• Iran’s president says the country will continue resisting until its opponents are brought to “complete regret”.
• Pezeshkian says Iran remains opposed to war and wants security in West Asia.
• His statement comes as uncertainty surrounds negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Main Story
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed that Iran will maintain its resistance against what he described as aggression, despite the country’s stated opposition to war.
Pezeshkian made the statement in a post on X, saying Iran’s position remained focused on protecting its people and promoting security in the West Asia region.
He said Iran had defended itself against aggression and would continue doing so until the “aggressors” were brought to complete regret.
The president also reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of the Iranian people.
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed uncertainty over efforts to end the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.
Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities on Feb. 28, after which Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US bases and assets in the region.
Iran also tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict.
On June 18, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war and agreed to hold negotiations within 60 days towards a final agreement.
The 60 day period ended on Aug. 17, but the outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain following renewed escalation between the two countries.
The Issues
Pezeshkian’s comments underline Iran’s position that resistance to attacks will continue even as it maintains that it does not seek war.
The unresolved negotiations have also left the proposed framework for ending the conflict uncertain following the latest escalation.
What’s Being Said
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been opposed to war and considered the preservation of the people’s interests and ensuring the (West Asia) region’s security to lie in refraining from warmongering,” – Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President
“However, just as it has courageously risen to defend against aggression up to this day, Iran will continue this resistance with strength until the aggressors are brought to complete regret.” – Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President
“We will remain the guardian of the rights of the great Iranian people.” – Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President
What’s Next
The fate of the US Iran negotiations remains unclear following the renewed escalation between the two countries.
Bottom Line
Pezeshkian says Iran will continue resisting aggression while maintaining its opposition to war. His remarks come as uncertainty surrounds negotiations intended to produce a final agreement between Tehran and Washington.
• Houthi attacks on four Saudi cities injured 73 people and set oil facilities ablaze.
• US forces struck Iranian tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
• Iran threatened attacks on oil tankers at Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports.
Main Story
Yemen’s Iran backed Houthis launched attacks on four cities in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, injuring 73 people and setting several oil facilities on fire as the Middle East conflict widened.
The Houthis, who control much of Yemen’s populated territory, including the capital, said they carried out a broad operation inside Saudi territory using drones and missiles.
The attacks targeted a Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait and assets belonging to state oil company facilities in Abha, Najran and Jazan.
Satellite images from NASA showed a large cloud of black smoke over the Jazan refinery and white smoke rising from an oil distribution facility in Abha.
Saudi authorities confirmed fires at the affected sites and said women and children were among those injured.
The scale of the reported casualties indicated that the attacks could rank among the largest against Saudi Arabia since the United States and Israel began their war against Iran in February.
There were no independently confirmed ground images from the affected Saudi cities, while witnesses could not be reached for comment.
The attacks came as the United States resumed strikes on Iran after a two day pause.
A US official said American forces attacked several Iranian tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps following Iranian attempts to target a US Navy warship.
Iranian media reported attacks on two oil tankers. Tasnim news agency said a US missile struck an Iranian tanker about 6 km from Kharg Island, while Iranian state television reported another attack on an oil tanker near Jask in the Gulf of Oman.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps subsequently threatened to target oil tankers at ports in Kuwait and Bahrain and warned crews at the facilities to evacuate.
The Issues
The attacks have expanded the conflict beyond direct US and Iranian military action, with Saudi Arabia and regional oil infrastructure increasingly exposed to attacks.
The targeting of oil facilities and tankers also raises concerns over disruption to energy infrastructure and shipping routes in the Gulf.
What’s Being Said
“We launched a broad operation deep into Saudi territory.” – Yemen’s Houthis
“The IRGC threatened to target oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports in response.” – Iranian state media
What’s Next
The United States has resumed military strikes against Iran, while the Houthis have indicated that attacks on Saudi targets will continue as part of their broader operation.
Iran has also threatened further action against oil tankers at Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports.
Bottom Line
Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia have widened the regional conflict, hitting oil related facilities and injuring 73 people. The escalation coincides with renewed US strikes on Iran and Iranian threats against Gulf shipping.
• Republican candidates are increasingly making Islam and Muslim identity part of campaign debates.
• Critics accuse Republicans of using fear and religious stereotypes for political gain.
• Muslim Americans now number about 5.5 million, representing 1.6 per cent of the US population.
Main Story
Islam and the political role of Muslim Americans are becoming increasingly prominent in US election campaigning as candidates prepare for the November 3 midterm elections.
Republican politicians in several states have targeted Muslim figures and developments linked to Islam, citing concerns about terrorism, security and the role of religion in public life.
In Michigan, Republican Vice President JD Vance described Abdul El Sayed, a Muslim Democrat seeking a US Senate seat, as “very, very evil”. Vance’s criticism followed comments El Sayed made after a March attack in which a man drove a vehicle into a suburban Detroit synagogue while children were inside.
El Sayed condemned the attack but said the assailant’s actions should also be viewed against the killing of some of his relatives in Lebanon in an Israeli airstrike. He later said his comments had been misunderstood and apologised.
In Texas, Republican Governor Greg Abbott has challenged a proposed Muslim led development and called for an investigation into alleged efforts to establish what he described as sharia courts. The developers and civil rights organisations have disputed the claims.
Abbott has also called for a federal investigation into Islamic ritual washing facilities at two Texas airports, arguing that government owned airports should not favour one religion. Houston Mayor John Whitmire rejected the suggestion, saying the facilities were available to travellers, employees and other stakeholders regardless of faith.
In Alabama, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor, warned that “the enemy is inside the gates” while referring to what he described as radical Islam.
The comments come as Republicans face voter concerns over the cost of living, the war involving Israel and Iran and President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Trump’s approval rating is also around 33 per cent, raising questions about the effect of his standing on Republican candidates in the midterms.
Muslim Americans have become a larger political constituency in recent years. Their population has increased from about 2.4 million in 2007 to an estimated 5.5 million, representing about 1.6 per cent of the US population.
Their political representation has also expanded. Several Muslims have been elected to the US House of Representatives, while New York City elected its first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, last year. In Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi became the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office after winning the lieutenant governor’s race.
El Sayed could become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
The focus on Islam has also reached the House of Representatives. Republican Representatives Keith Self and Chip Roy of Texas have established a “Sharia Free America Caucus”, while Republican Representative Randy Fine of Florida has introduced legislation targeting what he describes as the rise of sharia law.
The rhetoric has not been confined to Republicans. Ashik Siddique, co chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, said Democrats had also contributed to anti Islamic rhetoric.
He cited comments by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo during his unsuccessful campaign for mayor of New York City, when Cuomo raised questions about Mamdani in relation to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The debate has therefore extended beyond questions of national security to wider arguments over religion, immigration, foreign policy and the place of Muslim Americans in US political life.
