Chimsom Chuka and Oyin had a heated confrontation after Chimsom exercised on Oyin’s bed and she retaliated by pouring liquid on his bed.
The disagreement continued, with both housemates becoming a major topic of discussion among the other contestants.
Goddessa told Barry she felt the situation had gone too far and suggested the pair may be seeking highlights.
Nomy used her Diary Session to express frustration about punishments and perceived alliances in the house.
Oyin told Biggie that she remains hurt by Neche’s eviction and believes Chimsom repeatedly looks for reasons to argue with her.
Biggie warned Oyin that pouring water on Chimsom’s bed amounted to vandalising his property.
Main Story
The biggest talking point in the Big Brother Naija house on Day 24 was the explosive clash between Chimsom Chuka and Oyin, The tension began when Chimsom started exercising on Oyin’s bed in the Garden. Oyin reacted by getting up and pouring liquid on Chimsom’s bed. What could have been a brief disagreement quickly escalated into a back-and-forth confrontation that attracted the attention of the other housemates.
The incident continued to generate conversation throughout the day. Goddessa told Barry that she felt Chimsom and Oyin had taken the situation too far. She also suggested that both housemates could be looking for highlights from the conflict, The drama was not the only major development. Housemates spent the morning preparing for their Wager presentation, while Diary Sessions gave several contestants an opportunity to discuss relationships, alliances and recent evictions.
Bluethopia reflected on the shock of Kamsy and Neche leaving the house. Yusuf also spoke about the difficulty of the Wager preparations and revealed that he had dreamed about Neche returning to the house, Nomy, meanwhile, used her Diary Session to air her frustrations about punishments and what she perceived as unequal influence among the housemates. She claimed that competitive housemates such as Chimsom, Cassi and Barry appeared to have their opinions taken more seriously, Oyin’s own Diary Session brought the day’s central conflict back into focus. She told Biggie that she was still angry and hurt by Neche’s eviction and said she had tried to understand Chimsom but felt he repeatedly made it his mission to argue with her.
The Issues
The Chimsom-Oyin conflict has moved beyond a simple argument, with both housemates now openly frustrated with each other, Oyin’s decision to pour liquid on Chimsom’s bed also raised questions about personal boundaries and respect for another housemate’s property, Goddessa’s comments introduced another angle to the drama, as she questioned whether the confrontation was partly motivated by a desire for attention and memorable moments in the house.
At the same time, Nomy’s comments point to growing concerns about alliances and influence among the housemates, Neche’s eviction also remains an emotional subject, particularly for Oyin, Bluethopia and Yusuf.
What’s Being Said
Goddessa believes the Chimsom-Oyin situation went too far and suggested they may be seeking highlights, Nomy feels some housemates have greater influence and that Chimsom’s opinions can sometimes be treated as unquestionable, Oyin says Chimsom repeatedly provokes arguments with her and that she has struggled to understand his behaviour. She also expressed strong disappointment over Neche’s eviction, Biggie reminded Oyin that pouring liquid on Chimsom’s bed amounted to vandalising his property.
What’s Next
The immediate question is whether Chimsom and Oyin will be able to move past their confrontation or whether their tension will continue to dominate the house, With Wager preparations underway, shifting alliances and unresolved feelings over recent evictions, the coming days could reveal whether the conflict becomes an isolated incident or develops into a bigger house rivalry.
Bottom Line
Day 24 was defined by conflict, alliances and emotional revelations. The Chimsom-Oyin clash is currently the biggest source of tension in the house, but beneath the surface, growing friendship groups and unresolved feelings over evictions are also reshaping the competition.
Bitcoin climbed above $72,000 after the U.S. Treasury doubled planned long-term bond buybacks
Citigroup is preparing to launch Bitcoin custody later this year through its new Custody+ platform
Short-covering and renewed regulatory optimism added momentum to the broader cryptocurrency rally
Main Story
Bitcoin rose sharply to above $72,000 on Thursday as investors responded to a U.S. Treasury buyback expansion, renewed regulatory optimism and growing institutional participation in digital assets.
The U.S. Treasury announced on August 19 that it would double the size of its long-duration bond buyback operations to at least $4 billion, starting September 9. The move followed a sharp rise in long-term Treasury yields and was interpreted by markets as a signal of increased support for bond-market liquidity.
Bitcoin climbed as the decline in long-term yields improved the relative appeal of risk assets. Reuters reported that Bitcoin was up 3.48% at $71,505 after crossing $70,000 for the first time since June, while other crypto-related assets also advanced.
The rally was further supported by short-covering after weeks of narrow trading. Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, said the crypto rally was subsequently fuelled by short-covering following the prolonged period of constrained trading.
U.S. President Donald Trump also urged Congress to pass a “fair version” of the CLARITY Act, which seeks to establish clearer rules around digital assets and define the regulatory responsibilities of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The institutional adoption story received another boost from Citigroup, which announced that its planned digital-asset custody service will launch later this year, initially supporting Bitcoin. The service will operate through Custody+, allowing institutional clients to access traditional and crypto custody within the same framework.
What’s Being Said
“The rally (in crypto) was then fueled by a wave of short-covering, following weeks of extremely narrow trading,” said Alex Kuptsikevich, Chief Market Analyst, FxPro.
“Trump’s comments … are incrementally positive because they suggest the White House is putting more direct pressure on Congress to get the legislation done,” said Bo Pei, Analyst, U.S. Tiger Securities.
Citigroup said its digital-asset custody service will initially focus on Bitcoin and will sit within its broader Custody+ infrastructure.
What’s Next
U.S. Treasury buybacks are scheduled to increase from September 9, providing a key test of whether the liquidity signal continues to support risk assets
Investors will monitor progress on the CLARITY Act as Congress considers a framework for digital-asset market regulation
Citigroup is expected to launch its Bitcoin custody service later in 2026, expanding institutional access to crypto custody
The Bottom Line:
Bitcoin’s latest rally is being supported by three forces at once: easier perceived liquidity conditions, short-covering and stronger institutional and regulatory signals. The combination strengthens the case for continued institutional participation, but the speed of the move leaves the market vulnerable to a reversal if Treasury yields or regulatory expectations change.
Ethereum jumped more than 11% as renewed institutional demand combined with a broader crypto-market rally
U.S.-listed Ethereum ETFs attracted $189.15 million on August 19, their strongest single-day inflow since October 2025
Treasury buybacks and short-covering strengthened risk appetite while leaving Ethereum technically vulnerable to a correction
Main Story
Ethereum extended its rally as renewed exchange-traded fund (ETF) demand combined with U.S. Treasury liquidity signals and a wave of short-covering across cryptocurrency markets.
Ethereum rose 11.07% to $2,321 in the supplied market data, significantly outperforming Bitcoin’s 6.41% gain. The move came as the U.S. Treasury announced plans to double long-duration bond buybacks to at least $4 billion, a decision that helped push long-term yields lower and improved risk appetite.
The strongest institutional signal came from U.S.-listed Ethereum ETFs, which recorded $189.15 million in net inflows on August 19, their largest single-day inflow since October 2025. August inflows had reached $534.2 million at the time of the report, making the month the strongest for Ethereum ETF flows in 2026.
BlackRock’s ETHA accounted for $122.12 million of the August 19 inflow, followed by Fidelity’s FETH with $36.54 million and Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini Trust with $16.04 million. Together, the three products accounted for about 92% of the day’s inflows.
The Treasury announcement provided the broader macro catalyst. Reuters reported that the intervention followed a bond-market selloff that pushed the 30-year Treasury yield to its highest level since 2007, making the subsequent decline in yields supportive of risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum’s advance was also amplified by leveraged short positions being closed as prices moved higher. The combination of actual ETF demand and forced buying created a sharper move than either factor would have produced independently.
However, the supplied technical data put Ethereum’s daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 82.2, indicating an overbought market. Key support was identified around $2,220–$2,250, while a sustained move above $2,300 would strengthen the case for further gains.
What’s Being Said
“The rally (in crypto) was then fueled by a wave of short-covering, following weeks of extremely narrow trading,” said Alex Kuptsikevich, Chief Market Analyst, FxPro.
Ethereum ETF data showed a sharp return of institutional demand, with $189.15 million entering U.S.-listed products on August 19, according to data reported by BeInCrypto from SoSoValue.
Reuters reported that analysts viewed the Treasury intervention as a positive signal for crypto markets, although the direct support to the bond market was relatively small and could provide only temporary relief.
What’s Next
Investors will watch whether Ethereum ETF inflows continue after the $189.15 million August 19 surge
Treasury buybacks beginning September 9 will provide a fresh test of the liquidity-driven risk-asset rally
Ethereum’s ability to hold the $2,220–$2,250 support zone will be important in determining whether the rally extends or enters a correction
The Bottom Line:
Ethereum’s rally has a stronger institutional foundation than a pure speculative move because ETF inflows are providing genuine demand alongside the short squeeze. However, the sharp price increase and elevated RSI mean the market is increasingly vulnerable to profit-taking if ETF demand or the broader liquidity signal weakens.
NGX All-Share Index fell 0.30% to 240,037.80 points as sell pressure extended into an eighth trading day
Market capitalisation declined by ₦440.33 billion to ₦154.98 trillion
Oil and Gas, Insurance and Banking stocks led sectoral losses, falling 2.49%, 0.79% and 0.41% respectively
Main Story
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed lower on Thursday as continued profit-taking in energy, oil and gas, insurance and banking stocks pushed market capitalisation down by ₦440.33 billion.
