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Azeezah Hashim Named Media Person of the Year 2025 by Ranks Africa

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Azeezah Hashim Named Media Person of the Year 2025 by Ranks Africa

Azeezah Hashim has been named Media Person of the Year 2025 by Ranks Africa in the inaugural edition of the Africa Best of the Year Honors, in recognition of her outstanding influence, creative excellence, and role in reshaping Africa’s modern media narrative.

Selected from a pool of over 50,000 media personalities across Africa, the Kenyan media personality, popularly known as the “Media Messiah,” has redefined the media landscape in 2025 through her vibrant energy, authenticity, and exceptional ability to engage diverse audiences across age groups and cultures.

Beyond television and radio, Azeezah has built a strong presence as an event host and cultural connector, representing a new generation of African media professionals who seamlessly blend entertainment, influence, and purpose. Her work continues to elevate African stories, celebrate creativity, and challenge outdated perceptions of African media on the global stage.

Her impact has earned her widespread continental recognition, positioning her as a media personality whose influence cuts across borders. Through her platform, Azeezah consistently highlights youth culture, creativity, and ambition, inspiring a new wave of media talents to believe in their voices and tell stories boldly.

Azeezah’s journey is a powerful reminder that modern media is not just about visibility, but about influence, responsibility, and meaningful connection. As she continues to expand her footprint across Africa, she stands as a symbol of how media can shape culture, inspire confidence, and redefine the African narrative with authenticity and pride.

Watch out for an exclusive feature in Ranks Africa Q1 2026 Magazine, where we celebrate the Best of the Year 2025 Personalities in the print edition of Ranks Africa Magazine.

President Tinubu Hails USD 1.126 Billion Financing Milestone for Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Phase 1, Section 2

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President Tinubu Hails USD 1.126 Billion Financing Milestone for Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Phase 1, Section 2

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Federal Ministry of Finance for successfully securing USD 1.126 billion in financing for Phase 1, Section 2 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, underscoring a pivotal achievement in one of Africa’s largest and most transformative infrastructure initiatives.

 

The President praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministries of Finance and Works, alongside the Debt Management Office, in closing the transaction. He reiterated that the federal government will continue to pursue innovative financing solutions to support priority economic and infrastructural projects nationwide.

 

“This is a major achievement. Closing this transaction ensures that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will proceed without interruption. Our administration will continue to explore all available funding opportunities to execute critical economic and infrastructural projects across the country,” President Tinubu said.

 

Scope and Strategic Significance

 

Phase 1, Section 2 spans approximately 55.7 kilometres, linking Eleko in Lekki to Ode-Omi. The corridor is a critical economic artery, poised to significantly enhance national trade efficiency, logistics connectivity, and regional development. This successful financing follows the earlier USD 747 million closure for Phase 1, Section 1, demonstrating the scalability and bankability of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.

 

Financing Structure and Partners

 

The facility was fully underwritten by First Abu Dhabi Bank (USD 626 million) and Afreximbank (USD 500 million), with partial risk mitigation support provided by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)—marking ICIEC’s largest transaction since Nigeria’s institutional and regulatory reforms. The structure reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s reformed investment climate and its capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects.

 

SkyKapital served as Lead Financial Advisor, overseeing structuring, lender engagement, and execution. Environmental and social advisory services were provided by Earth Active (UK), ensuring alignment with IFC Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, and international ESG best practices. Legal advisory was led by Hogan Lovells as international counsel and Templars as Nigerian legal counsel.

 

Government Oversight and Execution

 

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the transaction as a “defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey,” emphasizing that funds will be deployed responsibly to meet project timelines.

 

“The signing of USD 1.126 billion financing for Phase 1, Section 2 on December 19, 2025, follows the successful closing of USD 747 million for Phase 1, Section 1 in July 2025. These transactions firmly establish the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as a flagship project of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to bold, transformative infrastructure,” Edun said.

 

Construction is being executed by Hitech Construction Company Limited, whose rapid on-site progress and early opening of key road sections have earned commendations for engineering excellence, operational discipline, and execution speed.

 

A comprehensive Value-for-Money assessment conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works, in coordination with SkyKapital and independently reviewed by GIBB, reinforced the transparency and fiscal discipline underpinning the project.

