The Nation Newspaper

Category: Inside Africa

  • Japa from Nigeria, Africa: Is it really worth it?

    Japa from Nigeria, Africa: Is it really worth it?

    By McDolly Ogundana

    As I sit here, reflecting on my journeys across the world, I can’t help but ask: is the “Japa” dream really worth it? I’ve earned the title of The9jaboy, the most traveled Nigerian with a Nigerian passport, and I’ve seen firsthand the allure of foreign lands. But I’ve also witnessed the pain of disconnection, the emotional toll of migration, and the devastating cost of chasing a better life.

    I grew up in a vibrant Nigerian family, surrounded by cousins, second cousins, in-laws, and friends. We were contented, proud of our country, and had no reason to leave. But times have changed. Today, “Japa” – the Yoruba slang for “to flee” – has become a lifestyle. People are leaving Nigeria in droves, seeking better healthcare, education, and safety. The dream is noble, but the cost is crippling.

    My friend Jide’s story is a testament to this. He left Nigeria in 2005, and his family has been scattered across the globe ever since. They talk daily online, but it’s not the same. The laughter, the hugs, the shared moments – all lost in translation. Like many Nigerians, Jide’s family has become digital, connected yet divided.

    The truth is, people are not leaving Nigeria because they hate it – they’re leaving because the system has failed them. Poor governance, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption have pushed millions away. We’ve normalized the exodus of our brightest minds, turning migration into our biggest export industry. But every departure weakens the country, and it’s time our leaders take notice.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    The emotional toll of migration is real. Psychologists call it Ulysses Syndrome – the emotional distress migrants experience from loneliness, guilt, and cultural displacement. Many admit struggling, but admitting struggle feels like failure. The cost of a “better life” is often the loss of community, family, and identity.

    As The9jaboy, I’ve seen both sides of the world. I’ve witnessed the joy of opportunity and the pain of disconnection. It’s time our leaders face the truth: no one truly wants to flee their homeland. People leave because they’ve been failed. Fixing Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure, and education system is the only way to slow this brain drain.

    Until then, Japa will remain both a dream and a wound. So, I ask again – is it really worth it?

  • Trump’s ineptitudes and panic in Nigeria

    Trump’s ineptitudes and panic in Nigeria

    By Olawale Lawal (PhD)

    For some of us, it’s always a delight when we have rumbles in international relations, especially when Nigeria becomes a centerpiece of global racketing and whispering. For experts and pseudo experts of international relations and foreign policy, the burning issue is Donald Trump’s threat of invasion of Nigeria.

    By the way, it was so pleasing for me to see Professor Akin Oyebode come out to speak after almost a decade since we heard from this academic elite and a true expert of international law and jurisprudence. And I have been talking too. My intervention holds apologia to those who are adept at quipping at conclusion of all arguments without knowing their destination – this is a purely academic and diplomatic view.

    I will attempt here to clarify some issues as I see them. My first tier of concern is the panic in Nigeria over Trump’s designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern – a CPC state. This is often mistaken with Country of Particular Interest (CPI). The latter, CPI, is an international instrument used broadly by international actors to cover violations of various levels of human rights and it gives both credence and competence to international legal system. The CPC, on the other hand, is specific and primarily about violation of religious freedom and it is a United States’ interventionist policy under the International Religion Freedom Act (IRFA). So, is it a US Act, strictly speaking, and by the way, the US has designated a number of countries using this act. China, North Korea, Iran Russia, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Pakistan etc. are few examples of some of the states already designated.

    What is intriguing here is that the CPC targets governments who have policies that have made the practicing of certain religions unbearable or impracticable. The US has often looked the other way, despite designating a country a CPC, if greater economic or political gains are to be achieved. For example, check US/Saudi Arabia relation as a guide.

