A Rare Double First: How Two Nigerian Sisters Made History in Ghana

In the 2025 graduation cycle, a Nigerian family achieved a milestone that remains rare in academic settings anywhere in the world.

Sisters Isoken Omonigho Edokpolo and Irawienguosa Efetobo Edokpolo both graduated with First Class honours from the University of Ghana, Legon, becoming the first known Nigerian family to have two daughters earn First Class degrees at the institution in the same year.

Isoken earned a BA in Marketing and Chinese, while Irawienguosa completed a BA in Psychology, each graduating at the highest level of distinction in their respective fields.

At most leading universities, First Class honours typically account for a small percentage of graduating cohorts, often estimated at under five percent. Achieving this level is difficult; doing so simultaneously within the same family places the achievement in particularly rare territory.

Nigerian Talent in a Global Academic Ecosystem

The Edokpolo sisters’ achievement reflects a broader reality of Nigerian academic strength operating within an increasingly interconnected global education system.

Nigerian universities continue to attract growing numbers of international students, particularly from other African countries, while Nigerian students also participate actively in academic exchange and overseas study. According to UNESCO and OECD education mobility data, student movement today is largely bidirectional, driven by collaboration, specialization, and global exposure rather than institutional weakness.

In countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, Nigerian students consistently rank among the top-performing international cohorts, according to data from bodies including the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Many graduate with honours, distinctions, and postgraduate awards, reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation for producing academically competitive talent.

This global presence complements, rather than diminishes, the strength of Nigeria’s domestic higher education sector, where institutions continue to produce graduates who excel locally and internationally.

Discipline, Consistency, and Family Support

Behind the sisters’ 2025 success lies a story defined by planning, consistency, and sustained support. Their academic journey required careful coordination, frequent travel, and financial discipline during a period marked by currency volatility and rising global education costs.

There were also early disruptions and personal challenges, underscoring the uncertainty that often accompanies long-term academic plans. Yet, through focus and structure, both sisters maintained steady academic progress.

Those familiar with their path point to disciplined study habits, resilience under pressure, and a strong support system as key factors in their success.

Beyond Individual Achievement

While the record itself is notable, its significance, extends beyond one family. At a time when narratives around Nigerian youth often focus on constraint, stories like this highlight a different reality, one of preparation, capability, and competitiveness within global academic standards.

For Isoken Omonigho Edokpolo and Irawienguosa Efetobo Edokpolo, the 2025 graduation marks not an endpoint, but a foundation. Their training in psychology, marketing, and language studies positions them for future roles across research, business, policy, and international engagement.

Their story reinforces a clear message: Nigerian talent continues to perform at the highest levels at home and abroad within a global academic landscape that increasingly values excellence over geography.

Cross River State’s return to oil-producing status is now in sight

Cross River State is edging toward a long-awaited reversal of fortune, with fresh scientific findings placing it firmly back on Nigeria’s oil-producing map after nearly two decades in limbo.

At the centre of this shift is a comprehensive technical report recently submitted to the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), following a nationwide audit of crude oil and gas locations. The document affirms that commercially viable oil reservoirs exist within Cross River’s recognised maritime and territorial boundaries, an outcome that strengthens the state’s claim to oil-producing status lost in 2008.

Unlike earlier efforts that relied heavily on administrative records, the latest assessment was driven by empirical evidence. Federal agencies jointly conducted extensive field checks, geospatial mapping, and reservoir analysis to determine the true location of oil and gas assets across the country. The process prioritised geology over paperwork, a shift that proved critical for states whose resource claims had remained contested for years.

For Cross River, the findings are transformative. Verified data point to more than 100 producing oil wells linked to its offshore assets, particularly within Oil Mining Lease 114. This places the state in line for reinstatement into the group of oil-producing states eligible for the 13 percent derivation allocation.

The broader exercise also recalibrated Nigeria’s oil map as several overlapping claims between neighbouring states were resolved through shared attribution where reservoirs straddle boundaries, reflecting a deliberate move away from zero-sum decisions. Officials involved in the process say technical accuracy and equity guided outcomes, not political bargaining.

Although Cross River submitted the highest volume of coordinate data during the verification, existing legal constraints mean a portion of the wells identified will, for now, remain credited elsewhere. Even with those limitations, insiders describe the state’s geological case as decisive, noting that the strength of the reservoir evidence leaves little ambiguity about its producing status.

