Dangote Partners CNN to Spotlight Africa’s Global Business Rise in New ‘Africa Inc.’ Series

Dangote Industries Limited and CNN International Commercial have entered a multi-year partnership that will spotlight Africa’s growing influence in global business, with Dangote sponsoring CNN’s new programme, Africa Inc.

The 30-minute series, hosted by Nigerian journalist Adefemi Akinsanya from Lagos, will explore how African companies in sectors including entertainment, hospitality, manufacturing and technology are expanding internationally, attracting investment, creating jobs and building globally competitive brands.

Africa Inc. premieres on CNN International on August 29, 2026, following the launch of short-form segments on August 5. Four additional episodes are planned through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, alongside bespoke segments every two months, digital reports and social media content.

For Dangote Industries, the partnership provides a global platform to showcase its industrialisation drive and Vision 2030 economic blueprint. The campaign will run across CNN International, CNN.com and CNN Arabic, as well as CNN Business platforms on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, with additional branded content appearing on CNN’s US television and digital platforms.

CNN’s in-house studio, Create, will also produce Africa First, a branded-content series examining Africa’s pursuit of energy independence and economic transformation through films, data-driven articles and social content. Dangote Industries will feature as an example of the continent’s industrial development.

The partnership further includes Dangote’s sponsorship of three editions of CNN’s Global Perspectives events franchise over the next 12 months.

Akinsanya joins CNN from Arise News, bringing experience from Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News and TRT World. Her reporting has covered Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests and the 2024 United States presidential election. She was a 2023 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

"I'm thrilled to be joining CNN to launch Africa Inc. at such an exciting time for Africa's international story. Across the continent, we're seeing innovation, resilience and ambition transforming industries and creating opportunities with global impact. I'm looking forward to bringing these stories to CNN's audience," she said.

CNN International Commercial Senior Vice President for Advertising Sales, Cathy Ibal, said the partnership would help bring African innovation, resilience and leadership to a global audience.

“We are pleased to once again be working with Dangote Industries Limited to tell the stories of a self-sufficient Africa,” Ibal said.

Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Industries Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, said the collaboration forms part of the company’s global brand positioning strategy and will help showcase its Vision 2030 blueprint and industrialisation ambitions.

With the programme anchored from Lagos and backed by one of Africa’s largest industrial groups, the partnership offers a major international platform for telling the story of African businesses building for global markets.

Mo Abudu takes African cinema to new UK cultural hub

A new chapter is opening for African storytelling in the United Kingdom as Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu prepares to launch EbonyLife Place London, a destination designed to bring African cinema, food, fashion, music and art together under one roof.

Set on Wandsworth Road in London, the venue is scheduled to open in October and is being positioned as the UK’s first cinema dedicated exclusively to African and Black films.

EbonyLife Place London is being conceived to create a physical home for African cinematic culture and provide audiences with an immersive experience around the stories coming from the continent and the wider Black creative community.

The project will bring together several spaces, each contributing to that wider cultural experience. Visitors will encounter the Grand Reception, The Afrobeat Restaurant, Fèhintì Lounge, Maji Concession & Bar, Zuri Retail and The Living Wall Gallery.

Abudu announced the development on Monday in a social media post accompanied by a video of the property, revealing the scale of the project ahead of its October opening.

“EbonyLife Place London will become the first cinema in the United Kingdom dedicated exclusively to African and Black films, while also creating a vibrant cultural hub celebrating our fashion, music, food and art,” she said.

With the London project, the brand is extending its reach into the UK and creating another platform through which African stories can meet international audiences.

By combining film exhibition with spaces dedicated to cuisine, fashion, music, retail and visual art, EbonyLife Place London is designed to present African culture as a complete creative experience rather than as a single form of entertainment.

For Nigerian creative enterprise, the project also represents an international extension of a home-grown media and entertainment brand. Its arrival in London places Nigerian-led African storytelling at the centre of a new cultural space while creating a dedicated venue for films and creative expressions that speak to African and Black experiences.

When the doors open in October, EbonyLife Place London will therefore represent an ambitious attempt to give African cinema and culture a permanent, dedicated space in one of the world's most influential cultural cities.

Nigeria Incorporates New Company to Drive 90,000km Nationwide Fibre Network

Nigeria has incorporated a new company to drive the delivery of its planned 90,000-kilometre nationwide fibre network, marking a major step in the federal government’s effort to expand broadband access and strengthen the country’s digital economy.

The company, Bridge Open Access (Bridge OA), will serve as the independent entity responsible for delivering the nationwide open-access fibre infrastructure programme under Project BRIDGE.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, announced the development on on Saturday, describing Bridge OA as the institutional platform that will move Project BRIDGE from planning into execution.

He said the company will also complete the onboarding of strategic investors and accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country.

“This marks the transition from planning to execution, creating the institutional platform that will complete strategic investor onboarding, accelerate nationwide broadband deployment, and position Nigeria as a regional digital connectivity hub for West Africa,” Tijani said via X platform.

The project is designed to take fibre infrastructure far beyond Nigeria’s major urban centres. The planned network will extend to every state, geopolitical zone, local government area and ward in the country.

The government’s immediate focus is now shifting toward physical deployment. Tijani disclosed days before the incorporation announcement that work on the 90,000-kilometre fibre network would begin within the next few weeks.

He said resource mobilisation and contractual processes for the nationwide project had already been concluded, clearing the way for deployment.

Nigeria announced the 90,000-kilometre fibre plan in August 2025 as part of efforts to deepen internet access and digital inclusion.

The scale of the project could provide a stronger backbone for Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, supporting businesses, technology companies, digital services, education, public institutions and other activities that depend increasingly on reliable broadband connectivity.

Its nationwide reach is also designed to expand access to digital opportunities beyond major cities, connecting communities and businesses to the infrastructure required to participate more fully in the digital economy.

With Bridge OA now incorporated and the government saying the necessary mobilisation and contractual groundwork has been completed, Project BRIDGE is moving into its implementation phase.

If delivered as planned, the 90,000-kilometre network would significantly expand Nigeria’s fibre infrastructure and strengthen the country’s ambition to become a regional digital connectivity hub for West Africa.

Taraku Mills Rises Again: Benue Revives a Dormant Industrial Giant

For decades, Taraku Mills stood as a reminder of the gap between Benue’s agricultural potential and its industrial capacity. That picture is now beginning to change, with the long-dormant factory undergoing a revival that could reconnect farmers to large-scale processing and create more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Located in Taraku village, the facility is being brought back into operation after remaining moribund since the mid-1990s. Its restoration under the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia is expected to give Benue’s agricultural economy a stronger industrial foundation by creating a major outlet for crops produced within the state and stimulating businesses around the factory.

James Twenge, the plant manager, said the mills have the capacity to process 72,000 metric tonnes of maize every year, while the animal feed division can produce up to 172,300 metric tonnes annually for different types of animals.

The facility’s oil-processing operations add another layer to its industrial potential. One mechanical press production line can process 200 metric tonnes of seeds per day, while the flaking section has an annual processing capacity of 78,000 metric tonnes of seeds. The solvent extraction plant, meanwhile, can process 320 metric tonnes of seeds per day.

With the various divisions operating together, Taraku Mills could become an important link between agricultural production and industrial processing in Benue. Instead of crops leaving farms without significant local processing, the revived facility provides the infrastructure to convert agricultural raw materials into finished and intermediate products within the state.

Twenge said products from the factory could begin leaving the facility within two months, subject to the progress of the ongoing preparations.

The journey back to production, however, has involved more than repairing machinery. It has also highlighted the role of the Taraku community, whose residents helped preserve the facility during years when it was no longer operational.

