The Battle of Adwa (Ethiopia) was a historic African victory. On March 1, 1896, Ethiopian forces led by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu defeated an invading Italian army — a win that protected Ethiopia’s sovereignty and became a symbol of resistance across Africa and the Black world. 🇪🇹✨ () #BattleOfAdwa #Ethiopia #AfricanHistory #AdwaVictory

The Aksum Stelae (Obelisks) in Ethiopia are powerful symbols of an ancient African empire. These giant stone towers were carved centuries ago and are believed to mark royal tombs in the old Kingdom of Aksum. Standing tall in Aksum, they remind the world of Ethiopia’s deep history and greatness. 🇪🇹✨ #Aksum #Ethiopia #AfricanHistory #Obelisk #places

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia are one of the most amazing spiritual sites in the world. Carved directly into solid rock, these ancient churches were built as a “New Jerusalem” and are still active places of worship today. A true masterpiece of faith, history, and African creativity. 🇪🇹✨ #Lalibela #Ethiopia #AfricanHistory #WorldHeritage #places

Over 530 Journalists Imprisoned Worldwide in 2025, Including 4 in Nigeria – IFJ Report The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that 533 journalists and media staff were jailed globally in 2025, highlighting ongoing threats to press freedom. Detentions were largely related to professional activities, with China (136), Myanmar (49), Vietnam (37), and Israel (41 Palestinian journalists) recording the highest numbers. In Africa, Nigeria accounted for four imprisonments, while other countries affected included Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Cameroon. The report also noted 128 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide during the year. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the situation as a global crisis, urging governments to protect journalists, bring perpetrators to justice, and support a UN convention ensuring journalists’ safety and independence.

Africa’s Weakest Currencies in 2025: Why South Sudan and Ethiopia Crashed, Investor Fears Grew, and the Naira Escaped Africa’s Bottom 10 In 2025, currency weakness across Africa deepened economic hardship for millions, as sharp devaluations translated into soaring inflation, higher living costs, and reduced investor confidence. An end-of-year assessment shows that the South Sudanese pound and the Ethiopian birr emerged as Africa’s weakest currencies, each losing more than 10% of their value against the US dollar, underscoring persistent structural and macroeconomic vulnerabilities across the continent. South Sudan’s currency collapse was largely driven by its heavy dependence on crude oil, which accounts for over 90% of foreign exchange earnings. Disruptions to oil exports following conflict in neighbouring Sudan severely reduced dollar inflows, triggering a steep depreciation of the pound. The fallout was devastating, with inflation surging to nearly 108% by September 2025, eroding purchasing power and worsening poverty. Ethiopia’s birr also suffered a brutal year, ranking among the world’s weakest currencies alongside the Argentine peso and Turkish lira. Dollar shortages, high inflation, mounting debt pressures, and investor anxiety combined to push the birr down by over 15%, complicating economic stabilisation efforts and debt restructuring plans. Across Africa, weak and volatile currencies continue to deter both foreign and local investment, as exchange-rate instability makes long-term business planning nearly impossible. Economies with limited export diversification, persistent inflation, and political or fiscal instability remain the most exposed to global shocks. Notably, Nigeria’s naira was absent from Africa’s bottom 10 weakest currencies in 2025, despite its own struggles and ending the year around ₦1,445 to the dollar. Analysts say this highlights that currency strength is not determined by central bank policy alone but reflects deeper economic resilience, diversification, and stability. As Africa moves into 2026, the performance of its currencies remains a key signal of broader economic health across the continent.

NIGERIA SEEKS FINANCING SUPPORT FROM EU INVESTMENT BANK FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS Nigeria is engaging the European Union Investment Bank and other donor agencies to mobilise funding that will accelerate investment in energy solutions for improved electricity supply in the Country Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi leads the engagement on behalf of Nigeria with representatives of the European Union, European Investment Bank, GIZ, the International Energy Agency and Sustainable Energy for all, SEforALL on the sideline of African Energy Efficiency Conference in Ethiopia The engagement explores areas of partnerships, financing models and policy frameworks with far reaching commitment by partners to expand investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria. During the Conference, DG of Energy Commission of Nigeria highlights Federal Government commitment to catalyse investment in energy so as to stimulate economic growth and strengthen climate resilience through energy efficiency Dr. Abdullahi emphasises Nigeria's strategic position and commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions for Africa's future.

