Ayra Starr’s 2025 Triumph: 13 Awards, One Global Star

2025 was not just a good year for Ayra Starr, it was a landmark one. With 13 major awards and a growing global following, she moved beyond “rising star” status and into a space reserved for artists shaping culture across continents.

Ayra Starr’s rise feels almost mythical, yet it is rooted in grit, instinct, and an unshakeable belief in self. Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr represents a new generation of Nigerian artists who are not just crossing borders but redefining what global pop culture sounds like on their own terms.

Her journey began quietly. Raised between Benin Republic and Nigeria, Ayra grew up in a household that valued creativity and self-expression. Music was not initially a grand ambition; it was a companion. She sang instinctively, wrote when emotions demanded it, and absorbed influences ranging from Afrobeats and R&B to alternative pop and soul. Those early years shaped the introspective confidence that would later become her artistic signature.

Before music took center stage, Ayra explored modeling, a phase that sharpened her sense of presence and self-assurance. Yet it was songwriting, in a raw form, vulnerable, and honest, that truly defined her. Posting original songs and covers online, she caught the attention of a rapidly expanding digital audience. Her voice, soft yet commanding, stood out in a crowded space.

The turning point came when her music reached Mavin Records and Don Jazzy recognized not just talent, but clarity of vision. Signed in 2020, Ayra Starr wasted no time. Her self-titled debut EP introduced a fearless new voice, while her breakout hit “Away” announced her arrival with quiet authority. Then came “19 & Dangerous,” an album that captured youth, independence, and emotional honesty with striking precision. Ayra wasn’t chasing trends, she was setting her own emotional frequency.

What followed was a steady ascent. Her sound matured, her confidence deepened, and her global presence expanded. Songs like Rush became cultural moments, resonating far beyond Nigeria. Ayra Starr’s music began to travel across Africa, into Europe, North America, and beyond, without losing its Nigerian soul. She carried Lagos with her into every playlist, stage, and award ceremony.

Her followership reflects that reach. Ayra Starr commands millions of listeners across streaming platforms and an intensely loyal fan base that connects with her vulnerability and authenticity. To many young Africans, she represents freedom, the freedom to feel deeply, to speak boldly, and to exist unapologetically. Her fans don’t just listen to her; they see themselves in her.

The year under review marked a defining chapter in her career. Ayra Starr emerged not only as a fan favorite but as an industry force, sweeping an extraordinary 13 major awards across Africa and the global music scene:

🔹BET Award for Best International Act

🔹MOBO Award for Best International Act

🔹MOBO Award for Best African Music Act

🔹Trace Award for Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)

🔹African Entertainment Awards USA – Best Female Artist

🔹Africa Arts Entertainment Award – Best Female Artist, West Africa

🔹Galaxy Music Awards – Artist of the Year

🔹The Headies Award for Best R&B Single

🔹South African Music Awards – Rest of Africa Award

🔹Odeon Awards – Best International Song of the Year

🔹Golden Star Awards – Artist of the Year

🔹Turntable Music Award for Outstanding Achievement

🔹Entertainment Arts  Excellence Award – Best  Continental Female Artist

Each award tells a story, not just of success, but of consistency, cultural impact, and global resonance. Ayra Starr is no longer simply “one to watch.” She is present, dominant, and influential.

Yet, what truly sets her apart is restraint. Despite the accolades, she remains grounded in her artistry. She experiments without losing identity, evolves without abandoning roots, and speaks to the world while staying unmistakably Nigerian. Her music is confident but tender, bold yet reflective, a balance that mirrors her generation.

Ayra Starr stands today as one of Nigeria’s brightest cultural exports, a symbol of how local stories can command global attention without dilution. Her rise is not an accident; it is the result of preparation meeting opportunity, talent meeting discipline, and Nigeria meeting the world through sound.

And if this chapter is any indication, Ayra Starr is only just beginning.

Super Falcons Win Pre-AFCON 3-A-Side Ceremonial Tournament in Morocco

Nigeria’s Super Falcons recorded an encouraging victory in December 2025, emerging winners of the pre-AFCON 3-a-side ceremonial tournament held in Morocco, an event organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as part of build-up activities ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The short-format tournament, which featured selected African national teams, was designed to celebrate women’s football on the continent while promoting unity and visibility for the women’s game in the lead-up to the main championship. Although ceremonial in nature, the matches were played with intensity, providing a platform for skill, flair, and tactical awareness in a fast-paced setting.

The Super Falcons stood out across the competition, adapting seamlessly to the 3-a-side format that placed emphasis on close ball control, speed, creativity, and quick decision-making. Nigeria’s composure and technical superiority proved decisive, underlining the team’s enduring pedigree as Africa’s most successful women’s national side.

The tournament also served as an opportunity for national teams to engage fans and test ideas in a relaxed but competitive environment. Nigeria was represented by players drawn from the Super Falcons’ broader national team pool. Given the exhibition nature of the event, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not release an official squad list, and the matches were not classified as full international fixtures.

Importantly, the ceremonial tournament formed part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Morocco, with matches scheduled to take place across multiple venues in the country. While CAF has confirmed Morocco as host, specific dates and final match venues are expected to be announced in line with CAF’s official tournament calendar.

For Nigeria, the victory in Morocco goes beyond the result itself. It reinforces the Super Falcons’ readiness, confidence, and ambition as preparations continue for WAFCON 2026. The performance also offered fans a positive reminder of the team’s depth, adaptability, and long-standing dominance in African women’s football.

As attention now shifts fully to the main tournament, the Super Falcons’ triumph at the pre-AFCON ceremonial event stands as a symbolic but meaningful statement: Nigeria remains firmly positioned as a leading force in African women’s football.

The Aliko Dangote challenge By Sonala Olumhense

Finally, and in the company of Tony Nnachetta, Pat Utomi and Sully Abu. I saw the Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals (The Dangote Refinery) plant in Ibeju-Lekki. 

My conclusion is that Aliko Dangote has built something even bigger than the refinery: he has built the Aliko Dangote Question. 

And the answer to what Africa’s biggest businessman has engineered in Lekki is that it is, at once, the future and the history of Nigeria. Yes, the tour was beyond what I had expected or imagined. 

First, it turned out to be a two-for-one experience following our being bused into a “just-opened” section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Victoria Island.   

My views on this highway are public, but I commend President Bola Tinubu for what he has commenced.   

It is an abbreviated version of the massive, 10-lane, railway-in-the-middle-someday modern highway, but it is underway.   

By Nigerian standards, it is not a bad effort, but Nigeria is littered with efforts.  Let’s just say that should Tinubu complete half of the Coastal Road by the end of this term, I will be in front of the line to congratulate him.  Keep in mind that Nigerian leaders are far less effective when armed with a second term.     

Your journey to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Dangote Refinery continues on the 37-kilometre Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road (formerly Dangote Refinery Access Road).   

The BAT Road was constructed by Hitech, the same contractor handling the Coastal Road.  That is probably why, despite different technologies and specifications, they look alike very often.  

I arrived at the Dangote Refinery armed with a general knowledge of its size and complexity.  Yet nothing prepared me for the meaning of “massive” in the sense of this project, which sits on reclaimed swamp land six or seven times the size of Victoria Island.   

Whatever it took to dredge a swamp of that size, and I refer to the world’s largest pieces of equipment, Dangote brought it in.   

Originally built to deliver 650bpd, Dangote announced two months ago that its capacity would be expanded to 1.4 million bpd, to make it the largest in the world. 

Yes, the project features astounding measurements, statistics and numbers, and there were times during our tour when we could not find the words to express what we were seeing or hearing.   

