The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Okpebholo boosts investors’ confidence in Edo

    Okpebholo boosts investors’ confidence in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that his administration’s deliberate investment in security has strengthened economic activities and restored investor confidence in the state.

    The governor stated that his government has made significant progress in tackling cultism and other violent crimes, thereby creating a safer environment for businesses to thrive.

    Okpebholo made the remarks at the pre-launching ceremony of the Skyewise Group Tower in Benin City, the state capital, where he assured investors that their multi-billion naira investments in Edo State are safe and secure.

    He noted that insecurity, which previously discouraged investment, has been reduced to the barest minimum under his administration.

    Represented at the event by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, the governor emphasised that no serious investor would commit resources to an unsafe environment.

    “The governor has asked me to assure you that your investment in Edo is safe and secure,” Idahosa said. “When we came into office, Edo was faced with serious security challenges, but as we speak, these have been reduced to the barest minimum. The issue of cultism is being decisively addressed.”

    He added that the improved security situation is already yielding positive results, with increased interest from investors and renewed economic activities across the state.

    “For business to thrive in any society, any state, any community, security must be addressed. And as we speak today, by the grace of God, everything about security is the priority of Mr. Governor.

    “I want to assure you that the government of Edo state will patronize to ensure that your business meets the strongest desire from Edo and not only from the citizens but from the government. And lastly, we are going to be praying for you because we are almost at the same age.

    Chief Executive Officer of Skyewise, Dr. Elvis Abuyere, said the demolition of the conglomerate’s business premises in Lagos and Abuja compelled them to relocate to Edo State, which provided a friendlier environment for their businesses to thrive.

    Dr. Abuyere praised Governor Okpeholo for boosting investors’ confidence in driving economic growth in the state

    Read Also: Okpebholo targets jobs, infrastructure in 2026 Budget, says Finance commissioner

    He said, “For those who have known us for over a decade, we are known for excellence, we are known for impact, and we are known for results.

    “For those who have been following us lately, you will realize that we have some challenges in Lagos. One of our premises in Lagos was demolished, and the one we have in Abuja was also demolished.

    “We had a discussion, and we thought it wise to begin the journey to Skye wisely. What we believe at the management team is that Benin and Edo state are an untapped market for our business.

    “For those who know us, you will realize that we are into investments, loan facilities, automobiles, luxury automobiles, and we believe that you know, when we’re putting this together, people are saying, “Ah, you are into luxury.

    “Why are you coming to Benin?” People don’t know how to buy new cars.

    “We want to increase that number and ensure that we have a high percentage of Nigerians driving a brand new car.

    “And that is one of the reasons we came to Benin. If you look at the showroom downstairs, you will see all the brand new cars from 2024 to 25, even 2026,” Abuyere said.

  • The Swap-Free Advantage: How to Run Position Trades Without Worrying About Overnight Charges

    The Swap-Free Advantage: How to Run Position Trades Without Worrying About Overnight Charges

    The True Benefit of Swap-Free Accounts

    The macroeconomic backdrop in Nigeria has simply forced traders to rethink what “edge” truly means and how to structure their trading to minimize the cost of trading. Inflation remains high, fiscal pressures remain unresolved, and the naira’s exchange rate will be determined by policy credibility and external financing. When it comes to forecasting this exchange rate of the naira, it is more about crafting practical strategies that can survive the volatility rather than chasing news. And this is the reason why swap-free accounts are so important-they have no overnight financing costs. Terms for medium- and long-term asset holding periods for such swap-free accounts could prove to be a big plus in converting well-thought-out ideas into long-term results.

    Naira’s Currency Macro Reality

    The trajectory of the naira depends on three variables that traders effectively factor into their profits and losses: political signals, hard currency liquidity, and terms of trade (oil revenues versus imports). This combination creates wide daily ranges, periodic gaps, and prolonged trends as confidence in the political and economic situation in a country fluctuates. For position traders, this creates two simultaneous problems:

    • You must stay in a position long enough to let the macroeconomic situation play out.
    • You don’t want the cost of carrying the stock to offset these trades

    Traditional overnight swaps (positive or negative) add value to each trading session. When the directional thesis is correct but slow, swaps can turn a good idea into a marginal one. Eliminating these costs changes the mathematics and the effectiveness of the trading system as a whole.

