World Crafts Council Honours Olusegun Runsewe as Africa’s Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality

At the 2026 World Crafts Forum in Kuwait, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe was conferred with the title Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa by the World Crafts Council, marking a moment of international recognition grounded in long-term cultural leadership.

The Council’s citation focused on his role in strengthening craft ecosystems and supporting artisan communities across Africa, particularly through policies and platforms that link heritage preservation with economic relevance. The award, presented in the presence of global cultural leaders, situates African craftsmanship within contemporary discussions on sustainability and creative enterprise.

Otunba Runsewe’s career reflects a deliberate strategy of positioning Nigeria as an active participant in global cultural exchange. During his tenure as Director General at the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and later the National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigeria expanded its presence at leading tourism and cultural marketplaces across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, using these platforms to project national identity through curated cultural content.

Beyond trade and exhibition spaces, Nigeria’s cultural visibility was extended to major global gatherings. Carefully structured cultural activations accompanied Nigeria’s participation at international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cups in South Africa and Russia, demonstrating how cultural expression can operate as diplomatic capital independent of political or athletic outcomes.

Within Nigeria, Otunba Runsewe pursued institutional reforms that redirected festivals and expos toward economic participation. Flagship programmes such as NAFEST and INAC were leveraged to introduce vocational training, investment engagement and enterprise development, particularly for young people and women entering the creative economy.

His policy outlook consistently challenged the marginalisation of culture within national development planning. He argued for tourism and the creative industries as scalable contributors to economic diversification, positioning culture as infrastructure rather than spectacle, a perspective increasingly aligned with global development thinking.

Equally central to his work was national self-definition. Through sustained advocacy for history education and cultural literacy, he maintained that international reputation is inseparable from internal coherence. For Nigeria, he emphasised that credibility abroad must be built on clarity of identity at home.

Following his exit from public office, Otunba Runsewe has remained an active reference point within Africa’s cultural and tourism sectors. Professional associations, media institutions and international bodies have continued to acknowledge his contributions, reflecting influence that extends beyond administrative tenure.

The Kuwait forum, convened under the theme Craft in the Creative Economy, offered a relevant context for this recognition. As global policy increasingly turns toward heritage-based industries and sustainable cultural production, Otunba Runsewe’s work stands as an early example of applied cultural economics within an African context.

In recognising Olusegun Runsewe, the World Crafts Council not only honoured an individual career but also reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a country capable of shaping, not merely participating in, international cultural dialogue.

Nigeria Sets the Pace for Regional Energy Trade as Ghana Turns to Dangote Refinery

Nigeria is increasingly defining the direction of energy trade in West Africa, with Ghana confirming plans to import refined petroleum products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.

The move highlights a structural shift in regional fuel supply, driven by Nigeria’s new refining capacity and industrial scale. With an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery has positioned Nigeria not only to satisfy domestic fuel demand but to act as a primary supplier of refined products across the sub-region.

Ghana’s reliance on imports, stemming from limited local refining capacity, has made the country a natural market for Nigerian refined fuel. By sourcing from Nigeria, Ghana is aligning with a nearby producer capable of delivering large volumes of petrol and diesel on a consistent commercial basis.

Engagements between Ghanaian authorities and the Dangote Group are already underway, signalling confidence in Nigeria’s refining infrastructure and its ability to anchor long-term supply relationships. The proximity between the two countries strengthens Nigeria’s cost advantage and reinforces its leadership in regional fuel logistics.

For Nigeria, the development marks a clear departure from decades of dependence on imported refined products despite being Africa’s largest oil producer. The Dangote Refinery has reversed that model, enabling Nigeria to export value-added petroleum products and shape downstream trade flows within Africa.

As regional markets increasingly look inward for energy security, Nigeria is setting the agenda by moving from crude exporter to refining powerhouse, influencing pricing, supply routes, and industrial integration across West Africa.

Maser Group Plans Major Investment in Nigeria as Part of $1.6bn Africa Expansion

Dubai-based Maser Group is accelerating plans to invest $1.6 billion across Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, targeting sectors where demand growth and long-term capital returns are converging namely data infrastructure, artificial intelligence capacity and large-scale agriculture.

The investments, scheduled over the next 24 months, mark a strategic expansion for the company as global interest in Africa’s digital and food production markets intensifies. Nigeria features prominently within this strategy, reflecting its market size, consumption dynamics and expanding role in regional technology and supply chains.

Responding to Market Signals

Maser, founded in 2014, established its African presence through consumer electronics sales in countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt. The move into farmland and data centers represents a progression toward infrastructure assets aligned with structural demand.

The company has already committed approximately $300 million to land acquisition and other asset-backed projects across its target markets, positioning it ahead of broader capital inflows expected into these sectors.

Africa imported more than $83 billion in food in 2023, according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, while data-center demand is projected to rise sharply. McKinsey estimates that capacity will need to increase from around 0.4 gigawatts today to about 2.2 gigawatts by 2030, requiring up to $20 billion in new investment.

Nigeria’s Investment Case

Nigeria’s inclusion reflects a combination of scale and momentum. Rapid growth in digital services, cloud computing and AI-enabled platforms is reshaping infrastructure requirements, while the size of the domestic market continues to support investment in agricultural production and processing.

Maser has indicated it is engaging with technology partners in Taiwan on potential joint ventures to develop data centers in Africa, a move aimed at aligning technical expertise with local market demand.

Capital and Partnerships

Financing for the expansion will be led by MDR Investments LLC, a Maser Group unit managing a $500 million fund, alongside Chia Ventures Co. of China. MDR is also pursuing public-private partnerships with governments, including Nigeria’s, across sectors such as agriculture, mining and affordable housing.

A Competitive Investment Landscape

With global capital increasingly seeking growth outside mature markets, Nigeria and other African economies are attracting attention as platforms for long-term expansion. Maser’s planned investments suggest a view that early positioning in infrastructure and productive assets could shape returns as demand deepens.

Nigeria’s Reform Momentum Delivers as First Abu Dhabi Bank Anchors African Entry in Lagos

Nigeria’s economic reforms are no longer theoretical, they are now translating into concrete global investment decisions. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest lender in the United Arab Emirates, has chosen Lagos as the launchpad for its expansion into sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring renewed international confidence in Nigeria’s policy direction and market fundamentals.

The decision, announced in Lagos at the Investopia Africa conference, reflects a strategic calculation rather than exploratory interest. With operations across more than 20 countries, FAB’s choice of Nigeria as its African base signals recognition of the country’s scale, reform credibility, and ability to absorb complex, long-term capital.

FAB’s confidence is rooted in lived experience especially as the bank has already been deeply involved in financing Nigerian infrastructure, most prominently through its role in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. In partnership with the African Export-Import Bank, FAB helped structure a $1.126 billion financing package for a critical section of the project, deploying advanced risk-mitigation instruments backed by the Islamic Development Bank. The transaction demonstrated Nigeria’s growing sophistication in structuring bankable infrastructure deals that meet international standards.

This development sits squarely within the framework of Nigeria’s broader reform agenda. The recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the UAE, concluded in January 2026, has opened tariff-free access for thousands of Nigerian products and accelerated non-oil trade flows that surpassed $3 billion within nine months of 2025. Rather than relying on commodity cycles, Nigeria is deliberately repositioning itself as a diversified, trade-enabled economy.

Under Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines, FAB’s Lagos presence will operate as a representative office focused on investment facilitation, capital mobilisation, and market intelligence rather than retail banking. This clarity of rules reflects a maturing regulatory environment designed to attract credible institutions while safeguarding financial stability.