    READ ALSO; FG pays N18bn insurance to boost troops’ welfare

    The CPC is a US foreign policy apparatus and therefore is not part of international law, whether as customary or in wider usage. Nations sometimes may ape the foreign policy of a super power; they do so largely because of the universal long range capability of such super powers; therefore, that the US designates Nigeria a CPC does not put Nigeria at a risk of international excommunication.

    However, while CPC is still largely a municipal instrument, the issue of genocide is considered very serious in international relations, a la international law. It was the Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin who coined the word “ genocide” in 1944 to refer to intentionality to kill a tribe or race (geno) and cide – killing. Earlier intentional exterminations of a race were termed in different crucibles, e.g., the killing of the Jews was termed “holocaust” because it predated the arrival of “genocide” to international relations lexicon. Genocide is a crime against humanity and, if established, any state or person adjudged to have committed it faces international opprobrium. To the extent that it is a frontline human rights violation, speaks to its relevance in international jurisprudence. And for whatever it is worth, the establishment of genocide blurs the line between what is a domestic affair and issues of international interests. The claim that a nation’s sovereignty is a protection against interference is a misread of the workings of international relations. States’ membership of international organizations is a partial submission of sovereign status to a supra national entity. Always, states are required to ensconce in their obligations under international conventions which regulate states affairs. This highlights the point that every international law does not have a close end. In other words, genocide opens a state’s action to international interrogations.

    Now, to the claim that genocide is going on in Nigeria, according to President Donald Trump, needs some solemn analysis. By the way, all sectarian basis of establishing genocide are usually hampered by emotional interjections amidst claims and counterclaims. And one needs to exercise serious restraint in denial or acceptance that genocide is taking place in Nigeria, if the meaning of the word still retains intentional killing of a people, and now of Christians. In the last ten years or so, Nigeria has seen killings of innocent Nigerians in churches, mosques, villages, city centers, international relief organizations, security bases and farmlands. These ructions are perpetrated by groups of internecine interests, insurgents and terror organizations with their international affiliates.

    While the frustration of President Trump may partly be understood, his threat of a possible military invasion of Nigeria is largely counterpointed to the established scheme of engagement in international intervention. Capability/Capacity to deal with an issue is often separated with refusal to deal with an issue in international relations. And depending on what the facts present, international actors determine some compact responses, either in form of intervention, assistance, cooperation, collaboration, attack or even alliance formations.

    Agreed, there is a crisis in Nigeria; there is no evidence that the Nigerian government has refused to act or even complicit in the attacks. If this is the case, then we come to the issue of whether Nigeria has capacity and capability to deal with this issue.
    It is commonplace that there is very deep security cooperation between the US and Nigeria. The United States has worked closely with Nigeria, both bilaterally and through regional and multilateral frameworks like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, and the African Union. The Department of State also provides Nigeria with one of the highest International Military Education and Training (IMET) allocations in sub-Saharan Africa. All of these in addition to the sales of weapons like attack helicopters and Super Tucano aircraft. All of these must be viewed strictly from the context of capacity building and not capability.

    So, rather than talking about invasion, the discussion should be around intervention. And I want to believe that there is a difference between cooperation and collaboration, while both means working together, collaboration is broader and more intense; the edge which collaboration has over cooperation is its integrative techniques and infusing of diverse elements to create a unified whole. When Nigeria and the US cooperate, they share ideas, data and equipment, but when they collaborate, they work together.

    President Donald Trump is speaking as Donald Trump and whatever he said could only mean intervention and not invasion in the manner that he said it. An Obama or Joe Biden would have said the same thing differently. We should not also forget that Trump used the phrase “disgraced country” to describe Nigeria and that means he was speaking from position of anger or frustration and the direction where that is coming is not easily placed. Could he be reacting to the fact that Nigeria produced a Nobel laureate in Literature who tore his green card as a stake in the unlikelihood of Trump emergence as president of the United States in 2016? But already there is a consular riposte which resulted in the revocation of the permanent visa of the citizen of the cosmopolis. Or does the phrase simply show that Trump was confounded by Nigeria’s security challenges?