    What a Swap-Free Account Actually Does

    A swap-free account waives the interest element that is usually charged, or paid, for the holder of the FX/CFD positions during rollover. The goal is very simple: you can hold them for as long as your strategy needs, without accumulating daily interest. Depending on the instrument and holding time, some brokers charge an administrative fee for longer-held positions. The key thing to understand is that you don’t have to pay floating interest every night. In practice, this gives you:

    • Clearer expectations concerning swing and position trades.
    • Less sensitivity to the “time tax” of multi-week trends.
    • Clarity in risk planning, since most of your costs are spreads and commissions.

    Why This Matters for SSA Traders

    Across Sub-Saharan Africa, macro-cycles often leap forward on policy announcements, fiscal updates, or terms-of-trade shocks. It is therefore good that the medium-term movements might be reflected in some positional trades: gold, US dollar indices, and other liquid indices. Using a swap-free account, your risk budget won’t be gradually depleted every night, so:

    • You can methodically scale up your investments rather than rushing to “beat the swap.”
    • You can let winning assets rise in the continuation of a trend.
    • You can hedge naira-sensitive cash flows at a lower cost.

    High Leverage, Low Risk: Using 1:3000 the Professional Way

    Leverage is a performance enhancer and a tool to give you extra control over your position and margin. It should not be used as a way to try and make a quick buck. With up to 1:3000 leverage, traders can have more available margin for hedging, scaling, and volatility spikes while maintaining control over the risk of each position.

    Simple operating model:

    • Limit risk to 1-2% of the equity per position.
    • Place stop orders where the position structure is invalid, not based on hopes and wishes.
    • Increase position size from the stop order (position size = equity risk ÷ stop order value).
    • Apply leverage, thereby reducing the consumption of margin in case of adverse movements and keeping liquidity intact.
    • Monitor portfolio correlation to avoid double-counting USD exposure across currency pairs.

    Swap-free holding combined with disciplined, low-risk sizing allows you to stay in trades long enough for the macroeconomic environment to work out without having to spend overnight cash on patience.

    Where Swap-Free Shines: Practical Use Cases

    • Gold Hedge: When there is a rise in political risk, gold tends to win. Many positions are held for several weeks, swap-free accounts enable one to avoid temporary declines and overnight losses.
    • Major currency dollar cycles: When the global dollar slows down or reverses, the trend in EURUSD/GBPUSD/USDJPY develops over weeks. The cost of holding positions becomes less important once it is removed.
    • Event-trend transitions: After political or ratings news, markets open with a gap, correct, and then re-enter into a trend. Swap-free accounts allow you to hold positions during correction without feeling penalized daily.

    Why Traders in SSA Choose JustMarkets

    • Professionals care about edge you can measure: execution quality, transparency, platform stability, and risk tools that don’t get in the way.
    • Swap-Free Availability: Run position trades without overnight interest charges by aligning the cost structure to strategy horizons.
    • Ultra-Tight Pricing: Raw/low-spread conditions reduce friction on entering-critical for scaling and re-entries.
    • Up to 1:3000 leverage: Keep low margin but with strict per-trade limits on risk, more freedom for hedging, diversification, and shock-absorbing.
    • Fast Execution & Stability: Low latency is helpful during event-risk periods when slippage and spreads can widen.
    • Negative Balance Protection: Contain downside in extreme volatility.
    • Regulation: JustMarkets is licensed by FSC Mauritius, FSA Seychelles and South Africa FSCA.

    Position trading rewards patience, but traditional rollover charges punish it. Without overnight interest, swap-free accounts ensure your P&L reflects the merit of your analysis and quality of your risk plan-not the passage of time. In a market where naira-related uncertainty will ebb and flow, that shift-from time-taxed to strategy-driven-can be the difference between sporadic wins and a compounding equity curve.

    To start using the JustMarkets Trading app, simply register and download it on your Android or iOS device.

    *This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice or any offer of JustMarkets’ services.

  • OAU medical student wins 2025 Intercollegiate Medical essay competition

    OAU medical student wins 2025 Intercollegiate Medical essay competition

    A medical student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Taiwo Adekoya, has emerged winner of the 2025 Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition organised by The Concept Academy.

    The winners were announced during a virtual award ceremony that attracted medical students, educators and healthcare professionals from across Nigeria.

    Suliman Yusuf placed second, while Ajayi Marvellous finished third in the keenly contested competition. Adekoya received a cash prize of ₦1 million as well as United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) preparation resources valued at over $1,000. Yusuf went home with ₦400,000 and USMLE study materials, while Marvellous received ₦150,000 alongside similar resources.

