At Just 18, Mohammed Aminu Sani Soars into History!

At just eighteen years old, Mohammed Aminu Sani has made history as Nigeria’s youngest commercial pilot, earning the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot License. His remarkable achievement has captured attention across Nigeria and beyond, not just as a personal triumph, but as a symbol of youthful excellence, focus, and limitless ambition.

Born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, Mohammed’s journey began with a quiet determination and a fascination for flight that took root early in life. He attended Al-Hidaayah Academy for his early education before proceeding to The Regent College, Abuja, where he graduated with Distinction in Economics Foundation. From an early age, he had set his sights on the skies, nurturing a dream that would demand discipline, resilience, and courage far beyond his years.

That dream led him across the Atlantic to Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) in Daytona Beach, Florida, a reputable flight training institution. There, Mohammed immersed himself in a rigorous, world-class training program that would challenge even the most seasoned aspiring pilots. Remarkably, he completed the entire FAA-accredited Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot License program in just ten months, an unusually short and intense period for such a demanding qualification.

Throughout his training at Phoenix East Aviation, Mohammed maintained an impeccable record. He reportedly never failed a single check-ride, an achievement that underscores his exceptional focus, precision, and mastery of both theoretical and practical aviation principles. His training included extensive cross-country flights, night flights, and instrument-rated navigation missions under real-world conditions such as rain and low visibility. He logged flight hours on complex aircraft like the PA-34-200 Seneca, learning to operate multi-engine systems with confidence and professionalism.

For many, obtaining an FAA Commercial Multi-Engine License at eighteen is almost unheard of, not only because of the skill and maturity required, but also because of the sheer intellectual and technical demands of aviation training. Yet Mohammed’s success proves that with the right mindset, dedication, and guidance, even the loftiest dreams can be reached. His story stands as a powerful example to young Nigerians and indeed to young people everywhere that age is no barrier to excellence.

Beyond personal glory, his achievement carries a deeper national significance. Mohammed’s feat shines a light on Nigeria’s emerging generation of innovators and achievers. It is a reminder that the Nigerian youth, when given the tools and encouragement to excel, can compete and thrive on the global stage in the most sophisticated of professions.

Mohammed describes his accomplishment not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a long and purposeful journey. His aspiration is to fly with a leading international airline, gain advanced flight ratings, and continue representing Nigeria among the world’s elite aviators. In his own quiet yet confident way, he has become a beacon of what vision, discipline, and perseverance can produce.

His story also reinforces vital lessons for dreamers everywhere: set a clear goal and anchor your life around it; pair strong academic grounding with applied technical training; embrace challenges as opportunities to grow; and never settle at the first milestone, use each success as a springboard for the next.

In a world that often measures youth by inexperience, Mohammed Aminu Sani has proven that youth can equally mean brilliance, courage, and focus. His journey from the classrooms of Abuja to the skies of Daytona Beach is not just a record-breaking story, it’s an inspiration. It is a reminder that when passion meets preparation, even the sky is no longer the limit.

Lebara’s Bold Entry into Nigeria: A Testament to a New Era of Investor Confidence

Lebara’s arrival in the Nigerian market marks more than the expansion of a telecommunications brand, it signifies a growing global confidence in Nigeria’s economic transformation and renewed attractiveness to investors. The company’s move to establish operations and introduce a distinct 0724 number series comes at a time when Nigeria is undergoing one of its most determined phases of reform and economic restructuring in recent history. It is both a strategic and symbolic gesture, affirming that Nigeria’s promise is real, its policies are beginning to bear fruit, and the world is taking notice.

Over the past two years, Nigeria has undergone sweeping economic reforms designed to restore stability, rebuild investor confidence, and create a more transparent, competitive business environment. These include the unification of the foreign exchange market, removal of fuel subsidies, fiscal tightening, and the ongoing modernization of tax administration. The impact has been notable: the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update for 2025 reported stronger growth, led by services and non-oil sectors, signaling that the economy’s fundamentals are beginning to recover. Inflation, once dangerously high, has started to ease, while the naira has shown signs of stabilization. These are not abstract policy victories, they represent the foundations upon which sustainable private sector growth can be built.

One of the most defining developments has been Nigeria’s GDP rebasing, which increased the measured size of the economy by roughly 30%. This adjustment provided a clearer picture of the nation’s true economic scale, highlighting the strength of emerging industries like technology, digital services, and creative enterprises. Suddenly, sectors once considered “informal” were recognized as vital contributors to national output and employment. This statistical correction alone has reshaped how investors perceive Nigeria’s market potential. It has also emboldened companies like Lebara, whose business model thrives in economies where digital adoption is accelerating, and consumer demand for transparent, flexible communication services is on the rise.

Lebara’s strategy fits perfectly into this evolving landscape. With Nigeria’s population surpassing 220 million, over 70% of whom are under 35, the demand for affordable mobile connectivity and data-driven services continues to soar. Digital consumption patterns have shifted rapidly in recent years, with mobile-first users driving e-commerce, entertainment, banking, and communication. By offering a flexible, consumer-centric MVNO model with digital onboarding and transparent pricing, Lebara enters the market not as a disruptor for disruption’s sake, but as a brand tuned to the needs of modern Nigerian consumers. Its approach reflects the new spirit of innovation and inclusivity that defines Nigeria’s business climate today.

This optimism is not limited to telecommunications. Across multiple sectors, both local and international firms are seizing the moment. The fintech industry, for example, continues to flourish. Homegrown names like Moniepoint, Flutterwave, Paystack, and Kuda have achieved remarkable growth and global recognition, expanding their footprints across Africa and beyond. These companies have benefited from clearer regulatory frameworks, improved access to venture capital, and a population that embraces technology as a tool for empowerment. Similarly, sectors such as logistics, e-commerce, renewable energy, and manufacturing have witnessed fresh injections of capital and creativity, driven by the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy and creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.

Foreign investors, too, are showing renewed interest. Projects in energy, digital infrastructure, and real estate have seen rising participation from international partners who view Nigeria not merely as a high-risk frontier, but as a frontier of opportunity. The recent upward revision of GDP, coupled with tangible improvements in policy consistency and macroeconomic management, has encouraged more long-term commitments rather than speculative entries.

Lebara’s entry, therefore, is both a vote of confidence and a beacon of what’s possible when reform meets opportunity. It demonstrates that despite past turbulence, Nigeria’s market fundamentals, its demographic strength, digital momentum, and entrepreneurial drive, remain unmatched in Africa. The company’s decision to invest now, when the nation is transitioning through a reform-driven recovery, underscores a belief in the country’s long-term trajectory.

The lesson here is clear: nations that commit to reform, transparency, and innovation create conditions that attract the bold and the visionary. Nigeria is showing that even amid global economic headwinds, a deliberate focus on policy credibility, institutional strength, and private sector partnership can change narratives and outcomes. Lebara’s story is in many ways, Nigeria’s story, a story of resilience, reinvention, and renewed faith in possibility.

As the nation continues to modernize its economy, streamline governance, and unlock the power of its people, the world is watching closely. And for companies like Lebara and countless others being birthed across Nigeria’s vibrant industries, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in Africa’s most dynamic market.

Nigeria’s Education Loan Fund: Financing Hope for the Future

Nigeria’s Education Loan Fund is quietly rewriting the story of opportunity for millions of young Nigerians. Born out of decades of debate about how to make tertiary education accessible, it represents one of the country’s boldest attempts to remove the financial walls that have kept countless students from fulfilling their academic dreams.

For years, higher education in Nigeria was a privilege for those who could pay, a burden for struggling families, and an impossible dream for others. Parents sold farmlands, artisans borrowed from friends, and students juggled jobs just to afford a semester’s tuition. Successive governments acknowledged the problem, but it was not until the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act came into force that a concrete mechanism emerged. The law gave birth to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a body charged with turning higher education from a privilege into a right.

The goal was simple yet revolutionary: no qualified Nigerian should drop out of school because of financial hardship. With the support of the federal government, NELFUND began accepting applications from students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Its structure was designed to make the process fair and direct, tuition fees are paid straight to the institutions, while upkeep allowances are sent to beneficiaries to help cover living expenses like food, books, and transport.

When the fund began full operation in 2024, the excitement was palpable. For the first time, thousands of students could log into a transparent online portal, apply, and track the status of their education loans. By mid-2025, NELFUND had disbursed well over ₦70 billion across hundreds of institutions nationwide. Reports at different points showed staggering figures, ₦56.8 billion disbursed to nearly 300,000 students at one point, then ₦73 billion reaching over 360,000 young Nigerians, each number representing a real story of hope rekindled.

