nigerian companies seeking to compete in major international markets.

Financing the expansion

In October 2025, Johnvents Industries issued its Series 20 commercial paper under a ₦100 billion programme, with the issue worth about $67.5 million.

The 270-day note carried an implied annual yield of roughly 23 per cent and opened on October 17 before closing on October 24.

The proceeds were intended for working capital as the company increased production in Ondo State and expanded exports.

Series 20 followed 19 earlier issues.

The borrowing provides another source of funding for expansion, but the cost also underscores the financial demands of running a large manufacturing operation.

Raw materials must be purchased, equipment maintained and production sustained before finished products generate revenue.

Beyond cocoa

Alamu's business interests now extend beyond Johnvents.

Johnvents Foods operates in consumer products, while Best Western Hospital represents the group's healthcare interests.

CapitalSage's financial-services businesses operate across Nigeria, The Gambia, Kenya and the UAE, while Johnvents' export activities reach markets across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

In April 2026, CapitalSage restructured its board, introducing independent oversight and appointing a new chief executive for its financial-services businesses. Alamu said the changes were intended to strengthen accountability as the organisation expanded.

He has also received the Business Conglomerate Leadership Award at the Marketing Edge Awards and has become a regular speaker on Nigeria's economic diversification.

Yet the cocoa business remains the clearest expression of one of the ideas running through his entrepreneurial journey: Nigeria can do more with what it already produces.

The bigger Nigerian story

John Alamu's cocoa journey raises a question that extends beyond one company.

Nigeria has spent decades producing agricultural commodities for global markets. The next stage is to build more of the industries that process those commodities, employ people around them and take higher-value products into those same markets.

Johnvents is attempting that with cocoa.

The company has moved from aggregation to processing, expanded its industrial footprint and acquired a facility capable of processing 30,000 tonnes annually.

Whether that capacity ultimately translates into sustained production, stronger farmer incomes, more jobs and greater export earnings will depend on execution, access to capital, reliable supply and the ability to compete in demanding global markets.

However, the direction is clear.

Alamu began his business journey with ₦100,000 used to lend money to farmers and market women.

More than a decade later, his businesses employ more than 2,000 people and work with over 10,000 farmers across a growing international footprint.

The more significant part of the journey, however, is what he is building around Nigerian cocoa as the opportunity is no longer simply to grow the crop but to process it, manufacture with it and take more of its value from Nigerian farms to global markets.

For Nigeria, that is the difference between being a major producer and building a major industry.

At 23, Delta University Student Takes the Throne of a 400-Year-Old Kingdom

At 23, while many of his peers may be focused on university studies and building their careers, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu has assumed a centuries-old traditional responsibility.

The Microbiology undergraduate of Delta State University, Abraka, is now the traditional ruler of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prince Daniel was formally installed on Thursday as the 11th Ajeh of Ekwuoma, succeeding his late father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu.

His father was the 10th Ajeh and reigned for 18 years as Ezeagu-Ukpo I. Following the completion of his burial rites, Daniel assumed the royal title Ezeagu-Ukpo II.

His succession follows Ekwuoma’s traditional system of primogeniture, which recognises the first son of a reigning monarch as heir to the throne. According to the community, the practice has been maintained since the kingdom was founded nearly 400 years ago.

Daniel’s installation marked the end of his father’s 18-year reign and the beginning of a new chapter for Ekwuoma, with the 23-year-old becoming one of the youngest monarchs in the community’s history.

The installation ceremony attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, government representatives, academics, members of the royal family, friends and well-wishers. Traditional rites were performed to mark the transfer of the institution to the new monarch, followed by prayers and goodwill messages.

Speaking after his installation, Daniel thanked the people for accepting him and pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of Ekwuoma.

He also promised to promote peace, unity and development, urging residents to work together and support efforts to move the kingdom forward.

The new Ajeh called for greater cooperation among the traditional institution, government and residents in addressing challenges facing the community. He also urged the sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to avoid divisions that could hinder its progress.

Chief Ernest Njokede, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of Ekwuoma, congratulated Daniel and expressed confidence in his ability to lead.

Njokede prayed for wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance for the young monarch. He urged residents to support Daniel and place the interests of Ekwuoma above personal differences.

He also paid tribute to the late King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, describing his 18-year reign as a period of service, peace and commitment to the welfare of the people.

Njokede urged the community to preserve the late monarch’s legacy while supporting his successor.

“Ekwuoma belongs to all of us. It is our collective heritage. Let us treasure and guard it jealously, for we are the envy of numerous less fortunate communities around us,” he said.

He stressed that developing Ekwuoma should not be left to the traditional ruler and chiefs alone.

“Community development is not the sole responsibility of the traditional institution or the chiefs; it is a shared responsibility that calls for the commitment of all sons and daughters of Ekwuoma and other residents of the kingdom,” he added.

For King Daniel, the new role brings together two very different worlds: university education and traditional leadership and as he navigates his Microbiology studies, he will now also carry the responsibility of leading a kingdom whose traditions date back nearly four centuries.

Nigerian Professor Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu Appointed Dean of Canadian University’s College of Law

Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, a Nigerian-born legal scholar and professor, has been appointed dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.

She will begin a five-year term on October 1, 2026, succeeding Professor Martin Phillipson, who has completed two five-year terms in the position. Professor Doug Surtees, the current interim dean, will remain in office until September 30.

Odumosu-Ayanu joined the University of Saskatchewan College of Law in 2008 and has since taken on a series of academic responsibilities. She is currently a professor and associate dean for research and graduate studies, roles that have placed her at the centre of the college’s research and graduate education programmes.

Her academic foundation was laid in Nigeria, where she earned her LLB from the University of Lagos. She subsequently continued her studies in Canada, obtaining an LLM from the University of Calgary and a PhD from the University of British Columbia.

Her scholarship has earned international recognition, particularly in the field of business and human rights. She has also helped develop research collaborations involving scholars and academic institutions across different countries.

Teaching and mentorship have been another important part of her work. She regularly supervises graduate students in law and interdisciplinary programmes, contributions that have earned her recognition within the University of Saskatchewan. In 2012, she received the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching, followed by the USask InterD Advisor Award in 2026.

Away from her academic work, Odumosu-Ayanu has contributed to professional and community life across Saskatchewan and Canada. Her service includes involvement with professional associations, academic journals and community organisations, among them the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.

Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president, academic at the University of Saskatchewan and chair of the search committee, said the appointment reflects Odumosu-Ayanu’s record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership and commitment to research and graduate education.

McDougall said she would build on the College of Law’s established reputation in legal education and research while strengthening its leadership in Indigenous legal scholarship and its engagement with local and global communities.

For a Nigerian scholar who began her legal education at the University of Lagos, the appointment marks a significant rise to one of the senior leadership positions within Canada’s university system. It also places years of scholarship, teaching, mentorship and service behind a new responsibility: leading the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law from October 1.

Odumosu-Ayanu’s achievement stands as another strong example of the depth of Nigerian talent making its mark in institutions far beyond the country’s borders.

Nigerian Embassy in Vietnam rallies support for Soye ahead of Miss World final

The Nigerian Embassy in Vietnam has thrown its weight behind Tamunosoye Karibi-George, popularly known as Soye, as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the grand finale of the 73rd Miss World Festival.