The bank’s entry also coincides with Nigeria’s landmark banking recapitalisation programme, which is resetting capital standards and strengthening the sector’s capacity to finance large-scale growth. Far from deterring investors, the reforms are reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as a market willing to make difficult but necessary adjustments to secure long-term resilience.

Energy remains a natural pillar of engagement, but FAB’s expanding interest in transport, logistics, and climate-resilient infrastructure speaks to Nigeria’s evolving investment narrative. Projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are no longer isolated ambitions; they represent a new generation of nationally strategic assets designed to unlock productivity, regional trade, and private-sector participation.

As Africa moves toward a population of nearly 1.8 billion, Nigeria’s size, talent pool, and urban centres, particularly Lagos, offer unmatched scale. Government officials, including the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, have described FAB’s move as validation of reforms such as exchange-rate unification and the rollout of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System, both of which have improved transparency and investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial markets.

FAB’s Lagos office is expected to open in the coming weeks, giving the bank a direct platform to deepen its existing commitments and originate new investments aligned with national priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Logistics, industrial infrastructure, and climate-smart development are set to feature prominently.

At a time when global capital is increasingly selective, Nigeria’s ability to attract a leading international bank is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate reforms, policy consistency, and a clear signal to the world: Nigeria is open for serious, long-term investment and the market is responding.

Edo’s Refinery Bet: How a 10,000bpd Condensate Plant Could Redefine the State’s Industrial Trajectory

Edo State is making a calculated push to reposition itself within Nigeria’s downstream energy landscape, following a fresh agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to develop a 10,000 barrels-per-day condensate refinery in the state.

Planned to span Oredo and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas, the refinery is expected to be delivered within a 24 to 36-month window. Beyond its physical footprint, the project signals a broader ambition by the state government to leverage energy infrastructure as a foundation for industrial growth, employment generation, and regional economic integration.

When operational, the refinery is projected to supply approximately 20 truckloads of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 10 truckloads of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) daily. For Edo and neighbouring states, this level of output could ease supply pressures, shorten fuel distribution chains, and reduce reliance on distant refining and import-dependent logistics.

Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed the development during a meeting with NNPC’s Executive Vice President for Downstream operations, Mumuni Dagazia, and senior members of the company’s management team in Benin City. He framed the initiative as a strategic investment that aligns with the Nigerian Government’s wider economic and industrialisation objectives.

According to the governor, the refinery is expected to function as more than a fuel-processing facility. Instead, it is envisioned as a catalyst for job creation, skills development, and private-sector confidence, particularly within the South-South region where energy resources coexist with long-standing infrastructure gaps.

The Edo State Government has committed to providing critical support to ensure the project’s execution. This includes the allocation of land, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, provision of security, and other logistical backing. These measures, analysts note, are increasingly central to attracting large-scale investments in Nigeria’s energy sector, where regulatory delays and land acquisition challenges have historically slowed project delivery.

From NNPC’s perspective, the condensate refinery fits into a broader downstream investment strategy focused on sustainability and value retention within the domestic economy. Dagazia described the project as one designed to drive revenue growth while supporting industrial development at the subnational level.

Further reinforcing this view, NNPC’s Chief Downstream Investment Officer, Ikedichi Dick-Nwoke, said the refinery would enhance Edo’s profile as an emerging energy and industrial hub. He noted that such infrastructure has the potential to crowd in additional investments, strengthen investor confidence, and expand employment opportunities for local residents.

If completed on schedule, the Edo condensate refinery could mark a turning point in the state’s economic narrative, illustrating how targeted partnerships between state governments and national energy institutions can translate resource potential into tangible industrial outcomes.

Rita Orji recommended to serve on the United Nations International Scientific AI Panel

In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, societies, and power structures at unprecedented speed, the question of who gets to help shape its rules has never mattered more. This is why the recent recommendation of Professor Rita Orji to the United Nations International Scientific AI Panel is both a personal triumph and a moment of global significance for Nigeria, for Africa, and for the future of responsible AI governance.

Recommended by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, Prof. Orji stands among 40 experts drawn from across the world, following a rigorous international selection process. She is the only Nigerian on the list, and one of the very few voices representing the Global South at a table where decisions will influence how artificial intelligence evolves across borders and generations.

The final appointment now lies with the United Nations General Assembly, whose vote will determine the composition of a panel designed to guide humanity through one of its most transformative technological eras.

Why the United Nations AI Panel Matters Now

Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than any regulatory or ethical framework can easily contain. From automated decision-making to generative systems capable of influencing elections, economies, and culture, the stakes are no longer theoretical. They are immediate, global, and deeply human.

Recognising this urgency, the United Nations General Assembly took a landmark step last year by establishing an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. The goal is clear: to ensure that global AI governance is grounded in independent, science-based assessment, not commercial pressure or geopolitical rivalry.

If approved, the panel will provide authoritative guidance to help governments keep pace with rapid technological change, ensuring that innovation remains aligned with humanity’s collective interests rather than drifting beyond democratic and ethical oversight.

Rita Orji’s recommendation places her at the heart of this global effort.

A Scholar Whose Work Anticipated This Moment

Rita’s career has long been shaped by the very questions the United Nations is now racing to address. As a Professor of Computer Science and Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology, she has spent years interrogating how intelligent systems interact with human values, behaviour, trust, and culture.

Her work sits at the intersection of human-centred AI, ethics, and persuasive technologies, fields that are increasingly central to debates around AI governance. Long before ethical AI became a policy buzzword, Rita was asking hard questions about bias, inclusion, and accountability, and building frameworks that show how technology can influence behaviour without manipulation or harm.

This depth of expertise makes her recommendation less symbolic and more strategic. She is not merely being recognised; she is being called upon because her research speaks directly to the challenges the world now faces.

Global Recognition, Built on Intellectual Rigor

Rita Orji’s academic journey is marked by sustained excellence rather than momentary acclaim. Her research has been published in leading international journals and conferences, widely cited, and applied across disciplines. She has received multiple awards for innovation, research impact, and leadership, and she is recognised globally as a thought leader in ethical and inclusive technology design.

Beyond publications and honours, her influence is evident in how her ideas travel from academic spaces into real-world conversations about policy, design, and governance. This ability to bridge theory and practice is precisely what the UN panel requires: experts who can translate scientific insight into guidance that governments can act upon.

A Voice for Inclusion in a Uneven Global Landscape

Perhaps the most profound aspect of Rita's recommendation is what it represents in a global system where technological power is often concentrated in a few regions. AI systems are frequently developed without sufficient input from the cultures, contexts, and communities most affected by their deployment.

Prof. Orji has consistently challenged this imbalance. Her work insists that technology must be inclusive by design, sensitive to cultural differences, and accountable to the people it serves. This perspective brings essential balance to a panel tasked with shaping governance frameworks meant for the entire world, not just its most technologically advanced corners.

Her presence ensures that conversations about AI ethics are not abstract, but grounded in lived realities across diverse societies.

Looking Ahead

As the United Nations General Assembly prepares to vote on the panel’s composition, Rita Orji’s recommendation already stands as a moment of significance. If confirmed, she will help guide how the world thinks about, governs, and lives with artificial intelligence in the years ahead.

In a defining era for technology and humanity alike, her voice brings clarity, conscience, and credibility.

For Nigeria, it is a moment of quiet pride. For the world, it is a reminder that the future of AI governance is strongest when it reflects the full diversity of human experience.

Nigeria’s Economic Rebound and the Race for Africa’s Top Three

Nigeria is emerging from a period of economic recalibration with renewed momentum, as new projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) point to a significant shift in Africa’s economic hierarchy by 2026. The Fund expects Nigeria to overtake Algeria to become the continent’s third-largest economy, reflecting both cyclical recovery and the early effects of structural reform.

