The River That Never Forgets: Inside the Osun-Osogbo Festival

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is not merely an annual event; it is the retelling of a covenant. Centuries ago, when Osogbo was a struggling settlement, the people sought help from Osun, goddess of fertility and renewal. Her answer came through the waters of the river that bears her name. In exchange for devotion, she promised protection and abundance. That pact still shapes every procession and prayer.

The procession reaches its height with the appearance of the Arugba, the chosen virgin girl who bears offerings to the goddess. She moves silently through the crowd, her presence a delicate bridge between the seen and the unseen. Around her, priests chant incantations, their voices weaving with the rhythm of drums. The Ataoja, the king of Osogbo, walks in dignified stride behind her, embodying the weight of tradition passed from one generation to another. And then there is the river itself—shimmering, quiet, eternal. For devotees it is no ordinary stream but a wellspring of healing, memory, and hope.

Yet Osun-Osogbo is not only sacred; it is alive with spectacle. Dancers whirl in bursts of color, their steps carrying centuries of storytelling. Artists and craftsmen line the grove with carvings and textiles, each piece a small universe of Yoruba cosmology. The air is thick with the scent of suya, roasted maize, and palm wine, transforming the sacred grove into a carnival of taste, sound, and vision.

In recent years, this festival has grown beyond its spiritual and cultural essence into a global magnet. Each August, tens of thousands arrive in Osogbo—not just locals but travelers from across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Researchers and culture enthusiasts join Yoruba descendants from the diaspora, many of whom see the pilgrimage as a way of reclaiming their roots. Some years, the numbers swell into the hundreds of thousands, the streets of Osogbo alive with languages and accents from around the world. The crowd is a reminder that this is not just a Yoruba story, but one that resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

For the people of Osogbo, the festival is also an economic blessing. Hotels fill to capacity, local restaurants buzz with visitors, and artisans sell crafts to tourists eager to carry a piece of tradition home. The festival injects life into the city’s economy, while offering foreign guests an experience that is at once spiritual, historical, and profoundly human.

What makes the Osun-Osogbo Festival extraordinary is its resilience. In an era where traditions often fade under the weight of modernity, this gathering continues to thrive, balancing authenticity with openness to the world. It has earned recognition as a heritage treasure, but to those who journey to the grove, the festival is not about awards or status. It is about the simple but eternal truth it represents: that renewal is possible, that faith can sustain, and that rivers never forget.

When the drumming finally fades and the sacred waters return to stillness, the festival does not end. It lingers in the memory of a visitor from London, in the heart of a pilgrim from Brazil, in the smile of a child who watched the Arugba pass. The story flows on, year after year, carrying with it not only the covenant of a goddess and her people but also the promise of a cultural flame that now lights the path for the world.

Carrying Home Abroad: The Story of Jahswill Emmanuel, NiDCOM’s 2025 Diaspora Merit Award Winner

On the night he walked onto the stage at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the applause seemed to rise higher than the chandeliers. For many in the audience at National Diaspora Day 2025, the name Jahswill Emmanuel already carried weight. But as he accepted the National Diaspora Merit Award from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the moment felt like a closing of circles—a Nigerian son who left, built, and returned, not in person alone, but in purpose.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Jahswill Emmanuel grew up with a sense of community that was less taught than lived. Friends recall a boy who was always gathering others, always organizing, always sharing. “Even in our school days, Jahswill was that person who couldn’t walk past someone in need without stopping,” says an old classmate. That instinct to care did not fade when he moved abroad—it deepened.

In Ireland, where he eventually settled, Emmanuel quickly became more than just another migrant trying to find his way. He saw gaps—young Nigerians in need of mentorship, Africans struggling with cultural identity, communities seeking spaces to thrive. His answer was the creation of The Vibrant Community Foundation for People in Sports, Culture and Heritage, a platform that married his passions with the needs he saw daily.

Through the Foundation, Emmanuel poured himself into projects that gave young people alternatives to isolation and hopelessness. Sports programs that kept teenagers engaged, cultural festivals that celebrated heritage, scholarships and mentorships that opened doors, each initiative carried his signature mix of vision and empathy.

It was this pattern of service that earned him not only the respect of his community in Ireland but also formal recognition. In 2021, the British government awarded him the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding community work. Yet, for Emmanuel, accolades were never the point. “Awards fade, but lives touched leave a legacy,” he often tells those close to him.

When NiDCOM announced him as one of the recipients of the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Award, it wasn’t simply about philanthropy. It was about telling a larger story—that of Nigerians in the diaspora whose contributions ripple back home.

On stage in Abuja, Emmanuel’s voice carried steady emotion:

 “This honour is for every Nigerian abroad who has chosen to be more than a statistic. We are more than remittances—we are builders, healers, and storytellers. I dedicate this award to all who serve, often quietly, and to the communities that keep us grounded in who we are.”

Colleagues describe Emmanuel as tireless. “He doesn’t sit still,” says a fellow community leader in Dublin. “Even after a successful event, he’s already thinking of the next program, the next group of young people to reach.”