The Issues
The growing focus on Islam comes as Muslim Americans become more politically visible and as debates over Israel, Iran, immigration and national security remain important to voters.
Critics argue that linking Muslim candidates and communities broadly with terrorism or sharia law risks portraying an entire religious group through the actions or views of individuals.
Republicans involved in the disputes say their positions concern security and alleged conduct rather than opposition to Islam or Muslim beliefs.
What’s Being Said
“If you can wrap yourself in the flag and you can criticize Muslims and Islam, that means you don’t really have to deal with the issues,” – Aaron Hughes, University of Rochester religious studies professor
“Unfortunately, sometimes Democrats in leadership have also fed into this anti-Islamic rhetoric,” – Ashik Siddique, co chair of the Democratic Socialists of America
“If you hate America so much, go live in Egypt.” – Tommy Tuberville, Republican Senator
What’s Next
The issue is expected to remain part of political campaigning ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
Bottom Line
Muslim identity and Islam are becoming more visible issues in US election campaigning as Republicans increasingly raise questions about security, extremism and religion. The debate is unfolding alongside growing Muslim political representation and criticism that campaign rhetoric is unfairly targeting the community.
• Police fired tear gas as protesters demonstrated over prolonged electricity shortages.
• Demonstrators burned tyres and erected barricades in parts of Banjul and other locations.
• President Adama Barrow promised new generators and additional generation capacity to address the crisis.
Main Story
Protests have erupted across The Gambia over prolonged electricity shortages, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators in and around the capital, Banjul.
Residents and a Reuters witness said protesters gathered overnight at several locations, including near President Adama Barrow’s official residence.
Demonstrators burned tyres, blocked roads and shouted “Barrow must go!” as frustration over electricity outages intensified.
Residents in some areas have reported blackouts lasting up to 48 hours, adding pressure on the government ahead of a presidential election expected in December, in which Barrow is seeking a third term.
The protests also spread beyond the capital. In Farato, demonstrators gathered outside the residence of Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow and destroyed banners at an office belonging to the ruling National People’s Party.
Barrow acknowledged the hardship caused by the outages in a televised address on Tuesday.
He said electricity demand had reached record levels, while failures at major generating units and seasonal reductions in hydropower production had worsened the situation.
Information Minister Ismaila Ceesay described the protests as “deeply disconcerting” and apologised to people affected by the electricity shortages.
He said the government recognised the frustration and hardship caused by the outages and was working to restore a reliable electricity supply.
Barrow, who visited facilities operated by the National Water and Electricity Company Ltd, NAWEC, on Tuesday, said new generators would arrive during the week and that electricity supply would be restored by the end of October.
He also said the government was completing the installation of an additional 24 megawatt generation machine and had awarded a contract for a 50 megawatt solar power plant.
NAWEC had earlier attributed the power crisis to an unexpected increase in electricity demand during the peak period, which it linked to high temperatures.
The utility also reported a technical incident involving one of its major power generating units and warned that load shedding would affect several parts of the country.
Ousainu Jammeh, a resident of Westfield in Banjul, said the outages had caused widespread frustration among residents.
He said he joined the protesters after tear gas entered his home.
The demonstrations had subsided by the early morning, after which Jammeh joined other young men who helped extinguish fires and remove barricades from the streets.
Traffic in Banjul had returned to normal by Tuesday morning.
The Issues
The electricity crisis has become a source of public frustration, with residents reporting prolonged outages during a period of high temperatures.
The situation also places pressure on the government ahead of the December presidential election, while failures at major generating units and increased demand have complicated efforts to maintain supply.
What’s Being Said
“I know that the fans have stopped turning, children work in the dark, mothers throw away stale food, and the heat is unbearable by day and by night,” – President Adama Barrow
“As a government, we recognise the frustration, anger and hardship that many Gambians are experiencing,” – Ismaila Ceesay, Gambia’s Information Minister
“There is no light everywhere. There is no light. People have been crying about electricity,” – Ousainu Jammeh, Banjul resident
What’s Next
Barrow said new generators would arrive this week, while the government expects to restore electricity supply by the end of October.
The government is also completing an additional 24 megawatt generation machine and has awarded a contract for a 50 megawatt solar power plant.
Bottom Line
Prolonged electricity shortages have triggered protests across The Gambia, increasing pressure on President Barrow’s government ahead of the presidential election. The government says additional generation capacity and new generators will help restore supply.
• China urges journalists from developing countries to report its development from diverse perspectives.
• About 100 journalists from 100 countries are taking part in a four month training programme in Beijing.
• Nigeria’s Mark Longyen calls for stronger African reporting on China and greater professional exchanges.
Main Story
China has called on journalists from the Global South to strengthen cross border reporting and provide their audiences with independent accounts of China and developments across developing countries.
The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Hong Lei, made the call on Tuesday at the opening of a four month training programme for journalists in Beijing.
About 100 journalists from 100 countries are participating in the programme, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association and the China International Press Communication Centre.
Hong said the centre, established in 2014, was created to help journalists from Global South countries gain a deeper understanding of China and strengthen exchanges between the country and international media.
He urged participants to examine China’s development closely and report on it from diverse perspectives, while also highlighting development experiences and cooperation among countries of the Global South.
Hong said China remained committed to working with developing countries to promote common development and address shared challenges.
He cited China’s development since the start of its Reform and Opening up policy, including the expansion of its highway and high speed rail networks and the lifting of about 800 million people out of poverty.
He also said China had made advances in healthcare, infrastructure, 5G, aerospace technology and artificial intelligence.
Tong Xiaoling, Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, said international media engagement could help reduce stereotypes and improve understanding between countries.
She said journalists needed opportunities to observe developments directly and bring different perspectives into international reporting.
Prof Zhang Donggang, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee at Renmin University, said the institution had hosted the programme since 2014 and trained more than 700 media professionals from more than 100 countries.
He urged the participants to document China from international perspectives and contribute to greater understanding among different societies.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr Mark Longyen, Editor at the News Agency of Nigeria and Nigeria’s representative, said the journalists were in China to examine its development achievements and challenges first hand.
Longyen highlighted the growing importance of China Africa relations, particularly in economic, technological and diplomatic areas.
He urged journalists from the Global South to play a greater role in shaping international narratives through reporting based on observation, investigation and verification.
The Issues
The programme places emphasis on increasing direct engagement between Chinese institutions and journalists from developing countries.
For participating journalists, the central challenge is to report on China and Global South cooperation while maintaining professional independence, verification and critical scrutiny.
The programme also reflects the growing importance of media exchanges in shaping public understanding of relations between China, Africa and other developing regions.