The momentum behind Cross River’s return was not accidental. After earlier attribution efforts failed to translate into implementation, the state refined its approach, anchoring its submissions on advanced hydrographic and subsurface data rather than surface claims alone. That strategic shift, experts say, made the difference in the latest round.

All that now stands between verification and formal recognition is presidential approval. Once assent is granted, RMAFC is expected to activate the new attributions and update the national register of oil-producing states.

If implemented, the decision will close a chapter that has spanned nearly 20 years for Cross River, one marked by dispute, persistence, and eventual scientific clarity and reaffirm a growing national preference for evidence-based resource governance.

Jeremiah Nnanna Makes History as Africa’s First Male Para-Badminton World Championship Medallist

Africa reached a historic milestone in global para-badminton as Jeremiah Chigozie Nnanna delivered a performance that will be remembered for generations. Competing in the fiercely contested men’s SL4 category, the Nigerian star secured a bronze medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship, becoming the first African male athlete ever to stand on the podium at the world championships.

Nnanna’s journey to the podium was anything but easy as the SL4 category, which features athletes with lower-limb impairments who compete standing, is known for its speed, physical intensity, and tactical demands. At the championship, Nnanna proved he belonged among the world’s best, displaying resilience, discipline, and composure against some of the sport’s most experienced players.

His historic bronze was sealed after a tough semi-final battle against India’s Naveen Sivakumar, one of the leading figures in global para-badminton. Though narrowly missing out on a place in the final, Nnanna’s performance earned him a place on the podium and firmly announced Africa’s arrival in a discipline long dominated by Asia and Europe.

The significance of Nnanna’s achievement goes far beyond a single medal. Para-badminton was only introduced to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, making the sport relatively young on the world stage and African representation at topmost level has been limited, largely due to funding challenges, limited exposure, and fewer competitive pathways. Nnanna’s breakthrough therefore marks a turning point, proving that African athletes can compete and succeed at the highest level.

For Nigeria, the medal is another significant statement of progress in para-sports. In recent years, Nigerian para-athletes have consistently punched above their weight across multiple disciplines, and Nnanna’s success adds fresh momentum to that rise. His achievement also serves as inspiration for young athletes across the continent who are now able to see a clear pathway from local courts to the world stage.

By winning bronze at the Para-Badminton World Championship, Jeremiah Chigozie Nnanna has not only written his name into history, he has opened a new chapter for African para-badminton.

Nigeria Soars as Bolaji Wins World Para-Badminton Championship Silver

Nigeria rose to its feet in celebration as Eniola Bolaji delivered another unforgettable performance on the global stage, claiming a silver medal at the 2026 Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain.

The final was tough, intense, and full of heart but Bolaji fought with courage and belief, pushing herself to the limit before settling for second place against Japan’s Shino Kawai. Though the gold slipped away, the moment marked something far greater which is her first medal at the World Championship level and a powerful statement of her growth as an elite athlete.

From the opening rounds in Bahrain, Bolaji played with confidence and calm, moving through the tournament like a champion in waiting. One opponent after another fell as she defeated players from Australia, Brazil, France, and Turkey, including a stunning win over the world number five. Each match showed her hunger, discipline, and refusal to be intimidated by big names.

Her run reached a high point in the semi-finals, where she produced a commanding display against China’s Gaoying Yuan, winning in straight sets and earning her place in the final. It was a performance that spoke of experience, belief, and a player who knows she belongs among the very best.

Bolaji turned the championship into a historic chapter for Nigeria and Africa. The medal was more than a podium finish, it was a symbol of progress, courage, and possibility. The silver shines even brighter when placed alongside her earlier breakthrough at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where she became the first African to win a para-badminton medal at the Games. Step by step, tournament by tournament, she continues to raise the bar.

In Bahrain, Nigeria was not just represented, the country was celebrated and yet again reminded the world that its talents are competitive, ready, and fearless. 

Nigeria’s Voice on the World Stage: Maryam Bukar Hassan Makes Olympic History as Flag Bearer for Peace

Maryam Bukar Hassan has made history as the first Nigerian ever chosen to carry the Olympic flag at an opening ceremony. The milestone moment took place on February 6, 2026, during the opening of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

The Olympic flag is carried by individuals whose lives reflect the ideals of peace, unity, and service to humanity. Maryam Hassan was selected by the International Olympic Committee in recognition of her global influence as an advocate, artist, and cultural leader.

The ceremony, held at the iconic San Siro Stadium, featured a select group known as the Flag Bearers of Peace. Hassan’s presence among them placed Nigeria at the centre of a powerful global symbol watched by millions around the world.