In 2025, Nigeria ranked fourth in Africa, with a gross domestic product of roughly $285 billion. It trailed South Africa and Egypt, Africa’s two largest economies, while Algeria held third place with an estimated GDP of $288 billion. The narrow gap between Nigeria and Algeria underscored how sensitive continental rankings had become to exchange-rate movements, energy output, and fiscal policy adjustments.

By 2026, the IMF projects Nigeria’s economy will expand to about $334 billion, compared with Algeria’s forecast GDP of $284 billion. South Africa and Egypt are expected to retain first and second positions, with projected outputs of $443 billion and $399 billion respectively. While the ranking change may appear incremental, it signals a broader shift in economic fundamentals rather than a one-off statistical adjustment.

Nigeria’s projected rebound is anchored primarily in higher oil production, improved foreign-exchange liquidity, and the gradual stabilisation of macroeconomic conditions. The liberalisation of the exchange rate and the removal of petrol subsidies, long considered politically sensitive but economically necessary, have altered price signals and reduced fiscal distortions. Although these reforms have contributed to short-term inflationary pressures, they are expected to support stronger and more sustainable growth over the medium term.

The IMF’s confidence in Nigeria’s outlook is further reflected in its revised growth estimates. In January 2026, the Fund raised Nigeria’s projected growth rate for the year to 4.4 percent, up from an earlier estimate of 4.2 percent. The World Bank reached a similar conclusion, lifting its 2026 growth forecast from 3.7 percent to 4.4 percent. The convergence of projections from both institutions suggests increasing consensus around Nigeria’s recovery trajectory.

Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy has shifted repeatedly over the past decade, shaped by currency devaluations, GDP rebasing exercises, and external shocks affecting commodity-dependent economies. The latest projections indicate that Nigeria’s climb in the rankings is less about headline size and more about improving economic structure and policy direction.

Whether the country can sustain this momentum will depend on the consistency of reform implementation, stability in the energy sector, and the ability to manage inflation without undermining growth. For now, however, Nigeria’s expected return to Africa’s top three economies marks an important turning point in its post-adjustment economic narrative.

Nigeria’s Naval Fleet Emerges As Africa’s Strongest In 2026

Nigeria has consolidated its position as Africa’s foremost maritime power, emerging in 2026 as the continent’s country with the strongest naval fleet. Fresh data from the Global Firepower (GFP) index, which evaluates the military strength of 145 nations, places Nigeria 22nd globally and first in Africa, supported by a fleet of 152 operational vessels.

The ranking reflects more than numerical strength as it highlights a deliberate naval doctrine shaped by geography, economic realities, and the pressing need to secure one of Africa’s most strategic maritime environments.

A Navy Shaped by Geography and Purpose

Nigeria’s naval posture is deeply influenced by its physical landscape. With an 853-kilometre coastline along the Atlantic and an extensive network of over 8,600 kilometres of inland waterways, the country faces a security environment unlike any other on the continent. These waters support commercial shipping, offshore energy production, fishing communities, and international trade routes that demand constant protection.

Rather than investing heavily in large, prestige platforms, Nigeria has prioritised speed, coverage, and adaptability. The result is a fleet optimised for patrol, interception, and rapid response across coastal and riverine theatres.

Inside the Fleet: Strength in Numbers and Specialisation

The composition of Nigeria’s naval fleet underscores this operational focus. Of the 152 vessels currently in service, patrol craft dominate, accounting for nearly the entire force. These include offshore patrol vessels, fast-attack craft, missile boats, and gunboats designed to operate effectively in shallow waters and congested maritime zones.

Complementing these assets is one frigate, capable of extended missions beyond coastal waters and supporting multi-role operations, as well as two mine warfare vessels tasked with protecting ports and key sea lanes. The absence of submarines, destroyers, or aircraft carriers signals a strategic choice: prioritising maritime security and deterrence over global power projection.

Collectively, the fleet carries an estimated 38,000 tonnes in displacement, making it the largest in Africa by vessel count.

How Nigeria Stacks Up Across the Continent

Nigeria’s lead becomes clearer when compared with other African naval forces. Egypt, long considered a maritime heavyweight, follows closely with 149 vessels, placing 23rd worldwide. Algeria ranks third in Africa with 111 vessels and a global position of 34th.

Other notable fleets include Morocco with 100 vessels and South Africa with 63, while countries such as Tunisia, Mozambique, Angola, Kenya, and Eritrea maintain smaller but strategically important naval forces. These navies play vital roles in regional security, yet none rival Nigeria’s scale or inland-coastal operational reach.

Securing Trade, Energy, and Regional Stability

Nigeria’s naval capabilities extend beyond fleet size and rankings. The navy plays a central role in combating piracy, illegal fishing, oil theft, and smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea, a region critical to global energy supply and African trade. Sustained patrols and multinational cooperation have contributed to a steady decline in piracy incidents in recent years.

On a broader scale, Nigeria ranks 33rd globally when land, air, naval forces, manpower, defence spending, and strategic positioning are assessed together. Within Africa, it stands third overall, behind Egypt and Algeria, reinforcing its status as a leading security actor on the continent.

Defence Spending and Strategic Partnerships

Backing Nigeria’s naval strength is increased defence investment. The 2026 federal budget proposal allocates ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security, up from ₦4.91 trillion in 2025. The funding is directed towards personnel welfare, modern equipment acquisition, intelligence capabilities, and ongoing security operations.

International partnerships, particularly with the United States and allied navies, continue to enhance training standards, operational coordination, and technological capacity, ensuring the fleet remains effective and future-ready.

A Maritime Power With Staying Strength

Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s leading naval force is the product of strategic choices rather than coincidence. Its expansive waterways, security-focused fleet structure, rising investment, and operational experience have combined to produce a navy tailored to contemporary threats.

As maritime security grows increasingly vital to Africa’s economic and geopolitical future, Nigeria’s naval fleet stands not only as a national safeguard but as a pillar of stability across West Africa and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

Ugo Ugochukwu crowns a season of resilience with the Formula Regional Oceania title

At just 18 years old, the racing prodigy Ugo Ugochukwu has delivered a defining statement of resilience and class, clinching the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in a season that reaffirmed his place among motorsport’s brightest young talents.

Only three months after parting ways with McLaren’s Formula 1 development programme, Ugochukwu responded not with uncertainty but with authority. Competing across 15 fiercely contested races in New Zealand, he secured four victories, finished on the podium at every round, and wrapped up the title 15 points clear of Audi F1 junior Freddie Slater. In a category often decided by fine margins and fleeting momentum, his campaign was built on calm precision and relentless consistency.

What set the championship run apart was not merely speed, but composure under pressure. Ugochukwu finished outside the top ten just twice all season, a rare feat in a field stacked with emerging talent. Each weekend reinforced the same message: he was not chasing moments, he was building a title.

The decisive test came at the season finale, where adversity threatened to undo months of work. A left-front suspension failure during qualifying resulted in a technical breach, dropping him to 13th on the grid. For many young drivers, it would have been a breaking point. Instead, Ugochukwu delivered a measured, intelligent race, gathering the points he needed and sealing the championship when it mattered most.

After the New Zealand Grand Prix, his relief was unmistakable. He spoke of a race that felt unusually long, a reflection of the mental strain that accompanies championship-deciding moments. More than personal triumph, he reserved his strongest praise for his team, acknowledging their relentless effort and unity throughout the season.

The title marks a pivotal chapter in Ugochukwu’s rapidly unfolding career. It is proof that setbacks do not define a driver, rather, responses do. His ability to reset, refocus, and dominate in a new environment has sent a clear signal across the junior racing ladder.

