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

PRESIDENT TINUBU RETURNS TO NIGERIA AFTER ABU DHABI TRIP……

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW2026) alongside key ministers. According to a statement by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates to deepen economic cooperation. The deal targets increased trade, investment, technology transfer, and collaboration in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewables. Tinubu also announced a Nigeria–UAE INVESTOPIA in Lagos this February and said Nigeria plans to mobilise up to $30bn yearly for climate and green industrial finance.
#fintternews

PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES BOARD MEMBERS FOR NMDPRA, NUPRC, SEEKS SENATE CONFIRMATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written two letters to the Senate, seeking confirmation of 21 nominees for the boards of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, indicates that in the first letter, President Tinubu nominated Senator Magnus Abe to serve as the NUPRC board chair. Abe, who represented Rivers South East in the Senate for two terms, is a former NNPC board member and current chairman of the National Agency of the Great Green Wall.

Other nominees for the NUPRC board are Engineer Paul Yaro Jezhi, a former Trade Union Congress chairman in Kaduna, and Mr Sunday Adebayo Babalola, a former deputy director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which was abolished by the PIA in 2021. Both men will serve as non-executive commissioners.

President Tinubu also nominated executive commissioners to the board.

They are: Muhammed Sabo Lamido, executive commissioner for finance; Mr Edu Inyang, executive commissioner for Exploration and Acreage; Justin Ezeala, executive commissioner for economic regulation and strategic planning; and Henry Darlington Oki, executive commissioner for Development and Production. Others are Indabawa Bashari Alka, executive commissioner for corporate services and administration; Mahmood Tijani, executive commissioner for health, safety and environment; and Ms Olayemi Adeboyejo, as secretary and legal adviser.

Former President Buhari appointed Lamido and Adeboyejo in 2022, while President Tinubu appointed Alka in 2023. Inyang, Ezeala, the former managing director of Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited, Mahmood Tijani, Babalola and Jezhi are new appointees of President Tinubu.

In his second letter to the Senate, President Tinubu nominated Mr Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, a lawyer, as chairman of the NMDPRA board. Adeniji has over 30 years of experience in energy and natural resources issues. He was a special technical adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum on upstream and gas until 2018. He was a member of the Oil & Gas Policy team at the World Bank, which advised the Government of Nigeria on the reform and restructuring of the petroleum sector, including the development of the Strategic Gas Plan for Nigeria. He is currently the managing partner at ENR Advisory.

President Tinubu also nominated Chief Kenneth Kobani and Mrs Asabe Ahmed as non-executive members. Kobani was a former minister of state for trade under President Jonathan and secretary to the government of Rivers State, under Nyesom Wike.

Also nominated for confirmation are Abiodun Adeniji, executive director of finance; Francis Ogaree, executive director of hydrocarbon; Oluwole Adama, executive director of midstream and Downstream gas infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, executive director of Corporate Services and Administration. President Tinubu appointed Adama in 2024, while late President Buhari appointed Lamorde and Adeniji in 2021 and Ogaree in 2022

Other members of the NMDPRA board, as proposed by President Tinubu, are Mr Yahaya Nasamu Yinusa, executive director, distribution systems; Adeyemi Murtala Aminu, executive director, corporate services; Ms Modie Ogechukwu, executive director, economic regulation and strategic planning; and Barrister Olawale Dawodu, as board secretary and legal adviser. Dawodu is an industry player and was, at a time, the Financial Reporting Manager at Exxon Nigerian subsidiaries.

The President urged the Senate to approve the nominees expeditiously.

The requests followed the recent appointment of chief executive officers for the two regulatory agencies. The Senate confirmed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA.

Mr President has charged all the appointees and nominees to discharge their duties and responsibilities professionally as regulators of the oil and gas sectors.

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.

Akwa Ibom and Rivers Communities Cry Out Over Oil Pollution, Poverty Despite Rich Resources

Communities in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States continue to suffer from oil pollution and poverty, despite being located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. Residents of Ibeno, Okoroitak, Iwuopom, and Ogoniland report contaminated rivers, ruined farmlands, and decaying infrastructure caused by decades of oil spills and gas flaring. Many locals, including women and youth leaders, describe loss of livelihoods, absence of healthcare, and lack of jobs. Despite the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) mandating 3% of oil revenues for host communities, locals claim they have seen no benefits. Cleanup efforts by HYPREP and companies like Shell are slow, leaving communities vulnerable and dependent on dwindling resources. Rights groups warn of corruption, mismanagement, and ongoing environmental hazards from abandoned oil operations.