Widely known by her creative name, Alhanislam, Hassan is an acclaimed performance poet, storyteller, and social advocate. In 2025, she was appointed the United Nations’ first-ever Global Advocate for Peace after years of using spoken word and storytelling to promote justice, inclusion, and human connection. That same year, she was also recognised among the 100 Most Reputable Africans.

In 2025, she opened the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the role of art in shaping global dialogue. She has also performed at major gatherings such as the Summit of the Future and COP28, where she brought African perspectives into conversations on humanity and global responsibility.

Beyond global stages, Hassan is committed to empowering others. She founded True My Voice, a digital advocacy and storytelling platform that supports poets and creatives in amplifying African narratives. The initiative was named a United Nations SDG Award Finalist in 2024 for its impact in promoting advocacy through creative expression.

She also hosts the podcast What Makes You Human, where she explores shared human experiences through conversations that connect art, identity, and social change.

Although she did not compete as an athlete at the Winter Olympics, her role during the opening ceremony carried strong symbolic meaning showing that influence at the Games extends beyond sport to include voices that shape values and inspire unity.

For Nigeria, Hassan’s historic appearance was more than ceremonial as it was a clear reminder that Nigerian voices continue to shape global conversations on peace, culture, and humanity at the highest levels.

Joshua Babatunde Aiyenuro sets Guinness World Record for longest barbering marathon

What began as a trade learned on the bustling streets of Lagos has now become a global symbol of grit and ambition. Joshua Babatunde Aiyenuro, better known as T-Jos Signature, has carved his name into history after emerging as the Guinness World Record holder for the longest professional barbering marathon.

The record-breaking performance took place in Nassarawa State on 29 January 2026, drawing attention not only for its physical intensity but for what it represents especially as it reflects the strength of purpose that can rise from skill, discipline, and unwavering belief in one’s craft.

Long before international recognition, Joshua’s life unfolded in Aguda, Surulere Lagos, where barbering became more than a means of income but a pathway. Years of consistency and refinement transformed his passion into professionalism, eventually earning him national trust as a barber to Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The Guinness World Record was not secured on the first try. An earlier marathon, lasting 154 relentless hours, ended in disappointment after it failed to meet technical requirements. As if that setback were not enough, Joshua soon faced a devastating personal loss with the passing of his mother, a moment that tested his resolve in ways no record attempt ever could.

Rather than surrender, he paused, reflected, and returned with renewed focus. That return culminated in a successful second attempt, one that delivered global recognition and affirmed his belief that persistence outlasts failure.

For Joshua, the achievement carries meaning beyond headlines and certificates. He sees it as a declaration of respect for skilled trades and a challenge to outdated perceptions about vocational professions. In his view, talent, when properly nurtured, can be just as powerful as any academic credential.

Motivated by this philosophy, he has launched a nationwide skills empowerment programme aimed at young Nigerians as the initiative targets 1,000 youths in every state, offering practical training in barbering, hairdressing, tailoring, and other trades. Through partnerships with government bodies, private organisations, and individual supporters, the programme will provide tools, mentorship, and startup resources designed to foster independence and economic stability.

“Our aim is to replace limitation with possibility,” Joshua said. “When young people are equipped with skills, they don’t just earn a living, they help build a stronger nation.”

Joshua Babatunde Aiyenuro’s journey is not simply about endurance or records. It is a story of how commitment to craft, resilience in the face of loss, and faith in one’s ability can transform ordinary work into extraordinary legacy. 

Victor Osimhen Puts Nigeria on Football’s Global Scoring Map

Victor Osimhen has achieved what only the very best in world football manage, which is sustained relevance at the highest level. The Nigerian striker has been officially ranked among the most prolific international goalscorers of the current decade, standing shoulder to shoulder with the sport’s most recognisable names and flying Nigeria’s flag on a global stage dominated by European and South American icons.

Recognised by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), Osimhen’s inclusion in the decade-long international scoring rankings confirms his status as one of the defining forwards of modern football. Since 2021, he has delivered 27 goals for the Super Eagles, a return that places him among the top international scorers worldwide and underlines Nigeria’s continued relevance in the global football conversation.

What makes Osimhen’s rise particularly compelling is the consistency behind the numbers. Across multiple seasons, through injuries, tactical changes and intense international schedules, he has remained Nigeria’s most reliable source of goals. His international output has grown steadily, peaking in 2025 when he produced his most prolific year yet in national colours, reinforcing his reputation as a striker who rises when responsibility is highest.