Many of the early beneficiaries came from public universities and technical colleges, the very institutions that had long suffered the highest dropout rates due to unpaid fees. From Sokoto to Calabar, from Nsukka to Maiduguri, students who once feared expulsion found a lifeline in NELFUND. For many parents, it brought emotional relief; for the nation, it was an investment in its future workforce.

The fund has remained active, disbursing fresh rounds of payments for each new academic session. Students who missed earlier windows have been encouraged to apply during subsequent sessions, and institutions continue to update their lists of eligible beneficiaries. The fund’s website and social channels now serve as major platforms for announcements, progress reports, and public accountability.

At its heart, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund stands on four main objectives, to democratize access to higher and technical education, to create predictable funding streams for public institutions, to support students’ welfare, and to ensure the system sustains itself through repayments. Graduates are not expected to begin repayment immediately; instead, the law allows a grace period of two years after completing the National Youth Service Corps program. During this time, beneficiaries can settle into jobs or ventures before repayments commence. Those who wish to repay earlier may do so without penalty, a fair balance between compassion and responsibility.

But such an ambitious scheme has not been without its challenges. The first year of operation revealed the realities of managing a nationwide financial program. Technical hitches on the application portal frustrated many applicants. Some institutions delayed in forwarding accurate data. Allegations of irregularities and unauthorized deductions prompted investigations by oversight agencies. Questions about long-term sustainability have also emerged: will the fund be able to recycle repayments effectively? Will graduates comply with repayment schedules? Can NELFUND maintain transparency and discipline as the numbers grow?

Despite these teething issues, the vision remains strong. In many ways, NELFUND is a symbol of Nigeria’s renewed faith in education as a tool for national rebirth. It carries the promise that a child from a farming village in Kwara or a mechanic’s son in Rivers State can stand on the same academic footing as anyone else -not because of privilege, but because a nation chose to invest in its people.

The coming years will be crucial. NELFUND must refine its systems, enforce accountability, and strengthen its repayment culture. If it succeeds, it could become a model for sustainable education financing across Africa. If it falters, it would risk becoming another well-intentioned program weakened by bureaucracy and poor implementation.

For now, however, the results are visible: classrooms filled with students who would have dropped out, dreams rekindled, and families that can finally breathe a little easier. In its quiet way, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund is not just funding education, it is funding hope, ambition, and the belief that knowledge should never be a luxury reserved for the few.

Nigeria’s Health Reforms Win Global Endorsement: How a Bold Vision Became a Model for the World

When Nigeria’s health leaders gathered some years ago to confront the nation’s growing healthcare challenges, the odds were steep. A country of over 200 million people was struggling with fragmented programs, scattered funding, and uneven results. But instead of surrendering to complexity, Nigeria made a bold decision to build a health system rooted in unity, accountability, and purpose.

That vision gave birth to what is now known as the Sector Wide Approach, or SWAp, a reform model that has quietly transformed how the country plans, funds, and delivers healthcare. What began as an administrative innovation has now become a global reference point.

At the 2025 World Bank IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., Nigeria’s SWAp model drew the attention of the world’s leading development institutions. During a high-level dialogue on “Scaling Health Reforms,” both the World Bank and the World Health Organisation (WHO) publicly endorsed Nigeria’s framework, describing it as one of the most effective models for sustainable and inclusive health reform in developing nations.

The recognition was more than symbolic. It represented an acknowledgment of years of consistent effort to redesign a health system once burdened by fragmentation. Through the SWAp model, Nigeria has brought together federal and state governments, donors, and development partners under one coherent policy and financial framework. It is a structure that ensures coordination, reduces waste, and directs every investment toward shared goals,  saving lives, strengthening systems, and expanding access to care.

In practice, the approach has already begun to change realities across the country. Primary healthcare centers are better supported, routine immunization coverage is improving, and local health workers are seeing the impact of coordinated planning for the first time. Instead of isolated programs working in competition, the country now moves with a single rhythm, guided by a shared purpose.

At the Washington meeting, representatives from the World Bank’s Global Health Division described Nigeria’s model as a powerful example of coordination and domestic leadership. WHO officials praised the country’s boldness, calling the SWAp “a living example of sustainable health reform in action.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who led the delegation, received the commendation with humility and conviction. He expressed deep gratitude for the international recognition but reminded the world that Nigeria’s success was built not on external prescriptions but on local determination. “This recognition is a powerful reminder that home-grown solutions work,” he said. “Our commitment is to keep building a health system that every Nigerian can rely on  one that saves lives, serves with integrity, and leaves no one behind.”

For Nigeria, the moment was more than a policy victory; it was a reaffirmation of what is possible when vision meets consistency. For decades, global stories of health reform have often been told from other continents. But now, the narrative is shifting and Nigeria stands as a symbol of African innovation and resilience.

The endorsement is expected to inspire even greater collaboration and investment, particularly as the government advances the Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme, a national effort aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030. The initiative builds upon the SWAp foundation, aligning national and state priorities with global health goals.

Behind the statistics and technical language, the heart of this transformation lies in everyday lives. It is seen in a mother in Kaduna whose local clinic now has reliable vaccine supply, a nurse in Cross River who finally works with adequate equipment, and a community in Kano that no longer travels hours for basic care. Each story reflects a quiet revolution, the kind that begins not with headlines, but with hope.

Nigeria’s Sector Wide Approach shows that real reform does not begin with money, but with courage and clarity of purpose. It reminds the world that even in the face of complexity, progress is possible when leadership is united, partnerships are strong, and every effort is anchored in service to the people.

As the world now looks to Nigeria’s example, one thing is certain: a new story of health reform is being written, one born not of despair, but of determination. And this time, it carries the name Nigeria proudly at its heart.

Nigeria’s Stock Market: The Frontier Where Smart Global Money Should Be Looking

For years, Nigeria has been a puzzle for global investors, a market of immense potential, bold reforms, and lingering risks. But in 2025, the puzzle pieces are finally starting to fit. With reforms deepening, foreign capital returning, and valuations still deeply discounted, the Nigerian stock market is quietly emerging as one of the most intriguing investment frontiers in the world.

Nigeria’s fundamentals are impossible to ignore. With a population of over 220 million, the country is Africa’s largest economy and home to its biggest consumer market. The median age is just 18 years, meaning an entire generation of tech-driven, digitally connected, and consumption-oriented Nigerians is rising. By 2050, the United Nations projects the population will exceed 370 million, making Nigeria the third most populous country on earth, behind only India and China. That kind of demographic pressure is not a burden, it’s the fuel for long-term economic expansion.

In parallel, Nigeria’s government has embarked on one of its most ambitious rounds of economic reform in decades. The unification of the exchange rate, removal of long-standing fuel subsidies, and a shift toward a market-driven monetary policy are gradually creating a clearer macroeconomic landscape. While the adjustment has been painful for households, it has renewed credibility among global investors.

The results are beginning to show. According to official NGX and Central Bank of Nigeria data, foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in Nigerian equities surged to ₦696.88 billion in the first nine months of 2024, an astonishing 170 percent jump from ₦258 billion in the same period of 2023. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, foreign participation climbed further to about ₦1.28 trillion, the strongest inflow in five years.

This resurgence of global interest is underpinned by macroeconomic improvement. Nigeria posted a US $6.83 billion balance-of-payments surplus in 2024, its first in three years, while foreign-exchange reserves climbed past US $23 billion, the highest level since 2021. These developments have helped restore some stability to the naira and reduced the perception of chronic FX illiquidity that kept many institutional investors on the sidelines.

The NGX itself has rewarded early entrants. Over the past 18 months, the All-Share Index has consistently delivered double-digit returns, outperforming several emerging-market peers. Banking and industrial stocks, particularly firms such as Zenith Bank, GTCO, Dangote Cement, and BUA Foods, have been the major drivers, buoyed by solid earnings, rising dividends, and improved investor sentiment.

The valuation story is equally compelling. Nigerian blue chips typically trade on price-to-earnings ratios of 6-9 times, while comparable emerging-market peers often command 15-20 times earnings. Dividend yields frequently exceed 7-10 percent, among the highest globally. For patient investors, these are not speculative penny plays, they’re profitable, dividend-paying, cash-flow generating businesses selling at bargain valuations.

