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Week 12 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday September 19 2026

Week 12 Pool Fixtures for Sat 24 Sept 2022 – UK 2022/2023

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Find all the Week 12 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

  • Season: UK Football Pools 2026/2027
  • Match Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
  • Coupon Category: Advance Pool Fixtures
Pool Fixtures For This Week: 12; SEASON: UK 2026/2027
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Davido blasts Erigga over family wealth debate

Davido Distributes ₦250m To 292 Orphanages, See Full List

By Annette Ikponmwonba | September 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Afrobeats star Davido has criticised rapper Erigga following a disagreement over family wealth and success in the music industry.
  • Erigga praised musicians who built their careers without financial support from wealthy families.
  • Davido argued that artistes from wealthy backgrounds also deserve recognition when they work hard to achieve success.
  • The singer accused Erigga of promoting what he described as “useless motivation.”
  • Davido maintained that coming from a wealthy family does not eliminate the effort required to reach the top of the entertainment industry.

Main Story

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has criticised Nigerian rapper Erhiga Agarivbie, better known as Erigga, following a disagreement over the role of family wealth in the success of musicians, The disagreement began after Erigga shared a post on his X account praising artistes who did not come from wealthy families and had to work their way up to build successful careers.

Erigga wrote “Shoutout to all the musicians who don’t come from family money and had to grind for every single dollar they earn, Davido responded by arguing that musicians who grew up with financial support from their families should also be recognised when they put in the work required to establish successful careers.

The singer maintained that coming from a financially privileged background should not automatically diminish the hard work, talent and determination required to reach the top of the entertainment industry, Davido said family wealth could provide opportunities, but it does not necessarily guarantee long-term success in a highly competitive music industry.

The Issues

The exchange between the two artistes centres on a broader debate about privilege, family wealth and merit within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, Erigga’s post highlighted the struggles of musicians who have had to build their careers without financial backing from their families. Davido, however, challenged the implication that musicians from wealthy backgrounds should receive less recognition for their achievements.

The disagreement also reflects different perspectives on what constitutes success in the entertainment industry, particularly where access to resources and opportunities can influence an artiste’s early career, While financial support may provide advantages such as access to better equipment, connections and promotional opportunities, maintaining a successful career still requires talent, consistency and audience acceptance.

What’s Being Said

Davido responded to Erigga in a strongly worded post, questioning the value of motivational messages that focus exclusively on artistes who came from disadvantaged backgrounds, He wrote “No be we say make your pops no guard o. Shoutout to the ones that came from family money and still grind to the top. Comot here with that your useless motivation … imbecile.”

Davido further suggested that he intended to continue building his wealth and eventually leave the music industry behind, arguing that success should not be judged negatively because an artiste had access to family wealth, “GO MAKE MY BILLIONS … then that shit gonna be boring AF. Deep down who like poverty? Nonsense,” he added.

What’s Next

The exchange has the potential to generate further discussion among Nigerian music fans about privilege, wealth and the different paths artistes take to achieve success, It remains to be seen whether Erigga will respond directly to Davido’s comments or whether the disagreement will remain a social media exchange.

Bottom Line

Davido and Erigga’s disagreement has reignited the debate over whether musicians from wealthy families should receive the same recognition as those who build their careers without family financial support, While Erigga celebrated artistes who had to overcome financial limitations, Davido argued that family wealth does not eliminate the effort required to reach and remain at the top of the music industry.

Week 11 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday September 12 2026

Week 11 Pool Fixtures for Sat 17 Sept 2022 – UK 2022/2023

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Find all the Week 11 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

Key Details for Week 11 Fixtures:

  • Season: UK Football Pools 2026/2027
  • Match Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
  • Coupon Category: Advance Pool Fixtures
WEEK: 11; SEASON: UK 2026/2027; DATE: 12-09-2026
№Pools FixturesStatus
1BournemouthBrentfordSaturday
2Aston VillaNottinghamSaturday
3ChelseaHull CitySaturday
4Crystal P.IpswichSaturday
5LiverpoolFulhamSaturday
6TottenhamEvertonLKO
7SunderlandArsenalLKO
8BoltonCardiffEKO
9DerbyBirminghamEKO
10West BromQ.P.R.EKO
11BlackburnMillwallSaturday
12CharltonPortsmouthSaturday
13MiddlesbroNorwichSaturday
14PrestonLincolnSaturday
15SouthamptonBristol C.Saturday
16SwanseaBurnleySaturday
17WatfordStokeSaturday
18Leyton O.WycombeEKO
19Notts Co.Bradford C.EKO
20A. WimbledonDoncasterSaturday
21BlackpoolBromleySaturday
22Cambridge U.ReadingSaturday
23MansfieldHuddersfieldSaturday
24Milton K.D.PeterboroSaturday
25Oxford Utd.Burton A.Saturday
26PlymouthBarnsleySaturday
27Sheff Wed.Wigan A.Saturday
28StockportLeicesterSaturday
29CrawleyCheltenhamEKO
30GrimsbyBristol R.EKO
31BarnetAccringtonSaturday
32ColchesterCreweSaturday
33GillinghamTranmereSaturday
34Newport Co.FleetwoodSaturday
35OldhamChesterfieldSaturday
36Port ValeExeterSaturday
37RotherhamSalford C.Saturday
38ShrewsburyNorthamptonSaturday
39WalsallRochdaleSaturday
40York CitySwindonSaturday
41Ayr UnitedInvernessSaturday
42DunfermlineQueen’s PkSaturday
43RaithArbroathSaturday
44AirdrieAlloaSaturday
45E. KilbridePeterheadSaturday
46MontroseC. RangersSaturday
47Queen O’SthEast FifeSaturday
48AnnanElgin CitySaturday
49EdinburghStirling A.Saturday

Lagos targets 400MW power, 6,000km fibre network

Badagry To Become A Tourism, Industrial Hub - Sanwo-Olu

Key Points

  • Lagos targets 200MW to 400MW of state-procured electricity capacity by 2030.
  • State plans to expand its fibre network from 3,000km to 6,000km.
  • Government seeks to attract technology companies, data centres and regional headquarters.

Main Story

Lagos State is targeting up to 400 megawatts of state-procured electricity and a 6,000-kilometre fibre network as it strengthens infrastructure for digital businesses and technology investment.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Wednesday at the opening of the two-day GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2026 in Lagos.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said reliable electricity, extensive fibre infrastructure and clear regulations were necessary to sustain Lagos’ digital growth.

“Power remains our greatest constraint on productivity, and I will be direct about this: power in Lagos is not solved,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He said the state had enacted the Lagos State Electricity Law and established the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission to strengthen electricity regulation.

Lagos has also licensed independent operators in off-grid generation, embedded generation, independent distribution, metering and mini-grids, while signing power purchase agreements with independent power producers to increase electricity supply.

Sanwo-Olu said the state was working to raise state-procured electricity capacity from less than 60MW to between 200MW and 400MW.

The government is targeting 97.5 per cent electricity availability by 2030 and plans to reduce market losses to below 10 per cent. It also intends to establish 24-hour electricity franchise zones and achieve full metering.