 

Boosting Market Confidence

 

The successful close of Phase 1, Section 2 represents a decisive step in translating vision into execution and reform into delivery. It signals increased market confidence in Nigeria’s ability to implement large-scale infrastructure projects efficiently under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)

 

 

 

Gambling, Youth, and the Digital Skills Revolution in Africa

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Gambling, Youth, and the Digital Skills Revolution in Africa

For 22-year-old Alemu in Addis Ababa, sports betting started as a harmless distraction. “It was just a way to pass time after work,” he recalls. But within months, what seemed like harmless fun turned into a costly habit, draining his modest savings and increasing stress about the future. Alemu’s story is not unique. Across Africa, many young people view gambling as an escape from systemic challenges: unemployment, low wages, and economic insecurity.

 

The Limits of Current Programs

 

Governments have introduced various youth empowerment initiatives, yet their long-term impact remains limited. In Nigeria, programs like N-Power and YouWin offer vocational training and modest financial support. For participants such as Chinedu, a graduate of YouWin, the programs provided temporary relief but failed to match industry realities. “I learned basic business skills,” he says, “but there was no pathway to stable work or real income.” Corruption, bureaucratic hurdles, and misaligned training contribute to these gaps, leaving many young people vulnerable to economic pressures that encourage gambling.

 

Digital Skills as a Pathway Forward

 

Experts argue that the solution lies in equipping youth with relevant digital skills. Coding bootcamps, e-commerce training, digital marketing, and data analytics programs offer opportunities that align with today’s market needs. In Kenya, initiatives like Ajira Digital Programme have successfully connected young people with remote work, enabling financial independence and reducing reliance on risky behaviors like gambling. Similar programs in Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana demonstrate that structured digital skills training can empower youth while fostering entrepreneurship.

 

Institutionalizing Long-Term Empowerment

 

For meaningful change, these programs must be more than short-term projects. Governments need to institutionalize digital skills development as part of national policy, ensuring consistent funding, monitoring, and integration with broader economic planning. By doing so, countries can create sustainable pathways for young people to secure stable employment or launch successful enterprises, directly addressing the systemic issues that fuel gambling.

 

A Sustainable Alternative to Gambling

 

Ultimately, gambling among African youth is a symptom, not a cause, of structural economic challenges. Addressing it requires comprehensive interventions that combine policy reform, skills training, and economic empowerment. For Alemu and thousands like him, programs that connect ambition with opportunity, particularly in the digital economy, offer a viable alternative to risk-driven escapism. By equipping young Africans with the tools to thrive, governments can transform gambling from a coping mechanism into a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term prosperity.

 

Digital Phenomenon: Koleoso Part 9 Sets New Records in Yoruba Cinema

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Digital Phenomenon: Koleoso Part 9 Sets New Records in Yoruba Cinema

The Yoruba film industry has reached a new milestone with the release of Koleoso Part 9, the latest chapter in the popular franchise produced by Iteledicon. The film’s digital debut underscores the growing influence of streaming platforms on regional Nigerian cinema, reaching 1 million views in just five hours and climbing to 2.4 million views within 24 hours.

 

When compared with previous installments, Koleoso Part 9 outperforms its predecessors by a significant margin. Koleoso Part 8 achieved approximately 1.5 million views in its first 24 hours, while earlier entries averaged under 800,000 views in the same timeframe. The new release not only surpasses previous franchise benchmarks but also ranks among the top-viewed Yoruba films on YouTube this year, reflecting increasing audience engagement with digital-first releases.

 

Search trends corroborate the film’s popularity. Google searches for Koleoso Part 9 have spiked across Nigeria, with notable interest from diaspora communities in Europe and North America. Social media metrics further highlight its reach, with hashtags related to the film trending on Twitter and TikTok shortly after release. Analysts note that such visibility translates into broader cultural impact, helping Yoruba cinema expand its footprint both nationally and internationally.

 

The film’s success demonstrates several industry trends: the rising dominance of digital distribution over traditional cinema, the ability of strong storytelling to drive viral engagement, and the increasing relevance of franchise-driven narratives in sustaining audience loyalty. For Iteledicon, this performance cements the Koleoso franchise as a leading driver of Yoruba-language cinema and a benchmark for future productions.

 

With Koleoso Part 9, the Yoruba film industry has not only set new viewership records but has also highlighted the transformative potential of combining high-quality indigenous storytelling with strategic online distribution. It stands as a case study for other regional filmmakers aiming to leverage digital platforms to reach larger, more diverse audiences.

 

Dr. Bukky George-Taylor Named Africa’s PR Person of the Year 2025 by Ranks Africa

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Dr. Bukky George-Taylor Named Africa’s PR Person of the Year 2025 by Ranks Africa

Dr. Bukky George-Taylor, Founder and CEO of Robert Taylor Media, has been officially named Africa’s PR Person of the Year 2025 by Ranks Africa, in the inaugural edition of the Africa Best of the Year Honors in recognition of her outstanding influence, ethical leadership, and transformative impact on the public relations industry across the continent.