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session. According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic. Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation. The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice. The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence. “These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

IMF excludes Nigeria from list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, calls for deeper reforms. Nigeria has been left out of the International Monetary Fund’s latest list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, sparking fresh discussions about the country’s sluggish growth and persistent structural challenges. In its newly released Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF highlighted countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda as the continent’s top performers, projecting regional growth to stabilize around 4.1 percent in 2025. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria failed to make the list, reflecting what analysts describe as a combination of weak reforms, high inflation, and over-dependence on oil revenues. The IMF also warned that many African nations, including Nigeria, face growing fiscal pressures as governments turn to domestic banks for financing amid limited external funding opportunities. According to the report, these fiscal and monetary imbalances, along with rising inflation and exchange-rate instability, continue to dampen Nigeria’s growth outlook. The Fund advised countries in the region to adopt sound fiscal policies, strengthen revenue mobilization, and diversify their economies to cushion against global shocks. Experts say Nigeria’s omission underscores the urgent need for deeper reforms in public finance, infrastructure, and governance. While some progress has been made under ongoing policy adjustments, the IMF’s findings suggest the country still lags behind peers that have successfully implemented aggressive economic diversification and investment-friendly strategies.

NDLEA Nabs Lagos, Onitsha Boutique Owner With 127 Wraps of Cocaine Hidden in Stomach and Underwear. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle 127 wraps of cocaine into Nigeria. Ejiofor, who reportedly owns boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was intercepted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight. According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence. A body scan revealed that he had ingested several pellets of cocaine and concealed more inside his underwear. “Ejiofor was immediately taken into custody after the scan confirmed he had ingested the drugs. A total of 58 wraps were recovered from his underwear, while another 69 pellets were later excreted in seven rounds, bringing the total to 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms,” the statement said. In related operations, NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted three shipments of illicit drugs bound for the United Kingdom between October 9 and 10. The seizures included 1.74 kg of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramic blocks, 114 grams of pentazocine, 168 grams of tramadol injections, and 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C containers. The agency also foiled attempts by other drug syndicates to smuggle 2.6 kg of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol disguised as black soap heading to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in women’s handbags destined for Australia, and 568 grams of “Loyd” cannabis concealed in herbal containers en route to the United Arab Emirates. NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking networks across Nigeria and beyond.

U.S. Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ghana After Deportee Agreement; restores eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas. The United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghana, restoring eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas and enhanced consular services. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a post on X after meetings with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The decision follows months of diplomatic engagement and comes after Ghana agreed to accept West African deportees transferred by the U.S. from Nigeria and other countries. President John Mahama had earlier explained that Ghana’s move was consistent with ECOWAS free-movement rules, which allow citizens of West African states to enter Ghana without visas. The visa restrictions were first imposed in July as part of a broader U.S. review affecting Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ethiopia. The measures had cut down visa validity periods and limited entries, creating difficulties for travelers, students and businesspeople. By agreeing to take in deportees and engaging Washington diplomatically, Ghana has secured a reversal of the restrictions. Ablakwa described the development as “a big win for Ghana” and a reflection of improving relations between both countries.

NDLEA Nabs Two Businessmen Returning From Brazil With 116 Wraps of Illicit Drugs in Lagos. Two Brazil returnees, Ofoma Sunday and Ukachukwu Frank Ikechukwu, have excreted a total of 116 wraps of heroin and cocaine after days in observatory custody following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. This was disclosed in a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Ofoma, 46, was arrested on Tuesday 16th September on arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Ethiopian Airlines. A body scan confirmed he ingested illicit drugs.  He had travelled on 3rd September to courier the consignment for a promised $2,500. A follow-up raid at Eliata Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, led to the arrest of 55-year-old Nweke Jude Chuckwudi, designated to recover the drugs. Ofoma eventually excreted 111 wraps of heroin weighing 1.452kg in eight batches. Similarly, Ukachukwu was arrested during inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Brazil via Addis Ababa on Friday 19th September.  A scan showed dr¥g insertion, and under observation, he excreted five large wraps of cocaine weighing 145 grams. In his statement, Ukachukwu confessed: “I bought nine wraps of cocaine in Brazil and inserted them into my anus. The process took me nearly two hours. During transit in Addis Ababa, I felt severe anal pain and removed all the wraps. In a rush to catch my connecting flight, I could only reinsert seven and flushed two. On the flight to Lagos, I felt pressed and expelled two more in the lavatory, leaving five inside me.” He further revealed he had been in the clothing business before moving to Brazil in 2017, later relocating to the U.S., where he was arrested for immigration offences and deported in 2022. In March 2025, he returned to Brazil after securing a residence permit.