The macro narrative extends beyond numbers. Nigeria’s role as the gateway to West Africa, a regional market of over 400 million consumers means that listed Nigerian companies enjoy a natural advantage in expansion, logistics, and cross-border trade. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gradually lowering barriers, these firms are set to capture new regional opportunities in manufacturing, financial services, and infrastructure.

Currency risk, of course, remains the elephant in the room. The naira has undergone sharp devaluations in recent years, testing the nerves of foreign investors. But many of Nigeria’s leading listed firms earn a significant portion of their revenues in foreign currency, providing a natural hedge. And with the exchange-rate regime now more transparent, future depreciation risk is more easily priced in rather than feared.

There’s also a story of resilience here, of a market that has endured crises yet continues to reinvent itself. Even during the pandemic and periods of political uncertainty, the NGX never lost its core of strong, profitable companies. It has evolved from a thinly traded domestic bourse to a more dynamic marketplace integrated with Africa’s growing fintech and startup ecosystem.

For the global investor seeking genuine diversification, Nigeria offers something few other markets can: scale, growth, undervaluation, and the potential for outsized returns if reforms stick. The key is selectivity, focusing on companies with transparent governance, consistent dividend history, export-linked earnings, and strong management.

Caution, naturally, is warranted. Structural issues such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexity, and lingering insecurity must be factored into any risk assessment. But that’s precisely where frontier-market opportunities often lie: in getting in before the world fully re-rates the story.

The contrarian argument is simple. Developed markets are saturated, yields are compressed, and many emerging markets have become crowded trades. Nigeria, on the other hand, is still early in its recovery cycle with reform momentum, rising foreign participation, and a youthful, demand-heavy population driving domestic consumption. For long term investors, this is the kind of asymmetry that can define a decade of portfolio outperformance.

Smart money moves early. The world’s next chapter of growth will not be written solely in New York, London, or Shanghai, it will also be told in Lagos, where a young nation of 220 million is learning how to convert its energy and ambition into shareholder value. Those who understand that story now may look back on this moment as the beginning of one of the most rewarding frontier-market plays of the 2020s.

Nigeria takes charge of its digital future, promotes the .ng domain

In a decisive move toward reclaiming Nigeria’s place in the global digital landscape, the Nigerian Senate has joined hands with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) to drive nationwide adoption of the .ng domain, Nigeria’s official digital identity.

The partnership marks a powerful moment in the country’s journey toward digital sovereignty, the idea that Nigeria should control its own data, technology systems, and online identity rather than depend on foreign infrastructures.

For years, many Nigerian government agencies, businesses, and organizations have hosted their websites under foreign domains like .com, .org, or .net, effectively placing their digital assets under international control. Now, with growing concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and national self-reliance, the tide is turning and the .ng domain is at the heart of that transformation.

During recent discussions, the Senate emphasized that adopting the .ng domain is not just a technical preference but a matter of national importance. Lawmakers pointed out that keeping Nigeria’s digital footprint within its own borders will strengthen cybersecurity, protect sensitive information, and enhance public trust in online services.

The Bureau of Public Procurement echoed that sentiment, calling on all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to migrate their official platforms to .ng. According to the BPP, this shift is a vital step in ensuring transparency, authenticity, and accountability in government communication and procurement processes.

For NITDA, which has been championing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda for years, the message is clear, digital independence begins with owning one’s online identity. The agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reaffirmed that using the .ng domain aligns perfectly with the Federal Government’s vision under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which seeks to position Nigeria as a globally competitive digital economy built on innovation, trust, and security.

At the center of it all stands NiRA, the custodian of Nigeria’s internet name space. NiRA’s leadership has long advocated for greater adoption of .ng, emphasizing that beyond the symbolism, every .ng domain registered contributes directly to the nation’s digital economy. It keeps revenue circulating within Nigeria, promotes local content creation, and boosts visibility for Nigerian businesses and institutions on the global stage.

The collaboration among these four institutions is not just an administrative move; it’s a statement of intent, a declaration that Nigeria is ready to define its own digital destiny. By encouraging both government and private entities to embrace .ng, they are laying the foundation for a future where Nigeria’s data, creativity, and digital innovations remain anchored on home soil.

As the world grows increasingly connected, owning and protecting one’s digital identity has become as crucial as guarding physical borders. For Nigeria, the .ng domain represents more than just a web address, it is a symbol of pride, autonomy, and a shared vision of a self-reliant digital nation.

The message is unmistakable: Nigeria is taking charge of its digital future, one domain at a time.

How Much Land Does A Man Need? Just Enough To Be Buried In: Tribute To Dr Kolade, by Muyiwa Adetiba

About a decade and a half ago, I had worked with Dr Christopher Abiodun Kolade on his memoirs. We met two, three times a week over a stretch to help put his thoughts together, and because of this experience, I can claim to know more about him than many people alive. It was perhaps, one of the most pleasant experiences of my professional, or even personal life.

‘There must be something he saw in you for him to have chosen you’ observed his sister when I met her to get her contributions to the book. It was a sentiment echoed by another childhood friend of his. This sentiment made me feel very priviledged knowing Dr Kolade was not flippant. In fact, he was a thoughtful, deliberate and rational person with a very lucid and logical mind. People like him are not given to impulses easily. He was, in addition, a very religious man who often waited to be guided by the Holy Spirit before taking a decision.

I don’t know what Dr Kolade saw in me. But I knew very early in our relationship that he had my time. I can even dare say he had a soft spot for me. Shortly before he left Cadbury as its Chairman, I had asked him if he could be the Chairman of a company I was about to promote. Not only did he accept, he also invested in it. Having his name on board increased investors’ confidence in the project and eased my job as promoter considerably. Everyone I approached wanted to be associated with a company that involved Dr Kolade.

Even the Chairman of the bank we were going to use simply wanted an assurance of Dr Kolade’s commitment to the project and we were good to go. It was a concrete evidence that a good name goes way beyond where money or real estate can ever reach. From his punctuality to meetings, to his adroit use of time and confident control of proceedings, I learnt a lot about preparing for meetings and carrying the Board along. He was a meticulous and transparent leader of men. 

Like I said, I don’t know what he saw in me. But I know what I saw in him and what I saw, I admired. First, I saw a good communicator when I first interviewed him as the Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in the 70s. That, and his intellect were easy to spot. Then, as I got closer, I saw a very simple man despite his accomplishments. He was a very humane man who saw beyond people’s station in life and treated everyone with decorum, to him, a driver is also the head of his family and so should be treated with respect. I saw a man who cared deeply about family and family values and would almost, always ask about your spouse, in my case, my wife was once his student at the Lagos Business School.

I saw a man who always tried to make himself accessible to those he thought were sincere in their desire for knowledge or advice, ‘if a young person is courageous enough to approach me with a concern they think I can help resolve, the least I can do is make myself available’. He once told me. I saw a man who applied himself and devoted his considerable talent to whatever he set himself to do, be it music, the pulpit or the boardroom. I saw a man who treated success and adversity with stoic faith, the way he handled the death of his son and the things he told me shortly after, would always be a ‘lamp unto my feet’ in my spiritual journey. I saw and admired a principled man who set a high moral standard for himself and tried to teach his formal and informal students to follow his school of thought.

I recall our first meeting shortly after he came back as High Commissioner. He was about thirty minutes late, which to Dr Kolade was a lot. He apologized profusely and claimed the traffic along Ajah was heavier than usual. I asked him why he felt he still needed to go through the rigours of traffic to get to Pan Africa University everyday. Hadn’t he earned the right to rest his feet? The first part of his answer which was that no one had earned the right to retire until the good Lord said so, humbled me. The second part was ‘besides, I like to teach. And if it is only one more student that I can covert to my school of thought, I am satisfied’. This school of thought, includes keeping your head and doing the right thing when all around you are losing theirs , ‘oasis of sanity’ he called it. 

Finally, I will mention what I admire most in him by recounting this short tale. It is a story of a man who felt the best way to secure his financial future was to go into real estate. Unfortunately, the more he acquired, the more the possibility of even more. In his quest for more land, he came across a family willing to sell virgin land at a give-away price. A prospective buyer could own whatever land his legs could carry him through for a pittance. The only caveat was that he had to get back to the starting block by sunset. Many lost out, carried away as it were, by the desire or greed to take as much land as possible. This man was no exception. He also went too far. And in his determination to make it back to the starting block by sunset, he over exerted himself and collapsed just as the sun was slipping behind the clouds. In the end, he was given only the land he really needed, a six square feet final home. It is a story of Nigeria and Nigerians. Very few Nigerians are content with only what they need.