Selected from a pool of over 5000 PR Personalities across Africa, In an industry often driven by noise and fleeting relevance, Dr. Bukky George-Taylor stands apart as a rare force of authenticity, strategy, and lasting impact. Founder and CEO of Robert Taylor Media, she has built more than a PR agency. She has built a legacy.

With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. George-Taylor has consistently set the benchmark for excellence in strategic communications, reputation management, and brand storytelling. Under her leadership, Robert Taylor Media has grown into one of Africa’s most respected communications firms, trusted by leading global and regional brands to deliver results-driven, credibility-focused PR solutions.

Bukky George-Taylor Africa’s PR Person of the Year 2025

What distinguishes Dr. Bukola George-Taylor is her commitment to authentic influence—a practice rooted in integrity, clarity, and long-term value rather than fleeting visibility. Her work goes beyond media coverage to shaping narratives that build trust, strengthen institutions, and position African brands competitively on the global stage.

The Ranks Africa PR Person of the Year recognition is based on extensive survey metrics, including industry influence, professional consistency, campaign impact, ethical standards, and peer and stakeholder trust. Dr. George-Taylor emerged as a leading figure among hundreds of professionals evaluated across the continent.

Her recognition as Africa’s PR Person of the Year 2025 reinforces her position as a defining force in the industry and a symbol of what purposeful, principled public relations can achieve.

Watch out for an exclusive feature in Ranks Africa Q1 2026 Magazine, where we celebrate the Best of the Year 2025 Personalities in the print edition of Ranks Africa Magazine.

From Angola to Real Madrid: Eduardo Camavinga Gives Back with Football Academy and School

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From Angola to Real Madrid: Eduardo Camavinga Gives Back with Football Academy and School

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, the Angola-born France international, is set to make a lasting impact on his homeland with the announcement of a football academy and school in Angola. The initiative aims to combine world-class sports training with quality education, providing young Angolans with opportunities for both athletic and academic development.

Camavinga spoke to local media about his motivations: “I chose to create a football academy and a school for young people in order to give back to my country. It fills me with joy. My parents are very proud. I am also happy to be back in my country and to have the opportunity to contribute to its development.” His words reflect a deep personal connection to Angola and a desire to leverage his professional success to inspire and empower the next generation.

 

Camavinga’s journey from Angola to the top tiers of European football has been closely followed by fans worldwide. Born in Angola but raised in France, he rose rapidly through youth systems before making a name for himself with Rennes and later Real Madrid, becoming one of the youngest midfielders to achieve success at the elite level. His story resonates as a testament to resilience, talent, and ambition—qualities he now seeks to instill in young Angolans through structured programs in his academy.

The football academy will focus on developing technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning, while the accompanying school will ensure that students receive a strong academic foundation. By combining sport and education, Camavinga’s project addresses a critical need in Angola for initiatives that nurture talent while preparing youth for life beyond football.

Experts note that this type of dual-focused institution can have broad socio-economic benefits, including community engagement, youth empowerment, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. By establishing a structured platform for skill development, Camavinga is not only creating pathways for professional football careers but also fostering holistic growth that can contribute to Angola’s broader development.

Camavinga’s initiative joins a growing trend of athletes using their influence to support education and sports development in their countries of origin. For young Angolans, the project represents both inspiration and tangible opportunity—a chance to dream big while receiving the guidance and resources needed to achieve those dreams.

With the academy and school, Eduardo Camavinga is poised to leave a legacy in Angola that extends far beyond the football pitch, shaping the next generation of leaders, athletes, and scholars.

 

 

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Study Confirms ISWAP Logistics Hub in Sokoto as Questions Trail Focus of US Air Strikes

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Study Confirms ISWAP Logistics Hub in Sokoto as Questions Trail Focus of US Air Strikes

A recent security study has confirmed the existence of a logistics hub operated by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sokoto State, raising fresh questions about the geographic scope and strategic focus of United States air strikes carried out against the group early on Friday.

 

ISWAP, the Nigerian affiliate of the so-called Islamic State, has long been known to operate mainly in the North-East, particularly across Borno State and the wider Lake Chad Basin. The reported strikes in Sokoto, located in Nigeria’s North-West, therefore mark a notable shift from the group’s traditional theatre of operations and suggest a possible expansion of its logistical footprint beyond the North-East.