In a statement issued in Hanoi, the Embassy described Soye as a proud ambassador of Nigeria's cultural heritage and the country's growing pool of talented young people.

The diplomatic mission said her participation has provided another opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its culture, identity and youthful talent on one of the world's biggest international platforms.

“As she carries the Nigerian flag with pride, the Embassy wishes Tamunosoye every success throughout the Festival and in the competitions ahead,” the statement said.

The Embassy also called on Nigerians resident in Vietnam, as well as friends and supporters of Nigeria, to rally behind Soye and cheer her on as she enters the decisive stage of the competition.

Soye has already earned an automatic place in the Top 40 quarterfinals after making history by winning the Africa's Top Model title at the Miss World Festival.

Her campaign has also attracted strong support from a Nigerian delegation in Vietnam, including Professor Steve Azaiki, Dawari George and Silverbird's Guy Murray-Bruce.

The Miss World grand finale is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, in Vietnam, where Soye will join contestants from around the world in the final contest for the crown.

With her automatic qualification into the Top 40 and the backing of Nigerians at home and abroad, Soye goes into the final stage carrying both the Nigerian flag and the hopes of a growing number of supporters across the country.

Kanyinsola Ajayi Makes Nigerian History in Diamond League Final

Kanyinsola Ajayi has added a rare distinction to an already outstanding year, becoming the first Nigerian to claim a podium place in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League final.

The 21-year-old clocked 9.97 seconds in Brussels on Friday to finish third in a race won by Jamaica’s Oblique Seville in 9.90 seconds. Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme took second in 9.93 seconds.

Ajayi’s latest achievement comes months after he produced the run that changed the standing of Nigerian sprinting. His 9.84-second performance set a new national record in the men’s 100m, ending Olusoji Fasuba’s 20-year reign as Nigeria’s record-holder in the event.

The sprinter has also delivered on the championship stage. At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, he won bronze for Nigeria in the men’s 100m.

His emergence had already been evident earlier in the year when he swept the men’s sprint titles at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships, winning the 60m indoor and 100m outdoor events.

The outdoor title came in a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds, putting Ajayi joint sixth with Jamaican sprint great Asafa Powell on the all-conditions list of the world’s fastest sprinters.

Only Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Yohan Blake, Obadele Thompson and Andre De Grasse have run faster.

The Brussels podium now gives Ajayi another entry in Nigeria’s athletics record book. In the space of one season, he has combined an NCAA double, a Commonwealth Games medal, a national record and a Diamond League final podium, a sequence of results that has firmly established his name among the country’s leading sprinters.

Nigerian Journalist Charles Anyiam’s Debut Book Selected for Berlin International Bookclub Spotlight

Charles Anyiam, the Los Angeles-based Nigerian journalist and editor, has received international recognition as his debut book, How to Win All the Time – Power Quotes to Live By, was selected for the Author Spotlight Programme of the Berlin International Bookclub in Germany.

Released about a week ago, the book is available on Amazon and is the first in a series of wisdom-focused publications under the Charles Anyiam Project (CAP), the creative writing division of The African Times Publications Inc.

The Berlin International Bookclub said the book caught its attention for treating wisdom as something readers can examine and put to use in their everyday lives.

In a letter to Anyiam signed on behalf of the organisers by Tatiana Schirinzi, the club pointed to the range of subjects covered in the book, from character, leadership and relationships to resilience, purpose, prosperity and decision-making in difficult times.

The organisers also highlighted Anyiam’s treatment of mindset and its place in achieving meaningful victories. They said the ideas would speak to readers dealing with uncertainty, difficult choices, adversity, relationships and personal ambitions.

Anyiam welcomed the recognition, describing it as an honour and a source of fresh encouragement for his work in the wisdom genre.

“On behalf of my team, I am humbled by the honour and recognition of my debut book,” he said.

“This is actually the first in the series of books in the wisdom genre to be published by the Charles Anyiam Project (CAP), the creative writing division of The African Times Publications Inc.

“I am also working on other books in different fields. With this recognition by the Berlin Bookclub, I am doubly encouraged.”

Anyiam’s literary venture comes against the backdrop of a long career in journalism and public affairs.

Based in Los Angeles, California, he is editor-in-chief of The African Times/USA, a US national news journal that has been published for 35 years. He is an alumnus of the original Daily Times of Nigeria and has worked as a media analyst, adviser, investor representative, public speaker and diplomat.

He also chairs the Africa Achievement Awards committee, which organises the Africa-themed event traditionally held at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

In business and policy circles, Anyiam is a managing partner of the Africa Consult Group, the investment and think-tank arm of The African Times Publications Inc., publishers of The African Times/USA.

With his first book now receiving attention from an international book club in Germany, Anyiam is extending a career rooted in Nigerian journalism into the wider world of ideas and publishing.

ProTaxi: Nigerian-Owned E-Hailing Platform Set to Launch on October 1

A new Nigerian-owned mobility platform is preparing to enter the country’s competitive ride-hailing market, with PromiseLand Innovations Limited set to unveil ProTaxi on October 1, 2026.

The platform arrives at a time when the cost of running vehicles and getting around Nigerian cities has become an increasingly important concern for both drivers and passengers. Rather than simply replicate existing ride-hailing models, PromiseLand says ProTaxi has been developed with the Nigerian market at its centre, combining digital ride booking with affordability, safety, reliability and cleaner transportation.

ProTaxi will allow passengers to request rides from their locations and connect with available drivers through its digital platform. Riders will have access to personalised location features, multiple payment options, trip information and receipts, while safety measures will include driver verification, real-time tracking, ratings and reviews.

The platform will also allow passengers to share their live locations with family members and friends, giving them the ability to follow their journeys in real time.

For drivers, the proposition is built around flexibility. They will be able to determine when and how often they work, giving them the opportunity to fit driving around their individual schedules while earning through the platform. PromiseLand says the model is intended to create sustainable income opportunities for drivers without compromising the reliability and affordability expected by passengers.

A major part of the company’s vision, however, lies in what happens beyond the digital booking of rides. PromiseLand is placing electric vehicles and clean-energy transportation at the heart of its longer-term mobility strategy.

The company believes  adoption of cost-effective electric vehicles could reduce the expenses faced by drivers, potentially helping to support competitive fares for passengers while contributing to cleaner urban transportation. Its ambition is eventually to establish ProTaxi as a leading eco-friendly ride-hailing platform in Africa.

“We believe getting around should be easy, affordable, and environmentally responsible,” the company said.

The launch also signals a new chapter for PromiseLand Innovations Limited, whose activities have largely centred on real estate. The company is pursuing an initiative to develop 100,000 housing units across Nigeria, beginning with the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Its entry into mobility therefore represents an expansion into another essential part of everyday life. With ProTaxi, the PromiseLand brand is moving beyond housing solutions and into technology-driven transportation, seeking to apply locally developed technology to one of the practical challenges Nigerians encounter every day.

The platform is owned by businessman and entrepreneur Amb. Lawrence Oloche, who also leads PromiseLand’s real estate operations and serves as CEO of ProTaxi.

For PromiseLand, the objective is not merely to introduce another name into Nigeria’s e-hailing industry but to demonstrate the potential of indigenous technology, create economic opportunities for drivers and promote cleaner forms of transportation while responding to the realities of the Nigerian operating environment.