“An investor who is told the truth about a market is an investor who stays in it,” he said.

The Issues

Lagos’ digital economy depends on infrastructure that can support businesses beyond internet access alone.

The state’s electricity targets are aimed at addressing supply constraints, while the proposed fibre expansion is intended to improve broadband access and reduce the cost of network deployment for technology companies.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had deployed about 3,000km of fibre between 2019 and 2025 and was working towards a unified 6,000km network.

Under the state’s open-access duct system and “dig once” policy, telecommunications operators would be able to lease existing duct capacity instead of repeatedly excavating roads to extend their networks.

The approach is also intended to allow new technology companies to access connectivity without bearing the full cost of building fibre infrastructure.

What’s Being Said

“With Nigeria’s growing pool of technology talent and innovative enterprises, the initiative is expected to help to convert digital innovation into commercial value, strengthen regional supply chains and accelerate the emergence of a truly integrated African digital market.” – Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, AfCFTA Secretariat.

“Lagos had moved beyond potential, with its startup ecosystem now highly rated and ranked first in Africa for Artificial Intelligence activities, creativity and funding.” – Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer, GITEX Global.

“The next challenge is converting the momentum into global competitiveness by connecting talent to markets, startups to customers, innovation to capital and Nigerian ambition to global markets.” – Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive Officer, GITEX Global.

What’s Next

The state plans to extend its duct network along critical economic corridors and continue attracting investment through the Lagos State Infrastructure Management Agency.

It is also redesigning government services through the Lagos State Digital Service Platform, including a review of how files move across ministries, departments and agencies.

Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos Innovation Bill and a dedicated innovation fund would strengthen support for research commercialisation and incubation.

He urged technology companies to establish engineering operations, data centres, regional headquarters and training pipelines in Lagos, while positioning the state as a launchpad into African and global markets.

Bottom Line

Lagos is combining electricity reform with expanded fibre infrastructure as it seeks to support a larger digital economy. The state is targeting up to 400MW of procured power capacity and a 6,000km fibre network while seeking more technology investment.

Week 10 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday September 5 2026

Week 10 Pool Fixture for Saturday 3 September 2022 – UK 2022/2023 Season

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Find all the Week 10 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

WEEK: 10; SEASON: UK 2026/2027; DATE: 05-09-2026
№Pools FixturesStatus
1BrentfordSunderlandSaturday
2BrightonLeedsSaturday
3FulhamCrystal P.Saturday
4Man CityCoventrySaturday
5NottinghamTottenhamSaturday
6Hull CityAston VillaLKO
7EvertonMan UnitedSunday
8ArsenalChelseaSunday
9BurnleyBristol C.Saturday
10MillwallBoltonSaturday
11PortsmouthCardiffSaturday
12Q.P.R.MiddlesbroSaturday
13Sheff Utd.NorwichSaturday
14West BromWatfordSaturday
15West HamDerbySaturday
16SwanseaWrexhamLKO
17BirminghamWolvesSunday
18BarnsleyStevenageSaturday
19Bradford C.MansfieldSaturday
20Burton A.Cambridge U.Saturday
21DoncasterPlymouthSaturday
22HuddersfieldNotts Co.Saturday
23LeicesterOxford Utd.Saturday
24LutonLeyton O.Saturday
25ReadingBlackpoolSaturday
26WycombeMilton K.D.Saturday
27AccringtonCrawleySaturday
28Bristol R.RotherhamSaturday
29CheltenhamGrimsbySaturday
30ChesterfieldBarnetSaturday
31CreweYork CitySaturday
32ExeterWalsallSaturday
33NorthamptonNewport Co.Saturday
34RochdaleGillinghamSaturday
35SwindonColchesterSaturday
36TranmereOldhamSaturday
37AberdeenKilmarnockSaturday
38Dundee Utd.FalkirkSaturday
39RangersMotherwellSaturday
40St. MirrenCelticLKO
41HeartsDundee FCSunday
42St. J’StoneHibernianSunday
43ArbroathDunfermlineSaturday
44InvernessRaithSaturday
45PartickAyr UnitedSaturday
46Queen’s PkG. MortonSaturday
47InterSSC NapoliLKO
48RomaAtalantaLKO
49JuventusAC MilanSunday

Nigeria urged to link rural power to income-generating projects

Key Points

  • Energy stakeholders call for decentralised electricity systems to address Nigeria’s rural power gap.
  • Solar-hybrid mini-grids and performance-based subsidies proposed for underserved communities.
  • Productive-use projects could create electricity demand while raising rural incomes.

Main Story

Energy stakeholders have called for greater use of decentralised electricity systems and income-generating energy projects to expand access to power in underserved rural communities across Nigeria.

The stakeholders, Mosho Adekunle, an energy policy analyst, and Dr Diana Nwajei, a development economist, made the recommendations in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Adekunle said conventional grid expansion remained costly in sparsely populated communities and should be complemented by interconnected solar-hybrid mini-grids.

He proposed deploying the mini-grids in areas served by underperforming electricity distribution companies, allowing operators to make use of existing infrastructure while improving supply reliability.

According to him, private operators could provide round-the-clock electricity under regulated, cost-reflective tariffs, while state-level electricity reforms could speed up licensing and deployment.

“Subnational regulation can drastically reduce administrative delays and allow states to independently map and develop underserved communities,” he said.

Adekunle also called for digital, performance-based subsidy systems under which government and development funds would be released after electricity connections had been verified.

He said the approach could help agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) reduce abandoned or “ghost” projects and improve the impact of public investment.

Nwajei, however, said expanding electricity access would be more sustainable if power supply was connected directly to economic activities capable of generating income.

She recommended productive-use energy projects such as solar-powered cold storage, grain mills, irrigation systems and electric mobility to create consistent demand for electricity from mini-grid operators.

According to her, integrating electricity into rural value chains could improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and increase household incomes.

The Issues

Nigeria’s rural electrification challenge is not only about connecting communities to power but also about making electricity systems financially sustainable.

Linking electricity supply to businesses, farming and other productive activities can create regular demand and provide users with income to pay for services. Decentralised systems could also provide an alternative where extending the conventional grid is economically difficult.

What’s Being Said

“Electrification becomes more sustainable when communities can use power to produce, earn income and pay for continued service.” – Dr Diana Nwajei, development economist.

“Subnational regulation can drastically reduce administrative delays and allow states to independently map and develop underserved communities.” – Mosho Adekunle, energy policy analyst.

What’s Next

Nwajei recommended Pay-As-You-Go systems, mobile-money platforms and smart meters to allow low-income households to pay incrementally according to their electricity consumption.

She also proposed community-owned micro-utilities, combining concessional financing with equity contributions from local cooperatives.

According to her, giving communities an ownership stake could strengthen commitment to electricity infrastructure, discourage vandalism and support long-term maintenance.

Bottom Line

Nigeria’s rural power gap may require a shift from grid expansion alone towards decentralised systems linked to productive economic activity. Stakeholders say stronger community participation, digital payments and performance-based financing could also improve the sustainability of rural electrification projects.

