University of The Gambia Renames Agriculture Faculty After Influential Nigerian Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for Transforming African Agriculture

The University of The Gambia has renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Services after Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in recognition of his transformative impact on agriculture, food security, and development across Africa. President Adama Barrow unveiled a plaque honoring Adesina’s visionary leadership, particularly his work through AfDB’s High 5s agenda, including the Feed Africa Strategy, which improved food security for over 104 million people.

The university highlighted Adesina’s earlier reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and stated that renaming the faculty aims to inspire students to emulate his dedication to Africa’s development. In a letter of appreciation, Adesina expressed deep gratitude, calling the honor “a rare recognition that immortalizes his contributions to African agriculture.”

The Federal Executive Council has rolled out a new wave of financial support aimed at strengthening education, boosting entrepreneurship, and accelerating national development. At Wednesday’s meeting, the Council approved a $50 million Islamic Development Bank facility for UBESTATE, targeted at expanding educational infrastructure and improving learning outcomes across the state.

In addition, FEC endorsed a $1 million African Development Bank investment loan designed to empower young entrepreneurs, stimulate SME growth, and unlock innovation among youth-led businesses. These approvals form part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reform strategy

Tanzanian President Appoints Daughter and Son-in-law as Ministers.

Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan has appointed her daughter and son-in-law as ministers in her newly formed government. In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, Mrs. Hassan, who was declared the winner of the October 29 presidential election, named 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, including her family members.

Wanu Hafidh Amei, the president’s daughter, was named deputy minister for education, science, and technology, while her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, took over as health minister. In other appointments, Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, became finance minister, while Adolf Mkenda retained his role as education, science, and technology minister.

Seven former ministers were removed, but Anthony Mavunde and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo were retained as mining and foreign affairs ministers, respectively.

Mrs. Hassan’s re-election has attracted criticism due to violent protests, an internet shutdown, and a crackdown on demonstrators.

The United Nations has called for thorough investigations into reported deaths, warning that authorities may be concealing evidence. Opposition party CHADEMA, whose candidate Tundu Lissu was barred from the election, claims about 700 people were killed and refuses to recognize Mrs. Hassan as president.

International observers have also expressed concerns. The African Union deemed the election not credible, while the European Union, Southern African Development Community, and missions from the UK, Canada, and Norway condemned the fatalities, suppression of opposition, and internet restrictions during the polls.

"Nigeria’s Debt has Climbed to just ₦152.4 trillion" — DMO informs Nigerians.

Nigeria’s total public debt stock has surged to ₦152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025, according to fresh data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Saturday.

This marks an increase of ₦3.01 trillion from the ₦149.39 trillion recorded in March 2025 —a 2.01% rise within just three months. In dollar terms, the figure rose from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, reflecting a 2.49% uptick.

The DMO attributed the rise to increased borrowing both locally and internationally to fund fiscal gaps, despite ongoing revenue reforms and foreign exchange liberalisation.

A breakdown shows external debt grew from $45.98 billion in March to $46.98 billion (₦71.85tn) by June.
The World Bank remains Nigeria’s largest external creditor with $18.04 billion outstanding, representing 38% of total external obligations, mostly through the International Development Association.

Multilateral lenders collectively hold $23.19 billion (49.4%), including the African Development Bank, IMF, and Islamic Development Bank. Bilateral loans stood at $6.20 billion, led by China’s Exim Bank at $4.91 billion, followed by France, Japan, India, and Germany.

Commercial loans, primarily Eurobonds, amounted to $17.32 billion, representing 36.9% of external debt, while $268.9 million came from syndicated facilities and commercial bank loans. Analysts warn that Nigeria’s heavy Eurobond exposure increases its vulnerability to global market volatility.

On the domestic front, total debt climbed from ₦78.76 trillion in March to ₦80.55 trillion in June, an increase of ₦1.79 trillion or 2.27%. Federal Government bonds dominated with ₦60.65 trillion, representing 79.2% of local debt. This includes ₦36.52 trillion in naira bonds, ₦22.72 trillion in securitised Ways and Means advances from the CBN, and ₦1.40 trillion in dollar bonds.