In Dr Kolade, I saw and admired a man who lived within his means and was not enticed by more and more ‘real estate’. Fate and hard work got him to the peak of at least, four different vocations. He could easily have lined his pockets along the way. But he chose not to be an average Nigerian. He was a contented man who rose above the usual primitive acquisition of wealth and lived from his Cadbury years till his death, in a modest bungalow in a quiet, middle class area in mainland Lagos. 

In the end, his achievements at every turn, not wealth, spoke for him and represented his persona. His life showed one didn’t need to be deemed wealthy to be a success. He was not defined by wealth. He was my kind of man. 

May God rest his soul.

The Door once closed in pain now opens in pride - Descendants of enslaved Africans return to Nigeria

In a moment thick with history, emotion, and triumph, descendants of Africans once torn from their homeland centuries ago have returned to Nigeria, the land of their ancestors for the fifth edition of the Door of Return ceremony. Organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and held in the ancient coastal town of Badagry, Lagos State, the event gathered participants from the United States, Brazil, Haiti, Cuba, and several other countries in the Americas and the Caribbean. It was a celebration that transformed a painful legacy into a powerful story of homecoming, hope, and healing.

Badagry, one of the earliest slave ports on the West African coast, once bore witness to the forced departure of countless Africans who walked through what was called the Door of No Return. For centuries, that phrase symbolized separation, loss, and sorrow , a one-way passage into the unknown but at this year’s ceremony, the ground that once echoed with the footsteps of despair now throbbed with drumbeats of joy and reconnection. The descendants who made the journey back walked proudly through the symbolic monument now renamed the Door of Return, reclaiming their place in a history that had long been defined by absence.

The scene was deeply emotional. Participants draped in flowing African fabrics, some with tears streaming down their faces, held the soil of their ancestral land and pressed it to their hearts. For many, it was a moment generations in the making , a spiritual reunion that transcended words. One of the returnees from the United States whispered, “This is home. I feel whole again.” Another from Brazil spoke of finally completing the circle that his forefathers were forced to begin.

NIDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the event as far more than a symbolic gesture. To her, it is a bridge 

 linking the past to the future, the diaspora to the homeland and memory to rebirth. She reminded the crowd that while the Door of No Return once represented despair, its transformation into the Door of Return tells a new story: one of identity rediscovered, roots reconnected, and destinies rewritten.

Among the guests was Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, who reminded everyone that every journey is only complete when one returns home. His words, delivered with quiet grace, seemed to hang in the warm air, mingling with the rhythm of talking drums and the chants of local performers. The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, was also present, reaffirming Cuba’s deep cultural and ancestral ties to Nigeria- ties still visible today in the language, music, and spirituality of Afro-Cuban communities.

The celebration was not just about remembrance; it was also a declaration of continuity. Dancers in colorful attire performed traditional routines, drummers summoned ancient rhythms, and chiefs adorned in regalia welcomed the visitors with open arms. The descendants were given Yoruba and Egun names, linking them once again to lineages they may never have known by name but always felt in spirit.

Beyond the cultural symbolism, the Door of Return also carries a growing economic and developmental promise. The event has become a focal point for heritage tourism, attracting thousands of visitors and drawing attention to Nigeria as a rising destination for cultural exchange and diaspora investment. NIDCOM has continued to emphasize the need to harness these emotional homecomings into tangible initiatives, building infrastructure, preserving historical sites, and strengthening partnerships between Nigeria and its global diaspora.

The impact of the celebration reaches far beyond Badagry’s sandy shores. For those who journeyed across oceans to stand on the land their ancestors once called home, it was not just a visit, it was a healing. It was a rewriting of memory, transforming centuries of loss into a future rich with belonging and purpose. One participant described it best: “This sacred journey weaves a bond that time cannot break. We are not visitors here; we are home.”

As the sun dipped below the Atlantic horizon, its orange glow reflecting on the waves that once carried ships of sorrow, the meaning of the moment became clear. The Door of No Return had truly become the Door of Return, not just in name, but in spirit. The descendants left with more than memories; they carried home a renewed sense of identity and pride, a promise to keep the connection alive, and a commitment to help shape the story of a continent whose greatest strength has always been its people.

Agbo Adoga becomes the first Nigerian to score a perfect 1600 on the SAT inspiring a new generation of academic excellence

At fifteen, when most teenagers are still finding their rhythm between school, games, and growing dreams, a boy from Port Harcourt quietly did something no Nigerian had ever done before. Agbo Adoga, a student of Graceland International School, achieved what global statistics describe as nearly impossible - a perfect 1600 on the SAT. In a world where only about 0.03% of the roughly two million annual test takers ever reach that score, Adoga’s name now stands among the rarest academic achievers on the planet, and the very first from Nigeria to do so.

The SAT, a standardized test administered by the U.S. based College Board, is designed to assess readiness for university study in some of the world’s most competitive institutions. Scoring a full mark requires near-flawless mastery of critical reading, writing, and advanced mathematics under severe time constraints. It is an intellectual marathon where a single misstep can erase perfection. Yet, in a classroom thousands of miles away from America’s elite prep academies, Agbo Adoga reached the summit, his results lighting up timelines, news portals, and hearts across Nigeria.

But this extraordinary feat is not an isolated miracle. For those who have followed his journey, Adoga’s perfect SAT score is simply the latest chapter in a long chronicle of brilliance. Reports show that he has accumulated more than 84 major awards in mathematics, coding, and STEM competitions both within and outside Nigeria. He recorded a perfect score in the 2024 Singapore & Asian Schools Maths Olympiad (SASMO), finished Runner-Up in the 2025 Singapore Maths Global Finals (Grades 11–12 category), and was crowned World Champion in the International STEM Olympiad in both 2024 (Netherlands) and 2025 (Spain). His list of national triumphs includes winning the 2023 Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Show Junior Category, earning ₦5 million and an educational trip to South Africa, and leading his school to victory in the 2025 Maths4Life National Tournament, beating over 3,000 students from all 36 states and the FCT.

Such breadth of achievement doesn’t happen by chance. Classmates describe him as studious, calm, and unusually focused. He is said to study mathematics almost every night, not out of compulsion but passion. His teachers tell stories of a student who goes beyond textbooks, who searches for patterns in numbers, who treats every question not as a problem but as a puzzle to be understood. His parents and mentors, too, speak of discipline, routine, and humility, qualities often absent in prodigies overwhelmed by praise. What sets Agbo apart is not just intelligence, but the consistent, methodical effort behind it.

His school, Graceland International School, has quietly become a beacon for academic rigor in Nigeria. With a curriculum that encourages participation in international contests, it has built a pipeline for intellectual excellence. The school won the 2025 National Mathematics Tournament, and its teachers are celebrated for nurturing analytical skills rather than rote memorization. It is in this environment that Adoga’s talent found both challenge and direction. A supportive ecosystem, the right teachers, the right peers, and a culture of achievement, proved as crucial as raw ability.

This success carries national symbolism. In a country often defined by its challenges, Agbo Adoga has become proof that Nigerian students can compete and win at the highest levels of global scholarship. He represents the new face of Nigerian potential: digitally literate, globally oriented, and locally grounded. His ambition reportedly includes studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a dream that feels entirely within reach now. But beyond personal ambition lies a broader question: how many more Agbos might Nigeria have?

For students, his journey offers a practical roadmap. Excellence is not a burst of brilliance; it’s a pattern of persistence. Setting clear goals, whether mastering the SAT or excelling in Olympiads matters. Consistent daily practice matters more. Diversifying skills across mathematics, science, and coding strengthens problem-solving instincts. Competing regularly builds composure and speed. Seeking mentorship and studying collaboratively multiply growth. Above all, believing that greatness is possible from anywhere in the world changes everything.

For teachers and schools, Adoga’s story underscores the power of mentorship and opportunity. His achievements were not born in isolation; they flourished in an ecosystem where educators challenged him to do more and where success was celebrated, not envied. Schools that invest in teacher training, extracurricular competitions, and international partnerships can replicate such excellence. When classrooms encourage curiosity instead of conformity, and when lessons reward exploration over memorization, students learn not only to score but to think.