    Organisers also disclosed that the top 10 finalists collectively shared prizes worth over $10,000, including six months of full access to The Concept Academy’s USMLE learning platform and other educational tools.

    The annual essay competition is aimed at promoting critical thinking, leadership and innovation among medical students, with participants required to propose forward-looking ideas on healthcare delivery and medical practice. Submissions were evaluated by a panel of facilitators and judges before the final selections were made.

    Announcing the winners, Dr Brammy Agbarakwe outlined the assessment criteria and commended participants for the quality and depth of their essays.

    “These winners have demonstrated exceptional analytical thinking, academic rigour and meaningful contributions to discourse in medical education and innovation,” he said.

    The ceremony featured a keynote address by Dr Margaret Utibe, Vice President of the Students Assembly at Johns Hopkins University, who spoke on medical innovation, leadership and the responsibility of young doctors to shape the future of healthcare through service and excellence.

    A major highlight of the event was the presentation of Honours Awards, introduced by Dr Babawale, to recognise students who recorded USMLE scores of 250 and above using The Concept Academy’s resources.

    Students honoured for outstanding USMLE performance included Aishat Alonge, Opara Chigozie, Eze Chibuike and Adeniran Fahidah. Organisers said their achievements underscored the effectiveness of structured preparation, disciplined study habits and high-yield learning strategies promoted by the Academy.

    In his remarks, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Concept Academy, Dr Festus Babrinde, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to simplifying medical education and empowering students through confidence-driven learning.

    “At The Concept Academy, we intentionally build a culture where excellence is expected, supported and celebrated. Our students’ success shows what focused preparation and structured guidance can achieve,” he said.

    The event concluded with a call for continued engagement, encouraging medical students to leverage The Concept Academy’s programmes, mentorship initiatives and review platforms to enhance examination success and leadership development.

  • FRSC chief leads traffic enforcement operations on Abuja-Kaduna highway

    FRSC chief leads traffic enforcement operations on Abuja-Kaduna highway

    The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, on Monday extended his on-the-spot assessment to the Abuja–Kaduna Highway to ease traffic flow, as vehicular movement increases ahead of the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    The Corps Marshal’s on-the-spot traffic assessment was part of the end-of-year nationwide monitoring of highways.

    Mohammed personally monitored traffic on the Abuja–Lokoja highway on Sunday, leading to the immediate deployment of additional personnel to clear congestion and restore free flow.

    According to a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Marshal, while in Kaduna, personally oversaw traffic operations, ensuring strict compliance with traffic regulations, as “enforcement teams intensified surveillance across major routes, leading to the apprehension of several overloaded vehicles and other traffic violators.”

    Read Also: Abuja-Lokoja road gridlock: FRSC deploys reinforcements

    The statement noted that the Corps Marshal’s personal monitoring of traffic along the Abuja–Lokoja and Abuja–Kaduna highways underscored his hands-on leadership and zero-tolerance stance against traffic infractions, especially during the festive travel season.

    “The Corps Marshal strongly advised motorists to obey traffic rules, avoid overloading, and cooperate with officers on duty, as sustained compliance remains critical to reducing crashes, saving lives, and guaranteeing safer highways nationwide,” the statement said. 

  • RCCG set to feed 15,000 people at love carnival 2025

    RCCG set to feed 15,000 people at love carnival 2025

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has announced plans to feed no fewer than 15,000 people at The Love Carnival 2025, a two-day Christmas outreach designed to spread love, hope, and community support during the festive season.

    Scheduled to take place from December 25 to 26, 2025, the event will be held at the Open Field opposite Mega Chicken, Apple Junction, Amuwo Odofin/Festac, Lagos. Activities are slated for 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on December 25 and 7:00 am on December 26, with thousands expected to attend.

    Organised by RCCG Lagos Youth Provinces Family (LGAF) in collaboration with the church’s youth and outreach arms, The Love Carnival is positioned as more than a celebration. 

    It is a large-scale humanitarian initiative aimed at providing meals, gifts, and a sense of belonging to individuals and families during Christmas.

    According to RCCG, the first 2,000 attendees to get to the venue will also receive free Christmas gifts, further reinforcing the event’s focus on generosity and care for the community.