His plans for the future are ambitious: deeper partnerships with Nigeria in youth development, stronger cultural exchanges, and education-driven initiatives that connect young Nigerians at home with opportunities abroad. For him, the award is not a finish line but a reminder of unfinished work.

At its heart, Emmanuel’s story is not one of distance, but of connection. He is proof that leaving home does not mean losing it—that a Nigerian passport can also be a promise, carried across oceans and honored in service.

As he left the stage in Abuja, his plaque in hand, he paused to wave at the cheering crowd. For some, it was a victory lap. For Jahswill Emmanuel, it was simply another beginning—the continuation of a life shaped by giving, rooted in Nigeria, and reaching out to the world.

Rema Makes TIME100 Next: Afrobeats Takes Its Place on the Global Stage

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema has carved his name into history as the only African artist to be recognized on the 2025 TIME100 Next list, the influential roster spotlighting the world’s most promising rising stars.

In a glowing tribute, Grammy-winning icon Angélique Kidjo penned Rema’s profile for the prestigious list, celebrating him as a true heir to Africa’s musical legacy. She drew parallels between his global impact and the trailblazing journeys of legends like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour, who once carried the continent’s rhythms across the world.

Kidjo confessed her admiration for his breakout hit, Calm Down, noting:

“It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop; it is rooted in Africa yet irresistibly universal. I love to sing it.”

Beyond the song’s magnetic success—crossing the billion-stream milestone twice—Rema has thrilled audiences in sold-out stadiums, earned a Grammy nomination for his latest album, and solidified himself as one of Afrobeats’ brightest exports.

Kidjo summed it up best:

 “Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”

With this milestone, Rema doesn’t just join the ranks of global changemakers, he amplifies Africa’s voice on the world stage, reaffirming that the sound of the future is deeply rooted in the continent’s heartbeat.

Tems Breaks Records: The Nigerian Voice Selling 10 Million in America

On stage, she doesn’t rush. She doesn’t need to.

When Temilade Openiyi, known to the world as Tems, steps into the spotlight, there’s a stillness that falls over the crowd. Her voice rises, deep yet fragile, powerful yet tender, and suddenly the entire room is hers. From Lagos to Los Angeles, fans describe the same feeling: a voice that doesn’t just sing, but reaches straight into the soul.

This week, that voice made history.

Tems has become the first Nigerian female artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States, a record confirmed on September 30, 2025, by music data authority Chart Data. The song that carried her there-“WAIT FOR U”, her collaboration with American rapper Future and Canadian superstar Drake has now been certified Diamond. For context, Diamond isn’t just success. It’s immortality. It’s where songs like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Drake’s “God’s Plan” live.

And now, Tems lives there too.

A Voice That Carved Its Own Path

Tems’ story didn’t begin in glittering arenas or Grammy afterparties. It started quietly in Lagos, where she would write, produce, and record her own songs. In 2018, she introduced herself to Nigeria with “Mr Rebel”, raw and unpolished, but with a sound nobody could ignore.

Two years later, when she appeared on Wizkid’s “Essence”, the world noticed. The track wasn’t just a hit—it was a revelation. Essence climbed the Billboard Hot 100, pulled Afrobeats deeper into mainstream America, and positioned Tems as a new kind of star: unapologetic, soulful, and unwilling to fit into anyone’s box.

That same voice has since carried her to a Grammy win, over one billion Spotify streams, and now, one of music’s rarest milestones—10 million U.S. sales.

The World Tour of a New Icon

Right now, Tems is living out the dream she once sketched in her notebooks: a world tour that spans continents. On September 28, she opened in Nairobi, Kenya, where fans screamed her lyrics back at her with unfiltered devotion. After the show, she took to X (formerly Twitter): “Kenya! The love has been insane! I love you so much. Till next time.”

From Africa, she’ll move to South America, and then North America—culminating in a headline concert at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, one of the largest stages in the world.

It’s a long way from Lagos studios where she once pieced together beats on a laptop, but for Tems, it’s only the beginning.

A Seat at the Table with the Greats

Her achievement places her alongside Nigerian superstar Wizkid, who reached Diamond status in 2022 for his feature on Drake’s “One Dance”. But while Wizkid blazed the trail, Tems is carving something different—she’s rewriting what it means for an African woman to dominate the global charts.

Her trophy shelf already carries a Grammy, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Award. But perhaps more importantly, her success is reshaping how the world sees African artists—no longer as guests in global pop, but as leaders of a new era.

The Legacy She’s Building

Numbers matter—10 million units sold is history, and history is forever. But with Tems, it has never been just about numbers. Her music feels intimate, personal, like diary pages sung aloud. Fans don’t just listen; they hold onto her songs like confessions they’ve always wanted to make themselves.

That is why this moment feels bigger than a chart milestone. It feels like the arrival of an artist whose legacy will stretch far beyond music sales.

Tems is not just selling records. She’s selling a story—one of resilience, of self-belief, and of a Nigerian girl who dreamed beyond the borders of her city, and now stands as one of the most important voices of her generation.