Ahead of its official unveiling on October 1, the ProTaxi rider application is available on both iPhone and Android devices.

NELFUND Crosses N355 Billion Mark in Student Financing, Supports Nearly 1.66 Million Applications

For thousands of Nigerian students, the cost of staying in higher education is no longer being left entirely to families.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has now disbursed N355.87 billion under the Federal Government’s student loan programme, marking a major expansion of the scheme since applications opened on May 24, 2024.

NELFUND’s latest Student Loan Disbursement Status Report, generated on September 3, 2026 and published on its official X account on Thursday, puts the number of processed applications at 1,659,853.

The money has been split between institutions and students. N192.89 billion has been paid to 319 beneficiary institutions for institutional fees, while N162.98 billion has been released directly to students as upkeep allowances.

Together, the two components bring the programme’s total disbursement to N355.87 billion.

The scale of the intervention has changed considerably over the past year. In March 2026, NELFUND reported that it had disbursed N206.29 billion to 1,164,222 beneficiaries, with 1,734,985 applications received at the time.

By August 19, 2026, disbursements had risen to N322.69 billion. The institutional payment at that stage stood at N192.89 billion to 319 institutions, while students had received N129.80 billion in upkeep allowances.

The latest report shows that the institutional payment figure remains at N192.89 billion, while upkeep disbursements have risen from N129.80 billion to N162.98 billion.

The student loan programme was introduced to tackle one of the most persistent barriers to tertiary education: the ability of students and their families to meet the financial demands of university and other higher institutions.

Its reach has grown alongside the number of applications being processed, although the expansion has also exposed weaknesses that NELFUND has had to address.

In January 2026, the fund disclosed N927.98 million in unpaid upkeep allowances owed to 11,685 students. It linked the outstanding payments to failed transactions, network downtime and unvalidated bank details.

Further complaints emerged in July, when some beneficiaries raised concerns about delays in receiving their upkeep allowances.

NELFUND has also been changing the machinery behind tuition payments. In July, the fund announced plans to replace its system of paying tuition fees directly to tertiary institutions with a digital token-based system.

The proposed system is expected to give students greater control over tuition payments and help reduce cases of double payment.

The expansion of NELFUND is taking place alongside other Federal Government spending on tertiary education.

In July, the Federal Government said it had invested more than N1 trillion in tertiary education over two years, with the funding directed towards infrastructure, institutional capacity and efforts to reduce the financial obstacles confronting students.

Among the projects and interventions cited were N250 billion for new hostels, more than N150 billion for the rehabilitation of hostels, classrooms, engineering workshops and other academic facilities, and over N130 billion for medical school rehabilitation.

Taken together, the figures point to an attempt to address both sides of Nigeria’s tertiary education challenge: improving the institutions where students learn while making it easier for students to afford their education.

NELFUND’s N355.87 billion disbursement reflects the rapid growth of a national student financing system that has processed nearly 1.66 million applications in just over two years.

The next measure of its impact will not simply be how much more money is released, but how consistently students receive it, how efficiently institutions are paid and how effectively the system can scale without leaving beneficiaries waiting for the support they were approved to receive.

Kogi Unveils ₦8.55bn Social Investment Plan for 281,750 Beneficiaries

Kogi State is set to roll out a proposed ₦8.55bn social investment package that could reach 281,750 people across all 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

The proposed intervention brings together cash transfers, livelihood assistance, climate-smart employment, community infrastructure, agricultural support and an expanded social register, placing vulnerable households and grassroots communities at the centre of the programme.

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the Kogi State Commissioners’ Forum, Asiwaju Idris, disclosed the details on Thursday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a meeting of the Commissioners’ Forum.

According to him, the proposed beneficiaries and expenditure are contained in a summary covering various Disbursement-Linked Indicators under the state’s social investment interventions.

One of the largest components is the expansion of the State Social Register. Through the State Operations Coordinating Unit under DLI 4.1 and DLI 4.2, the government plans to capture 250,000 beneficiaries across the 21 LGAs at an estimated cost of ₦300.55m.

The agricultural component is also expected to reach thousands of people. Under FADAMA’s DLI 2.1 and DLI 2.3, some 7,350 beneficiaries are projected to receive support through agricultural inputs and assets, with ₦1.854bn earmarked for the intervention.

For communities requiring basic services and infrastructure, the Community and Social Development Agency, through DLI 1.4A, is proposing support equivalent to 1,000 beneficiaries per community across the 21 LGAs. The estimated cost is ₦2.072bn.

The plan also provides for direct livelihood support and employment opportunities.

Under the Social Cash Transfer Unit, DLI 1.1 is expected to provide support to 5,000 people across the state’s 21 LGAs, with a projected cost of ₦1.237bn.

A separate SCTU intervention, DLI 1.3A, is designed to provide livelihood support to another 15,000 beneficiaries across Kogi State at an estimated cost of ₦2bn.

Meanwhile, the Labour-Intensive Public Works component under DLI 1.5A is projected to engage 3,400 people in climate-smart public works across the 21 LGAs. The programme carries an estimated cost of ₦1.088bn.

The proposed package puts Kogi’s 21 LGAs at the heart of the intervention, with support spanning household assistance, employment, farming and community development. Its success, however, will ultimately be measured by how effectively the funds reach the people and communities listed as beneficiaries.

University of Ibadan Makes History with Nigeria’s First Faculty of Physiotherapy

The University of Ibadan has established Nigeria’s first Faculty of Physiotherapy, marking a major development in the country’s health-professions education and extending the institution’s pioneering contribution to the field.

The university’s Senate approved the elevation of the Department of Physiotherapy to a full-fledged faculty within the College of Medicine at its meeting on Monday, 31 August 2026.

The new faculty will comprise five departments: Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, Neurological Physiotherapy, Sports and Recreational Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy.

The decision comes after decades of expansion in physiotherapy education, specialist training, research and clinical practice at the University of Ibadan. It provides a broader academic structure for developing specialised areas of the profession while creating greater scope for advanced teaching, research, curriculum development, staff development and clinical innovation.

The institution’s involvement in physiotherapy education dates back to October 1957, when Miss S. M. Evans, then Vice-Chairman of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, London, was invited by the Nigerian Government to assess facilities for physiotherapy training in Nigeria and make recommendations.

Initial plans focused on establishing a School of Physiotherapy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The initiative eventually led the University of Ibadan Senate to approve a three-year degree programme in Physiotherapy in May 1964.

The first two students entered the B.Sc. (Physiotherapy) programme in October 1966. At the time, the programme had only one Associate Lecturer and no dedicated facilities, with teaching conducted in makeshift classrooms within the University College Hospital.

Its institutional journey subsequently passed through several stages. From 1966 to 1971, it was administered through the Dean’s Office. It became part of the Orthopaedic Unit of the Department of Surgery from 1971 to 1977 and then operated as a Physiotherapy Unit of the Department of Surgery from 1977 to 1981.

Full departmental status came in 1981, after which the programme continued to expand its academic offerings, facilities, staffing, research activities and specialist fields.

The undergraduate programme progressed from the B.Sc. Physiotherapy degree to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy and later the Doctor of Physiotherapy. Postgraduate education also grew to include Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programmes covering major areas of specialisation.

Those areas include Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, Neurological Physiotherapy, and Sports and Recreational Physiotherapy.