Tersoo, who spoke on Saturday during an inspection of the mills by journalists and the presidential media team, said the people living around the factory took responsibility for protecting the abandoned facility and its equipment.

“They came together and said that they would guide this factory, and they did that jealously. No pin got missing in this factory until the governor came,” he said.

That community effort helped protect an industrial asset that had been inactive for years, creating an opportunity for the present administration to undertake its rehabilitation rather than allow the facility to disappear completely from Benue’s economic landscape.

Tersoo recalled that Taraku Mills was originally established during the administration of the late Aper Aku, Benue’s first civilian governor. At the time, the factory produced soybean oil and other products before its operations eventually collapsed in the mid-1990s.

According to Tersoo, the need to restore the factory became apparent when Alia assumed office as governor.

“When father Alia came up as the governor of Benue state, he saw that there was a need to revamp this company. And so, the company has been revamped,” he said.

The machinery has since been serviced and is currently undergoing test runs as the facility moves towards renewed operations.

For a state whose economy is strongly rooted in agriculture, a functioning processing plant can create demand for farmers’ produce while generating opportunities for transporters, traders, suppliers, livestock operators and other businesses that depend on agricultural activity.

The employment potential is equally significant. Twenge estimates that more than 2,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, could be created when the mills attain full production.

Taraku Mills revival offers Benue an opportunity to strengthen the connection between what its farmers produce and what its industries can process, while putting an important piece of the state’s industrial history back to work.

If the ongoing test runs lead to full production as planned, a factory that once fell into decades of inactivity could once again become a major engine for employment, agricultural processing and commercial activity in Benue.

16-Year-Old Nigerian Fencer Makes History With Commonwealth Gold

At just 16, Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson has delivered a landmark moment for Nigerian fencing, winning the country’s first-ever gold medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

Competing in the men’s U-23 epee at Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Lagos, on Sunday, Esiovwa-Thompson defeated a field that included three Indian opponents before overcoming Asian champion Lokesh Vemani 15–5 in the final.

The victory came during his first competition for Nigeria after switching allegiance from England, and he handled the occasion with remarkable composure against the more experienced Vemani. India’s Godwin Natarajan and Ashwini Shaurya completed the podium with bronze medals.

Esiovwa-Thompson had already signalled his intentions during the group stage. Competing in Pool 4, he went unbeaten to finish top and earned a bye into the round of 16.

He began the knockout rounds with a 15–7 victory over South Africa’s Karabo Mathobela before producing one of his most commanding performances against India’s Shivaansh Kapoor, whom he defeated 15–2 in the quarter-final.

A tougher contest awaited in the semi-final, where he faced Ashwini Shaurya. With the home crowd providing strong support, Esiovwa-Thompson held his composure and prevailed 15–11 to earn a place in the final.

The achievement adds to an already promising international record. Before choosing to represent Nigeria, he competed for England and won gold in the boys’ U-13 epee at the 2022 Wratislavia Challenge. He also secured bronze in the cadet men’s epee team event in Naples.

His breakthrough in Lagos now gives Nigerian fencing a major milestone while marking the beginning of what could become a significant chapter in the young athlete’s career.

Elsewhere at the championships, England’s Oliver Strange claimed the tournament’s first gold medal after defeating India’s Manoj Patil in the men’s U-23 foil final. India’s Singh Sanasam and England’s Thomas James won the bronze medals.

For Nigeria, however, the headline achievement belonged to Esiovwa-Thompson, whose performance has added a historic Commonwealth gold to the country’s growing list of sporting accomplishments.

Nigeria Hosts Commonwealth Fencing Championships as Adeyinka Samuel Makes History

Lagos is set to take centre stage in Commonwealth fencing as the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships begin on Sunday, August 9, bringing more than 250 athletes from over 20 countries to Eko Atlantic City for six days of competition.

The championships will be held at Rugby School in Eko Atlantic City and run until Friday, marking the return of the event to Africa for the first time in about a decade after Cape Town, South Africa, hosted it.

The tournament comes with several historic firsts. Under-23 individual competitions will be recognised as medal events for the first time, while wheelchair fencing will become a full medal competition after previously being staged as a demonstration event in London in 2022.

Approximately 350 entries have been recorded across the under-23, senior, veteran and wheelchair categories, reflecting the breadth of participation expected in Lagos.

The home team will also be competing with ambitious targets. Nigeria Fencing Federation President Adeyinka Samuel said the country is aiming for medals in the under-23, veteran and wheelchair events, with gold as the ultimate objective. He expressed confidence in the preparation and determination of the Nigerian athletes and the advantage of competing before home supporters.

Among those hoping to deliver is Nigerian MP fencer Wisdom Okanlawo, who described representing his country as an honour. He acknowledged the strength of the international field but said he was determined to give his best and compete for a medal.

While Lagos prepares for the competition, Samuel has secured a landmark achievement of his own. He was elected President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation on Saturday at the federation’s elective Annual General Meeting at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City.

Samuel defeated incumbent Marie-France Dufour by 14 votes to six, becoming the first Nigerian and first African to lead the Commonwealth Fencing Federation. His election marks a departure from the federation’s long-standing leadership tradition involving countries such as Scotland, Australia and Canada.

The appointment follows a period of growing international activity for Nigerian fencing. Under Samuel’s leadership, the Nigeria Fencing Federation has hosted International Fencing Federation-sanctioned Junior World Cups and African Championships. The country has now become the first African nation to stage the Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

Organisers have undertaken extensive preparations for the Lagos event, with technical compliance, transportation, venue operations and coordination of officials among the priorities. Medical arrangements include a dedicated medical team, first-aid support and a standby ambulance to respond to emergencies.

Dufour described the championships as a milestone for Commonwealth fencing, particularly because of the introduction of the new under-23 events and the elevation of wheelchair fencing to medal status. She also urged athletes and officials to uphold friendship, respect and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Olaitan Ogunbiyi, a member of the local organising committee, said securing the hosting rights was a significant achievement that required extensive planning and support from the government, sponsors, media organisations and parents.

The Lagos championships consequently bring together two important developments for Nigerian fencing: the arrival of hundreds of international athletes for a major Commonwealth competition and the election of a Nigerian to the federation’s highest leadership position.

For a sport gaining greater visibility in the country, the week ahead offers Nigeria an opportunity to compete, host and lead on the Commonwealth stage.

Nigeria Joins World Energy Council

Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council (WEC) with the inauguration of a National Member Committee and Governing Board that will represent the country within the global energy organisation.

World Energy Council Nigeria will operate as an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform, bringing together government, industry, finance, academia and civil society to develop practical responses to the country's Energy Trilemma -energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.

The development comes as Nigeria continues efforts to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and attract the investment needed to drive industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

The Governing Board is chaired by Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, a leading advocate for indigenous energy development. The inaugural Chief Executive Officer is Mr Bala Wunti, an experienced energy executive with more than three decades across the oil and gas value chain and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited.

Board members include Professor Wumi Iledare, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Mrs Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr Ainojie "Alex" Irune, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba. Together, they bring expertise in energy policy, regulation, investment, operations, technology, research and enterprise development.

Welcoming the Nigerian Member Committee, the Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, Dr Angela Wilkinson, said Nigeria has an important leadership role to play and that the country's expertise would be represented at the World Energy Congress in Riyadh in April 2027 and beyond.

Speaking on the significance of the development, Mr Abdulrazaq Isa said the Council would help strengthen Nigeria's and Africa's contributions to the global energy community by advancing solutions rooted in the country's realities, aligned with its development priorities and capable of attracting sustainable investment.

Mr Bala Wunti said Nigeria must build an energy system that is secure, affordable and sustainable, one that can power shared prosperity.