Week 9 Football Pools Fixtures: Saturday August 29 2026

Week 9 Pool Fixtures for Sat 3 Sept 2022 – UK 2022/2023

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Find all the Week 9 pool fixtures on Bizwatchnigeria.ng as soon as they are released by the FPA (Football Pools Authority).

WEEK: 9; SEASON: UK 2026/2027; DATE: 29-08-2026
№Pools FixturesStatus
1LiverpoolNottinghamEKO
2BournemouthEvertonSaturday
3CoventryHull CitySaturday
4TottenhamNewcastleLKO
5DerbySwanseaEKO
6MiddlesbroWest BromEKO
7WolvesStokeEKO
8BlackburnQ.P.R.Saturday
9BoltonLincolnSaturday
10Bristol CityPortsmouthSaturday
11CardiffSheff UnitedSaturday
12CharltonPrestonSaturday
13NorwichBurnleySaturday
14SouthamptonMillwallSaturday
15WatfordWest HamSaturday
16BlackpoolPeterboroEKO
17Milton K.D.LeicesterEKO
18Cambridge U.HuddersfieldSaturday
19Leyton O.BarnsleySaturday
20Notts CountyBurton A.Saturday
21PlymouthBradford C.Saturday
22Sheff Wed.BromleySaturday
23StevenageDoncasterSaturday
24StockportWycombeSaturday
25BarnetCheltenhamEKO
26Port ValeCreweEKO
27RotherhamChesterfieldEKO
28ColchesterRochdaleSaturday
29CrawleyBristol R.Saturday
30GillinghamNorthamptonSaturday
31GrimsbyFleetwoodSaturday
32Newport Co.TranmereSaturday
33OldhamSwindonSaturday
34ShrewsburySalford CitySaturday
35WalsallAccringtonSaturday
36York CityExeter CitySaturday
37CelticFalkirkSaturday
38Dundee FCHibernianSaturday
39HeartsSt. J’StoneSaturday
40KilmarnockDundee Utd.Saturday
41St. MirrenMotherwellSaturday
42LevanteReal BetisLKO
43R. SociedadEspanyolLKO
44SevillaAtl MadridLKO
45FC KoelnHoffenheimEKO
46Mainz 05PaderbornEKO
47RB LeipzigBorussia MGEKO
48Union BerlinE. FrankfurtEKO
49B. DortmundHamburger SVLKO

Opay makes fresh promises to Nigerians

By Annette Ikponmwonba | September 3, 2026

Key Points

  • OPay has denied claims that it plans to shut down its Nigerian operations.
  • The fintech company has commenced legal action against individuals allegedly responsible for circulating the false announcement.
  • OPay said it has engaged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police and other relevant regulatory and security agencies.
  • The company said its services remain fully operational across Nigeria.
  • OPay disclosed that it opened more than 26 new offices across the country in 2026.
  • The company warned Nigerians against relying on unverified information circulated on social media.

Main Story

Financial technology company OPay has reassured Nigerians that it has no plans to shut down or exit the Nigerian market, following the circulation of a false announcement claiming that the company would cease operations from September 1, 2026, The company made the clarification during a live town hall meeting organised on Wednesday after the alleged shutdown notice triggered concerns among customers and other stakeholders on social media.

The meeting brought together journalists, OPay ambassadors and social media influencers as the company sought to address the misinformation and reassure customers, merchants and business partners that its platform remains operational, Speaking during the event, OPay’s Chief Technology Officer, Dotun Daniel Adekunle, said the company was concerned about the potential consequences of misinformation on Nigerians who rely on its platform for financial services.

Adekunle said financial technology companies operating within the financial inclusion ecosystem have a responsibility to maintain public confidence, warning that the spread of unverified information could undermine trust and potentially expose customers to financial risks, He stated that OPay remained fully committed to Nigeria and had no decision to suspend its operations.

“OPay is here, OPay is operating, and OPay is going nowhere. The message circulating is false. There is no decision to shut down operations in Nigeria,” Adekunle said, He urged customers to disregard any message suggesting that OPay was going on leave or preparing to exit the country.

Adekunle also highlighted the company’s continued expansion in Nigeria, noting that OPay had opened more than 26 new offices across the country during 2026, “This year alone, we opened over 26 new offices across Nigeria, and our teams are on the ground,” he said.

The Issues

The controversy arose after a message circulated on social media purporting to be an official communication from OPay and claiming that the fintech company would shut down its Nigerian operations from September 1, 2026, The company said the message did not originate from OPay and was designed to appear as an authentic corporate announcement.

OPay argued that misinformation of this nature could have serious consequences for a financial institution, particularly if customers act on false information by withdrawing funds, abandoning accounts or making other financial decisions based on the fabricated announcement, The incident also highlights the wider risks posed by misinformation within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital financial services sector, where millions of customers depend on fintech platforms for payments, transfers and other financial transactions.

What’s Being Said

OPay’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, said the company had formally contacted relevant regulatory, law enforcement and security agencies over the publication, According to Rokosu, the company has provided evidence to the authorities investigating the matter and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

He said the alleged publication had the potential to create fear, cause financial losses and undermine confidence in OPay, Rokosu also confirmed that OPay had commenced legal proceedings against those allegedly responsible for the false information, “This is not about silencing anyone. No individual should believe social media provides immunity from legal consequences where there is evidence of unlawful conduct,” he said, The legal counsel further argued that freedom of expression does not protect malicious falsehoods or deliberate attempts to cause financial harm.

What’s Next

OPay is expected to continue cooperating with the relevant security and law enforcement agencies as investigations into the source and circulation of the alleged false announcement proceed, The company has also urged customers to rely on its official communication channels and other credible sources when verifying information concerning its operations, For OPay, the immediate priority is to restore and maintain confidence among customers, merchants, agents and business partners following the social media controversy.

Bottom Line

OPay has firmly rejected claims that it is preparing to shut down its Nigerian operations, describing the purported September 1 shutdown announcement as false, With the company confirming that it remains operational, opening new offices and pursuing legal action against those allegedly behind the misinformation, OPay is positioning the incident as a matter of protecting customer confidence and the integrity of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem.

W’Bank backs tariff, subsidy reforms in Nigeria’s power sector

By Annette Ikponmwonba | September 3, 2026

Keypoints

  • World Bank to support reforms to Nigeria’s electricity tariff and subsidy frameworks.
  • The reforms are aimed at restoring financial sustainability in the power sector.
  • Nigeria has more than 86 million people without access to electricity, according to the World Bank.
  • Electricity sector tariff shortfalls were estimated at $2.45 billion by the end of 2025.
  • The World Bank plans to support both on-grid and off-grid electricity solutions.
  • Its six-year framework targets electricity access for more than 32 million Nigerians.
  • The bank will help attract private capital into generation, transmission, distribution, mini-grids and solar systems.
  • The reforms come amid ongoing efforts to address liquidity challenges in Nigeria’s electricity market.

Main Story

The World Bank Group has announced plans to support reforms to Nigeria’s electricity tariff and subsidy frameworks as part of efforts to restore financial sustainability in the country’s power sector, The commitment was contained in the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering the 2026 to 2032 fiscal years.