What has Dangote done?   

I would need far more space than I have here to do justice to that question. But he has built the largest single-train refinery in the world, that is, one that uses a massive processing circuit rather than several smaller ones. 

His complex is a city on its own: a self-sufficient, fully integrated ecosystem all its own.  Consider that even the presidential palace, Aso Rock, has electricity problems.  The Dangote Complex has none: its 435 MW captive power plant is larger than the requirements of many small countries. 

He has built the world’s largest sub-sea pipeline infrastructure (1,100 km) and its own deep-water port. 

Among others, he acquired a remarkable fleet of 340 cranes that, having finished its original assignment, lies fully serviced and ready for any new challenges.   

His tank farm is one of the largest single-site storage facilities globally, with an astonishing 177 storage tanks. The refinery originally operated 20 crude storage tanks, each with a capacity of 120 million litres (totalling 2.4 billion litres).  Earlier this year, eight additional tanks were added to boost crude storage by another 1 billion litres (6.3 million barrels), bringing the total crude capacity to 3.4 billion litres. 

The facility has a dedicated capacity for 2.34 billion litres of refined products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, and the storage tanks are fed by a sophisticated logistics network that allows the refinery to bypass traditional port congestion, including connecting to its own offshore crude sources and export routes. 

Consider that Dangote’s Fertiliser Plant, next door to the refinery, is already among the top five in the world, and has added exports to fulfil Nigeria’s domestic needs. 

He has already announced a plan to triple production to 9 million MT (and eventually 12 million MT).  As a urea producer, that means he would surpass Qatar’s QAFCO, the largest urea producer in the world. 

What has Dangote done? 

The Refinery Laboratory is a sophisticated, world-class complex designed to guarantee the international top class of every drop of fuel and eliminate the need for third-party testing abroad.   

Similarly, the Central Control Room (there are others) is a highly secure facility with cutting-edge AI and automation that permits round-the-clock monitoring and management of every process from a single location. 

What has Dangote done?   

The better question is: “What has Dangote not done?” 

What he has not done is what we, as Nigerians, have always done: taken the cheap route.  Keep in mind that this man could have spent his money shopping abroad: mansions, jets, yachts.  It is the cheapening option. 

He could have spent his money buying the latest cars: every top model or brand, and changed them every year.  It is the cheapening option, and our people, especially those who stole what they claimed they earned, have always chosen it.  He did not. 

He could have had multiple wives and his children all over the world in private and charter jets, massive yachts and billionaire playgrounds. 

What has Dangote done? 

What he has done, put simply, is change the Nigeria narrative.  Thinking and planning differently, and playing without one shortcut, he chose to invest his hard-earned money in his fatherland and in his people.    

His Dangote Refinery has emerged at once as a masterpiece and a showpiece of the highest human standards, competitiveness and ambition.   

His measuring rod is clearly excellence, and what he has done in Lekki is demonstrate the exacting attention to detail by which our people triumph when not hampered by devious and often deliberate Nigerian hurdles.  The stake he has driven into the ground that he claimed from nature is the suppressed outrage of every Nigerian heart everywhere, screaming, “Why can’t we be the best?”   

And yes, we talked to some of the Nigerians he has trained to an expert level at home and abroad in every considerable facet of his operations, and  I include the most fundamental level of all: mental. 

We talked to, or learned about, these people, chosen from the cream of the Nigerian crop. 

Yes, Dangote is rich.  But it is not Dangote’s money that built what he built.  It is his heart, because that is what is responsible for his commitment to being unstoppable and irresistible.  Everyone can spend money, particularly funny money, but not everyone can love. 

I have heard Dangote challenge rich Nigerians to invest in Nigeria.  Most will never do because you can have the money but not the manhood. 

What the Dangote Refinery affirms is that we can be so much more, and with our own hands plant so much more in our own soil, but also with our own mouths devour our young.     

In other words, the answer Nigerians provide to The Aliko Dangote Challenge is our story.  There is no other.

By Sonala Olumhense

Olokola Deep Sea Port: West Africa’s Largest Deep Sea Gateway, Unlocking Nigeria’s Industrial and Export Potential

Olokola Deep Sea Port is emerging as one of the most ambitious and consequential infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s modern economic history. 

Positioned along the Atlantic coastline between Ogun and Ondo states, the port is being developed as a world-class deep sea gateway capable of handling the largest vessels that operate on global shipping routes. 

According to Aliko Dangote, Africa’s leading industrialist and President of the Dangote Group, the port is projected to be ready in about two and a half years, a timeline that has drawn strong attention from investors, policymakers, and the international maritime community.

At its core, the relevance of Olokola Deep Sea Port lies in its capacity to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s trade and logistics landscape. 

Nigeria currently relies heavily on existing ports that face congestion, draft limitations, and high turnaround times. 

Olokola is designed to address these structural challenges by offering deep draft access, modern cargo-handling facilities, and seamless connections to industrial clusters. This means Nigeria can directly receive and dispatch large container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers without transshipment through foreign ports, reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses operating in and out of the country.

The economic benefits of the port are far-reaching. Once operational, Olokola is expected to stimulate industrial growth across the southwest corridor and beyond, serving as a powerful anchor for manufacturing, petrochemicals, agro-processing, and export-oriented industries.

Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created during construction and operations, spanning engineering, logistics, shipping, security, and services. 

More importantly, the port will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade, strengthening foreign exchange earnings through exports while lowering import-related inefficiencies that have long burdened the economy.

For investors, Olokola represents a rare convergence of scale, timing, and strategic importance. The port is not just a maritime facility but a platform for integrated economic activity, with opportunities across terminal operations, logistics parks, warehousing, industrial estates, ship services, energy infrastructure, and ancillary businesses. 

Its proximity to major markets, access to inland transport corridors, and linkage to industrial hubs make it particularly attractive for long-term capital seeking stable returns in infrastructure and real-sector growth. 

As global supply chains continue to realign, investors with early exposure to Olokola stand to benefit from Nigeria’s expanding role as a trade and production hub in West Africa.

One of the most compelling national arguments for the port is Nigeria’s vast endowment of solid minerals. From limestone, iron ore, and bitumen to gold, lithium, and other strategic minerals, Nigeria possesses resources that are critical to global industries. 

However, the absence of efficient, large-scale export infrastructure has limited the country’s ability to fully monetise these assets.

 Olokola offers a practical solution by providing a modern, high-capacity export outlet that can handle bulk mineral shipments competitively. 

This development aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to diversify exports, move beyond crude oil dependence, and unlock value from its natural resources in a more organised and transparent manner.

For the Dangote Group, Olokola Deep Sea Port is both strategic and transformative. Dangote’s investments in Nigeria span cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, petrochemicals, and refining, with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery already redefining the country’s energy narrative. 

Olokola complements these investments by offering a dedicated logistics backbone that supports large-scale exports and imports of raw materials and finished products. 

The port is expected to play a critical role in the movement of refined petroleum products, fertilisers, and other industrial outputs from Dangote facilities to global markets, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as an industrial exporter rather than a raw-material economy.

Beyond the Dangote Group, the significance of Olokola lies in what it symbolises for Nigeria: confidence in long-term growth, belief in local capacity, and a commitment to building infrastructure that matches the country’s economic potential. 

If delivered as planned, the port will stand as one of the largest and most advanced deep sea ports in West Africa, serving not just Nigeria but the wider sub-region. 

It represents a future where Nigerian trade flows are faster, cheaper, and more competitive, and where infrastructure becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth rather than a constraint.