Precious Aroh: The Nigerian Schoolgirl Drawing the Future of Cars

On a regular afternoon in Lagos, while many children her age were busy with play, Precious Aroh sat quietly with a sketchpad. Her imagination took her somewhere different. She pictured a car, but not just any car—it was one that could breathe, heal, and protect. She called it the “Virus Vacuum.”

That simple drawing, created within the walls of Corona School, Gbagada, would soon travel far beyond her classroom. Entered into the 18th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, her vision stood shoulder-to-shoulder with over 665,000 entries from children around the world. And when the results were announced, Precious had done something extraordinary: she was named a Best Finalist in the global competition, earning a $3,000 cash prize, a trophy, certificate, and commemorative shield.

Her dream car was no ordinary sketch. It was a futuristic vehicle designed with empathy.

“My dream car is called Virus Vacuum, the dream car of clean air,” Precious explained. “It has suction vents that pull viruses from the air. Inside the car, these viruses are destroyed, leaving behind fresh, safe air. It’s a car that not only transports people but also heals the world around us.”

In an age where the memory of a global pandemic is still fresh, her idea struck a chord.

The award ceremony, held in Lagos, was more than a formal presentation. Cameras flashed, her teachers beamed, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aroh, could not hide their pride. Kunle Ade-Ojo, Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, personally handed over her award and praised her creativity:

 “Precious’s exceptional artistry and vision have once again placed Nigeria on the global stage. Her dream of a virus-eliminating car is not only imaginative but also deeply relevant in today’s world.”

This achievement also carried a sense of continuity. Just two years ago, another pupil of Corona School, Oluwademilade David Odumuboni, became the first Nigerian to win the Global Grand Prize in the same contest. Now, Precious has added her own chapter to that story, further establishing her school as a cradle of young visionaries.

For Precious, the journey is just beginning. She has already decided how to use her prize money - not on fleeting indulgences, but on books, art materials, and digital tools to sharpen her skills and expand her imagination.

Behind her success lies a network of encouragement-her parents, her teachers, and her school-all of whom played a part in shaping the confidence and curiosity that led her to this point.

The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, now in its 18th year, is more than a global art competition. It is a stage where children are encouraged to imagine what the future of mobility should look like; sustainable, creative, and human-centered. For Precious, it became a chance to show the world that the dreams of a young Nigerian girl could carry both invention and compassion.

And so, with her “Virus Vacuum,” Precious has offered more than a vision of a car. She has offered a glimpse of a future where technology and kindness can travel side by side.

As she returns to her sketchpad in Lagos, she carries with her a reminder for the world: sometimes, the most powerful ideas about tomorrow come from the youngest voices today.

Egusi Seeds in Space: A Nigerian First in Cosmic Agriculture

Nigeria has etched a bold mark in the chronicles of space science with a deeply cultural contribution, egusi seeds journeying to the stars. At the heart of this milestone is Nigerian scientist Temidayo Isaiah Oniosun, who led the nation’s first agricultural payload to space.

The launch took place on 1 August 2025, when a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time (4:43 PM Nigerian time). The egusi melon seeds, sourced from Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, were loaded into specialized test tubes and integrated into NASA’s Crew-11 resupply mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

This historic experiment, carried out in collaboration with Jaguar Space and The Karman Project, is part of a broader “Earth Seeds for Space” initiative that includes culturally significant crops from Egypt, Armenia, and Pakistan. Its purpose: to investigate how microgravity, cosmic radiation, and the space environment affect germination, metabolic pathways, and genetic stability in crops tied to cultural identity.

Egusi is more than just food, it is culture, identity, and survival. From hearty soups and stews to its role as a protein-rich staple across households, it carries a story of resilience and nourishment. Sending it into orbit elevates that story, symbolizing not just scientific curiosity, but also a declaration that Africa’s heritage belongs in the future of humanity’s exploration beyond Earth.

Behind this achievement stands Temidayo Oniosun, a respected space scientist, global policy analyst, and founder of Space in Africa, the continent’s leading space industry analytics and consulting firm. A graduate of the International Space University in France and a member of the prestigious Karman Fellowship, Oniosun has advised governments, space agencies, and multilateral institutions on the future of space in Africa. His leadership in this project not only reflects Nigeria’s growing stake in global space exploration but also highlights the vision of a new generation of Africans shaping the cosmic frontier.

After several days in orbit, the seeds returned via the Crew-10 capsule, safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on 9 August 2025. Once back on Earth, they were handed over to researchers—including Dr. Wagner Vendrame of the University of Florida—for in-depth analysis: in vitro germination tests, spectral imaging, and molecular assays to detect phenotypic and genetic changes induced by spaceflight.

As scientists monitor how the seeds adapt to life in space, the experiment opens possibilities for a future where African crops may grow on lunar bases, Martian habitats, or deep-space stations. It is both a nod to Nigeria’s agricultural roots and a vision of her technological rise.