The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 0.30%, or 712.67 points, to 240,037.80 points from 240,750.47 points, while market capitalisation fell 0.28% to ₦154.98 trillion.
The decline extended the local equities market’s losing streak to eight consecutive trading sessions, with selling pressure concentrated in several medium- and large-cap stocks.
Aradel Holdings, Oando and Zichis Agro-Allied Industries were among the stocks that came under pressure, falling 5.40%, 3.68% and 7.36%, respectively.
Market activity increased sharply, with 2.87 billion shares worth ₦33.99 billion traded in 34,725 deals. Trading volume rose 140.65% from 1.19 billion shares recorded in 34,546 deals on Wednesday, while transaction value declined from ₦37.82 billion.
Fortis Global Insurance led volume activity with about 2.56 billion shares, representing roughly 89% of total market volume. Aradel Holdings recorded the highest value traded at ₦6.23 billion, accounting for 18.32% of total transaction value.
Haldane McCall led the gainers with a 9.38% increase, followed by Trans-Nationwide Express at 8.90% and McNichols at 8.33%.
International Energy Insurance was the worst performer, declining 9.85% to ₦4.30, followed by WAPIC at 9.84% and Fortis Global Insurance at 9.76%.
The market’s sectoral performance was also negative, with three of the five major sectors declining.
What’s Being Said
Market data showed that the latest decline was driven primarily by continued selling in large- and medium-cap stocks, particularly within the Oil and Gas and Insurance sectors.
The supplied market report did not include a direct quotation from an identified broker, analyst or exchange official, so no quotation has been added to avoid attributing an invented statement to a source.
What’s Next
Investors will monitor whether profit-taking persists when trading resumes in the next session
Further movements in large-cap Oil and Gas, Banking and Insurance stocks will remain important for the direction of the ASI
The Bottom Line:
The eighth consecutive decline shows that profit-taking remains a significant drag on Nigerian equities despite the sharp increase in trading volume. Until buying interest strengthens across large-cap stocks, elevated activity alone may not be enough to reverse the market’s bearish momentum.
Hyundai unveils the next-generation Tucson in South Korea with a larger, more upright design
New SUV adopts full-width lighting, boxier fender flares and an upscale interior inspired by larger Hyundai models
North American versions are expected to follow as 2027 models, with gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options likely
Main Story
Hyundai has unveiled the next-generation Tucson in South Korea, introducing a more upright and boxier design as the automaker prepares a new generation of its compact SUV for global markets.
The redesigned Tucson moves away from the softer styling of the current model, adopting a wider visual stance, pronounced fender flares and full-width lighting elements at the front and rear. The design direction follows the more rugged styling Hyundai has introduced on newer SUVs, including the Santa Fe.
The front end features slim, angular headlights integrated into a broader lighting treatment, while the doors carry more defined surfacing. The overall shape gives the Tucson a larger and more substantial appearance despite remaining within the compact SUV segment.
Inside, Hyundai has adopted a predominantly horizontal dashboard layout, with design cues drawn from the larger Ioniq 9 electric SUV. The cabin features a large central infotainment display, fewer physical controls and materials that give the interior a more premium appearance.
Hyundai has not yet released the complete technical specification for the new Tucson. However, the company had previously confirmed that the all-new compact SUV would launch in South Korea in 2026.
In its March 2026 letter to shareholders, Hyundai President and Chief Executive Officer José Muñoz said, “In Korea, IONIQ 9, Sonata, and updated IONIQ 6 have driven strong performance, and this year we are launching the all-new Tucson compact SUV and all-new Elantra sedan.” José Muñoz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Company.
The Tucson is a strategically important model for Hyundai, particularly in North America. The current model has been one of the company’s strongest-selling vehicles in the United States, increasing the significance of the redesign as Hyundai expands its SUV and electrified vehicle portfolio.
What’s Being Said
Hyundai has positioned the new Tucson launch within a broader global product strategy that is tailored to individual markets rather than built around a single specification for every region. Muñoz said the company would introduce the all-new Tucson in South Korea as part of its 2026 product offensive.
The latest design reveal shows Hyundai moving the Tucson closer visually to its larger SUVs, particularly through its upright proportions, wider stance and more pronounced bodywork. The company has yet to publish full technical details for the newly revealed model.
What’s Next
Hyundai is expected to provide further technical and powertrain information as the new Tucson moves toward market launch
North American versions are expected to follow for the 2027 model year, although detailed market-specific specifications and timing have yet to be announced
Gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are expected to remain central to the Tucson range, based on the model’s existing powertrain strategy and Hyundai’s broader approach to offering multiple powertrain options
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: Hyundai is using the Tucson redesign to give one of its key SUVs a more commanding identity while bringing its styling closer to the company’s larger and newer models. The success of the new design will depend not only on its appearance but also on how Hyundai balances conventional and electrified powertrains across major markets.
Liquidity surplus fell to ₦3.57 trillion after Treasury bills and OMO settlements drained funds from the financial system
Average funding cost rose eight basis points week-on-week to 22.13%
Overnight lending rate climbed 15 basis points to 22.25% despite a sizeable liquidity buffer
Main Story
Money market liquidity tightened as Treasury bills and open market operation (OMO) settlements drained funds from Nigeria’s financial system, pushing average funding costs higher.
According to Cowry Asset Limited, the intermarket credit balance fell from an opening surplus of ₦4.35 trillion to ₦3.57 trillion after ₦1.45 trillion in Treasury bills debits and ₦2.60 trillion in OMO settlements.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also sterilised about ₦2.5 trillion through its OMO auction, while the financial system received approximately ₦2.48 trillion from maturing OMO bills.
The combined transactions reduced excess liquidity, although the system retained a sizeable surplus. Some banks also accessed ₦15.80 billion through the CBN’s Standing Lending Facility to meet short-term funding requirements, Cowry Asset said.
Despite the liquidity buffer, average funding costs increased by eight basis points week-on-week to 22.13%. The overnight lending rate also rose by 15 basis points to 22.25% at the close of trading on Friday.
The open repo rate remained unchanged at 22.00%, indicating relatively stable pricing in another segment of the very short-term funding market.
Cowry Asset reported that system liquidity opened at ₦4.07 trillion and peaked at ₦6.81 trillion, supported by OMO maturities and bank placements at the CBN’s Standing Deposit Facility window.
What’s Being Said
“The liquidity outflows were partly offset by approximately ₦2.48 trillion in OMO maturities, leaving the system with a still-sizeable surplus.” — Cowry Asset Limited
The firm’s assessment indicates that the latest tightening was driven more by the timing and scale of government securities settlements and central bank operations than by an outright shortage of liquidity.
What’s Next
Upcoming Treasury bills and OMO transactions will determine the next major liquidity movements in the money market
Funding rates will remain a key indicator of how quickly banks can absorb further liquidity debits or maturities
The Bottom Line:
Nigeria’s financial system continues to hold a substantial liquidity surplus, but the latest increase in funding costs shows that aggregate liquidity does not automatically translate into cheaper short-term funding. The timing of CBN operations, securities settlements and maturities remains critical to money-market pricing.
The latest news making the rounds is that near deserted airports and empty shops in South Africa, in the immediate aftermath of the recent xenophobic attacks and immigrants’ expulsions, are forcing a rethink in certain quarters.
In a related development that also suggests some soberness, the country’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, was reported on X to have called for the implementation of an African Union decision to convene a continent-wide conference towards addressing the root causes of migration and challenges associated with irregular migration.
I suspect it won’t be long before the same Nigerians who suffered huge losses and were chased out of different parts of S.A found their way back, awaiting another inevitable xenophobic attack sooner or later.
Aggrieved Nigerians who talk about a strong government action against South African businesses here would draw nothing. A recent business report shows that Shoprite Group -the largest supermarket chain in SA made over 85% of its global sales returns in that country alone, indicating that all other stores elsewhere abroad, Nigeria inclusive, can close down for all it matters!
Besides, South African nationals are not into mindless migration the way other Africans are; so, there are obviously not many of them here and any talk about reprisals is pointless. I recall once passing through the American Embassy in Johannesburg on a weekday morning and was amazed to see how deserted it was. Only a few individuals could be spotted at a time that, were it to be in Nigeria, there would have been rowdy queue of applicants in their hundreds, many of whom would probably have slept at nearby car parks overnight to make it to the embassy early.
The root cause of migration, whether to SA, Europe, America or anywhere in the world no longer requires too many conferences to decipher. Increasing hardships, unmitigated poverty rates, unemployment in their home countries and perceived better opportunities abroad are the major driving force behind African’s desperate flight overseas, reaching epidemic proportions in recent years and causing global concerns. From Sweden to France, USA, UK and wherever else the pastures appear greener to immigrants, liberal postures to immigration have long given way to stricter censorship and tough laws against illegal immigrants – necessitated by mounting unemployment and socioeconomic challenges as well as overstretched public services in those countries, with politicians winning and losing elections based on their performance or stand on this thorny issue especially.
So, South Africa is by no means an exception. It is a beautiful country in most parts. If it were not so tens of thousands of tourists would not be pouring in from near and distant places to the nation’s ultimate economic benefit. Despite this however, there’s a large population of unemployed and unemployable blacks, too messed up by booze and hard drugs for their own good, who are completely dependent on the state’s social welfare system for very basic subsistence. They constitute the mob and non-state actors to whom the expulsions of the so-called illegal immigrants are left ever so often. S.A’s repeated xenophobic recourse has become one too many, so much so that some believe it is now difficult to exonerate the government.