    The carnival will feature gospel ministrations, live music, and appearances by notable ministers and personalities including Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Pastor Leke Adeboye, Pastor Samuel Oloruntoba, Pastor Jacob Obara, Pastor Anthony Ibe, Pastor David Ugenyi, Pastor Daniel Olawande, as well as guest ministers Greatman Takit, Lilian Nneji, and Bidemi Olaoba.

    With its theme centered on love in action, The Love Carnival 2025 underscores RCCG’s ongoing commitment to social impact, faith-driven compassion, and community development, especially at a time when many households face economic pressure.

    Everyone is encouraged to attend, arrive early, and participate in what promises to be one of the largest Christmas feeding outreaches in the state this year. The venue once again is at the Open Field opposite Mega Chicken, Apple Junction, Amuwo Odofin/Festac, Lagos. 

  • BREAKING: Edo Assembly asks Okpebholo to take possession of MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    BREAKING: Edo Assembly asks Okpebholo to take possession of MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    Edo State House of Assembly ad-hoc committees set up to investigate funding and ownership of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu Hotel have recommended that Governor Monday Okpebholo to take possession of both investments.

    This was contained in the report the Committee submitted.

    Former Governor Godwin Obaseki, management of MOWAA and other invited persons refused to appear before the Committee.

    Lawyer to MOWAA, Barr. Olayiwola Afolabi, said his client would not appear before the Committee because the matter was already in court.

    Read Also: Is Edo rising under Okpebholo?

    He said any recommendation by the Committee would be subjected to the court.

    In its report, the Committee said it found out that the land titles and funding for the two projects were from the Edo State Government.

    Details shortly…

  • FULL LIST: Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim, others, honoured at MIPAD 2025

    FULL LIST: Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim, others, honoured at MIPAD 2025

    The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2025 Awards and Dinner Night celebrated African excellence, recognising outstanding individuals and institutions across entertainment, media, business, governance, and culture.

    Held at The Library, Lagos, the event highlighted Lagos’ growing reputation as a global hub for African achievement and diaspora engagement.

    Some notable winners included Davido, who was named Artist of the Year, while comedian Bovi Ugboma received Comedian of the Year.

    Arise News anchor Ojy Okpe was celebrated as News Anchor of the Year, and music icon D’banj won Music Platform of the Year for C.R.E.A.M.

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was honoured as Media Personality of the Year, and actress Juliet Ibrahim was awarded Actor of the Year (Female).

    Other standout winners included Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who was celebrated as Author of the Year, and Funke Akindele’s blockbuster Everybody Loves Jenifa, which won Blockbuster Movie of the Year.

    Omoni Oboli’s Love in Every Word 1 & 2 was named Movie of the Year, reflecting the growing global influence of African storytelling.

    The ceremony also honoured the MIPAD Class of 2025, as well as past Nigerian recipients who were unable to attend their recognition ceremonies in New York, rounding off a memorable evening dedicated to African excellence, global impact, and diaspora connection.

    Below is the full list of winners:

    ● Activist of the Year: Opeyemi Adamolekun

    ● Actor of the Year (Female): Juliet Ibrahim

    ● Actor of the Year (Male) Deyemi OKANLAWON

    ● Advertising & Marketing Agency of the Year: DKK

    ● Afrobeat Artist of the Year: Mádé Kuti

    ● AI Advocate (Female): Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

    ● AI Advocate (Male): Obinna Okerekeocha

    ● Airline of the Year (Africa): Air Peace

    ● Animation Studio of the Year: Ferdy (“Ladi) Adimefe

    ● Art Festival of the Year: ART X Lagos by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig

    ● Artist of the Year: Davido

    ● Author of the Year: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    ● Auto Company of the Year: NORD Automobiles

    ● Bank Executive OF THE YEAR: Bolaji Lawal

    ● Bankable Media Brand of the Year: The Accelerate Media Group by Colette Osibo

    ● Blockbuster Movie of the Year: Everybody Loves Jenifa (Funke Akindele)

    ● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Female): Beauty Tukura

    ● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Male): Farooq Oreagba

    ● Brand of the Year (Africa): Martell

    ● Business Man of the Year: Ahonsi Unuigbe

    ● Business Woman of the Year: Owen Omogiafo OON

    ● CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola

    ● Chef of the Year: Chef Tolu Eros

    ● Children’s Book of The Year: Zaqonomics; Financial Literacy for Kids by Zaq Isa

    ● Comedian of the Year: Bovi Ugboma

    ● Comedy OG of the Year: Ali Baba

    ● Commercial Director of the Year: Ikechukwu Agu

    ● Commissioner of the Year (Female): Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka

    ● Commissioner of the Year (Male): Hon. Dapo Okubadejo

    ● Content Creator of the Year: Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Kie Kie

    ● COO of the Year: “Yewande Adewusi, Alitheia Capital

    ● Creative Director of the Year: Osaru Alile

    ● Crypto Executive of the Year: Jeremiah Mayowa (Jeroid)

    ● Design Festival of the Year: Titi Ogufere

    ● Director General of The year-Female: Aisha Augie

    ● Director General of The year-Male: Obi Asika

    ● Director of the Year (Film): Wale Ojo

    ● DJ of the Year : DJ Obi (Obinna Ajuonuma)

    ● Doctor of the Year (Male): Dr. Julius Kunle Oni, M.D. FAOA

    ● Emerging Leader (Under 40): Nduka Nduka-Eze and Nnamdi Nduka-Eze – Motherland Hub

    ● Energy Executive of the Year (Female): Rolake Akinkugbe -Filani

    ● Energy Executive of the Year (Male): Ainojie Alex Irune (PhD)

    ● Entertainment Executive of the Year: Fela Oke

    ● ESG & Climate Personality Of The Year: “Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos on Climate Change and Circular Economy

    ● Event Planner of the Year: Oaken Events by Ayiri Oladunmoye

    ● Exhibition of the Year: Fela Exhibition

    ● Film Festival Of The Year: Chioma Ude, Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF

    ● Fintech Company of the Year: Moniepoint by Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO

    ● FMCG Executive of the Year: Seleem Adegunwa

    ● Foreign Diplomat of the Year: Jonny Baxter

    ● Foundation of the Year: Lady Mary Dinah

    ● Future Leader of the Year: Toni Fola-Alade

    ● Global Africa Man of the Year: Prof. Benedict Oramah

    ● Global Africa Woman of the Year: Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE

    ● Government Agency of the Year – Federal: SMEDAN Charles Odii, Director General

    ● Government Agency of the Year -State: Adetoun Popoola (Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency)

    ● Governor of the Year: Executive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

    ● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Female): Hilda Baci

    ● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Male): Tunde Onakoya

    ● Hospitality Brand of the Year: Paul Onwuanibe, CEO at Landmark Africa

    ● Influencer of the Year: Chinyere Adogu

    ● Intel Executive of the Year: Tanwa Ashiru (Bulwark Intelligence)

    ● Investor of the Year: Iyinoluwa Aboyeji

    ● Law Firm of the Year: Aluko & Oyebode (ALN)

    ● Leading Woman of The year: Abosede George-Ogan

    ● Lifestyle Festival of The Year: ISIMI Lagos Festival by Olawale Ayilara

    ● Lifestyle Personality of The Year: Uche Pedro, Bella Naija

    ● Literary Festival of The Year: AKE Art & Book Festival by Lola Shoneyin

    ● Luxury Personality of the Year (Female): Jennifer Obayuwana,Executive Director, Polo Limited

    ● Luxury Personality of the Year (Male): Alexander Amosu

    ● Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu

    ● Managing Director of the Year: Alex Okosi

    ● Media Executive of the Year: Stephanie Busari

    ● Media House of the Year: RED Media

    ● Media Personality of the Year: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    ● Mental Health Advocate Of The Year: Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri (Dr. May)

    ● Minister of The Year: Honorable Minister, Hannatu Musawa

    ● Movie of the Year: Omoni Oboli, Love in Every Word 1&2

    ● Movie of the Year (blockbuster): Everybody Loves Jenifa

    ● Music Executive of the Year: Samuel “Samo” Onyemelukwe

    ● Music Platform of the Year: Dbanj (C.R.E.A.M.)

    ● News Anchor of the Year: Ojy Okpe

    ● Payment Executive of the Year: Mike Ogbalu iii FCIB

    ● Peak Performer of the Year: Dr. Abiola Salami

    ● Photographer of the Year: Kelechi Amadi Obi

    ● Podcast of the Year: MENtality, Ebuka & Banky W

    ● Policy Advocate of the year: Oswald Osaretin Guobadia

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Business): Mr Mark & Mrs Phillipa Okoye

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Change Makers): Mr Tokunbo & Mrs Omoyemi Akerele

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Entertainment): Mr Dare & Mrs Deola Art Alade

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Faith): Banky Wellington & Adesua Etomi-Wellington

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Politics): Mr Seyi & Mrs Layal Tinubu