Abuja dispatch rider arrested with cocaine, loud. NDLEA Seizes N3.99bn Drugs, Arrests 34 Suspects Across Eight States The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has confirmed the arrest of 34 suspects across Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Abuja, Oyo, Edo, Yobe, and Anambra States during operations between September 7 and 11, 2025. The agency retrieved a total of N3.99bn worth of drugs and intercepted large quantities including over 2.6 million tramadol pills, 6,029 bottles of skuchies, 4,232kg of cannabis, 196 litres of Akuskura, 17kg of skunk, 13.9kg of methamphetamine, and several other psychoactive substances. The report, released on Sunday and signed by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed that no fewer than 2.6 million pills were recovered during the operations. According to the NDLEA, traffickers employed multiple smuggling models, including concealment in multi-vitamin cartons, vehicle spare parts, food items, picture frames, and courier packages, as well as trafficking via passengers at airports and motorcycles across borders. On Thursday, September 11, NDLEA officers swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers attempting to move 2.5 million tramadol pills disguised as multi-vitamins from the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The consignment, worth ₦3.99 billion, had arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Delhi, India, on Monday, September 8. A follow-up operation on Friday, September 12, led to the arrest of the Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, believed to be the consignee, alongside three Nigerian accomplices: Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode, and Bakare Korede Muheeb.

NDLEA Arrests Suspected Drug Kingpin, Five Others Over Kano Pilgrims’ Detention In Saudi Arabia The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug kingpin and five members of his syndicate accused of planting narcotics in the luggage of innocent pilgrims who flew out of Kano to Saudi Arabia earlier this month. The syndicate, led by 55-year-old Mohammed Abubakar alias Bello Karama, allegedly smuggled illicit substances onto Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which departed Kano on August 6 for Jeddah via Addis Ababa. Their actions reportedly led to the detention of three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia — including a 39-year-old mother of five, Maryam Hussaini, Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq — all still being held on drug trafficking charges. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, investigations showed the pilgrims checked in only one personal bag each, but members of the syndicate, working with Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) staff, illegally tagged six additional bags in their names, three of which contained drugs. Karama allegedly travelled separately on Egypt Air while accomplices checked in the narcotics. Other suspects named include Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Olalekan, Celestina Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, all of whom reportedly confessed, with payment trails traced to them. NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) is expected to meet with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) during an upcoming international drug conference to push for the release of the innocent detainees. “The evidence clearly shows these Nigerians are victims of a criminal conspiracy, not traffickers. We will pursue this matter until justice is done,” Babafemi said. The case has reignited concerns over airport baggage security, with fresh measures promised at Kano airport. Families of the detained pilgrims have also urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts. “She went to Saudi Arabia to worship God. Instead, she is in prison for a crime others committed. Now that the truth is out, Nigeria must bring her back,” said Maryam’s husband, Abdullahi Baffa. #NDLEA #DrugTrafficking #Kano #SaudiArabia

NDLEA arrests drug kingpin, 5 others over three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, alias Bello Karama, and five members of his syndicate over the arrest of three Nigerians currently detained in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking. The agency said the suspects, who operated at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Kano, checked in bags containing illicit substances in the names of three unsuspecting pilgrims travelling to Jeddah for lesser hajj on August 6, 2025. The NDLEA disclosed this on Monday at a press conference in Abuja addressed by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, alongside the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, and the Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo. The three victims, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq, were arrested in Jeddah after arriving on Ethiopian Airline flight ET940. NDLEA investigations revealed that extra bags containing drugs were tagged to their names without their knowledge by members of the syndicate in collusion with aviation handling staff. According to Babafemi, Abubakar, who masterminded the operation, travelled to Jeddah the same day on Egypt Air, while his associates checked in seven bags under the names of the victims. One suspect, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, admitted checking in two of the bags for a fee of N100,000, while another, Jazuli Kabir, confessed to handling two others for the same amount. Six suspects are currently in NDLEA custody, with four already charged to court, including Abubakar, Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, and Yayock.