Globally, the IFFHS rankings are led by Erling Haaland, with Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé completing an elite group of football’s most efficient scorers. Osimhen’s presence among such company is not symbolic, it is earned. In a decade measured by goals alone, the Nigerian forward has outscored dozens of celebrated attackers from traditional football powerhouses.

Since breaking into the Super Eagles in 2017, Osimhen has scored 35 goals in just over 50 appearances, making him Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer of all time. In doing so, he has surpassed legends who defined earlier generations of Nigerian football, leaving only Rashidi Yekini ahead of him and within touching distance.

At club level, his impact has been equally emphatic. In 2025, Osimhen finished joint fifth worldwide for total goals scored across club and country, recording 46 goals and emerging as Africa’s highest goalscorer for the year and it was a reminder that Nigerian footballers are not merely participants in elite competitions, but leading contributors.

While major international silverware might have so far eluded him, Osimhen’s journey remains unfinished. With future continental tournaments on the horizon, the striker carries both experience and expectation, determined to translate personal excellence into collective success for Nigeria.

In an era where global football narratives often overlook African excellence, Victor Osimhen has forced recognition through relentless output and unmistakable presence. 

He is not just scoring goals, he is asserting Nigeria’s place among football’s elite, one decisive finish at a time.

Nigeria at the Global AI Table: Prof. Rita Orji Appointed to UN Scientific Panel as the Nation’s Sole Representative

Following the recommendation of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, Professor Rita Orji has been formally appointed to the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, a high-level global body established to guide international understanding and governance of artificial intelligence. 

Her appointment places her among only 40 experts selected worldwide and makes her the sole Nigerian on the panel, a distinction that underscores Nigeria’s growing intellectual presence in one of the most influential technological arenas of our time.

A Professor of Computer Science at Dalhousie University in Canada, Prof. Orji will serve a three-year term, contributing expertise in human-centred, equitable, and responsible AI. 

A Nigerian scholar with a global footprint, she has built a career around ensuring that technological progress aligns with human values rather than overriding them. Her research focuses on how intelligent systems interact with behaviour, culture, and trust, particularly within diverse and underrepresented contexts. 

As the Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology and Director of the Persuasive Computing Lab, she has led innovative work on AI-enabled systems for health, wellbeing, and social impact, grounded in ethical design and cultural sensitivity.

The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI was created in response to widespread recognition that the pace of AI development has outstripped existing mechanisms for oversight. Established by the United Nations in 2025, the panel serves as an independent scientific authority tasked with examining AI’s capabilities, limitations, and societal consequences, and with supporting informed global dialogue on how the technology should be governed in the public interest.

The competitiveness of Prof. Orji’s appointment further highlights its significance as her nomination emerged from a global pool of more than 2,600 highly qualified candidates, from which just 40 individuals were selected. The final panel reflects a deliberate balance of disciplines, regions, and perspectives, ensuring that guidance on AI governance is informed by a wide spectrum of scientific, social, and cultural insight. 

AI technologies are increasingly deployed in societies that have limited influence over their design, often reinforcing existing inequalities and Prof. Orji’s work has consistently pushed back against this pattern, advocating for systems that are inclusive by design, culturally adaptive, and accountable to the people they affect. Through her role on the panel, perspectives shaped by lived realities beyond dominant tech hubs are brought directly into global AI governance discussions.

Prof. Orji is a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada, honours that reflect long-term international impact. She has received several of Canada’s most competitive research awards and fellowships, alongside numerous distinctions recognising innovation, leadership, and mentorship. Beyond formal honours, she is widely respected for advancing diversity and inclusion in science and technology, and for championing equitable access to digital opportunities.

Prof. Orji’s research is widely published and cited, shaping discourse across artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, digital health, and ethics. She is regularly invited to contribute to policy initiatives, serve on strategic advisory bodies, and deliver keynote addresses at major international forums. Equally notable is her mentorship legacy, through which she has helped cultivate a new generation of researchers from diverse backgrounds, expanding global participation in AI scholarship.

The panel’s work will feed directly into the UN’s Global Dialogue on AI Governance, supporting governments as they confront complex questions around innovation, safety, ethics, and long-term societal impact. 