    ● PR Executive of the Year: Dr. Bukky George-Taylor

    ● Pressman of the Year: Kayode Okikiolu

    ● Public Servant of the Year: Dr. Jumoke Oduwole

    ● Real Estate Developer of the Year: Rendeavour’s Alaro City & Managing Director Yomi Ademola

    ● Resort of the Year: Koko Beach

    ● SA of the Year (State): Idris Aregbe

    ● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Female): Nere Emiko

    ● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Male): Segun Lawson, Chief Executive Officer at Thor Explorations Ltd

    ● SSA of the Year (Federal): O’tega Ogra

    ● Tech Executive of the Year (Female): Olatomiwa Williams

    ● Theatre Festival of the Year: Bolanle Austen Peters

    ● Therapist of the Year: Murielle Jean-Michel

    ● Travel Executive of the Year: Adenike Macaulay

    ● TV Executive of the Year: Dr. Busola Tejumola

    ● Unicorn of the Year: Gbenga Agboola

    ● VC of The Year: Danladi Verheijen, Verod

    ● Venture Fund of The Year: Ventures Platform Fund, by Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku & Kola Aina

    ● Venue of the Year: The Library

    ● Waterways Champion of the Year: Oluwadamilola Emmanuel

    ● Wellness Executive of the Year: Joycee Awosika, Oriki Group

    ● Woman of the Year: Olori Atuwatse III

  • CAF launches annual African Nations league

    CAF launches annual African Nations league

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the African Nations League, a new annual competition aimed at showcasing the continent’s top national teams and players.

    CAF explained that the league will offer a consistent, world-class platform for senior national teams, providing African players with greater exposure and more opportunities to display their talent on a continental stage.

    Announcing the initiative on its official X handle on Monday, CAF stated,

    “CAF launches exciting new African Nations League and guarantees that CAF will host, every year, a world-class Senior National Team Competition in which the best African players will participate.”

    According to CAF, the competition is designed to strengthen African football by encouraging more competitive matches, supporting player development, and boosting fan engagement across the continent. 

    Read Also: 2025 AFCON: CAF appoints 73 match officials without Nigerians

    The annual format is expected to ensure regular high-level football for both players and supporters.

    The launch underlines CAF’s commitment to raising the global profile of African football and creating sustainable opportunities for players, national teams, and member associations.

    The announcement comes amid broader changes to the continental calendar, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently revealing that the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle after an edition scheduled for 2028, marking a shift from its current biennial format.

  • JUST IN: Uzodimma presents N1.439tr. 2026 budget to Imo Assembly

    JUST IN: Uzodimma presents N1.439tr. 2026 budget to Imo Assembly

    Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has presented a budget of ₦1.439 trillion for 2026 to the state House of Assembly. 

    Details shortly…

  • Police tighten Lagos ports’ security ahead of festivities

    Police tighten Lagos ports’ security ahead of festivities

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Police, Western Command, has rolled out intensified, round-the-clock security operations across major port corridors in Lagos to safeguard vessels, cargo and port infrastructure during the Yuletide season.

    The Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Western Command, Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Isaac Hundeyin, noting that land and marine patrols have been significantly reinforced to deter criminal activities and guarantee uninterrupted maritime operations during the festive period.

    Agbaminoja said the measures were designed to protect port users, maritime stakeholders and critical national assets as human and vehicular traffic peaks around the ports during the holidays.

    According to the statement, the security deployment covers Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, as well as marine patrol routes extending up to 12 nautical miles within Lagos waters.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates trailblazing police officer, Cecilia Ugowe at 90

    The commissioner explained that the proactive strategy is aimed at ensuring seamless port activities despite the seasonal surge in cargo movement, port users and logistics traffic.

    To strengthen the security architecture, Agbaminoja said the Command has deepened collaboration with sister security agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) to enable swift, real-time response to emerging threats.

    She added that additional personnel have been deployed to congestion-prone areas, while intelligence gathering and surveillance operations have been heightened to proactively identify and neutralise risks to port safety and national economic assets.

    Agbaminoja urged port users and stakeholders to remain security-conscious, comply with laid-down guidelines and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest Port Police Division or Marine Unit.

    “The Command wishes to reassure port users, maritime stakeholders and the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining safety, security, and order across all port corridors during the Yuletide period. The command also remains committed to ensuring that activities within the nation’s maritime domain continue smoothly and securely throughout the season and beyond,” the commissioner stated.