With egusi floating among the stars, Nigeria has not only joined the global conversation on space farming but has also reminded the world that the journey to tomorrow’s food security will carry flavors of home.

Of Teaching as a Profession despite the Low Remuneration: The Story of an Academic Who Returned To his Alma Mater in Nigeria to Impart Knowledge...

'Sir, why are you here teaching in Ekiti? I read your inspiring and quite intimidating profile on Facebook as published by the Catalyst International Magazine, United States of America, you appeared every inch an international celebrity, you shouldn't be here Sir'. He asked and submitted. Evincing every spectrum of bewildering curiosity and self-reasoned finality. 

'Sir, you don't appear like a Teacher, you look like an accomplished Professional with huge bucks in a multinational oil company'. She quipped.

'Sir, how did someone like you who won the prize for the best graduating student in Environmental Law in your undergraduate class at Ekiti State University in 2009, had the overall best performance in the pioneer Energy Law LL.M Programme of the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom and won the Alumni Prize as the Best Graduating M.Phil/Ph.D student at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria with a perfect score CGPA of 5.0 out of 5.0 end up lecturing in a Nigerian University when you can easily be in Havard or Cambridge or any other Ivy League or multinational oil company?' 

These are some of the regular comments and enquiries I have had to deal with, from students and cronies since the inception of my teaching stint at the State varsity.

For the umpteenth time, forget the larger than life outlook, that's a fashionable container, it has no requisite correlational bearing on the intrinsic content that encompasses my deepest being.

I am a Teacher in every sense of the word. I didn't settle for teaching, I chose it. Beyond the self-will, the passion to follow the real without compromising the ideal, Teaching chose me- It is one thing I would continually do even if it paid no money.

I grew up to love story-telling. My Paternal Grandmother who lived with us was a raconteur of some sorts. I learned patiently at her feet. She ingrained native intelligence into me. I am still grateful to her...

I paint images with words. I am quite graphic. I know how to convey feelings, attitude, imagery, information and substance with relatable Humour and interest without compromising the core value...

I have never seen myself doing something else. With my consistent pedagogy as espoused by my online persona, a discerning mind would allude to the fact that I love to impart knowledge. 

I am equally a Patriot, a Pan Africanist and a strong believer in Nigeria. 

Beyond my career drive as a Legal Practitioner, I thoroughly enjoy my job as a Law Teacher. So, don't bother sending me 'juicy job opportunities', I am fine. 

In spite of the irregular and extremely meagre remuneration that greets teaching in a government institution, nothing gives me more joy than the serenity of a classroom...

I underwent my mandatory National Youth Service at the then Department of Petroleum Resources in Warri. It's about the highest-paying parastatal in Nigeria. I still felt like Teaching despite the allure and opportunity of possible retainership afterwards...

It is in this guise that I find the currently impending long overdue worthy impasse about to be embarked by the Academic Staff Union of Universities a step in the right direction. The government seems to have taken members of the ivory tower for granted for so long. I heard Judges now earn millions of Naira, same as Political office holders whilst Professors with all degrees like thermometer earn a pittance. 

Little wonder, no one deliberately chooses the teaching or lecturing profession any longer. It's now the preserve of those who could not find a suitable employment. How dare we cry foul that our educational sector remains in shambles then? 

Introspection...

I remember how an excited, politically connected and highly-placed Aunty sashayed in with forms for the positions of Research Officers in the Judiciary and Legal Officers in the State and Federal Ministries of Justice, shortly after my call to the Nigerian Bar for me to fill and I turned her down. 

She is still unable to get over the rude shock that greeted my unexpected rejection of such supposedly juicy offers. 'I don't need a job'. I offered. At least, not a particularly sedentary one.

I traveled thereafter to Europe for additional qualification to fester my teaching dream because I know what I want... What I have always wanted.

I did not settle for Teaching or chose it because I didn't get a job, far from it, I joined the dignified teaching profession to serve a need- touch many lives and not only make a living, but make many lives in its throes... Afterall, the whole essence of contact is impact...

I saw a mentorship gap whilst I was studying in my tertiary alma mater. With the dearth of inspiration and not many of my top notch classmates willing to join the noble and dignified Teaching profession after graduation, I purposed in my mind to join and change the narratives.

I reckoned that the major challenge with our educational system in Sub-Saharan Africa is that- Those who know, do not teach and those who teach, do not know. Worse still, some who know, do not know how to tell to another what they know. I therefore elected to offer myself as a worthy vessel to undertake this enduring and futuristically beneficial task... 

I had to wait more than two years after my Master’s degree without yielding to the temptation of changing gear before the dream was finally achieved...

I am not unaware of the paucity of wealth that accompanies the laborious endeavour of being a Teacher...

In fact, like the respected Scholar of International Law, Prof. Akin Oyebode succinctly puts it at his retirement from Lecturing at the University of Lagos- 'If money is your primary objective as a Lawyer, don't join academics, go into full time practice'. I am not unmindful of the words of wisdom. I chose Academics nonetheless...