As construction progresses toward the projected two-and-a-half-year completion window, Olokola Deep Sea Port is increasingly seen as more than a project. It is a statement of intent that Nigeria is ready to lead, ready to trade, and ready to fully leverage its resources, industrial strength, and entrepreneurial ambition on a global stage.

Dame Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock: Nigeria’s Gift to the Stars and to Humanity

Some lives seem destined to reach beyond the ordinary. Dame Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock’s story is one of those rare journeys where intellect, resilience, heritage, and compassion converge to shape a figure whose influence stretches from classrooms to space laboratories, and from local communities to the global scientific stage.

At the heart of her identity lies her Nigerian heritage, which she has always carried with pride and purpose. Born to Nigerian parents and bearing the Yoruba name Ebunoluwa, meaning “gift from God,” she grew up with a strong sense of discipline, service, and responsibility. Her father, a former teacher in Nigeria who later ran an import-export business in the UK, and her mother, a youth worker and magistrate, instilled in her the belief that education should be used not just for personal advancement, but for the benefit of society. Her roots have never been a footnote in her story; they have shaped her determination to ensure that African brilliance, particularly Nigerian brilliance, is visible, valued, and respected in global intellectual spaces.

Her childhood, however, was far from easy. Growing up in council flats in Camden, north London, she was diagnosed with dyslexia at a time when learning differences were poorly understood. Reading and writing were a struggle, and academic setbacks were frequent. Yet even then, her aptitude for numbers, logic, and problem-solving stood out. Rather than limiting her, dyslexia forced her to think differently, sharpening her ability to visualise problems and approach challenges from unconventional angles. Those early years forged resilience, empathy, and a refusal to accept narrow definitions of intelligence, qualities that would later define both her scientific career and her public voice.

Her fascination with the universe was sparked early, fuelled by television programmes such as Doctor Who, The Clangers, and, most significantly, The Sky at Night with Sir Patrick Moore.

Wanting to see the wonders she heard described on television, she bought a modest telescope that barely worked. Instead of giving up, she enrolled in a local “make-your-own-telescope” evening class, where she found herself the youngest person in the room, and often the only Black woman. What mattered, she later reflected, was not fitting in, but sharing a common goal. That homemade telescope became transformative. She used it for her undergraduate project at university, and it steered her into optics, instrumentation, and ultimately space science. She still keeps it as a reminder of where her journey truly began.

Educated in the United Kingdom, she navigated both opportunity and exclusion as a young Black woman of Nigerian descent entering highly specialised scientific spaces. Instead of shrinking herself to meet expectations, she leaned into excellence.

She studied physics before earning a PhD in mechanical engineering specialising in space science at Imperial College London, graduating in 1994. Her career would go on to span some of the UK’s most respected academic, government, and aerospace institutions, including Imperial College London, the University of Leicester’s Space Research Centre, and Astrium, now Airbus Defence and Space.

Over the course of her professional life, Dame Margaret has worked on more than 30 space and satellite missions, designing and developing advanced scientific instruments used to study Earth, the Sun, and distant planetary systems.

Around 70 per cent of her work has involved Earth-observation satellites, contributing to climate science and helping scientists better understand environmental change. 

She has also worked on spectrographs and optical systems used on major ground-based telescopes, including leading the installation of a spectrograph she helped develop at Imperial College on the Gemini South telescope in the Chilean Andes. For six months atop the mountain, she would spend nights beneath the stars, reflecting on the scale and beauty of the universe, a wonder that never dulled, no matter how familiar the sky became.

Her scientific expertise also extended into government research. In the mid-1990s, she worked with a branch of the UK Ministry of Defence, contributing to projects involving landmine detection and missile-warning systems. This period underscored the real-world impact of advanced physics and engineering, reinforcing her belief that space science is not abstract or indulgent, but deeply connected to life on Earth. As she often explains, technology developed for space exploration frequently finds critical applications on the ground, advancing everything from environmental monitoring to public safety.

Although she once dreamed of going to space herself, she realised early on that building instruments capable of travelling beyond Earth was the next best thing. She did not become an astronaut, but her work has flown far beyond the planet, making her one of the quiet architects of modern space exploration.

Yet her influence would not be confined to laboratories and observatories. Over time, she became acutely aware of a troubling gap: even as scientific discovery accelerated, public engagement with science was declining. She noticed it in everyday conversations, jokingly calling it the “dinner-party test,” where mentioning she was a scientist often prompted awkward reactions. When she explained what she actually did, people were fascinated. The problem, she realised, was not science itself, but how it was communicated.

Determined to change that, she founded Science Innovation Ltd, a social enterprise dedicated to bringing science to life for the public, particularly young people. For nearly two decades, she has visited schools, spoken at conferences, and delivered outreach programmes across the UK and beyond. She estimates that she has spoken to over half a million people, most of them children, helping them see science not as remote or elitist, but as something they already participate in every time they ask “why?”

Her growing public profile eventually led her back to the programme that inspired her as a child. After the death of Sir Patrick Moore in 2012, she was invited to join the presenting team of BBC’s The Sky at Night. While honoured, she was also aware of the weight of expectation attached to one of the longest-running television programmes in the world. Some critics dismissed her appointment as political correctness, overlooking her decades of scientific and communication experience. She met that scepticism with competence, warmth, and undeniable authority. Nearly a decade later, she has become one of the programme’s defining voices, guiding audiences through discoveries that once belonged only to textbooks and research papers.

Alongside broadcasting, she has continued to advocate tirelessly for diversity and inclusion in STEM. She speaks openly about the importance of recognising forgotten and uncredited scientists, particularly women and those from non-Western cultures. Her book, The Art of Stargazing, reflects this philosophy, inviting readers to explore the constellations not only through classical Western mythology, but through the stories and interpretations of ancient civilisations around the world. For her, astronomy is both a science and a shared human heritage, one that belongs to everyone.

Her work and advocacy have been recognised at the highest levels. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to science education and diversity, an honour that reflects not only her scientific achievements, but her sustained commitment to widening access and representation.

Balancing an international career with family life, she is also a devoted wife and mother. During the Covid lockdowns, evenings spent stargazing with her husband and daughter became moments of perspective and calm, reinforcing her belief that looking up can remind us of our shared humanity and our place in the universe.

Dame Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock’s life is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and purpose. She has shown that you do not need to travel to space to change how humanity understands it, and that barriers, whether rooted in background, race, or learning difference, can become sources of strength.

Through science, storytelling, and service, she continues to open the skies to all, carrying her Nigerian heritage with quiet pride and unmistakable impact.

A Gift That Redefines Legacy: Folorunsho Alakija’s N34bn Medical Citadel for Nigeria’s Future

In a defining moment for Nigeria’s healthcare and higher education landscape, billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist Folorunsho Alakija has delivered one of the most consequential private interventions in public health infrastructure in the nation’s history. 

Through her foundation, she has built and donated a ₦34 billion, 250-bed Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital to Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in Osogbo, a landmark investment designed to transform medical education, strengthen research capacity, and expand access to quality healthcare for millions of Nigerians.

More than a hospital, the new facility stands as a statement of intent: that world-class healthcare infrastructure can be conceived, built, and sustained in Nigeria, by Nigerians, for Nigerians.

A Teaching Hospital Built for the Future

Strategically integrated into UNIOSUN’s academic ecosystem, the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital has been designed from the ground up to serve as a full-spectrum teaching and research hub and with 250 beds, the hospital offers the scale required for robust clinical training while maintaining the flexibility needed for specialised care.