What’s Being Said
“I hope you will gain an intimate understanding of China’s history and dynamism, and present to the world a true, multidimensional and panoramic picture of China through objective coverage and diverse perspectives.” – Mr Hong Lei, China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Stereotypes ought to be replaced by on the ground observations.” – Ms Tong Xiaoling, Vice President, China Public Diplomacy Association
“As journalists, our job is not to repeat what we are told, but to observe, investigate, verify, and tell stories that help our audiences make sense of a changing world.” – Mr Mark Longyen, NAN Editor
What’s Next
The participating journalists will undergo the four month training programme in Beijing, with the programme continuing to provide opportunities for media exchanges between China and Global South countries.
Bottom Line
China is seeking deeper media engagement with journalists from the Global South as it promotes greater understanding of its development and South South cooperation. Nigerian journalist Mark Longyen also called for stronger African reporting on China based on independent observation and verification.
• The Nollywood film has earned N75 million at the box office.
• It has remained the highest grossing Nollywood film for three consecutive weekends.
• FilmOne says the movie is the highest grossing Igbo language title of all time.
Main Story
Nollywood film Ikenga: The Last Festival has generated N75 million at the box office, maintaining its position as the highest grossing Nollywood film for three consecutive weekends.
FilmOne Entertainment, the distributor of the movie, announced the milestone on its Instagram page, saying the film’s earnings were continuing to rise.
The distributor attributed the performance to audience support and thanked moviegoers who bought tickets and attended screenings.
FilmOne also said Ikenga: The Last Festival had become the highest grossing Igbo language title of all time.
The film is a Nollywood production centred on Igbo culture and heritage and features a cast of Nigerian actors.
Its box office performance adds to the commercial success of indigenous language productions in Nigeria, while demonstrating continued audience demand for locally produced stories rooted in Nigerian culture.
The Issues
The film’s performance highlights the commercial potential of indigenous language productions within Nigeria’s cinema market.
Its success also reflects audience interest in films that present Nigerian cultural heritage and identity through local storytelling.
What’s Being Said
“N75 million and counting! A massive thank you to everyone who has shown up, bought a ticket, brought a friend, and made Ikenga the phenomenon it is,” – FilmOne Entertainment
What’s Next
Ikenga: The Last Festival will continue its cinema run as the film builds on its box office performance.
Bottom Line
Ikenga: The Last Festival has reached N75 million and held the top position among Nollywood films for three consecutive weekends. FilmOne also says it is the highest grossing Igbo language title of all time.
• The Hollywood thriller has generated N42 million at the West African box office.
• FilmOne Entertainment announced the latest earnings and thanked audiences for their support.
• The movie remains in cinemas nationwide.
Main Story
Hollywood thriller The End of Oak Street has earned N42 million at the West African box office following its release in cinemas.
FilmOne Entertainment, the movie’s distributor, announced the latest box office figure on its Instagram page, attributing the performance to continued audience support across the region.
The distributor thanked moviegoers for turning out to see the film and encouraged more audiences to watch the thriller in cinemas.
FilmOne said the movie was still showing in cinemas nationwide and urged interested viewers to purchase tickets.
The Issues
The N42 million earnings indicate continued audience demand for The End of Oak Street since its cinema release.
The film’s continued screening also gives it an opportunity to build on its box office performance as more moviegoers see it.
What’s Being Said
“A N42 million naira mystery. Thank you West Africa for showing up to see The End of Oak Street.” – FilmOne Entertainment
“Experience thrill like never before.” – FilmOne Entertainment
What’s Next
The End of Oak Street will continue screening in cinemas nationwide.
Bottom Line
The End of Oak Street has reached N42 million at the West African box office and remains in cinemas across the country.
• Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats over activities it said breached diplomatic rules.
• Russia warned that Hungary would face a painful retaliation.
• Budapest said the expulsion would not end diplomatic relations with Moscow.
Main Story
Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats, accusing them of engaging in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban announced the decision on Tuesday, saying the diplomats had carried out activities in the country that were unacceptable under the Vienna Convention.
The move marks a shift in Hungary’s recent approach to Russia. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Hungary had not publicly expelled Russian diplomats, despite several other European countries taking similar action.
The expelled diplomats had also not been publicly sent home by Hungary since 2018.
The Hungarian government said the decision was not intended to sever relations with Russia, adding that it would maintain dialogue with Moscow where necessary.
The expulsion comes as Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s centre right government seeks to reinforce Hungary’s ties with the European Union and NATO and restore confidence affected by the policies of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
During his 16 years in office, Viktor Orban maintained close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Hungary continued purchasing Russian oil and gas under his government, opposed some European Union sanctions against Russia and blocked a 90 billion euro EU loan for Ukraine.
In a parliamentary hearing in May, Viktor Orban said Russia would remain a partner but argued that Hungary’s relationship with Moscow should not be based on one sided dependency.
The Hungarian foreign minister also said Russia’s policies presented a security challenge to both Hungary and Europe.
Russia has responded to the expulsions by threatening retaliation. Its Foreign Ministry said Moscow’s response would be painful for Hungary, according to local media reports.
The Issues
The expulsions signal a tougher position by Hungary towards Russian diplomatic activity while Budapest maintains that it does not intend to break diplomatic relations.
The decision also comes as the new Hungarian government seeks to reaffirm the country’s membership of the EU and NATO and distance its foreign policy from the approach associated with Viktor Orban.
What’s Being Said
“were engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention,” – Anita Orban, Hungarian Foreign Minister
“This decision does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue,” – Anita Orban, Hungarian Foreign Minister
“remain a partner” – Viktor Orban, former Hungary prime minister
What’s Next
Russia has said it will retaliate against Hungary following the expulsion of the 10 diplomats.
Bottom Line
Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats while maintaining that diplomatic relations with Moscow will continue. The move reflects a tougher stance by the new government towards Russia’s activities and security policies.
• Utsev wants water engineers to use technology to improve resource management.
• Experts say infrastructure alone cannot guarantee Nigeria’s water security.
• NIWE calls for stronger governance, investment and professional leadership.
Main Story
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called on Nigerian water engineers to develop practical solutions to the country’s water challenges through innovation, improved governance and sustainable resource management.
Utsev made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 9th International Water Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, NIWE.
The conference, themed “Effective Water Governance and Security: Innovating for a Resilient Future,” focused on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to manage its water resources in the face of growing pressures.
Represented by the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations, Mr Ali Dallah, the minister identified climate change, rapid urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure and transboundary water management as major challenges facing the sector.
He said engineers needed to apply emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, remote sensing and real time monitoring, alongside improved hydrological, hydrogeological and data management systems.
Utsev also called for closer cooperation between government agencies, professional bodies, universities, private businesses, development partners and local communities.
He said water sector challenges could not be addressed by a single institution and urged engineers to focus on solutions that could be implemented at scale and sustained over time.
The minister also urged participants to examine financing options for water projects, public private partnerships, climate resilient infrastructure, digital water management, dam safety, irrigation, sanitation and professional capacity development.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, said achieving water security would require stronger institutions, evidence based policies, integrated planning, responsible management of resources and wider use of technology.