According to the framework, the bank’s intervention will focus on improving electricity access and reliability for households and businesses through both on-grid and off-grid solutions, The World Bank said its support would include reforms targeting electricity tariffs and subsidies, competitive investment planning and stronger regulation of the power sector, The institution noted that Nigeria has the world’s largest electricity access deficit, with more than 86 million people currently without access to electricity.

The Issues

The financial sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity sector remains a major challenge, The World Bank estimated that tariff shortfalls reached $2.45 billion by the end of 2025, contributing to the liquidity problems affecting the sector, For years, electricity tariffs were kept below the actual cost of supplying power, with the Federal Government expected to cover the resulting shortfalls.

However, the failure to fully settle those obligations has contributed to financial pressure across the electricity value chain, Frequent power outages have also forced households and businesses to depend heavily on generators, increasing operating costs and reducing productivity.

What’s Being Said

The World Bank said tariff and subsidy reforms would be combined with measures designed to attract private investment into Nigeria’s electricity market, The bank plans to support project preparation, transaction structuring and competitive processes aimed at attracting private capital into generation, transmission and distribution, It will also continue supporting the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up platform, which is designed to expand investment in mini-grids and standalone solar systems, The World Bank said its combined on-grid and off-grid interventions under the framework could provide electricity access to more than 32 million Nigerians.

What’s Next

The World Bank is expected to work with the Federal Government, regulators and private-sector investors on implementing the reforms over the six-year partnership period, Attention will likely remain on how tariff adjustments and subsidy reforms are structured to balance financial sustainability with electricity affordability for consumers, The bank will also support the development of public-private partnerships and investment frameworks across the electricity value chain.

Bottom Line

The World Bank is backing a major restructuring of Nigeria’s electricity financing model, with tariff and subsidy reforms at the centre of efforts to resolve the sector’s liquidity crisis. The success of the plan will depend on whether Nigeria can attract sufficient private investment while improving electricity access, reliability and affordability for consumers.

APC begins door-to-door mobilisation ahead of 2027 election

Key Points

  • APC in Eredo LCDA has commenced door-to-door mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
  • The exercise will cover communities and wards across the Lagos council area.
  • The party says the campaign will combine voter sensitisation with direct engagement with residents.

Main Story

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, has commenced door-to-door mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APC Chairman in Eredo LCDA, Mr Waliyu Ismail, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

Ismail said the exercise was aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots support and informing residents about the policies and programmes of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He said party leaders would use the mobilisation to engage residents directly, explain government programmes and listen to concerns within communities.

“We have taken the campaign to the grassroots because the people remain the foundation of every successful election,” Ismail said.

He said the exercise would extend across communities and wards in Eredo LCDA to ensure eligible voters were reached.

“Our objective is to ensure that we reach the people at the grassroots.

“We are going from house to house and community to community because direct engagement remains an effective way of mobilising support,” he said.

The Issues

The mobilisation reflects the APC’s effort to strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 election through direct engagement with voters.

Ismail said the party would use the exercise to highlight what it described as the developmental achievements of the APC-led government, particularly in infrastructure and economic reforms.

He also said the engagement would give party leaders an opportunity to hear residents’ concerns rather than relying solely on broader campaign activities.

What’s Being Said

“We want to interact directly with our people, listen to their concerns and remind them of the developmental strides of the APC-led government.” – Waliyu Ismail, APC Chairman, Eredo LCDA.

“We are confident that the achievements of President Tinubu will speak for him.” – Waliyu Ismail.

What’s Next

Ismail said the mobilisation would continue across Eredo LCDA as the party seeks to maintain contact with residents and build support ahead of 2027.

He urged APC members to remain united and committed to the party’s grassroots activities.

“We must remain united, focused and committed to our party.

“With unity and effective grassroots mobilisation, I am confident that APC will continue to enjoy the confidence and support of the people,” he said.

Bottom Line

The APC in Eredo LCDA has begun house-to-house mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, combining voter sensitisation with direct engagement with residents. The party says it will use the exercise to promote the Tinubu administration’s policies and strengthen its grassroots support.

GITEX CEO urges Nigerian startups to target global markets

Nigeria Missing Among Top Countries Using AI Technology

Key Points

  • GITEX Global CEO Trixie LohMirmand says Nigeria must turn its AI ecosystem into globally competitive businesses.
  • More than 200 investors with over $200 billion in assets are expected at GITEX Nigeria 2026.
  • NITDA says Nigeria is expanding fibre, cloud and computing infrastructure to support the technology economy.

Main Story

Nigeria must move beyond developing its artificial intelligence ecosystem and focus on building technology businesses capable of competing in global markets, GITEX Global CEO Trixie LohMirmand has said.

LohMirmand made the call at the opening of GITEX Nigeria 2026 in Lagos on Wednesday, describing global market access as the next major test for the country’s technology ecosystem.

She said Nigeria had made significant progress in startups, AI, creativity, funding and digital infrastructure but needed to convert that progress into businesses capable of attracting international customers, capital and partnerships.

According to her, Nigeria must also shift from primarily consuming AI technologies developed elsewhere to creating solutions that generate value internationally.

“Consuming AI just makes for a market. When you start to create AI, it makes you a superpower.

“Talent needs access to markets, startups need customers, while innovation requires capital and investor confidence,” she said.

LohMirmand said GITEX was designed to connect Nigeria’s technology ecosystem with international markets and disclosed that registrations for the 2026 edition had attracted participants from more than 90 countries.

She said more than 200 investors with assets exceeding $200 billion were expected at the event, alongside international participants including 23 companies from Moscow, nine Canadian companies and nine startups from Lebanon.

She said the international participation could expose investors and technology companies to Nigeria’s market, policies, talent and opportunities while giving Nigerian businesses access to international networks.

The Issues

LohMirmand said Nigerian startups needed to focus on sustainable growth rather than stopping at recognition or startup creation.

“It is not just celebrating the startups. This is only the first mile. Startup creation without sustainable growth would limit its economic impact,” she said.

She urged businesses and investors participating in GITEX to convert contacts made at the event into investment, partnerships and market opportunities.

She also called for stronger cooperation among government, private-sector companies and investors, saying the benefits of the technology event should extend beyond its duration into policymaking, education, startup development and technology exports.

“GITEX is not an exhibition. It is an economic infrastructure that supports the technology ecosystem,” she said.

What’s Being Said

“Consuming AI just makes for a market. When you start to create AI, it makes you a superpower.” – Trixie LohMirmand, CEO, GITEX Global.

“Talent needs access to markets, startups need customers, while innovation requires capital and investor confidence.” – Trixie LohMirmand.

What’s Next

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, said the government was taking steps to prepare Nigerians for a technology-driven economy.

Abdullahi identified human intelligence as Nigeria’s greatest resource and said technologies including AI, the Internet of Things, robotics and blockchain could increase productivity across key sectors.

He also highlighted certification and software testing as measures for improving trust in Nigerian technology products and helping startups secure corporate and government opportunities.

Abdullahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved Project Bridge for the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, alongside efforts to expand cloud and computing capacity.

He urged international technology companies to invest and build in Nigeria and called on local innovators to develop products that can serve markets beyond the country.