The establishment of the National Member Committee gives Nigeria a platform to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and contribute to shaping the future of the global energy sector.

Nigerian Law Professor Akasoba Duke-Abiola Receives APRC Endorsement for UN Secretary-General Bid

Nigerian law professor, diplomat and human rights advocate Akasoba Duke-Abiola has secured the endorsement of the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC) in her bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.

The endorsement comes as the United Nations begins the process of selecting a successor to António Guterres, whose second term as Secretary-General will end on December 31, 2026.

In a nomination letter made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the consortium formally backed Duke-Abiola's candidature. The letter, signed by the APRC's Deputy Executive Coordinator, Edward Agbai, said the endorsement followed communication from the Nigerian National Think Tank, which informed the organisation of her nomination for consideration as Africa's candidate for the UN's highest administrative office.

According to the consortium, Duke-Abiola's record in academia, diplomacy, public service and human rights advocacy reflects the leadership and international experience required to head the United Nations at a time of growing political, security and development challenges.

"We commend your record of public service and your willingness to serve the international community at the highest level," the letter stated.

The consortium noted that, under established United Nations procedures, candidates for Secretary-General must be formally nominated by a member state through submissions to the President of the UN Security Council. The Security Council reviews all nominations before recommending one candidate to the United Nations General Assembly for appointment.

It therefore called on the Federal Government to formally submit Duke-Abiola's candidature through Nigeria's diplomatic channels, describing the move as an opportunity to strengthen the country's role in global affairs while advancing its longstanding advocacy for greater African representation, including a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The APRC also said her candidature would project Africa as a continent capable of contributing leadership, ideas, mediation, institutional wisdom and practical solutions to global challenges.

"For Africa, her candidature would represent the continent not as a passive recipient of international policy, but as a source of global leadership, ideas, mediation, institutional wisdom and moral authority," the letter stated.

Duke-Abiola is widely recognised for her expertise in law, diplomacy, security, sustainable development and global leadership. She is also the widow of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, the late Nigerian businessman and politician whose victory in the June 12, 1993 presidential election remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria's democratic history.

The endorsement places her among the African figures seeking consideration for the United Nations' top office, with the next stage of the process dependent on a formal nomination by the Federal Government through the country's diplomatic channels.

Nigeria Sets New National Standard for School Textbooks with Landmark Ranking System

Nigeria is preparing for a major change in the way learning materials are selected for public schools, with the government introducing a nationwide framework designed to ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-compliant textbooks reach classrooms.

Beginning in September 2026, public primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools will use only textbooks approved under the newly established National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS). The initiative introduces, for the first time, a national ranking framework for evaluating and selecting instructional materials.

Unveiling the reform in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the system establishes a transparent, merit-based process that aligns Nigeria's textbook approval framework with international best practices while giving learners access to credible and curriculum-aligned educational resources.

According to the minister, the initiative is expected to strengthen curriculum implementation, improve learning outcomes, expand equitable access to quality instructional materials, eliminate the proliferation of substandard textbooks and restore public confidence in the nation's education system.

One of the most significant changes is that licensing by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will no longer, on its own, qualify a textbook for classroom use. Every licensed title must also pass a national assessment before it can receive final approval.

To oversee the process, the Ministry of Education has constituted a National Textbook Ranking and Selection Committee comprising representatives of relevant education agencies and qualified experts. Working with NERDC, the committee will assess only textbooks that have already met the council's licensing requirements before recommending the highest-ranked titles to the Honourable Minister of Education.

To qualify, each textbook must satisfy prescribed academic, pedagogical, technical and quality assurance standards and achieve a minimum score of 70 per cent. Approved titles for each subject will be limited to between six and ten, depending on curriculum requirements, ensuring that only the highest-performing books are selected.

The reform also brings financial relief for publishers and authors. NERDC has reduced the assessment fee from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee has been lowered from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per title. Publishers who previously paid the former rates will receive refunds of the excess amounts, with reimbursement arrangements to be communicated by the council.

From September 2026, only textbooks evaluated, ranked and approved through the National Textbook Ranking System will be authorised for use in public schools nationwide. Each approved title will remain valid for a minimum of three years to promote stability and consistency in curriculum delivery.

NERDC and other relevant regulatory agencies will monitor implementation, while schools, publishers and other stakeholders are expected to comply fully. The use of unapproved textbooks will attract sanctions, including the blacklisting of defaulting authors, publishers and schools.

The introduction of the National Textbook Ranking System marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria's education sector through higher standards, greater accountability and a more rigorous textbook approval process. By ensuring that learners have access to carefully evaluated instructional materials, the initiative is expected to support better teaching, stronger learning outcomes and a more resilient education system.

NHIA Health Insurance Initiative to Expand Coverage for 4,000 Edo Residents

About 4,000 residents of Edo State's Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas are set to benefit from expanded health insurance coverage under a National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) programme aimed at making essential healthcare more affordable and accessible.

The initiative was officially flagged off on Thursday by Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, during a presentation in Benin. According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, the programme was facilitated by Idahosa during his tenure as the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The rollout has already recorded significant progress, with more than 2,000 beneficiaries successfully enrolled. A second phase of enrolment is expected to raise the total number of beneficiaries to approximately 4,000.

During the ceremony, Edo State NHIA Coordinator, Dr Theodore Ehannire, presented official NHIA health insurance cards to Deputy Governor Idahosa and the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Omosede Igbinedion.

Idahosa said the intervention was designed to ease the financial burden of medical care by reducing out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring more residents can receive timely treatment. He noted that responsive leadership should invest not only in physical infrastructure but also in human capital and public health, adding that no one should be denied quality healthcare because of financial constraints.

Providing an update on the programme, Dr Theodore Ehannire disclosed that more than 2,000 beneficiaries have already been enrolled under the scheme. He explained that their NHIA health insurance cards have been activated for use at accredited hospitals across Edo State and that all medical expenses covered under the programme have been fully paid, allowing beneficiaries to receive approved healthcare services without making direct payments at the point of care.

Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive medical consultations, treatment, minor surgical procedures and maternal healthcare services, including safe delivery for pregnant women.

Ehannire praised the deputy governor for prioritising the health and well-being of residents, expressing confidence that the initiative would strengthen access to quality healthcare across the benefiting communities.

Also speaking, Omosede Igbinedion described the programme as a people-centred intervention with long-term benefits for constituents. She said the true measure of good governance lies not only in infrastructure projects but also in policies that directly improve people's lives, stressing that there is no price that can be placed on health because health is wealth and life itself.

She added that the scheme would help curb self-medication, improve maternal and child healthcare, and enhance the overall well-being of residents.

As enrolment continues, another batch of beneficiaries is expected to increase the total number of people covered to about 4,000 across Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas, further expanding access to affordable healthcare services at accredited medical facilities throughout Edo State.

Jessica Oji Wins Historic World U20 Gold

Jessica Oji has delivered one of the most significant achievements in Nigerian athletics history, becoming the country's first-ever field event champion at the World U20 Athletics Championships. The 19-year-old produced a commanding performance in Oregon, where her winning throw of 18.08 metres earned her the women's shot put gold and secured Nigeria's place at the top of the podium in a field event for the first time.

For decades, Nigeria's greatest international athletics achievements have come mainly through the track and jumping events. Field events produced memorable performances, but never a world champion at the World U20 Championships. Oji has now changed that.

She stamped her authority on the competition from the very first attempt. Her opening throw of 18.05 metres immediately put her in contention before she improved to the winning mark of 18.08 metres. She followed with 17.95 metres, recorded two fouls, and closed with another excellent throw of 18.07 metres. She was the only athlete in the competition to surpass the 18-metre mark.