#OilPollution #NigerDelta #AkwaIbom #RiversState #EnvironmentalJustice #HYPREP #SeplatEnergy #ExxonMobil #PIA #CommunityStruggle

Over 100 Delta Women Protest Seplat Energy, Demand Recognition as Host Community Under Petroleum Industry Act

Women from Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State staged a protest at Seplat Energy’s project site, demanding formal recognition as a host community under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the women accused the company of ignoring their rights, denying them jobs, and commencing pipeline operations without resolving longstanding land disputes. Protest leaders called on the Delta State government to intervene, warning that continued neglect could fuel unrest, while citing government reports affirming Abigborodo’s ownership of the disputed land. Seplat Energy was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.

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.

Court Sets December 9 for Hearing in Tonye Cole’s ₦40B Defamation Suit Against FCT Minister Wike

The FCT High Court has scheduled December 9, 2025, for the mention of Tonye Patrick Cole’s ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Channels Television. Cole, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, accuses Wike of making false and damaging statements during a September 18 broadcast, alleging financial misconduct involving state resources, Rivers State gas, and the Olympia Hotel. Represented by senior lawyer J.S. Okutepa, Cole seeks ₦40 billion in damages, ₦500 million in legal costs, a public apology, retraction of the statements, and a perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications. The defendants have been ordered to enter appearance within 21 days of receiving the writ.

JUST IN: The Madina District Court II has sentenced two Nigerian nationals to 12 months imprisonment each for attempting to acquire Ghana Cards using false identities.

The convicts, Ike Isaac, also known as Alex Kwesi Brown Appiah, 20, and Emmanuel Innocent Egbe, also known as Innocent Emmanuel Kodom, 24, were found guilty of providing false information to Ghana National Identification Authority (NIA) officials and possessing forged documents

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.

Port Harcourt Teen, Agbo Adoga, Scores Perfect 1600 on SAT — Sets New Academic Record for Nigeria.

A 17-year-old student, Agbo Adoga, from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, has reportedly achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), marking an extraordinary academic milestone that has sparked widespread admiration across Nigeria’s education community.

The SAT, administered by the U.S.-based College Board, is a globally recognized university admissions test used by top institutions in the United States and beyond. Achieving a perfect 1600 places Adoga among a very small percentage of students worldwide who reach the highest possible score.

Social media erupted with praise after news of his result surfaced online, with many Nigerians celebrating his achievement as a testament to the potential and brilliance of the country’s young scholars.

His school, Graceland International, known for producing high-performing students in national and international examinations, has yet to release an official statement but has been receiving a flood of congratulatory messages from alumni and parents.

Before this latest feat, Agbo Adoga had already gained recognition for his excellence in mathematics and science competitions, including national Olympiads and international contests, where he consistently ranked among the top performers.

Education stakeholders have described his performance as “a source of pride for Nigeria,” urging the government and private sector to provide more support and mentorship opportunities for exceptional young talents like him.

If confirmed by the College Board, Adoga’s score would place him among an elite group of global students who have achieved perfection in the SAT’s nearly century-long history.

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.

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Back Tinubu for 2027, Say South East Ready to Deliver Massive Votes

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors have declared their confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, citing his economic reforms and governance agenda as key drivers of nationwide support.

According to a Vanguard report on Monday, September 29, 2025, the group made its position known in a joint statement issued by its coordinators across the five South East states.

They argued that Tinubu’s policies are gaining popularity across Nigeria, stressing that his achievements would make his re-election “certain.”

The statement was released ahead of the President’s planned visit to the South East as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power. During the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold a meeting with leaders in Owerri, the Imo State capital, and commission projects completed by Governor Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

The South East coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors include Chief Henry Ikoh (Abia), Chief Okey Ezenwa (Anambra), Barrister Kelechi Igwe (Ebonyi), Barrister George Ogara (Enugu), and Rt. Hon. Opiah Goodluck (Imo).

They described the visit as an opportunity for the President to strengthen ties with the region and witness firsthand the growing support for his administration.

Praising Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the group said his reforms are boosting confidence among Nigerians both at home and abroad. They also lauded Governor Uzodinma’s developmental strides, saying they reflect the President’s vision for progress.

The group pledged total support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, assuring that the South East is prepared to vote “massively” for him in 2027. They argued that doing so would help the region secure a fairer share of national resources and infrastructure.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a landslide victory in the 2027 presidential election. The South East wants to vote massively for him to ensure equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure. This is a cause to which we are totally committed, and we will continue to work hard under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma to guarantee victory not only in the South East but across the country,” the statement concluded.

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.