Rabiu said engineers remained central to the development of dams, treatment plants, irrigation systems, drainage networks and other infrastructure required for water security.
He, however, called for greater cooperation between engineers and government institutions, academic institutions, private sector organisations and international development agencies.
The Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Dr Abdulmumuni Aminu Zaria, said recurring water problems and climate related impacts exposed weaknesses in the management of the country’s water resources.
Represented by the Director of Catchment Management and Water Utilisation, Sakinatu Jimeta, Aminu Zaria said infrastructure development must be supported by effective institutions, transparent resource allocation, reliable data and political commitment.
He called for innovative financing, including blended public and private investment, infrastructure bonds and climate adaptation funds, to address the country’s water infrastructure deficit.
The National Chairman of NIWE, Joshua Sanga, said the conference was intended to examine the challenges confronting the sector and identify ways to strengthen its resilience.
He listed inadequate access to safe water, sanitation deficits, flooding, drought, groundwater depletion, climate variability, ageing infrastructure and growing pressure on water resources among the sector’s challenges.
Sanga said water engineers had responsibilities beyond designing and constructing infrastructure, including contributing to the planning, protection and sustainable management of the country’s water resources.
The Issues
Nigeria’s water security challenge extends beyond the availability of physical infrastructure.
The speakers identified governance, financing, data, regulation, professional capacity and coordination among stakeholders as necessary components of effective water resource management.
Technology was also highlighted as a means of improving planning, monitoring and decision making across the sector.
What’s Being Said
“This is where innovation, technology and professional expertise become indispensable. The engineering profession, and NIWE in particular, has a critical role to play.” – Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
“Water security will not be achieved through infrastructure alone. Sound engineering must be complemented by institutional mandates, transparent allocation rules, data and political will.” – Dr Abdulmumuni Aminu Zaria, Executive Director, NIWRMC
“Our responsibility goes beyond designing and constructing infrastructure; we must contribute to the planning, management, protection and sustainable utilisation of our water resources.” – Joshua Sanga, National Chairman, NIWE
What’s Next
NIWE and other stakeholders are expected to use the conference to advance discussions on water governance, financing, technology, infrastructure development and professional capacity building.
Bottom Line
Nigeria’s water sector requires more than infrastructure investment. The conference placed innovation, effective governance, reliable data and collaboration at the centre of efforts to improve water security.
• Fadama CARES will work with AFAN on agricultural inputs and other interventions.
• The partnership aims to improve farmers’ participation and ensure projects reach rural communities.
• AFAN says it will mobilise farmers and support climate smart agriculture initiatives.
Main Story
The Kwara State Fadama Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme has begun discussions with the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria on how to improve farmers’ access to agricultural interventions.
The State Project Coordinator, Dr Busari Isiaka, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ilorin when he received the newly inaugurated state executive of AFAN.
Isiaka said the programme would maintain an open working relationship with the association, particularly in mobilising farmers and creating awareness about Fadama CARES activities.
He said closer engagement with organised farmers would help the programme understand beneficiaries’ needs and improve participation in agricultural development initiatives.
The coordinator also called on the new AFAN leadership to strengthen unity among farmers and cooperate with other agricultural groups in the state, including the State Federated Fadama Community Association.
He urged the association to mobilise its members for the next distribution of agricultural inputs and assets.
Isiaka also acknowledged the state government’s investment in agriculture, including its recent distribution of inputs and assets to farmers.
AFAN State Treasurer, Mr Funsho Afolayan, said the association’s membership cuts across 28 commodity groups, including arable crops, livestock, tree crops and trade crops.
According to him, AFAN’s structures extend from the national level to wards, giving it a network through which farmers can be reached.
Afolayan said the association was prepared to use that structure to work with Fadama CARES and improve the delivery of agricultural benefits to rural farmers.
He added that AFAN also serves as a link between farmers and government, contributes to agricultural policy discussions and supports training in climate smart farming practices.
The Issues
The proposed collaboration is focused on improving the delivery of agricultural interventions to farmers, particularly at the grassroots.
AFAN’s structure across commodity groups and administrative levels provides a channel for farmer mobilisation, while Fadama CARES has committed to engaging the association on project activities and beneficiary sensitisation.
What’s Being Said
“Farmers are a major factor in the success of agricultural development programmes.” – Dr Busari Isiaka, Kwara Fadama CARES State Project Coordinator
“Effective collaboration with farmers’ associations will enhance participation and ensure interventions are more responsive to beneficiaries’ needs,” he said. – Dr Busari Isiaka, Kwara Fadama CARES State Project Coordinator
What’s Next
Fadama CARES will engage AFAN on farmer mobilisation and sensitisation ahead of project activities, including the forthcoming distribution exercise.
Bottom Line
Kwara Fadama CARES plans to work with AFAN to improve farmer participation and the delivery of agricultural interventions to rural beneficiaries.
Google says students should use AI to develop critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills.
Only 17 per cent of teachers surveyed feel adequately trained to use AI effectively in classrooms.
Google says an eight week trial in Sierra Leone produced mathematics gains equivalent to 1.8 to 2.5 years of typical academic progress.
Main Story
Google has warned students against using artificial intelligence (AI) as a shortcut to learning, saying the technology should strengthen critical thinking, creativity and problem solving rather than replace the effort required to acquire knowledge.
Google Vice President and General Manager, Education, Chris Phillips, gave the warning during a virtual roundtable on the company’s new AI powered learning tools for students and teachers.
Phillips said AI was reshaping education, but teachers should remain at the centre of the learning process.
He cited a global study conducted by Google with Ipsos which found that learning had become the leading reason people use AI.
According to him, 86 per cent of teachers want to use AI in their classrooms, but only 17 per cent believe they have adequate training to use the technology effectively.
Phillips said Google was addressing the training gap through its free Google Educator Series, which provides short practical courses designed to help teachers build confidence and skills in using AI.
He added that AI tools were already helping educators save up to 10 hours each week on administrative work, allowing them to spend more time engaging with students.
Google is also expanding teacher led AI features in Google Classroom to help educators create assignments, guide students and monitor their progress.
Phillips said AI should assist teachers rather than replace them, arguing that its use in education should strengthen the relationship between teachers and students.
Google Head of Learning Science, Julia Wilcowski, said effective learning required students to actively engage with content, recall information, practise, reflect and apply what they had learnt.
She said Google was therefore designing its education tools around learning science principles, with the aim of helping students discover solutions instead of simply receiving answers.
Wilcowski cited an eight week trial in Sierra Leone in which teachers incorporated Google’s guided learning tool into mathematics lessons. She said students recorded improvements equivalent to between 1.8 and 2.5 years of typical academic progress.
She also said teachers in Italy who used Gemini to generate learning materials recorded improved learning outcomes, with more than 80 per cent of students demonstrating the skills targeted in their lessons.