Before Oji's breakthrough, Nigeria's only field event medals were Esther Aghatise's silver in the women's long jump in 2002 and Chinecherem Nnamdi's bronze in the men's javelin in 2021. Oji has now become the first Nigerian to stand atop the podium in a field event at the World U20 Championships.

On 2 February, Oji officially completed her switch of sporting allegiance from the United States to Nigeria. She celebrated her 19th birthday on 23 June, claimed a Commonwealth Games silver medal on 29 July, and just one week later captured the World U20 shot put title.

At just 19, Jessica Oji has already secured a place in Nigeria's sporting history. Her victory in Oregon is not only a personal milestone but also a defining moment for Nigerian athletics, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence and proving once again that Nigerian athletes can break new ground on the world's biggest stages.

Nigeria's Aviation Links with Canada Enter a New Era as Direct Flights Receive Green Light

Nigeria's aviation relationship with Canada is entering a new phase following the expansion of the bilateral air transport agreement between both countries, a move that will permit direct scheduled flights for the first time and reinforce Nigeria's position as one of Africa's fastest-growing international aviation markets.

Announced on August 6, 2026, in Ottawa by Canada's Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, the revised agreement broadens air service rights in response to increasing travel demand generated by business, education, tourism and family ties.

The new arrangement allows Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services. Airlines from each side will be permitted to operate up to 14 passenger flights every week and 10 weekly all-cargo services, greatly expanding air connectivity.

The agreement also grants fifth freedom traffic rights for cargo operations, allowing airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries provided the flight either begins or ends in their home country. The provision is expected to improve cargo logistics, facilitate trade and give exporters more efficient access to international markets.

Air travel between Nigeria and Canada has grown steadily over the past decade. During that period, the bilateral air transport market more than doubled, driven by expanding trade, educational exchanges and enduring family connections.

With a population of more than 237 million and one of the world's youngest and most entrepreneurial populations, Nigeria has become an increasingly important aviation market. Those demographics continue to fuel demand for stronger international air links.

Education has also become a defining feature of the relationship. As of March 31, 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits, sustaining a high volume of passenger traffic between the two countries.

MacKinnon said the expanded agreement would provide travellers with greater choice while creating fresh opportunities for Canadian airlines. He added that easier air access would deepen economic ties, encourage tourism and trade, and make travel easier for individuals and businesses.

Canada's Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, highlighted the country's large Nigerian community, particularly in Brampton. He described Nigeria as an important economic partner offering Canadian businesses and workers access to a growing market and expanding industries. According to Sidhu, the revised agreement will deepen economic cooperation, support Canada's trade diversification strategy and bring families and communities even closer.

The Canada–Nigeria Air Transport Agreement was negotiated in 2014 and formally signed in March 2025 on a code-share-only basis. This is its first expansion since the negotiations began.

For Nigeria, the development further reinforces the country's expanding role in international aviation, the depth of its commercial and educational links with Canada, and the increasing value of closer connectivity. 

AKK Gas Pipeline Set to Accelerate Niger State's Rise as a Manufacturing and Investment Hub

Major infrastructure projects often redefine the economic future of entire regions and for Niger State, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline is shaping up to be one of those landmark developments, with the potential to attract major investments, expand manufacturing and unlock new drivers of economic growth.

Central to that vision is a plan to develop the approximately 1,000 square kilometre AKK corridor within the state into a dedicated Industrial Development Park, creating a location where dependable energy supply and abundant natural resources can support large-scale enterprise.

Speaking at the 2026 AKK and Energy Business Development Forum in Minna, Governor Mohammed Bago said the project would serve as a catalyst for gas-powered economic growth while opening Niger State's vast economic potential to investors. He explained that the initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate business activity and encourage the establishment of agro-allied industries, petrochemical plants, fertiliser companies and a broad range of manufacturing enterprises.

According to the governor, the development marks the beginning of a new chapter not only for Niger State but also for Nigeria and the wider region. He expressed confidence that the transformation of the AKK corridor would influence economic development far beyond Northern Nigeria, generating fresh prospects across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Bago also highlighted the state's strong energy advantage, noting that Niger State combines abundant hydropower resources, extensive solar energy potential and access to natural gas. He said this unique mix places the state in a strategic position to attract businesses seeking reliable and diversified energy sources.

"My administration is determined to maximise these opportunities to transform the state's economy and make it one of Nigeria's leading productive economies," the governor said, adding that the combination of hydropower, solar energy and natural gas provides a solid foundation for sustained economic expansion.

The Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy Directorate of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Olufemi Olalekan, disclosed that the AKK Gas Pipeline has already reached Abuja and is scheduled for commissioning in September 2026.

He further revealed that the pipeline infrastructure has been completed up to Kano and is being commissioned in phases, while work on the Niger State section is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

As completion draws closer, the AKK Gas Pipeline is expected to strengthen Nigeria's energy infrastructure while providing manufacturers with greater access to natural gas. For Niger State, it represents an opportunity to translate its energy resources into productive industries, attract long-term capital and reinforce its growing role in Nigeria's industrial transformation.

Back-to-Back: Dangote Refinery Retains Top Spot as Europe's Largest Jet Fuel Supplier

Nigeria has retained its place at the centre of Europe's imported jet fuel market, with Dangote Petroleum Refinery emerging as the continent's largest supplier for a second consecutive month.

The latest export data shows the Lekki-based refinery again supplied more jet fuel to Europe than the United States, extending a breakthrough first recorded in June and adding fresh fact to Nigeria's growing presence in international fuel trade.

Figures compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler indicate that Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July. More than 400,000 tonnes came from Dangote Refinery, representing roughly 20 percent of the month's total imports. That was enough to place the Nigerian refinery ahead of established suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.

The July performance follows an even larger shipment in June, when Dangote exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe. Those exports enabled Nigeria to overtake the United States as Europe's leading external supplier of aviation fuel for the first time. Holding on to that position a month later suggests the refinery is becoming an established source of supply rather than a temporary entrant.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals said in a statement on Thursday that the result reflects its expanding role in the global aviation fuel market and its ability to consistently meet the quality standards required by international customers.

The refinery attributed its performance to a combination of scale, technology, export capability and its location on Nigeria's Atlantic coast. Together, those advantages have allowed it to compete in a market long supplied by refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia.

Production has continued to rise alongside exports. Jet fuel loadings at the Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the volumes needed to sustain higher exports.

The shift also reflects changes in the global energy market. Europe imported limited quantities of jet fuel from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman during July, but disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and other geopolitical developments have encouraged buyers to widen their supplier base.

Dangote Refinery said those changing market conditions have created opportunities for new suppliers capable of delivering consistent volumes without compromising international quality standards.

David Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, said the company's export business now extends beyond aviation fuel to diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products shipped to customers across Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.

According to Bird, the expanding export portfolio is strengthening Nigeria's position as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products.

Retaining the top spot for a second consecutive month points to Nigeria's growing capacity to compete in markets once dominated by traditional refining centres, while demonstrating that Nigerian-made petroleum products can earn a place among the world's leading suppliers.

Retaining the top spot for a second consecutive month points to Nigeria's growing capacity to compete in markets once dominated by traditional refining centres and strengthens the country's standing in the global petroleum trade.

Nigeria Eyes Up to $50 Billion in Offshore Investments by 2030

Nigeria's offshore petroleum industry is on course for significant expansion, with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) projecting that 22 major offshore projects scheduled between 2026 and 2030 could attract between $30 billion and $50 billion in investment.

According to the commission, the projects are expected to increase oil and gas production, create jobs, expand critical infrastructure, strengthen energy security and reinforce Nigeria's position as a leading destination for upstream investment.