Its facilities reflect contemporary global standards, including advanced diagnostic imaging such as CT scan services, fully equipped intensive care units, and modern operating theatres built to support complex surgical procedures.

These features ensure that medical students, resident doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals can train using current technologies, without the limitations that have long hindered hands-on learning in many public institutions.

By embedding such capabilities within a university setting, the hospital directly addresses a longstanding national challenge: aligning medical education with modern clinical practice.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Health Workforce

Nigeria’s healthcare system has often been strained by gaps in training infrastructure and the migration of skilled professionals in search of better-equipped environments. The Alakija hospital offers a strong counter-narrative.

For students of medicine and health sciences at UNIOSUN and beyond, the facility provides a homegrown platform for excellence, reducing dependence on external training and exposing future practitioners to high-quality practice early in their careers. 

For researchers, it opens new pathways for locally driven medical research, data generation, and innovation tailored to Nigeria’s unique health realities. In practical terms, this means better-trained doctors, stronger research output, and improved patient outcomes—outcomes that ripple far beyond Osogbo.

Healthcare Impact Beyond Campus Walls

While its academic value is profound, the hospital’s social impact is equally compelling. Osogbo and surrounding communities stand to benefit from expanded access to specialised medical care that was previously limited or unavailable. 

From critical care to advanced diagnostics and surgical services, the facility raises the standard of care within the region and reduces the need for long-distance medical referrals. 

This blend of service and scholarship reinforces the idea that universities can serve as anchors of community health, not just centres of learning.

Philanthropy with Purpose

Folorunsho Alakija’s intervention is notable not only for its scale but for its clarity of purpose. By investing in a public university, she has chosen sustainability over symbolism, building an institution that will train generations, conduct research for decades, and serve patients long into the future.

The naming of the hospital, honouring both Modupe and Folorunso Alakija, adds a personal dimension to the project, reflecting values of family, service, and enduring legacy. Yet the true legacy lies in the lives that will be saved, the professionals who will be trained, and the confidence it instills in Nigeria’s ability to solve its own challenges.

A National Statement

At a time when conversations around healthcare often focus on deficits, the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital offers a different narrative, one of possibility, leadership, and national pride. 

It demonstrates how private philanthropy, when aligned with public institutions, can accelerate development in ways that are both immediate and generational.

In Osogbo, a new medical citadel now stands, quietly but confidently affirming that Nigeria’s future in healthcare and medical research can be built at home, to the highest standards, and with lasting impact.

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti: Nigeria’s Timeless Voice Finally Honoured with a 2026 Grammy Special Merit Award

Nearly three decades after his passing, the global music space is formally acknowledging what Nigeria has long known: Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti was one of the most consequential musical and cultural figures of the modern era. 

In 2026, the Recording Academy will confer on the Nigerian icon a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition that affirms the enduring power of his work and Nigeria’s far-reaching cultural influence.

For Nigeria, the honour is less a discovery than a confirmation. Fela’s greatness never needed external approval, it was forged at home and tested in struggle.

A Nigerian Life That Reshaped Global Sound

Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Fela emerged from a lineage of courage and reform. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was one of Nigeria’s most formidable activists, while his father was a respected educator. From childhood, Fela absorbed a deep sense of responsibility to society, justice, and truth.

Although he briefly studied music abroad, it was Nigeria that defined Fela. His worldview, his anger, his rhythm, and his mission were shaped by Nigerian realities. From this foundation, he created Afrobeat, a distinctly African musical language rooted in Nigerian rhythms, Yoruba expression, jazz sensibilities, and unfiltered political commentary.

Afrobeat was not designed for comfort. It was designed for awakening.

Music as Resistance, Nigeria as the Battleground

Fela’s music confronted power directly. Through landmark works such as Zombie, Sorrow, Tears and Blood, Coffin for Head of State, No Agreement, and Expensive Shit, he exposed corruption, militarism, and injustice, speaking boldly for ordinary Nigerians at a time when dissent came at great personal cost.

He was arrested repeatedly, assaulted, imprisoned, and harassed by the state. The infamous 1977 attack on his Kalakuta Republic, which led to the fatal injury of his mother, remains one of the darkest episodes in Nigeria’s cultural history. Yet Fela did not retreat. Instead, he transformed pain into protest and sound into resistance.

His life demonstrated that art could produce voices powerful enough to challenge authority without apology.

A Nigerian Legacy with Global Reach

While Fela’s music travelled far beyond Nigeria’s borders, its soul remained unmistakably Nigerian. His influence on musicians, activists, and thinkers around the world came not from imitation, but from originality. He did not follow trends; he set them.

Long after his death in 1997, Fela’s ideas continue to echo through Afrobeat’s modern evolution, carried forward notably by his sons Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, who remain cultural ambassadors of Nigeria’s musical heritage. His life story, stage productions, and recordings have introduced new generations to a Nigerian voice that refused silence.

Yet formal global recognition lagged behind his impact.

Why the 2026 Grammy Recognition Matters

The Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges Fela Kuti’s role in reshaping music as a platform for truth and accountability. It recognises that his contribution was not merely artistic, but cultural and philosophical, rooted in Nigeria’s historical struggles and aspirations. This honour does not elevate Fela; Fela elevates the honour. It reflects how Nigerian creativity, when fearless and authentic, can shape conversations far beyond its borders.

Aníkúlápó Lives On

Fela named himself Aníkúlápó, “the one who carries death in his pouch”, a declaration of defiance against fear and oppression. Death did not silence him. Time did not diminish him. His music remains relevant because the truths he sang about are still unresolved.

In 2026, as the world formally acknowledges his contribution, Nigeria stands affirmed as the birthplace of a revolutionary mind whose legacy could never be confined to awards or ceremonies.

Fela Kuti did not wait for recognition, history and the world are simply catching up to Nigeria’s truth.

Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul, Reigniting Heavyweight Ambitions

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua delivered a commanding statement on Saturday morning, stopping YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul with a sixth-round knockout in their heavyweight bout in Miami.

From the opening bell, Joshua controlled proceedings with the calm authority of a seasoned champion. Behind a stiff jab and measured combinations, the British-Nigerian powerhouse dictated the pace, gradually breaking down his opponent with superior timing, ring intelligence, and physical strength.

Born to Nigerian parents and deeply connected to his roots, Joshua’s performance carried added significance for millions of Nigerians and Africans watching around the world. His rise from humble beginnings to global boxing stardom has long stood as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and the power of belief, values that resonated again with this emphatic victory.

Jake Paul entered the contest with confidence following a string of headline-grabbing wins, but the difference in pedigree soon became evident. As the rounds wore on, Joshua’s experience at the highest level began to tell, forcing Paul into retreat and exposing defensive lapses under sustained pressure.

The end came in the sixth round. Trapping Paul against the ropes, Joshua delivered a crushing right hand that sent the American crashing to the canvas. The referee intervened moments later, bringing the bout to a decisive end and sealing a statement knockout that echoed across the boxing world.

Beyond the result, the victory reinforced Joshua’s ongoing resurgence and his determination to reclaim a place at the summit of the heavyweight division. 

For Nigerian fans in particular, it was another proud chapter in a journey that continues to inspire young people across the country and the African diaspora to dream boldly, work relentlessly, and compete fearlessly on the world stage.

For Jake Paul, the bout marked his sternest examination yet against a proven elite boxer, highlighting the gulf between social-media-driven stardom and championship-level boxing experience.

As Anthony Joshua left the ring in Miami, he did so not only as a winner, but as a global ambassador of Nigerian excellence, a reminder that greatness can rise from anywhere, and that with discipline and perseverance, Nigerian talent can conquer the biggest stages in the world.