Those who point to the well documented sacrifices Nigeria made in South Africa’s emancipation from White oppressive rule have a point. While this can never be a justification for Nigerians disregarding their immigration laws, I think the problems our nationals constitute in S.A is often largely exaggerated. Sadly, anytime the lazy locals are searching for scapegoats for their misery, the indiscriminate targeting of foreigners often put the fate of legal migrants who make worthy contributions to that nation’s economy on the line.
Why do I think the South African government is complicit, especially as regards not putting the restless and violence prone nature of some of its large black communities in check?
My daughter and her family spent over 12 years in that country as legal resident. From her arrival there in 2008 for her A’ Level studies, through her University Medical training – both in some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, to her practice as a medical doctor, my wife and I as parents must have visited jointly or independently more than a dozen times, added to another couple of excursions undertaken with pupils and staff of our school. Despite our obvious justification for repeated visits, at no time did the usual rigorous screening and expensive visa charges produce more than 3 months visa per-time. One would have thought that the exceptional asperity attached to granting South African visa (as against UK or US that would give 5 years multiple visas for frequent travelers) was precisely to whittle down the possibility of illegal entry and prolonged stay.
Within those periods of visits, we witnessed many firsthand armed robbery incidents in supposedly posh and tightly guarded residential areas. We were near victim and actual victim a couple of times, the unforgettable one being in December 2015 in Johannesburg, where we had gone for our daughter’s graduation.
Two days before the event, my sister had arrived from her base in the US and had made the mistake of asking a uniformed official at the airport for information on how to get a cab to our Guest house, showing him an address in Sandton.
Unknown to her, an unmarked car followed her on the one-hour drive from the airport, ultimately rounding up the Uber driver as he was about to enter the electronic-controlled gate to the guest house. They relieved my sister of her entire luggage, including her US Passport, jewelry and the rest. I was right in front of the CCTV monitor watching the commando style robbery as the 4-man gang transferred the luggage into their waiting car and zoomed off.
The first interesting part of this experience is that it didn’t take more than 8 minutes after our distress call for the different arms of their law enforcement units to arrive at the scene; first the regular police and soon after the Airport Police and other uniformed units. Every one of us was impressed! What a difference from Nigeria, we thought.
They looked and sounded efficient. They took turns questioning my sister and the witnesses till we were tired of the interrogation. They retrieved the CCTV footage of not just that of the guest house but many others on the roads leading to our guest house. One of the officers admitted they know the gang and how they have accomplices planted at the airport.
The second interesting part, however, and here is the sad one, is that all that bravado amounted to nothing at the end of the day. After days of fruitless visits to the investigating authority, the victim eventually returned home without any of her stolen items, lucky to secure some temporary travelling documentation from the US embassy in Jo-burg.
Now, with experiences like these, it is difficult to fault those who argue that the government, intent on winning or retaining power through the overwhelming voting block that the black majority constitutes, often deliberately treat the excesses of the miscreants: the robberies, the thuggery and molestation of foreigners with kid gloves.
Prince Debo Luwaji – An entrepreneur and Public Affairs analyst, writes from Lagos.
Fashion trends from the 1970s through the 2000s have returned to mainstream dressing between 2020 and 2026.
Nigerian fashion is adapting these retro trends through Ankara, Aso-Oke, Adire, lace, beads, gele, fila and other indigenous elements.
Flared trousers, oversized silhouettes, shoulder pads, baggy denim, low-rise jeans, chunky jewellery and platform footwear are among the major returning trends.
The revival cuts across both men’s and women’s fashion, including clothing, headwear, accessories and footwear.
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest have accelerated the rediscovery and reinterpretation of older fashion trends.
The current movement is increasingly about combining global retro aesthetics with African identity rather than simply reproducing Western styles.
Main Story
Fashion has always moved in cycles. Trends that once defined previous generations can disappear for years before returning in a new form, Between 2020 and 2026, fashion from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s has experienced a strong revival. Flared trousers, oversized shirts, shoulder-padded jackets, baggy denim, low-rise jeans, chunky jewellery, platform shoes, headscarves and small shoulder bags have all found new audiences, In Nigeria, however, the revival has taken on a distinct character.
Rather than simply reproducing Western fashion from previous decades, Nigerian consumers and designers are combining retro silhouettes with indigenous fabrics and traditional dressing. Ankara, Aso-Oke, Adire, lace, beads, gele, fila and agbada are being incorporated into contemporary interpretations of older trends, The result is a fashion culture where a 1970s-inspired flare can be made from Ankara, a 1990s oversized shirt can be produced from Adire, a Y2K-style shoulder bag can be made from Aso-Oke, and a traditional Nigerian head tie can be paired with modern streetwear.
The 1970s: Flares, prints and relaxed glamour
The 1970s were known for bold prints, flowing silhouettes and experimentation. One of the decade’s most recognisable trends was the bell-bottom or flared trouser, The silhouette has returned in the 2020s through wide-leg jeans, flared trousers and exaggerated tailoring, For Nigerian fashion, the trend offers significant room for interpretation. Flared trousers can be produced using Ankara, Adire or other African textiles and paired with contemporary shirts or traditional accessories, Men’s fashion has also borrowed from the decade through wide-collared shirts, relaxed trousers, patterned tops, leather-inspired jackets and coordinated outfits.
The 1980s: Bigger shoulders and bigger statements
The 1980s introduced an emphasis on volume and visual impact, Shoulder-padded jackets, oversized blazers, puff sleeves, bright colours, statement jewellery and structured silhouettes have returned to contemporary wardrobes.
For women, the revival can be seen through puff sleeves, shoulder-padded blazers, bright colours, bold belts and statement accessories, For men, oversized tailoring, double-breasted jackets, pleated trousers, patterned shirts and statement footwear have similarly returned, The Nigerian interpretation can involve Ankara puff sleeves, Aso-Oke detailing on structured jackets or traditional fila worn with contemporary tailoring.
The 1990s: Denim, oversized clothing and streetwear
The 1990s remain one of the strongest sources of inspiration for contemporary streetwear, Baggy jeans, straight-leg denim, oversized shirts, crop tops, denim jackets, simple T-shirts, sneakers and baseball caps have returned to everyday fashion, Among women, baggy jeans, crop tops, denim jackets and slip dresses have become particularly recognisable elements of the revival, For men, oversized shirts, baggy trousers, denim, sneakers and baseball caps have returned as staples of casual dressing.
The Nigerian interpretation extends beyond Western streetwear. Ankara can be used for oversized shirts, Adire can replace conventional printed cotton, Aso-Oke can be incorporated into denim jackets, while beads and fila can replace or complement conventional streetwear accessories.
Headwear, Jewellery, Shoes
Headwear has become one of the most visible ways people are bringing older trends into contemporary fashion. In Nigeria, this creates an especially interesting intersection between global fashion and traditional headwear, The revival is not limited to clothing, The gele remains one of the strongest examples. Historically associated with Yoruba women’s dressing, the gele has evolved into an increasingly sculptural fashion statement. Contemporary versions can be dramatic, architectural and highly stylised.
Jewellery has also travelled backwards in time, The minimalist jewellery trend that dominated parts of the 2010s has increasingly been challenged by larger, more expressive accessories, Hoop earrings, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, statement rings, beads and oversized earrings have returned, This is particularly compatible with African fashion because traditional Nigerian dressing has long incorporated beads and statement accessories.
Footwear may be one of the easiest ways to identify a fashion revival, The 1970s gave fashion platforms and chunky silhouettes. The 1980s embraced statement footwear. The 1990s popularised sneakers and combat-inspired footwear, while the 2000s introduced platforms, colourful trainers and highly decorative shoes, By 2026, several of these styles continue to appear in contemporary fashion, They include Platform sandals, Platform sneakers, Chunky sneakers, Loafers, Ballet flats, Knee-high boots, Cowboy-inspired boots.
The 2000s: Y2K takes over again
The early 2000s have arguably produced the most recognisable fashion revival of the period, Known today as Y2K fashion, the aesthetic includes low-rise trousers, cargo pants, tube tops, rhinestone belts, tiny shoulder bags, tinted sunglasses, tracksuits, graphic T-shirts and statement accessories, For women, the revival includes low-rise jeans, tube tops, rhinestone belts, tinted glasses, mini bags and platform footwear.
For men, Y2K-inspired dressing includes cargo trousers, basketball jerseys, graphic T-shirts, tracksuits, baggy denim, chunky sneakers and statement accessories, In Nigeria, these trends are increasingly being adapted using African materials. An Ankara crop top can be paired with denim, an Aso-Oke bag can replace the conventional Y2K mini bag, while Adire shirts can be styled with cargo trousers or sneakers.
The Issues
The biggest issue surrounding the retro revival is not whether older trends are returning, but how they are being interpreted, There is a growing distinction between simply reproducing an old style and creating something new from it, For Nigerian fashion, this raises an important opportunity. Indigenous materials and traditional clothing do not have to remain restricted to ceremonial or formal occasions. They can become part of everyday streetwear, contemporary tailoring and globally recognisable fashion trends.