Alongside Prof. Rita Orji of Nigeria, the other members appointed to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence are;

Adji Bousso Dieng (Senegal),

Aleksandra Korolova (Latvia),

Alvitta Ottley (Saint Kitts and Nevis), 

Andrei Neznamov (Russian Federation), 

Anna Korhonen (Finland),

Awa Bousso Dramé (Cabo Verde), 

Balaraman Ravindran (India),

Bernhard Schölkopf (Germany), 

Bilal Mateen (Pakistan),

Carlos Coello Coello (Mexico), 

Girmaw Abebe Tadesse (Ethiopia), 

Haitao Song (China), 

Hoda Heidari (Islamic Republic of Iran), 

Jian Wang (China), 

Joëlle Barral (France),

Johanna Pirker (Austria),

Joyce Nakatumba Nabende (Uganda), 

Juho Kim (Republic of Korea),

Leslie Teo (Singapore), 

Lior Rokach (Israel), 

Loreto Bravo (Chile), 

Maria Ressa (Philippines),

Mark Coeckelbergh (Belgium), 

Martha Palmer (United States of America), 

Maximilian Nickel (Germany),

 Melahat Bilge Demirköz (Türkiye), 

Mennatallah El-Assady (Egypt), 

Piotr Sankowski (Poland),

Qinghua Lu (Australia),

Román Orús (Spain), 

Silvio Savarese (Italy), 

Sonia Livingstone (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 

Tegawendé Bissyandé (Burkina Faso), 

Teresa Ludermir (Brazil), 

Tuka Alhanai (United Arab Emirates), 

Vipin Kumar (United States of America), 

Vukosi Marivate (South Africa), 

Yoshua Bengio (Canada), 

Yutaka Matsuo (Japan).

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape societies and global power structures, Prof. Rita Orji’s appointment stands as a clear affirmation of Nigeria’s forward momentum. It reflects a country whose scholars are not merely adapting to the future, but actively helping to shape it.

For Nigeria, it is a moment of confidence and pride; for the world, it is a reminder that the most durable global solutions emerge when excellence from every region is recognised and empowered.

Three Nigerians. Three Grammys. A moment nearly missed.

When the lights dimmed at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and the final applause faded, Nigeria had quietly secured one of its most significant cultural moments in recent years. Three winners a prestigious music stage carried Nigerian heritage with them, an outcome that, in ordinary circumstances, would have dominated national conversation, instead, the moment passed with little fanfare.

The muted response was shaped largely by the emotional weight of unmet expectations. Much of the public mood revolved around the disappointment surrounding highly anticipated contenders whose absence from the winners’ list dominated post-ceremony discussion. In that atmosphere, victories that arrived from less familiar corners of the global music industry were easily overshadowed. The silence was not dismissal, but distraction.

Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze, stood among the night’s defining figures after claiming a Grammy in a genre where few expected a Nigerian name to emerge. His work, which blends country, hip-hop and Americana, has redrawn musical boundaries in the United States, while his personal story remains closely tied to Nigeria, where he spent part of his formative years. His acceptance speech, centred on migration, sacrifice and inheritance, resonated with experiences shared by many.

Cynthia Erivo’s win added further weight to the evening. Her career, spanning Broadway, film and music, has already placed her among the most accomplished performers of her generation. Beneath the global acclaim lies a lineage unmistakably Nigerian, carried with quiet confidence rather than declaration and her success reflects how cultural roots can travel widely without losing their depth.

Completing the trio was Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, whose influence extends beyond music into fashion, design and film. His Grammy win for creative excellence reinforced a career defined by reinvention and originality, while his open embrace of his Nigerian heritage underscored a truth often overlooked: distance does not erase origin, and global success does not dilute identity.

Taken together, the victories told a clear story; Nigerian talent is not confined by geography, accent or genre but does thrive wherever opportunity allows it to grow, often in forms that challenge expectation.

Nigeria, in reality, has never struggled to recognise its diaspora. Across fields and continents, Nigerians abroad are regularly claimed and celebrated. What happened on Grammy night was not tension, nor a rejection of identity, but a moment when expectation eclipsed outcome and attention was fixed on what many hoped would happen, rather than on what quietly did.

Yet achievement does not lose its value because it arrives unexpectedly or from outside familiar frameworks. Cultural triumphs remain triumphs, regardless of where they are produced or how they fit prevailing narratives. The wins in Los Angeles were not consolation prizes; they were statements of Nigerian excellence expressed on a global scale.

As Nigeria’s footprint continues to expand across continents, such moments will recur, sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly but what matters is the willingness to pause, recalibrate, and recognise success in all its expressions. This is essential because a nation’s story is shaped not only by its expectations, but by its ability to acknowledge achievement wherever it appears.