Next on the horizon is a second FIA Formula 3 campaign with Campos Racing, beginning at the Australian Grand Prix from March 6 to 8. 

Armed with confidence, experience, and a championship mindset, Ugo Ugochukwu now steps forward not just as a promising talent, but as a proven winner, one whose journey is only beginning.

Nigeria moves closer to hosting Africa’s first large-scale electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem

Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa’s transition into electric mobility is beginning to take concrete shape, as the country moves closer to hosting the continent’s first fully integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem.

At the centre of this push is a new strategic partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC), an agreement designed to accelerate local EV production while building the supporting infrastructure needed for nationwide adoption. The understanding was formalised in late January 2026, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s long-term industrial and energy transition agenda.

Rather than a single, one-off factory project, the collaboration is structured as a phased industrial programme. Early stages will focus on vehicle assembly, allowing operations to commence quickly, before expanding into full-scale local manufacturing. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to produce up to 300,000 electric vehicles annually and generate roughly 10,000 direct jobs, strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing base and workforce capacity.

Beyond production numbers, the initiative is designed to deepen local capabilities. It is expected to drive technology transfer, attract fresh investment, and support skills development across engineering, design, research, and innovation. The broader objective is to build a sustainable automotive ecosystem, one that integrates clean energy, local value addition, and global competitiveness.

The project aligns closely with Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan and the National Automotive Industry Development Plan, both of which prioritise reduced emissions, industrial growth, and a gradual shift away from fossil-fuel dependence. Together, these policies reflect a deliberate effort to position Nigeria as a hub for green manufacturing in Africa.

Nigeria’s journey toward electric mobility did not begin overnight. As far back as 2021, government agencies were already laying the groundwork for locally produced electric vehicles, including the formation of technical teams focused on EV development. In 2022, further momentum was added through international partnerships aimed at assembling and manufacturing electric vehicles within the country.

Despite ongoing concerns around power supply and road infrastructure, interest in electric vehicles has continued to grow. This interest is reinforced by Nigeria’s long-term targets: the national Energy Transition Plan envisions a complete shift to electric vehicles by 2060, while Lagos State has committed to reaching the same goal by 2050. In the interim, several local and foreign-backed companie, such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, SAGLEV, Jet Motor Company, Spiro, NEV Motors, and EMVC, are already contributing to the emerging EV landscape.

International attention is also intensifying. In 2025, China announced plans to establish electric vehicle factories and related manufacturing ventures in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s increasing appeal as a destination for clean-energy investment. Analysts suggest that such projects could help unlock Nigeria’s rich mineral resources while strengthening domestic value chains and export potential.

Taken together, these developments signal a broader industrial shift and with policy backing, growing international partnerships, and an expanding local manufacturing base, Nigeria is steadily positioning itself not merely as an adopter of electric vehicles, but as a central player in shaping Africa’s electric mobility future.

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: When the World Finally Bowed to Afrobeat

For a man who spent his life confronting power, defying convention, and refusing to ask for permission, recognition was never the point. Yet, nearly thirty years after his death, the world’s most influential music institution has finally paused, looked back, and said it out loud: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti mattered.

On a quiet night in Los Angeles, ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy posthumously honoured the Nigerian icon with a Lifetime Achievement Award, making Fela the first African artist to receive the distinction. It was a historic moment, not just for one man, but for an entire continent whose creative brilliance has too often gone unacknowledged.

The award was received by members of the Kuti family, custodians of a legacy that refuses to fade. As his children stood where their father never did in his lifetime, the moment carried layers of meaning; pride, irony, and vindication all at once. 

Fela, after all, was never one for trophies. He made music as a weapon. Afrobeat was not designed for comfort; it was built to provoke, educate, and awaken. Long before African music became fashionable on global charts, Fela was already using sound to interrogate power, calling out military dictators, mocking corruption, and challenging both colonial and local systems of oppression. His songs were long, unfiltered, and unapologetically African.

That same defiance made him an outsider in many elite spaces. Despite his global influence, Fela was never nominated for a Grammy while alive. To his family, this belated honour feels deserved, if overdue. “Better late than never,” his daughter Yeni has said, a sentiment shared by many who believe Africa’s cultural contributions are still waiting for full recognition on the world stage.

There is a striking irony in the moment. Fela was famously anti-establishment, yet here he is being celebrated by one of the most influential cultural establishments in the world. For those who knew him, the contradiction feels almost poetic. If he were alive, some imagine him raising a clenched fist, half-amused, half-triumphant, proof that even the institutions he challenged could not ignore him forever.

Born in Abeokuta in 1938, Fela’s journey began far from the glitter of global stages. He trained in music in London before returning home to Nigeria, where he began fusing highlife, jazz, funk, soul, and Yoruba rhythms into something entirely new. Afrobeat was not just a genre; it was a philosophy, one that insisted African stories, sounds, and struggles deserved to be heard on their own terms.

As his influence grew, so did the backlash. His Lagos commune, the Kalakuta Republic, became a symbol of resistance. His album Zombie openly ridiculed military obedience, provoking a brutal state response that left many injured and ultimately led to the death of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, herself a towering activist. Arrests, harassment, and imprisonment followed, yet Fela never softened his voice. Instead, he became a global symbol of artistic resistance.

Decades later, his impact remains unmistakable. Modern Afrobeats, now a global force, traces its DNA directly to Fela’s innovations. Artists across continents from pop icons to alternative rock legends continue to draw inspiration from his sound, his style, and his fearless commitment to truth.

When Fela died in 1997 at just 58, Lagos stood still. An estimated one million people turned his funeral into a historic procession, a final reminder that his connection to the people was deeper than any award could measure.

Today, his children carry the torch. Through the New Afrika Shrine and the annual Felabration festival, Fela’s music and message continue to reach new generations, not as nostalgia, but as a living call to consciousness, unity, and African self-belief.

The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award does not change who Fela was. It does not sanitise his rebellion or soften his message. What it does is confirm what Africa has always known: that Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was not just ahead of his time, he was larger than it.

The world may have arrived late but Afrobeat had already won.

Nigeria ranks among the world’s top 10 contributors to global GDP growth in 2026

Nigeria has firmly established itself as one of the world’s key drivers of economic expansion, ranking sixth among the top contributors to global real GDP growth in 2026. 

According to IMF data, the country is projected to account for 1.5 percent of total global growth, placing Africa’s largest economy alongside major global players and ahead of several advanced and emerging economies, including Germany, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and many European countries. 

This performance highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in the global economy and signals a shift in where global growth momentum is increasingly concentrated.

While China and India are expected to remain the largest contributors to global growth, together accounting for 43.6 percent of total expansion, Nigeria’s position among the top ten carries its own significance. 

Asia-Pacific may dominate in aggregate terms, but Nigeria’s 1.5 percent contribution on its own exceeds that of most European nations combined, reinforcing its role as a leading growth engine among emerging markets and a central pillar of Africa’s economic relevance on the global stage.

This shift has also drawn global attention as Elon Musk, commenting on the IMF data, observed that “the balance of power is changing.” His remark reflects a broader transformation underway in the global economy. 

While traditional centers such as Wall Street and Silicon Valley continue to set the technological pace, the engines of economic growth are increasingly emerging beyond the West, with Nigeria’s inclusion among the world’s top contributors serving as clear evidence of this transition.

Despite persistent domestic and global challenges, Nigeria’s ranking speaks to resilience, scale, and long-term potential. It underscores a country that is not only contributing meaningfully to global growth today but is also shaping future economic trends. 

With sustained reforms, disciplined fiscal management, and a deliberate focus on translating growth into durable industrial capacity, Nigeria is well positioned to strengthen its standing further. 