The paycheck might not pay all the bills, but the bliss of doing that which you love to do is immeasurable...

I am thrilled by the building of capacity in the next generation.

I am excited by the opportunity to touch the lives of the young ones and offer meaningful mentorship to learning minds...

I am elated that I am worthy of inspiring someone, teaching knowledge and consequently curing ignorance...

It fills my heart with joy staring at the blank faces of my students and leaving them imbued with new knowledge after each lecture with them yearning for more...

I find it extremely accomplishing and fulfilling that beyond the formal teaching of the day's lecture, I can share my experiences of life with my students and make them pick a valuable lesson. Maybe two...

I find it astonishing as I reinforce the innate confidence of my students to becoming global citizens without letting their background pull their back to the ground on the premise of personal accomplishments- 'If I can do it, you too can do it'...

I find great joy in the success of my students. You are not likely to fail my course if you are not below average in intellection. You can be the best if only you listen. Carefully. 

I don't share marks. You can however deserve it with a meticulous attention to details and scholastic industry... Oh, mind your grammar too. Bad communication boils my blood...

Seeing my students pass excellently when they have thoroughly read- that is pure joy for me... 

Beholding the scripts of my students going beyond the scope of the 'little' I gave in class- Oh that great feeling gives me undiluted excitement...Like a celebration of intellectual productivity...

And the extremely bad and incurably deficient ones?- I feel bad that such congenital idiocy passed through my pupillage without considerable impact and possible amelioration. A man can only do too much... In every twelve, there is a Judas. Such painful betrayal of erudition...

Cut me the slack that the teacher's reward is in heaven- It is not in any bank alert of crumbs paid as salary or in any miserable incremental allowances...

A Teacher's reward is not in receiving illicit 'Brown envelopes' as 'Thank you' packages from his students or their parents and guardians...

A teacher's genuine reward is the positive evolutional transformation of the lives he has touched by his labour of scholastic industry. 

His reward is in a transmogrified living being, the full cycle of lives of all the students he has taught something that helped them in becoming better persons useful to themselves, their families and the society at large...

The greatest reward for me is to one day look at that 'President, Vice-President, Governor, Deputy Governor, Senator, Congressman, Minister, Attorney General, Judge, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Justice of the Supreme Court and say proudly that 'I taught him...She was my Student. He passed through my scholastic pupillage'...

For indeed, the Teacher is King.  

My greatest accomplishment as a University Teacher is to be able to nurture sound minds and standard intellectuals who would dwarf my high-profile accomplishments, do more than I can ever be able to do, evince better Teachers than I can ever be, whom the coming generation after them would be able to genuinely emulate, raise extremely brilliant students capable of doing greater exploits than I ventured into at their age and stage, and groom great and independent minds capable of rising up to the very elastic limits of their full potential. 

When you see how well those you have taught are doing in the nearest future and they crawl into your expansive warm embrace or prostrate in their full glory from a safe distance, out of sincere appreciation, deserving respect for a well-read man as praise enough of literature and knowledge- thanking you for living a life of impact and impartation of enduring knowledge that has assisted them in becoming better humans in the society. You see that feeling of accomplishment? Now, that is priceless...

'Tosin Ayo, Ph.D popularly called The Word Bank is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Adebayo Ogunlesi: Nigeria’s Global Visionary

Some lives carry the weight of nations. For Nigeria, one such life is that of Adebayo Ogunlesi—the Sagamu-born lawyer turned banker turned global investor whose story is as much about personal brilliance as it is about the resilience of the Nigerian spirit. His journey from Ogun State to the commanding heights of global finance is one of courage, audacity, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Ogunlesi’s academic journey was remarkable in itself. After excelling at law in Oxford, he ventured to Harvard, where he earned not one but two degrees—an MBA and a law degree. That unique blend of legal rigor and financial sharpness prepared him to navigate the intricate world of global commerce. But even in those years abroad, his Nigerian upbringing—rooted in resilience, adaptability, and ambition—remained his strongest anchor.

In business, Ogunlesi is best known for his daring moves through his private equity firm, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). With an eagle eye for opportunity, he transformed GIP into a global powerhouse, managing some of the most critical infrastructure in the world. In 2006, he stunned the financial world by acquiring London City Airport, and only a few years later, he shook the industry again with the £1.455 billion purchase of London Gatwick Airport—then the largest single-runway airport in the world.

But Ogunlesi was never just a buyer. He was a strategist. Years later, when the time was right, he orchestrated the profitable sale of Gatwick Airport in a deal that confirmed his reputation not only as a bold acquirer but also as a master of timing and value creation. Similarly, after securing other iconic assets like Edinburgh Airport and Italy’s high-speed rail company, Nuovo Transporto Viaggiatori (NTV), GIP under his watch demonstrated the same brilliance: building, optimizing, and exiting at the peak of value.

Perhaps his most audacious deal came in energy: the acquisition of a 49% stake in Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for a staggering $20.7 billion—one of the largest energy transactions of its kind. He also expanded into telecoms, steering GIP into Asia with a 43% stake in Tower Vision India. In each move, his Nigerian spirit—bold, calculated, and forward-looking—shone through.