“Building in Nigeria does not mean you are limiting yourself to Nigerian market, but positioning yourself for the African market.” – Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, NITDA.

“Build to solve our immediate problems in Nigeria, but with the intention of scaling to Africa and to the world.” – Kashifu Abdullahi.

Bottom Line

GITEX Global is urging Nigeria to turn its growing AI and technology ecosystem into businesses capable of competing for international customers and capital. Government officials say expanded digital infrastructure, skills and quality assurance will be important to making that global ambition possible.

INEC warns AI disinformation could undermine 2027 election

Key Points

  • INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan says AI-driven disinformation threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election.
  • Commission is auditing its electoral technology and considering a mock presidential election.
  • INEC says its response will focus on faster, clearer information rather than restricting legitimate journalism or civic dissent.

Main Story

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence to create and spread disinformation could threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the warning in a keynote address at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Amupitan, who was represented by National Commissioner Sani Adam, said generative AI had made manipulated video, audio and images cheaper to produce and increasingly difficult to detect.

He cited documented cases of manipulated political content during recent elections in West and East Africa, including material circulated during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.

According to him, such content can reach millions of social media users before it is verified, while algorithmic micro-targeting can allow different and conflicting messages to be directed at specific groups of voters.

He said the challenge was therefore not limited to fabricated content but also involved creating an information environment in which voters could receive conflicting narratives without a common factual basis.

Amupitan said public confidence in INEC would depend partly on how well voters understood and trusted information about the electoral process, including the integrity of the ballot, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result sheets.

He said the deployment of BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) was intended to strengthen confidence by allowing citizens to view polling-unit results before the collation process.

However, he acknowledged that the 2023 election showed how technological failures could themselves become a source of public distrust.

The Issues

The growing use of generative AI creates a particular challenge for election management because manipulated political material can be produced and distributed rapidly, making verification difficult before false information gains traction.

Amupitan said INEC was therefore undertaking a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems, including system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery planning.

The commission is also exploring a mock presidential election ahead of 2027 to test accreditation, result transmission and results viewing under conditions similar to election day.

Amupitan said INEC had proposed a substantial budget for the 2027 election, with significant allocations for technology and election operations, including new accreditation devices to replace equipment lost or damaged during the previous election.

He said full release of the funds was still awaited, although INEC’s ICT team had begun engaging manufacturers on procurement while preparations for the technology audit and possible mock election continued.

What’s Being Said

“INEC’s credibility now rests as much on how information about its processes was understood and trusted, especially on the integrity of the ballot, the BVAS and result sheets.” – Prof. Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

“Solutions adopted elsewhere must be adapted to Nigeria’s own realities of internet access, language diversity and institutional trust.” – Prof. Joash Amupitan.

Amupitan said INEC would seek to counter disinformation by providing better and faster information rather than restricting legitimate journalism or civic dissent.

What’s Next

INEC will continue preparations for the 2027 election alongside its technology audit and budget finalisation.

The commission is also considering a mock presidential election to test key electoral technology and procedures before the general election.

Amupitan said INEC would strengthen its approach to electoral technology and transparency while taking account of Nigeria’s internet access, linguistic diversity and institutional environment.

Bottom Line

INEC says AI-generated disinformation has become a significant threat to public confidence in elections ahead of 2027. The commission is responding with a technology audit, possible mock presidential election and a focus on faster public information rather than restrictions on legitimate civic and media activity.

IPMAN accuses Anambra agents of illegal levies, harassment

Key Points

  • IPMAN says petroleum marketers in Anambra are facing alleged illegal levies and harassment by government agents.
  • Marketers pay a harmonised annual levy of ₦145,000 per outlet under the state arrangement.
  • The association warns it may suspend operations if the alleged harassment continues.

Main Story

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has accused agents of the Anambra State Government of imposing illegal levies and harassing petroleum marketers despite an approved harmonised tax regime.

IPMAN made the allegation on Wednesday at its Annual General Meeting in Awka, where the association called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and protect businesses operating in the state.

Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, said the state government had approved a harmonised annual payment of ₦145,000 for each filling station.

He said the amount covered property tax, business premises, local government council and signage charges, and that marketers were complying with the approved arrangement.

However, Anyaso alleged that government agents continued to issue additional demand notices to filling station operators.

He said the ₦145,000 charge was already higher than what marketers paid in other states within the association’s zone.

According to him, marketers in rural areas of Enugu pay between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 annually, while those in city centres pay about ₦120,000.

Anyaso also alleged that some local government authorities were interfering with filling station operations and that consultants engaged to collect revenue were creating additional difficulties for marketers.

He further alleged that the state Ministry of Petroleum Resources was introducing additional charges, including a Petroleum tax renewal, despite marketers already paying federal petroleum-related charges.

The Issues

IPMAN said the additional demands were increasing operating costs for petroleum marketers at a time when the business was becoming less profitable.

Anyaso said the association had agreed to comply with taxes and levies formally approved by the state government but objected to charges it described as illegal.

The dispute centres on whether additional charges being demanded from filling stations fall within the approved harmonised levy or represent separate revenue demands by government agencies and consultants.

The association also raised concerns about the involvement of local government authorities and consultants in revenue collection from petroleum businesses.

What’s Being Said

“We agreed on N145,000 per year for every outlet, which covers property tax, Business Premises, Local Government Council and Signage but we are getting illegal demand notices from agents under this government.” – Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman, IPMAN Enugu Depot Community.

“Anambra is becoming a problem state for the union as most of the challenges come from the state.” – Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Southeast Zonal Vice President, IPMAN.

“We may have to shut down operations for a while to get the attention of Mr Governor.” – Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Southeast Zonal Vice President, IPMAN.

What’s Next

Nwankwo appealed to the state government to support petroleum marketers, saying rising operating costs and lower margins were putting pressure on their businesses.

He said marketers could consider temporarily shutting their operations if the alleged harassment continued.

The Chairman of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria in Anambra, Izukanne Chibuike, also called for an end to what he described as incessant harassment by unknown agents.

Chibuike, however, commended Soludo for approving the harmonised levy and said petroleum dealers would continue to comply with approved taxes and government policies.

Bottom Line

IPMAN wants the Anambra Government to stop alleged illegal levies and harassment of petroleum marketers, arguing that the additional demands are worsening an already difficult business environment. The association has warned of a possible temporary shutdown if the dispute is not resolved.

NADF trains 4,000 operators, mechanics for farm mechanisation

Key Points

  • NADF has trained 4,000 tractor operators and mechanics to support Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation programme.
  • Federal Government is deploying 2,000 tractors and more than 9,000 implements and spare parts.
  • Government says financing, maintenance, skills and accountability are critical to sustaining mechanisation.

Main Story

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has trained 4,000 tractor operators and mechanics to support Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation programme, the Federal Government has said.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this on the sidelines of the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Rwanda, where discussions focused on sustainable agricultural mechanisation and resilient food systems.

Kyari said the trained personnel would provide the skilled manpower required to operate and maintain agricultural machinery being deployed across the country.

He said the government was deploying 2,000 tractors, alongside more than 9,000 agricultural implements and spare parts, through a service-provider model.