The department now has 12 academic staff members, including four Professors, with all but two holding doctoral degrees. It also has a newly constructed facility donated in honour of Dr. Thompson Abayomi Oshin, the first African trained physiotherapist and a pioneer of Physiotherapy training in Nigeria.

The progression from a two-student programme operating without dedicated facilities to a faculty with multiple departments reflects the growing depth and complexity of physiotherapy as a health profession.

It also builds on the University of Ibadan’s longstanding contribution to manpower development and specialist training in Nigeria and across West Africa.

The new faculty is expected to strengthen that role by providing an institutional framework for focused specialist education, interdisciplinary collaboration and research. Its work will be guided by the vision of becoming “a world-class physiotherapy training and research centre.”

Its mission is to deliver high-quality education and research, advance the science and practice of physiotherapy specialities, and equip students and professionals with the expertise, critical thinking and ethical principles needed for excellence in education, clinical practice and research.

The establishment is also a recognition of the people who built the discipline at the university over successive generations from its early pioneers and academic and clinical staff to alumni who have taken their training and expertise across Nigeria and beyond.

For the University of Ibadan, the Senate’s approval represents both the institutional growth of a discipline it helped pioneer and a commitment to its future.

From the first two students admitted in 1966 to the creation of Nigeria’s first Faculty of Physiotherapy in 2026, the University of Ibadan’s journey reflects nearly seven decades of development in education, research and professional training.

The next chapter will now be written through a faculty designed to advance physiotherapy education and practice in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

UNILAG Professor Develops Patented Nanotech Coatings to Tackle Lead Risks in Paint

A University of Lagos professor has developed patented bio-based coating solutions using nanotechnology, opening a new research pathway for addressing health and environmental concerns linked to lead in paints while improving protection against microbial deterioration.

Prof. Olayide Obidi, Head of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Lagos, presented the work during her inaugural lecture, titled “From Micro to Nano: The Colourful Voyage of an Industrial Microbiologist,” at the Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG campus, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Obidi’s interest in paint research grew from her examination of challenges within Nigeria’s paint industry, including the use of lead to extend the shelf life of paints. She described lead as a cumulative neurotoxin associated with serious health consequences such as developmental problems, organ failure and death.

Her research subsequently introduced nanomaterials into the Nigerian paint industry. A comparative evaluation of conventional biocides and green-synthesised nanoparticles for microbial inhibition showed significant improvement in controlling paint microflora through nanotechnology.

“We have successfully produced the first bio-based solutions for coatings. These have been patented and are ready to be commercialised,” Obidi said.

The professor used the lecture to make a case for stronger links between universities and industry. She argued that scientific discoveries should progress beyond academic laboratories and become products and services capable of solving societal problems.

“There is a need to bridge the ever-widening gap between academia and industry. Therefore, research should not end in the laboratory. It should be commercialised and beneficial to humanity,” she said.

She also called for well-equipped laboratories to support innovative and groundbreaking research, alongside increased investment in protective nanocoatings technology.

According to Obidi, government, research councils and regional development agencies should align their efforts with technological research, while relevant stakeholders provide the financial and institutional backing required to move nanocoating technology into commercial production.

She said commercialising the patented solutions could strengthen Nigeria’s paint industry, provide safer alternatives and promote technological development in the country.

The wider scope of Obidi’s scientific work was highlighted by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who described the lecture as a thought-provoking account of the progression of scientific inquiry from microbiology to materials science and nanotechnology.

Ogunsola said Obidi’s research had advanced understanding of paint spoilage, microbial deterioration and shelf life, particularly in relation to the growing use of water-based formulations.

Although water-based paints have environmental advantages over solvent-based formulations because of concerns about volatile organic compounds, their aqueous nature can make them more vulnerable to microbial attack. Ogunsola said this challenge provided an important basis for Obidi’s investigation of safer and more sustainable solutions.

The professor’s research has also extended into the marine sector, where she examined the effects of biofilms on hydrodynamics and the use of antifouling agents. Her work on industrial effluents, meanwhile, demonstrated the potential of biosynthesised nanoparticles for removing heavy metals.

Ogunsola described the movement of some of Obidi’s findings from laboratory research towards practical application, including patents arising from the work, as significant contributions to industrial development.

She also recognised Obidi’s contributions to teaching and student supervision and commended her establishment of the Society for Girls STEM Education, which encourages young girls to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Today’s inaugural lecture has offered us more than an account of scientific discoveries. It has shown us the possibilities that arise when research is connected to industry, environmental concerns, and the needs of society,” Ogunsola said.

She congratulated Obidi on what she described as an informative and excellent inaugural lecture, adding that the professor had made significant contributions to the Faculty of Life Sciences and the University of Lagos.

Obidi’s work demonstrates how research rooted in Nigeria’s own industrial challenges can produce technologies with wider applications. With the bio-based coatings already patented, the research now presents an opportunity to connect university innovation with industry and develop locally created solutions for safer and more sustainable paint production.

Burna Boy Hits 4 Billion YouTube Views, Sets New Record for Nigerian Music

A decade-plus into a career that has taken Nigerian music to some of the world’s biggest stages, Burna Boy has added another remarkable figure to his growing list of achievements: more than 4 billion views on YouTube.

The Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste has reportedly become the first Nigerian and the first artiste from Sub-Saharan Africa to cross the 4 billion total-view mark on the video-sharing platform.

The figure represents the combined views of videos published on Burna Boy’s official YouTube channel, where his music continues to draw audiences from Nigeria, Africa and markets around the world.

It is a milestone built over years of consistent global attention to his catalogue. Songs including “Ye,” “On The Low,” “Last Last” and “For My Hand” have each attracted millions of views, contributing to the enormous audience his music has developed on YouTube.

The significance of the latest achievement becomes clearer when measured against where Burna Boy was only a few years ago.

In 2021, he reportedly became the first Nigerian artiste to surpass 1 billion total views on YouTube. Five years later, that figure has grown to more than four times its previous level, underscoring the remarkable staying power of his music and the expanding international audience for Afrobeats.

The development also adds another digital landmark to Burna Boy’s already extensive record of achievements on the platform.

His rise further mirrors the international growth of Nigerian music, with Afrobeats increasingly finding audiences far beyond its traditional home. Burna Boy has been one of the artistes at the centre of that expansion, building a career that has turned Nigerian sounds into a major part of the global music conversation.

Crossing 4 billion YouTube views therefore goes beyond another impressive streaming statistic but another measure of how far a Nigerian artiste can now take a homegrown sound and how large the audience waiting for it has become.

Burna Boy latest record further strengthens his position as one of Africa’s most successful music artistes and places another historic figure beside the many milestones that have defined his career.

Nigerian-Born Dr. Gideon Christian Named Among Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2026

Nigerian-born Dr. Gideon Christian has been named one of Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2026 by Canadian Lawyer, earning recognition for his work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, racial justice and human rights.

Christian, an Associate Professor and Research Chair in AI and Law at the University of Calgary, was selected in the Human Rights, Advocacy and Criminal category alongside some of Canada’s leading lawyers, judges, academics and advocates.

Canadian Lawyer described him as “a trailblazer in the intersection of law and artificial intelligence,” a recognition that reflects his growing influence in the debate over how emerging technologies should be developed and governed.

A major focus of Christian’s research is AI bias against Black communities. His work examines how automated systems can reproduce existing inequalities and raises important questions about fairness, accountability and the protection of human rights as AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday decision-making.