The projection was presented at the Society of Petroleum Engineers' Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026) in Lagos by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, who was represented by Enorense Amadasu, the commission's Executive Commissioner for Development and Production.

Eyesan disclosed that since 2024, the NUPRC has approved more than $57 billion in Field Development Plans (FDPs), with several of those approvals already progressing into Final Investment Decisions (FIDs).

She explained that the commission is not only developing Nigeria's proven oil and gas reserves but also maintaining a strong pipeline of exploration opportunities to support long-term production growth and national energy security.

The country's licensing programme has become a key part of that strategy. Since 2022, successive licensing rounds have opened access to some of Nigeria's most prospective oil and gas acreages.

During the 2025 Licensing Round, 31 companies emerged as successful bidders for 37 oil and gas blocks after completing what the commission described as a robust, data-driven and technology-enabled evaluation process.

With preparations already underway for the 2026 Licensing Round, Eyesan said Nigeria is demonstrating that investment certainty is becoming a lasting feature of its regulatory framework.

The NUPRC also acknowledged that infrastructure gaps continue to limit Africa's energy potential. To address this, Nigeria is expanding gas gathering systems, processing facilities, pipelines and export infrastructure, while promoting shared facilities, open access, third-party access and field tie-backs to reduce costs, accelerate project delivery, maximise existing infrastructure and bring stranded oil and gas resources into production.

Beyond infrastructure, Eyesan said stronger collaboration among the government, security agencies, industry operators, host communities, private partners and Host Community Development Trusts has improved the protection of critical energy assets, further strengthening Nigeria's upstream sector.

Recent developments underline the scale of activity across the industry. In November 2025, the NUPRC announced that the Federal Government had approved oil field development plans worth about $20 billion between January and October 2025.

A month earlier, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) Limited confirmed a $2 billion Final Investment Decision for the HI offshore gas project in Nigeria.

On March 11, the Federal Government also approved a targeted fiscal incentive designed to fast-track Shell's $20 billion Final Investment Decision for its deepwater project.

Together, these developments highlight continued activity across Nigeria's upstream petroleum industry as new offshore projects, regulatory reforms and infrastructure expansion create opportunities for increased investment, employment, energy security and long-term economic growth.

14-Year-Old Ekunke Odey Goodness Becomes First-Ever FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Champion

Nigeria delivered a commanding performance at the inaugural FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship in Abuja, with local players sweeping all three podium positions in a landmark moment for the country's growing chess community.

Leading the charge was 14-year-old Ekunke Odey Goodness, who scored 9 points from 11 rounds to become the first player to win the newly introduced global title. His victory places his name permanently in the competition's history while highlighting the remarkable rise of young Nigerian chess talent.

Organised jointly by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation, the tournament brought together players from several countries for 11 rounds of rapid chess, played with 15 minutes per player and a 10-second increment after every move.

Goodness finished at the top of the standings, while FM Eugene Ekpoikong Unwana claimed the silver medal with 8½ points. FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha also finished on 8½ points but secured bronze after the tie-break system was applied, completing a clean sweep for the host nation.

The race for the title remained fiercely contested until the closing rounds.

One of Goodness' strongest challengers was 17-year-old Joseph Sambo, whose impressive campaign became keen after he defeated the eventual champion in Round 8. Earlier in the tournament, Sambo had also overcome FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha, who doubles as Goodness' coach and mentor.

Sambo strengthened his title ambitions with another victory over AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal in Round 9, putting himself firmly in contention. However, successive defeats to Unwana in Round 10 and Lanre Seye Oluwalasinu in the final round ended his challenge, leaving him fourth overall with 7½ points, just outside the medals.

Unwana, meanwhile, produced a strong finish when it mattered most. Victories over Kigigha in Round 9 and Sambo in Round 10 earned him a final-round showdown with Goodness.

Going into the decisive match, Goodness led with 8½ points, while Unwana had 8 points. Playing the White pieces, Unwana needed a win to overtake the leader, but the contest ended in a draw. The result lifted Goodness to 9 points and confirmed him as champion, while Unwana secured second place. Kigigha finished third on tie-break despite matching Unwana's score.

The event also featured strong international participation. AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal finished as the highest-ranked Indian player in fifth place with 7½ points, while fellow Indian AFM Aryan Raj was defeated by Goodness in Round 7. Earlier, Goodness had shared the points with Kigigha in their Round 6 encounter.

Beyond crowning a world champion, the tournament showcased the depth of Nigerian chess. Young stars such as Goodness and Sambo competed confidently alongside experienced players like Unwana and Kigigha, underlining the country's growing presence on the international stage.

For Goodness, the triumph marks the biggest achievement of his young career. At just 14, he leaves Abuja as the first-ever FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Champion, while the inaugural tournament demonstrated Nigeria's ability to host a world-class event that attracted competitors from Nigeria, India and other countries.

Super Falcons Turn WAFCON Survival Mission into a Six-Goal Masterclass

Just days after a shock opening defeat placed Nigeria's 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in serious danger, the nine-time African champions delivered the response their supporters had been waiting for. On a dramatic evening at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco, the Falcons overwhelmed Egypt 6-2 to secure a place in the quarter-finals, proving that resilience can be just as decisive as talent.

Nigeria entered the final Group C fixtures carrying the weight of an unexpected loss to Malawi in their opening match. Although a hard-earned 1-0 victory in their second outing revived hopes, the Falcons still faced a daunting challenge. They needed a convincing win over Egypt while also keeping a close eye on the outcome of the Malawi-Zambia clash, where every development had the potential to reshape the group standings.

Rather than allowing the pressure to dictate the occasion, Nigeria chose to dictate the football. The breakthrough arrived almost immediately. Asisat Oshoala confidently converted an early penalty to hand the Falcons the perfect start before later leaving the pitch after being substituted. Her replacement, Gift Monday, maintained Nigeria's attacking intensity and doubled the advantage deep into the first half.

Egypt found a route back into the contest just before the interval. Michelle Alozie was adjudged to have elbowed an Egyptian player inside the penalty area, and Nadine Ghazi made no mistake from the spot to reduce the score to 2-1.

The break changed neither Nigeria's ambition nor their approach. Introduced in the second half, Uchenna Kanu made an immediate impact in the 57th minute by taking advantage of defensive lapses to restore Nigeria's cushion. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in the Falcons' favour as they repeatedly exposed Egypt's backline.

Christy Ucheibe then converted another penalty to give Nigeria a fourth goal, but the contest still had another twist. Ghazi struck brilliantly for her second goal of the evening, narrowing the score to 4-2 at a moment when updates from the Malawi-Zambia encounter continued to keep qualification calculations alive.

That brief uncertainty lasted only moments as Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up to convert Nigeria's third penalty of the match, extinguishing any hopes of an Egyptian comeback and restoring complete control. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Joy Omewa added the sixth goal to complete an emphatic victory that reflected Nigeria's attacking quality and determination.

The final whistle confirmed the Super Falcons' place in the quarter-finals, with Nigeria finishing second in Group C behind Malawi. The reward is a last-eight meeting with the winners of Group B, where Cameroon, Ghana and Mali are still battling to finish on top.

The scoreline alone tells only part of the story. Throughout the evening, the Falcons had to contend with the pressure of knowing that their fate was being influenced by another match. Yet they never lost sight of the one objective they could control which was scoring goals. They did exactly that, finding the net six times and converting three penalties in one of their most decisive performances of the tournament.

Championship-winning teams are often defined not by how they begin, but by how they respond when their backs are against the wall. After an opening setback threatened to derail their campaign, the Super Falcons answered with courage, clinical finishing and a performance worthy of their rich continental pedigree.