Ogunlesi’s influence has not been confined to investments alone. He once served on U.S. President Donald Trump’s Economic Advisory Council, bringing his insights to the global policy arena. Today, he sits on the Board of Directors at OpenAI, helping to shape the future of artificial intelligence, and serves as a Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. His fingerprints are on industries that affect how the world flies, communicates, powers itself, and even thinks about the future.

And yet, behind the billions and boardrooms, Adebayo Ogunlesi never stopped being Nigerian. His story mirrors the restless creativity of his homeland: a country where resourcefulness is second nature and ambition is never in short supply. Married to a British woman, his life is global in every sense, but his roots are unmistakably Nigerian—roots that taught him to believe that no horizon is too far, no ambition too lofty.

What makes Ogunlesi’s legacy powerful is not simply the assets he acquired, nor the profits he reaped when he sold them. It is the spirit he embodies: the Nigerian spirit that takes risks when others hesitate, that builds where others doubt, and that exits with grace when others linger. His life tells the world that Nigerians are not just participants in global business; they are leaders, innovators, and trailblazers.

From Sagamu to the summits of finance, Adebayo Ogunlesi has become more than the richest Nigerian in diaspora. He is a symbol of possibility, a global visionary carrying Nigeria’s name into every boardroom and every deal, reminding the world that the Nigerian spirit is unstoppable.

Nigeria Opens Its Doors!

On September 26, 2025, a quiet but powerful shift rippled across the diplomatic map: Nigeria threw open its doors to citizens of St. Kitts & Nevis — no visa required.

For decades, Nigeria’s visa-free policy was the privilege of African neighbors, mostly within the ECOWAS family. But this time, the door swung wider — all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to a small but spirited Caribbean nation. And with that gesture, Nigeria rewrote its own rules, marking the first time a non-African country has been granted visa-free access.

The announcement is more than ink on paper. It is the story of two regions — Africa and the Caribbean — finding echoes of themselves in each other. Both carry shared histories of resilience, culture, and connection. By reaching out to St. Kitts & Nevis, Nigeria is saying: “We see you. We welcome you. Let’s build together.”

For travelers from St. Kitts & Nevis, the new policy means more than just easier entry. It’s an invitation to explore Africa’s largest economy, from Lagos’ bustling markets to Abuja’s rising skyline, from cultural festivals to business opportunities. For Nigeria, it is a chance to showcase its vibrancy to fresh eyes — investors, students, tourists, and families eager to connect with the continent.

Symbolically, this visa waiver tells a bigger story: Nigeria is stepping onto the global stage with confidence, breaking beyond its traditional spheres and reimagining its diplomacy. It is a gesture of trust, friendship, and ambition — a bridge of passports instead of paperwork.

And perhaps, in years to come, September 26, 2025 will be remembered not just as the day Nigeria opened its borders to St. Kitts & Nevis, but as the day the Afro-Caribbean bond took on a new life — woven through travel, trade, and the timeless pull of shared heritage.

Seyi Anifowose Makes History with Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of Teachers

On September 20, 2025, Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos became a sea of educators. Tens of thousands of teachers, from every corner of Nigeria, filled the historic ground where independence was once declared. Their purpose was not protest, but pride.

At the heart of it all was Seyi Anifowose, a teacher and education advocate with an audacious dream: to put teachers on the world stage. That day, he did. The “Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025” was officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest gathering of teachers in history.

 “This is more than a record,” Anifowose said. “It is proof that teachers matter. It is a victory for education, and it is a victory for Nigeria.”

The achievement was hard-won. Teachers stood under scorching sun and sudden rain, queued for hours, and endured long verification checks. Yet they stayed. Their resilience mirrored the daily realities of classrooms across the nation—overcrowded, underfunded, but never abandoned.

For Anifowose, the symbolism was clear: “This ground gave Nigeria its freedom in 1960. Today, it gave teachers the honour they deserve.”

Organisers, backed by 1 Million Teachers, had projected 60,000 participants, a figure that underscored both the scale of mobilisation and the urgency of the cause.

Now, with the record secured, he is pushing for the next step—policy reforms to improve teacher training, welfare, and recognition. Nigeria, after all, faces one of the world’s deepest teacher shortages.

Still, that September morning told a different story. For once, teachers were not in the background. They were history’s headline and at the centre of it stood one man who believed they should be.

Seyi Anifowose has given Nigeria not just a place in the record books, but a powerful reminder of who truly builds a nation.

Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Generations: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Honoured at Cambridge

At the historic University of Cambridge, Lucy Cavendish College has bestowed one of its most prestigious distinctions — an Honorary Fellowship — on Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization. The honour, shared alongside Alec Russell, Foreign Editor of the Financial Times, places her among a select circle of global leaders, thinkers, and visionaries celebrated by the College.