According to him, the model is intended to improve farmers’ access to mechanisation while ensuring more efficient use and management of agricultural equipment.

The minister said training operators and mechanics was necessary to ensure that investments in machinery translated into increased farm productivity, employment and improved food security.

He commended NADF for strengthening the mechanisation drive through skills development.

Kyari said the government’s approach went beyond purchasing and distributing equipment, stressing that sustainable mechanisation also depended on financing, equipment utilisation, maintenance systems, skilled personnel and accountability.

The Issues

Nigeria’s mechanisation programme faces the challenge of ensuring that agricultural equipment remains operational after deployment.

The government’s decision to combine equipment deployment with operator and mechanic training is aimed at addressing the skills and maintenance requirements needed to keep the machinery in use.

Kyari also identified irrigation, dry-season farming, climate-smart agriculture and soil health as areas receiving government investment to increase food production and strengthen resilience.

He added that support was being provided to displaced farmers returning to agricultural production.

What’s Being Said

“Our shared objective is not simply to put more tractors on the field but to build a sustainable system of finance, utilisation, maintenance, skills and accountability around them.” – Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

“Building a resilient and competitive food system ultimately requires bringing land, water, technology, finance and markets together within a coordinated framework capable of withstanding shocks, raising productivity and delivering sustainable prosperity.” – Sen. Abubakar Kyari.

What’s Next

Kyari called for greater private-sector investment and stronger partnerships across the agricultural value chain.

He said government would need to create an enabling environment for investment in agricultural production, processing, technology, logistics and markets.

The minister said Nigeria’s large and youthful population, expanding domestic market and agricultural potential could provide economic opportunities if public investment, private capital, technology, infrastructure and human capacity were better aligned.

Bottom Line

The Federal Government is pairing the deployment of 2,000 tractors and more than 9,000 agricultural implements with skills development, with 4,000 operators and mechanics already trained through NADF. The government says sustained mechanisation will depend on financing, maintenance, skills, utilisation and accountability, not equipment procurement alone.

Guinea-Bissau approves constitution expanding presidential powers

Key Points

  • Guinea-Bissau voters have provisionally approved a new constitution with 70 per cent voting in favour.
  • The reforms give the president power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet.
  • Parliament would be reduced from 102 to 65 seats under the new constitution.

Main Story

Voters in Guinea-Bissau have provisionally approved a new constitution that expands presidential powers and changes the country’s electoral system ahead of a presidential election scheduled for December.

The National Electoral Commission said 70 per cent of voters backed the reforms, while 30 per cent voted against them. About 544,060 people participated, representing almost 60 per cent of registered voters.

Under the new constitution, the president would have the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, replacing the current arrangement under which parliament names the prime minister.

The president would also be able to create or abolish ministries and dissolve parliament in the event of a grave political crisis.

The referendum was held under a military government that came to power after a coup in November 2025. The country’s main opposition party, the PAIGC, boycotted the vote and questioned the safeguards surrounding the process.

PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira said the referendum’s supporters were seeking to “kill our freedom and bury our democracy.”

A spokesperson for the military government could not be reached for comment.

The Issues

The constitutional changes would significantly alter the balance of power between Guinea-Bissau’s presidency and parliament.

Parliament would be reduced from 102 seats to 65, while the number of electoral constituencies would fall from 29 to 12.

The reforms would also introduce a five-year residency requirement for presidential candidates, who would have to have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau during the five years preceding an election.

The referendum has therefore given the military government provisional backing for changes to the country’s political and electoral framework, although the opposition’s boycott raises questions about the breadth of political participation in the process.

Reports from the capital, Bissau, said polling stations were largely empty during Sunday’s vote. Some residents told local media they were unaware that the referendum was taking place or did not understand its purpose.

What’s Being Said

“Kill our freedom and bury our democracy.” – Domingos Simoes Pereira, PAIGC leader.

Pereira made the statement in a video message urging opposition supporters to reject the referendum process.

What’s Next

The provisional referendum result provides the military government with a basis for implementing the proposed constitutional changes ahead of the presidential election scheduled for December.

The reforms would reshape the powers of the presidency, parliament and the electoral system if implemented as approved.

Bottom Line

Guinea-Bissau voters have provisionally backed a new constitution that strengthens presidential powers and reduces the size of parliament. The vote comes ahead of December’s presidential election and was boycotted by the country’s main opposition party.

Global grid investment must reach $600bn annually by 2030 – Energy experts

Key Points

  • Global annual grid investment needs to rise from about $400bn to $600bn by 2030, the IEA estimates.
  • Grid projects can take eight to 10 years or more in Europe and the United States.
  • The electricity sector will need an additional 1.5 million workers by 2030.

Main Story

Energy experts have stated that global electricity grid investment needs to increase by about 50 per cent to roughly $600 billion annually by 2030 as electrification, renewable energy and rising data-centre demand put pressure on power systems.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that annual investment must rise from about $400 billion currently to meet the infrastructure requirements of the emerging electricity-intensive economy.

The figures were highlighted at the CIGRE 2026 Paris Session, which brought together more than 15,000 electricity-sector experts from 100 countries and 330 exhibitors.

The session focused on the need to accelerate grid development and coordinate investment, technology, regulation and workforce development across the electricity value chain.

The pace of infrastructure delivery remains a major constraint. According to the IEA figures cited at the session, extra-high-voltage transmission lines can be permitted and constructed in about 1.5 years in China and around three years in India.

Comparable projects in Europe and the United States can take eight to 10 years or longer.

CIGRE said addressing the gap will require transmission and distribution system operators to coordinate network planning and operations, while utilities, manufacturers and technology providers increase equipment production, innovation and industrial capacity.

Regulators and public authorities will also need to provide investment frameworks that support infrastructure development while considering affordability and public acceptance.

The Issues

The growing demand for electricity is increasing pressure on existing power networks as transport, industry and buildings become more electrified and renewable generation expands.

The speed at which new grid infrastructure can be planned, approved and constructed therefore becomes critical to the pace of the energy transition.

The sector also faces a workforce shortage. About eight million people are currently employed in constructing, maintaining and operating electricity grids globally, while the IEA estimates that another 1.5 million workers will be required by 2030.

What’s Being Said

“No plan B, no planet B,” – Konstantin O. Papailiou, President of CIGRE.

The statement was made in a call for collective action to develop the power systems required for the future electricity system.

What’s Next

CIGRE said it is using its technical working groups and the CIGRE Fund for Innovation and Education to support research, scholarships and training aimed at strengthening the electricity sector’s skills base.

The organisation is also calling for closer cooperation among network operators, utilities, manufacturers, technology providers, regulators and public authorities as new grid infrastructure is developed.

During the Paris Session, the French Minister of Industry, Mr. Martin, visited the CIGRE exhibition after being invited to the FIERE event. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in responding to the current wave of electrification.

Bottom Line

The global shift towards greater electricity use is creating a major infrastructure requirement, with annual grid investment needing to reach about $600 billion by 2030. The scale of the challenge will depend not only on capital, but also on faster project delivery, industrial capacity and a larger skilled workforce.