    Whichever way, Nigeria has a very good opportunity to exert credible collaboration from the United States. The advantage which Nigeria has is still her military which has local understanding of the operations of the insurgents. When the two collaborate, they will succeed.

    ▪︎ Prof. Lawal teaches at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State. He can be reached on lawal@lasu.edu.ng

  • Shun military action, demand security for Nigerians, ICG tells US

    Shun military action, demand security for Nigerians, ICG tells US

    The International Crisis Group (ICG) has urged the United States President Donald Trump to drop his threat of military action in Nigeria and ensure that America’s security and humanitarian concerns encompass citizens of all religious faiths.

    In its latest Nigeria report, the global conflict-research and peace-building organization said Trump’s warning of an operation to stop “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria is misinformed, and that such an operation could aggravate ongoing crises.

    According to the ICG, “reports that seek to reduce Nigeria’s security situation to a single story of widespread persecution and mass slaughter of Christians, all over Nigeria, misinterpret the complexity of violence and interfaith relations in the country.”

    The group observes that while Nigeria’s overall security situation has deteriorated in recent decades, “it would be hard to credibly argue that Christians are at greater risk than other Nigerians.”

    Citing studies by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), ICG asserts that “killings motivated explicitly by religious extremism or intolerance account for only a part of overall fatalities across the country.”

    Also citing statements by ethnic and political leaders in Benue and Plateau states, the organization explains that killings in Nigeria are more often “motivated by ethnic or material considerations, rather than religious differences.”

    The ICG report argued that the “epicentres” of violence currently include the North East and North West zones, where “the majority religion is Islam, and most of the victims have, by all appearances, been Muslims.” It says in the predominantly-Christian South East zone, the killers and the victims are mostly Christians.

    Crisis Group notes that the government’s support for the religious rights of all citizens, though guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution, has been “flawed,” causing Christians and Muslims to protest hindrances to their religious freedom. In some states, people have been lynched or jailed on accusations of blasphemy.

    The ICG cautioned that US airstrikes to “protect Christians” may not achieve their intended goal, as such actions, along with aid cuts, could exacerbate Nigeria’s security and humanitarian challenges, stir public anti-American sentiments, and undermine local efforts at improving interfaith relations.  

    However, the organisation urged the President Bola Tinubu administration to “summon utmost political will and marshal greater resources” to decisively dismantle armed groups across the country.

    It also called on the government to boost the capacity of security forces so they can protect citizens effectively, hasten reform of the livestock sector to curb long associated conflicts, and strengthen Nigeria’s communication with international actors, including by filling ambassadorial posts worldwide, vacant since 2023.

    To sustain international efforts towards ending mass killings, Crisis Group urges the US government to step up engagements with the Nigerian government through various existing channels, from high-level bilateral summits to the US-Nigeria Binational Commission.

  • ‘Why Africa must avert food weaponisation’

    ‘Why Africa must avert food weaponisation’

    Michael Adeshola, Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, has warned that food could be used as a geopolitical weapon if Africa fails to adopt proactive measures to achieve food security and leverage technology in agriculture.

    Adeshola issued the caution during a panel discussion at the Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2025, highlighting the pivotal role of technological innovation in driving agricultural productivity and economic independence across the continent.

    “Food can be weaponised, and Africa must wake up. We cannot overemphasise the importance of technology in crystallising agricultural development in Africa. If the brave do not lead, the weak will follow. What brought us here will not take us to where we need to be. Food is the future, and it can be weaponised,” he said.

    He stressed that digitalisation is transforming the agribusiness sector by enabling efficient financing, boosting productivity, and enhancing the resilience of farmers.

    Adeshola cited Arzikin Noma’s early adoption of digital tools as a key factor in helping the company and its network of smallholder farmers navigate the disruptions caused by Nigeria’s 2023 Naira redesign policy, underlining the strategic advantage of technology in modern agriculture.