The Honorary Fellowship of Lucy Cavendish College is not lightly conferred. It is reserved for individuals of exceptional influence and integrity whose achievements embody the College’s values of leadership, resilience, and inclusivity. Past Honorary Fellows include luminaries such as Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Dame Judi Dench, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark — figures who have left indelible marks on public life, the arts, and human rights. By welcoming Dr. Okonjo-Iweala into this fellowship, the College affirms her enduring legacy as one of the world’s most transformative leaders.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s journey is the story of perseverance and impact on a truly global scale. When she took office as Director-General of the WTO in March 2021, she became both the first woman and the first African to lead the organization. But her groundbreaking leadership did not begin there. Twice Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she steered the nation through complex reforms, championing transparency, stabilizing the economy, and securing the historic cancellation of $18 billion of debt by the Paris Club of Creditors.

Her 25-year career at the World Bank further cemented her reputation as a global finance expert and trusted consensus builder. Rising to Managing Director, Operations, she oversaw an $81 billion portfolio and led initiatives to improve the lives of low-income countries. For her work, she has consistently been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.

Lucy Cavendish College, with its tradition of supporting non-traditional students and widening access to education, has long celebrated role models who inspire courage and ambition. In Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, the College finds a Fellow whose life story speaks to those very values — a leader who has broken barriers, challenged conventions, and dedicated her career to making the world more equitable.

Her Honorary Fellowship is not just a recognition of past achievements but a celebration of the hope she inspires in future generations: that excellence knows no borders, and leadership has no limits.

Nigeria to Host Africa’s First Insulin Production Facility

Nigeria is set to become the first country in Africa to produce insulin locally, following a groundbreaking partnership with Chinese companies. This was revealed by the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai during a reception to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The move marks a major milestone in the fight against diabetes and positions the nation as a rising player in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Insulin, a life-saving drug for millions of people living with diabetes, is currently imported into Nigeria at high costs, often creating shortages and limiting access for patients. Health experts say the establishment of a local production plant will not only reduce the nation’s reliance on imports but also make treatment more affordable and accessible.

“This development has the potential to transform diabetes care in Nigeria and across the region,” said a health sector analyst. “By cutting costs and ensuring a stable supply, it will ease the burden on patients and strengthen the healthcare system.”

Beyond health benefits, the project is expected to boost Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs, fostering technology transfer, and enhancing the nation’s standing in the biotech industry. Analysts suggest that the facility could eventually serve as a supply hub for West Africa and beyond, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a continental leader in pharmaceutical innovation.

The initiative comes at a time when the prevalence of diabetes is rising in Africa, with the World Health Organization warning that cases could more than double in the coming decades without urgent interventions. Local insulin production is therefore being hailed as both a medical breakthrough and a strategic economic investment.

With construction plans underway, the plant represents more than a health project — it signals Nigeria’s ambition to reduce dependency on foreign pharmaceuticals and build resilience in its healthcare sector.

Awake to Greatness: Two Nigerian Girls Take on the World with AI

At just 10 years old, Akachukwu Blessed Nwachukwu and Ifunanya Gabriella Okoye have done what many seasoned innovators only dream of: they put Nigeria on the global technology map.

The Port Harcourt prodigies stunned the world at the 2025 Technovation Global Summit, clinching first place in the Beginner Division with their invention, Stay Woke—an AI-powered mobile app designed to prevent drowsy and distracted driving. Using facial recognition and voice interaction, the app detects fatigue in real time and issues alerts, offering a simple yet lifesaving solution to one of the biggest threats on the road.

Competing as Team Appsolute, the girls outshone rivals from Japan, Spain, Canada, and Peru to secure the world title. Their victory stands out in a competition that drew more than 33,000 participants from 117 countries, with over 3,200 tech solutions developed this year alone.

Their mentor, Somkenechukwu Mamah, founder of the Code Ambassadors Academy, calls the win a breakthrough moment:

 “This victory proves that innovation knows no age or boundary. Akachukwu and Ifunanya have shown that young people in Nigeria—and across Africa—can compete and win on the global stage.”

Both girls trained at Code Ambassadors Academy, a STEM-accredited hub that has equipped over 7,000 Nigerian children with skills in coding, robotics, AI, and design. They credit their success to their mentor’s guidance and their families’ unwavering support.

But for Team Appsolute, the trophy is only part of the story. Their victory is a message to every girl who dreams of transforming the world with technology: brilliance knows no borders, and the future is already being written—by the fearless hands of the young.

Dangote Cracks U.S. Market with Petrol Shipments

Nigeria’s $20 billion Dangote refinery has made its first set of petrol deliveries to the United States, a breakthrough that signals the facility’s ability to meet some of the world’s toughest fuel standards.

The inaugural cargo — about 320,000 barrels aboard the tanker Gemini Pearl — was bought by Vitol from Mocoh Oil, Dangote’s export partner, and sold to U.S. distributor Sunoco . Tracking data confirmed the fuel discharged at Sunoco’s Linden, New Jersey terminal.

The shipment marks a turning point for the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, which overcame months of startup delays. Since ramping up, Dangote has slashed Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel while exporting surplus petrol to Europe — and now to North America.