There is also the question of cultural ownership and originality. As global fashion increasingly embraces African-inspired aesthetics, Nigerian designers and consumers have an opportunity to ensure that local materials, techniques and cultural references are represented authentically.
Another issue is sustainability. The popularity of vintage and second-hand clothing demonstrates that older garments can be reused rather than constantly replaced with new products. However, the rapid trend cycle created by social media can also encourage excessive consumption.
What’s Being Said
The strongest message from the revival is that fashion does not necessarily move forward in a straight line, The 1970s are contributing flares, bold prints and platforms. The 1980s are returning through oversized silhouettes, structured jackets and statement dressing. The 1990s are influencing denim, streetwear and relaxed clothing, while the 2000s are driving the return of low-rise fashion, rhinestones, tiny bags and maximalist accessories.
For Nigerian fashion, these influences are being combined with existing African traditions, The gele, for example, remains an important component of Nigerian women’s dressing, while the fila continues to offer men a distinctive traditional accessory. Beads, Aso-Oke, Ankara and Adire can similarly be incorporated into contemporary outfits.
This means that the current revival is not simply a return to the past. It is a process of remixing the past with the present, A contemporary Nigerian outfit can combine several decades at once: 1970s flared trousers, 1990s sneakers, a 2000s-inspired shoulder bag and an African textile.
What’s Next
The next phase of Nigerian fashion is likely to involve even greater experimentation between traditional and contemporary styles, Designers can continue transforming indigenous materials into products associated with global fashion trends, including sneakers, handbags, jackets, hats and other accessories, Consumers are also likely to become more comfortable mixing fashion periods rather than dressing according to one particular decade.
A single outfit could combine:
Head: Gele, fila, scarf, durag or bucket hat
Ears: Hoops, beads or statement earrings
Neck: Coral beads, chains or layered necklaces
Body: Ankara, Adire, lace, denim, Aso-Oke or contemporary fabrics
Waist: Statement belts, waist beads or traditional wrapper styling
Feet: Platforms, sneakers, loafers, sandals or embellished footwear
Accessories: Mini bags, oversized bags, Aso-Oke bags, sunglasses and bracelets
Social media will remain an important driver of this movement, allowing younger Nigerians to discover older fashion eras and reinterpret them according to contemporary tastes, The result could be a stronger Nigerian fashion identity that is simultaneously nostalgic, modern and globally relevant.
Bottom Line
The return of 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s fashion shows that what is considered old can quickly become new again, But Nigeria’s fashion revival is not simply about copying the past. It is about taking familiar global trends and giving them an African identity.
From flared trousers and shoulder pads to baggy jeans, low-rise denim, chunky jewellery, platform shoes, gele, fila, Ankara, Aso-Oke and Adire, the past is being transformed rather than simply repeated.
As 2026 continues, the defining fashion trend may not belong to any single decade. It may be the ability to combine several eras with African heritage to create a style that is distinctly contemporary, distinctly Nigerian and increasingly global.
The Federal Government will begin implementing its 90,000km nationwide fibre-optic network project in October.
The project is expected to extend Nigeria’s fibre backbone from about 35,000km to roughly 125,000km.
Communications Minister Bosun Tijani said funding for the project had been secured.
The government also plans to deploy nearly 3,700 telecom towers to communities without network coverage.
The fibre project is a major component of Project BRIDGE, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and expanding broadband access.
The government says improved connectivity is critical to achieving its ambition of building a $1tn economy.
Main Story
The Federal Government will begin the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre nationwide fibre-optic network in October as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and bring reliable broadband connectivity to underserved communities.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the National Innovation Hub Standards Framework Workshop, where stakeholders gathered to validate proposed standards and assessment criteria for innovation hubs across the country.
Tijani said funding for the project had been secured, describing the investment as a major step towards deepening connectivity and building the infrastructure required to support Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
He said the completed network would rank among the longest fibre-optic networks in Africa, potentially placing Nigeria behind only South Africa or Egypt in terms of length.
The project, known as Project BRIDGE — Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth — is designed to deploy at least 90,000km of additional fibre through a public-private partnership. This would increase Nigeria’s fibre backbone from about 35,000km to approximately 125,000km.
The project has attracted funding from several development partners, including $500m approved by the World Bank in 2025, a $100m commitment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development alongside a €22m European Union grant, and a further $200m approved by the African Development Bank in April 2026 for a digital infrastructure project incorporating Project BRIDGE.
The Issues
Nigeria’s digital economy continues to face infrastructure gaps, particularly in communities with limited or no access to telecommunications services. Tijani said more than 20 million Nigerians live in communities without access to telecommunications.
The government therefore plans to complement the fibre rollout with the deployment of nearly 3,700 telecom towers in underserved communities. It also plans to renew Nigeria’s communications satellite to improve connectivity in locations where terrestrial infrastructure and towers may be difficult to deploy.
Tijani said the government’s digital strategy rests on three layers: foundational infrastructure such as fibre, electricity, telecom towers, satellites and data centres; digital platforms including identity and payment systems; and the businesses and innovators that develop services on top of the infrastructure.
He said the infrastructure investment was necessary if Nigeria was to diversify its economy and achieve the government’s $1tn economic ambition.
What’s Being Said
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy:
“President Bola Tinubu approved that we must deepen connectivity and we’re investing in 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network.”
On the project’s commencement, Tijani said:
“This is a project that is starting implementation in October. We have raised the funding for it.”
He also argued that Nigeria’s economic ambitions could not depend solely on oil and gas, pointing to the potential of technology-driven companies to create jobs and expand the economy.
Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, NITDA:
Abdullahi said the proposed National Innovation Hub Standards Framework was designed to address disparities in the quality and geographical distribution of innovation hubs.
He said research had identified more than 339 hubs across Nigeria, although many were concentrated in Lagos, Abuja and a few other states.
“We find it necessary to standardise across the country so that you don’t need to travel from Yola to Yaba for you to grow your business.”
Prof. Leila Ben-Amor, Acting Head of Partnerships, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS:
Ben-Amor said common standards would be necessary to sustain Nigeria’s expanding innovation ecosystem.
“Scale without a common standard is fragile.”
She said Team Europe and its member states were supporting Nigeria’s digital ecosystem with more than €820m between 2021 and 2027.
What’s Next
Implementation of Project BRIDGE is expected to commence in October, with the 90,000km fibre deployment forming the backbone of the government’s wider connectivity strategy.
The government will also work towards deploying thousands of telecom towers and renewing the national communications satellite to extend coverage to underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
At the same time, NITDA is expected to advance the proposed National Innovation Hub Standards Framework, including its seven dimensions and approximately 35 assessment criteria.
The framework is intended to create a national benchmark for innovation hubs and help entrepreneurs access better support without having to relocate to established technology centres such as Lagos and Abuja.
Bottom Line
The planned 90,000km fibre rollout represents one of Nigeria’s most significant digital infrastructure investments, with the potential to expand broadband access, connect underserved communities and strengthen the foundation for technology-driven economic growth. Its impact, however, will depend on effective implementation, maintenance, complementary power infrastructure and equitable deployment beyond Nigeria’s major technology hubs.
NAPTIP has sealed a maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over an alleged N13.5m child-trafficking and baby-sale operation.
Three people, including the facility owner, an alleged facilitator and a staff member, were arrested.
A Liberian woman living in Belgium is allegedly linked to the procurement of three children.
NAPTIP said the woman arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy but allegedly took custody of three children within about a month.
Investigators are tracing the alleged N13.5m payment and working to establish the children’s identities, parentage and welfare.
Main Story
A maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been sealed by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following intelligence linking it to an alleged N13.5m baby-selling and child-trafficking operation.
The agency also arrested three people, including the owner of the facility, an alleged facilitator and another staff member, during a joint operation with the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The facility, located in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt and reportedly operating from a residential apartment, came under investigation after intelligence suggested that it was being used by a network involved in the procurement, sale and unlawful transfer of children.
NAPTIP said the investigation took a more troubling turn after investigators identified a Liberian national resident in Belgium as an alleged beneficiary of the operation. According to the agency, the woman arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy but allegedly took custody of three children within approximately one month.
The circumstances surrounding the children’s acquisition prompted further investigation, with intelligence suggesting that about N13.5m allegedly changed hands in connection with the transfer of the children and other persons linked to the maternity.
Following the intelligence, operatives from NAPTIP’s Abuja and Rivers commands, working with officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, raided the facility and sealed the premises to preserve evidence and prevent further access to potential victims.
Investigators are now working to determine the identities, whereabouts and welfare of the three children, while also establishing their biological and legal parentage. The agency is tracing the alleged financial transactions and examining the possible involvement of medical personnel and other individuals.
The Issues
The operation comes amid heightened concern over suspected “baby factories” and illegal adoption networks operating under the cover of maternity and healthcare facilities.
NAPTIP has increased surveillance of such facilities following intelligence suggesting that some are being used to facilitate illegal adoption, child sales and trafficking.
The alleged involvement of a foreign national also raises concerns about the cross-border dimension of child trafficking and the exploitation of Nigeria’s healthcare and adoption systems by criminal networks.
What’s Being Said
Binta Bello, Director-General, NAPTIP:
Bello expressed concern over the alleged activities of some maternity and healthcare operators and the reported involvement of foreign nationals in procuring children through suspected criminal networks.
“I am particularly disturbed that foreign nationals now come to Nigeria to patronize these suspected criminal elements and procure children like a common object of trade across the border.”