    READ ALSO; Progressive governors laud Tinubu’s security overhaul

    “For us, carrying cash into rural communities was risky and unsustainable. Before the redesign, we had already begun discussions with our Primary Financial Institution (PFI) and MasterCard. Through that partnership, we issued over 1,000 ATM cards to our farmers. So, when the cash crisis hit, we were able to pay them seamlessly,” he said.

    According to him, the outcome was remarkable. “That singular year, we recorded over 101 per cent repayment from our farmers, something that had never happened before,” he said, noting that the system not only ensured prompt payments but also promoted financial discipline among farmers.

    “We discovered that farmers can actually save money. Over 90 per cent of them retained their earnings in their accounts, and by the following season, they were financially stronger and better prepared,” he said.

    Adeshola further states Arzikin Noma’s deployment of climate-smart agriculture and digital advisory tools to guide farmers in making data-driven decisions.

    “With global warming, we must rely on climatic information to provide timely agronomic advice. If we know it will rain tomorrow, we can tell farmers to apply fertiliser today. That’s how technology is improving efficiency and yields,” he said.

    While acknowledging challenges such as poor infrastructure and low digital literacy among rural farmers, Adeshola stressed the need for urgent action.

    “The future is technology. The earlier we adopt and cascade it down to our rural farming communities, the better our chances of achieving true food sovereignty,” he said.

  • ECOWAS to support modernisation of Quranic school system- Touray

    ECOWAS to support modernisation of Quranic school system- Touray

    President of the Economic Community of West African States, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has promised that ECOWAS will support the modernisation of the Quranic educational system as part of the strategic effort to tackle the scourge of terrorism, violent extremism, poverty linked to Almajiri.

    Touray said terrorism and violent extremism are threats to the sub-region’s peace and development. 

    He urged Islamic scholars to work to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism in the subregion. 

    Touray spoke at the closing ceremony of the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance convened by the ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, in Abuja, with the theme; “The Role of Islamic Organizations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.” 

    The high-profile conference, held from Tuesday, 4th to Thursday, 6th November 2025, brought together Islamic organisations, government representatives, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, policymakers, youth, and regional partners to develop actionable strategies to counter terrorism, violent extremism, and governance challenges across West Africa and the Sahel.

    Touray drew attention to the condition of traditional Qur’anic schools—known as Tsangaya, Makaranta, or Daara across the region—and their vital role in preventing radicalization. 

    He said: “In a region with a youthful population, it is important to pay attention to the situation of these youths and support them to channel their energies for positive activities.

    “We must modernize and reform these schools to become centers of learning and economic empowerment.

    These schools accommodate millions of young people in the region, but they are not given the attention they require. The situation makes both the teachers and their students vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations, including terrorist groups.We cannot therefore ignore these important institutions and democracies. 

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    He commended President Bola Tinubu  who has established the National Commission for Alimajiri and Arab School Children Education to support the provision of quality religious and non-religious education. He also commended Ghana and Senegal for their various policies to address situations. 

    “The goal is to better supervise and calibrate children, eradicate forced begging, and support educational structures that need to be established,” he added. 

     Besides the government initiatives, there are others led by foundations and non-governmental organizations.

    He also assured that “Together with the UN and other stakeholders, we will, inshallah, work with governments and other stakeholders to build on the outcome of this conference by implementing joint projects for the modernization of the traditional Quranic schools.Protecting these schools, their students and teachers, will end the phenomena of street begging, child abuse, and the vulnerability of the Quranic school goers to radicalization and recruitment by extremism and terrorist groups.”

    He charged that no efforts must be spared in securing West Africa and the Sahel from insecurity and reverse the negative indices for a stable, peaceful, united, and prosperous Africa.

    He added: “In the last decade, terrorism and violence have exerted a huge toll on the socio-economic well-being of our people.

    West Africa and the Sahel have become the front line of the global fight against terrorism.

    “The 2025 Global Terrorism Index report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorist activities.

    “The Sahel region in particular has seen a dramatic increase in terrorist operations.