Nigeria Launches First Certified Social Standards Professionals

Nigeria has taken a major step toward strengthening social risk management with the certification of its first cohort of Social Standards Professionals and the induction of a 21-member advisory board under the Nigerian Social Standards Professional Certification Programme (NSSPCP).

The certification follows a rigorous assessment process that began in mid-2025 and was concluded after a three-day review meeting in Abuja. The programme aligns with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and other internationally recognised standards, positioning Nigeria to deliver professional, credible and globally compliant social risk management services.

Speaking at the close of the meeting, Dr Tosin Oso, a World Bank consultant, described the development as a landmark for Nigeria’s development ecosystem. He said the establishment of a functional certification board provides the institutional backbone needed to sustain and scale the profession. According to him, the board has also approved improvements to the programme’s application, examination and review processes to strengthen transparency, efficiency and credibility. The initiative, valued at about $80 million, supports training, document development and capacity building, and has already trained nearly 30,000 students under its Track A component, which will run until 2029.

Social standards, experts say, is a relatively new but critical profession in Nigeria’s development space. Prof. James Ayangunna of the University of Ibadan, a member of the NSSPCP Oversight Board, explained that the programme operates with the approval of the National Universities Commission and is anchored by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the World Bank and partner ministries. Six centres of excellence have been established across the country to train professionals, ensuring nationwide coverage and inclusivity.

These centres are located at the University of Benin, University of Lagos, Tafawa Balewa University, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Owerri, and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. Graduates are trained as multidisciplinary generalists equipped to manage social risks and grievances arising from sectors such as road construction, housing, land administration, health and other social development projects.

Providing further insight, Mr Okwesa Benjamin, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Project Coordinator of the Social Standards Node of the SPESSE Project, said the certification programme was designed to close long-standing capacity gaps in the social sector. He disclosed that 1,026 candidates have now been certified and presented to the board for approval and licensing after completing training and competency requirements at the centres of excellence. He added that discussions are ongoing with the Office of the Head of Service to facilitate the absorption of certified professionals into government institutions.

With the advisory board now in place and the first cohort licensed to practise, the programme is expected to accelerate the professionalisation of social standards practice in Nigeria, improve project outcomes, and strengthen social safeguards across public and private sector development initiatives.

Quadri Aruna Reclaims Africa’s No. 1 Spot in Global Table Tennis Rankings

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has once again risen to the summit of African table tennis, reclaiming his position as the continent’s No. 1 player in the latest rankings released by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The achievement reinforces his status as Africa’s most accomplished table tennis athlete of the modern era and a consistent standard-bearer for the sport on the global stage.

Aruna’s return to the top of the African rankings is the result of a sustained run of high-level performances across international competitions, including strong showings on the World Table Tennis (WTT) circuit and continental tournaments. His ranking points reflect not only recent successes but years of consistency against elite opposition from Asia and Europe regions that traditionally dominate the sport.

Born in Oyo State, Nigeria, Quadri Aruna’s career has been defined by historic breakthroughs. In 2016, he became the first African player to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympic table tennis event at the Rio Games, a landmark achievement that reshaped global perceptions of African table tennis. That performance propelled him into the world’s top 20, another first for the continent, and marked the beginning of his sustained presence among the global elite.

Since then, Aruna has continued to push boundaries. He has won multiple ITTF Africa Cup titles, secured medals at the African Championships, and consistently qualified for the Olympic Games and World Championships. On the professional circuit, he has recorded notable victories over higher-ranked opponents, earning respect for his explosive forehand, athleticism, and fearless style of play.

His resurgence as Africa’s No. 1 also underscores his longevity. In a sport that demands speed, precision, and constant adaptation, Aruna has remained competitive well into his thirties, adjusting his game to meet the evolving demands of modern table tennis. This durability has allowed him to fend off rising stars from Egypt, Congo, and across the continent, reaffirming his leadership position in African rankings.

Beyond personal accolades, Aruna’s success carries wider significance for Nigerian and African sports. He has become a reference point for younger players, proof that African athletes can compete and win at the highest levels of a globally competitive sport. His achievements have helped attract greater attention to table tennis in Nigeria, inspiring increased participation and renewed calls for investment in grassroots development and high-performance training.

As Africa’s newly crowned No. 1 once again, Quadri Aruna stands not just as a ranking leader but as a symbol of excellence, resilience, and ambition. His journey continues to redefine what is possible for African table tennis, while reinforcing Nigeria’s place on the world sporting map.

Kebbi Positions Itself as Nigeria’s Next Investment Frontier with Gold Refinery Plan

Kebbi State is deliberately positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s most compelling investment destinations, unveiling ambitious plans that place solid minerals, energy, agriculture, and logistics at the centre of its economic transformation agenda. At the heart of this strategy is a proposed gold refinery, a project expected to redefine the state’s industrial profile and unlock fresh inflows of foreign capital.

The refinery initiative, disclosed at a pre-investors’ engagement in Abuja ahead of the Kebbi Investment Summit scheduled for February 2026, signals a shift from raw resource extraction to value-added processing. According to officials of the Kebbi Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), the project is designed to serve not just Nigeria but the wider West African sub-region, positioning Kebbi as a regional hub for refined gold exports.

Kebbi’s mineral potential is a central pillar of this investment narrative. The state hosts extensive gold deposits and ranks among the top producers nationwide. More significantly, a substantial portion of the Sokoto Basin, widely believed to contain vast oil and gas reserves, lies within its borders. This geological advantage places Kebbi in a unique position to emerge as a future energy and mining powerhouse, comparable to leading resource-based economies globally.

Interest from international investors is already translating into concrete discussions. A consortium from Dubai has indicated readiness to establish a gold refinery in the state, with plans to refine gold sourced not only locally but also from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Once operational, the refinery is expected to secure accreditation from the London Gold Market and Swiss authorities, a move that would instantly elevate Kebbi’s standing in the global precious metals value chain.

Beyond export earnings, state officials highlight the broader economic impact of the project. The refinery is projected to create significant employment opportunities, stimulate auxiliary industries, and engage young people in productive, formal economic activities, outcomes seen as critical to sustainable growth and long-term stability.

The investment drive extends well beyond mining. KIPA confirmed that 22 bankable investment proposals across energy, agriculture, mining, and transport have already been screened, with the goal of reaching financial close ahead of the main investment summit. This approach underscores a strong emphasis on execution, not just investor commitments.

Geography further strengthens Kebbi’s appeal. The state sits at Nigeria’s northwestern gateway to the West African market, with some international borders less than a kilometre away. This strategic location positions Kebbi as a natural logistics and trade corridor under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, particularly for investors focused on cross-border commerce, transport infrastructure, and regional supply chains.

Private sector players are already taking notice. Renewable energy firm Karlot Energy Ltd. has identified Kebbi as a priority investment destination, citing the state’s relative peace, stability, and enabling environment as decisive factors.

With its combination of abundant natural resources, strategic location, policy focus on value addition, and growing investor confidence, Kebbi is steadily redefining its economic narrative. 

As the 2026 Investment Summit approaches, the state is presenting a clear message to global investors: Kebbi is open for business, ready for partnership, and prepared to play a leading role in Nigeria’s next phase of industrial and regional growth.

From Paper to Progress: How Nigeria’s Quiet Digital Revolution Is Redefining Governance

Nigeria’s quiet digital leap did not happen with fanfare or slogans. It unfolded desk by desk, file by file, until the country crossed a significant threshold: every federal ministry, department and agency now operates fully within a digital system. What once felt aspirational has become routine, signalling a deeper shift in how governance is imagined and delivered.