She said the agency had widened its investigation to identify everyone connected to the alleged operation.
“We have spread our dragnet to fish out all those involved in this case, and they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Bello stressed that the investigation remained ongoing and that suspects would be subjected to due process.
What’s Next
NAPTIP is expected to continue tracing the alleged financial transactions and identifying other individuals who may have been involved in the operation.
The agency will also work to establish the identities and parentage of the three children and ensure their safety and welfare throughout the investigation.
Anyone found culpable is expected to face prosecution, while NAPTIP has urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking, illegal adoption and baby-selling to its commands.
Bottom Line
The N13.5m allegation has brought fresh attention to the hidden networks that can exploit maternity facilities and adoption processes to traffic children. Beyond the arrests and sealing of the facility, the investigation will now have to uncover where the three children came from, who paid for them and who else may have been involved.
Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu have added a combined $9.53bn to their fortunes since the beginning of 2026.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index data tracked by Nairametrics puts Dangote’s wealth at $35.2bn and Rabiu’s at $14.4bn as of August 20.
Dangote’s fortune has increased by $5.26bn, or 17.5%, year-to-date, while Rabiu has gained $4.27bn, representing a 42.2% increase.
The gains have been supported largely by strong performances in Dangote Cement, BUA Cement and other publicly traded businesses linked to the two industrialists.
Dangote remains Africa’s richest person, while the combined wealth of the two Nigerians now stands at about $49.6bn.
Main Story
Nigeria’s two leading industrial billionaires, Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu, have added about $9.53bn to their combined fortunes since the beginning of 2026, as strong performances by companies linked to the businessmen boost their estimated wealth.
Data tracked by Nairametrics from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index showed that Dangote’s net worth had risen by $5.26bn, or 17.5%, since January, while Rabiu had gained $4.27bn, representing a 42.2% increase.
As of August 20, Dangote’s wealth stood at an estimated $35.2bn, retaining his position as Africa’s richest person, while Rabiu’s fortune was put at $14.4bn. Their combined wealth therefore stood at approximately $49.6bn.
The increase has been driven in part by the performance of publicly traded companies in which the billionaires hold substantial interests, particularly the cement businesses listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
Dangote Cement, in which Dangote owns about 86%, has been one of the strongest performers on the exchange this year. Its shares closed at N1,034 on Wednesday, August 19, compared with N609 at the beginning of the year, representing a 69.8% year-to-date gain.
The appreciation has significantly increased the market value of Dangote’s stake in the company, although his wealth is not derived solely from listed equities. Bloomberg identifies the Dangote Oil Refinery in Lagos as his biggest asset. The refinery, which began operations in 2024, is described as Africa’s largest oil refinery.
The Issues
The surge in the billionaires’ wealth highlights the close relationship between movements in Nigeria’s equities market and the estimated fortunes of major shareholders in listed companies.
However, billionaire wealth calculated through market valuations can fluctuate significantly as share prices rise or fall. Such estimates therefore do not necessarily represent cash holdings or readily available funds.
Rabiu’s wealth illustrates this volatility. Although his fortune has increased substantially since January, his net worth had reportedly reached about $18.7bn in May before subsequently declining as the valuations of his listed holdings changed.
What’s Being Said
Bloomberg Billionaires Index data:
The index puts Dangote’s current wealth at $35.2bn and Rabiu’s at $14.4bn, with their combined fortune estimated at about $49.6bn.
Dangote Cement:
The cement company’s shares rose from N609 at the start of 2026 to N1,034 by August 19, representing a 69.8% increase and contributing to the appreciation in the value of Dangote’s stake.
BUA Cement:
BUA Cement shares have also recorded a strong performance, rising from N178.50 at the beginning of the year to N316, representing a gain of about 77%.
Rabiu controls approximately 98% of BUA Cement directly and through other entities, according to the company’s 2026 semi-annual financial report.
What’s Next
Dangote’s wealth could receive further valuation support if plans to take Dangote Petroleum Refinery to the capital market progress.
The refinery reportedly secured a $400m underwriting commitment ahead of a planned $5bn initial public offering, following a $2.5bn private placement in July.
For Rabiu, the future trajectory of his fortune will remain closely linked to the performance of BUA Cement and BUA Foods, as well as broader movements in the Nigerian equities market.
Bottom Line
Dangote and Rabiu have gained a combined $9.53bn in estimated wealth in 2026, reflecting the strong performance of major Nigerian industrial companies on the stock market. While Dangote remains Africa’s richest person, Rabiu has recorded the faster percentage growth this year, underscoring the impact of listed corporate assets on Nigeria’s billionaire wealth rankings.
A Nigerian national has died after reportedly collapsing while in the custody of Railway Protection Force officers at Surat Railway Station in India.
The man was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi aboard the Golden Temple Express when he was detained following an alleged altercation with passengers.
Police said he was taken to an RPF office for questioning before he collapsed and was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities have registered a case of “accidental death” and are awaiting the findings of a post-mortem examination.
Investigators are questioning officers and other personnel who were present during the Nigerian’s detention as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
Main story
A Nigerian national has died after reportedly collapsing while being questioned by Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers at Surat Railway Station in India.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was travelling aboard the Golden Temple Express from Mumbai to Delhi when he was detained at Surat following an alleged altercation with other passengers.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 17 after a passenger contacted the railway helpline, 139, to report an alleged fight involving the Nigerian and another passenger near one of the train’s gates.
Police sources said the Nigerian allegedly used a fire extinguisher against fellow passengers while the train was travelling between Vapi and Surat.
RPF personnel subsequently detained him when the train arrived at Surat and took him to the RPF office for questioning.
He reportedly collapsed while in custody and was taken to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The Government Railway Police has registered a case of “accidental death” while authorities await the outcome of a post-mortem examination conducted on August 18.
Western Railway Superintendent of Police, Abhay Soni, said preliminary investigations established that the deceased was a Nigerian national who had been living in Vasai, Mumbai.
Authorities are also investigating the reason for the man’s journey to Delhi. Police confirmed that he had boarded the Golden Temple Express at Borivali in Mumbai.
The circumstances surrounding his collapse and death remain unclear, with investigators expected to question the officers who detained him and personnel who were present at the RPF office.
The issues
The investigation centres on what happened between the Nigerian’s detention at Surat Railway Station and his collapse at the RPF office.
At this stage, authorities have not established a definitive cause of death. The post-mortem examination is expected to provide medical evidence that could help determine what led to his death.
The circumstances of his detention are also being examined, including the alleged altercation on the train and the actions of the officers who took him into custody.
The case has additional significance because the deceased was a foreign national travelling within India, making the findings of the investigation important in establishing both the circumstances of his death and the treatment he received while in custody.
What’s being said
Western Railway Superintendent of Police, Abhay Soni, said:
“After primary investigations, it is believed that the deceased was a Nigerian national. When Surat RPF caught him, he didn’t have any of his identity cards with him,”
Soni also said:
“He lived in Vasai (Mumbai) and was arrested twice by Malwani and Malad police in Mumbai for drug (cocaine) trafficking cases in 2018,”
On the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, Soni said:
“We have started an inquiry. Statements from the police officials who caught him and those present at the police station will be taken. We are also waiting for the autopsy report.”
What’s next
The investigation, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police D H Gaur, is expected to include statements from the RPF officers who detained the Nigerian and other personnel present at the station.
Authorities are also awaiting the post-mortem report conducted on August 18.
The findings are expected to help establish the cause of death and clarify the circumstances surrounding the Nigerian’s collapse after his detention.
Bottom line
A Nigerian national has died after collapsing while in the custody of railway protection officers at Surat Railway Station in India.
Authorities have opened an investigation and registered a case of “accidental death”, but the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the collapse remain unresolved pending the post-mortem findings and further inquiries.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is seeking a new operational framework for Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services operating within Nigerian airports.
The framework is expected to address passenger safety, security, accountability, vehicle and driver visibility, and orderly pick-up arrangements.
FAAN said the move is not a blanket ban on e-hailing services or an attempt to undermine platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
The authority said it has been engaging affected operators to develop a mutually workable arrangement.
FAAN also clarified that its Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) is not an e-hailing platform but a system designed to improve operational visibility and accountability at airports.
The development follows earlier disputes involving airport car-hire operators and FAAN’s implementation of ACHRAMS.
Main Story
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is seeking a new operational framework for Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing services operating within Nigerian airports as part of efforts to strengthen passenger safety, security and accountability.
The authority disclosed this in a statement issued by its management on Thursday, August 20, 2026, following reports and public concerns surrounding the operations of e-hailing services at some Nigerian airports.
FAAN said the proposed framework would ensure that e-hailing operations within airport premises meet the specific requirements of a highly regulated aviation environment, including adequate visibility of vehicles and drivers, passenger safety, security and orderly pick-up arrangements.
The authority said it had been engaging Uber, Bolt and other affected operators to develop an arrangement that would allow e-hailing services to continue serving air travellers while complying with airport operational requirements.
FAAN said the initiative was not intended to restrict passengers’ access to transportation options or undermine the role of e-hailing platforms in providing convenient mobility.
It said it had received complaints and observed operational challenges associated with commercial transportation activities around airports, including passenger solicitation and touting, making it necessary to properly integrate transportation providers into the airport’s operational and security framework.