Other instruments comprised Treasury bills (₦12.76tn), Sukuk bonds (₦1.29tn), savings bonds (₦91.53bn), green bonds (₦62.36bn), and promissory notes (₦1.73tn).

Japan Cancels Africa ‘Hometown’ Initiative Amid Backlash Over Nigeria Visa Claims.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has cancelled its “Africa Hometown” initiative, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” surrounding the project.

JICA President Tanaka Akihiko announced the decision at a press briefing on Thursday, following controversy over claims that Japan planned to create a special visa category for Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu, the city designated as Nigeria’s “hometown.”

On August 26, Japan dismissed the reports, which had been circulated in a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House in Nigeria. The statement had suggested that Japan would grant special visas to “highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” to live and work in Kisarazu.

JICA explained that the very concept of designating Japanese cities as “hometowns” for African nations caused widespread confusion in Japan, while also placing an “excessive burden” on the four municipalities involved. The agency issued an apology to the cities: Kisarazu (Nigeria), Nagai (Tanzania), Sanjo (Ghana), and Imabari (Mozambique).

The partnerships were first announced on August 22 during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). However, the move triggered a wave of discontent in Japan, with citizens raising concerns online about public safety, resource strain, and potential visa overstays. Protests soon followed, demanding the cancellation of the agreement.

In a statement, JICA said it “takes this situation seriously” and, after consultations with stakeholders, decided to withdraw the initiative. The agency stressed that it has “never promoted immigration” and has no intention of doing so in the future.

Despite the cancellation, JICA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international exchange and cooperation with African nations.

Shettima Hails Tinubu’s Bold Economic Reforms, Urges Africa to Embrace Structural Transformation

Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for demonstrating “uncommon political will” in implementing bold reforms to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) in Abuja, Shettima described Tinubu as a leader with a listening ear whose approach continues to inspire hope amid economic hardship.

“Nigeria is not exempt from Africa’s economic tragedies. But our silver lining is the listening ear of President Tinubu. Under his leadership, this administration has embarked on bold and inevitable reforms to address structural weaknesses that others only paid lip service to.
These reforms are painful but necessary—like surgery that cures a malignant disease. The wounds are temporary, but the recovery is permanent,” Shettima said.

The Vice President acknowledged the hardship accompanying the reforms, alongside global economic pressures, but stressed that the government has introduced investment-friendly policies and social protection programmes in key sectors like transportation, healthcare, and education to cushion vulnerable citizens.

He further emphasized the need for Africa to embrace the knowledge economy and structural transformation to combat poverty and unemployment:

“We live in a world where a citizen in Daura can offer services to a corporation in Dallas without leaving his bedroom. To catch up, Africa must reinvent its human capital and reverse unemployment. Poverty must be confronted head-on if this continent’s promise is to be realized.”



Shettima also noted that global challenges such as supply chain disruptions, energy transition, and artificial intelligence, though often seen as threats, present opportunities for Africa’s economic renewal.

Other Highlights from the Conference

Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, pledged to integrate NES into government programmes like the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.

Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, described the livestock sector as “Nigeria’s next crude oil” and promised collaboration with NES on diversification.

Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, NES President, reaffirmed the society’s commitment to bridging research and policy.

Dr. Eric Kehinde Ogunleye of the African Development Bank urged greater investment in people alongside reforms.


The event was attended by senior government officials, academics, lawmakers, and representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

BREAKING: Tinubu Stops Over In Los Angeles On Way To Brazil

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA, en route to Brazil for a two-day state visit scheduled for August 24–25.

Tinubu earlier attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, where he held bilateral talks and engaged Japanese investors.

According to presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the President will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília and participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum. His delegation includes ministers and senior officials who will sign cooperation agreements and MoUs with Brazil.

#Tinubu #Diplomacy #Nigeria

Presidency Gives Official Reason for Nigeria’s Empty Booth at TICAD 9 in Japan.

The Presidency has explained why Nigeria’s booth was empty on the opening day of the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan.