Nigeria's journey at WAFCON continues, and with confidence restored, the Falcons remain firmly in contention for another African crown.

Nigerian Innovation Scores Another Global Win as Moove Enters Africa's Unicorn Club

Around the world, investors are increasingly looking to Nigerian-founded technology companies for the next generation of transformative businesses. The latest evidence of that confidence has come with a landmark investment in Moove, a mobility technology company founded by Nigerians, marking one of the biggest startup successes the continent has recorded this year.

The company has secured $250 million in Series C funding, a milestone that has lifted its valuation to $2.1 billion and officially placed it among Africa's unicorn startups, companies valued at more than $1 billion.

The scale of the investment is equally remarkable. Based on publicly reported deals, Moove's Series C raise stands as the largest single funding round announced by an African startup in 2026, reflecting growing international confidence in technology companies emerging from the continent.

Behind the record-breaking investment is a coalition of some of the world's leading financial institutions. Mubadala Investment Company led the funding round, while Woven Capital, Toyota's Growth Fund, and Ion Pacific participated as co-lead investors.

The latest financing also broadened Moove's global shareholder base. New investors joining the company include BlueCrest Capital Management, Sona Asset Management, and The Raptor Group.

Meanwhile, several existing investors strengthened their commitment to the company's long-term vision by participating in the round, they include; BlackRock, MUFG, Franklin Templeton, Uber, Left Lane, Silverbacks Holdings, Square Associates, The Latest Ventures, Endeavor Catalyst, and the Ontario Power Generation Pension Plan.

Moove's rise to unicorn status is another indication that Nigerian-founded businesses are steadily expanding their influence in the global technology landscape. Beyond the impressive valuation, the company has demonstrated that homegrown innovation can attract substantial international capital while competing at the highest levels of the global startup ecosystem.

For Nigeria's innovation story, the achievement reinforces the country's reputation as a leading source of entrepreneurial talent and technology-driven solutions, while showing that globally respected investors continue to identify Nigerian-founded companies as businesses with the potential to shape the future of mobility and digital innovation.

As Africa's latest unicorn, Moove has not only crossed a significant financial milestone but has also delivered another powerful reminder of the growing global impact of Nigerian entrepreneurship.

Dangote Refinery IPO Draws Continental Interest Ahead of Historic Market Debut

The Dangote Refinery's planned initial public offering (IPO) is shaping up to be one of the largest capital market transactions in Africa's history. Valued at about $5 billion, the listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) is expected to be the biggest public offering ever undertaken on the continent, drawing interest from stock exchanges eager to participate in the landmark transaction.

Interest has emerged from across Africa, with exchanges in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana and Rwanda all exploring opportunities to be part of the listing. The widespread attention reflects the scale of the offering and the growing appeal of one of Nigeria's most ambitious industrial investments.

Since commencing operations in 2024, the Dangote Refinery has rapidly established itself as a major force in the global refining industry. With a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the Lagos-based facility has expanded exports of refined petroleum products, including jet fuel, to markets across Africa and Europe. The refinery has benefited from shifts in global energy supply chains and is now seeking fresh capital to support expansion of its operations and broader regional growth plans.

Among the exchanges expressing interest is the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), which hopes to secure a secondary listing after the company's planned debut on the Nigerian Exchange later this year.

Speaking to CNBC Africa, JSE Chief Executive Officer Valdene Reddy said the refinery is expected to list in Nigeria first before pursuing a secondary listing in Johannesburg.

"They will go and list in Nigeria first but with a strong intent to hopefully bring that listing to South Africa shortly thereafter on the JSE. It would be a great opportunity for diversified play of high demand but of such a strong African corporate listing on the JSE," she said.

The proposed listing comes as the JSE pursues new listings across sectors including mining, fintech, property and construction, while also implementing regulatory reforms aimed at making its market more attractive to companies seeking primary or secondary listings.

The Dangote Refinery's IPO is expected to give investors access to one of Africa's largest industrial enterprises through the public market. The widespread interest from stock exchanges across the continent speaks to the refinery's significance, demonstrating how a Nigerian-built industrial project has become one of the most sought-after corporate listings in African finance.

Nigeria Moves Ahead with 90,000km Fibre Network to Expand Broadband Nationwide

Nigeria is preparing to embark on one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects yet, with the federal government set to begin the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network that will extend broadband access across the country.

The network, expected to begin physical deployment within the next few weeks, will reach all six geopolitical zones, every state, all 774 local government areas and wards, creating a stronger backbone for faster and more reliable internet services.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced the development after briefing the President at the State House in Abuja on the progress of three flagship initiatives under his ministry.

According to the minister, all resource mobilisation and contractual processes have been completed, clearing the way for construction to begin.

"We're now at the point where, in a few weeks, we should start to lay that fibre; so people will start seeing us around the country deploying the fibre. This is going to transform Nigeria for good," Tijani said.

He added that the project would provide fibre optic infrastructure to every geopolitical zone, state, local government area and ward, significantly improving broadband coverage and internet quality nationwide.

The minister linked the progress to a series of reforms introduced by the federal government, including the designation of digital infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, adjustments to telecommunications tariffs and tax harmonisation measures long sought by industry operators.

According to Tijani, the reforms have strengthened the communications sector, whose contribution to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen from between 16 and 18 per cent when the administration took office to nearly 21 per cent today.

The government is also working to extend mobile network coverage to underserved communities. Tijani disclosed that deployment of about 3,700 telecommunications towers will begin around October after months of planning and capital mobilisation. The project is expected to bring telecom services to more than 20 million Nigerians who currently lack adequate network access.

"Today we're at a point where, before the end of the year, we'll also start to deploy close to 3,700 towers. It's taken a lot to put this project together and raise the required capital, but we are now ready to begin deployment around October," he said.

Another milestone will come on October 1 when Nigeria officially launches an alphanumeric postcode system. Tijani said the initiative will place the country among a select group of nations with an advanced digital addressing system.

Together, the nationwide fibre rollout, new telecommunications towers and the alphanumeric postcode system reflect Nigeria's continued investment in infrastructure that can support innovation, expand access to digital services and unlock new economic opportunities.

Nigeria's Locally Assembled Drones Signal a New Era of Homegrown Innovation

Nigeria's ambition to build more of the technology it uses is becoming a reality. At the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), locally assembled drones are emerging as a symbol of the country's growing engineering and manufacturing capacity.

Built through partnerships with private companies, the drones are designed for surveillance, agriculture and other practical uses. They are part of a wider effort to strengthen local manufacturing, create jobs, reduce reliance on imports and develop technologies that can compete in regional and global markets.

The progress was showcased on Tuesday when members of the Presidential Communications Team toured six factories, production facilities and the NASENI showroom at the agency's headquarters in Abuja.

The delegation included the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare; the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Among the technologies displayed were locally assembled unmanned aerial vehicles, agricultural equipment, diagnostic test kits and other products developed through partnerships with industry players.

One of the highlights of the visit was NASENI's collaboration with Caverton Drones. Project Coordinator, Ese Obukonise, demonstrated surveillance drones, agricultural drones, pressure pumps and a locally assembled helicopter produced through the partnership.

NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, said the agency is focused on developing technologies that create jobs, shorten production time and add value to the economy in line with the Federal Government's Nigeria First policy.

He also challenged the belief that successful manufacturing means producing every component within one country. According to him, modern industries thrive through collaboration and by focusing on areas where they have the greatest advantage.

Using Apple Inc. as an example, Halilu noted that while the company's products are designed in California, they are assembled in countries such as China and India.