However, Wilcowski stressed the importance of fact checking and critical thinking because AI systems can produce inaccurate information, commonly referred to as hallucinations.
Google Director of Gemini for Education, Marta McAlister, said the company was introducing new learning features in Gemini and Search to help students organise their studies and learn at their own pace.
She said students would be able to upload syllabuses, lecture notes and study guides into Gemini to create personalised study notebooks, diagnostic quizzes, short lessons and progress tracking.
The tools will also offer interactive quizzes, visualisations, voice based learning and step by step assistance with complex problems.
McAlister said Google Lens would soon allow students to use their phone cameras to analyse difficult diagrams and mathematics problems, identify mistakes and receive step by step guidance.
She added that Google was offering Google AI Plus free for 12 months to eligible students aged 18 and above in more than 140 countries, including countries in Africa.
The offer provides access to advanced AI learning tools, unlimited file uploads and 400GB of storage.
The Issues
The growing use of AI in education raises concerns about students relying on generated answers without developing the skills needed to understand, evaluate and apply information independently.
Google’s figures also point to a training gap among teachers, with a much larger share wanting to use AI than feeling adequately prepared to do so.
The risk of inaccurate AI generated information further makes fact checking and critical evaluation necessary when the technology is used for learning.
What’s Being Said
“The real breakthrough lies in helping people unlock their own potential.” – Chris Phillips, Google Vice President and General Manager, Education
“Meaningful learning requires effort.” – Julia Wilcowski, Google Head of Learning Science
What’s Next
Google is expanding AI learning features in Google Classroom, Gemini, Search and Google Lens.
The company is also continuing its Google Educator Series to provide teachers with practical AI training.
Bottom Line
Google wants AI to function as a learning aid rather than a substitute for learning itself. The company says students and teachers must continue to exercise judgement and verify information generated by AI.
• Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed concern about Olu Jacobs’ health condition
• Ozokwor said she does not want to think about the possibility of losing her longtime colleague
• Olu Jacobs has been managing dementia with Lewy bodies, according to his wife, Joke Silva
• Ozokwor recalled how deeply she was affected by the deaths of Sam Loco and Mr Ibu
• The actress said she cherishes the company of people and struggles with the loss of colleagues
Main Story
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has opened up about her feelings concerning the health condition of her colleague, Olu Jacobs, Speaking during an interview with Femi Babs TV on YouTube, Ozokwor said she feels deeply troubled by Jacobs’ situation and prefers not to think about it.
Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, revealed in 2021 that the actor had been managing dementia with Lewy bodies, a progressive degenerative brain disease, Reflecting on the possibility of losing other veteran actors, Ozokwor said she sometimes imagines what it would feel like if Pete Edochie died before her, She also recalled the emotional impact of the deaths of fellow actors Sam Loco and Mr Ibu.
The Issues
Ozokwor’s comments highlight the emotional bond shared among veteran Nollywood actors and the impact of losing longtime colleagues, Her remarks also draw attention to the challenges faced by aging actors and the personal struggles that can accompany serious health conditions.
What’s Being Said
Ozokwor said she feels “so bad” about Olu Jacobs’ situation and does not want to dwell on the thought of losing him, She recalled crying heavily after Sam Loco’s death because of their close working relationship and his talent for comedy, She also said Mr Ibu’s death affected her deeply, although she tried to control her emotions because she is getting older.
What Next
Ozokwor’s comments are likely to renew conversations among Nollywood fans about the wellbeing of veteran actors and the importance of supporting industry legends as they grow older, Fans and colleagues will continue to follow developments concerning the health and wellbeing of veteran Nollywood stars.
Bottom Line
Patience Ozokwor’s emotional reflection shows how deeply veteran Nollywood stars value the relationships they have built over decades, Her concern for Olu Jacobs and memories of Sam Loco and Mr Ibu underline the personal pain that comes with watching longtime colleagues face illness and death.
• Ogun environmental officials have arrested a woman accused of dumping refuse into a drainage channel in Sagamu
• The incident was captured in a viral video during rainfall
• The woman was seen emptying a yellow sack filled with refuse into the drainage
• OGWAMA confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday
• The agency warned residents against indiscriminate waste disposal
Main Story
The Ogun State Waste Management Authority, OGWAMA, in collaboration with Environmental Health Officers of Sagamu Local Government, has arrested a woman caught dumping refuse into a drainage channel, The incident occurred in Sagamu and was captured on video while rainfall was ongoing. The woman was seen carrying a yellow sack filled with refuse before emptying the waste into the drainage.
According to the video, she appeared unbothered even after being filmed and confronted over the act, The video later went viral, prompting environmental officials to track down and apprehend the woman, OGWAMA confirmed the arrest in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, The agency said the woman was apprehended following the circulation of the video and reiterated the need for residents to dispose of waste properly.
The Issues
Dumping refuse into drainage channels can obstruct water flow and worsen flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall, The incident has also renewed concerns about indiscriminate waste disposal and the need for residents to use approved waste collection services.
What’s Being Said
OGWAMA urged residents to stop dumping waste indiscriminately and patronise waste collection operators accredited by the agency, The authority stressed that maintaining a cleaner environment is a shared responsibility.
What Next
The arrested woman may face further action from the relevant environmental authorities over the alleged violation, OGWAMA is also expected to continue monitoring waste disposal practices and responding to reports of illegal dumping across the state, Residents are being encouraged to report similar environmental violations and use approved waste disposal channels.
Bottom Line
The viral video has triggered swift action from Ogun environmental authorities, leading to the arrest of the woman, The development serves as a fresh warning that dumping refuse in drainage channels can attract enforcement action, especially as the state intensifies efforts to prevent blocked drains and flooding.
• Former Katsina South Senator Bello Mandiya has died at the age of 62
• Mandiya died on Monday, September 7, 2026
• He represented Katsina South in the Senate from 2019 to 2023
• He previously served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Aminu Bello Masari
• Governor Dikko Radda described his death as a major loss to Katsina State and Nigeria
Main Story
Former Senator representing Katsina South, Bello Mandiya, has died at the age of 62, Mandiya died on Monday, September 7, 2026, according to a statement issued by Ibrahim Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, Reacting to the news, Radda expressed shock and sadness, describing Mandiya’s death as a great loss to Katsina State and Nigeria.
The governor praised the former senator for his commitment to public service and his contributions to the development of the state and country, Mandiya previously served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari before winning election to the Senate, He represented Katsina South from 2019 to 2023 and was a member of the Ninth Senate.
The Issues
Mandiya’s death has left a significant gap among political associates, former colleagues and constituents in Katsina South, His passing also marks the loss of a politician who served at both state and federal levels.
What’s Being Said
Governor Radda described Mandiya as a committed public servant whose contributions would remain part of Katsina State’s history, He also extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, former Governor Masari, political associates, friends, the people of Katsina South and his former colleagues in the Ninth Senate.