The Issues
The proposed framework comes amid growing competition between traditional airport car-hire operators and e-hailing platforms, particularly at Lagos airports, where passengers increasingly compare transport options based on price, convenience and reliability.
FAAN’s effort to regulate e-hailing operations also raises questions about how the authority can balance airport security and accountability requirements with the flexibility and convenience that passengers have come to expect from digital transport platforms.
The authority’s Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, ACHRAMS, has also generated controversy among airport transport operators. FAAN stressed that ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was not designed to compete with Uber, Bolt or similar platforms.
Instead, the authority said the system was developed to provide operational visibility and tracking within airport premises and to facilitate the accountable management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
What’s Being Said
FAAN:
“FAAN has been engaging the relevant e-hailing operators to achieve a mutually workable operational framework that recognises the value of their services while addressing the peculiar safety, security, accountability and passenger-experience requirements of the airport environment.”
The authority said its discussions with operators were focused on passenger safety and security, operational visibility, accountability and the management of pick-up activities within airport premises.
FAAN also said the current situation should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on e-hailing services, expressing confidence that an acceptable agreement would be reached with the operators.
What’s Next
FAAN is expected to continue discussions with Uber, Bolt and other affected mobility providers on the details of the proposed operational framework.
The authority is also expected to continue implementing measures aimed at improving the management of commercial transport activities at airports, including vehicle standards, registration and controlled passenger pick-up arrangements.
Earlier in July, FAAN had clarified reports that it required airport car-hire vehicles to be manufactured in 2020 or newer. The authority said the applicable requirement for ACHRAMS registration was vehicles manufactured in 2012 or newer.
FAAN said the requirement had been communicated to airport car-hire operators since 2024, with an initial compliance deadline of January 1, 2026, later extended to June 2026. A further extension to October 1, 2026, was subsequently considered.
The authority also reviewed the operational tariff for airport cab operators from N500 to N1,500.
Bottom Line
FAAN’s proposed framework seeks to bring e-hailing operations into a more controlled airport transport system without eliminating services provided by Uber, Bolt and other platforms. The challenge will be to strike a balance between passenger convenience, fair competition and the security and accountability requirements of Nigerian airports.
An HIV prevention expert has advised Nigerians against using palm oil, vegetable oil and other oil-based substances as sexual lubricants when using condoms.
Taofeek Adeleye of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation recommended water-based lubricants as a safer option.
He also urged people to use properly fitting condoms and take precautions to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Adeleye spoke at a national media training on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) organised by NACA and the World Health Organisation in Lagos.
He said PrEP is an important HIV prevention tool but does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, making condoms an important part of combination prevention.
Main Story
Nigerians have been advised against using palm oil, vegetable oil and other oil-based substances as sexual lubricants when using condoms, with an HIV prevention expert recommending water-based lubricants as a safer alternative.
Taofeek Adeleye, Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, gave the advice in Lagos on Thursday during a national training of media personnel on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the World Health Organisation.
Adeleye also urged people to use condoms of the appropriate size and take necessary precautions before engaging in sexual activity to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
On lubricants, he cautioned against the use of palm oil, vegetable oil and other oil-based products, particularly when condoms are involved.
“You can’t use palm oil, honey oil, balsamic, or vegetable oil. You can use water-based lubricants, which are advisable,” he said.
He also addressed the use of saliva when lubricants are unavailable, advising individuals against using saliva from another person and saying that, where necessary, an individual should use their own saliva.
The training comes as Nigeria continues to scale up combination HIV prevention interventions, including PrEP, condom use, HIV testing and treatment.
The Issues
The advice highlights the importance of correct condom use as part of efforts to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Incorrect use of lubricants alongside condoms can compromise the effectiveness of some condom materials, making the choice of lubricant an important consideration.
Adeleye also emphasised the importance of selecting condoms that fit properly and avoiding unnecessary sexual health risks.
Beyond condom use, PrEP remains an important component of HIV prevention. It involves HIV-negative people who may be exposed to the virus taking antiretroviral medicines to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV.
However, PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, meaning it should form part of a broader prevention strategy that includes condoms, testing and other appropriate interventions.
What’s Being Said
Taofeek Adeleye, Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes, AIDS Healthcare Foundation:
“You can’t use palm oil, honey oil, balsamic, or vegetable oil. You can use water-based lubricants, which are advisable.”
On condom selection and use, Adeleye encouraged people to identify the size that fits them properly and to use condoms consistently.
He also advised people to be conscious of their sexual environment and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
What’s Next
NACA and its partners are expected to continue strengthening HIV prevention programmes through public education, media engagement, testing, treatment and access to PrEP and condoms.
The media training is also expected to improve journalists’ understanding of HIV prevention interventions, enabling them to provide more accurate information and counter misinformation and stigma surrounding HIV.
Bottom Line
The warning reinforces the need for correct and informed condom use as part of HIV and STI prevention. While PrEP offers significant protection against HIV when taken as prescribed, experts continue to stress that it should complement, rather than replace, broader sexual health measures such as condoms, testing and appropriate prevention education.
The EFCC has arraigned Gideon Bakpa Aghogho and Oscar Ebere Chukwuebuka over the alleged unlawful supply of access credentials to First City Monument Bank’s systems.
The defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on an eight-count charge.
The prosecution alleged that bank access credentials were supplied for $15,000.
Aghogho pleaded not guilty, while Chukwuebuka pleaded guilty to the charges.
A third suspect, identified as Scott, remains at large.
The court adjourned the matter until August 27, 2026, for review of facts and further proceedings.
Main Story
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two men, Gideon Bakpa Aghogho and Oscar Ebere Chukwuebuka, before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over the alleged unlawful supply of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) access credentials in exchange for $15,000.
The defendants were arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC before Justice F.N. Ogazi on Wednesday on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and the alleged unlawful supply of access credentials to a bank database.
The Commission said the alleged offences contravened Sections 27 and 28(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
According to the prosecution, Aghogho, Chukwuebuka and another suspect identified as Scott, who is currently at large, allegedly conspired between July 24 and 26, 2026, in Lagos, to supply Aghogho’s access code to the FCMB system through a local administrative credential capable of providing access to the bank’s Virtual Center Platform.
Another count accused Aghogho of knowingly and without authority disclosing access credentials, including the bank’s server IP and domain credentials, for the purpose of gaining access to FCMB’s database in exchange for $15,000.
When the charges were read to them, Aghogho pleaded not guilty, while Chukwuebuka pleaded guilty. Following Aghogho’s plea, EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari asked the court to fix a date for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility.
In respect of Chukwuebuka, the prosecution requested a review of the facts following his guilty plea. Justice Ogazi subsequently adjourned the case until August 27, 2026, for review of the facts and other proceedings, while ordering that the defendants remain in a correctional centre.
The Issues
The case highlights growing concerns over the compromise of banking systems through the misuse or unauthorised disclosure of access credentials.
Nigeria’s evolving cybercrime landscape has also placed banks and other financial institutions under increasing pressure to strengthen internal controls, cybersecurity infrastructure and access-management systems.
The INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 identified Nigeria as both a significant target of cyberattacks and a source of cyber-enabled financial crime. The report also identified ransomware, business email compromise and international money laundering among the major threats associated with the country’s cybercrime environment.
The report recorded 5,822 ransomware detections in Nigeria in 2025, while warning that criminal networks operating from the country were expanding beyond conventional online fraud into more sophisticated forms of financial crime.
What’s Being Said
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission:
The EFCC alleged that the defendants supplied or disclosed credentials capable of providing access to FCMB’s systems, with the prosecution specifically alleging that Aghogho received or was to receive $15,000 for the unauthorised disclosure.
The Commission is prosecuting the defendants under provisions of the Cybercrimes Act relating to the unlawful use and disclosure of computer access credentials.
The defendants:
Aghogho pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, while Chukwuebuka pleaded guilty.
A third alleged participant, identified as Scott, remains at large.
What’s Next
The court is expected to review the facts of the case against Chukwuebuka on August 27, 2026, following his guilty plea.
The prosecution is also expected to proceed with the case against Aghogho, who pleaded not guilty, while efforts continue to locate Scott.
The case will further test the application of Nigeria’s amended cybercrime legislation to alleged insider or credential-based attacks on financial institutions.
Bottom Line
The arraignment underscores the growing risks posed by compromised banking credentials and insider-enabled cyber threats to Nigeria’s financial system. The outcome of the case could also provide further insight into how the courts are applying the amended Cybercrimes Act to cases involving unauthorised access to financial institutions.
Nigeria is set to conduct a new national baseline survey on illicit small arms and light weapons to replace data from the 2016 exercise.
NCCSALW Director-General, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, said the existing data no longer reflects the country’s current security landscape.
The new survey will be Nigerian-owned and led primarily by Nigerian experts, with technical support from international partners.
UNODA says changes in arms sources, trafficking routes, storage, tracing and marking, as well as the activities of non-state armed groups, have made updated data necessary.
The survey is expected to strengthen national security planning and policymaking while building Nigeria’s capacity to conduct future arms-control surveys.
Main Story
Nigeria is set to conduct a new national baseline survey on illicit small arms and light weapons to update data generated from the country’s 2016 exercise, which authorities say no longer adequately reflects the current security situation.
The Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday while briefing journalists on the sidelines of a one-day workshop on lessons learnt from the 2016 National Baseline Survey on Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Kokumo said the previous survey, conducted in 2016 and released in 2021, had become outdated due to significant changes in the pattern of small arms proliferation across the country.
