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Bukunmi Oluwasina Shines Brighter Than Ever in White and Black

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Bukunmi Oluwasina Shines Brighter Than Ever in White and Black

In this edition of the Ranks Africa Spotlight Series, we turn the light on Bukunmi Oluwasina — a rare gem who balances stardom with philanthropy. Known not only for her exceptional artistry but also for her unwavering commitment to supporting the needy through her foundation, Bukunmi represents the perfect blend of talent and compassion. After some time away from the big screen, she makes a powerful return to Nollywood with White and Black, a top-class movie where her acting transcends expectations.

Bukunmi Oluwasina did it again — and this time, words might fail us. Her performance in White and Black, now streaming on Prime Video, is not just acting, it is art in its purest form. We’ve always known Bukunmi to be an exceptional actress and musician, but what she delivered in this phenomenal body of work transcends every expectation.

Going completely bald for this role, she stripped down not just her hair but every boundary, embracing the rawness of the character with a level of fearlessness only legends dare to show. This isn’t just a movie role; it’s a declaration of depth, dedication, and unshakable talent.

For months, Nollywood has felt her absence due to her relocation. But White and Black is proof that distance can never silence true greatness. What she has given us with this performance is more than a comeback — it’s a cultural stamp that will continue to resonate in our hearts as we yearn for more of her movies.

Yet, Bukunmi is more than just her art. Her foundation continues to stand tall, feeding, supporting, and empowering people in need despite her being away. From creating life-changing initiatives to touching souls through her music and movies, she reminds us that true stars shine everywhere — on screen, off screen, and in the lives they impact.

Bukunmi Oluwasina is the full package — actress, singer, humanitarian, and cultural force. Nollywood misses her on screen, but with White and Black, she has reminded us why she’s irreplaceable. And as we watch her rise higher, we celebrate not just her talent, but the legacy of impact she continues to build for Africa and the world.

Bukunmi didn’t just act in White and Black — she became the story. And in doing so, she made history.

President John Mahama’s Historic State Visit to Singapore: $1 Billion Investments Signal a New Dawn for Ghana

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President John Mahama’s Historic State Visit to Singapore: $1 Billion Investments Signal a New Dawn for Ghana

In a landmark moment for Ghanaian diplomacy, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has become the first Ghanaian President in history to be officially invited on a State Visit to Singapore. The significance of this visit goes far beyond ceremonial honors. It is a pivotal step in Ghana’s reset agenda—anchored on trade, industrialization, infrastructure, and innovation—backed by the announcement of investment commitments totaling US$1 billion.

A First of Its Kind

The visit was hosted by Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who lauded Mahama as “a man on a mission, determined to see his country and its young population succeed.”

For Ghana, the stakes could not be higher. By combining high-level diplomacy with concrete economic gains, Mahama’s Singapore mission represents a shift from symbolic state visits to pragmatic diplomacy that yields measurable outcomes.

Key Investment Partnerships Secured

  1. OLAM’s $200 Million Projects
    Singapore’s agribusiness giant OLAM has committed to establish a 43,000-metric-ton pasta processing plant and multiple feed-processing facilities for poultry and aquaculture. These ventures are expected to create 4,000 new jobs, directly empowering Ghana’s youth.
  2. Shangri-La’s $300 Million Green Hotel & Convention Hub
    A state-of-the-art 5-star green hotel, paired with a luxury shopping mall and convention center, will position Ghana as West Africa’s premier conference destination.
  3. Student Hostel Expansion
    A 10,000-capacity hostel for the University of Ghana will ease accommodation shortages and support higher education growth.
  4. Kotoka International Airport Upgrades
    New scanners and security systems aligned with global aviation standards will help curb smuggling and drug trafficking, boosting Ghana’s reputation as a safe hub.
  5. Tema Port Expansion & Dry Dock Revival
    Singaporean cooperation will revive Tema’s dry dock and expand port capacity, bolstering Ghana’s role as a gateway to West Africa.
  6. New Oil Jetty Construction
    To facilitate oil shipping operations, a new specialized jetty will be developed.
  7. Road Quality Testing Labs
    In collaboration with Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, Ghana will establish testing laboratories nationwide, ensuring durable road construction through certified materials.
  8. Central Bank Payment Platform
    The Bank of Ghana and Monetary Authority of Singapore will jointly launch a digital payments platform, enhancing Africa-Asia trade flows.
  9. TVET and Skills Development
    A partnership with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) will establish a model Accra Institute of Technology, bridging the skills gap in technical and vocational education.
  10. Carbon Credit Agreement Execution
    The bilateral carbon credit program will advance Ghana’s climate goals and attract new streams of green finance.