For policymakers, this is a wake-up call wrapped in inspiration. Nigeria’s education budget, often hovering around 5–8% of total expenditure, falls far below the UNESCO recommended 15–20%. Bridging that gap is no longer just a matter of compliance but of national urgency. Investment in STEM education, international exchange programs, and early talent identification could transform individual brilliance into collective advancement. Imagine a Nigeria where every bright child has access to mentorship, resources, and sponsorship. Imagine a country that not only celebrates a single perfect SAT score but produces dozens annually. The difference between possibility and reality is policy.

Agbo Adoga’s journey is both a triumph and a challenge - a triumph of intellect, discipline, and vision, and a challenge to the rest of us to further develop systems that sustain such excellence. His story proves that the boundaries of achievement are not geographical but mental; that genius can thrive in Port Harcourt as easily as in Palo Alto; and that the future of Nigerian education depends not on chance but on choice.

As his name now circulates across global platforms, one can only hope that his success becomes more than a headline. If nurtured, it could become a movement , a shift in how the country values and supports learning. For every Agbo Adoga who breaks through despite the odds, there are hundreds more waiting in classrooms across the nation, solving problems quietly, dreaming boldly, and hoping that someone notices. His perfect score is more than an academic statistic; it is an invitation to students to aim higher, to teachers to teach deeper, and to leaders to invest wiser.

If one fifteen-year-old from Port Harcourt can reach the very summit of global scholarship with discipline, faith, and determination, then perhaps the next era of Nigerian excellence has already begun and it carries the unmistakable echo of a young voice saying, without words but with proof: perfection is possible.

Breakthrough for Cancer Care in Nigeria: A New Era with Biologix Laboratories Limited

Cancer remains one of the most challenging health problems in Nigeria, claiming thousands of lives each year. For many patients, the biggest struggle is not only the disease itself but also the difficulty in getting the right diagnosis and treatment on time. Many times, cancer is detected too late or treated with a one-size-fits-all approach that may not work for everyone. But a new breakthrough from Biologix Laboratories Limited, a Nigerian company, is changing that story and bringing new hope to cancer patients across the country.

Biologix Laboratories Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Biologix Support Services Limited, has introduced advanced companion diagnostic tests in Nigeria. These tests help doctors identify the most effective treatments for people battling breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers. This development is a major step forward for cancer care in the country, marking the beginning of a new era of personalized medicine, where treatment is tailored to fit the unique biology of each patient.

Companion diagnostics are special laboratory tests that study the genetic and molecular features of a person’s tumour. In simple terms, they help doctors understand what makes one person’s cancer different from another’s. With this knowledge, doctors can choose the treatment that is most likely to work, instead of relying on guesswork. For example, a breast cancer patient might have a specific gene mutation that responds best to a certain drug. If the test shows that mutation is present, the doctor can prescribe the exact medication that targets it. If it’s not there, another treatment is chosen. This approach, known as precision medicine, helps avoid unnecessary side effects and improves the patient’s chances of recovery.

Until now, many Nigerians who needed these advanced tests had to send their samples abroad, which meant long delays, high costs, and sometimes the risk of samples getting damaged in transit. Biologix has solved this problem by offering the same high-quality testing locally in Lagos. Their laboratory uses advanced technology such as next-generation sequencing to deliver accurate results quickly, often within days instead of weeks.

This achievement is especially important because it makes world-class cancer testing more accessible and affordable for Nigerians. By eliminating the need to send samples overseas, Biologix reduces the cost and waiting time. The company’s work also helps to build local capacity in medical science, train Nigerian laboratory experts, and strengthen the country’s growing biotechnology sector. It’s not just a win for patients, it’s a boost for Nigeria’s entire healthcare system.

Biologix is focusing its companion diagnostic services on three major cancers: breast, prostate, and ovarian. These are among the most common and deadly cancers in the country. For breast cancer patients, tests like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can reveal inherited risks, while PIK3CA and HRD panels help doctors select the most effective targeted therapies. Similar genetic panels are now available for prostate and ovarian cancer patients as well. The company’s goal is to make these life-saving tests available to every patient who needs them, not just those who can afford to travel abroad.

The impact of this innovation is enormous. For patients, it means more hope, better outcomes, and fewer painful trial-and-error treatments. For doctors, it provides clearer guidance when deciding on the best treatment plans. And for Nigeria as a whole, it represents progress toward a more advanced and self-reliant healthcare system.

Of course, challenges remain. The tests can still be expensive for many patients, and awareness about them is still low. Some doctors and hospitals are yet to fully integrate these new diagnostics into their regular cancer care routines. But as more people learn about the benefits and more organizations support these initiatives, access will continue to improve. Biologix has also shown a willingness to make tests more affordable through partnerships and special programs, for instance, offering free EGFR mutation testing for certain lung cancer patients.

In the long run, the work of Biologix Laboratories could transform how cancer is treated in Nigeria. Imagine a future where every patient, no matter where they live, can have their cancer tested quickly and accurately within the country. A future where treatments are chosen based on science and data, not guesswork. A future where more lives are saved because the right care is delivered at the right time.

That future is beginning now, and Biologix is lighting the path forward. By bringing advanced cancer diagnostics home, the company is not only improving survival chances but also proving that Nigerian innovation can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. For thousands of families facing cancer, this is more than a scientific breakthrough, it is a ray of hope.

Hephzibah Akinwale: A Shining Light of African Brilliance, Wins Forbes Women Africa Award at 12

At just twelve years old, Hephzibah Akinwale is already shaping history with a brilliance far beyond her years. The world first met her at age ten, when she achieved global recognition for setting a Guinness World Record as the youngest author to write the longest fiction novel. Now, she has added another extraordinary milestone to her journey being named the winner of the 2025 Forbes Women Africa Next Generation Award in South Africa.

This prestigious honor celebrates exceptional young women under fifteen who are making meaningful contributions in their fields and inspiring the next generation of African leaders. For Hephzibah, it is yet another affirmation that talent, determination, and imagination know no boundaries of age or geography.

Her record-breaking novel, “Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away,” captivated readers worldwide with its imagination, emotional depth, and narrative strength, an astonishing achievement for someone who had only just stepped into her teenage years. The 58,000-word book didn’t just earn her a Guinness title; it cemented her place as one of the most promising literary voices of her generation.

Behind her accomplishments lies a story of nurture, faith, and family. Hephzibah’s parents have been her strongest supporters, encouraging her love for books and storytelling from an early age. She often credits them for creating an environment where creativity thrives, a space that allows her to dream freely and write without limits. While she is not known to belong to any formal writers’ club, her growth has been guided by mentors and educators who recognize her rare gift and help refine her craft. Her connection with readers through online communities has also played a role in building her confidence and expanding her imagination.

Winning the Forbes Women Africa Next Generation Award is more than a personal victory; it is a symbol of hope for millions of African children who dream big. It shows that passion can bloom early, and that the world will make room for those who dare to shine. Hephzibah’s recognition on such a grand stage reflects the power of storytelling and the boundless possibilities that emerge when a young girl believes in her voice.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that greatness often begins quietly in the mind of a child with a pen, a dream, and a story to tell. Today, Hephzibah Akinwale stands not just as a record-breaking author or an award-winning young woman, but as a beacon of inspiration to a continent and a world eager for stories of brilliance and hope.

And as she continues to grow, learn, and write, one thing is certain, the chapters ahead of her life will shine even brighter than the ones she has already written.

Breaking Barriers, Making History: Margaret Obi’s Rise to the High Court of England and Wales

Margaret Obi’s appointment as a High Court Judge in England and Wales stands as a remarkable symbol of dedication, resilience, and the power of dreams that cross borders. Her journey from the child of Nigerian immigrants to one of the highest judicial offices in the British legal system is both inspiring and deeply symbolic, a reminder that talent, discipline, and purpose know no nationality.

Born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents who arrived in the 1960s, Margaret’s story reflects the hopes and struggles of many first-generation families who left home in search of education and opportunity. Her father came to Britain initially to study law, and her mother to train as a midwife, but the Nigerian Civil War altered their plans, making the UK their permanent home. Growing up in north London, Margaret attended state schools in Enfield and was encouraged by her parents to pursue one of the “respectable” professions, law, medicine, or accountancy. She chose law, a decision that would ultimately make her a trailblazer in the British judicial system.

Margaret Obi qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a partner at her firm by 2002. Her early years were spent as a criminal defence lawyer, representing the vulnerable and the voiceless, experiences that shaped her empathy, discipline, and sense of justice. In 2014, she transitioned from private practice to pursue a broader portfolio of legal work that included international humanitarian law, regulatory cases, and advisory roles on war crimes defence teams. Her career has been one of curiosity and courage, unafraid to enter new territories of law and service.