The announcement came in Abuja at the Paperless Civil Service Gala and Awards Night, where the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, confirmed that all 31 federal entities have completed the transition from paper-based administration to digital operations. Beyond the ceremony, the moment marked a structural change in the machinery of government, one that speaks to a Nigeria steadily aligning itself with modern public service standards.

Rather than an abrupt policy turn, the paperless transformation is the outcome of years of institutional groundwork. Digital reform strategies introduced between 2017 and 2025 laid the foundation, ensuring that the shift was designed to improve efficiency, transparency and speed, not to displace workers. For a long time, digital governance lingered as a future ambition. Today, it defines how the civil service functions.

When the current leadership of the civil service took office in August 2024, only three ministries had fully digitised their processes. The acceleration that followed was driven by a results-focused approach, including the creation of internal “war rooms” that tracked progress, resolved bottlenecks and enforced accountability. That urgency proved decisive in meeting the 2025 target.

The gains are already measurable. More than 100,000 official government email accounts have been created, cutting licensing costs and saving billions of naira. An artificial intelligence platform, Service-Wise GPT ,  trained specifically on public service rules and procedures, has handled over 25,000 interactions, while an online compendium of official circulars has eliminated the inefficiencies of manual document searches. Training has also been reimagined through the launch of the Federal Civil Service Online Academy, signalling a commitment to continuous learning in a digital age.

Notably, the reforms have been anchored in a “Nigeria First” philosophy. The digital tools powering the paperless system were developed locally, strengthening indigenous capacity and ensuring that economic value remains within the country. This choice underscores a broader ambition: to prove that Nigeria can build, deploy and sustain complex digital solutions at scale.

For Walson-Jack, the significance goes beyond administrative convenience. Nations that fail to modernise their public services, she argued, risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive global environment. By completing this transition, Nigeria is not merely catching up, it is positioning itself as a reference point for public sector reform across Africa.

Senior government officials echoed this view, describing the paperless shift as a defining milestone in the country’s governance journey. The awards presented at the event reinforced a culture of recognising excellence, while the presence of diplomats and development partners highlighted international interest in the reform.

In an era when progress is often measured in grand projects, Nigeria’s paperless revolution stands out for its quiet impact. It is a reminder that sustainable national growth is often built through systems that work better, faster, smarter, and that the future of governance lies not on paper, but in code, coordination and clarity of purpose.

DJ Cuppy Honoured at DIAFA 2025: A Global Recognition of Purpose, Influence and Impact

Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, globally known as DJ Cuppy, has added another significant milestone to her evolving career after being honoured at the 2025 edition of the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA). The recognition places the Nigerian DJ, music producer and philanthropist among a select group of global figures celebrated for excellence, influence and social impact.

Held annually in Dubai, DIAFA has become one of the Middle East’s most prestigious international honours, recognising outstanding personalities across music, culture, humanitarian work, business and public service. Past recipients include global entertainers, royalty, heads of government and international change-makers. DJ Cuppy’s inclusion at the 2025 ceremony underscores the growing global acknowledgment of African creatives whose influence extends beyond entertainment.

Beyond the decks: a multi-dimensional career

DJ Cuppy first gained prominence as one of Africa’s most recognisable DJs, performing on major international stages and building a strong personal brand at the intersection of music, fashion and youth culture. Over the years, she has deliberately expanded her identity beyond nightlife and celebrity appearances, using her platform to amplify conversations around education, mental health, social inclusion and youth empowerment.

Her academic journey has mirrored this evolution. Cuppy holds degrees from King’s College London and New York University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Oxford, where her research focused on philanthropy and social impact. This blend of creativity and intellectual depth has shaped her approach to public life and advocacy.

Philanthropy at the core

A central pillar of DJ Cuppy’s recognition at DIAFA is her sustained commitment to philanthropy. Through the Cuppy Foundation, she has supported education and health initiatives around the world, funding scholarships, school projects and learning resources for underserved children.

In addition, her foundation's collaboration with UNICEF has positioned her as a vocal advocate for child rights, girl-child education and youth development. She has consistently used her visibility to draw attention to systemic challenges facing young people, particularly in Africa, while promoting practical solutions through partnerships and fundraising campaigns.

A symbol of modern African excellence

The DIAFA Award is not only a personal achievement for DJ Cuppy but also a broader statement about the evolving perception of African talent on the global stage. Her recognition reflects a generation of Africans redefining success, where influence is measured not just by fame or wealth, but by purpose, responsibility and impact.

In her public remarks around the award, DJ Cuppy has often emphasised gratitude, faith and service, framing her journey as one that continues to evolve. Rather than presenting success as a finished destination, she speaks openly about growth, learning and using one’s platform meaningfully.

Inspiring the next generation

For many young Africans, DJ Cuppy’s DIAFA 2025 honour serves as a powerful reminder that global recognition can coexist with authenticity and service. Her story illustrates that it is possible to build an international career while remaining connected to community, values and social responsibility.

As the world increasingly pays attention to voices from Africa, DJ Cuppy’s recognition at DIAFA stands as both a celebration and a challenge, to dream boldly, work intentionally and ensure that success leaves a positive footprint.

Anambra Unveils SmartGov, an AI-Driven Gateway to Public Services

Anambra State has taken a decisive step toward digital governance with the launch of SmartGov, a new artificial intelligence powered platform designed to bring dozens of government services into a single, easy-to-use digital space.

Released in beta, the platform allows residents to access more than 31 public services without visiting government offices or navigating layers of paperwork. Instead, citizens can obtain information, receive guidance, and complete selected processes remotely through a web portal, voice-enabled channels, and WhatsApp.

At the heart of SmartGov is an AI digital assistant known as NORA, built and trained specifically on Anambra State’s government structures, procedures, and service directories. Rather than forcing users to understand bureaucratic language, the assistant responds to everyday questions, guiding citizens step by step to the right service, requirement, or online process.

The platform currently spans eight major service areas, including taxation and revenue, land and property administration, business services, health, education, transport and vehicle-related services, security and complaints, as well as culture and tourism. Users can interact with the system around the clock, with support available in both English and Igbo to broaden accessibility.

The initiative is aimed at removing long-standing barriers to public service delivery, such as limited office hours, physical distance from government offices, and the complexity of administrative procedures. By centralising services and information, SmartGov is expected to save time for citizens while improving transparency and efficiency across government operations.

According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the platform represents a shift in how government engages with the public. He described SmartGov not merely as a digital directory, but as an intelligent access point that redefines the citizen experience. “SmartGov is an intelligent gateway that makes government interactions simple, fast, and reliable,” he said.

The beta version also incorporates a built-in feedback system, allowing users to report challenges, flag gaps, or suggest improvements directly through the platform. The AI assistant can guide users through submitting feedback, complementing existing grievance redress mechanisms and official communication channels.

With SmartGov, Anambra is positioning itself at the forefront of subnational digital governance in Nigeria, signalling a broader ambition to use technology not just to digitise services, but to fundamentally improve how government works for its people.

Oby Ezekwesili Receives International Anti-Corruption Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in Doha

Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, former Vice President of the World Bank and co-founder of Transparency International, has been honoured with the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (Lifetime Achievement) in Doha, Qatar.

The award was presented on December 14, 2025, by the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in recognition of Ezekwesili’s decades-long leadership in advancing transparency, accountability and ethical governance across Africa and the global policy space.