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties

Beyond economics, Ghana and Singapore signed an MoU for regular high-level consultations and agreed to finalize a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Ghana will establish a Consulate in Singapore by 2026, while Singapore has already operationalized Enterprise Singapore in Accra to oversee its West African investment portfolio.

In an equally strategic move, 18 Chief Directors from Ghana’s Ministries will travel to Singapore in September 2025 for an intensive leadership bootcamp, underscoring Mahama’s public service reset initiative.

Rekindling Old Friendships

Observers note that this visit carries a historical undertone. Ghana’s founding father Kwame Nkrumah and Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew were close allies, often exchanging letters on nation-building. Their vision of strong Afro-Asian solidarity appears to be finding new expression in Mahama’s reset agenda.

A Defining Step Forward

President Mahama’s Singapore visit demonstrates that diplomacy can translate into tangible development. The $1 billion in investments touch every sector—agriculture, hospitality, infrastructure, education, and finance—signaling a comprehensive push toward a reset Ghanaian economy.

The symbolism is powerful: Ghana is not merely seeking aid but is partnering strategically to secure long-term investments. This aligns with the President’s broader vision of building a modern economy that leverages international partnerships to create jobs, expand infrastructure, and secure a brighter future for the next generation.

As Ghana positions itself as a bridge between Africa and Asia, the echoes of Nkrumah and Lee Kuan Yew remind us that visionary leadership can reshape nations.

For Ghanaians, the Singapore deals are not just investments; they are a promise of transformation.

For God and Country. 🇬🇭

📸 Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

 

ASSAULT ON VIO OFFICIALS AT MILE 2 WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED – LASG

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ASSAULT ON VIO OFFICIALS AT MILE 2 WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED – LASG

ASSAULT ON VIO OFFICIALS AT MILE 2 WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED – LASG

The Ministry of Transportation has received with profound indignation the reports of the grievous incident at Mile 2, where Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) were viciously assaulted while executing their lawful mandate.

This appalling and utterly reprehensible act “is a direct affront not only to the officers involved but also to the authority and dignity of the Lagos State Government”. It will never go unpunished.

VIO officials are legally empowered agents of the State, entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding lives through road safety enforcement. To raise a hand against them is to undermine the rule of law, subvert public order, and desecrate the very institutions established to protect society.

The Ministry declares in the strongest possible terms that this descent into lawlessness will not be tolerated. The perpetrators of this disgraceful attack will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended, and subjected to the full sanctions of the law.

Thankfully, the injured officers are responding to treatment. However, this does not in any way diminish the gravity of the assault or the firm resolve of the government to bring the culprits to justice.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the injured officers and reassure all personnel of our absolute commitment to their safety and dignity. The Ministry will not relent in its duty to protect those who serve. Nor will it allow criminal elements to intimidate or obstruct the lawful work of the government.

 

Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi

Commissioner for Transportation,

Lagos State

#AGreaterLagosRising
#LASG

Rwanda Receives First Migrants Deported from the United States Under Bilateral Deal

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Rwanda Receives First Migrants Deported from the United States Under Bilateral Deal

Rwanda has received seven migrants deported from the United States, the government confirmed on Thursday, marking the first transfer carried out under a recent relocation agreement between both countries.

“The first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August,” a government spokesperson said. The accord allows for the relocation of up to 250 people from the U.S. to Rwanda.

While a U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the specific deportations, the official reiterated Washington’s position, stating: “Implementing the Trump Administration’s immigration policies is a top priority… We remain unwavering in our commitment to end illegal and mass migration.”

The transfers have drawn criticism from rights groups, who argue that relocating migrants to third countries with contested human rights records exposes them to risks of violence, social isolation, and inadequate legal protection.