Cascador selects 10 Nigerian firms for 2026 ScaleUp programme

Key Points

  • Ten Nigerian growth-stage companies were selected from more than 1,000 applications.
  • The businesses operate across healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, food, tourism and technology.
  • Participants will receive mentorship, investor support and access to potential follow-on funding.

Main Story

Cascador has selected 10 Nigerian growth-stage companies for its 2026 ScaleUp Programme, following more than 1,000 applications from businesses seeking support to expand their operations.

The 12-week programme is focused on companies with established traction and growth potential across Nigeria’s real economy and technology-driven sectors.

The selected businesses are Venco, SunFi, ColdHubs, EHA Clinics, Beauty Hut Africa, BEYOND Fitness, Ziba Beach Resort, Tulay Africa, Maanj Agric and Finger Chops.

Their businesses cover areas including digital infrastructure for residential communities, solar energy, cold storage, healthcare, beauty commerce, fitness, tourism, critical minerals, agriculture and food manufacturing.

Cascador said the selection reflects a shift in its ScaleUp Programme towards growth-stage businesses that have demonstrated traction and are positioned for further expansion.

The cohort will receive one-on-one support from investors, international and African experts, and strategic partners. Participants will also be eligible for follow-on funding through Cascador’s Catalytic Fund.

The fund deploys up to $5 million annually in growth capital through local-currency debt, equity and guarantees in partnership with Sterling Bank.

The programme combines two weeks of in-person sessions, including the kickoff and pitch week, with 10 weeks of virtual sessions involving founders and their leadership teams.

Participants will also compete at a Live Pitch Day for an opportunity to receive $50,000 in prizes.

Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador, said the programme would help the selected founders strengthen their businesses and prepare for their next stage of growth.

“The founders in our 2026 ScaleUp program reflect the ambition, resilience and entrepreneurial talent driving Nigeria’s economy forward. Their businesses are already creating jobs, generating value and spurring growth across some of the country’s most important sectors,” she said.

Thomas said Cascador’s focus was to provide the training, mentorship, networks and leadership skills required to help the businesses expand.

The 2026 cohort has a 60 per cent female-founder representation and includes founders from five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions, according to Cascador.

Chude Osiegbu, CEO and Co-Founder of Venco, one of the selected companies, said participation in the programme would support the company’s expansion into new cities and countries.

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of Cascador’s 2026 ScaleUp Program. The mentorship, resources and networks the program provides will accelerate our growth to transform how residential and commercial communities operate across Africa,” he said.

Cascador said it had supported 70 ventures since 2019, with those businesses collectively raising $125 million in capital. Its alumni served more than 1.7 million customers in 2025 alone.

David DeLucia, Co-Founder of Cascador, said the latest cohort represented an opportunity to help established businesses grow sustainably and generate lasting economic value.

The Issues

The programme targets businesses that have moved beyond the early-stage phase and are seeking capital, expertise and networks to expand.

The participating companies span several sectors, giving the cohort exposure to different growth challenges and market opportunities across Nigeria.

The funding component also gives selected businesses a potential route to additional capital beyond the 12-week programme.

What’s Being Said

“The mentorship, resources and networks the program provides will accelerate our growth to transform how residential and commercial communities operate across Africa.” – Chude Osiegbu, CEO and Co-Founder, Venco

“The founders in our 2026 ScaleUp program reflect the ambition, resilience and entrepreneurial talent driving Nigeria’s economy forward.” – Trish Thomas, CEO, Cascador

“The next chapter of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial story will be about what happens when proven businesses get the support they need to scale.” – David DeLucia, Co-Founder, Cascador

What’s Next

The selected companies will undergo the 12-week ScaleUp Programme, combining in-person and virtual sessions with mentorship, investor engagement and strategic support.

They will also participate in a Live Pitch Day, where they will have the opportunity to compete for $50,000 in prizes, while eligible companies can pursue follow-on funding through Cascador’s Catalytic Fund.

Bottom Line

Cascador has chosen 10 Nigerian growth-stage companies for its 2026 ScaleUp Programme, giving businesses across key sectors access to mentorship, networks and potential growth capital as they prepare to expand.

Chain Reactions Africa wins top consultancy category in Africa PR index

Key Points

  • Chain Reactions Africa won the Large Consultancy category in the inaugural Africa Consultancy Performance Index.
  • The Lagos-based firm ranked third overall among Africa’s top five PR consultancies.
  • Its ranking was based on business performance, creative impact, innovation, talent and industry leadership.

Main Story

Chain Reactions Africa has been ranked the third-best PR consultancy in Africa in the inaugural Africa Consultancy Performance Index, while taking the top spot in the Large Consultancy category.

The Lagos-headquartered independent consultancy received the recognition at PRAXIS Africa during Africa PR Week in Nairobi on August 26, 2026.

South Africa’s Retroviral, Dialogue Communications, Clockwork and Burson Africa were also among the five highest-ranked consultancies.

The index, developed by Earned First, assessed firms across five areas: business performance; creative impact and client outcomes; innovation and thought leadership; talent and culture; and industry leadership.

Chain Reactions Africa recorded particularly strong results in business performance and creative impact and client outcomes, according to the organisers.

The ranking comes against the backdrop of improved financial and business performance by the consultancy. In 2025, the firm recorded 18.5 per cent revenue growth and increased its workforce from 44 to 53 employees. It also reported a 60 per cent success rate in winning new business.

Founded in 2010, Chain Reactions Africa operates across strategic advisory, creativity, technology, research and cultural intelligence.

Its recent work includes communications around LAMATA’s intra-city electric rail project, NIVEA’s SABI hygiene education programme and Indomie Heroes.

The consultancy said NIVEA’s SABI programme contributed to a 40 per cent increase in sales, while the Indomie Heroes campaign helped reinforce the brand’s focus on children and youth development.

Technology and audience research have also become part of its operations through Ara by Prophet, an AI and cultural-intelligence platform, and ÀRÁMÀNDÀ, an audience-intelligence and research platform.

Arun Sudhaman, Founder and CEO of Earned First, said the index was intended to provide a broad assessment of consultancy performance rather than focus solely on individual campaigns or awards.

The latest ranking adds to Chain Reactions Africa’s previous recognition at international and continental industry awards, including a second-place overall finish at the SABRE Awards.

Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, said the result demonstrated that an independent African consultancy could compete with larger international firms.

“To be recognised alongside and ahead of some of the biggest names on the continent is particularly meaningful. It tells us that an African independent consultancy can build world-class capability, compete with global heavyweights and remain deeply rooted in the realities and possibilities of our continent.” – Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa

The Issues

The Africa Consultancy Performance Index evaluates PR consultancies beyond individual campaigns, using business performance, client outcomes, innovation, talent and industry leadership as its five assessment areas.

Chain Reactions Africa’s third-place overall ranking places an African independent consultancy among established firms and global PR networks operating across the continent.