What the data already makes clear is that Nigeria is no longer on the margins of the global economy, it is actively shaping its direction.

Abia Moves Toward Energy Independence and New Investment Opportunities

Nigeria’s electricity sector is growing alongside the country’s population, cities, and businesses. As demand for power increases, new approaches are being developed to support economic growth and attract investment. One of the states taking clear steps in this direction is Abia State.

Governor Alex Otti has announced that Abia State has made strong progress in its plan to take control of electricity distribution within the state. According to him, the state’s offer to acquire the Umuahia ring-fence from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has been accepted, and arrangements are being made to complete payment.

“I had reported earlier that our offers to EEDC have been accepted, and we are in the process of raising the funds to pay off EEDC,” Otti said.

Abia Takes Charge of Its Power Sector

On December 24, Abia officially took over the regulation of electricity within the state through the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority (ASERA). This followed the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to manage power generation, distribution, and transmission inside their borders.

“So everything about distribution, generation, and transmission is going to be regulated within the state,” the governor explained.

This step gives Abia the ability to plan its power needs better, work directly with investors, and create solutions that fit local businesses and households.

Aba Shows What Local Power Can Achieve

Abia’s plan is based on experience. The Aba ring-fence, powered by Aba Power Limited, already provides a good example of how local electricity systems can work well. Aba Power combines its own generation with a dedicated distribution network, helping to provide more stable electricity for Aba and its surrounding areas.

This has supported Aba’s role as a major business and manufacturing centre, especially for small and medium-scale enterprises.

“The whole idea is to ensure energy sufficiency and independence in the state, just like the Aba Power provides power for the Aba ring-fence,” Governor Otti said.

Nigeria’s Size Creates a Big Energy Market

With over 200 million people, Nigeria has one of the largest electricity markets in the world. As industries grow, cities expand, and technology use increases, the need for reliable power will continue to rise.

Experts estimate that Nigeria’s long-term electricity demand could reach 80,000 to 100,000 megawatts, while current supply is much lower. This difference is not a weakness but shows the size of the opportunity for investors who are ready to build power plants, improve distribution, and introduce new technologies.

Due to Abia already having part of its power assets under state control, the impact of wider system challenges has been limited in some areas.

“I am sure you would have noticed that some recent incidents did not affect our state, because a good part of our power assets is within our authority,” Otti said.

Umuahia Ring-Fence: A New Door for Investors

The planned acquisition of the Umuahia ring-fence will allow Abia to improve electricity supply in the capital city and surrounding areas. It will also make it easier for private investors to work with the state on power projects.

“That is the whole idea of acquiring the whole Umuahia ring-fence. I am happy we are making a lot of progress in that area,” the governor added.

Investment opportunities include:

.Embedded and captive power projects

.Gas-powered electricity plants

.Solar and hybrid energy systems

.Smart meters and billing systems

.Power solutions for markets and industrial clusters

A Positive Future for Power and Investment

Nigeria’s electricity sector reflects the country’s growth, energy, and ambition. Demand for power remains strong because people are building businesses, creating jobs, and expanding industries.

By taking practical steps, creating clear rules, and welcoming private investment, Abia State is showing how states can support development through reliable electricity. 

For investors looking at Nigeria’s future, the power sector offers long-term value and Abia is positioning itself as a ready and reliable place to invest.

A New Track for Kano: How a ₦1 Trillion Rail Project Could Redefine Urban Life

Kano is on the cusp of a historic transformation.

In a move that signals a bold reimagining of urban mobility and economic growth in Northern Nigeria, the Federal Government has approved a ₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for Kano State, one of the most ambitious transportation investments in the city’s modern history.

The project, which is expected to fundamentally reshape how people move, trade, and live within the Kano metropolis, was announced by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf during an address to the Kano State contingent at the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State. The announcement was later confirmed in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Beyond the headline figure lies a deeper story of strategy, alignment, and long-term vision.

Governor Yusuf explained that his administration’s decision to realign politically with the Federal Government was guided by a clear priority: positioning Kano to attract large-scale, transformative development projects capable of delivering tangible benefits to its people.

At the heart of that vision is the Kano Metropolitan Rail Service.

Designed as a modern, efficient, and affordable mass transit system, the rail network will connect key districts across the sprawling metropolis, offering residents a reliable alternative to congested roads. For a city renowned as a historic centre of commerce and culture, improved mobility is expected to unlock new layers of productivity, making it easier for workers to commute, traders to move goods, and businesses to thrive.

Governor Yusuf described the rail project as a landmark intervention, one that goes beyond transportation to touch every aspect of urban life. By reducing traffic congestion, cutting commute times, and improving access to commercial hubs, the rail service is projected to stimulate trade, attract investment, and enhance overall quality of life.

More significantly, the project positions Kano to reclaim and strengthen its status as a major transportation and economic hub in Northern Nigeria, bridging history with modern infrastructure and future-focused planning.

The governor assured residents that the Kano State Government will work hand-in-hand with relevant federal agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the project. Transparency, accountability, and value for money, he emphasized, will remain central to the execution process, with the ultimate goal of delivering maximum impact for the people of the state.

Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government for what he described as a visionary initiative, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complement federal efforts through supportive policies, enabling infrastructure, and sustained collaboration.

As the tracks begin to take shape in the months and years ahead, the ₦1 trillion Kano Metropolitan Rail Service stands as more than a construction project, it represents movement in every sense of the word: movement of people, of commerce, and of a city confidently stepping into its future.

Women-powered palm oil production takes off in Oku, boosting output, income and shared prosperity

Akwa Ibom State has reinforced its commitment to women-driven economic growth with the commissioning of a modern palm fruit processing mill in Oku, Abak Local Government Area. The facility, inaugurated by Governor Umo Eno under the Nigeria for Women Project, represents a deliberate effort to move women from small-scale activity into organised, high-value agro-processing while boosting local palm oil output.

The processing mill is designed to cater to women across the 11 wards of Abak Local Government Area and has already delivered measurable gains in productivity. With the introduction of mechanised processing, daily output has risen sharply from a single drum of palm oil to about eight drums, improving efficiency, consistency and market readiness. The expansion has not only reduced processing time but has also improved oil quality, positioning producers to compete more effectively within the wider palm oil market.

Speaking at the event, the governor’s Delivery Adviser on the Nigeria for Women Project, Ini Adiakpan, described the initiative as a comprehensive empowerment programme rather than a stand-alone infrastructure project. She noted that participating women are equipped with skills in financial management, leadership and cooperative governance, alongside training in water, sanitation and hygiene practices and awareness around gender-based violence. Adiakpan praised the state government for driving the programme locally and acknowledged the World Bank for providing the financial backing that enabled its execution.

Providing insight into the broader impact of the project, the State Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Project, Ofonime Etuknwa, explained that the Federal Government-supported initiative was structured to help women transition from informal trading into commercial-scale palm oil production. She said the project has significantly improved the economic fortunes of beneficiaries, revealing that many women who previously saved as little as ₦100 weekly now save between ₦3,000 and ₦5,000. This shift, she added, has strengthened their financial independence and improved access to capital for business growth.

Etuknwa further disclosed that the palm processing facility is jointly owned by about 200 women operating as a cooperative. Through this collective ownership model, members are able to share resources, reduce operating costs and benefit from economies of scale. With improved output and market access, the cooperative is expected to generate meaningful dividends for its members by the end of the year, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the enterprise.

At the heart of the initiative is the palm fruit processing mill itself, a mechanised facility that converts freshly harvested palm fruit bunches into crude palm oil through a series of integrated operations. These include sterilisation, fruit separation, digestion, pressing and clarification, processes that significantly increase yield while minimising waste. By replacing labour-intensive traditional methods, the mill enhances productivity and ensures better quality control.