In response, Rwandan officials said the deportees will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yolande Makolo noted that the group is being supported by both international and local service providers to aid their integration.

The development underscores the growing trend of bilateral deportation and resettlement deals, which critics say shift responsibility for migration management while raising questions about accountability and migrant welfare.

 

Nigerian Police, NSCDC Clash In Ebonyi Leaves One Policeman Dead, Others Injured

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Nigerian Police, NSCDC Clash In Ebonyi Leaves One Policeman Dead, Others Injured

A violent clash between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Amaeze community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has claimed the life of a policeman identified as Shedrack, with several others injured.

The confrontation reportedly erupted on August 27 when three Hilux vans carrying about 30 policemen allegedly intercepted an NSCDC vehicle transporting mining equipment to a site in Amaeze.

It was gathered that the situation escalated into sporadic gunfire after the policemen allegedly tried to disarm a civil defence officer.

In the confusion, a police officer, identified as Shedrack, was alleged to have been killed by a stray bullet as his colleagues attempted to disarm an NSCDC officer.

His body has been deposited at a mortuary, while the injured officers are receiving medical treatment. Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday.

Its spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that on August 27, operatives of the Command, acting on a petition, visited a quarry facility in Ivo LGA to arrest certain suspects.

He noted that the suspects voluntarily surrendered, and soldiers providing security at the site authorized the police to proceed.

However, the NSCDC team leader allegedly interfered, blocking the police vehicle and instructing his men to prevent the suspects from leaving.

The police confirmed that one NSCDC officer has been arrested over the obstruction and the incident leading to the policeman’s death.

The statement read, “Despite appeals by the suspects themselves, who urged the NSCDC personnel to allow them follow the police to answer the petition, the NSCDC officer refused and forcefully attempted to seize a rifle from one of the policemen. In the ensuing struggle, he discharged the firearm, fatally wounding a Police officer.

“The injured officer was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. The NSCDC officer responsible has since been arrested, while a full-scale investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

“The Ebonyi State Command reiterates that no individual has the authority to obstruct the Nigeria Police Force in the lawful discharge of its constitutional mandate,” Ukandu added.

Côte d’Ivoire Boosts Eye Care with Advanced Ophthalmology Equipment at Cocody CHU

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Côte d’Ivoire Boosts Eye Care with Advanced Ophthalmology Equipment at Cocody CHU

The fight against preventable blindness and vision impairment in Côte d’Ivoire has entered a new phase, following the installation of state-of-the-art ophthalmology equipment at the Cocody University Hospital Centre (CHU).

Commissioned on July 8, 2025, the new ophthalmology suite makes Cocody CHU the first public hospital in the country to operate with international-standard diagnostic and treatment tools for eye diseases.

For patients, the significance is clear. Conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma—leading causes of vision loss in West Africa—can now be detected earlier and treated with higher precision, without the need for costly overseas referrals.

The newly acquired devices include:

  • IOL Master 700, which allows ultra-accurate eye measurements before cataract surgery.
  • HFA 3 Field of Vision, used for early diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma.
  • OCT Cirrus 6000 with Angioplex module, a retinal scanner providing detailed imaging without injections.
  • Clarus 700, capable of capturing ultra-wide retinal images in a single shot.

Specialists at Cocody CHU note that these tools will improve both the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, making it possible to plan surgeries with greater confidence and provide patients with treatment options previously unavailable in the public health system.

The government has emphasized that the project is part of a wider plan to modernize healthcare infrastructure across the country, ensuring that high-quality services are no longer limited to private facilities or foreign hospitals.

For many Ivorians, the upgrade means that advanced eye care is finally within reach—offering not only restored vision but also restored hope.

📸 Source: Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire

 

FG Acquires 200 Hectares in Lekki Free Zone for Building Materials Hub

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FG Acquires 200 Hectares in Lekki Free Zone for Building Materials Hub

The Federal Government has acquired 200 hectares of land within the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos for the establishment of a building materials hub designed to reduce the cost of housing production nationwide.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed the initiative during a tour of industrial areas within the Lekki and Lagos Free Zones, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Dangiwa explained that the hub will focus on promoting local content in the construction industry, reducing the nation’s dependence on imported materials, and curbing the rising cost of building inputs. He added that the facility would also encourage domestic manufacturing, stimulate investment, and support the federal government’s drive for sustainable housing delivery across the country.