What’s Being Said

“This means a lot to us at Chain Reactions Africa. We are deeply grateful for this recognition. It represents more than a ranking; it is an acknowledgement of the journey we have taken, the people who have built this consultancy and the ambition we continue to have for African communications.” – Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa

“To be recognised alongside and ahead of some of the biggest names on the continent is particularly meaningful. It tells us that an African independent consultancy can build world-class capability, compete with global heavyweights and remain deeply rooted in the realities and possibilities of our continent.” – Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa

What’s Next

The recognition places Chain Reactions Africa among the leading PR consultancies assessed in the inaugural continental index.

The consultancy is expected to build on its existing focus on strategic advisory, creativity, technology, research and cultural intelligence as it expands its work across African communications markets.

Bottom Line

Chain Reactions Africa has won the Large Consultancy category in the inaugural Africa Consultancy Performance Index and ranked third overall, placing the Nigerian independent consultancy among the continent’s top-performing PR firms.

U.S. investors provide 60% of external capital to Nigeria’s tech sector – US Consul

Key Points

  • U.S.-based investors account for about 60 per cent of external capital entering Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
  • The U.S. has remained the largest source of external tech investment in Nigeria over the past decade.
  • U.S. companies are also supporting technology skills development and business growth in Nigeria.

Main Story

U.S.-based investors account for about 60 per cent of external capital entering Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Brandon Hudspeth, has said.

Hudspeth made the disclosure on Wednesday at a GITEX Nigeria panel discussion titled, “From Startup to Scale-Up: Building Globally Competitive Businesses through U.S.-Nigeria Partnerships”.

He said U.S.-based investors had remained the largest source of external capital for Nigeria’s technology ecosystem over the past 10 years, with funding coming from major American companies and venture capital firms.

“For the past 10 years, U.S.-based investors have consistently been the largest source of external capital in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.

“U.S. sourced funding accounts today for 60 per cent of all external capital entering the Nigerian tech ecosystem, and it is coming from everywhere,” Hudspeth said.

He listed Visa, Google, Mastercard, Microsoft, Uber and PayPal among major U.S. companies contributing to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, alongside smaller American venture capital firms.

Hudspeth said the scale of existing investment showed the potential for stronger partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and U.S. companies.

He said deeper collaboration could support job creation, service delivery and economic prosperity in both countries.

“I know that there is a collaboration that will bring prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic and deliver services on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.

The Consul General said U.S.-Nigeria partnerships were also helping both the public and private sectors accelerate innovation, scale businesses and develop solutions capable of competing in global markets.

He said American technology companies were supporting the development of Nigeria’s technology talent through skills and capacity-building programmes.

“U.S. companies are working today to help build the Nigerian talent pool. Companies like Google, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft are training hundreds of thousands of people in the tech and AI sectors,” he said.

Hudspeth said the U.S. Consulate in Lagos was working to support technology companies, promote inclusive prosperity, facilitate business partnerships and connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with American counterparts.

He said these efforts were being pursued substantially through the U.S. Commercial Investment Partnership.

“At the Consulate, we are working to support these entities, drive equal prosperity, facilitate deals and bring Nigerian entrepreneurs together,” he said.

Hudspeth urged Nigerian entrepreneurs and U.S. technology companies to deepen their collaboration in developing innovative solutions and creating new opportunities.

He expressed optimism that discussions at GITEX Nigeria would lead to further investment and partnerships between Nigerian startups and American companies.

“I believe that among us today are the developers of the next six unicorns on the continent of Africa,” he said.

The Issues

U.S. investment is playing a significant role in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, according to the Consul General, with American funding accounting for about 60 per cent of external capital entering the sector.

Beyond funding, the partnership involves skills development, capacity building, business connections and support for Nigerian companies seeking to scale.

What’s Being Said

“For the past 10 years, U.S.-based investors have consistently been the largest source of external capital in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.” – Brandon Hudspeth, U.S. Consul General in Lagos

“U.S. sourced funding accounts today for 60 per cent of all external capital entering the Nigerian tech ecosystem, and it is coming from everywhere.” – Brandon Hudspeth, U.S. Consul General in Lagos

What’s Next

Hudspeth said the U.S. Consulate would continue working to facilitate business partnerships and connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with U.S. companies.

The discussions at GITEX Nigeria are expected to expose further opportunities for collaboration and investment between Nigerian startups and American technology companies.

Bottom Line

U.S.-based investors account for about 60 per cent of external capital entering Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, according to the U.S. Consul General, highlighting the scale of American participation in the country’s technology sector.

Federal workers demand full implementation of ₦70,000 minimum wage

Imo Govt Increases Minimum Wage To ₦40k

Key Points

  • FWF wants the Federal Government to implement the full consequential adjustment of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
  • The group says workers are owed arrears, allowances, promotion arrears and other entitlements.
  • It also called for a salary review amid rising living costs.

Main Story

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has urged the Federal Government to fully implement the consequential adjustments arising from the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage and settle outstanding arrears owed to federal workers.

The forum also called for the payment of outstanding allowances and other entitlements linked to the revised wage structure, which took effect in 2024.

The demand was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and jointly signed by FWF National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, and General Secretary, Ogundele Ayodele.

The forum alleged that the new minimum wage had not been fully implemented across the federal public service, claiming that only ₦40,000 was added uniformly to salaries across different levels.

It said the adjustment did not reflect the full consequential increase expected from the revised minimum wage.

“The situation had weakened workers’ purchasing power and worsened their living conditions amid rising costs of food, transportation, accommodation and other essential services,” the forum said.

According to FWF, federal workers have been seeking the full consequential adjustment since the implementation of the new minimum wage in July 2024.

The group specifically demanded the immediate implementation of the outstanding 40 per cent peculiar allowance and payment of all arrears arising from the new wage structure.

It also called for the settlement of promotion arrears and other outstanding financial obligations owed to workers.

“Workers should not continue to bear the burden of delayed implementation,” it said.

FWF said the Federal Government should urgently resolve all outstanding issues associated with the implementation of the new minimum wage and ensure that workers receive a salary structure that reflects its consequential effect.

The forum further called for a review of workers’ salaries, arguing that prevailing economic conditions had made current earnings inadequate for federal employees.

It said a comprehensive salary review would help address the rising cost of living while improving workers’ welfare, productivity and efficiency in the public service.

The Issues

The dispute centres on the extent to which the ₦70,000 minimum wage has translated into consequential salary adjustments for federal workers.

FWF says outstanding adjustments, allowances and arrears have not been fully resolved and that delays have affected workers’ purchasing power amid higher living costs.

What’s Being Said

“The situation had weakened workers’ purchasing power and worsened their living conditions amid rising costs of food, transportation, accommodation and other essential services.” – Federal Workers Forum

“Workers should not continue to bear the burden of delayed implementation.” – Federal Workers Forum

“Workers deserve a fair and equitable salary structure that reflects the consequential effect of the N70,000 minimum wage.” – Federal Workers Forum

What’s Next

FWF wants the Federal Government to implement the outstanding consequential adjustments, pay the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and settle promotion arrears and other outstanding entitlements.

The forum is also seeking a broader review of federal workers’ salaries to reflect prevailing economic conditions.

Bottom Line

Federal workers are demanding full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage adjustments and payment of outstanding entitlements, arguing that the current implementation has not adequately reflected the new wage structure.

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