The issue has become particularly urgent as adoption of the technology accelerates across Canada. Canadian Lawyer’s 2026 report found that 69 per cent of Canadian legal professionals now personally use generative AI, more than twice the rate recorded a year earlier. AI adoption among Canadian law firms rose from 28 per cent in 2025 to 41 per cent in 2026, while corporate legal departments increased from 23 per cent to 47 per cent.

The rapid expansion has created a new challenge for the legal profession: ensuring that efficiency and innovation do not come at the expense of fairness and human judgment.

Christian has positioned his scholarship squarely within that challenge, examining the legal consequences of AI systems and the risks they pose to communities that have historically experienced discrimination.

Reacting to his recognition, Christian said the honour was particularly meaningful because of the work he has pursued across law, technology, racial justice and human rights. He said he remained committed to ensuring that AI technologies advance rather than undermine the values of equality and justice.

He also thanked Canadian Lawyer Magazine and its Editorial Board for the recognition, while expressing his determination to continue the work ahead.

His selection followed the 17th annual Canadian Lawyer Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers process, which attracted 451 submissions and 121 qualifying nominees. A total of 17,862 reader votes contributed to the selection before the publication’s Editorial Board chose the final 25 winners across five categories.

The publication says influence was assessed by the extent to which nominees had shaped the legal system through litigation, policy and legislative change, institutional leadership, mentorship or public advocacy, rather than through seniority or title alone.

Christian was one of five lawyers selected in the Human Rights, Advocacy and Criminal category. The other honourees were Elizabeth Bowker, Michael Rosenberg, Muneeza Sheikh and Stephanie Willsey.

Born in Nigeria and now established as a leading academic voice in Canada’s emerging AI-law field, Christian has built a body of work examining how technological advancement can be reconciled with equality and human rights.

His inclusion among Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2026 marks a significant recognition of that work and places his research on AI, racial bias and human rights among the legal issues shaping Canada’s next chapter.

Nigeria to Develop Homegrown Ranking System for Tertiary Institutions

Nigeria is set to develop a homegrown ranking system for tertiary institutions, with the Federal Government moving to establish a framework covering universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday after meeting with the Nigerian University Ranking Advisory Committee (NURAC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The announcement came shortly after the Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 rankings featured 24 Nigerian universities.

Alausa said international rankings remain important, but Nigeria needs a system that reflects its educational environment and national priorities.

“For years, we have looked to international rankings to tell us how our universities are performing. These rankings are important, but we also need a system that understands our own institutions, our environment and our priorities. That is what we are building,” he said.

The expanded framework will bring polytechnics and colleges of education into the national ranking exercise. NURAC will consequently become the Nigerian Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NTERAC).

The committee will help institutional leaders understand ranking methodologies, data requirements and performance standards, while encouraging continuous improvement across the sector.

The framework will be integrated into the Nigeria Education Data Initiative (NEDI), creating a centralised database for institutional performance. Alausa said improved data collection and reporting would help more Nigerian universities compete for recognition in global rankings, including Times Higher Education.

“By improving how we collect, report and use institutional data, we can support more Nigerian universities to compete for recognition on global ranking systems such as Times Higher Education and others,” he said.

The minister commended the committee, led by Prof. Peter Okebukola, and TETFund for their contributions.

Participation in the national ranking exercise will be compulsory for all public and private tertiary institutions. Alausa urged vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to cooperate, describing the initiative as part of efforts to raise academic standards and strengthen institutional competitiveness.

“Why shouldn’t Nigeria have the Oxfords and Cambridges of Africa? We have the talent. We have the institutions. Now, we must continue to raise the standard,” he said.

The move comes as the Federal Government reports more than N1 trillion invested in higher education over the past two years.

The spending includes N250 billion for new student hostels, more than N150 billion for rehabilitating hostels, classrooms and engineering workshops, over N130 billion for medical school upgrades, N52 billion for modern equipment in 18 medical schools, nearly N30 billion for 11 medical simulation laboratories, and about N110 billion for engineering workshops and equipment in universities and polytechnics.

The ranking reform also follows the launch of the “Hire from Nigeria” campaign, which seeks to connect Nigerian talent with global employers and create one million export-linked jobs within five years.

The programme, built around demand, supply and strategic partnerships, aims to position Nigeria as a leading hub for talent and service exports while allowing skilled Nigerians to work for international employers from within the country.

The move gives Nigeria an opportunity to judge its tertiary institutions by standards that speak directly to the country’s own needs, while still preparing them for scrutiny beyond its shores. With every public and private institution required to participate, the real test will be whether the new system produces reliable data, encourages genuine improvement and helps Nigeria build the world-class institutions its talent base deserves.

Nigeria’s Swimmers Return from Dakar with 35 Medals

Nigeria’s swimmers have posted their strongest Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championships result in more than a decade, winning 35 medals at the 2026 edition in Dakar, Senegal.

The team finished with 17 gold, 14 silver and four bronze medals from individual and relay events, giving the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) a result it regards as a marker of the steady work being done to raise the standard of swimming in the country.

Both the junior and senior swimmers contributed to the medal tally, with coaches and technical officials also receiving commendation from the federation for their roles throughout the continental zonal competition.

NAqF President, Lekan Fatodu, said the performance was a source of pride for Nigeria and credited the athletes and support team for the outcome.

“The performance of our swimmers in Dakar is a thing of great pride for Nigeria. Winning 35 medals, including 17 gold medals, is a significant achievement and one that shows the commitment and hard work of our athletes, coaches and the entire technical crew,” Fatodu said.

The junior swimmers have another test ahead of them in the same city. Dakar will host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games from October 30 to November 13, and Fatodu said their showing at the Zone 2 championships offered the federation a useful measure of their current level.

The Dakar competition has therefore served two purposes for NAqF: competition at senior and junior levels and an assessment of the younger swimmers ahead of the Youth Olympic Games and other international meets.

Fatodu said the federation would maintain its development programmes, improve the preparation of its athletes and provide more opportunities for Nigerian swimmers to compete at the highest level.

The federation is also working towards a deeper pool of talent rather than relying on a handful of established swimmers. Its stated aim is to develop a strong pipeline capable of producing athletes who can hold their own at African and global competitions.

The 35 medals in Dakar give Nigeria’s swimming programme a strong platform to build on. With the Youth Olympic Games approaching and more international competitions ahead, the focus now is on turning this performance into sustained progress and producing a new generation of Nigerian swimmers ready to compete at the highest level.

Nigeria’s Cooking Gas Supply Hits 13-Month High as Domestic Sources Dominate

Nigeria’s liquefied petroleum gas market closed July 2026 with its strongest supply performance in 13 months, even as consumers continue to pay above the price level that regulators had envisaged for cooking gas.

Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority showed that LPG supply reached 5,332 tonnes per day in July, up from 5,100 tonnes per day in June. It was the highest daily supply recorded in the 13-month period covered by the NMDPRA’s midstream and downstream statistics.

The figures also reveal a growing reliance on domestic sources. Local producers supplied 4,373 tonnes per day, representing about 82 per cent of the total July volume, while imports contributed 959 tonnes per day, or 18 per cent.