What Next
Mandiya’s family, political associates and former colleagues are expected to continue mourning and paying tribute to his legacy, Governor Radda has also offered prayers for the deceased and asked Allah to grant his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Bottom Line
Bello Mandiya’s death ends the life of a former senator and public servant who served Katsina at both state and federal levels, His political colleagues and the Katsina State Government are now mourning a figure remembered for his years of public service.
• Tensions rise as housemates clash over cleaning duties and the weekly wager
• Tram faces criticism over his leadership style as arguments spread across the house
• Tram and Yusuf nearly come to blows before fellow housemates intervene
• Sheba opens up to Yusuf about her past marriage and personal struggles
• Wager doubts grow as housemates begin planning their presentation
• Tram assigns roles as preparations for the wager get underway
Main Story
Day 44 in the Big Brother Naija house began with arguments as Tram’s new HoH reign quickly descended into chaos, Oyin clashed with Abi before tensions spread to Chimsom Chuka and Sheba. Another dispute later erupted in the kitchen over cleaning duties and the weekly wager, with Flora accusing some housemates of hypocrisy.
The situation escalated when Tram and Yusuf got into each other’s faces during an argument. Other housemates intervened and separated them, Tram later insisted that he would not force anyone to clean, while Chimsom Chuka reminded him that he had also resisted some cleaning duties during his own HoH reign, As the drama continued, housemates also began expressing doubts about their chances in the wager.
The Issues
The major issues are leadership, cleaning responsibilities and growing frustration over the wager preparation, Tram’s decision not to force housemates to participate in chores has drawn criticism, while tensions between several contestants continue to threaten the house’s unity.
What’s Being Said
Abi advised Tram to take control of his HoH reign and make it clear that other housemates do not speak for him, Meanwhile, Yusuf said he was proud of how well he had managed to stay calm despite the heightened tension in the house, Sheba also opened up to Yusuf about her previous marriage and the struggles that eventually led her to leave the relationship.
What Next
Tram has now moved the house toward wager preparation by assigning roles to the housemates, Barry will juggle, Ricky will perform as a mime, while Araga and Flora will be clowns. Oyin chose hula hooping, with other housemates still deciding on their roles, Tram plans to develop the wager script once all roles are confirmed.
Bottom Line
Tram’s HoH reign has barely begun, but the house is already divided by arguments over chores, leadership and the wager, With tensions still high, Tram must now bring the housemates together and deliver a strong wager presentation before the week gets even more complicated.
• Big Brother has revoked Nomy’s participation privilege in the Big Brother Naija Show Ya Sef house
• The decision follows Nomy’s repeated defiance of Big Brother’s instructions
• Her latest violation occurred while she was serving as the bench warmer for the week
• Nomy was instructed to remain on her bench and wear a designated vest
• She left both her bench and vest behind, prompting Big Brother to question her actions
• Nomy had already received a strike the previous week for repeatedly defying instructions
• Big Brother described the earlier strike as her “last and final warning”
• Big Brother reminded Nomy that participation in the house is a privilege
• Nomy was given 30 minutes to gather her belongings and leave the house
• Her removal ends her chances of winning the season’s grand prize
Main Story
Big Brother Naija housemate Nomy’s journey in the Show Ya Sef house has come to an abrupt end after Big Brother revoked her participation privilege, The decision followed another confrontation over Nomy’s conduct and her failure to follow Big Brother’s instructions. The latest incident occurred while she was serving as the bench warmer for the week.
Nomy had been instructed to remain on her assigned bench and wear a vest. However, she left the bench and also abandoned the vest, Big Brother subsequently questioned her about her actions, “Why have you left your bench and vest behind, what’s your intention?” Big Brother asked before giving Nomy an opportunity to respond.
After listening to her response, Big Brother reminded Nomy that she had already been warned about her conduct, The latest development comes just one week after Nomy received a strike. She became the first housemate of the Show Ya Sef season to receive a strike after Big Brother found her guilty of repeatedly defying his instructions, At the time, Big Brother described the strike as her “last and final warning.”
Despite that warning, Nomy again found herself at the centre of a disciplinary confrontation after failing to follow his instructions, Big Brother then reminded Nomy that being part of the Big Brother Naija house is a privilege, He announced that the privilege was being revoked with immediate effect and ordered Nomy to pack her belongings and leave the house within 30 minutes, The decision officially ends Nomy’s participation in the Show Ya Sef season. She is no longer a housemate and has been removed from the race for the season’s grand prize.
The Issues
The key issue is Nomy’s repeated refusal or failure to comply with Big Brother’s instructions, Her latest violation becomes more serious because it occurred after she had already received a strike and what Big Brother called her “last and final warning, The situation highlights the strict authority Big Brother maintains over the house and the consequences housemates can face when they repeatedly breach instructions, Nomy’s case also demonstrates that a previous warning does not guarantee another opportunity when a housemate commits another violation.
What’s Being Said
Big Brother directly challenged Nomy over why she had abandoned her assigned bench and vest, He also reminded her of her previous disciplinary action and made it clear that her earlier warning had already established the seriousness of her conduct, Big Brother’s central message was that participation in the house is a privilege, After considering the latest incident alongside her previous strike, he chose to revoke that privilege rather than issue another warning.
What Next
Nomy will now complete her exit from the Big Brother Naija house after packing her belongings within the 30-minute deadline, The remaining housemates will continue the competition without her, while Nomy’s sudden departure is likely to trigger reactions and discussions among viewers and fans of the show, The focus will also shift to the remaining contestants as they compete for the season’s grand prize.
Big Brother’s decision could further reinforce the importance of following instructions, particularly for housemates who may already have disciplinary records, Any further developments inside the house, including reactions from the remaining housemates or additional decisions from Big Brother, could shape the next phase of the competition.
Bottom Line
Nomy has run out of room for another warning, After receiving a strike and being told it was her “last and final warning,” she committed another violation by leaving her assigned bench and vest, Big Brother has now acted decisively, revoked her participation privilege and ordered her out of the house, Her exit immediately changes the dynamics of the Show Ya Sef competition, leaving the remaining housemates to continue the battle for the grand prize without her.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE opens Africa’s largest-ever IPO on September 14, 2026, offering 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 each
Minimum entry is 10 shares (₦5,250), deliberately set low to allow ordinary Nigerians — including drivers, cooks and domestic staff — to participate
The offer, coordinated by Vetiva Advisory Services, targets ₦2.15 trillion to fund a capacity expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day; it closes October 13
MAIN STORY
Africa’s most anticipated equity offering in history opens in less than a week, and millions of Nigerians are asking the same question: how do I actually get in? Aliko Dangote, Group Chief Executive of Dangote Group, signed the official offer documents on Monday, September 7, 2026, at a ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside advisers and issuing houses managing the sale. The signing formally launched Africa’s largest-ever Initial Public Offering, giving ordinary Nigerians a chance to own equity in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE — the world’s largest single-train crude processing facility, operating at 650,000 barrels per day from its base in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.