"If you attempt to make everything 100 per cent local, you're pushing yourself out of civilisation," he said, adding that countries must build on their strengths to create sustainable businesses that can grow into international markets.

Halilu added that NASENI remains committed to innovations that can be produced commercially and expanded beyond Nigeria.

The visitors praised the agency's progress after inspecting the facilities.

Sunday Dare said the technologies on display showed meaningful progress in technology transfer, artificial intelligence and agricultural mechanisation. He also highlighted the local production of diagnostic test kits, noting that almost 80 per cent of the test kits used in Nigeria are still imported. He suggested that Ministries, Departments and Agencies should first determine whether products are available locally before turning to imports.

Bayo Onanuga described the agency's recent transformation as remarkable. He noted that although NASENI was established in 1992, the progress made over the past three years has been significant and encouraged the agency to continue building on its achievements.

Hadiza Bala-Usman also commended the agency's leadership, describing Khalil Halilu as focused and intentional. She said she had known him since the 2014 elections and praised the vision that has helped reposition NASENI into a stronger innovation-driven institution.

As investment in science, engineering and manufacturing continues to grow, NASENI's locally assembled drones are demonstrating that advanced technology can increasingly be designed and assembled in Nigeria while supporting industrial growth, skills development and new economic opportunities.

Nigeria Opens Africa’s First Renewable Energy College to Tackle One of Clean Energy's Biggest Challenges

Nigeria has built Africa's first Renewable Energy College, placing technical skills at the centre of its clean energy ambitions and offering a new model for workforce development on the continent.

The Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara (BARECKS), was commissioned alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant on Tuesday at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony.

The achievement addresses a problem that has long shaped Africa's energy transition. While many countries possess abundant renewable resources, far fewer have the trained technicians needed to install, operate and maintain the technologies that make those resources useful.

That challenge is especially familiar in Nigeria as the country enjoys vast reserves of sunlight, wind, biomass and water, yet turning those natural advantages into electricity, employment and industrial activity has remained difficult. BARECKS was established to narrow that skills gap through practical, vocational training rather than conventional classroom instruction alone.

The college will train technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals in renewable energy technologies, while serving as a platform for research and innovation. Its curriculum takes inspiration from India's internationally recognised Barefoot model, where women with little or no formal education were trained as solar engineers and helped electrify rural communities.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the institution as a first for Africa and said it was modelled after India's celebrated Barefoot vocational colleges.

"This is the first institution of its kind on the African continent, modelled on the celebrated vocational colleges of India that turned unlettered grandmothers into solar engineers," the President said.

The President said the same model that transformed rural communities in India could equally help expand access to clean energy across Nigeria.

"If that method could light the villages of Rajasthan, it can light the settlements of Kogi, Ondo and Cross River. Nigeria assumes, from today, the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa," he said.

The project also addresses a key issue across the continent. Ambition has rarely been the obstacle; the shortage has been people equipped with the technical expertise to turn plans into functioning systems.

"Our continent has never suffered a deficit of intention. We have suffered the scarcity of hands trained to execute them," the President said.

The college reached completion within two years of its groundbreaking, a delivery timeline that stands out for a public infrastructure project of its scale.

Recalling the groundbreaking ceremony held two years ago, the President said the pace of delivery demonstrated what determined execution could achieve.

"Two years ago, we stood on this ground for the groundbreaking of this institution, with red earth underfoot and the ambition of a few determined Nigerians for company. Today, we stand before a world-class edifice, completed to international standards," he said.

The commissioning also included a call for development partners, research institutions, private-sector organisations and international bodies to collaborate with the college in expanding technical training, renewable energy research and innovation.

Its opening comes as Nigeria pursues the objectives set out in its Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which charts a path towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Progress has been slower in some areas, particularly rural electrification and the deployment of off-grid solar systems.

According to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Nigeria needs at least five million off-grid solar systems to supply electricity to communities that remain unserved or underserved.

The financial landscape is becoming more favourable. Earlier reports showed that clean energy funding flowing to developing countries, including Nigeria, has risen to $21.57 billion. Energy and climate specialists have also argued that stronger policy incentives for large-scale solar projects could unlock an estimated $2.5 billion carbon market opportunity for the country.

International support has followed a similar direction. In September 2025, the European Union announced a €545 million package to expand renewable energy investment across Africa.

The value of BARECKS will ultimately be measured less by its buildings than by the expertise it produces. Every technician trained, every installer certified and every researcher equipped through the institution brings Nigeria closer to converting its renewable energy potential into reliable power, stronger industries and wider economic opportunity.

How Pewbeam AI Is Positioning Nigeria at the Forefront of Conversational AI

Every Sunday, in churches around the world, a familiar scene plays out. A pastor quotes or paraphrases a Bible passage during a sermon, and the media team quickly searches for the correct scripture to display on the screen. Those few moments can interrupt the flow of worship and distract both the preacher and the congregation. For Nigerian product designer and design engineer Dára Sobaloju, it was a challenge worth solving.

After spending nearly two years refining the concept, Sobaloju developed Pewbeam AI, an intelligent platform that listens to sermons, recognises Bible references in real time and automatically displays the appropriate scripture without manual input. Instead of relying on searches and clicks, the platform allows worship to continue seamlessly while the technology works in the background.

Although the idea appears simple, building it required overcoming significant technical hurdles and one of the biggest challenges was teaching the system to understand context rather than simply matching keywords. Pastors often paraphrase passages or refer to biblical stories without mentioning the exact chapter and verse. Pewbeam AI is designed to interpret those references and identify the intended scripture. When it is not sufficiently confident, it displays nothing instead of risking an incorrect verse, preserving the integrity of the worship experience.

Sobaloju also built the platform with flexibility in mind. Recognising that churches operate with different technology setups, he engineered Pewbeam AI to perform reliably across a wide range of environments. Whether used with advanced multimedia systems or older computers still in active service, the platform combines real-time speech-to-text processing, an offline-first architecture, optional cloud connectivity and Faster Whisper, an optimised implementation of OpenAI's speech recognition technology, to deliver accurate scripture recognition with minimal delay.

The innovation is already attracting strong market interest. According to Sobaloju, thousands of churches have joined Pewbeam AI's waitlist ahead of its wider rollout, demonstrating strong demand for a solution that addresses a long-standing challenge faced by churches. While the company's revenue and turnover have not been publicly disclosed, the growing waitlist points to considerable commercial potential.

The opportunity extends well beyond Nigeria as millions of churches across Africa and other parts of the world use projectors and digital displays during worship. A platform that can accurately recognise sermons and present Bible passages in real time has the potential to become an important tool for churches globally.

Pewbeam AI also arrives as conversational AI continues to reshape digital experiences. Nigeria has approximately 51 million WhatsApp users, representing about 95 percent online penetration. Across Africa, 54 percent of social media users have bought or sold products through social platforms, with WhatsApp leading much of that activity. Increasingly, people expect technology to understand natural language instead of requiring multiple menus and complicated interfaces.

That trend is already visible across leading digital platforms. Users can book holidays through Booking.com using conversations, design graphics in Canva with written instructions, edit videos through InVideo AI and complete increasingly complex tasks with ChatGPT, which is sending significantly more referral traffic to publishers and e-commerce platforms than it did a year earlier.

For Sobaloju, these developments confirm that conversational AI represents the next phase of digital interaction, and he believes Nigeria has an opportunity to play a leading role.

Beyond founding Pewbeam AI, he has built a reputation as one of Nigeria's emerging innovators in AI-powered product design. Combining software engineering, product design and storytelling, his work focuses on solving practical problems through technology. His Figma plugins are already used by more than 50,000 designers worldwide, demonstrating the growing international reach of Nigerian innovation.