NLNG/SEPNU accounted for the largest share of the supply, delivering 2,031 tonnes per day through vessels, equivalent to about 38 per cent of total LPG supply during the month. Other processing plants supplied 1,513 tonnes per day through trucks, while the Dangote Petroleum Refinery contributed 829 tonnes per day.

The latest performance caps a year of considerable movement in Nigeria’s LPG supply. The country recorded 4,500 tonnes per day in July 2025, rising to 5,000 tonnes in August before falling to 3,900 tonnes in September. Supply recovered to 4,500 tonnes in October, reached 5,000 tonnes in November and climbed to 5,200 tonnes in December.

January 2026 opened at 5,100 tonnes per day, but supply fell to 4,700 tonnes in February and remained at that level in March. It declined again to 4,500 tonnes in April and 4,100 tonnes in May, before recovering to 5,100 tonnes in June and finally reaching 5,332 tonnes in July.

Despite the stronger supply position, the improvement has not yet brought cooking gas prices below N1,000 per kilogramme. Prices, which surged to as much as N2,400 per kilogramme in May, have since dropped to between N1,300 and N1,600 per kilogramme, depending on location.

The wide difference between supply prices and retail costs has also placed attention on the distribution chain.  

The July figures therefore present a stronger supply picture for Nigeria’s LPG market, with domestic sources now providing the clear majority of available cooking gas. The unresolved issue is whether that supply growth can eventually translate into lower prices for households, particularly as regulators work to address the distortions identified in the distribution chain.

Nine-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Takes Her Mathematics Lessons to TikTok

For Charlotte Muritala, a whiteboard, marker and smartphone are enough to turn a difficult mathematics question into a lesson for other children.

The nine-year-old JSS2 student from Offa, Kwara State, has attracted attention on TikTok for using the platform to teach mathematics, sharing lessons on subjects such as algebra, fractions and lowest common multiple.

Her approach is straightforward: take a complicated problem apart, deal with each section and work towards the answer one step at a time.

“First, I like breaking them into small part. That makes it easier for me. So I break it into small part, then I solve it,” Charlotte said during an interview with Channels Television on Monday.

The method is also what she relies on when she encounters questions she cannot immediately solve.

“Once I start solving the hard problem, if I am not getting it, I will go and choose the best method and start solving it step by step,” she said.

Charlotte’s interest in numbers began when she was about five years old. What started as a childhood fascination has grown into a strong academic interest and, now, a way of helping other young learners.

“I started liking mathematics since when I was small. I love mathematics because I enjoy numbers,” she said.

She does not regard the subject as something to fear.

“Mathematics is fun for me. Some questions are hard, but I like solving them,” Charlotte said.

Her mother has played an important role in taking that enthusiasm beyond school. Charlotte said her mother created another platform where she could share her knowledge with other children.

“My mum created another platform for me to share what I know to other children. I feel very happy and proud of myself,” she said.

At home, her father said, the commitment is evident in how much time Charlotte devotes to reading and learning.

“She’s always with mathematics. Every time, she’s always learning, reading every time,” he said.

Her academic focus has not changed the fact that she is still a child. Her father noted that Charlotte plays like other children her age, even though she takes her studies seriously.

“So she’s a child and she’s still nine years old. Sometimes she plays, but when it comes to reading, she doesn’t joke with it,” he said.

Her mathematics teacher has also recognised her ability, describing Charlotte as “a brilliant and erudite student” and pointing to her exceptional skills in mathematics.

According to the teacher, Charlotte’s willingness to tackle mathematical problems is one of the qualities that distinguishes her in the classroom.

“She has passion for solving mathematical problems. In all, she is an excellent and outstanding student,” the teacher said.

The teacher believes children who demonstrate exceptional academic ability should be given the resources to develop their potential, including qualified teachers, scholarships and adequate funding.

“If you want students to have interest in mathematics, secure the services of qualified teachers, give them scholarships and proper funding,” the teacher said.

Charlotte has been described in some circles as a “maths genius” because of her online lessons and ability to explain mathematical concepts. However, that remains a media or social-media label, not a formally established assessment of her abilities.

For children who struggle with mathematics, Charlotte's own experience offers a simple lesson: difficulty should not be mistaken for defeat.

“My advice to them is to never give up. They should keep practising every day and don’t be afraid of mistakes,” she said.

At nine, Charlotte is already using something she enjoys to help other children learn, a small but striking example of how talent, encouragement and access to simple digital tools can open new possibilities for young Nigerians.

Jamiu Adeniji Dominates Ikorodu Boxing Championship, Named Best Boxer

Jamiu Adeniji has emerged as the standout performer at the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Ibile Divisional Championships in Ikorodu after delivering a commanding 5–0 victory in the men’s 50kg category.

Representing Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Adeniji faced Wahab Adiat of Ikorodu West LCDA at the Ikorodu Town Hall and controlled the contest from the opening round. His sharp jabs, well-timed uppercuts and sustained pressure left the judges with little doubt, resulting in a unanimous 5–0 decision in his favour.

The impressive victory earned Adeniji the Boxer of the Tournament award, marking him out as one of the competition’s leading young talents.

The promising fighter said the recognition has strengthened his determination to take his boxing career further, with a place in Nigeria’s national team and international competition among his ambitions.

“I am so excited to be named the best boxer. I know I can do more, and I hope with this kind of performance I can work my way into the national team and represent Nigeria in international tournaments,” he said.

Adeniji also praised the organisers and said he hoped to maintain his form ahead of the end-of-year tournament.

The Ikorodu event, held over the weekend, featured 10 bouts and was organised by the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame in partnership with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association. Two bouts ended in draws.

The championship is part of the LBHF’s grassroots amateur boxing programme, which was established in July 2009 and has continued with the vision and support of former Minister of Finance Wale Edun. Over the years, the initiative has provided a platform for young boxers across Lagos to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.

LBHF Director David Mohammed said the turnout in Ikorodu showed that the Ibile format was gaining stronger public interest across Lagos.

“We are happy that the Ibile format is pulling crowds and attracting interest across the five divisional areas of Lagos,” Mohammed said.

He expressed optimism that the grand finale later in the year would be more competitive and glamorous, adding that the quality of performances recorded so far could help several of the boxers earn opportunities with Nigeria’s national teams.

The competition featured fighters from Ikorodu Local Council, Ikorodu North LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, Ketu Agboyi, Ikosi Isheri and Imota LCDA.

The women’s division produced its own notable performances. Aishat Yisa of Ikorodu North LCDA defeated Abisola Agbolade, also representing Ikorodu North LCDA, 4–1 in the 50kg category. In the 54kg class, Oyindamola Kuseju of Ikorodu LGA defeated Basirat Kelani of Ijede LCDA by the same 4–1 margin.

Among the other men’s results, Kolade Ojo of Ikorodu North LCDA defeated Akinola Akingbade of Agboyi Ketu 5–0 in the 55kg category.

Shazilly Hamzat of Ikorodu West LCDA secured a narrow 3–2 victory over Waris Sanusi of Ikosi Isheri LCDA in the 60kg category, while Kingsley Gabriel of Ikorodu North LCDA also won 3–2 against Folagbade Ademola of Ikosi Isheri LCDA in the 65kg class.

With the LBHF programme building towards its grand finale later this year, Adeniji now has an early opportunity to turn his Ikorodu triumph into a bigger breakthrough on the Nigerian boxing scene.