In 2018, she was appointed a Deputy High Court Judge, marking a major milestone not only in her own journey but also for representation within the judiciary. Now, in 2025, her appointment as a full High Court Judge in the King’s Bench Division cements her place among Britain’s most respected legal minds. What makes her story especially powerful is her path, unlike many who rise to the High Court through the barrister route, Margaret came from the solicitor’s side of the profession, breaking tradition and proving that excellence, not background, defines success.

Margaret’s Nigerian heritage has remained a quiet but profound influence in her life. It gave her the work ethic, humility, and cultural depth that continue to shape her approach to justice. Her rise also resonates deeply within the Nigerian diaspora, many of whom see in her story the possibility of turning history’s challenges into tomorrow’s triumphs. She has often spoken about the importance of diversity in the judiciary, not just as a matter of fairness, but as something that strengthens public trust and enriches perspectives within the system.

Beyond her personal success, Margaret Obi’s appointment fits into a broader wave of Nigerians making notable contributions to the legal landscape in the United Kingdom. Names such as Dapo Akande, an Oxford professor of public international law nominated by the UK for a seat at the International Court of Justice; Oba Nsugbe KC, SAN, a distinguished barrister with dual recognition in Nigeria and England; and Judge Adenike Balogun, a respected Circuit Judge, all stand as examples of Nigerian brilliance shaping British and global legal spaces. Together, they represent a new chapter of excellence, where African-born and African-descended professionals redefine what it means to serve at the highest levels of justice.

Margaret Obi’s ascent is not just a personal achievement, it is a statement of what persistence, integrity, and self-belief can accomplish. 

Her story will continue to inspire many. 

Fueling a New Dawn: Abdulsamad Rabiu’s 200,000 BPD Refinery Rises in Akwa Ibom

On the calm shores of Akwa Ibom, where the Gulf breeze sweeps across the landscape and cranes pierce the skyline, a quiet transformation is taking shape. Steel frameworks, pipelines, and turbines are coming together to form what will soon become one of Nigeria’s most advanced energy facilities - the BUA Refinery.

Behind this ambitious project stands Alhaji Abdulsamad Isyaka Rabiu, the visionary founder and chairman of BUA Group. Known for his steady hand and bold industrial spirit, Rabiu has long championed the idea that Africa must refine and process its own resources to secure true economic freedom. His latest venture, a 200,000 barrels per day (BPD) refinery, is a striking embodiment of that belief.

Strategically located in Akwa Ibom State, the refinery enjoys proximity to both offshore crude oil sources and deep seaports, ensuring efficient access to feedstock and global markets. But beyond its strategic positioning lies its greater purpose, to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products and to ignite new waves of economic growth across the nation.

To deliver this ambitious project, BUA Group partnered with Axens, a France-based petroleum technology company celebrated for its cutting-edge refining processes. Axens’ technology will ensure that the refinery meets the highest international standards for efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.

When fully operational, the BUA refinery will produce a range of high-quality petroleum products that meet Euro-V fuel standards, among the cleanest and most advanced globally. Its output will include premium gasoline, low-sulfur diesel, jet fuel, and polypropylene, a versatile material used in packaging, textiles, and automobile manufacturing. This diverse production capacity means the refinery will serve not just Nigeria, but also regional markets across West and Central Africa.

For Rabiu, this project is more than industrial expansion; it is about empowerment and self-reliance. It’s about transforming Nigeria from a country that ships out crude and imports fuel, to one that refines, manufactures, and exports with confidence. “We cannot keep sending our wealth abroad to buy what we can produce at home,” he has often emphasized — a sentiment that echoes the refinery’s very foundation.

Beyond its technical achievements, the refinery promises to breathe life into local economies. Thousands of jobs, both direct and indirect, are being created. New infrastructure is springing up, and small businesses in Akwa Ibom are already feeling the ripple effects. The project also brings renewed optimism to Nigeria’s energy landscape, signaling a shift toward sustainability, innovation, and long-term growth.

As the refinery’s structures climb higher into the Akwa Ibom skyline, they carry with them the story of resilience and vision, a story that mirrors Nigeria’s own aspirations. When the facility begins production, it won’t just be refining oil; it will be refining hope, ambition, and the promise of a stronger, self-sufficient nation.

The BUA Refinery, when complete, will stand as a monument to what’s possible when vision meets execution  and when a nation dares to fuel its own future.

Nigeria Takes Center Stage in Global AI Education: OpenAI Chooses UNILAG for Africa’s First AI Academy

A new dawn is breaking for Nigeria, one that shines with innovation, intellect, and limitless potential. In a historic move that cements the nation’s growing influence on the world’s technology map, OpenAI, the global leader behind ChatGPT, has chosen the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the site of its first-ever AI Academy in Africa.

This landmark announcement, made during UNILAG’s 2025 International Week themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa,” represents far more than a partnership - it is a statement. It signals that the future of artificial intelligence is not just being shaped in Silicon Valley or Beijing, but in Lagos, the heartbeat of Africa’s innovation.

At the center of this moment stands Adebayo Ogunlesi, the Nigerian-born billionaire, financier, and respected member of OpenAI’s board of directors. His presence on the board underscores Nigeria’s growing role in global innovation circles and highlights the country’s deepening ties to transformative technology leadership.

The OpenAI Academy at UNILAG will serve as a training ground for Africa’s brightest minds, a space where young innovators, researchers, and engineers can access world-class resources, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies. It will empower African students to not just consume innovation, but to create it; to not just learn from global trends, but to set them.

OpenAI’s Africa Lead, Emmanuel Lubanzadio, captured the essence of this vision when he said the initiative aims to ensure that “AI provides opportunities for everyone” while fostering equitable research partnerships. This reflects a shift in how technology companies are approaching the continent, moving from extraction to empowerment, from token inclusion to genuine collaboration.

For Nigeria’s academic community, this is a proud validation of decades of investment in intellectual capital. UNILAG’s recognition as the first host of OpenAI’s African academy highlights the university’s reputation for excellence, innovation, and resilience. It sends a message to every young Nigerian dreamer that talent born here can compete anywhere.

In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, Nigeria’s place at the table is now secured. This milestone is not just about technology; it’s about transformation. It’s about unlocking opportunities, building bridges, and preparing a generation of Africans to lead the future of AI ethically, inclusively, and boldly.

With the launch of OpenAI’s Academy at UNILAG, the story of Africa’s digital renaissance continues and Nigeria stands proudly at its forefront.

Folashade Oluwafemiayo Breaks World Record with 168kg Lift to Win Gold for Nigeria

At the ongoing World Para Powerlifting Championships holding in Egypt, Nigerian para powerlifter, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, made history once again. In front of a cheering global audience, she hoisted an astonishing 168 kilograms in the women’s +86kg category, breaking her own world record and winning gold for Nigeria. It was not just a lift; it was a moment that reaffirmed her dominance in the sport and reminded the world of Nigeria’s enduring excellence in para powerlifting.

This year’s championship, which runs from October 11 to 18, 2025, gathered the world’s strongest para athletes, but Folashade stood apart. With poise and confidence, she approached the bench, focused on the bar, and with one powerful motion, rewrote the history books. The crowd roared as the weights locked out and the referee signaled “good lift.” The new world record,

168kg, now bears her name.

For followers of Nigerian sports, this achievement did not come as a surprise. Folashade has long been a shining star on the global stage. She won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with a then-record lift of 152kg, and went on to defend her crown at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, setting another world record with 167kg. Each time she steps onto the platform, she pushes the limits of what was once thought possible. Her consistency over the years has made her one of the most respected and admired figures in world para powerlifting.

Nigeria’s journey in para powerlifting has been one of remarkable consistency and pride. Over the years, names like Lucy Ejike, a multiple Paralympic and world champion, and Latifat Tijani, who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, have kept the country at the summit of the sport. The late Paul Kehinde also etched his name in history with world records and global titles. Together, these athletes have built a powerful legacy that continues to lift Nigeria’s flag high in international arenas. Folashade’s world record in Cairo now joins this golden list, strengthening the nation’s position as one of the strongest forces in para powerlifting worldwide.

Her victory carries a deeper meaning beyond medals and statistics. It tells the story of resilience and purpose of a woman who has faced challenges, stayed true to her dreams, and turned them into global triumphs. It is also a reflection of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. For a nation brimming with young potential, Folashade’s record-breaking performance is a call to action, a reminder that investing in sports can produce champions who make the world stand still in admiration.