The controversy began after a viral post by Idris Bello, co-founder of The Wennovation Hub, who expressed disappointment at finding Nigeria’s booth unmanned.

Bello, who said he was “ashamed” by the situation, noted that he had to personally step in to engage visitors and potential investors. The incident led to widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s preparedness for the global investment forum.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed the criticism as “misrepresentation,” stressing that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD 9 was focused on high-level engagements rather than trade exhibitions.

“The trending social media narrative about an empty booth labelled ‘NIGERIA’ totally misrepresented our country’s mission and activities at the conference,” Onanuga stated.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu is leading a delegation prioritising bilateral and multilateral negotiations with international partners in key sectors, including power, industry, and agriculture. The statement highlighted meetings scheduled with Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation, among others.

Onanuga also disclosed that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is negotiating major JICA-funded projects, including the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement and renewable energy scale-up initiatives. The Bank of Industry is likewise engaged in financing talks with global institutions.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s official schedule does not include participation in the open trade exhibition, which has been mistaken for the country’s main platform at the event.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier clarified that the booth was not abandoned but simply “not yet opened” and was scheduled for inauguration on Thursday, the second day of the conference.

TICAD9: Tinubu Demands Two Permanent UN Security Council Seats For Africa

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. Speaking at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu said the continent deserves two permanent seats with veto powers and more non-permanent seats, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

He praised Nigeria’s armed forces for recent successes against insurgency, describing them as a springboard for national development. However, he stressed that lasting peace requires tackling poverty, inequality, and exclusion. Tinubu urged fresh approaches to peace-building, citing Congo’s mediation-linked investment model as an example, and called for market-driven partnerships rather than aid dependency.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also pledged $5.5 billion support for Africa during the conference.

#AfricaUN #TICAD9 #Tinubu #GlobalReforms

Tinubu joins world leaders at 2025 Tokyo international conference.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, for the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

His participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Japan and the broader Asian market.

Tinubu, alongside other heads of government and global leaders, attended the opening ceremony of the conference at the Pacifico Yokohama International Conference Centre.

According to a statement shared on Wednesday, August 20, by presidential aide Dada Olusegun via his X handle, the three-day event, which runs from August 20 to 22, provides a platform for discussions on Africa’s economic transformation, private investment, and innovation.

Olusegun noted: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives at the Pacifico Yokohama International Conference Centre and joins other Heads of Government for the opening ceremony of the 2025 Tokyo International Conference on African Development.”

IBB not statesman, stop lying to yourself Farotimi counters Adesina.

Human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has faulted the description of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), as a statesman.

Farotimi, in a post on X on Tuesday, said celebrating Babangida with such titles only helps to normalize the “evils” he claimed the former leader visited on Nigerians.

“Not telling these ruinous cretins exactly what they are, contributes towards the normalization of the evils that they have visited on the people, and this mutual affirmation strategy is what has helped to sustain the evil. IBB is no statesman, and you can stop lying to yourself,” he wrote.

His reaction followed a congratulatory message by the former president of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who had hailed Babangida as one of Nigeria’s “foremost elder-statesmen” in a birthday tribute.

Adesina praised the former Head of State’s “patriotic fervor, devotion and commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress,” while wishing him continued good health as he marked his 84th birthday.

DAILY POST reported that Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, celebrated his 84th birthday recently.

#fintternews #farotimicounteradesina

President Tinubu Arrives Dubai.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Japan and Brazil for official state visits.
Bola Tinubu
After a few days in Dubai, Tinubu will depart to Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan from August 20 to 22.

Naija News reports that the conference, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” will address Africa’s economic growth, improved business climate, private sector investment, and sustainable development.

It will also focus on peace, stability, and human security across the continent.

During his stay, Tinubu will join plenary sessions, meet with Japanese government officials, and engage with chief executives of companies that have investments in Nigeria.

TICAD, first launched in 1993 by Japan in partnership with the United Nations, UNDP, African Union Commission, and World Bank, is held every three years either in Japan or Africa.

The last edition was in Tunisia in August 2022.