In the end, the Grammy victories were a reminder that Nigerian talent does not compete for relevance, it already has it. The applause may come late, but the achievement stands, undiminished and unmistakably Nigerian.

FG plans internet access for 55,675 schools and hospitals

In today’s digital age, access to the internet is no longer a luxury for Nigerian students and health workers, it is a basic requirement for learning, research, innovation and service delivery. From virtual classrooms and digital textbooks to telemedicine and data-driven healthcare, connectivity now sits at the heart of modern education and public health systems.

It is against this backdrop that the Federal Government has unveiled plans to extend broadband internet to tens of thousands of public schools and health facilities across the country, particularly in communities that remain largely cut off from reliable digital access.

According to official project documents, the initiative is expected to connect 55,675 public institutions nationwide, including 38,803 schools and 16,872 health facilities, by September 2030. If fully delivered, it would represent one of the most far-reaching public digital infrastructure interventions in Nigeria’s history.

Reliable internet access opens the door to digital libraries, online curricula, teacher training platforms, global academic collaboration and skills development tailored to a rapidly changing job market. For students in underserved areas, it could help narrow the widening digital divide that increasingly mirrors existing inequalities in income and opportunity.

The health sector stands to gain just as much as broadband connectivity enables telemedicine services, faster access to patient records, remote diagnostics and continuous training for medical personnel, tools that are especially critical in rural and hard-to-reach communities where specialists are scarce.

Beyond schools and hospitals, the government’s plan also covers thousands of public institutions. By the end of the project, the number of broadband-connected public facilities is expected to rise to over 59,000, up from fewer than 34,000 recorded in 2025. This includes local government offices, which are often the closest point of contact between citizens and the state.

At the centre of the initiative is a nationwide fibre-optic rollout, with plans to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of cable, most of it designed to withstand climate-related risks. The expansion is expected to lower wholesale broadband costs by about 20 per cent and significantly improve internet speeds, making digital services more affordable and reliable across the country.

The programme also places emphasis on human capacity, with plans to provide digital literacy training to 37,000 Nigerians, the majority of them women and to generate gender-disaggregated data that can guide future broadband policy. Project targets include high service satisfaction rates and timely resolution of user complaints once operations are fully underway.

While the scale of ambition is clear, the funding model reflects the realities of large infrastructure projects as the initiative is backed by a $500 million concessional loan from the World Bank’s International Development Association, with the bulk of the funds set aside to capitalise a new fibre infrastructure company. The company will operate as a special purpose vehicle, majority owned and managed by the private sector, while the Federal Government participates as a minority shareholder through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.

The structure is designed to crowd in private investment,  potentially exceeding $1 billion over the project’s lifespan and limit direct government control, while ensuring open-access wholesale services for licensed telecommunications operators.

As of early 2026, the loan had not yet been disbursed, though preparatory work is ongoing and implementation is expected to begin in earnest this year. The World Bank has rated progress so far as satisfactory, even as it flagged political, institutional and fiduciary risks that could affect delivery.

Ultimately, the success of the initiative will be measured not by kilometres of fibre laid or funds committed, but by whether Nigerian students can learn without digital barriers and whether health workers can deliver care with modern tools at their disposal. 

In a world increasingly driven by data, connectivity has become foundational infrastructure as essential as roads, power and water and Nigeria’s development trajectory will depend on how effectively it is deployed.

Nigeria tops Africa and ranks 12th globally in food visibility on social media

Nigeria is now the most visible food culture on the African continent and one of the most talked-about in the world.

According to a 2026 global report by Chef’s Pencil, Nigerian cuisine ranked first in Africa for social media visibility and 12th globally, outperforming several long-established European cuisines. The ranking reflects not popularity in restaurants or kitchens, but presence meaning how often Nigerian food appears, circulates and sparks conversation across major digital platforms.

The study, The Most Popular Cuisines on Social Media in 2026, examined cuisine-related activity on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, using hashtag data gathered at the beginning of the year. Each platform was given equal weight, a method the publishers say helps surface cuisines that perform consistently across different online communities.

What sets Nigerian cuisine apart, the report suggests, is not just visual appeal but narrative depth. From home kitchens to roadside stalls, Nigerian food content is driven by stories of family, heritage, technique and memory. Videos of bubbling soups, street-food preparation and step-by-step cooking processes routinely draw high engagement, particularly on TikTok and Facebook, where comment-led interaction fuels wider sharing.