Beyond its economic value, the mill stands as a catalyst for wider community development as it creates employment opportunities along the palm oil value chain, strengthens cooperative structures and positions women as key contributors to local industrial growth. Through the Nigeria for Women Project, the Oku palm fruit processing mill illustrates how targeted investment, skills development and inclusive ownership can translate into sustainable economic empowerment for women and lasting benefits for their communities.

Orondaam Otto: The Man Building Schools Where Opportunity Is Missing

Orondaam Otto does not talk about education as charity, he speaks of it as infrastructure, the quiet architecture that determines whether nations rise or fracture. To him, classrooms are as critical as roads, teachers as vital as power grids, and access to learning as consequential as access to water. It is a belief forged not in theory or privilege, but in close contact with places where the absence of education is visible, measurable, and devastating. From that understanding, Orondaam has built a life’s work focused not on sympathy, but on systems, fixing what fails, and designing what should have existed all along.

Born on 8 August 1987 at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria and rooted in Ellelem World Town, Port Harcourt, Orondaam was raised in a household where public service was not an abstract value but a daily ethic. The influence of his late father, Major Dr. E.O.C. Otto, and his mother, Mrs. Marianne Otto, instilled discipline, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility long before leadership titles followed.

By the time he reached secondary school at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Borikiri, leadership had already found him. He served as health prefect and led the school’s editorial board, learning early that responsibility is less about authority and more about care for the collective. These experiences quietly shaped his understanding of systems, accountability, and impact.

Orondaam's academic path initially pointed toward medicine. He studied Human Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt, drawn by a desire to understand life at its most fundamental level but outside the lecture halls, his worldview was expanding. Through youth development work across Nigeria and West Africa, including stints in Ghana, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire, he encountered communities rich in talent but starved of opportunity.

That realisation hardened into resolve during his National Youth Service in Lagos State where in waterfront and border communities such as Makoko and Iwaya, Orondaam encountered children locked out of the education system, not by lack of ability, but by neglect. In Makoko, hundreds of children spent their days on the lagoon, invisible to policy and untouched by planning and for Orondaam, it was a moment of moral clarity.

Though officially posted to a bank, he made a decision that would define his life’s direction. He resigned from his NYSC placement and committed himself fully to enrolling out-of-school children and with volunteers, community support, and little institutional backing, he renovated a public primary school and enrolled 114 children, many entering a classroom for the first time. Today, several of those children are studying in universities across Nigeria, living evidence of what timely intervention can achieve.

Recognition followed, including state and presidential honours for national service, but Orondaam's focus shifted immediately to scale. In 2012, he founded Slum to School Africa, not as a short-term charity, but as a long-term human capital movement designed to confront Africa’s educational gaps at its roots.

Over the next decade, the organisation expanded across hundreds of Nigerian communities, supporting nearly one million children and young people through scholarships, mentoring, digital learning, and psychosocial care. A global volunteer network spanning more than 60 countries powered its growth, while strategic partnerships unlocked millions of dollars in funding.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut classrooms across the world, Orondaam once again responded with urgency. He led the creation of Africa’s first virtual learning classroom tailored for underserved children. What began as a modest pilot quickly scaled, in partnership with UNICEF, to reach over half a million learners across northern Nigeria, earning continental and global recognition for innovation in education access.

Orondaam's work has also redefined what education infrastructure can look like. Through the Slum to School Green Academy, he championed an eco-friendly, solar-powered school model built with bamboo architecture, rainwater harvesting systems, and waste-to-energy biodigesters. The project sent a clear message: Africa can build learning spaces that are sustainable, intelligent, and locally grounded.

Behind the fieldwork is a formidable intellectual foundation that has seen Orondaam pursue advanced studies in leadership, development finance, social entrepreneurship, and public policy across Europe, Africa, and North America, including a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he was an Edward Mason Fellow. His academic focus mirrors his practical work - education reform, institutional design, and human capital development.

Beyond education delivery, Orondaam has contributed to governance and policy at the highest levels. He served as a founding board member of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, helping shape youth employability and innovation initiatives, and has advised national platforms focused on economic growth and human capital development.

Global recognition has followed, including multiple Future Awards Africa wins, UN recognition among the most influential people of African descent, the Eisenhower Global Fellowship, and selection as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum; yet accolades remain secondary to purpose.

At the heart of Orondaam Otto’s work is a conviction that Nigeria’s future will be determined by how well it prepares its young people , not just to earn certificates, but to build systems, shape narratives, and lead transformation. For him, education is not an act of charity, it is liberation.

From waterfront communities to global policy rooms, Orondaam's journey is a study in purposeful leadership, proof that when systems fail, individuals can design better ones, and in doing so, help a nation secure its future.

Gombe Records Historic IGR Breakthrough, Hits ₦40.8bn in 2025

Gombe State has achieved a major fiscal milestone, posting its strongest Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) performance on record with ₦40.8 billion collected in 2025. The figure represents a dramatic turnaround from ₦6.8 billion in 2019, underscoring the scale of the state’s revenue transformation over the last six years.

The latest performance not only reflects nearly a 500 per cent growth since Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya assumed office, it also marks a sharp leap from ₦20.7 billion recorded in 2024. In addition, the state comfortably outperformed its 2025 IGR projection of ₦25.7 billion, signalling improved planning accuracy and stronger execution within the revenue system.

According to the Chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS), Aisha Adamu, the surge is the product of sustained reforms rather than a one-off windfall. Speaking while unveiling the figures, she explained that the state deliberately restructured its revenue framework to make collection more efficient, transparent and inclusive.

Over the past few years, Gombe has steadily built momentum. Revenue climbed to ₦15.18 billion in 2023, rose further to ₦20.72 billion in 2024, and then surged past the ₦40 billion mark in 2025. Adamu described the progression as evidence of a system that has matured, supported by stronger enforcement, expanded taxpayer coverage, and improved compliance culture.

Central to the gains, she noted, is the political will demonstrated by Governor Yahaya, particularly his insistence on fiscal discipline, institutional accountability and the modernisation of revenue administration. Reforms introduced at GIRS have focused on tightening collection processes, deploying technology, eliminating leakages and strengthening collaboration across government agencies.

“The consistency of these results shows that the reforms are working,” Adamu said, adding that the administration’s support created the enabling environment for revenue officers to perform effectively while maintaining fairness to taxpayers.

Beyond boosting state finances, the improved IGR position is expected to translate into tangible benefits for residents. With more resources generated locally, the state is better placed to invest in roads, healthcare, education and other critical social infrastructure, while reducing overdependence on external allocations.

Looking ahead, GIRS says it is determined to build on the 2025 achievement rather than rest on it. Adamu expressed confidence that ongoing reforms, combined with public cooperation, will sustain the upward trend into 2026 and beyond.

“Our objective is long-term,” she said. “We are laying the foundation for a financially resilient Gombe State, powered by efficient governance and a revenue system that supports inclusive development.”

The 2025 figures, analysts say, position Gombe as a growing example of how subnational governments can strengthen their finances through policy consistency, institutional reform and disciplined leadership.

Kaduna launches 5,000-vehicle mega inter-state bus terminal

Kaduna State is making a decisive statement about its future with the launch of an ambitious transport project that blends scale, technology and economic vision into a single development.

At the heart of the initiative is a proposed inter-state bus terminal designed to handle more than 5,000 vehicles, positioning Kaduna as a major mobility hub in Northern Nigeria. The project, unveiled by Governor Uba Sani, is expected to reshape how people and goods move in and out of the state while raising new standards for safety and efficiency.