 

According to the study, ISWAP has established support and transit structures in parts of Sokoto that enable the movement of fighters, weapons, and supplies across Nigeria’s porous borders with Niger and other Sahelian states. These facilities are believed to function less as active battle zones and more as staging points that sustain operations in core insurgent areas.

 

The report highlights the growing role of “Lakurawa,” a local Hausa term used to describe armed militants believed to originate from neighbouring Sahel countries. These fighters, the study said, have been making repeated incursions into border communities in Sokoto since late 2017, embedding themselves within remote settlements and exploiting weak state presence to build networks for smuggling, recruitment, and intelligence gathering.

 

Security analysts note that the Lakurawa phenomenon reflects the broader regionalisation of jihadist violence in West Africa, where militant groups move fluidly across borders linking Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This mobility has allowed ISWAP and allied elements to diversify their supply routes and reduce pressure on their traditional strongholds in the North-East.

 

The confirmation of an ISWAP logistics hub in Sokoto provides a possible explanation for the US decision to strike targets in the North-West. However, it has also triggered debate among observers over whether the operation signals a new phase in international counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria, one that recognises the spread of insurgent infrastructure beyond the Lake Chad axis.

 

Critics argue that without clear public details on the targets and outcomes of the strikes, it remains uncertain whether the action was aimed at disrupting a concrete threat or was based on broader intelligence assessments of ISWAP’s evolving networks. Others contend that the strikes underscore growing concern within US and allied security circles about the Sahel-to-Nigeria corridor becoming a major artery for extremist logistics.

 

The study warns that Sokoto’s location, bordering Niger and lying close to long-standing trans-Sahel trade routes, makes it a strategic node for militant groups seeking to move men and materiel with minimal detection. It adds that continued neglect of border communities and limited security presence could further entrench such networks.

 

As Nigeria grapples with insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and cross-border militant flows from the Sahel, the emergence of ISWAP-linked logistics structures in Sokoto highlights the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of the country’s security challenges. The US strikes, whether symbolic or strategic, have brought renewed attention to this shifting landscape and the urgent need for a coordinated regional response.

Nigeria Partners Chinese Firm to Localise CNG and EV Infrastructure Production

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Nigeria Partners Chinese Firm to Localise CNG and EV Infrastructure Production

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG) has entered into a strategic partnership with China’s You Jie Te Environment Technology Ltd (YJT) to localise the production of key transport energy infrastructure in Nigeria, in a move aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to cleaner and more affordable mobility.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during a five-day visit by a Pi-CNG delegation to YJT’s facilities in Chengdu and Hangzhou, China. The delegation was led by Pi-CNG Executive Chairman, Ismaeel Ahmed.

According to Pi-CNG, the agreement will drive local manufacturing and assembly of critical infrastructure for compressed natural gas and electric vehicles, expanding access to cleaner transport energy while strengthening domestic industrial capacity.

Under the MoU, YJT will support the local production and assembly of CNG dispensers, refuelling stations, and electric vehicle charging facilities in Nigeria. The partnership also covers the deployment of advanced digital systems to improve efficiency, safety, and transparency across the emerging CNG and EV ecosystem.

Ahmed explained that a key component of the agreement is the integration of YJT’s smart Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring solutions into Nigeria’s transport energy network. These will complement Pi-CNG’s National Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), creating a unified digital backbone for the sector.

“This integration will enable real-time monitoring of refuelling equipment, operational performance, regulatory compliance, and economic data across CNG and EV stations nationwide,” he said.

He added that the partnership goes beyond infrastructure delivery, with strong emphasis on local value creation.

“This partnership is a significant step forward in ensuring that Nigerians benefit not only from cleaner and more affordable transport energy, but also from job creation, skills transfer, and improved service reliability,” Ahmed said. “By localising manufacturing and deploying smart monitoring technologies, we are strengthening transparency, safety, and efficiency across the CNG and EV refuelling value chain, ultimately delivering better outcomes for commuters, operators, and the broader economy.”

As part of the China engagement, the Pi-CNG team also inspected the factory of Sichuan Witent Technology Co. Ltd, a manufacturer of CNG conversion kits. The visit focused on exploring opportunities for local assembly and full-scale manufacturing of conversion kits in Nigeria to meet growing demand for vehicles switching from petrol and diesel to gas.

Pi-CNG said discussions with Sichuan Witent centred on potential investments that would deepen local content across the gas-to-transport value chain, reduce import dependence, and lower costs for Nigerian vehicle owners seeking conversion to CNG.