As social media continues to shape how food is discovered, Nigerian cooking appears well matched to the current moment. Instagram’s evolution from still photography to short-form video has favoured cuisines that show movement, process and personality and Nigerian dishes, often prepared through tactile, expressive methods, translate naturally to this format.

Chef’s Pencil is careful to note that the ranking is not a measure of quality or consumption as It does not claim that Nigerian cuisine is eaten more than others, nor does it attempt to judge taste. Instead, it tracks cultural activity, what people choose to post, recreate, debate and celebrate online.

Globally, Italian cuisine topped the list, buoyed by its everyday presence across continents and its adaptability to quick recipe videos and restaurant content. Indian and Japanese cuisines followed, sustained by strong street-food culture, modern dining narratives and visually distinctive dishes. Mexican and Korean cuisines performed particularly well on TikTok, while Thai and Chinese cuisines maintained steady visibility across platforms.

Yet the report also highlights cuisines that outperform expectations when the focus shifts beyond Instagram alone. Nigerian cuisine was grouped alongside Filipino, Indonesian and Vietnamese food cultures, cuisines that thrive on community participation and diaspora engagement rather than polished presentation.

For Nigeria, the ranking speaks to something broader than food trends as It reflects how culture now travels: through phones, short videos, shared memories and global networks of people telling their own stories. In that space, Nigerian cuisine has found both voice and audience.

From local kitchens to global timelines, Nigerian food is no longer on the margins of the conversation but firmly at the centre - seen, shared and shaping how the world engages with African culture.

Enugu State generates ₦406.8bn IGR in 2025, achieving 80% of its target

Enugu State closed the 2025 fiscal year with a strong revenue performance, recording ₦406.8 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), a figure that represents about 80 per cent of its ₦509.9 billion target for the year.

The achievement was disclosed in Enugu by the Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Emmanuel Nnamani, during a briefing on the state’s revenue journey under the current administration.

Nnamani recalled that when Governor Peter Mbah announced the ambitious ₦509 billion revenue target for 2025 back in 2024, it was greeted with scepticism in many quarters. That doubt, he said, has now been answered with results. By the end of 2025, the state had generated exactly ₦406,774,321,758.87, translating to a remarkable 80 per cent attainment of the set goal.

The figures also reflect a dramatic leap from the previous year. In 2024, Enugu State recorded ₦180.5 billion in IGR. The 2025 outcome therefore represents a 125 per cent increase year-on-year, underscoring what Nnamani described as a sustained growth trajectory.

A closer look at the revenue mix shows that taxes paid directly by residents accounted for ₦51.5 billion, or just 12.6 per cent of the total IGR. The bulk of the revenue, ₦355.2 billion, representing 87.4 per cent, came from non-tax sources. Despite its smaller share, tax revenue itself rose significantly, growing from ₦30 billion in 2024 to ₦51.5 billion in 2025, a 72 per cent increase that outpaced the 31 per cent growth recorded the previous year.

Placing the numbers in historical context, Nnamani noted that before Governor Mbah assumed office in 2022, Enugu State’s total revenue stood at ₦26.8 billion, made up of ₦16.2 billion in tax revenue and ₦10.6 billion from non-tax sources. Upon taking office, the governor issued clear directives to aggressively expand revenue, particularly by unlocking non-tax opportunities across the state.

In 2023, the governor further mandated that routine expenses such as salaries, pensions, and overheads, must be funded strictly from IGR rather than federal allocations. That policy shift yielded ₦37.4 billion in tax revenue and ₦14.5 billion in non-tax revenue by the end of that year.

Momentum accelerated in 2024, when total revenue jumped to ₦180.5 billion, representing growth of over 370 per cent. Of that amount, ₦30 billion came from taxes, while non-tax sources contributed ₦150 billion. According to Nnamani, the performance of 2024 proved that the state’s revenue reforms were not only effective but also sustainable.

He added that funds generated from taxes have been channelled into visible development projects, including the construction of smart green schools, establishment of Type II primary healthcare centres, and the revitalisation of previously dormant public assets.

Looking ahead, Enugu State has set an even more ambitious IGR target of ₦870 billion for 2026. Nnamani acknowledged that tax revenue may temporarily soften due to the introduction of pro-citizen tax reforms, but expressed confidence that improved compliance and growing public trust in governance would support long-term revenue expansion.

With consistent policy direction and a widening revenue base, he said, Enugu State is positioning itself for sustained fiscal strength in the years ahead.