Rather than functioning as a conventional motor park, the terminal is being developed as a large, integrated transport district. Spread across 20 hectares along the Eastern Bypass in Chikun Local Government Area, the complex will feature intelligent traffic systems, modern surveillance infrastructure and purpose-built facilities that prioritise order, security and commuter comfort. Accessibility is central to the design, with elevators and escalators included to ensure seamless use by the elderly and persons with disabilities.

The development also signals Kaduna’s growing embrace of cleaner and smarter transport solutions. Fuel stations for petrol, diesel and compressed natural gas will operate within the terminal, while a three-star hotel is planned to support travellers, drivers and visitors. Together, these elements are intended to transform the space into a self-sustaining transport and commercial ecosystem rather than a standalone transit point.

Beyond infrastructure, the project is expected to unlock wide-ranging economic opportunities. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs are projected across transport services, technical trades, commerce and hospitality, offering new income streams for artisans, traders, technicians and young entrepreneurs. The terminal’s location is also designed to ease congestion in the city centre while improving surveillance and security along the revitalised Eastern Bypass.

The initiative builds on a series of transport reforms already underway in the state. Kaduna has deployed 100 free CNG-powered buses since mid-2025, a move that has carried more than 1.4 million passengers, significantly reduced commuting costs and lowered carbon emissions. Supporting infrastructure such as modern bus stops, the near-complete Kakuri terminal and the ongoing redevelopment of Sobawa Motor Park form part of the same broader mobility strategy.

Looking further ahead, the state is preparing to begin construction of the Kaduna Light Rail Project by March 2026. The plan includes two rail lines and a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit corridor, aimed at creating a more connected and efficient urban transport network.

These sustained investments have already drawn national attention. At the National Urban Mobility Conference held in Abuja earlier this year, Kaduna ranked second nationwide for sustainable urban mobility, recognition that underscores the state’s evolving reputation as a leader in modern transport planning.

With the new mega bus terminal, Kaduna is not merely expanding infrastructure, it is laying the groundwork for safer travel, stronger economic activity and a more organised urban future, redefining mobility as a driver of development rather than just movement.

Service Without Borders: Dr. Festus Babarinde Wins 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award

Dr. Festus Oluseye Babarinde carries himself with the quiet assurance of someone who has always known why he chose medicine. For him, healthcare has never been just a profession; it is a calling shaped by service, community, and an unyielding belief that access to care should never be a privilege reserved for a few.

That philosophy has now earned the Nigerian doctor the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award, one of the United States’ most meaningful recognitions for civic and humanitarian impact. 

The award was presented during the 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Ceremony at the Chevy Chase Auditorium of Johns Hopkins Hospital in East Baltimore, an event dedicated to honouring individuals whose lives reflect Dr. King’s enduring ideals of equity, compassion, and justice.

A Commitment Forged Long Before the Spotlight

Dr. Babarinde’s journey to this moment did not begin in the United States, nor did it emerge from a single defining achievement. It was built gradually, through years of volunteer work and community engagement in Nigeria. 

Early in his career, he served as a volunteer camp doctor, providing medical care to vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare services. These experiences, often far removed from modern hospital infrastructure, shaped his understanding of medicine as a tool for social change.

One of his most impactful early contributions was his involvement in the rehabilitation of the Igboore Primary Health Centre in Abeokuta. The effort helped restore basic healthcare delivery in the community, improving access to essential services for residents who had long been underserved.

Education as a Pathway to Impact

While community health formed the foundation of his service, Dr. Babarinde soon recognised that sustainable impact also required strengthening the medical workforce itself. This belief led to the creation of The Concept Academy, an initiative focused on mentoring Nigerian doctors and medical students preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Through a combination of free tutoring sessions and structured subscription-based programmes, the academy has provided academic support and career guidance to aspiring physicians in Nigeria and across the diaspora. For many participants, the platform represents more than exam preparation; it offers confidence, direction, and a sense of possibility in an increasingly competitive global medical landscape.

Beyond the Clinic

Dr. Babarinde’s work extends well beyond education and clinical practice. He has consistently lent his time and expertise to health-focused organisations, including the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, advocating for improved care and support for individuals living with spinal injuries.

He also co-founded the BAARD-Concept Programme at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, an initiative designed to enhance doctors’ professional competence while addressing the often-overlooked challenges of personal wellbeing within the medical profession. By creating spaces for growth, mentorship, and emotional support, the programme reflects his holistic view of healthcare, one that recognises the caregiver as central to the quality of care delivered.

A Global Stage, Local Roots

Today, Dr. Babarinde is an intern at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and a Master of Public Health candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He was honoured alongside senior professors and research fellows from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, a testament to the breadth of his contributions across continents.

Yet, despite his global reach, his identity remains firmly grounded in his roots. A native of Okeho in Oyo State, he is a 2017 graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ibadan. His commitment to service has long been recognised; during his national service, he received the NYSC Presidential Award for the 2019/2020 service year for outstanding community development efforts.

Carrying the Dream Forward

According to organisers of the MLK Commemoration, recipients of the Community Service Award are selected for delivering measurable and sustained social impact. In Dr. Babarinde’s case, the recognition speaks not only to what he has achieved, but to how he has chosen to achieve it through consistency, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to people.

His story also reflects a broader narrative: the rising global influence of Nigerian-trained medical professionals who continue to shape healthcare delivery, education, and humanitarian service worldwide. 

For Dr. Festus Oluseye Babarinde, the honour is not a culmination, but a continuation, another chapter in a life defined by service without borders.

Hilda Baci and the Art of Doing It Again: Inside a Third Guinness World Record

Some achievements announce themselves loudly. Others arrive quietly, almost shyly, revealing their weight only after the moment has passed. Hilda Effiong Bassey’s third Guinness World Record belongs firmly to the latter.

As 2026 dawned, Nigeria’s most recognisable chef woke up to an email that would subtly but decisively expand her place in global culinary history. Without fanfare or anticipation, Hilda Baci discovered she had become a three-time Guinness World Record holder, a distinction few chefs anywhere in the world can claim.

Her latest honour traces back to September 2025, when she set out to achieve what would become her second Guinness World Record: preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice. The feat was ambitious in scale, demanding in logistics, and culturally resonant. Jollof rice is not just a dish in Nigeria; it is identity, pride, and shared memory served on a plate. By choosing it, Hilda once again placed Nigerian culture at the centre of a global conversation.

At the time, the achievement stood on its own but months later, Guinness World Records reviewed the guidelines across categories and realised something extraordinary: the same jollof rice feat had also surpassed the benchmark for the largest serving of rice ever made, regardless of style or origin. One attempt, two categories. One vision, two records.

The confirmation came from Andrew Fanning, Head of Client Partnering at Guinness World Records’ Records Creative Team, who informed Hilda that her team’s effort had inadvertently crossed into another historic territory.

“Congratulations, you are Officially Amazing (again)!” the email read, confirming that her Nigerian-style jollof rice record also qualified as the largest serving of rice overall.

For Hilda, the news landed not on a grand stage but in the quiet rhythm of daily life.

“I was just doing my usual routine, casually scrolling through my emails,” she later explained. “I was shocked and happy at the same time.”

Five months after the initial announcement, she was only just discovering that there was more.

That sense of more has followed Hilda throughout her career. In May 2023, she first captured global attention by completing a 93-hour, 11-minute cooking marathon, setting her first Guinness World Record and becoming Nigeria’s first chef to hold multiple Guinness World Records. What began as an endurance challenge quickly evolved into something larger, a cultural moment that brought Nigerian food, resilience, and creativity into international focus.