“The last arms survey we had in Nigeria was in 2016 and released in 2021. We feel strongly that having a new small arms survey is long overdue,” he said.
According to him, the proposed exercise will be conducted primarily by Nigerian experts and owned by Nigeria, while international organisations will provide technical assistance and support. He said the survey would commence after the preparatory workshop, which is designed to identify lessons and challenges from the previous exercise.
Kokumo said the new survey would provide reliable statistics needed for national policy formulation and planning, particularly in addressing the changing dynamics of illicit arms proliferation.
The Issues
The need for updated data is underscored by changes in Nigeria’s security environment over the past decade. According to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), developments have occurred in the sources and routes of illicit arms, their storage, tracing and marking, as well as the activities of non-state armed groups.
Dr Adedeji Ebo, Director/Deputy High Representative of UNODA, said the challenge was not the absence of data but the fact that the available baseline had become outdated.
He said accurate and current information was essential for effective national security planning and threat analysis, noting that Nigeria’s security landscape had changed considerably since the 2016 survey.
The new exercise will therefore need to address methodological gaps identified from the previous survey while ensuring that its findings are sufficiently robust to guide government interventions.
What’s Being Said
Johnson Kokumo, DG, NCCSALW:
“We want to have an arms survey conducted by Nigeria for Nigerians and owned by Nigerians to address the current state of small arms and light weapons proliferation in the country.”
He said the survey would provide Nigeria with statistics needed for policy and planning purposes.
Dr Adedeji Ebo, Director/Deputy High Representative, UNODA:
“If government is going to have accurate national security planning, they need accurate data.”
Ebo said the new exercise would update the 2016 baseline while incorporating lessons learnt from the earlier survey. He also stressed the importance of national and continental ownership of the process.
“So that when we are quoting the figures, we are quoting Nigerian data, not data by Small Arms Survey in Geneva.”
What’s Next
The preparatory workshop will precede the commencement of the new national baseline survey. International partners, including UNODA and the Small Arms Survey in Geneva, are expected to provide technical support and train Nigerian experts in survey methodology.
Ebo said a training-of-trainers approach would be adopted to ensure Nigerian experts can independently conduct future surveys and potentially support similar exercises across West Africa and Africa.
UNODA, working principally through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa in Lomé, Togo, will support capacity building in areas including arms tracing, marking, policy formulation and engagement with civil society.
The organisation will also assist Nigeria in translating the survey findings into practical policies and strengthening implementation of international disarmament and arms-control instruments, including the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty.
Bottom Line
Nigeria’s planned new small arms survey is aimed at closing a critical information gap created by a decade-old baseline. Beyond updating figures on illicit arms circulation, the exercise is expected to strengthen Nigerian ownership of arms-control data, build local expertise and provide government with evidence needed to develop more effective security policies and interventions.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the Osun governorship election.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.
The governor announced a N500m endowment fund for verified victims and families affected by election violence.
A verification and relief committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, will administer the fund.
Adeleke also pledged full university-level scholarships for children and dependants of people killed during the election period through the Springtime Development Foundation.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over electoral violence following a shooting incident near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo that left one person dead.
Main Story
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and announced plans to establish a N500m endowment fund for victims of election violence.
The certificate was presented to Adeleke on Wednesday by the INEC National Commissioner representing the South-West, Prof Kunle Ajayi, at a ceremony attended by members of the governor’s cabinet, political associates and other supporters.
Adeleke was declared winner of the governorship election on Sunday by the State Returning Officer, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, after polling 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adeleke described the certificate as a symbol of the collective mandate of the people of Osun, while acknowledging the contributions of workers, traders, youths, traditional and religious leaders and other citizens to the electoral process.
The governor, however, said the victory must be accompanied by sober reflection on the human cost of the election, particularly the deaths, injuries, destruction of property and loss of livelihoods recorded during the period.
He announced that the N500m election violence victims’ endowment fund would support verified victims and affected families, with a verification and relief committee chaired by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, responsible for identifying beneficiaries and ensuring equitable distribution.
Adeleke also disclosed that his family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide scholarships up to university level for children and dependants of people who lost their lives in election-related violence.
The Issues
The announcement comes against the backdrop of renewed concerns over election-related violence in the state. On Wednesday, gunshots were heard near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo shortly after Adeleke visited the monarch to present his Certificate of Return.
While the governor’s convoy reportedly came under attack, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, initially said there was no casualty and that security personnel had repelled the attackers.
The police, however, later confirmed that a 60-year-old resident, Tajudeen Yusuf, was shot during the ensuing confrontation at Itaolokan area of Osogbo and subsequently died at the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
The police said the incident followed an alleged attempt by Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, to gain access to Afrobeat singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, who had accompanied the governor to the palace. The confrontation allegedly attracted other suspected gang members.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenges surrounding political activities and the need for effective measures to prevent violence before, during and after elections.
What’s Being Said
Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State:
“This certificate does not belong to Ademola Adeleke alone. It belongs to the people of Osun State: our workers, market men and women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, and every citizen who participated in this democratic process.”
On the victims of electoral violence, Adeleke said:
“No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen.”
He added that the victims would not be treated according to their political affiliations, saying the intervention was a humanitarian responsibility.
Abiodun Ojelabi, Osun State Police Public Relations Officer:
The police spokesperson said preliminary investigation indicated that the confrontation at the Ataoja palace later resulted in the shooting of Tajudeen Yusuf.
The police have commenced a full-scale investigation and intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
What’s Next
The immediate next step is the commencement of the verification process for victims and families eligible for assistance from the N500m endowment fund.
The verification and relief committee, under the leadership of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, is expected to establish the identities and circumstances of victims and determine how relief will be distributed.
Security agencies are also expected to continue investigations into the Ataoja palace shooting, with the police vowing to apprehend those responsible.
The Springtime Development Foundation is expected to begin arrangements for scholarships for children and dependants of victims who lost their lives during the election period.
Bottom Line
Adeleke’s Certificate of Return marks the formal confirmation of his electoral victory, but his N500m victims’ fund shifts attention from political triumph to the human consequences of electoral violence. The success of the initiative will depend on transparent verification, equitable distribution and sustained efforts by security agencies to prevent further violence in Osun State.
Nigeria has resumed onion exports to Ghana after the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria lifted its suspension on the trade.
NOPPMAN said the decision followed consultations with trade ministries, diplomatic authorities, ECOWAS and other relevant institutions.
The suspension had disrupted supply chains and affected the availability and price of onions in Ghana.
The dispute centred on challenges faced by Nigerian traders over the reception, allocation and offloading of consignments at Kotoku Market.
The resumption is expected to provide relief to farmers, processors, marketers, exporters and transporters involved in the cross-border trade.
Main story
Nigeria has resumed onion exports to Ghana after the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) lifted its suspension on cross-border shipments.
The association announced the decision in a public notice on Wednesday, saying it followed consultations with the Ministries of Trade in Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other institutions involved in resolving the dispute.
The suspension had disrupted the movement of Nigerian onions into Ghana and affected supply chains in the country, where Nigerian produce accounts for a significant share of market supply.
NOPPMAN said the decision to lift the suspension followed subsequent interventions aimed at establishing a more sustainable framework for onion trade between the two countries.
“Following subsequent interventions and steps towards establishing a more sustainable framework for onion trade, NOPPMAN resolved to withdraw the suspension and allow Nigerian onion exporters and transporters to resume operations in Ghana with immediate effect,” the association said.
The association had earlier suspended exports over what it described as unresolved challenges confronting Nigerian onion traders and exporters operating in Ghana.
The concerns reportedly centred on the reception, allocation and offloading of onion consignments at Kotoku Market.
According to NOPPMAN, the situation raised concerns over the safety of traders, transporters and their consignments, as well as the uninterrupted conduct of legitimate cross-border commercial activities.
With the suspension now lifted, traders expect onion shipments to begin moving into Ghana again, restoring a trade route that supports farmers, processors, marketers and transport operators across both countries.
The development also comes as Nigeria and Ghana continue to pursue stronger intra-African trade and regional economic integration, including efforts to expand trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The issues
The resumption of onion exports removes an immediate obstacle to the movement of one of Nigeria’s key agricultural commodities into the Ghanaian market.
For Nigerian producers and traders, uninterrupted access to Ghana provides an important outlet for their produce and supports the wider chain of transportation, processing and marketing associated with onion exports.
For Ghanaian consumers and businesses, the return of Nigerian supplies could help improve availability and ease some of the pressure created by the disruption in cross-border shipments.
However, the sustainability of the trade will depend on whether the concerns that prompted the suspension are adequately addressed, particularly those relating to the handling of consignments and the safety of traders and transporters.
What’s being said
The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria said:
“Following subsequent interventions and steps towards establishing a more sustainable framework for onion trade, NOPPMAN resolved to withdraw the suspension and allow Nigerian onion exporters and transporters to resume operations in Ghana with immediate effect,”
The association also said it would continue engaging with regulators to ensure the smooth movement of agricultural commodities and prevent future disruptions to cross-border exports.
What’s next
The immediate focus will be on the return of onion shipments from Nigeria to Ghana and the implementation of the arrangements reached by the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
NOPPMAN is expected to continue engaging regulators and other institutions to address potential obstacles affecting the movement of consignments.