Nigeria’s Private Sector Growth Hits 29-Month High as PMI Climbs to 54.3

Nigeria’s private sector recorded its strongest improvement in business conditions in 29 months in August 2026, as stronger customer demand, rising new orders and increased output lifted the Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) to 54.3 points.

The latest PMI report, published on Tuesday, showed an increase from 52.5 points in July. The August reading was the joint-highest in just over two-and-a-half years, matching the level recorded in March 2025.

It also extended the expansion in business conditions to seven consecutive months. A PMI reading above 50 indicates an improvement from the preceding month, while a reading below 50 signals deterioration.

The survey, compiled by S&P Global and endorsed and adopted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), was based on data collected between August 12 and 26.

New orders provided the biggest boost to August’s performance, increasing at their fastest pace since the beginning of 2024. Companies linked the stronger demand to improved customer interest and the launch of new products, while better availability of materials helped firms respond by increasing business activity at a much faster pace than in July.

Output also maintained its long-running growth streak, expanding for the 21st consecutive month. All four sectors covered by the survey recorded higher output, with agriculture and manufacturing posting particularly strong increases.

The rise in demand prompted companies to increase their purchasing activity at the fastest rate since November 2025. Inventory accumulation also reached a nine-month high as firms prepared to meet business requirements.

Employment increased for the 15th consecutive month, although hiring remained modest compared with the growth recorded in orders and output. Wholesale and retail businesses reduced their workforce, while employment increased in the other sectors surveyed.

At the same time, companies reduced their backlogs of unfinished work for the first time in seven months, indicating that firms were able to work through outstanding orders despite the stronger inflow of new business.

Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, said the August result reflected continued expansion across Nigeria’s private sector.

“Private sector activity in Nigeria was in an expansionary territory for the seventh consecutive month, rising to 54.3 points in August from 52.5 points recorded in July,” Oni said.

Businesses remained positive about their prospects over the coming year, with plans to recruit workers, enter new locations, increase exports and attract more customers. However, overall confidence about future output fell to a three-month low.

The stronger activity was accompanied by higher input costs. Purchase cost inflation accelerated in August as businesses faced increases in fuel, transportation and raw-material prices, although the rate remained below its 2026 average.

Staff cost inflation eased to a nine-month low, but companies still passed part of their higher expenses on to customers, pushing selling price inflation higher. Agriculture recorded the fastest increase in charges among the sectors covered by the survey.

Oni also pointed to renewed pressure from food prices. Food inflation rose to 20.31% year-on-year in July from 17.52% in June, even as headline inflation declined from 15.91% to 15.43%.

Stanbic IBTC said PMI readings recorded so far in the third quarter point to stronger economic activity and could support GDP growth of 4.1% in 2026.

The bank expects the non-oil sector to grow by 4.11% this year, compared with 3.71% in 2025, while oil-sector growth is projected to slow to 3.45% from 8.50%.

Manufacturing is expected to receive the strongest growth boost, partly because of a low statistical base in 2025. ICT, trade, real estate, finance and insurance are expected to remain major contributors to services-sector growth.

The PMI figures come shortly after the National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.43% year-on-year in real terms in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23% in Q2 2025.

The 4.43% growth represents a 0.20 percentage-point improvement from a year earlier, with agriculture and services providing stronger support to the economy. Industrial-sector growth, however, slowed significantly compared with the same period in 2025.

The August PMI therefore points to a Nigerian business environment that is gaining strength, with rising orders and sustained output growth supporting activity even as companies continue to navigate higher operating and food costs.

Nigeria Turns Its Skilled Workforce Into a Global Export Opportunity With “Hire from Nigeria” Campaign

Nigeria is opening another front in its push to earn from the global economy, this time by taking its skilled workforce to international markets.

The Federal Government has launched the “Hire from Nigeria” campaign, a national effort to connect Nigerian professionals with employers and clients around the world while enabling them to work from home.

The target is one million export-linked jobs within five years. Beyond employment, the government expects the initiative to attract foreign exchange, increase tax revenues and strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the global market for talent and services.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the campaign on Monday at a news conference in Abuja, describing Nigerian talent as a resource capable of competing far beyond the country’s borders.

“With the right skills, infrastructure, professional standards, and access to markets, Nigerians can live and work and earn here at home, while providing valuable services to clients and employers worldwide,” Idris said.

“The world should look to Nigeria,” he added.

The scale of the opportunity is reflected in the demand for skilled workers abroad. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, cited 2025 UNESCO data showing approximately 2.3 million vacancies globally across seven technology-related fields.

Nigeria is now working to ensure that more of its young people are equipped to take up a share of those opportunities.

Alausa said 35,000 Nigerians will undergo six months of training through the Digital Technology Academy. The Federal Government is funding international certifications through Coursera, AWS, Microsoft and Huawei, among other platforms, and has already purchased the necessary licences for the training and certification programmes.

The initiative also draws on the 3 Million Technical Talent programme and the Digital Technology Academy to build a workforce with skills that meet industry requirements and international standards.

For the government, the objective is not another wave of emigration. The idea is to give Nigerians access to international jobs without requiring them to relocate.

That could allow a Nigerian professional to serve a company in another country, earn from an overseas client and continue living and working in Nigeria.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, sees the campaign as part of a shift in the country’s export strategy.

Nigeria’s exports have traditionally been associated with oil and physical commodities. The government is now placing skills and digital services alongside those conventional exports, treating the knowledge and expertise of Nigerians as economic assets that can be sold across borders.

The framework brings together the Federal Ministries of Industry and Education, the National Talent Export Programme, the Bank of Industry’s iDICE programme, as well as domestic and international private-sector partners.

“Hire from Nigeria” is an attempt to turn human capability into a sustained source of economic value, allowing international businesses to tap Nigerian expertise while more of the resulting income remains within the country.

Nigerian Scholar Leo Igwe Makes History as First Nigerian Elected Vice-President of Humanists International

Nigeria has secured a new place on the global humanist stage with the election of scholar and rights advocate Dr Leo Igwe as Vice-President of Humanists International.

The appointment makes Igwe the first Nigerian and only the second African in the organisation’s history to rise to the position, following the tenure of Ghanaian humanist Roslyn Mould, whom he succeeds.

Igwe’s election took place during the Humanists International World Congress and General Assembly in Ottawa, Canada, held from August 7 to 9, 2026.

For a Nigerian who has spent more than two decades challenging harmful beliefs and defending vulnerable people, the international recognition represents another major chapter in a career built around advocacy, scholarship and the promotion of reason.

Igwe is the Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) and founder and chair of the Humanist Association of Nigeria. He is also widely known as a scholar of religion and a strong advocate for critical thinking, secular ethics and the protection of people exposed to abuses linked to religious practices and superstition.

His advocacy has taken him across Nigeria and beyond its borders, with much of his work centred on witchcraft accusations, religious extremism and other forms of abuse associated with superstition.

Through these efforts, he has promoted human rights, freedom of thought, evidence-based approaches to social problems and the use of reason in confronting practices that place vulnerable people at risk.

Taking on the new international role, Igwe said he would focus strongly on the challenge posed by religious nationalism and extremism while advancing humanist alternatives.

“As the Vice President I will relentlessly work to ensure that Humanists International effectively addresses the threat of religious nationalism and extremism and provides a robust alternative to dogmatic religions and supernatural faiths to all who subscribe to humanist values, ethics and cosmology around the globe,” he said.