After the Japan engagement, Tinubu will head to Brasilia, Brazil’s capital, from August 24 to 25 on the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

While there, he will hold bilateral talks, attend a business forum with Brazilian investors, and witness the signing of cooperation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between both nations.

News Brief: Tinubu Jets to Japan, Brazil for Tokyo Conference, State Visithttps://youtu.be/NwKTL15MtEQ

President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Friday for a two-nation diplomatic tour of Japan and Brazil, with a stopover in Dubai.
In Japan, he will attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20–22, engage in plenary discussions, hold bilateral meetings, and meet with Japanese company CEOs with interests in Nigeria.
Following the conference, Tinubu travels to Brasilia for a state visit from August 24–25, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, where he will participate in bilateral talks and a business forum with Brazilian investors.

Watch the related video above.

#Tinubu #TICAD9 #NigeriaDiplomacy #GlobalEngagement

You Are Not a Tourist – Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s Planned Trip, Questions Unstated Return Date.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his planned 12-day trip to Japan and Brazil, describing it as insensitive and ill-timed given Nigeria’s worsening security and economic crisis.

The President’s itinerary, announced on Wednesday by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, indicates that Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a stopover in Dubai before proceeding to Yokohama, Japan, to attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) from August 20 to 22.

He is expected to visit Brazil thereafter, but the official schedule does not indicate his return date.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi expressed concern that Tinubu was leaving the country again, barely weeks after returning from Brazil, at a time he said “the nation bleeds.”

“Our President, who has not found it worthy to visit any of our troubled states, takes joy in travelling abroad at the slightest invitation or excuse, often departing several days before the actual event,” Obi said.

“The itinerary is silent on the President’s return date to his visibly troubled nation,” Obi added.

He accused the administration of “indifference” to worsening insecurity, food shortages, and economic hardship, noting that Nigeria is now “among the most insecure nations, the most fragile economies, and the hungriest countries in the world.”

The former Anambra governor pointed to Tinubu’s recent attendance at the BRICS Summit, preceded by a one-week state visit to St. Lucia, as an example of unnecessarily prolonged foreign trips. He argued that the upcoming Japan conference could have been attended within five days rather than 12, with the remaining time spent addressing urgent domestic challenges.

Obi said the President’s foreign travels “contribute little or no tangible value” compared to the pressing need for on-the-ground engagement in Nigeria’s crisis-hit communities. He urged Tinubu to embark instead on nationwide tours to “see, listen, and learn” about the people’s suffering.

“Mr. President must know that he is not a tourist, but the Chief Executive of a troubled nation,” Obi said, calling for a “strict work schedule and disciplined travel plan” to reflect the urgency of the country’s situation.

Europe are the major enemy of African development.

AFDB adviser Ooni to attend OAU engineering anniversary

Senior Special Adviser to the President of the African Development Bank, Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, will deliver the keynote address at the 55th anniversary celebration of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a resilient economy, improving the quality of life for the people and securing the future for generations to come.

The governor said this on Friday while presenting a State of the State Address, held at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, according to a statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

He noted that through several policies being implemented by the state government and its simple approach to solving complex governance issues, Oyo State has become an investment destination.

Makinde stressed that the government’s efforts have yielded many positive results, including the designation of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub as Nigeria’s first agricultural transformation centre by the African Development Bank.

Strengthening African Unity: Tinubu Congratulates New AfDB President — According to NewTelegraph

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on his election as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, according to NewTelegraph.

In his message, President Tinubu praised Dr. Tah’s leadership and reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to advancing regional economic development across the African continent. He described the AfDB as a pivotal institution in Africa’s journey toward inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic resilience.

Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, who succeeds Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, brings a wealth of experience in economic policy and international cooperation. His election marks a new chapter for the bank as it continues to support infrastructure, industrialization, and innovation across African economies.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Dr. Tah’s ability to lead the bank with integrity, vision, and purpose, adding that Nigeria looks forward to collaborating closely with the new leadership to unlock Africa’s full economic potential.

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#Tinubu #AfDBPresident #DrSidiOuldTah #AfDB2025 #AfricaDevelopment #NigeriaInAfrica