The effectiveness of the new framework will likely depend on how consistently traders can receive, allocate and offload their consignments without the disruptions that triggered the earlier suspension.
Bottom line
Nigeria’s onion trade with Ghana is back on track after NOPPMAN lifted its suspension following consultations with authorities and regional stakeholders.
The resumption restores an important agricultural trade route and could provide relief for Nigerian producers and exporters while improving onion supplies in Ghana. Its long-term success, however, will depend on whether the concerns surrounding the handling and movement of consignments are sustainably resolved.
The Federal Government says Nigeria has a $14.8 billion annual gender financing opportunity that banks and fintechs can help unlock.
The government wants financial institutions to redesign products and lending models to improve women’s access to capital.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said gender inclusion commitments must have an owner, a measurable target and a deadline.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, says it is reviewing capital market entry criteria to make participation more accessible to women and small businesses.
The government is seeking stronger collaboration between financial institutions, fintechs, investors, state governments and development partners.
Main Story
The Federal Government has challenged banks, fintech companies and other financial institutions to help unlock Nigeria’s estimated $14.8 billion annual gender financing opportunity by developing financial products that better serve women, The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call at the Second National Gender Inclusion Conference, SheIsIncluded 2026, in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Designing for Delivery: Financing, Systems and Scale for Women’s Economic Transformation,” focused on strategies for improving women’s access to finance and expanding their participation in economic activities.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said Nigeria’s financial system has historically been designed around collateral, an area where women often have less access to assets, She therefore urged banks and financial institutions to rethink their lending models and close the financing gap facing women, The minister said her ministry is prepared to open its programme pipelines to financial institutions interested in testing and scaling products targeted at women.
She also called on state governments to co-finance and localise national programmes, while urging development partners to maintain a coordinated map of ongoing interventions to ensure resources reach underserved communities, The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, said meaningful commitments to women’s economic empowerment must have an owner, a metric and a deadline, He said the private sector would be critical to delivering the scale required, as government can establish the rules but capital, technology and execution would largely come from financial institutions, fintechs, investors and development partners.
The Issues
The major challenge is the persistent financing gap preventing many Nigerian women from accessing productive capital and expanding their businesses, The government says traditional financing models often rely heavily on collateral, which can disadvantage women who have lower levels of asset ownership.
Limited participation in Nigeria’s formal capital market is another concern, The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, represented by Ojone Kabir, said women’s participation in the capital market remains low.
The financing challenge also extends to small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, many of which struggle with compliance requirements and access to investment capital, Another issue is coordination. With several government agencies, development partners and private institutions running inclusion programmes, there is a need for better coordination to prevent duplication and ensure interventions reach the people most in need.
What’s Being Said
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said financial institutions must move beyond conventional models and develop products capable of reaching women who are currently underserved, Vice President Shettima said successful inclusion programmes must be measurable and accountable, insisting that commitments should be tracked and reviewed.
Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, said the inability of productive capital to reach productive citizens prevents Nigeria from achieving its full economic potential, He noted that credible estimates suggest national output could be materially higher by as much as 23% if women had greater and more equal participation in the economy.
Meanwhile, the SEC said it is reviewing entry requirements into the capital market to make them more favourable to women and SMEs, Women were also encouraged to explore crowdfunding platforms within the capital market, which the SEC said could provide financing, networking and visibility opportunities.
What’s Next
The Federal Government is expected to deepen collaboration with banks, fintechs, investors and development partners to expand financing opportunities for women, The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is also offering its programme pipelines as potential platforms for financial institutions to test and scale new products targeted at women.
The SEC’s review of capital market entry criteria could create additional opportunities for women entrepreneurs and SMEs to raise funds through the capital market, The government is also pushing for stronger state-level participation through co-financing and localisation of national economic inclusion programmes.
The Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, remains another major intervention. Originally approved in 2018 through a $100 million International Development Association, IDA, credit, the programme was designed to improve women’s livelihoods by supporting skills development, economic activities and business ventures. In 2024, the Federal Government sought an extension of its implementation deadline from the World Bank.
Bottom Line
Nigeria’s $14.8 billion gender financing gap represents both an economic challenge and a major commercial opportunity for banks, fintechs and investors, The Federal Government’s message is increasingly shifting from simply encouraging women’s financial inclusion to demanding measurable financing, stronger private-sector participation and redesigned financial products.
If financial institutions can translate these commitments into accessible capital, better products and scalable investment channels, greater participation by women could unlock significant additional economic output for Nigeria.
Osun State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting that left 60-year-old Tajudeen Yusuf dead in Osogbo.
Police said the incident followed a confrontation involving suspected gang members after Governor Ademola Adeleke and his nephew, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, visited the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace.
Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from INEC on Wednesday after winning the August 15 governorship election.
The governor pledged full scholarships for the children and dependants of people who lost their lives in election-related violence and announced a ₦500 million victims’ endowment fund.
Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule attributed the APC’s defeat in Osun to what he described as the activities of “Abuja politicians”, while civil society groups urged stakeholders to build on the positive lessons from the election.
Main story
A 60-year-old man was shot dead in Osogbo on Wednesday after a confrontation involving suspected gang members near the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke and his nephew, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, visited the monarch.
The Osun State Police Command said it had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, which occurred in the Itaolokan area of Osogbo.
Police said the victim, Tajudeen Yusuf of the Oke-Ayepe area of Osogbo, was shot at about 4pm after suspected gang members reportedly left the vicinity of the Ataoja’s palace following a confrontation with members of Davido’s security team.
The police said preliminary findings showed that an individual identified as Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by members of the singer’s security team.
According to the police account, the confrontation attracted other suspected gang members, who temporarily blocked the palace entrance and obstructed movement before the governor’s convoy eventually left the area safely.
The suspected gang members were later alleged to have shot Yusuf at Itaolokan while leaving the area.
Police officers who arrived at the scene found Yusuf in a pool of blood and rushed him to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was pronounced dead.
The command said it had intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The incident occurred on the same day Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission following his victory in the August 15 governorship election. The certificate was presented by INEC National Commissioner for the South-west, Professor Kunle Ajayi.
Adeleke later visited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, with Davido, where the situation around the palace subsequently became tense.
The governor used his Certificate of Return speech to appeal for restraint and reflect on the violence associated with the election period.
He also announced measures aimed at supporting families affected by election-related violence, including a scholarship commitment through the Springtime Development Foundation and a ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund.
The issues
The shooting has introduced a fresh security concern in Osogbo just days after the state’s governorship election, with the police investigation now focused on identifying those responsible for Yusuf’s death.
The immediate question is how the confrontation near the Ataoja’s palace escalated and whether the suspects identified by the police can be apprehended and brought before the courts.
The incident also underscores the security challenges that can emerge around politically sensitive gatherings, particularly where prominent political figures and large entourages are involved.
For the Adeleke administration, the development comes at a delicate moment. The governor has begun his second-term mandate with calls for unity and reconciliation, while the violence surrounding the election remains a concern for families of victims and other stakeholders.
What’s being said
Governor Ademola Adeleke said:
“It is deeply painful that any family should have to bury a loved one because of politics.
“No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen.”
“The Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, will provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives.”
“We remember Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera, and every other victim of electoral violence. Regardless of political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics.”
The governor declared:
“My dear people of Osun State, I receive this Certificate of Return not as a trophy or a weapon against anyone, but as a renewed contract with you. The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build.
“To those who voted for me, I thank you. To those who voted for another candidate, I thank you for participating in our democracy. I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics.”
Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule attributed the APC’s defeat in Osun to what he described as the activities of politicians from Abuja.
Sule stated:
“I’m not going to brag about anything that we are going to do, but what I can tell you is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done well.
“And then I see some people are actually happy and they are celebrating that APC has lost. APC lost partly because of the Abuja politicians.
“Because if not for some of these Abuja politicians, there was no way for APC to lose in Osun State
“But what it means is that the power of a sitting governor is not something you can joke around. That’s the message that was sent actually in Osun.”
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room also called on stakeholders to build on the positive lessons from the Osun election and address weaknesses identified during the exercise.
The group said:
“The Situation Room’s observation of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election combined the deployment of accredited election observers to polling units and the use of citizen observers reporting through the Situation Room Election Accountability Tracker (SEAT) mobile and web application.
“The Situation Room called on the governor-elect, political parties and all citizens to make the post-election period an opportunity to deepen democratic accountability, strengthen institutions and promote inclusive governance in Osun State.”
What’s next
The Osun State Police Command is expected to continue its investigation and pursue the suspects identified in connection with the shooting.
The command has appealed to members of the public with useful information to approach the nearest police station or contact the appropriate authorities, while urging residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Beyond the immediate investigation, attention will remain on how Osun’s political actors manage the post-election period following a contest that has already been marked by violence.
Adeleke’s proposed ₦500 million endowment fund and scholarship programme could also become an important part of the state’s response to families affected by election violence, provided the announced mechanisms for identifying beneficiaries and distributing support are implemented as outlined.
Bottom line
A deadly shooting in Osogbo has cast a fresh shadow over the aftermath of the Osun governorship election, with police linking the death of a 60-year-old man to a confrontation involving suspected gang members near the Ataoja’s palace.
The incident came shortly after Ademola Adeleke received his Certificate of Return and visited the palace with Davido, while the governor used his victory address to call for unity, announce support for victims of election violence and stress that political ambition should never cost a citizen’s life.