The opportunities ahead are enormous. Nigeria already has the talent, the coaches, and the spirit that draw admiration from the global community. What’s needed now is greater investment in training facilities, sponsorships, and athlete welfare. The growth of para-sports can spark industries around equipment manufacturing, rehabilitation technology, media production, and sports tourism. Imagine, in a few years, Nigeria bidding to host the World Para Powerlifting Championships, welcoming athletes from every continent, and showing the world the strength, hospitality, and unity that define them. The dream is within reach, all it requires is vision and commitment.

For millions of Nigerians, Folashade’s 168kg lift in Cairo is more than a world record. It is a message of hope that strength is not only measured in kilograms but in courage, perseverance, and belief. Her triumph reminds all that Nigeria’s greatness is not limited to what has been achieved, but to possibilities yet untapped.

Nigeria’s Raenest Launches in America - Building Financial Bridges Across Continents

In October 2025, Lagos was alive with the familiar rhythm of innovation and ambition. Amid the laughter of founders, the flashes of cameras, and the buzz of conversation at the Raenest Exchange event, one announcement stood out - Raenest, the Nigerian fintech born out of vision and necessity, was officially launching in the United States. It was more than a corporate expansion; it was a milestone in Africa’s digital journey, a symbolic handshake between continents that have long shared dreams but not always shared access.

At the center of this moment stood Victor Alade, Raenest’s co-founder and Managing Director , a man who embodies the modern African innovator’s story. Before founding Raenest, Victor’s path led him through some of Nigeria’s most respected technology companies. As a software engineer, he built systems for Jumia and Andela, learning firsthand the discipline and precision that power global technology infrastructure. But it was his experience interacting with African freelancers and remote workers that shaped his mission. He saw gifted individuals delivering services to clients across the world yet struggling to receive payments efficiently. That simple but profound observation would spark the creation of Raenest, a platform designed to close the gap between African talent and global opportunity.

When Raenest first appeared on the fintech scene in 2022, it focused on helping freelancers and businesses receive cross-border payments easily. Over time, it grew into a full financial ecosystem, one that now serves hundreds of thousands of users and has processed over a billion dollars in transactions. By 2025, Raenest had become one of the fastest-growing fintechs on the continent, backed by an $11 million Series A investment led by QED Investors and supported by other major players in African venture capital. But more than the numbers, it was the spirit behind them, the belief that Africans everywhere deserve a fair, fast, and frictionless financial experience that defined the company’s next big step.

That step came in the form of its U.S. market launch, announced at the Raenest Exchange event in Lagos from October 11 to 13, 2025. The company unveiled a suite of tools that allow Africans living in America to manage their daily financial activities in U.S. dollars while staying connected to their families, businesses, and communities back home. It was a vision of dual belonging, one account that serves both lives. Through multi-currency wallets, virtual and physical dollar cards, instant gig payouts, and stablecoin conversions, Raenest introduced a world where distance no longer dictates access. A freelancer in New York could now receive payment from an American client and instantly send part of it home to Lagos. A nurse in Dallas could support her family in Abuja in seconds, without paying exploitative transfer fees. For the diaspora community, this wasn’t just fintech, it was freedom.

Victor Alade’s leadership reflects both technical depth and human empathy. He often describes Raenest not as a company, but as a connector, one that builds trust between continents. His journey from coding in Nigerian startups to leading a multinational fintech mirrors the story of Africa’s rising generation: rooted locally, but limitless in ambition. Under his direction, Raenest secured licenses from the Central Bank of Nigeria, established regulatory partnerships in Canada, and aligned with U.S. banking and brokerage institutions to ensure safety and compliance. Each step was deliberate, ensuring that when Raenest finally opened its doors to the U.S., it would do so on solid ground.

Raenest is not alone in this mission. Other Nigerian fintech pioneers are also stepping onto the global stage. Paga, one of Nigeria’s most established payment platforms, recently announced its own expansion into the U.S. market, giving Africans abroad access to digital banking tools tailored to their needs. Payday, another rising star, has similarly built a strong user base among Africans in the diaspora, offering dollar and pound accounts for global work and remittance. These companies, like Raenest, represent a new wave of African innovation, one that doesn’t stop at local success but seeks to shape global systems with homegrown ideas. Together, they are rewriting the narrative: Africa is no longer a market to be served, but a creator of solutions that serve the world.

Yet, Raenest’s expansion stands out for its focus on integration. It doesn’t just move money; it builds relationships between lives separated by oceans. Its new U.S. platform allows users to save, invest, and send funds with the same ease, no matter which side of the Atlantic they stand on. It’s a design that speaks to the emotional and practical realities of migration, the longing to stay connected while building anew. Every transaction, every payment, every investment is a thread in a larger story of continuity and identity.

In the end, Raenest’s launch in the United States is more than a business milestone, it is a message. It says that African innovation belongs everywhere; that it's engineers, designers, and dreamers can build systems powerful enough to serve the world; and that financial freedom should not be bound by geography. For Victor Alade and his team, it is the realization of a vision that began as a line of code and a dream of fairness. For the millions of Africans abroad, it is a bridge home, one that turns distance into connection and effort into empowerment.

As the applause faded at the Lagos launch event, one could sense that something had shifted. The crowd wasn’t just celebrating a company; they were witnessing the emergence of a movement. From Lagos to Los Angeles, from Nairobi to New York, the story of African fintech is still being written and Raenest’s name is now carved boldly on its next great chapter.

Benue Juice Factory: Turning Harvest into Hope, An Agro-Industrial Revolution in the Making

In the lush plains of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where the earth seems to yield endless bounty, something extraordinary is taking shape. Benue State, long celebrated as the “Food Basket of the Nation” is stepping confidently into a new era of industrial growth. The hum of machinery now joins the songs of the land, as the Benue Juice Factory, under the management of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), begins its first test-run, a moment that signals the dawn of a bold new chapter in the state’s economic transformation.

For decades, Benue’s farmlands have produced some of the country’s finest fruits- mangoes, oranges, guavas, yet much of this abundance has gone unprocessed. Each harvest season paints the same picture: fields heavy with fruit, roadsides lined with makeshift stalls, and, tragically, heaps of unsold produce left to waste beneath the sun. But not anymore. The Benue Juice Factory is rewriting that story.

Nestled along Naka Road in Makurdi, the modern facility boasts an impressive processing capacity of about 65,000 litres, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to transform fresh fruit into natural, high-quality juice. During its test-run, the plant demonstrated not just technical success but economic promise, the kind of promise that can turn agricultural wealth into industrial power. Once fully operational, the factory is projected to create over 400 direct jobs, and several thousand more indirectly, spanning farms, transport networks, packaging plants, and retail markets.

Beyond employment, the initiative represents a powerful shift in economic thinking, from exporting raw produce to adding value locally. Nigeria loses an estimated 40% of its harvested fruit annually due to poor storage and lack of processing infrastructure. By bridging that gap, Benue is not only preserving its harvest but also preserving hope, ensuring that farmers finally earn the value their work deserves.

The story of the Benue Juice Factory is in many ways the story of a state reclaiming its destiny. It is the story of a place that has always fed others but is now determined to feed its own growth. 

Across the world, similar stories have transformed local economies. In Brazil, small-scale fruit processors helped revive rural industries and create export-ready brands that now compete globally. In Spain and Thailand, community-based juice factories have become lifelines for farmers, guaranteeing income and reducing rural poverty. The model is clear, agro-industrialization is not just about processing food; it’s about processing the future. Benue’s new factory follows this global path, positioning Nigeria to reduce its reliance on imported juice concentrates while boosting domestic production.

What makes the Benue Juice Factory truly remarkable is its alignment with sustainability. By using locally sourced fruits, minimizing waste, and exploring creative uses for by-products like fruit pulp for organic fertilizer, the factory embodies a green economic vision. It’s a reminder that progress need not come at the expense of the planet- it can, and should, grow alongside it.

This initiative also holds deeper social meaning. It is rekindling faith in government-led industrial projects, proof that with commitment, transparency, and good planning, public investment can deliver real, tangible results. For young people, it represents opportunity. For farmers, fairness. For the entire state, a path toward greater self-sufficiency and dignity.