Ogun State Plans AI-Powered Digital Classroom for Remo Secondary School

On a bright celebratory day in Sagamu, history and the future met on the same school grounds. Remo Secondary School, an institution that has shaped generations for eight decades, marked its 80th anniversary not only by looking back, but by setting its gaze firmly on what lies ahead.

At the heart of that forward vision is a plan by the Ogun State Government to construct a 900-seat, Artificial Intelligence powered digital classroom complex within the school. Valued at about ₦1 billion, the proposed facility represents a shift in how public education in the state is being reimagined, from traditional chalkboards to intelligent, technology-enabled learning spaces designed for a rapidly changing world.

Governor Dapo Abiodun used the anniversary celebration as a platform to articulate that vision. Speaking to students, alumni, educators and guests, he emphasized education as the most strategic investment any society can make. For him, the digital classroom is not simply a building, but a response to the realities of the 21st-century economy, where technology, data and innovation increasingly define opportunity.

The new classroom complex is expected to build on learning infrastructure already in place at Remo Secondary School. Over time, the institution has been equipped with a resource centre and a robotics laboratory, facilities aimed at nurturing creativity, problem-solving and digital competence among students. The addition of an AI-enabled learning environment is intended to deepen those efforts and expand the range of skills available to young learners.

Beyond the long-term plan, the governor also announced immediate financial support for the school, pledging ₦100 million toward its development. Half of that amount is to be released promptly, with assurances that at least one major project connected to the anniversary commitments will be fully delivered within his administration.

The government’s involvement with the school has already produced visible results. Science laboratories have been renovated and fitted with modern equipment, aligning teaching spaces with contemporary standards. Student hostels, both male and female have also been rehabilitated, reflecting an understanding that learning thrives best in safe, comfortable and supportive environments.

Throughout the event, Remo Secondary School was repeatedly described not just as a place of learning, but as a living institution, one shaped by shared memory, discipline and collective effort. The governor acknowledged the role of the school’s old students, whose contributions over the years have helped preserve its heritage and sustain its reputation.

For him, the school’s story is a reminder that progress in education is rarely the work of government alone. It is built through partnership, continuity and a shared belief in the future. Designated as one of Ogun State’s flagship schools, Remo Secondary School now stands as a bridge between its storied past and an increasingly digital tomorrow.

As the celebrations drew on, students were urged to recognise the responsibility that comes with opportunity. The message was simple but firm: new facilities and modern tools must be matched with character, discipline and a commitment to excellence.

In proposing an AI-powered classroom within the walls of an 80-year-old institution, Ogun State is making a clear statement, that tradition and innovation need not stand apart, and that the future of public education can be built on the foundations of its past.

Yobe Teacher Gambo Lawan Emerges North-East Best at 2026 National Teachers’ Awards

Gambo Lawan, a teacher at Yerimaram Government Day Junior Secondary School in Potiskum, Yobe State, has been named Best Teacher in the North-East at the 2026 National Teachers’ Award Ceremony, earning national recognition for excellence, innovation, and impact in public education.

The award, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education, was presented at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Lawan received a ₦25 million cash prize. She also earned a tertiary education scholarship, placing her among the most celebrated educators at the national ceremony.

Education officials said Lawan emerged from a highly competitive and merit-driven selection process that assessed professionalism, creativity in teaching methods, and measurable learning outcomes. Her achievement further highlights Yobe State’s growing profile in education, a sector that has recently produced notable academic successes at both national and international levels.

Last year, students from the state drew international attention after posting strong performances at global academic competitions in London, reinforcing the connection between classroom dedication and student excellence. Education observers say such milestones reflect the influence of committed teachers working within the public school system, particularly in regions often left out of national education narratives.

Reacting to the honour, Lawan described the recognition as the result of years of consistency, patience, and deep passion for teaching. She said the announcement came as a surprise but viewed it as both encouragement and responsibility.

“This award has motivated me to do even more for my students,” she said, adding that she intends to mentor younger teachers and continue promoting discipline, values, and academic excellence in the classroom.

The Executive Chairman of the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board (YSUBEB), Umaru Hassan-Babayo, said Lawan’s success reflected sustained investments in education and human capital development across the state. He noted that her emergence at the national level demonstrated that quality teaching and innovation can thrive in public schools when teachers are properly supported.

Education stakeholders say Lawan’s recognition sends a strong signal about the importance of rewarding excellence in teaching and reinforces the role of educators as central drivers of long-term development.

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.