“This hub is aimed at lowering the overall cost of housing by encouraging local production of building materials. It will serve as a model for similar hubs we plan to establish in each of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria,” the minister stated.

Analysts say the move could ease one of the biggest constraints in the housing sector, where escalating costs of cement, steel, and other inputs have made affordable housing difficult to achieve.

The Lekki Free Trade Zone, already home to major industrial and commercial projects, is expected to provide a strategic base for the initiative, given its infrastructure and proximity to key markets.

Stakeholders React as Tinubu Suspends Raw Shea Nut Exports for Six Months

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Stakeholders React as Tinubu Suspends Raw Shea Nut Exports for Six Months

Industry stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend the export of raw shea nuts for an initial period of six months.

The federal government explained that the measure is intended to encourage local processing, promote value addition, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global agro-economy. Officials believe that by halting raw exports, more of the shea value chain can be developed within the country, thereby creating jobs and increasing revenues.

Shea, often described as “women’s gold,” is a critical source of income for thousands of rural women across northern Nigeria. The collection, drying, and initial processing of the nuts are largely carried out by women, making the industry a cornerstone of rural livelihoods.

While some industry players have welcomed the suspension as a bold step toward industrial growth, others caution that the abrupt ban could disrupt existing supply contracts and create uncertainty for exporters. Processors argue that the move will help channel more raw material into local factories, but traders warn it may lead to short-term losses and discourage foreign buyers.

Experts also stress the need for adequate infrastructure, financing, and policy support to ensure that local processors can absorb the volume of shea nuts that would have otherwise been exported. Without such measures, they warn, the suspension could hurt rural collectors who depend on steady demand from international markets.

The federal government has pledged to engage with stakeholders during the six-month window to address challenges and build capacity for long-term growth in the shea industry.

 

Two Nigerian Ministers Named on TIME100 Global Lists for AI and Health

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Two Nigerian Ministers Named on TIME100 Global Lists for AI and Health

Two members of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council have been named on the prestigious TIME100 lists, which spotlight leaders shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence and Health worldwide.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to transformative change in their respective fields.

Professor Pate earned his place on the Health list for his leadership in strengthening health systems, expanding access to essential care, and advancing public health reforms in Nigeria. His work has been widely acknowledged for addressing systemic challenges in maternal health, immunization, and disease prevention.

Dr. Tijani was featured on the Artificial Intelligence list for championing digital innovation and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global technology ecosystem. Under his leadership, the ministry has promoted initiatives to build local capacity in AI research, digital skills development, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

The inclusion of both ministers highlights Nigeria’s growing visibility on the global stage, particularly in sectors critical to sustainable development and economic competitiveness. Analysts say the recognition also underscores the administration’s emphasis on health security and digital transformation as central pillars of national progress.

The TIME100 lists are compiled annually to honor individuals driving significant impact and reshaping industries through innovation, leadership, and advocacy.

 

Sahara Power GMD Kola Adesina Meets President Tinubu on Power Sector Reforms

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Sahara Power GMD Kola Adesina Meets President Tinubu on Power Sector Reforms

Group Managing Director of Sahara Power, Kola Adesina, has met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Sahara Power, one of the country’s largest energy groups, owns Egbin Power, Ikeja Electric, and First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), giving it a significant stake in both power generation and distribution.

Sources told Nairametrics that the meeting centered on ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply across the country, with discussions tied to the administration’s broader ambition of building a $1 trillion economy. Reliable power is seen as a critical driver of industrial growth, job creation, and competitiveness.

Adesina, who has been a consistent advocate for sector reforms, has often stressed the need for investments in infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, and stronger collaboration between government and private operators to unlock Nigeria’s energy potential.

The engagement with President Tinubu comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to overcome decades of underperformance in the power sector, which continues to limit productivity and economic expansion despite abundant natural resources.

 

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