More U.S.-bound cargoes have also been delivered. Glencore a consignment for Shell was delivered around September 19, while another, Vitol cargo aboard the Seaexplorer was delivered around September 22.

Dangote’s entry into the U.S. market underscores Nigeria’s growing weight in global energy flows and could better position fuel trade across the Atlantic.

Historic First: UN Appoints Nigeria’s Dr. Adedoyin Adeleke as Co-Chair of Global Sustainable Development Report

The United Nations has made history with the appointment of Nigerian sustainability leader, Dr. Adedoyin Adeleke, as Co-Chair of the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). This appointment marks the first time an African — and a Nigerian — will hold the position, signaling a powerful recognition of Africa’s growing leadership in shaping the world’s future.

Appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Dr. Adeleke will serve alongside Professor Phoebe Koundouri of Athens University of Economics and Business and the University of Cambridge. Together, they will guide a team of 15 internationally acclaimed scientists in delivering the UN’s flagship evidence-based publication on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The 2027 edition of the GSDR carries exceptional weight, as it will be the final report before the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its recommendations will not only shape the world’s last push towards achieving the SDGs but also influence the post-2030 global development agenda.

Dr. Adeleke brings to this role an extraordinary record of innovation, leadership, and impact. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Green Growth Africa Sustainability Network (GreenGrowthAfrica), a UNEP-accredited NGO driving just and green transitions across the continent. With a PhD in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, Dr. Adeleke has led and contributed to international projects such as LEAP-RE and AMBITION, while inspiring a generation of African researchers and young leaders.

His initiatives have reached over 10,000 secondary school students and supported 175 graduate researchers across 57 universities in 26 African countries. He is also credited with constructing Nigeria’s first ultra-modern green building made entirely from waste plastic bottles and powered by solar energy. Through his flagship project, SNAP-Up (Scaling National Capacity for Plastic Upcycling), he is transforming waste management and promoting sustainable building solutions.

Beyond research and advocacy, Dr. Adeleke is a trailblazer in media innovation. He founded Green Growth TV & Studios, Nigeria’s first development-focused broadcasting platform, and created digital tools such as Green Growth DigiHub and Green Growth Watch, which empower citizens to track sustainable projects and defend their environmental rights.

His appointment is more than a personal milestone — it is a moment of pride for Nigeria, for Africa, and for all who believe in a sustainable future. By elevating African perspectives to the highest level of global decision-making, Dr. Adeleke’s leadership will help ensure that justice, equity, and transformation remain at the heart of the world’s sustainability agenda.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Becomes First Recipient of Germany’s Felix Jud Award for Defiant Thinking

The grand hall of Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie was filled with applause on Saturday, 20th September 2025, as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, celebrated Nigerian author and outspoken public intellectual, stepped forward to receive the inaugural Felix Jud Award for Defiant Thinking. The moment marked not only a personal triumph for Adichie but also the launch of a new cultural tradition in Germany—one that honors voices unafraid to challenge authority and resist intellectual conformity.

The prize, introduced this year, is named after Felix Jud, the legendary Hamburg bookseller and publisher who defied the Nazi regime with acts of quiet but unwavering resistance. Jud’s legacy, rooted in intellectual courage and moral clarity, remains an enduring reminder of the role individuals can play in confronting oppression.

In presenting the award, the jury described Adichie as a writer who, like Jud, has consistently chosen courage over convenience. “Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie represents a fearless commitment to truth,” the citation read. “Through her literature and public voice, she has given expression to struggles for freedom, equality, and human dignity that transcend borders.”

Adichie, whose novels Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah have achieved global acclaim, has long extended her influence beyond literature into cultural debate. Her TED Talk We Should All Be Feminists reshaped global conversations on gender and was later adapted into a widely read book. Over the years, she has spoken candidly about feminism, race, migration, and the silences imposed by political correctness—often stirring both admiration and controversy.

In her acceptance remarks, Adichie reflected on the importance of “intellectual defiance in a world where conformity is rewarded.” She described the honor as both humbling and challenging. “To be linked to Felix Jud’s legacy is to be reminded of the duty of writers and thinkers,” she said. “It is to remember that words are not just art—they are also acts of resistance.”

The audience, a mix of literary scholars, cultural figures, and members of Hamburg’s civic community, responded with a standing ovation. Many remarked on the symbolism of awarding the first Felix Jud Prize to a writer from outside Europe, underscoring the award’s intended universality.

Adichie’s recognition comes at a time when debates on freedom of speech, migration, and cultural identity are intensifying both in Europe and beyond. For many observers, her selection serves as a powerful signal that Germany seeks to place intellectual independence and moral defiance at the heart of its cultural values.

With this award, Adichie joins a lineage of thinkers who have wielded language as a tool of resistance. And just as Felix Jud once dared to keep freedom of thought alive under dictatorship, Adichie continues to remind the world that words—sharp, truthful, and defiant—remain among the most enduring forms of power.