    For us in ECOWAS, we have emphasized the application of non-kinetic and kinetic strategies in tackling the menace. 

    “Our regional action plan against terrorism outlines a series of initiatives in this regard. This plan provides rules for multiple access from both states and non-state institutions.

    Therefore, this conference, which examines the role of Islamic organizations in countering terrorism and violent extremism, fits squarely within the regional non-kinetic initiatives. 

    “We must therefore work both to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism wherever it occurs,” he said. 

    Emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sanusi II,

    advocated for continuous efforts to address the pressing challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, and governance in West Africa and the Sahel,  where over 40 million children are out of school, and terrorism-related deaths have increased by 250% in the past decade. 

    “Over the past three days, we have engaged in robust discussions, shared best practices, and crafted strategic recommendations to promote peace, security, and stability in our region.

    “We have recognized the central role of Islamic organizations in preventing violent extremism and promoting peace, as emphasized in the Qur’an, and cooperate in righteousness but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

    “We have also acknowledged the need for a coordinated cross-border approach to address the complex intersection of traditional Islamic education, youth vulnerability, and regional insecurity. 

    “As we adopt the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism, I urge all stakeholders to remain committed to the cause. Let us work together to implement the recommendations and strategies outlined in this declaration.

    “Let us empower Islamic organizations to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and co-existence, as guided by the Prophet, who says, None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

    The conference highlighted the urgent need to strengthen governance, protect vulnerable children in traditional Islamic education systems, and foster collaboration between state and non-state actors in promoting peace, social cohesion, and regional stability, among others.

  • Zambia to adopt NOA’s national values charter

    Zambia to adopt NOA’s national values charter

    Zambia has shown interest in understudying National Values charter, the cornerstone of proposed Nigerian Identity Project, earlier approved by Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    This was part of the outcome of the second meeting between National Orientation Agency (NOA) officials, led by Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, and Zambian High Commission officials, led by Deputy High Commissioner, Jenipher Mutembo, in Abuja.

     Issa-Onilu gave an overview of the operational structure of the agency.

    He said: “The agency is one of the largest in Nigeria, with 818 offices in all 774 local governments, 36 states, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We are rooted at the grassroots and remain a vital communication channel between the government and people.”

    A statement by NOA’s Deputy Director, Paul Odenyi, said the agency’s director general explained that it communicates policies, programmes, and projects to citizens and collates grassroots feedback to inform decision-making.

    The statement added that the feedback is submitted to the relevant government institutions and the parliament.

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    Issa–Onilu said the narrow perception of leadership in Africa is limited to political figures, instead of encompassing civil, traditional, and moral leaders as influencers of national values.

    Zambian Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Jenipher Mutembo, lauded the hospitality and openness the NOA director general and his team extended to the team, recognising the strength and structure of the Nigerian agency.

    Mrs. Mutembo said: “I must commend your presence in all local governments. This grassroots model is powerful, and we see its potential as a framework that others, Zambia included, can learn from.”

    She applauded the agency’s commitment to providing an opportunity for Zambia to observe, learn, and possibly adopt aspects of NOA’s operational methodology for national reorientation and civic education.

    The deputy high commissioner stressed the shared African values, youth influence, and the role of media, particularly touching on cultural perceptions exported through Nigeria’s creative industry.

    “Our young people are watching these films. They are learning, forming ideas, and creating perceptions, sometimes misinformed, about success, morality, and identity. What we portray shapes national values and international image. As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that the content reaching the public inspires unity, innovation, dignity, and pride in African heritage.

  • African leaders, entrepreneurs to attend pre-launch of $1.4bn Ubuntu Susu SME fund in Ethiopia

    African leaders, entrepreneurs to attend pre-launch of $1.4bn Ubuntu Susu SME fund in Ethiopia

    Notable African leaders, entrepreneurs and creative industry figures are set to grace the pre-launch of the USD 1.4 billion All-African Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME)-led Ubuntu Susu Continental SME Fund in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    AAASME President, Dr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri, announced in a statement on Tuesday that the event, themed Africa Celebrates, will hold from November 5 to 10, 2025.