Globally regarded as one of the foremost voices in anti-corruption reform, Ezekwesili was named a joint recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for her sustained and principled contributions to public sector reform, institutional transformation and values-driven leadership. Her work has spanned national governments, multilateral institutions and civil society, consistently challenging entrenched systems of corruption while building alternatives rooted in integrity and accountability.

The Award Jury cited her “exceptional and sustained contribution to the advancement of transparency, accountability and institutional integrity in public life.” Over several decades, Ezekwesili has demonstrated rare moral courage in environments where anti-corruption advocacy often comes with personal and professional cost. Her reform efforts have influenced public financial management, extractive sector governance, education reform and global transparency norms.

Beyond public office and international institutions, Ezekwesili has also invested heavily in shaping future leaders. She is the founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) and Human Capital Africa, platforms dedicated to nurturing ethical leadership and strengthening public institutions across the continent.

The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is organised in support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) by the Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence. It is chaired by the United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption and Chairman of the High-Level Award Committee, Dr Ali Bin Fetais Al Marri.

According to Dr Yasser Refaie, Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre and Head of the Award Secretariat, Ezekwesili’s nomination underwent a rigorous, independent assessment by both the Assessment Advisory Board and the High-Level Award Committee, and was found to exemplify the values, expertise and integrity that the award represents.

Speaking on the recognition, Ezekwesili underscored the collective nature of anti-corruption work. “This honour belongs to all citizens and reformers who insist that public power must serve the public good,” she said. “Anti-corruption work is not about individuals, but about building institutions and norms that outlive any one person.”

The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is widely regarded as a global benchmark for principled leadership and sustained impact in the fight against corruption, placing Ezekwesili among a select group of international figures recognised for transforming ideals of transparency into lasting institutional change.

Professor Clement Adebamowo and a Breakthrough That Could Redefine Breast Cancer Care

In much of the world, a breast cancer diagnosis no longer carries the same fatal certainty it once did. Advances in molecular testing now allow doctors to identify the precise biological subtype of a tumour and prescribe highly targeted treatments. Yet in some regions of the world, this progress has remained out of reach. It is this stark global imbalance that Professor Clement Adebamowo, a Nigerian-born cancer researcher and physician, has spent decades trying to correct, culminating in the development of a rapid, low-cost breast cancer subtyping test that could fundamentally transform cancer care.

Professor Adebamowo is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Associate Director of Population Sciences at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Internationally respected for his work in cancer genetics, epidemiology and health equity, his career has been shaped by a persistent question: why should where a woman lives determine whether she receives the right cancer treatment?

The origins of this breakthrough trace back several decades to his training as a surgical oncology resident at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. While treating women with breast cancer, he noticed a faded instruction sheet pasted to the back door of a laboratory, detailing how tumour samples could be collected for receptor testing, tests that determine whether a cancer will respond to hormone or targeted therapies. The test was no longer performed. That abandoned protocol symbolised a wider systemic failure. Without the ability to characterise tumour biology, doctors were forced to treat all patients in essentially the same way, most often with standard chemotherapy, not because of poor clinical judgement but because the diagnostic infrastructure simply did not exist.

This challenge is particularly troubling in Nigeria, where breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In 2022, an estimated 32,278 new cases were recorded. Mortality remains high not only due to late presentation, but possibly because many women receive treatments that are neither biologically appropriate nor financially sustainable. Modern breast cancer care depends on identifying three key receptors -estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 which guide decisions on hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drugs, surgery or radiation. In high-income countries, such testing is routine. In many countries, it is either unavailable, slow or prohibitively expensive.

Working with bioengineers and cancer scientists at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Professor Adebamowo helped develop a breast cancer subtyping test specifically designed for low-resource settings. The prototype resembles a COVID-19 home test kit rather than a conventional pathology assay. About the size of a thick microscope slide, it requires only a small tumour sample diluted with a simple phosphate saline buffer. As the liquid migrates along the strip, coloured lines appear to indicate the presence of specific protein receptors, with a control line confirming test validity. The test detects the three most critical breast cancer receptors and delivers results in approximately two hours, compared with the weeks or months often required by conventional methods in resource-limited settings.

Once completed, the test is read using a specialised but portable machine that interprets the results, giving clinicians actionable information to guide treatment decisions. This speed and simplicity mean doctors no longer have to begin treatment blindly, and patients can receive therapies aligned with the biology of their disease.

The economic implications are equally significant. In the absence of receptor information, standard chemotherapy becomes the default option. Chemotherapy typically costs between N75,000 and N150,000 per month in many countries settings and comes with severe side effects, including nausea, hair loss, fatigue and increased risk of infection. By contrast, hormone therapy for patients whose tumours express estrogen or progesterone receptors can cost as little as N1,500 per month and is associated with far fewer adverse effects. For patients who often pay out of pocket, the difference can determine whether treatment is possible at all.

Professor Adebamowo has spoken openly about the financial toxicity of cancer, noting that the burden extends beyond drug costs to include transport, lost income, caregiving responsibilities and long-term economic insecurity. Making treatment affordable, he argues, is inseparable from improving survival and quality of life.

Many regions in Asia, Latin America and other low- and middle-income countries face similar diagnostic limitations. Even underserved communities within high-income countries could benefit from faster, cheaper subtyping tools. The innovation also holds promise for improving cancer research by enabling more accurate data collection and greater inclusion of African populations in global studies.

Professor Clement Adebamowo’s work does not offer a miracle cure, but it addresses one of the most critical bottlenecks in cancer care: knowing what type of cancer a patient has and how best to treat it. Rooted in decades of clinical experience, scientific rigor and a commitment to equity, his rapid breast cancer subtyping test represents a quiet but transformative advance, one that could save lives by ensuring that effective, affordable and personalised cancer care is no longer determined by geography or income.

Forbes’ 2025 List: Two Nigerian Women Among the World’s Most Powerful

When Forbes unveiled its 2025 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, two familiar Nigerian names stood out, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu. Their inclusion signals not only personal achievement but also the expanding reach of African leadership on the global stage. 

The annual ranking, topped this year by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, ECB President Christine Lagarde, and Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, celebrates women shaping the future of business, politics, media, technology, and culture. In this constellation of global power players, Okonjo-Iweala and Abudu represent two different but equally compelling arcs of influence.

Ranked 92nd, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has become a defining voice in international trade. As Director-General of the World Trade Organization, a position she assumed in 2021 as both the first woman and the first African to hold the office, she draws on more than three decades of experience across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Forbes describes her as “an economist and international development professional,” a phrase that only hints at the scale of her contributions. Before joining the WTO, she served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, briefly stepped in as Foreign Minister, and chaired the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, an organisation credited with immunising over 760 million children globally. Armed with degrees from Harvard and MIT, Okonjo-Iweala has consistently argued for the power of trade to uplift developing nations and promote sustainable economic growth. At 71, the mother of four remains a formidable advocate for more equitable global systems.

Where Okonjo-Iweala shapes policy, Mo Abudu shapes narratives. Ranked 98th on the Forbes list, Abudu has built EbonyLife Media into one of Africa’s most globally recognisable entertainment brands. Since launching EbonyLife TV in 2006, she has taken African storytelling to screens in more than 49 countries, from the UK to the Caribbean. Under her leadership, EbonyLife became the first African media company to sign a multi-title deal with Netflix, alongside major partnerships with Sony Pictures Television and AMC Networks. In November 2025, the company expanded its digital footprint with EbonyLife ON Plus, a new streaming platform accessible on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Abudu has established herself as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the most influential women in global media.