The initiative noted that the engagements reflect its broader strategy of leveraging international partnerships to accelerate technology transfer, build domestic capacity, and fast-track the development of a sustainable transport energy market in Nigeria.

With Nigeria seeking to cut fuel costs, reduce emissions, and improve energy security, the partnership with YJT is expected to play a critical role in scaling up CNG and EV infrastructure nationwide, while positioning the country as a regional hub for clean transport solutions.

Eduardo Camavinga Launches Academy and School to Give Back to Angola

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Eduardo Camavinga Launches Academy and School to Give Back to Angola

Real Madrid and France international midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has announced plans to establish a football academy and a school in Angola, the country he describes as the place where his journey began, in a move aimed at empowering young people through sport and education.

Speaking about the initiative, Camavinga said the project is driven by gratitude and a desire to create opportunities for the next generation.

“I chose to create a football academy and a school for young people here in Angola in order to give back to my country what it has given me. It fills me with joy. My parents are very proud. I am also very happy to be back in my country and to have the opportunity to contribute to its development,” he said.

Although Camavinga built his professional career in Europe, rising from Rennes to become a key figure at Real Madrid and a regular in the French national team, he has remained closely tied to his African roots. The new academy and school are expected to provide structured football training alongside formal education, offering young Angolans a balanced path to personal and professional growth.

The project reflects a broader vision that goes beyond producing football talent. According to those close to the initiative, the focus will be on discipline, education, and life skills, ensuring that participants are prepared for opportunities both within and outside the sport.

Camavinga also shared his pride in Angola’s recent performances on the continental stage, referencing their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

“I watched the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Angola played well. They lost the first match, but the most important thing is to keep their heads held high so they can be better in the next game,” he said.

His comments underline a message of resilience and long-term progress, values he hopes to pass on to the young players who will come through his academy.

The announcement has been widely welcomed by fans and observers, who see it as a meaningful example of an African star reinvesting in grassroots development. At a time when many young talents struggle with limited access to quality training and education, Camavinga’s initiative is expected to create a platform for hope and opportunity.

As construction and planning move forward, the academy and school are set to stand as a lasting contribution to Angola’s youth, reinforcing Camavinga’s belief that true success is measured not only by trophies, but by the lives one helps to shape.

Zambian Police Officer Honoured and Promoted for Refusing $50,000 Bribe at Lusaka Airpor

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Zambian Police Officer Honoured and Promoted for Refusing $50,000 Bribe at Lusaka Airpor

A Zambian police officer, Ruth Nyambe, has been honoured with an Integrity Award by the Anti-Corruption Commission and promoted to the rank of Inspector after refusing a $50,000 bribe and reporting the incident, an action that led to the arrest of a major suspect and the seizure of millions of dollars in suspected illicit assets.

The incident occurred on February 5, 2025, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, where then-Sergeant Nyambe was on duty. She intercepted a passenger who was attempting to travel to Dubai under circumstances that raised suspicion.

The suspect was later identified as 27-year-old Indian national Aamir Soeb Patel. According to authorities, he was found in possession of $2.32 million in cash and seven suspected gold bars with an estimated value of $500,000, items believed to be linked to illegal activity.

In an attempt to evade arrest, Patel allegedly offered Nyambe a bribe of $5,000, which she immediately rejected. He later increased the offer to $50,000, but Nyambe remained firm, refusing the money and choosing instead to follow due process.

Demonstrating rare courage and professionalism, Nyambe reported the matter to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). Her report led to the suspect’s arrest at the airport and the formal opening of an investigation.

The case has since progressed to court, with the National Prosecution Authority filing an application for non-conviction based forfeiture of the seized cash and gold bars, seeking to have the assets permanently taken by the state under Zambia’s laws against proceeds of crime.

In recognition of her actions, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba promoted Nyambe from Sergeant to Inspector, citing her “integrity, outstanding performance, and refusal to accept bribes.” The Anti-Corruption Commission also presented her with an Integrity Award, praising her as a model of ethical conduct in public service.

Speaking through official channels, police authorities described Nyambe’s conduct as a powerful example of the standards expected within the Zambia Police Service, especially at a time when corruption remains a major challenge across the region.

Observers and members of the public have widely commended her bravery, noting that her decision not only protected the integrity of the service but also prevented a serious crime from going unchecked.

Nyambe’s case is now being held up as a symbol of the impact one officer’s honesty can have on national efforts to fight corruption, restore public trust, and strengthen the rule of law.

As the court process continues, her stand at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport remains a reminder that integrity, even in the face of life-changing temptation, still has a place in public service.

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