The offer comprises 4.1 billion ordinary shares priced at ₦525 each. If fully subscribed, the raise will deliver approximately ₦2.15 trillion to part-fund an expansion that would nearly double the refinery’s processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day. Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) formally approved the offer documents and registered the refinery’s 120.13 billion existing ordinary shares — implying a total company valuation of approximately $47 billion, according to Reuters calculations.
Subscription opens with a minimum of just 10 shares, costing ₦5,250. Dangote described that entry threshold as a deliberate choice. “Our target really is to get the larger part of the society to buy,” he said, describing the offer as “the IPO for the people” — one designed to let ordinary workers, including drivers, cooks and domestic staff, become shareholders. “We want it to be like when you buy Amazon or you buy Apple. All those people, everybody has become a millionaire. And that’s what we want to bring into Africa,” Dangote said during a July visit to the refinery.
Lagos-based Vetiva Advisory Services Limited is coordinating the capital raise. The offer opens September 14 and is scheduled to close October 13, 2026.
For readers wondering how to actually participate, here is a step-by-step breakdown.
THE ISSUES
The Dangote Refinery IPO does not arrive in a vacuum. It follows years of deepening dysfunction in Nigeria’s capital markets — a market that, until recently, struggled to attract large-cap listings that could anchor institutional participation. Nigeria’s ₦159.99 trillion equity market has surged roughly 87% over the past year, but it has been starved of genuinely transformational listings that could draw foreign portfolio investors back in meaningful numbers.
The refinery’s listing is therefore freighted with significance beyond the transaction itself. Analysts at Proshare note that the scale of the offering is capable of significantly expanding NGX market capitalisation and deepening the pipeline of large-cap investment opportunities, while offering investors direct exposure to a strategic energy asset outside the traditional banking and consumer-led equities that dominate the exchange.
The demand signal from the refinery’s July $2.5 billion private placement — which priced the company at roughly $39.1 billion and was reportedly 3.7 times oversubscribed — makes clear that investor appetite is real and substantial. Yet that appetite also creates risk: an oversubscribed IPO means not every applicant will receive the shares they request, and any unsophisticated investor who submits funds through unverified channels risks losing money to fraudsters rather than acquiring equity. The SEC has already been forced to intervene once, in June 2026, warning capital market operators to halt unauthorised promotional activity and describing early pre-marketing campaigns as “an unwholesome and manipulative exercise capable of misleading investors.”
A separate regulatory milestone also points to the structural significance of this offer: Nigeria’s National Pension Commission (PenCom), in a circular dated May 13, 2026, granted Pension Fund Administrators a one-off special waiver to invest pension assets in the IPO, suspending normal requirements around profitability history and dividend track records. PenCom described the exception as a “specific and singular” decision, not a precedent, citing the refinery’s strategic national importance and strong financial fundamentals. The waiver effectively opens the door to Nigeria’s entire institutional pension base as potential investors alongside retail participants.
WHAT’S BEING SAID
The offer has drawn substantive commentary from market participants at every level.
“With SEC approval now secured, the refinery is poised to embark on a historic public offering that could significantly broaden investor participation in one of Nigeria’s most transformative industrial ventures,” Dangote Group said in its official statement following SEC clearance.
Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo, committed $100 million as a cornerstone investor in the refinery, describing it as “the single most important transaction Nigeria has seen in two decades,” according to reporting by Africa.com.
Proshare, one of Nigeria’s leading capital market intelligence platforms, told investors the deal represents “a transformative moment for Nigeria’s capital market” and noted that the offer’s dollar-dividend feature — allowing naira-subscribing domestic shareholders to receive dividends in US dollars, backed by the refinery’s projected $6.4 billion in annual hard-currency export revenues — is a structurally significant innovation for retail investors seeking naira hedge.
The SEC, for its part, has made clear that investor protection remains its primary concern. The regulator previously warned Nigerians against unauthorised parties soliciting money for Dangote Refinery shares outside verified channels, and has directed stockbrokers and digital platforms to cross-check their registration status before promoting any offer-related material.
8 STEPS TO BUY DANGOTE REFINERY SHARES
STEP 1: SET UP A BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
Ordinary shares on the Nigerian Exchange are bought through licensed stockbroking firms — not directly from the company. If you do not already have a trading account, open one with a broker registered by both the SEC and the NGX. Most brokers now allow online registration by submitting your Bank Verification Number (BVN), a valid government-issued ID and a passport photograph as part of standard Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks. Before committing any funds, confirm your broker’s registration status on the SEC or NGX website. The SEC has already warned Nigerians against unauthorised operators soliciting money for Dangote shares outside verified channels — do not skip this verification step.
STEP 2: LINK OR OPEN A CSCS ACCOUNT
Shares are not issued as paper certificates. They are held electronically in the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS). When you open a brokerage account, your broker will typically set up a CSCS account for you at the same time, or link an existing one if you already have one from a previous equity investment. Any shares allotted to you through the IPO will be credited directly to this account once trading commences on the Nigerian Exchange.
STEP 3: COMPLETE IDENTITY VERIFICATION
Your broker will request documentation to verify your identity and activate your account before you can subscribe to any public offer. Requirements differ slightly from one brokerage to another, so follow the specific checklist your chosen firm provides rather than assuming a uniform process across all operators. Do not delay this step: incomplete KYC documentation is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected or delayed.
STEP 4: FUND YOUR ACCOUNT AHEAD OF THE OFFER
Once your account is active, deposit the amount you plan to invest. At ₦525 per share, the minimum subscription of 10 shares costs ₦5,250. The exact increment for applications above that minimum has not been fully detailed in public reporting, so confirm the precise application structure against the final prospectus and offer documents before deciding how many additional shares to apply for. Investors should have their funds ready and credited to their brokerage accounts before September 14 rather than scrambling after the offer opens.
STEP 5: WATCH FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING ON SEPTEMBER 14
The offer opens September 14, 2026, and is scheduled to run until October 13, 2026. Given the scale of public interest already generated — the July private placement was reportedly 3.7 times oversubscribed, and investor demand before the IPO had approached $2 billion according to Dangote — investors should rely exclusively on the final prospectus and offer documents published by the issuing houses for exact dates, application procedures and any changes. Do not rely on dates or terms circulating informally on social media or messaging platforms, which may be inaccurate or deliberately misleading.
STEP 6: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION THROUGH APPROVED CHANNELS ONLY
Applications will run through participating stockbrokers and any other platforms named in the official offer documents, which may include selected fintech and mobile investment apps. Specify how many shares you wish to subscribe for, review your application carefully, and submit it before the closing deadline of October 13. The SEC has previously warned Nigerians against unauthorised parties soliciting money for Dangote Refinery shares outside verified channels — cross-check any platform against the official list in the prospectus before transferring any funds.