Yet what separates Hilda Baci from many viral success stories is her refusal to remain frozen in that momen and rather than letting the spotlight define her peak, she treated it as a foundation. The records that followed were not about repeating the same trick, but about scaling vision, deepening impact, and proving consistency.

Behind the scenes of her latest achievement lies a story of collaboration and trust. Hilda was quick to acknowledge the role of her team, singling out @oreoluwa_atinmo as instrumental to the journey.

“From idea to execution, side by side, fully aligned,” she wrote. “This record would not have been possible without her.”

Her gratitude extended beyond individuals to a collective effort, long days, precise coordination, and belief sustained even when public attention moved elsewhere. In that sense, the third record feels fitting: a quiet reward for discipline rather than spectacle.

Spiritually, Hilda framed the moment as a reminder that growth often continues beyond visible milestones.

“Honestly, God is faithful,” she reflected. “The kind of faithful that still surprises you. Even when you think you’ve seen the full picture, God can still say, ‘There’s more.’”

Today, with three Guinness World Records to her name, Hilda Baci occupies a rare space. She is no longer simply a record-breaker or a viral sensation, she is a case study in sustained excellence - a chef who turned endurance into influence, culture into global currency, and one bold idea into a growing legacy.

Her story mirrors a larger truth about Nigeria itself: that brilliance here is not accidental, that world-class achievement can be deliberate, repeatable, and quietly historic. Sometimes, you only realise how big it is when you look back and see that you’ve done it again, and then some.

Ogun’s Coastal Economy Gets a Major Boost as Approval Is Secured for Oil Drilling and Seaport Revival

Ogun State is set to undergo a major economic transformation following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for commercial oil drilling and the revival of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project. The dual decisions position the state as an emerging player in Nigeria’s energy, maritime, and blue economy landscape.

Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed the approvals in Abeokuta during an engagement with senior officers of the Nigerian Navy, led by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha. The governor described the developments as the outcome of renewed federal commitment to unlocking Ogun’s coastal and offshore potential.

At the centre of the energy push is Tongeji Island, a coastal community in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, where commercial oil drilling is expected to begin. Abiodun said activities in the area would soon intensify, opening up new economic opportunities for residents who have long remained on the margins of Nigeria’s oil economy.

Beyond oil exploration, the federal government has also cleared the Olokola Deep Seaport for immediate implementation after years of delays. Once operational, the port is expected to reduce pressure on the overstretched Lagos ports while serving as a strategic maritime gateway for the South-West and beyond.

The governor noted that discussions around Olokola have gained momentum in recent weeks, with President Tinubu personally driving the process. He revealed that the President has directed that visible progress should be achieved on the project within the next year, underscoring the urgency attached to its delivery.

In a move to reflect its broader ambition, the Olokola project has been rebranded as the Blue Marine Economic Zone. According to Governor Abiodun, the initiative is designed to catalyse large-scale investments across shipping, logistics, manufacturing, energy services, and coastal trade, supported by the proposed coastal highway that will enhance connectivity.

Security considerations also featured prominently in the state’s preparations. The Governor praised the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, describing it as critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders and protecting strategic assets as economic activities expand in the area.

He added that his administration is working to improve infrastructure and social services in host communities to ensure that residents benefit directly from the new investments, rather than merely bearing the environmental and social burden of development.

Rear Admiral Mustapha, in his remarks, described Ogun State as strategically vital to national security, particularly given its proximity to international borders and growing economic significance. He confirmed that the naval presence in Tongeji would be strengthened to match the area’s oil potential and rising commercial profile.

The naval chief said the visit was part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, especially in preventing cross-border crimes and securing emerging economic corridors.

With federal backing now firmly in place, Ogun State stands at the threshold of a new phase, one that could redefine its role within Nigeria’s energy sector, maritime trade network, and coastal economy, while extending the benefits of growth to previously underserved communities.

Nigeria targets urea exports by 2028, signalling a shift to value-added gas production

For decades, Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves have powered homes, flared into the atmosphere, or been exported in raw form with limited domestic transformation. What has lagged behind is the systematic conversion of that gas into industrial products that deepen the economy and generate sustainable export earnings. That gap, regulators now argue, is beginning to close and fertiliser, particularly urea, is emerging as a test case for Nigeria’s midstream ambitions.

By 2028, Nigeria is expected to join the small but influential group of countries exporting urea at scale. The projection, made by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), reflects growing confidence that recent investments in gas-based manufacturing are shifting the country away from its long-standing dependence on imported fertiliser inputs.

At the centre of this transition is the midstream segment of the oil and gas industry, the often-overlooked link between upstream production and downstream consumption. In Nigeria’s case, this segment is increasingly viewed as the engine room for industrialisation. Processing natural gas into fertiliser, petrochemicals and other secondary derivatives not only adds value locally but also anchors broader manufacturing and agricultural growth.

According to NMDPRA chief executive Saidu Mohammed, Nigeria’s continued importation of products like urea no longer makes economic sense. The country has the feedstock, the market and, increasingly, the infrastructure to meet domestic demand and look outward. Large-scale private investments, particularly in fertiliser production, are already redefining the landscape and laying the groundwork for export capacity.

Facilities such as Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited in Rivers State illustrate this shift. Once seen as isolated industrial successes, these plants are now part of a growing ecosystem of gas-based manufacturing that includes new and expanding complexes across the country. As these projects scale up, regulators believe Nigeria could achieve surplus production within the next two years, placing urea exports firmly within reach before the end of the decade.

However, ambition alone will not deliver this outcome. Mohammed estimates that between $30 billion and $50 billion in fresh investment is required to fully reposition Nigeria as a hub for oil, gas and value-added derivatives. This capital is needed not only for new plants, but also for pipelines, processing infrastructure, logistics and supporting industrial ecosystems that allow products to move efficiently from factory gates to global markets.

Rivers State, where the regulator recently inspected several midstream and downstream facilities, offers a microcosm of both the opportunity and the challenge. The state hosts some of Nigeria’s most critical energy assets such as refineries, gas processing plants and manufacturing facilities, making it an ideal vantage point for assessing how policy translates into industrial output. For the NMDPRA, these inspections are as much about listening as they are about oversight.

The regulator’s approach, Mohammed emphasised, is to act as an enabler rather than a bottleneck. Creating a stable, predictable regulatory environment is seen as essential to encouraging existing operators to expand and new investors to commit capital. Fertiliser plants, petrochemical complexes and other gas-based industries, he argued, are exactly the kind of projects Nigeria must multiply if it is to move beyond crude oil dependence.

Industry leaders share that view but caution that regulation must evolve alongside the sector. Indorama Eleme’s chief executive, Munish Jindal, noted that while regulatory understanding of midstream manufacturing has improved significantly over the past two decades, some rules were designed with upstream oil production in mind and no longer reflect the operational realities of large industrial plants. He said targeted exemptions and updates could help unlock further efficiency without undermining oversight.

Beyond industrial policy, the implications of urea exports extend into agriculture, trade and foreign exchange. Fertiliser availability remains a critical constraint on farm productivity across Nigeria and much of West Africa. A domestic industry capable of meeting local demand while exporting surplus could stabilise supply, reduce price volatility and position Nigeria as a regional supplier to neighbouring markets.

The road to 2028 is not without risk though, as global fertiliser markets are volatile, capital costs are high, and infrastructure gaps persist. Yet the direction of travel is clear especially with gas-based manufacturing gaining momentum and regulatory attention increasingly focused on value addition, urea is fast becoming a symbol of a broader recalibration of Nigeria’s energy economy.

If the current pace of investment is sustained and policy keeps step with industrial realities, Nigeria’s first major urea exports may ultimately be remembered not just as a commercial milestone, but as evidence that the country is finally beginning to capture more value from the resources beneath its soil.