    He noted that this year’s edition would take a new dimension with the inclusion of an economic discourse segment, Africa Talks Business and Investment Forum, featuring the sub-theme Re-imagining Africa’s Business and Investment Landscape: Actioning Opportunities for Shared Economic Prosperity.

    According to the statement, the highlight of the forum will be the pre-event launch of the $1.4 billion Ubuntu Susu Continental SME Fund, described as an Afrocentric financing model built on traditional voluntary revolving contributory schemes.

    Dr. Eradiri recalled that at the Africa SME Roundtable on June 28, stakeholders in the MSME sector resolved to chart their own path by unveiling the Ubuntu Susu Fund as a home-grown solution to Africa’s economic needs. Since then, a sensitisation tour has taken place across Africa’s five regions and diaspora hubs in Europe and the United States.

    The forum is expected to serve as a platform to track progress toward a newly envisioned Africa, while driving collaboration for economic advancement in line with the UN SDG 2030 targets and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    The organisers of the Africa Celebrates event, including Mr. Lexy Mojo-Eyes, President of Legendary Gold Limited and co-host of the Africa Talks Business and Investment Forum, are scheduled to brief the media ahead of the programme.

  • Seven countries Africans are relocating to and why

    Seven countries Africans are relocating to and why

    Relocation in 2025 is no longer only about moving for “greener pastures.” It’s about strategy, opportunity and long-term vision. Africans are choosing destinations that align with their careers, education and lifestyle goals. The countries below are rising in appeal, thanks to visa reforms, economic openings and improved pathways for new arrivals.

    1. Canada

    Canada remains a top choice for African migrants. The country’s Express Entry and Provincial Nominee programs make it one of the easiest destinations to gain permanent residency. With a strong job market, political stability, and a high standard of living, it’s not hard to see why more Africans –  especially Nigerians – are making Canada their second home.

    2. Germany

    Germany’s new Skilled Immigration Act has opened doors for non-EU professionals in tech, engineering, and healthcare. The country is facing a labour shortage, and Africans with relevant qualifications now have easier access to long-term work visas and residency options.

    3. United Kingdom

    Despite tightening immigration rules, the UK remains a hotspot for African students and graduates. The Graduate Visa allows international students to work for up to two years after completing their studies, making it an appealing route for those hoping to transition from education to employment.

    4. Portugal

    Portugal’s charm lies in its relaxed lifestyle, low cost of living, and remote-work-friendly policies. The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced to attract global talent, has made it a new favourite among Africans working in tech, media, and creative industries.

    Read Also: Abia, Turkey partner to promote made-in-Nigeria goods

    5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    The UAE –  particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi –  continues to draw Africans looking for tax-free earnings and international exposure. With “green visas,” freelance permits, and remote-work programs, it offers modern infrastructure and business opportunities across multiple sectors.

    6. Australia

    Australia’s skilled migration program remains one of the most organized globally. African professionals are finding opportunities through state-sponsored visas in healthcare, education, and trade industries. Its work-life balance and multicultural society add to its appeal.

    7. Rwanda

    Rwanda has quickly become one of Africa’s most forward-thinking nations. Known for its safety, cleanliness, and growing tech scene, Kigali is attracting returnees and entrepreneurs looking to build locally rather than move abroad.

  • FULL LIST: Top 10 Africa’s oldest Presidents

    FULL LIST: Top 10 Africa’s oldest Presidents

    Africa is home to some of the world’s most seasoned political leaders, individuals who have not only stood the test of time but have also helped shape the destiny of their nations over decades.

    Here are the oldest presidents still leading their countries:

    1. Paul Biya (Cameroon) – 92 Years Old*: Born on February 13, 1933, Paul Biya has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, making him the world’s oldest serving president and the longest-ruling non-royal national leader.