STEP 7: AWAIT ALLOTMENT
Submitting an application does not guarantee the full number of shares requested. If the offer is oversubscribed — a real possibility given the scale of demand already documented — allotment may be scaled down on a pro-rata or other basis, and any unallotted portion of your subscription funds should be refunded according to the terms set out in the prospectus. Successful allotments are credited directly to your CSCS account. Check your account and confirm your allotment once the allotment process is completed
STEP 8: TRACK YOUR HOLDINGS AFTER LISTING
Once the shares are listed and begin trading on the Nigerian Exchange, you can monitor their value through your broker’s trading platform or mobile app. Share prices will move with the company’s operational performance, investor sentiment, energy market conditions, and broader NGX dynamics. Shareholders may choose to hold for the long term or sell through their broker at any point after listing, subject to prevailing market prices. The refinery’s incorporation of dollar-denominated dividends for naira-subscribing shareholders — backed by the company’s projected $6.4 billion in annual hard-currency export revenues — is a feature that long-term holders in particular should track.
WHAT’S NEXT
September 14, 2026: IPO subscription period opens. Investors who have completed brokerage account setup, KYC, and pre-funded their accounts will be able to submit applications from this date.
October 13, 2026: Offer closes. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Post-closing: Allotment is processed and shares are credited to successful applicants’ CSCS accounts. The exact listing date on the Nigerian Exchange has not yet been publicly confirmed — monitor announcements from Vetiva Advisory Services, the NGX, and the SEC for the precise timeline.
Investors should also track the SEC and NGX websites for any updates on additional approved application platforms or changes to offer terms between now and September 14.
BOTTOM LINE
The Bottom Line: The Dangote Refinery IPO is not merely a capital markets transaction — it is a structural test of whether Nigeria can convert a generational industrial achievement into broadly distributed wealth. At ₦5,250 for a minimum stake, the barriers to entry are deliberately low; the real barriers are informational. Nigerians who do the groundwork now — verified brokerage account, funded, prospectus read — will be positioned to participate in an offer that financial analysts are already calling the most consequential equity event in African capital markets history. Those who move on unverified information or through unregistered channels risk losing money before a single share is allotted.
Before applying, investors should read the official prospectus and offer documents once published, and confirm details such as the exact offer price, subscription deadlines and approved application channels directly through the issuing houses, the Nigerian Exchange or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The exchange rate between the Naira and the US dollar, according to the data released on the FMDQ Security Exchange,the official forex trading portal, showed that the naira closed at 1343 per $1 on Tuesday Septermber 8th 2026. The naira traded as high as 1320 to the dollar at the investors and exporters (I&E) window on Monday. This is brought to you by Bizwatch Nigeria.
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1403 and buy at ₦1395 on Monday 7th, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)
Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate
₦1400
Buying Rate
₦1398
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)
CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate
₦1321
Lowest Rate
₦1320
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
Debt Management Office offers two FGN savings bonds at N1,000 per unit
Two-year bond carries 14.12% annual interest while the three-year bond offers 15.12%
Subscription closes September 11, with quarterly interest payments and maturity in 2028 and 2029
Main Story
The Debt Management Office (DMO), on behalf of the Federal Government, has opened subscriptions for two FGN savings bonds at N1,000 per unit, offering retail investors annual interest rates of 14.12% and 15.12%.
The two-year FGN savings bond is due on September 16, 2028, and carries an interest rate of 14.12% per annum, while the three-year bond, due on September 16, 2029, offers 15.12% annually.
According to a DMO statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the offer opened on September 7 and will close on September 11, with settlement scheduled for September 16.
The bonds require a minimum subscription of N5,000 and are available in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million.
Interest will be paid quarterly on December 16, March 16, June 16 and September 16, while principal repayment will be made at maturity.
“They are offered at N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million,” the DMO said.
The agency said the securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.
The bonds are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. and qualify as liquid assets for banks’ liquidity-ratio calculations. The DMO also said they qualify as government securities under relevant tax laws and as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.
FGN savings bonds are debt securities issued by the DMO specifically for retail investors, allowing individuals to earn returns while lending to the Federal Government.
What’s Being Said
“Interest is payable quarterly, while bullet repayment is on the maturity date,” the Debt Management Office said.
The DMO said the securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government and are charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.
What’s Next
Subscription for the two savings bonds closes on September 11, 2026
Settlement is scheduled for September 16, 2026, when the bonds will be issued to successful subscribers
Quarterly interest payments will begin according to the stated December 16, March 16, June 16 and September 16 schedule
Bottom Line:
The new FGN savings bond offer gives retail investors access to government-backed securities with quarterly interest payments and relatively low entry requirements. The three-year bond offers the higher annual return, while both instruments provide investors with a defined maturity date and government backing.
Brent crude futures rise 1.61% to $98.62 a barrel amid supply concerns
WTI crude futures gain 2.77% to $94 a barrel
Middle East tensions and weaker Strait of Hormuz shipments heighten fears of further supply disruptions
Main Story
Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as concerns over supply security intensified following rising tensions between the United States and Iran and slower shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
International benchmark Brent crude futures for November delivery rose 1.61% to $98.62 a barrel, from $97 previously, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for October delivery increased 2.77% to $94 a barrel, from $91.48.
The price gains reflect growing market concerns that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could disrupt crude production, energy infrastructure and maritime transportation, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
Iranian officials have issued increasingly strong warnings over the confrontation. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would establish a “no-go zone” across and around the Persian Gulf in response to the US blockade of Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also said Tehran and Oman were in the final stages of an agreement to establish a safe maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf separately warned that Iran could target US oil and natural gas companies in the region if Washington attacked Iranian oil tankers.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said some energy facilities in the southern part of the country had been targeted, with fires reported in some areas.
Reports of attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan have added to market concerns. The Jizan Refinery, located on the Red Sea coast near Yemen, has a crude processing capacity of about 400,000 barrels per day.
Following an attack on the refinery in July, oil shipments declined significantly, while no exports from the facility were reported in August.
What’s Being Said
“Iran’s operational approach toward US forces in the region had been fundamentally changed,” said Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran and Oman were in the final stages of reaching an agreement on establishing a safe maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz.
What’s Next
Oil markets will continue to monitor developments around the Strait of Hormuz and their effect on crude shipments
Traders will watch for further attacks on energy infrastructure and maritime facilities across the Middle East
Analysts are revising oil-price forecasts upward, with some expecting the supply disruption to extend into 2027
Bottom Line:
The rise in Brent above $98 reflects a market increasingly pricing in the risk of prolonged disruption to Middle Eastern oil supplies. With shipments already declining in key areas, further escalation could keep crude prices elevated into 2027.