Founded in 1952, Humanists International is a global umbrella organisation representing humanists, atheists and agnostics. It works to create a community for people who seek to live happily, ethically and responsibly without religion or belief in a deity.

Igwe’s emergence adds a Nigerian voice to the organisation’s international leadership at a time when African humanists are making a growing contribution to the global movement.

Organisers described the election as a milestone for African humanism, underscoring the increasing role of African advocates in shaping conversations around human rights, freedom of thought, ethics and reason on the global stage.

For Nigeria, Igwe’s elevation is another example of a Nigerian professional taking an advocacy built at home to an international platform and emerging with a leadership mandate.

Nigeria’s Remittance Inflows Hit $3.8bn in Seven Months, Nearing $1bn Monthly Target

Nigeria is moving closer to a major milestone in diaspora remittances, with $3.8 billion received through international money transfer operators (IMTOs) between January and July 2026.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the figure represents a 50.2 percent increase from the corresponding period in 2025, pointing to stronger remittance activity through formal channels.

July produced the strongest monthly result so far. Nigerians abroad sent about $947 million through IMTOs, the highest monthly inflow recorded through formal channels and just $53 million below the $1 billion monthly target set by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso nearly two years ago.

“When we set a clear ambition to reach US$1 billion a month in remittance inflows through formal channels nearly two years ago, some people thought we were dreaming,” Cardoso said.

“At $947 million in July, we are now approaching that milestone.”

The improvement follows a series of measures by the apex bank to make formal remittance channels more competitive, transparent and accessible.

Among the reforms are the move towards a more market-determined exchange rate, changes to the regulatory framework for IMTOs and the introduction of the non-resident bank verification number (NRBVN).

The CBN has also strengthened engagement with IMTOs, banks and Nigerian diaspora communities across major remittance corridors. More recently, it tightened requirements for remittance transactions to be routed through designated settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks.

According to the apex bank, greater use of formal channels could strengthen foreign exchange liquidity and transparency while supporting households, investment and Nigeria’s external financing position.

The CBN said it will continue working with diaspora communities, IMTOs, banks and other financial-sector stakeholders to reduce transaction frictions and encourage more remittances through official channels.

For Cardoso, the July result is significant, but the larger objective is to build a system capable of maintaining higher inflows.

“July is an important marker, but our focus is not on a single month. It is on creating the conditions for sustained growth in formal remittances,” he said.

The governor added that the CBN “expects to keep seeing improvement and believes Nigeria can reach and ultimately sustain monthly inflows above $1 billion”.

Cricket: Nigeria U-19 Girls Begin World Cup Qualifiers With Uganda Victory

Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have taken an important first step towards the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating Uganda U-19 Women by four wickets in their opening Africa Qualifier Division 1 match in Tanzania.

The victory puts Nigeria in a strong early position in a competition where finishing among the top two teams in their group is enough to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Nigeria will face Malawi today, Monday, August 31, before closing their group campaign against hosts Tanzania on Wednesday, September 2. A strong finish in those matches would move the young Nigerians closer to their target of returning to the World Cup after their record-breaking appearance in Malaysia last year.

Against Uganda, Nigeria’s bowlers set the tone by restricting their opponents to 59 for seven in 20 overs after Uganda won the toss and chose to bat.

Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime led Uganda’s scoring with 22 runs from 34 balls, while Jimia Abdallah Mohamed made 13 from 25 deliveries.

Chisom Okpe was Nigeria’s most economical bowler, taking two wickets for only four runs in her four overs. Peace Usen also claimed two wickets, conceding 12 runs.

Needing 60 to win, Nigeria appeared to have the chase under control before Uganda’s Tino Sarah produced a remarkable spell. She claimed five wickets for 13 runs in four overs, including two maiden overs, and turned a seemingly comfortable chase into a tense contest.

Nigeria’s batters responded with composure. Omosigho Eguakun top-scored for the side with a patient 24 from 29 balls, while captain Christabel Chukwuonye added a brisk 13 from 10 deliveries, including three boundaries. Their contributions helped Nigeria complete the chase with four wickets remaining.

Should the Junior Female Yellow Greens finish in the top two of their group, they will advance to the semi-finals against one of the qualifiers from Group B, which contains Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The tournament winner will join South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. South Africa already have one of the continent’s qualification places after finishing among the top four teams at the previous edition, won by India.

For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to Malawi, with another victory capable of strengthening their route to the semi-finals and keeping their World Cup hopes moving forward.

Cross River Tests Bebi Airstrip as Obudu Mountain Resort Revival Gathers Momentum

Cross River State has taken a significant step towards reopening one of Nigeria’s most recognisable mountain tourism destinations, with a successful test flight conducted at Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku Local Government Area.

The flight, carried out on Thursday, is part of preparations for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Obudu Mountain Resort and its supporting facilities. Sunday Michael, Special Adviser to the Cross River Governor on Obudu Ranch, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Saturday.

The development could help tackle one of the major challenges that has affected the resort over the years: accessibility. Bebi Airstrip had been closed for a prolonged period following safety concerns, regulatory restrictions and the withdrawal of essential services by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over unpaid debts.

Commercial flights have not yet resumed, but the successful test provides an important indication that air connectivity could return as the state advances its plans for the mountain destination.

The state government intends to temporarily close the resort from September 1 to commence work covering the Obudu Mountain Resort, Waterpark, Safari Lodge and Bebi Airstrip. The programme is designed to modernise the facilities, improve supporting infrastructure and provide visitors with a stronger tourism experience.

Michael said the goal is to create “a tourism destination capable of competing favourably with leading destinations in Nigeria and across the world.”

The renewed attention on Obudu comes after years of decline at a destination that once stood among Nigeria’s most celebrated tourist attractions. Originally developed in 1951 as Obudu Cattle Ranch, the facility gained greater prominence during the administration of former Cross River Governor Donald Duke between 1999 and 2007, when investments were made in roads, chalets, cable cars and other facilities.

The resort subsequently deteriorated amid inadequate maintenance and limited investment, prompting successive efforts to restore its fortunes.

One of the more recent developments came in March 2025, when the Cross River State Government revoked a 25-year concession awarded to CIBA Construction Company Limited in 2017. The state cited the company’s failure to meet key contractual obligations, including investment in renovating the resort’s hotel and other infrastructure.

Under the public-private partnership, CIBA was expected to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the resort. The state government said repeated breaches continued despite opportunities for the company to address them, leading to the termination of the agreement.

Obudu is now part of a tourism investment strategy by the Cross River Government. In July 2025, the state approved N18 billion for the rehabilitation and upgrading of major tourism assets under Governor Bassey Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” initiative.

The funding covers the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Marina Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort and Kwa Falls, as well as the remodelling of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa.

The state has also planned an “Experience Calabar” tourism campaign and Heritage Market to promote local arts and culture. To strengthen connectivity, Cross River acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft for Cally Air.

For Obudu, the combination of renewed investment and improved access could give the mountain destination an opportunity to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s tourism landscape. Its cool climate, scenic mountain terrain and distinctive environment have historically attracted domestic and international visitors.

With Bebi Airstrip now tested and work scheduled to begin on September 1, Cross River is positioning Obudu for a new chapter after years of decline.