For Nigeria, the recognition of Okonjo-Iweala and Abudu is a moment of pride and a testament to the growing influence of African women in fields long dominated by Western voices. Their presence on the global power list underscores a broader narrative: that leadership grounded in vision, resilience, and creativity can emerge from anywhere and reshape the world in the process.

A journey built on discipline and resilience: Aduragbemi Akindunbi rewrites FUTA’s history with a record 4.98 CGPA

When Aduragbemi Akindunbi finally saw his graduating CGPA, he paused, not in disbelief, but in quiet fulfilment. The number, 4.98, was not a surprise. It was a destination he had been walking toward since his first year at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). 

At 25, the Civil Engineering graduate had just written his name into the university’s history books as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2024 academic year, with the highest CGPA ever recorded at FUTA, surpassing the previous record of 4.96.

For Akindunbi, excellence was never about a single moment. It was about consistency. From his first semester in 100 level, when he recorded a striking 4.95 GPA, the path became clear. If that level of focus could deliver such results, he reasoned, then greater discipline and better strategy could push him even further, and so, semester after semester, the numbers quietly accumulated, reflecting long nights of study, careful planning, and a refusal to settle for less.

His journey to FUTA did not begin smoothly. Raised in Akure, he attended Divine Favour Nursery and Primary School and later Oyemekun Grammar School, where he was always among the best students, even if not the standout star. 

After secondary school, financial constraints forced him to wait a year before attempting university admission. Rather than give up, he worked at a primary school, teaching and saving, while hoping for another chance. That chance came in 2019 through an unexpected act of kindness from a woman whose children he tutored. She encouraged him to sit for UTME and promised to support him if he gained admission. He scored 283, earned his place at FUTA, and stepped into university life determined not to waste the opportunity.

Civil Engineering was not a random choice. Akindunbi says he has always been drawn to infrastructure, the roads, bridges, and systems that quietly shape everyday life. That passion sustained him through one of the most demanding programmes in the university. Early mentorship also made a difference. Senior colleagues, including Michael Agwulonu, helped him understand the academic terrain and reinforced the value of discipline and collaboration. He formed study groups with like-minded peers, sharing ideas and pushing one another forward.

The road, however, was anything but perfect. There were moments when life seemed determined to test his resolve. During one examination period in 300 level, severe tooth pain left him writing exams in tears. Another exam season came with a painful skin infection that forced him to cover up fully just to sit his papers. Then, just days before exams, his iPhone that was used for content creation and academic materials was stolen. Shortly after, his Android phone developed a fault. The timing could not have been worse. Still, he showed up for his exams, reminding himself that no one else would carry the burden if he gave up.

Even excellence had its humbling moments. In 400 level, a ‘B’ grade in a course he had poured himself into dropped his CGPA from 4.99 to 4.97. For someone already known across campus as an academic pacesetter, the pressure was intense. Rumours spread quickly. Expectations weighed heavily, but Akindunbi chose reflection over despair. Life, he learned, does not always reward effort immediately. What matters is the strength to recover. He returned the following semester, earned a perfect 5.0, and lifted his final CGPA to 4.98.

Outside the lecture halls, Akindunbi is far from one-dimensional. He is a video editor and content creator, skills he developed while in school, supported by scholarships he earned along the way. He enjoys watching football and spent part of his time mentoring younger students and serving in student leadership roles that deepened both the pressure he felt and the purpose he carried.

When his name was announced at convocation as FUTA’s overall best graduating student, it marked more than academic recognition as it was the culmination of years of quiet resilience, timely mentorship, personal sacrifice, and unwavering consistency.

In the end, Aduragbemi Akindunbi’s story is not defined by a near-perfect CGPA alone, but by the discipline to pursue excellence when conditions were far from ideal. From delayed admission and financial strain to health challenges and public pressure, he chose persistence over excuses. His record-breaking 4.98 is a quiet but powerful statement: that consistency compounds, resilience matters, and extraordinary outcomes are often built through ordinary, repeated acts of commitment.

Dangote Launches Nigeria’s Largest Private Education Support Programme with a N100bn Annual Pledge

Nigerian business leader Aliko Dangote has unveiled one of the most ambitious education support programmes in the nation’s history, a N100 billion annual commitment designed to remove the financial obstacles that keep millions of young Nigerians out of school.

Announced on Thursday in Lagos, the initiative cements Dangote’s position as the country’s most influential private-sector contributor to human capital development and signals a long-term investment expected to exceed N1 trillion within the next decade.

At the launch, Dangote emphasised that the scale and consistency of the N100 billion annual fund were deliberate, describing it as a strategic national investment rather than an act of philanthropy alone. 

The funding is structured to guarantee continuity, with the Aliko Dangote Foundation committing to sustain the intervention for at least ten years as part of a broader pledge to allocate 25 per cent of Dangote’s wealth to the Foundation. This financial framework, he said, is essential for creating stable, predictable educational support across all 774 local government areas of Nigeria.

Beginning in 2026, the programme will support 45,000 new learners annually, expanding to 155,000 beneficiaries per year by the fourth year and holding at that capacity for a full decade. By the end of the cycle, the initiative aims to have reached 1.3 million Nigerian students, an unprecedented number for a private-sector intervention.

Dangote noted that the intention is not merely to widen access but to ensure students complete their education and emerge with skills that can transform their communities and strengthen the national workforce.

The structure of the programme reflects the sectors where educational exclusion is most pronounced. Through the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars scheme, 30,000 undergraduates each year will receive funding to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across public universities and polytechnics. Tuition support will be tied to verified institutional fees to prevent shortfalls that frequently hinder low-income students.

In addition, 5,000 young Nigerians enrolled in technical and vocational colleges will benefit annually from the Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars programme, which provides tools, materials, and essential resources required for practical training. The intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s new policy offering free tuition for TVET students, positioning the private sector and public sector as complementary partners in workforce development.

Throughout the event, Dangote stressed that financial hardship, not lack of talent, remains the primary reason many Nigerian youths are forced out of school. He warned that the nation risks losing a generation of capable students whose dreams are constrained solely by poverty. Education, he said, is the most powerful equaliser and the strongest vehicle of social mobility, adding that Nigeria cannot build a prosperous future if millions of its young citizens remain excluded from learning.

Addressing young Nigerians directly, Dangote reassured them of the programme’s purpose: to provide opportunity where there is potential, hope where there is uncertainty, and support where the system has historically fallen short. “Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy,” he said. “Every scholar we empower becomes a contributor to national development. This is nation-building, not charity.”

To ensure transparency and accountability, the Dangote Foundation will adopt a fully digital verification and disbursement system. It will work in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO, enabling real-time monitoring of outcomes such as retention, completion, and post-graduation pathways. The governance structure includes a Programme Steering Committee chaired by the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, with former vice-chancellors, education specialists, and representatives of the Dangote family serving as members.

Government leaders at the launch acknowledged the transformative potential of the initiative. Vice President Kashim Shettima described it as the largest private educational intervention ever undertaken in Nigeria, emphasising that the nation’s rapidly growing youth population represents an opportunity only if it is educated. He called Dangote’s contribution a model of genuine nation-building.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the initiative aligns with the federal goal of shifting from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-driven one, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, praised Dangote’s consistency in using wealth to advance national development. According to him, the long-term structure of the commitment makes the programme uniquely impactful and ensures that every local government area will feel its effect.

Dangote noted that the N100 billion annual investment marks only the first phase of a broader agenda focused on improving learning quality, strengthening teacher development, and upgrading school environments nationwide. The progress of the programme will undergo a major review in 2030 as part of the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 strategy, which places education and human capital at the centre of Nigeria’s development priorities.