As the test run concludes and full scale production draws near, the excitement is palpable. Soon, bottles of fresh Benue juice , vibrant, pure, and proudly Nigerian will begin to reach markets across the country. But beyond the product itself lies something even richer: a renewed sense of purpose. Each bottle will carry the story of a land that refused to let its fruits fall to waste, a people who turned challenge into innovation, and a government that saw beyond subsistence to sustainability.

The Benue Juice Factory is more than an industrial project; it is a metaphor for transformation. It shows what can happen when vision meets action , when a government invests not just in infrastructure, but in people, pride, and possibility. From the orchards of Gboko to the bustling streets of Makurdi, a new optimism is in the air.

And when the first bottle of juice rolls off the line, the sweetness will go beyond taste. It will be the sweetness of progress, of partnership, of purpose fulfilled. Benue is no longer just the food basket of the nation, it is fast becoming the engine of Nigeria’s agro-industrial renaissance.

Sukur Cultural Landscape: The Mountain That Tells Stories

High up in the Mandara Mountains of northeastern Nigeria lies a place that seems to touch the sky - Sukur Cultural Landscape. It is not just a village. It is a story written in stone, a living piece of history that shows how people and nature can live together in perfect peace.

Sukur is one of those rare places where time feels slow. The air is cool and clear, and from the top of the mountain, you can see miles of green valleys below. The land is shaped into beautiful terraces, layers of farmland carved into the mountain like steps leading to heaven. Long ago, the people of Sukur built these terraces so that they could grow crops on the steep slopes. Today, they still stand strong, proving how wise and skilled their ancestors were.

At the heart of the village stands the Hidi’s Palace, home of the traditional ruler. The palace is made of stone, just like most of the old buildings in Sukur. It is simple, but powerful in its beauty. The stones seem to hold memories of leaders, celebrations, and the quiet strength of a community that has stood for hundreds of years. Around the palace, stone paths connect homes and sacred places, forming a network that ties the people together as one family.

Many years ago, Sukur was famous for its iron workers. The blacksmiths here turned iron ore from the mountain into tools and weapons. Their forges glowed like stars in the night, and the sound of their hammers was the heartbeat of the land. To the people of Sukur, working with fire and metal was not just a job, it was a sacred craft, passed down from one generation to another.

What makes Sukur truly special is how its people have always cared for their environment. They didn’t cut down all the trees or fight against the mountain; they worked with it. The terraces protect the soil from erosion. The stone paths stop the rain from washing everything away. Every piece of Sukur was built with respect for the earth, a lesson the modern world could still learn today.

In 1999, UNESCO recognized Sukur as Nigeria’s first World Heritage Site, calling it one of the most important cultural landscapes in the world. But Sukur is not just an old village frozen in time. It is alive. The people still farm the terraces, hold festivals, and tell stories of their ancestors around evening fires. Children still run along the same paths their grandparents walked. Life continues, full of rhythm and tradition.

When you stand on the mountain at sunset, the view takes your breath away. The terraces glow golden in the fading light, the air smells of dust and history, and you can almost hear the whispers of the past in the wind. Sukur is not loud or showy, it doesn’t need to be. Its beauty comes from peace, from patience, from a deep connection between people and their home.

Sukur teaches us something simple but powerful: that true greatness is not about building the biggest cities or the tallest towers. It is about creating harmony with each other, with nature, and with time itself.

So Sukur remains quiet, proud, and eternal. A crown of stone on the head of the mountain. A reminder that some of the world’s greatest wonders are not made by machines or money, but by heart, hands, and hope.

Omi Èkó: Lagos Charts a Bold New Course with €410 Million Electric Ferry Project

Lagos, Africa’s most dynamic megacity, is embarking on another transformative journey, one that will redefine how its people move, work, and breathe. With the launch of the €410 million Omi Èkó Project, the Lagos State Government has set sail on an ambitious mission to turn the city’s vast waterways into engines of sustainable mobility and economic growth. This bold step is not just about ferries; it is about vision, courage, and a future powered by innovation.

Derived from the Yoruba phrase “Omi Èkó” meaning “Lagos Water”, the project represents one of the most forward-looking public transport initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. It will introduce 78 fully electric ferries, upgrade or construct 25 modern terminals, and dredge 15 major waterways spanning approximately 140 kilometres across the Lagos Lagoon and adjoining creeks. Together, these interventions will create a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to the city’s overburdened road network, serving millions of commuters daily.

The financing structure itself reflects global confidence in Lagos’s capacity and credibility. The European Investment Bank (EIB), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Union (EU) are co-funding the initiative alongside the Lagos State Government and private investors, a partnership worth €410 million. Of this, €360 million comes from international development partners, €40 million from the state, and €10 million from local private-sector participation. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with phased delivery through 2030.

For a city of over 20 million residents, where more than 70% of movement happens via roads, the implications are profound. Traffic congestion costs Lagos billions of naira in lost productivity every year. According to the World Bank, commuters in Lagos spend an average of four hours daily in traffic, one of the highest in the world. The Omi Èkó Project aims to reduce commuting time on key corridors by up to 40%, while slashing carbon emissions through the deployment of zero-emission electric vessels.

But what truly elevates Omi Èkó is how it positions Lagos among the world’s pioneers of green maritime mobility. In Norway, the Ampere electric ferry transformed coastal transport by cutting fuel costs by 80% and eliminating nearly all emissions. In Amsterdam, electric ferries glide silently across canals, fully integrated with the city’s digital ticketing and metro systems. London is transitioning its Thames Clippers to hybrid-electric fleets, and Stockholm is experimenting with hydrofoil ferries that halve energy use.

Lagos’s model, however, is remarkable for its scale and scope. While these cities began with smaller pilot projects often deploying fewer than ten electric vessels, Lagos plans to launch 78 ferries from the start, instantly making it one of the largest electric ferry programs in the world. For a developing city, this scale signals a new level of ambition: a declaration that African urban centres can lead in clean technology adoption, not merely follow.

Each ferry terminal under the Omi Èkó blueprint will be a modern hub, featuring passenger lounges, renewable-powered charging stations, digital Cowry Card integration, and intelligent transport systems that provide real-time safety monitoring and scheduling. Dredging works will not only improve navigation but also rejuvenate coastal communities, open new economic corridors, and enhance waterfront real estate values. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and sustain long-term employment in logistics, marine services, and renewable energy sectors.

For investors, the opportunity extends far beyond transportation. The project opens a gateway into green energy infrastructure, marine engineering, technology integration, and urban renewal. The supporting ecosystem- from ferry manufacturing and maintenance to digital payments, solar installations, and waterfront property development, presents diverse, long-term investment potential. Lagos’s proven governance structure and established PPP framework make it an attractive environment for such partnerships.

Importantly, the Omi Èkó Project is not an isolated gesture. It builds on a consistent pattern of delivery by the Lagos State Government that has so far demonstrated rare continuity and execution discipline - completing major projects like the Blue and Red Rail Lines, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the Lekki-Epe Expressway expansion, alongside over 60 new roads and five bridges completed in a single year.

This consistent delivery record has bolstered Lagos’s credibility with international financiers. Institutions such as the World Bank, AFD, and EIB now see Lagos as a model for how African sub-nationals can attract and manage climate-aligned investment responsibly. In an era where sustainable financing is rapidly expanding, Lagos’s proactive approach has made it one of the few African cities ready to tap into the growing pool of green and climate bonds.

Challenges remain from ensuring stable power for ferry charging infrastructure to managing dredging operations responsibly and keeping fares affordable for everyday commuters. Yet, these are the same obstacles faced by global cities when pioneering new systems. What Lagos has consistently shown is the will to adapt, innovate, and deliver practical solutions, often through strategic partnerships and homegrown ingenuity.

More than an infrastructure project, Omi Èkó represents a philosophical shift, a city rediscovering its natural geography and using it to solve modern problems. The lagoon, once merely a backdrop to the city’s skyline, will once again become its lifeline. With electric ferries cutting silently across its surface, Lagos will move differently, breathe cleaner air, and reclaim hours once lost in traffic.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and global partners, the message is clear: Lagos is not just open for business, it is shaping the future of sustainable urban living in Africa.

When the first ferry begins its journey, it will symbolize far more than transportation. It will carry the proof that vision, governance, and partnership can turn even the busiest, most complex city into a global model of smart and sustainable progress.

The Omi Èkó Project is not just Lagos’s next big move, it is the dawn of a cleaner, faster, and smarter era, powered by the same restless spirit that has always defined the city: the Lagos spirit-bold, resilient, and unafraid to lead.