News Brief: ₦712bn Lagos Terminal Rebuild Funded by Subsidy Savings – Keyamo. The Nigerian Federal Government will spend ₦712 billion to completely rebuild Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo has confirmed. He defended the project amid public backlash, explaining it will be funded through savings from petrol subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo described the terminal—originally built over 40 years ago—as “decrepit,” citing leaking roofs, broken carousels, and poor sanitation. He said the current state could push international airlines to abandon Nigerian routes due to safety and insurance concerns. “This is not a budgetary expenditure,” Keyamo said. “It’s part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructural Funding.” The 22-month project will fully demolish and redesign the terminal, aiming to turn Lagos into a continental aviation hub on par with Ethiopia and South Africa. Keyamo also noted that the outdated airport layout has hindered local-to-international flight connections for decades. Critics argue the ₦712bn plan is ill-timed given soaring inflation and widespread hardship caused by recent economic reforms. #LagosAirport #AviationUpgrade #FestusKeyamo #NigeriaInfrastructure #TerminalRebuild

Nigerian Passport Jumps to 88th on Global Rankings — Highest in 5 Years. Nigeria’s passport has reached its highest position in five years, climbing to 88th out of 199 countries in the latest Henley Passport Index released on July 18. The ranking, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and expert analysis, places Nigeria alongside Ethiopia and Myanmar, countries it was previously grouped with when ranked 91st earlier this year. Despite the slight improvement, the Nigerian passport still only allows visa-free access to 45 countries, similar to last year when it ranked 92nd. In July 2023, Nigeria was ranked 90th but later dropped to 97th, trailing behind African nations like Burundi, Cameroon, and Liberia. The passport ranked 98th in 2022 and had dropped as low as 103rd in 2021. In the latest index, Nigeria ranked above just six African countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia—similar to last year’s standings. Seychelles maintained its position as Africa’s most powerful passport, despite slipping from 22nd to 24th globally, offering visa-free access to 156 destinations. Globally, Singapore remains the strongest passport, granting access to 193 countries, while Afghanistan continues to rank last, with visa-free access to only 25. The United States, which once topped the index in 2014, now sits at 10th place.

Operatives of the NDLEA have uncovered multiple dr¥g consignments cleverly concealed in everyday items at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos. NDLEA spokesperson revealed that 23 parcels of “loud” c@nnab+s, weighing 11.3kg, were discovered hidden inside new microwaves brought in from Thailand via Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. A suspect, Ezenwegbu Chike, was arrested in connection with the July 7 seizure. In a separate operation, the agency also intercepted shipments of c%caine disguised as female beauty products. One involved 420 grams of c%caine packed into 84 lipsticks destined for the UK More recently on July 11, NDLEA operatives seized another batch of c%caine concealed in lipsticks found among cosmetics and hair attachments heading to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. This batch weighed about 400 grams & was mixed with phen@cet+n, a known cutting agent The NDLEA says the discoveries highlight the growing use of unconventional methods to traffic n@rcotics through Nigerian airports

Some unique traditions around the world. A thread. These lip plates are worn by the Mursi people from Ethiopia.

Ex-footballer, four others arrested for drug trafficking in Lagos, Kano. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a former international football player, Segun George Hunkarin, and his associate, Ntoruka Chinedu, for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria through Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. Chinedu, a regular traveller known for importing clothes from Turkey and exporting foodstuffs from Nigeria, was arrested on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, upon arrival from Turkey via an Ethiopian Airlines flight with a stopover in Addis Ababa. A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday stated that a search of his hand luggage uncovered 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grammes, which he had reportedly collected in Ethiopia before heading to Nigeria. Further investigation led to the arrest of Hunkarin, a former professional footballer who had spent years playing in Brazil.

They All Rush To China To Borrow $20 Billion” – Obasanjo Reveals Why Nigeria, Other African Nations Are Not Developing. Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has stated that the country, like many other African nations, is hindered in its development due to its over-reliance on foreign assistance. Obasanjo, who blamed the leaders of the country for the over-reliance, said there is no way African nations can develop if they are unable to think inwardly and develop their own resources. Speaking on Friday at the 32nd Annual Meeting of Afreximbank in Abuja, Obasanjo said nations like Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa, ought to be leading the continent’s development charge given their demographic, resource, or economic strengths but all of them have fallen below expectation. While he singled out Egypt for commendable efforts, the former Nigerian leader said over the last three decades, most African nations have taken two steps forward and one step back.