    2. Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové (Togo) – 86 Years Old*: Born on May 7, 1939, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové became President of Togo on May 3, 2025, making him the oldest person ever to assume the presidency in Togo.

    3. Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast) – 83 Years Old*: Born on January 1, 1942, Alassane Ouattara has been President of Ivory Coast since 2010, navigating his country through periods of political instability and economic recovery.

    4. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – 83 Years Old*: Born on June 5, 1942, Teodoro Obiang has been President of Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him Africa’s longest-serving president.

    5. Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe) – 82 Years Old*: Born on September 15, 1942, Emmerson Mnangagwa has been President of Zimbabwe since 2017, facing challenges such as economic mismanagement and human rights concerns.

    6. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) – 81 Years Old*: Born on September 15, 1944, Yoweri Museveni has been President of Uganda since 1986, leading his country through progress and political challenges.

    Read Also: Constitutional council declares Cameroon’s Biya re-elected at 92

    7. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo) – 81 Years Old*: Born on November 23, 1943, Denis Sassou Nguesso has been President of the Republic of Congo since 1979, with a brief interruption, focusing on maintaining national stability.

    8. Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algeria) – 79 Years Old*: Born on November 17, 1945, Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been President of Algeria since 2019, facing pressure to implement democratic reforms and diversify the economy.

    9. Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) – 77 Years Old: Born on November 27, 1946, Ismail Omar Guelleh has been President of Djibouti since 1999, making him one of the longest-serving leaders on the continent.

    10. Bola Tinubu (Nigeria) – 73 Years Old*: Born on March 29, 1952, Bola Tinubu became Nigeria’s 16th president in 2023, known for his strategic coalition-building and significant force in Nigerian politics.

    These leaders set an outstanding remarks in leading their countries going forward and also, gaining supports round the world for a sustainable Nation.

  • Indian talent show debuts in Lagos

    Indian talent show debuts in Lagos

    The Indian community in Lagos State has concluded plans to host a talent show ‘Lagos Supersinger Junior’ with the aim to promote and showcase the singing talents among Indians living in Nigeria.

    The inaugural edition of the show which is sponsored by FlyFree360 Travel and Tours Ltd, according to the organiser will take place on October 26th, 2025 at the Darlington Hall, Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria.

    The CEO, FlyFree360 Travel and Tours Ltd, Mr Oluwasegun Imoleayo Obasa said that the whole essence of the event is to provide a platform for young Indian talents to exhibit hidden talents, get entertained and connect with the community.

    “We are thrilled to bring Lagos SuperSinger Junior to the Indian community in Nigeria, they’ve been a part of the Nigerian business and culture for a long time, and now that our organisation found the opportunity to support their vision, we see it as a good one to collaborate and promote their culture. We believe that music is a universal language that bridges cultures, and we are excited to be part of this incredible journey.”  

    “Lagos Supersinger Junior promises to be an unforgettable experience, with captivating performances from Indian entertainers, impressive stage presence, and a dash of the Indian cultural glamour. The audience can expect to be stunned by the exceptional talents of the young contestants, who have been training tirelessly to wow the judges and the crowd.” he said

    Obasa explained that the journey started with auditions, which lasted for four weeks, and after a rigorous selection process, the final contestants were chosen to compete in the grand finale, stressing that the talent show will witness the most talented young Indian singers within the age of 5 – 15, in Lagos battle it out for the top prize.

    In his remark, the Chief organiser of Lagos Supersinger Junoir, Mr Sivakumar Palaniyandi highlighted that FlyFree360 Travel and Tours agency has again restated its commitment not only to provide exceptional travel experiences and promoting local entertainment, but to give push for talents to thrive regardless of the continent.

     He said “We are grateful to FlyFree360 Travel and Tours Ltd for their unwavering support and sponsorship, “Their commitment to promoting local talent and entertainment is truly commendable, and we are honoured to have them on board as our head sponsor.”