His philosophy is straightforward: solve local problems exceptionally well, and the solutions can scale globally. Rather than replicating products developed elsewhere, he believes African innovators should create solutions rooted in local realities and expand from there.

Pewbeam AI embodies that approach. By addressing a genuine need within churches through advanced artificial intelligence, the platform has already attracted thousands of prospective users before its full launch.

If that momentum continues, Pewbeam AI could become one of Nigeria's leading exports in the growing faith technology industry, reinforcing the country's growing reputation as a source of practical, globally relevant AI innovation.

First HoldCo's $1 Billion Capital Raise Signals New Phase of Growth for Nigeria's Banking Giant

Confidence in one of Nigeria's oldest financial institutions is receiving the investing public attention as First HoldCo Plc embarks on a N1.4 trillion ($1 billion) public share offer, a landmark fundraising exercise expected to strengthen its banking operations while accelerating expansion into other fast-growing areas of financial services.

The offer, which officially opened on Monday, August 3, follows approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and places 10.4 billion shares before investors. Early indications suggest demand has been exceptionally strong.

Speaking on the offer, First Bank Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, said investor appetite could see the exercise conclude much sooner than anticipated.

"The sale is starting today, the reality here is that I am not sure it will stay more than one week based on the pressure we are getting," he said.

The capital raise comes at a time when First HoldCo is building momentum on several fronts. Beyond reinforcing the capital base of its banking business, the group plans to deploy the proceeds to expand its presence in insurance underwriting and financial technology, strengthening its position as a diversified financial services provider.

The fundraising exercise also represents the culmination of a restructuring process that began last year. Following ownership and leadership disputes that led Barbican Capital Ltd. to dispose of its stake, about one-quarter of First HoldCo's shares were transferred to RC Investment Management Ltd., which acted as a bridge holder. At the time, the company disclosed that those shares would eventually be offered to the investing public after obtaining the required regulatory approvals, a process now completed with the CBN's approval.

Investors have already responded positively to the company's trajectory. Over the past week, First HoldCo's share price has gained more than eight percent, climbing to N134 . The stock has also appreciated more than fourfold since July 2025, when the shares formerly held by Barbican Capital were transferred to RC Investment Management.

That sustained market performance has lifted First HoldCo's valuation above N6 trillion, making it the first banking stock on the Nigerian Exchange to achieve the milestone.

The company's financial performance has further strengthened confidence. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, First HoldCo reported a pretax profit of N653.54 billion, compared with N356.15 billion  recorded during the same period in 2025.

The improvement was driven by stronger operating income, lower credit-loss provisions and growth across several of the group's business segments, underscoring the company's improving earnings capacity ahead of the capital raise.

Meanwhile, market watchers continue to monitor changes in the company's ownership structure. Chairman and billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has increased his holdings from 9.99 billion shares to 11.77 billion shares, raising his ownership stake from 21.96 percent to 25.88 percent.

Headquartered in Lagos, First HoldCo traces its origins to First Bank, founded in 1894. Formerly known as FBN Holdings Plc, the group adopted the First HoldCo name in February 2025 and today maintains interests spanning commercial banking, investment banking, asset management and insurance brokerage.

As the public offer progresses, the company is seeking to reinforcing the foundation for its next chapter, one built on stronger banking operations, broader financial services capabilities and sustained investor confidence in a Nigerian institution that has remained a central player in the country's financial landscape for well over a century.

Delta Launches $100 Million Fund to Attract Private Investment

Delta State has unveiled a bold investment strategy aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and attracting more private sector participation, introducing a $100 million (approximately ₦133 billion) Viability Gap Fund designed to reduce investment risks and unlock high-impact projects across the state.

The announcement was made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, where government leaders, business executives and development partners gathered to explore new opportunities for economic transformation.

According to the governor, the Viability Gap Fund is intended to give investors greater confidence by lowering the risks associated with strategic projects. He said the initiative will help bring critical investments to fruition, stimulate economic activity and promote shared prosperity throughout Delta State.

Oborevwori explained that the summit was created to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and the capital required to execute them, while showcasing the state's comparative socio-economic advantages to investors seeking viable opportunities.

Beyond the unveiling of the investment fund, discussions at the summit focused on how states can position themselves for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the current global economic environment, despite its disruptions, continues to present significant opportunities for Delta State, Nigeria and Africa. She urged governments to embrace fiscal prudence, reduce trade costs, improve project execution and strengthen the country's maintenance culture.

She also encouraged policymakers to study the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, describing it as a project worth examining because of its impact on employment. According to her, the port has created about 5,000 jobs, demonstrating the value of well-executed infrastructure investments.

Speaking at the summit as Special Guest of Honour, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria's economic direction is receiving positive recognition from international credit rating agencies, including Fitch, S&P and Moody's, which he said reflects growing confidence in the country's development trajectory.

He argued that diversification remains one of the strongest indicators of responsible leadership, stressing that economies built solely on natural resources cannot guarantee lasting prosperity. While resources may finance development, he said, enduring progress depends on ideas, strong institutions and thriving enterprises.

Shettima also called on state governments to move beyond documenting assets and focus on translating opportunities into tangible investments that generate businesses, jobs and long-term economic value.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, noted that states and local governments are now receiving unprecedented revenues following recent economic reforms that have contributed to greater macroeconomic stability. He urged both governments and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the improved fiscal environment to expand economic opportunities and promote shared prosperity.

Delta State's new investment initiative comes as Nigeria continues to embrace de-risking strategies to improve financing and encourage private sector growth.

With the launch of the $100 million Viability Gap Fund, Delta State is positioning itself to attract greater private investment, strengthen investor confidence and accelerate projects capable of supporting long-term economic development and job creation.

Four PAP Scholars Graduate with Distinctions as Scholarship Programme Builds Nigeria's Skilled Workforce

Nigeria's investment in developing skilled professionals continues to yield results, with four beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) graduating with distinctions as part of a new cohort of scholars who have successfully completed postgraduate studies under the programme's overseas scholarship scheme.

A total of 16 PAP-sponsored students earned master's degrees in strategic fields, including software engineering, oil and gas, data science and engineering, financial management, law, construction engineering management and global public health.

The four distinction recipients are Nina Orubebe in Financial Management, Tonbra Tonlagha in International Hospitality and Tourism, Kemien Egbekun in Law, and Simon Douye in Construction Engineering Management.

The scholars studied at institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States, including Carnegie Mellon University, Coventry University, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Dundee, Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Bedfordshire, Aston University, the University of Cambridge, the University of South Wales and Northumbria University.

The latest achievement adds to the programme's growing impact. Since Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro assumed office as Administrator in March 2024, PAP says it has produced 111 master's and doctoral degree holders, comprising 57 graduates from foreign universities and 54 from Nigerian institutions. During the same period, about 9,000 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships have been awarded in Nigerian tertiary institutions, while 247 beneficiaries have received scholarships for higher-degree studies overseas.

Congratulating the graduates, Otuaro said their success demonstrates that sustained investment in education is producing professionals equipped to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria. He noted that the scholars completed their programmes on schedule and said their achievements further strengthen the region's human capital base.

He urged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired to advance their communities and support national development.

Responding to criticism over the expansion of the scholarship initiative, Otuaro said the programme would remain committed to its mandate.

Established in 2009 following the Federal Government's amnesty initiative for repentant Niger Delta militants, the Presidential Amnesty Programme has grown beyond disarmament and reintegration to focus on education, vocational training and skills acquisition, helping to equip thousands of young Nigerians with the expertise needed to drive development, expand opportunities and promote lasting peace in the oil-producing region.